Winchester Township (part 12 of 30)

During the thirteen years of his married life he was blessed with four children ; two of these died in infancy and twb, a daughter, Mary Ellen, and a son, Alfred Alonzo, survive.

In his political views he was a Democrat. He was not a member of any fraternal organization. He was a member of the Chrisian Disciple Church and lived up to its teachings. In all his tastes he was domestic. He felt that he belonged to his wife and children as well as they to him, and for this reason was not a fraternity man. He believed in doing the duty nearest to him and pursued it. Dying in the prime and high noon of life, he was not permitted to demonstrate what his energies, his mind and heart could accomplish, but his career to its ending gave promise of a life full of usefulness and honor. He was reserved in his intercourse with his fellows, unassuming and even tempered. He was honoraWe, just and obliging. He was most sympathetic with those in sickness or affliction, and they could and did most gratefully appreciate his ministrations.

He left a record of human sympathy, of religious feeling and experience, of affection in his family and among his friends, of industry, economy, which will yield a sweet smelling incense so long as it shall remain. He did not live in vain and his memory is a benediction speaking blessed words to those who feel his loss.

Henry Francis McGovney was, for twenty years, a prominent character and moving spirit in the fierce political contests for which Adams County is conspicuously notorious. He was a Democrat of the Jackson school. He believed in the principles and party doctrines as laid down and exemplified by that saint of Democracy, and by his works he proved his faith. The death of Henry F. McGovney lost to the Democracy of Adams County a faithful adherent and one of its safest counsellors. He served his party as a soldier in the rank and file as faithfully as when a leader of its hosts. He gave to it, in financial support, more than he ever heceived from it. His party adherence sprang from love of principle, not from hope of gain. His party elected him Sheriff of Adams County in 1879, and again in 1882. In 1891, he received the nomination for the office of County Treasurer, but was defeated with others on the ticket through the efforts of the Populists, a i>oHtical organization which drew largely from the Democratic party in Adams County. In 1893, he was endorsed by Senator Calvin S. Brice for the United States Marshalship for the Southern District of Ohio, but through the efforts of Ex. Gov. James E. Campbell, chiefly, it is said, betweeti whom and leaders of Democracy in Adams County there existed great political animosity. President Cleveland was persuaded to ignore Senator Brice's recommendation, and he appointed another instead.

Henry F. McGovney was above the average in stature, of good personal appearance, had an open, pleasing countenance, and was social and kind in his intercourse with friends and acquaintances.

Quiet and unobtrusive in his relations with men, yet he had courage when aroused such as made him no mean antagonist. An only son, reared to years beyond man's estate imder the guidance of a loving but judicious father, surrounded with the comforts, but free from the foibles of life, he began his career as farmer, merchant, and politician, evenly poised and well equipped for the work which afterwards distinguished him in those respective spheres. He was the son of Scott McGovney and Hannah Fear, and was horn and reared on the old homestead on Brush Creek in Jefferson Township, near the Osman bridge. He received the rudiments of an English education in the county schools of that vicinity.

Biographical Sketches 799

In his twenty-seventh year, he married Sophia Phillips, a daughter of Henry Phillips, at the lime one of the largest landholders in Adams County. She died in October, 1896, and her loss saddened the remainder of his life. He had no children. He was prominent in Masonic circles and had served as Master of West Union Lodge, F & A. M., and was at the time of his death a member of Calvary Commandery, at Portsmouth, Ohio.

On Thursday, December i, 1898, he died at the Good Samaritan Hospital in Cincinnati, from the effects of an operation performed there for cancer of the stomach. His remains were brought to his home in ^yest Union and interred in the new Old Fellows Cemetery. He was in his forty-eighth year at the time of his death, having been bom February 10, 1850.

George S. McCormick was born March 2*j, 1822, near Steam Furnace, in Adams County. His father, James McCormick, was a native of Pennsylvania, and his mother, whose maiden name was Hannah Hawk, was a Virginian. They were married in Pennsylvania, and very soon thereafter loaded their household goods upon a flatboat at Pittsburg and floated down the Ohio, landing at some point near Wrightsville in the year 1808

James McCormick was a collier and molder, and soon found employment among the furnaces which were then the principal industry in Adams County. He made his permanent home near Old Steam Furnace, where the subject of this sketch was bom, never leaving the county except during the War of 1812, when he served with Gen. Wm. H. Harrison at Fort Wayne.

To him and his wife were born nine children, in the order named: Mrs. Jane Page, Mrs. Elizabeth Freeman, Mrs. Mary Wamsley, William, James, Charles, Mrs. Hannah Mitchell and George. Of these only Mrs. Margaret Freeman is living at this time ( 1898).

James McCormick was a man of magnificent physique, broad-chested, strong of limb and active. He had a firm set jaw, with a double row of teeth above and below, and soon became known as ^'Uurr'' McCormick, a name given him because of the fact that his hair, which was usually cropped close, stuck straight out. and was of a reddish hue, about the color of a ripened chestnut burr.

His advent among the fumace men of course created considerable speculation as to whether or not he was what they termed a "good man." He had hardly taken his place in the foundry before he was challenged by the **bully" of the furnace to a test at fisticuffs. McCormick was a strict Presbyterian, and did not believe in fighting, but when it come to a question of whether he should fight or be whipped, he chose the former, and soon made short work of his adversary.

This established his reputation at that fumace, but it did not end his troubles. Knowledge of his ability soon sped to rival fumaces, each of whom boasted their best man, and since he would not leave his home, pilgrimages w^re made to the furnace in which he found employment in order that he might be challenged, and the question of which had the best **bullv" be thus settled. It is said that he never met defeat. He was regarded a strong man, not only physically, but mentally and morally, and many of his good qualities were inherited by the subject of this sketch.

In the early days of Adams County the opportunities of securing even a common school education were very meager. Three months of the year, George Smedley McCormick walked miles through mud and rain to the little log school house, for it was only in the dead of Winter, when all labor was at a standstill, that time could be given to the development of the mind. By sturdy perseverance and close application, at the age of eighteen, he found himself competent to teach, and took charge of his first school on the West Fork of Scioto Brush Creek. He followed this profession for six years, teaching in both Adams and Scioto Counties. One of his first schools was in Nile Township, Scioto County, and the building is still standing. It is a log structure about fifteen by twenty feet, with one log left out of the side for a window. This crevice w^as closed by means of window glass and greased paper. Just under it, running the entire length of the building, was a desk, called the writing desk, at which the entire school were obliged to seat themselves when taking instructions in that branch. *

His salary was seldom more than $12.50 per month, from which he saved until he was enabled to attend through two terms of the Ohio Wesleyan University, then in its infancy. He was a man of frugal habits, and of good business judgment. He never speculated, but was content to see his worldly store increase through the legitimate profit of trade. The first piece of money he ever earned was a **fi' penny bit," which he received from his brother-in-law, ]Moses Freeman, for ploughing corn one day on hillside ground prolific of stones and roots. As the value of the coin was but six and one-fourth cents, the reader will understand how well it was earned. With characteristic thrift he placed this money at interest, an elder brother being the borrower, and to the latter's surprise on the day of settlement the piece had doubled itself.

He began his career as a merchant in 1846 at the little village of Commercial, ane mile and a half below Buena Vista and just within the borders of Adams County. His capital consisted of one hundred and fifty dollars, saved from his earnings as a school teacher, and five hundred dollars borrowed from his brother-in-law, the Rev. Jesse Wamsley, of "Bill Town,'' now Wamsleysville.

In 1848, he built for Mr. Wamsley the first house erected in Buena Vista, after it was platted as a town, and placed in it the first stock of goods ever sold in that village. The site selected was the spot on which stands the family residence, in which he passed his last days. This house came into his possession about ten years before his death, though removed to another site, and is still in use for residence purposes.

In the Spring of 1850, he removed to Rome, this county, where he conducted a successful business for nine years. His health becoming impaired, he purchased a farm in Nile Township, Scioto County, to which place he removed his family in 1859. In '62 and '63, he was engaged in merchandising for the second time in Rome, having for a partner George Laflferty, during which time his family remained on the farm.

Biographical Sketches 801

He began life with empty hands, a strong will and a clear intellect, and succeeded in leaving behind him ample provision for the wants of those nearest and dearest to him. He loved an honest man, and if there be added to his honesty intelligence, he always strove to make of such an one a friend. It was an impossibility for him to be anything but charitable, and the readiness with which he forgave those who dealt with him unjustly was often a source of annoyance to his friends and business associates. This forgiving spirit cost him many a dollar, but amply were he and his frends repaid when, during his last illness, he rejoiced that he could leave the world bearing malice towards no man.

In those early days Masonry meant much, and he took a very great interest in the work, being at one time an officer in the lodge at West Union, although he lived as far away as Rome. He was also an Odd Fellow, and a member of the Methodist Church. In politics, he was an enthusiastic Democrat but was broadminded enough to recognize merit in any party and often voted for those of opposite party affiliations. He held a nimibcr of Township offices as a matter of duty imposed by good citizenship, but declined many honors proffered by his party which would have carried him into the arena of active party politics.

He was married in 1847 ^^ Nancy Fleak, of Cincinnati. Seven children were born to them, only two of whom are now living. Charles A., a merchant at Bucna \'ista, and A. F. McCorniick. an attorney at Portsmouth. Ohio.

was born June 19. 1823. in Liberty Township, Adams County. Ohio. His father was Thomas McGovney and his mother's maiden name was Jane Graham. He attended the common schools in Liberty Township, and near his uncle, John Graham, on Ohio Brush Creek. He also took a course of bookkeeping at West Union. His wife was Sarah Holmes, the daughter of Thomas Holmes. She was born November 28, 1824. They were married December 20. 1849. Directly after his marriage, he and his wife went to Olive Furnace in Lawrence County, where he was the furnace storekeeper for two years. From 1851 to 1854, he was storekeeper for Robert Scott & Company at Mt. Vernon Furnace in Lawrence County. In September, 1854, he made what now appears as a business mistake. He left the furnace region and returned to Adams County. He went into the dry goods business at Bentonville, but only remained in it for six months. At the end of that time, he built the flour mill in Bentonville in connection with Thomas Fpster. He remained in this business until the Spring of 1857, when he sold out and went to Missouri. By August, 1857, he tired of that experiment and returned to Adams County. He established a dry goods business at North Liberty and continued in it six months, when he sold out to William L. McVey. He bought the flour mill at the same place and operated it until August, 1858, when he sold out. He removed to Manchester and bought the flour mill on Front 51a

In 1863, he, David McConaughy and George S. Kirker, went into the pork packing business as Kirker, McGovney & Company. It proved disastrous and he sunk $4,000. From 1866 to 1872, he and William Henderson, his son-in-law, conducted the dry goods business at Manchester. In 1872. he went into the planing mill business in Manchester and continued it until his death. This business was quite profitable and successful. He had two children, a son and daughter. His son, Lafayette, is a farmer near Aberdeen. His daughter, Caroline, was married to William Henderson,.November 16, 1868.

Mr.McGovney had a natural taste and aptitude for business. He would have had success in any business he undertook unless he labored against conditions he could not control. Had he remained in the furnace region, he would have been one of the principal iron masters of the district. He succeeded in everything he undertook but pork packing, and would have succeeded in that were it not he was subject to conditions he could not control. The chief features of his character were industry and energy. When in a given situation where others were ready to g^ve up and die, he began to work. He was always cheerful. While he was losing money m the pork packing business, he never ccmiplained. He worked for years under a business adversity which would have discouraged most men and soured them. He gave no outward sign of his losses, but went right along, just as agreeable to the public as though he were making money. He carried a mountain of debt and paid it off, principal and interest. While he lost money in the pork packing business, he made it back in the. furniture business.

In politics, he was a Democrat and acted with that party until the second election of President Lincoln, when he became a Republican and remained such all his life. He was a very strong Union man and loyal to the Government in the Civil War. He never held any office but that of Village Councilman and never belonged to any secret society. He was never a member of any church, but inclined to the doctrines of the regular Baptist Church. He was frequently chosen Councilman of Manchester and fulfilled his duties most acceptably. He dignified the office and was the best one the village ever had. He had a good judgment of all kinds of property. He was relentless and untiring in the pursuit of business. He was the leading spirit among the business men of Manchester for years. His integrity was as fixed as adamant. He took sick and died at a time when his life was as fidl of business cares and responsibilities as it had ever been, but he met the final call with the utmost calmness and philosophy. He took sick August 27, and died September 2, 1890, of Bright's disease. Ten men like him would have made a city of Manchester.

w^as born December 31, 1824, and was reared a farmer's son. He was married first to Caroline Patton, daughter of John and Phoebe Patton, on the third of March, 1852. The children of this marriage were Ambrose Patton, now living at Lima, Ohio ; Ruth, wife of Henry Brown, of Washington C. H. ; Lizzie, wife of J. G. Glasgow ; Mary, wife of J. H. Morrison, of Book waiter, Neb. His first wife died October 28, 1865, and on August I, 1867, he was married to Sarah Marlatt, daughter of Silas and Jane (Cane) Marlatt, of Eckmansville. The children of this second marriage were Pearl, wife of Dr. E. F. Downey, of Peebles ; Jane Faye, Anna L., Wilber, and Andrew Homer, residing at home.

While a young man, S. D. Mclntire taught school until his marriage, and after that was a farmer in Wayne Township the remainder of his life. He was a mem1)er of the U. P. Church at Cherry Fork, Ohio, and a ruling elder for many years. He was Justice of the Peace for Wayne Township, 1857 to 1865, eight years. In politics, he was a Republican and antislavery man. His father. Col. Andrew Mclntire, has a separate sketch herein, and is also referred to in the article under the title of "The Cholera of 1849."

'Squire Mclntire, as he was familiarly known, was a man of high character, honest and honorable in all his dealings, and highly respected. He enjoyed the confidence of all who knew him. His widow survives him and resides with her four younger children on the old farm on which he lived and died.

manufacturer and dealer in lumber, of Winchester, Ohio, was bom April i3» 1854, at Jasper, Pike County, Ohio, son of H. H. and Nancy (Coulter) Mechlin. William Mechlin, his grandfather, was one of the early settlers of Pike County, having emigrated from Butler County, Pennsylvania, in the twenties. His mother was a daughter of James Coulter, of Irish descent.

Our subject spent his boyhood on a farm in Pike County. He had such schooling as the t)istrict school of his vicinity afforded. As soon as he became of age, he became a traveler, visiting nearly every state and Territory in the United States. In 1879, he returned to Pike County, and engaged in the mercantile business for a period of three years and was quite successful. He then traveled through the South and Southwest until 1885, when he returned to Pike County.

He was married at Waverly, Ohio, to Miss Anna Burns, daughter of Robert Burns, April 18, 1886. After this, he settled at Coopersvillc, Pike County, and engaged, in the timber business. He remained here until 1893. when he removed to Winchester, Adams County, where he engaged in the same business, and has since continued it. He owns and controls the most extensive lumber and sawmill business in the county, using more timber than any mill in the county. Since his location, he has cut and removed more timber than any like plant in the county. His mills are near the depot and are equipped with the most modem machinery. He uses electric lights, having a dynamo, which furnishes light to his plant and offices. He has six children, five boys and one g^rl, Rexford K., James C, H. Mark. Russell P., Marjory, and Colin N.

was born January 19. 1857, at North Liberty, son of John W. and Mary (Foster) Miller. John Miller, his grandfather, was a native of Washington County, Pennsylvania, and emigrated to this county in 1846, and settled near West Union. He married Mary Hamilton, of Pennsylvania, of Scotch descent, a sister of the Rev. James Hamilton, a noted Presbyterian minister. John W. Miller, the father of our subject, was the second son. He was born April 23, 1829, in Washington County, Pennsylvania, where he was a playmate of the Hon. James G. Blaine, in his boyhood. He married Mary A. Foster, daughter of Col. Samuel Foster. Col. Foster's wife was Elizabeth McNeill, bom July, 1829. He was Colonel of the Militia and Sheriff of Adams County from 1837 to 1841.

Our subject spent his boyhood on the farm, received a common school education, and pursued his studies further at the Normal school at West Union. He engaged in teaching for several years, and for four years he traveled as an agent for a publishing house in Cincinnati. He was appointed School Examiner of Adams County in September, 1895, and served thre'e years during the same period he was a teacher.

In 1898, he removed to a farm in Wayne Township, and now gives his entire attention to the same, being the Gen. William Mclntire farm, a noted "Station** in the days of the Underground Railroad.

He was married on September 19, 1887, to Kate R. Ellis, daughter of Hon. Jesse Ellis, of Aberdeen. Ohio. They have two children, Ulric Allen, aged eight, bright beyond his years. He could read the newspapers and write legibly at the age of four years, and is at present foremost in his classes in the first year of the High school. Their second child, Jesse Loretus, is aged four years.

Mr. Miller's public career has been along lines perfectly satisfactory to his many friends throughout the county, although political demagogues tried without avail for a time to rob him of well-earned honors. He is one of the progressive men of the community in which he resides.

was born October 26. 1833. His father was Alexander Mitchell and his mother was Eleanor Foster. They were married in Adams County and had six children. Of those living beside our subject are Mrs. Margaret Burwell, wife of Samuel lUirwell, of West Union ; Mrs. Sarah Barber and Mrs. Martha Mackay, of Portsmouth. Mr. Mitchell was born on Beasley*s Fork of Brusli Creek, where his father had a saw and grist mill. His father died on June 4, 1835. of Asiatic cholera, as related in another place in this work. After his father's death, William Kirker settled the estate and the family moved to the William Kirker farm, where our subject lived until 1852. At seventeen, he served a two years' apprenticeship at the cabinet making trade with George Lafferty and Joseph Hayslip. In 1852, he went to Ironton and engaged in pattern making for the Olive Foundr}' and Machine Works. In 1854, he returned to Portsmouth and engaged in the same occupation with Ward, Murray & Stephenson, and remained in this business all the time until 1870. At that time, he went into the brick business at Sciotoville under the firm name of McCormick, Porter & Co. He took the management of it and remained there for two years, when the business was changed into a corporation under the name of the Scioto Fire Brick Company. He became the manager of that and remained there until July, 1872, when they sold that and built the Star Brick Works below Sciotoville, under the name of McConnel, Towne &

Biographical Sketches 805

Co. It continued under that for five years, when it became the Scioto Star Fire Brick Works. He was manager and stockholder. In 1882, he went to Logan with W. Q. Adams, and built a fire brick works. He removed from there to Columbus and engaged in pattern making with the Scioto Valley Railroad Company and the Columbus Machine Company. In 1884. he removed to Portsmouth and was manager of the Portsmouth Fire Brick Company. In 1886, he went with the Star Brick Works and remained until 1897, and then went into the Portsmouth Planing Mill and was there one year. Since Februar)', 1899, he has been with the Star, below Sciotoville.

He was first married in 1886 to Jane Miller. The children of this marriage were Frank, of Columbus, lately deceased ; Mary, married Frank Brown and lives in Clay City, Kentucky, and William C, who lives in Dayton, Ky. His first wife died on February 11, 1866, and on February II, 1868, he was married in Portsmouth, Ohio, to Miss Maggie Wylie. The children of this marriage are Wylie T., a physician, practicing at Greenfield, Ohio, and married to Miss Minnie Eberhardt, of Portsmouth, Ohio; a daughter, Etta, married to William Mathews; Nellie, Anna Laurie and Robert. There are three children deceased, Maggie, died at the age of eighteen, and the other two in childhood. His mother is still living, past ninety-three years of age, and is remarkably well preserved for her years.

Mr. Mitchell is a man of strict integrity and business honor. He is a Republican in politics. He is a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Portsmouth, Ohio, and has been an elder in that church for five or six years past.

one of the oldest living members of the Ohio Methodist Episcopal Conference, was born at Rapid Forge, Ross County, Ohio, September 22, 1835, and is the son of William and Mary (Himiller) Middleton, two of the pioneers of the Paint Valley. A year after his birth, his parents moved to a farm, where the village of Fruitdale now stands, and where they spent their lives. When seventeen years of age, he entered the old South Salem Academy, and after graduation there, spent three years at the Ohio Wesleyan University. In the Fall of 1858, he was examined by the late Dr. George C. Crum and was licensed to preach. On September 21, 1859, he left his home as an itinerant minister, having successfully passed the examination and being admitted in the Ohio Conference. In the years that followed, he was assigned to various fields of labor, among which were Dunbarton, Hanging Rock, Beaver, Waverly, Webster, Hilliards, West JeflFerson, Rome and Wellston, at which last place, his throat became affected and he was compelled to give up his life's work and its ambitions.

On the twenty-eighth day of August, 1861, he was united in marriage to Cynthia E. Bailey, daughter of Cornelius W. Bailey, late of Piketon, Ohio. Two children have been born of this union, William H, and Arthur B. Since our subject retired from the ministry he resides on a farm in Pike County, enjoying the leisure he has so well earned. His son, Arthur B., resides with him, and his son, William H., is one of the Common Pleas Judges of the Second subdivision of the Seventh District.

Rev. Middleton is of a quiet and retiring disposition. He is diffident and unostentatious. He prefers being seen, rather than to be heard, but in support of his convictions will maintain them in face 6f the fiercest opposition. He is a student of men as well as of books. In the forty years he has spent in the active ministry, he has maintained a most elevated Christian character. He is held in the highest regard, not only by the ministry of his church, but by all who know him.

the second son of David and Martha (Mitchell) Morrison, was bom at Covington, Kentucky, June i8, 185 1. When he was six years old the family returned to the old Mitchell home in Nile Township, Scioto County, He attended school at Elm Tree schoolhouse and obtained his education there. He is a traveling salesman, and began as such in 1880 for J. L. Hibbs & Company, of Portsmouth, Ohio. He traveled for them two years, then with McFarland, Sanford & Company, of Portsmouth, Ohio; for Vorheis, Miller & Rupel. of Cincinnati, Ohio; for Jacobs & Sachs, of Cincinnati, Ohio, and for Sanford, Storrs & Varner.

On November 3, 1874, he was married to Miss Ora D. McCall, daugliter of Henry McCall. of Nile Township. Scioto County, Ohio. He has two children living, Louise, aged fourteen and James Hines, aged ten. His son, Henry McCall, volunteered in the Spanish War in April, 1898. in Company H, Fourth O. V. I. The regiment was sent to Porto Rico, and when about to return, he was taken sick and died on shipboard October 26, 1898, and was buried at sea. He was but nineteen years old at the time of his death.

of Seaman, was born February 4, 1829, in Adams County, and has resided at his birthplace ever since. His father's name was John Montgomery and his mother's maiden name, Jane Haines. His maternal grandparents came from Ireland in about 1790. and settled in Ross County, Ohio. They were strict Covenanters. His mother died May 29, 1849, aged sixty-two years, and is interred at Tranquility. His mother was a very hard worker and a woman of extraordinary industry and energy and an expert spinner and weaver. In her younger days, she made all the clothing for her father's family, and for her own, after marriage. His father died June 16, 1863, at the age of seventy-three years, and is also buried at Tranquility. He was born in Kentucky and removed to Adams County in 1800 with his parents, and settled on the West Fork of Brush Creek. He was one of five brothers, and four sisters. When a young man, he purchased a tract of land in the old Peyton survey, cleared it off, built a cabin, and then married. He resided there until his death. He raised five children, Hadassah, John Harvey, Andrew H., Benjamin and James B. Andrew H.. and Benjamin are the only ones now living. His father was one of the foremost men of his neighborhood in the erection of the pioneer log houses and barns, and in the making of rails. His paternal grandfather came from England at an early date.

Biographical Sketches 807

Our subject is a farmer by occupation and resides on the same farm that his father cleared. His education was received in the log* schoolhouse in the district in which he resided.

Benjamin Montgomery was married to Margaret H. Seaton, January 15, 1859, and to them were bom three children, Elmer E., Mary Edith and Charles W. Elmer E., resides with his father and has charge of the farm. Mary Edith married H. R. Clarke, a miller employed at Harsha & Caskey's flour mills at Portsmouth, Ohio. They have one son, Frederick Benjamin Clarke. Charles W., is a physician and is conductii^ a pharmacy at Bethel, Clermont County, Ohio. He.is married and has one son, Benjamin Brooks Montgomery.

Our subject's wife died in June 7, 1897. She was a member of the Mt. Leigh Presbyterian Church for thirty years. She has a brother, John Seaton, living at Kingf's Creek, Champaign County, Ohio, also, a sister, Eliza Clark, living at Harshaville, Ohio.

Mr. Montgomery was a Democrat from the time he became of age until General Morgan with his raiders went through Adams County. He was then converted to the Republican party by that raid and has continued identified with that political organization. We give this statement in his own language. He was raised a Covenanter, but for the last twenty-five years he has been a member of the Mt. Leigh Presbyterian Church. He has a brother, Andrew H., now living in Kansas, a farmer, who, in his younger days, was a tanner and had control of the old tanyard at Rarden, Ohio, with Orville Grant, a brother of Gen. U. S. Grant, as a partner.

Mr. Montgomery is regarded as one of the best citizens of the county and a most excellent neighbor. He is honest and honorable in all his dealings. He is a model farmer. He is one of the best judges of horses in the county and a great lover of them. He is a man of strong sympathies with those in distress and is ever ready to express his sympathies in the manner in which they will be most appreciated. No man stands higher in his community in public esteem.

of Tiffin Township, was born at Old Kitanning, Armstrong County, Pennsylvania, April 30, 1806. Came with his parents to Adams County in 1814. Was a farmer and shoemaker. His father died when Samuel was nine years old, he being the oldest child, and with his mother and five younger children, without any means, raised the family. He cleared one hundred acres of leases before he ever owned a foot of land. He married Lucinda Smith, and of this union the following children were bom: Mary Ann, Almira, Samuel Smith, William Henry, George Richardson, Sarah Jane, John Wesley and Lewis Hamer. The subject of this sketch was of a military turn of mind. Was for years Captain and Colonel of the Adams County Mflitia. Raised a Company for the Mexican War, but did not get in. Belonged to the home guards in 1862-3 and was Drum Major. Politically a Jackson Democrat and never voted any other ticket. Had a genial disposition, and was an honest man. Served the people for twenty-four years as Justice of the Peace and one term as County Commissioner. Was a War Democrat, but was defeated by the soldier vote by twenty for a second term as Commissioner^ when the county went six hundred Republican. He died April 28, 18;^.

physcian and pharmacist, West Union, was born near Sugartree Ridge, Ohio, November 18, 1824. He is a son of Hon. William Miller, who represented Highland County in the Ohio Legislature before the Civil War, and who was one of the leaders of the Democratic party in his county for many years. He died recently at Hillsboro at the age of ninety-one years. His wife was Mary Igo, of Highland County.

The subject of this sketch was educated in the Public schools and when a young man taught several terms. In 1845, ^^ began the study of medicine with Dr. David Noble, of Sugartree Ridge, and attended Ohio Medical College in 1848-9. He practiced his profession in Scioto county, Ohio, then in the State of 111., and lastly in Adams County, Ohio, for a period of thirty years, since which he has beeii engaged in pharmacy and the real estate business. He married Miss Eliza Buim, January 12, 1851* She was born at Sugartree Ridge, October I4» 1831. Mr. and Mrs. Miller have no family. Dr. Miller, while not a member of any church organization, has done much to help the Christian Union Church at West Union, where he has Hved many years. He is a moralist in the fullest and best sense of the term. In politics, he is an "old-fashioned Democrat," following the footsteps of his illustrious father. He has accumulated a handsome fortune and is, with his life companion, enjoying in declining years the fruits of early industry and economy.

of Tranquility, was born on his father's farm near the above mentioned village, March 11, 1842. He is a descendant of a fine old Scotch-Irish family of which John McCullough, of Virginia, is the progenitor of the Ohio branch. He was a nephew of Major Samuel McCullough, who made the daring horseback leap into Wheeling Creek from the bluffs above it near Fort Henry at the time of its investment by the Indians in 1 771. John McCullough spent the latter part of his life in Adams county. His son, Alexander McCullough, grandfather of the subject of this biography, was born in Rockbridge County, Virginia, where he married Nancy McCroskey, shortly after which event, he came to Adams county. He and his wife are buried in the old cemetery at Tranquility, or as formerly known. Hopewell Meeting House. He was a soldier in the War of 1812, and was in the engagement at Sandusky. He had a family of five children; Sarah, James, Tilford, Samuel B., who married Rebecca Cumings, and Archibald, father of our subject, who was bom- September 10, 18 1 7. He was a carpenter by trade and lived on a farm. January i, 1841. he married Sarah Elliott, daughter of Robert Elliott, who married SalHe Mclntire. Archibald McCullough's children were, Sanford, Robert, Samuel, Nancy. James, Sarah, Addison, Willison, and Steele.

Sanford A., our subject, received a good common school education and improved his leisure hours in general reading which has added largely to his scholastic attainments. He enlisted as a Private in Com- pany G, 129th O. V. I., July 23, 1863, and was honorably discharged March 8, 1864. In August of that year, he re-enlisted in Company H, 173d O. V. I., in which he was made Sergeant, and served until his honorable discharge at Nashville. June 26, 1^5. October 11, 1865, he married Miss Orlena A. McCreight, daughter of Major John McCreight, whose wife was Nicassa Dryden, of Tranquility. Mr. and Mrs. Mc- Cullough have had bom to them three children : Spencer E., now deceased ; John E., of Peoria, UK ; and Miss Myrtle May, living with her parents.

Sanford A. McCullough is one of the most prominent business men, and among the best known citizens of Adams County. Being industrious and frugal, and a man whose integrity has never been questioned, he has accumulated a large estate, and is rated among the most substantial business men of the county. He served for a number of years as a member of the Board of Trustees of the Wilson Children's Home, at West Union, and was selected by the late Hon. John T. Wilson, one of the executors of his vast estate. He has been twice elected a member of the Board of County Commissioners of Adams County on the Republican ticket when the rest of the ticket was overwhelmingly defeated, and is at present a member of that board. He is a member of the United Presbyterian Church of Tranquility in which he has held the office of Clerk for many years.

of West Union, is a scion of a pioneer family of Adams County. He was born at the old McClanahan homestead in Liberty Township, now occupied by J. A. McClanahan, June 27, 1846. His great-grandfather, John McClanahan, emigrated from Tyrone County, Ireland, in 1785, and with his family settled on the James River in the Old Dominion, after which he removed to Kentucky, settling near Lexington in that State. Being opposed to human slavery, as it then existed in the South, he removed to Adams County, Ohio, and located on the headwaters of the East Fork of Eagle Creek on lands still in possession of his descendants. By his second wife, Elizabeth Thompson, he had four children : William, Martha, Rebecca, and Margaret. William was the grandfather of our subject and was married to Nancv Paul, January 15, 1809. On September 28, 18 1 4. his father deeded William fifty acres of a tract of one hundred acres bought from General Massie, and which is yet owned by his son, John McClanahan, born there October 20, 1820. William Mc- Clanahan lived there until his decease in 1858. He is buried at Cherry Fork. His son, James McClanahan, father of our subject, was bom September 25, 181 4. He received a good common school education, and when a young man taught school for several years. He became one of the prominent business men of Adams County, and at his death had amassed quite a fortune. April ii, 1843, he married Miss S>ophia Baldridge, a daughter of John Baldridge and Ada Cole, his wife, of Lick Fork. They reared a family of seven children.

Samuel A. McClanahan, the subject of this sketch, is a son and second child of James McClanahan and Sophia Baldridge. He received a good education, but has devoted his time to farming and stock raising for many years. At the age of eighteen years, he enlisted as a private in the 141st Regiment O. V. I., and served in the Army of West Virginia until his honorable discharge with his regiment in 1864. He is a member of John W. McFerren Post, G. A. R., West Union, Ohio.

He was married October 6, 1870, to Miss Sarah M. Zercher, a daughter of Jacob and Katharine (Ebrite) Zercher, of Adams County. To them have been bom eight children : Laura E., deceased ; J. Frank, Albert A. ; Robert P. : Nora Helen, deceased ; John B. ; Ralph H., and Margaret May.

Mr. McClanahan owns a fine farm on the Maysville and Zanesville pike two miles southwest of West Union, and is rated among the most substantial citizens of the county. In politics, he is a Republican, and in religious affairs he adheres to the church of his fathers, the Presb)rterian, in which he is an elder.

of West Union, Ohio, was bom January 23, 1864, in Dover. Mason County, Ky. His father is Charles H. Moss, a native of West Virginia. His mother was Ellen D. Byant. His father removed to Kentucky in 185 1, and his parents were married there, December 6. i860. They resided there until our subject was fourteen years of age, when they removed to Ohio. He was educated in the common schools. He was married September 29, 1889, to Miss Sophia M. Woods, daughter of Dr. D. H. Woods. He has been engaged in business in West Union since 1890, first in dry goods, and since 1893, in the livery business. He is regarded as a good business man and well esteemed by all who know him. His wife conducts one of the most fashionable milliner>' emporiums in Adams County.

was born October 2, 1849. He went to school at Granville from 1879 to 1882. This included his theological and academical course. In 1872, he was made a minister in the Baptist Church. He was ordained at Rome, in Adams County. He has preached at Winchester, West Union, Hillsboro, New Market, Wheelersburg, and is now in Ashland, Kentucky.

On March 27, 1883, he was married to Miss Fannie Kirkendall. They have three children living, Sarah Kelley, Charles F. and Lou W. He lost one son at the age of eight years, Hered, who was drowned in the Ohio Canal. He has always been a Republican in his political views. For the past eleven vears, he has been a resident of Rushtown. Scioto Countv, Ohio.

was born in Greene Township, Adams County, October 16, 1847. son of David Whittaker Murphy and his wife, Cynthia McCall. In 1849, ^'s father moved to Buena Vista, in Scioto County. He attended the District school until he was fifteen years of age, and had the advantage of the township librar}% kept at his father's home, and all its books he read. In

Biographical Sketches 811

185 1, he took his first lessons in merchandising in the store of Major W. C. Henry. In 1862, he worked on a farm for six months. In 1863, he was employed as a foreman by Caden Brothers for six months. On September 16, 1863, he came to Portsmouth and entered the house of C. P. Tracy & Company, wholesale shoe merchants, and for thirty-six years, from that time to the present, has been connected, and since 1868, he has been a partner in the same house.

Mr. Murphy has always been a Republican in his political views, but has steadily declined to be a candidate for any office. He never served in a public appointment, but that of Jury Commissioner of his county from 1894 to 1897. He has been a member of Bigelow M. E. Church since his residence in Portsmouth. He has been a steward of that church for thirty years and Superintendent of its Sunday School for four years. He was married February 2, 1870, to Mary Katherine, daughter of Daniel Mclntire, who in former years was a prominent contractor and builder in Portsmouth. He has three children, I^aura, wife of Louis D. McCall, of Chicago; Dr. Charles T. Murphy of the same place; Arthur Lee, a student at Pennington Seminary, N. J., and Julia Alice, residing at home.

Mr. Murphy, while confined closely to his adopted city by his business, yet finds time to read much and keep thoroughly abreast with the times. He is a steady and hard worker in his business and in the activities of his church, but every Summer he takes a vacation of two to four weeks in which he rests himself by following the pursuit of fishing. He is an enthusiastic disciple of Isaac Walton.

Mr. Murphy believes that the highest duty to man is to perform well, every day, and from day to day, the obligations before him in business, in society, in the church and in municipal and State affairs. In following this guiding principle for over thirty years, he has aided in building up one of the most substantial business houses in the State.

In following up this principle in the church, he has been an important factor in maintaing one of the most flourishing Methodist Episcopal Churches in the country, and for himself has established a character in business circles and in the State of which both he and his associates in business, his friends in the church and his fellow citizens may well be proud. In all matters, his word is as good as his bond and the latter is equal to the gold standard all the time.

was born April i. 1849, in Liberty Township, Adams County, Ohio, near Fairview, on the farm now owned by Jacob Bissinger. In 1855, his father removed to near Decatur, but in the same township.

His father was Andrew Mehaffey and his mother's maiden name was Martha A. Flowers. She was from Muskingum County, Ohio. The Mehaffeys were originally from Ireland. The childhood and youth of our subject were spent in his native township. He attended the District school and the academy at Decatur, in Brown County. Mr. Mehaffey was Township Clerk from 1875 to 1878, Township Treasurer from 1880 to 1883, and a Trustee of the Township from 1886 to 1891 and again from 1893 to 1896.

He has always been a Republican and it would be a strange matter to find a Mehaifey in Adams County who was not one. He was married November 15, 1877, to Miss Melissa A. Weeks. Her mother was a Mc- Govney. The Weeks family came from New Jersey. He and his wife are both members of the United Presbyterian Church, at Cherry Fork.

of Oxford, Ohio, the oldest son of David W. and Cynthia A. Murphy, was bom on a farm at Shamrock, Adams County, Ohio, April 3, 1842. He was married at Portsmouth, Ohio, September 18, 1865, ^^ Miss Jennie M. Ball.

Army Record: Private, Company H, 81st Ohio Volunteer Infantry, 1862-4; First Lieutenant and Adjutant, 184th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, 1865; Acting Assistant Adjutant General on Staff of Brevet Brigadier General Henry S. Commager, at Bridgeport, Alabama, 1865.

Superintendent of Construction of U. S. Public Buildings: Frankfort, Kentucky, 1883-5; Jefferson, Texas, 1889-90; Clarksville, Tennessee, 1887.8.

The mighty Republic, intelligence its goal, The people their will by ballots decree ; * Justice ana good laws the masses guard and control, Freedom, man's birthright, brooks no tyranny. Homesteads for the homeless beneath its flag unfurled, America, God's land, the refuge of the world !

The Federal Union holds forty- five States. Brotherhood and free speech beneath its flag unfurled, America, God's land, the Canaan of the world !

was born August 3, 1846, at Dunbarton, Ohio. His father, William Mctz^ was bom in Kentucky, May 6, 1806. Jacob Metz, the father of William Metz, emigrated first to Kentucky from Germany, and afterwards to the State of Ohio. Jacob Metz, the emigrant, by his first marriage had four children, William, Thomas, Elizabeth, and Martha; all bom in the State of Kentucky. Elizabeth married David Sprinkle, and Martha married George Killen. Jacob Metz was married a second time. There were seven children of this marriage, George, Jacob, Frank, Edward, and Michael, sons; and two daughters, Amanda and Margaret. William Metz, the father of our subject, was reared in Adams County. He married Katherine Thomas, February ii, 1826, and she died February 10, 1845. The children of this marriage were Sarah A., married William Anderson; Susan, married Joseph McFarland; George, married Amanda Warren; Thomas, married Elizabeth Francis; Margaret, married James McGovney ; also William J., married Delia Gregory ; and Samuel, two sons. The second wife of William Metz was Hannah Williams. She was a granddaughter of James Williams, a Revolutionary soldier from Washington County, Maryland, born February 22, 1759, in Chester County, Pennsylvania, and served ten months ; four months in the Maryland Militia and six months in the Pennsylvania Militia: the last four being under Col. William Crawford, who was afterwards burned at the stake by the Indians June II, 1792.

There were seven sons of the marriage of William Metz and Hannah Williams, and no daughters; James G., David H., Jacob P., Lewis T., Edward C, Frank C, and Uriah H., of whom three are living, James G., David H., and Edward C. Hannah Williams, the second wife of William Metz, died August 25, 1888, at the age of seventy years. Her father, James Williams, died September 8, 1873. ^^ ^^^ great age of ninety-five years. His wife, Sarah Williams, died March 11, 1862, aged seventyfour years.

William Metz, father of our subject, was a resident of the vicinity of Dunbarton, Ohio, until 1856, when he removed to Rome, and continued to reside there the remainder of his life. He held township offices in Meigs and Greene Townships. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He was a Whig and Republican in his political views. He was an expert in the buvnng and selling of live stock. In Rome, he was engaged in the merchandising business with his son William, but gave no personal attention to the business. He was a steward in the Methodist Episcopal Church, and a prominent man for years. He died August 7, 1879.

Our subject was educated in the common schools and brought up on the farm. He enlisted in the Civil War in Company D, 173d O. V. I., on September i, i8f>4, at the age of eighteen years, and he served with the regiment until the twenty-sixth of June, 1865. He learned the trade of wagon making with J. W. Pettit, at Rockville, Adams. County, Ohio. He began as an apprentice in 1865, ^^^ bought out Pettit and carried on the business at Rockville until 1873. He then went to Calloway County, Missouri. He remained there nine months, came back to Rockville, and resumed his former business of wagon making. He removed to Rome in 1875, and went to farming, and continued that for a period of four years. In 1879, ^^ went into the butchering business; and in 1881. he engaged as a clerk for W. T. McCormick, and remained in that business until the Fall of 1899, when he was nominated by the Republican party of Adams County for Sheriff and elected.

He was married November 7, 1865, to Mary Devoss, daughter of David and Rachel Devoss. They have had eight children, five of whom are living and three deceased. His living children are Frank C, married Ann Gray, living in Rome and engaged in the timber business. His daughter, Addie Belle, is the wife of E. A. Scott, Superintendent of the Schools at Augusta, Ky. His sons, James F. and George, and his daughter Bertha reside at home. He was elected Sheriff in 1899 by a majority of ninety-one over J. W. McKee, who had been elected on the Democratic ticket two years before.

Mr. Metz has been a Republican in his political views all his life. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and was Superintendent of the M. E. Sabbath School in Rome foi fourteen years prior to his becoming Sheriff. He is a Mason, Odd Fellow, and Knight of Pythias. He is a public-spirited citizen, a Christian gentleman, and an able, careful, and painstaking public official.

was born December ir, 1826, on the farm in Greene Township, Adams County, where he now resides. He is a son of Dimcan and Mary (Smith) McCall, who were the parents of twelve children, four . boys and eight girls: Lydia, married Mr. Woodworth; Elizabeth, married Mr. Gregory; Charlotte, died in childhood; Samuel, died young; Rebecca, married Mr. McCormick; Abijah, Enoch, our subject; Harriet, married Mr. Trickier; Melvina, died young; Abner, killed at the battle of Corinth, Mississippi; Melinda, married Mr. Hayslip ; Francis, married Mr. Wikoff.

The father, Duncan McCall, was born August 8. 1791, at Jacob's Creek, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, the son of Solomon McCall, who had run away from his Scotland home in boyhood, and who, after serving for five years the philanthropist who paid the stowaway's fare to America, settled in Pennsylvania, married there, and two of his sons, Duncan and John, were born there. The others were born in the neighborhood on the line between Adams and Scioto Counties, where he had moved late in the eighteenth century. The other children of the senior Solomon McCall were David, William, Moses, Solomon, Millie (Williams), Mary (Anderson), Sallie, and Martha (Tucker), in all, ten. Solomon McCall, Senior, and his boys, with other pioneers, were engaged, during the first twenty years after settling here, in clearing the bottoms of the great forests which covered them from above where Buena Vista now is, to below Sandy Springs. Solomon McCall had early purchased the farm on which our subject resides, which he sold to his son, Duncan, in 1817, and it was sold to Enoch McCall by his father in 1871. The Mc- Calls built the first stone houses in their neighborhood, two of which are still occupied, one east of Buena Vista, Scioto County, and the other at Commercial, in Adams County. Solomon McCall, Senior, died in the latter.

Mary Smith McCall, mother of the subject of this sketch, was bom in New Jersey on September 9, 1795. She and Duncan McCall were married October 7, 181 7, at Sandy Springs. Enoch McCall learned cerpentering and worked at that trade until he entered the service of his country in the Civil War. He was mustered into service September 18, 1862, as a Private in Company F, Seventh Ohio Volunteer Cavalry ; made Corporal, August I, 1863, and Sergeant, June 26, 1865, of his regiment, and was in twenty-four engagements including the battles of Atlanta, Nashville, and Franklin, but was never wounded or captured. He was mustered out at Nashville on July i, 1865. Mr. McCall returned to Adams County, took up farming and shortly thereafter, purcliased his father's farm and on April 16, 1874, was married to Martha A. Pownall, daughter of Joseph C. Pownall and Mary McColm Pownall, of Manchester, Ohio. Their children are Mark P., bom March 7, 1875 ; Mar>' S., born June 30, 1877 ; Leeds, bom January i, 1882, and Eamest, born May 23, 1884.

Mr, McCall is a Republican politically, but has never held any office. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. His memory goes back to the days when wild animals were common in the woods about his early home, but he says even more vivid is his recollection of the hard work incident to clearing the land of the heavy timbers. It is worthy of mention here that m the orchard on his farm are apple trees which were set out by his father in 181 7, and which are thrifty and bearing fmit every year. The trunk of one, a bell-flower, measures three feet in diameter at height of a man's head above the ground. There are remains on the farm of the work of the mound builders, and many implements fashioned from flint stone are found there.

Recorder of Adams County, was born March 4, 1864, on the Secrists farm near Tranquility, Ohio, where his grandfather, Jesse McCreight, settled in 1844. Jesse McCreight, grandfather of our subject, was a native of South Carolina, of Scotch-Irish descent. He married a Miss McCul- !ough and emigrated to Adams County in 1830. He was a farmer by occupation and follower! it all his life. He lived on rented farms until he purchased the Secrists farm in 1844, which had not been occupied for thirty years on account of its reputation of being haunted. Mr. Mc- Creight. however, was free from superstitions. He removed into the house and it has been occupied ever since, first by him, and to the present time, by the mother of our subject, and not an evil spirit has ever disturbed the tranquillity of the family. Jesse McCreight died in 1879 and is buried in the Tranquility cemetery. Alexander McCreight was the only son of Jesse McCreight, and the father of our subject. He received such education as could be obtained in the Public schools. He learned the cabinet maker's trade and later, mechanical ^gineering and pattern making. He became the inventor of several useful articles, taking out eight diflferent patents, the most important of which was his horizontal portable saw-mill, which patent brought him about $8,000. He was twice married, first to Rebecca Smith, and to them were bom four daughters, Sarah, Jennie, Anna and Irena C. He afterward married Ellen Snedaker, of Decatur, Ohio, whose children were Jesse E., our subject; Frank S., Minnie O., wife of E. F. Elmore, of Tranquility; Maggie M., wife of R. W. Mc- Creight, of Tranquility, and Ella R., who is single and resides with her mother.

of the present church. The fine pulpit is his gift to the church and a sample of his handiwork. In politics, he was a lifelong Republican and always took an active part in local and national affairs. He was often one of the speakers of his party in the county canvasses. He was a Justice of the Peace of Scott Township from 1886 to 1889. Prior to the Civil War, his house was one of the stations on the Underground Railroad and many a fugitive slave found shelter and safe conduct to freedom through his friendship for the cause. He enlisted May 2» 1864, in Company G, I72d O. V. I., and was discharged September 3, 1864. He died December 25, 1891, and is buried at Tranquility.

Jesse E. McCreight, the subject of this sketch, received a good education at home under the tuition of his father. A stroke of paralysis at the age of six years, disabled him from attending the Public schools and while it left him crippled in body, his mind was very active. He realized that that would have to be his means of support, and he became a diligent student. While he never attended college or school for a single day. at the age of sixteen, he was prepared to enter on business. He learned the watch making trade, at which he worked until 1883. and from 1883 to i886,he was in the employ of the Cincinnati & Eastern Railroad Co. in the capacity of agent and operator, which position he was forced to resign on account of his health, and he then engaged in the watch making business at North Liberty until 1887, when he was elected by the Republican party as Recorder of Adams County, which position he occupies at present with great credit to himself and to his party.

He was married April 25. 1889, to Ida M. Brooks, daughter of Jesse Brooks, of Decatur. Ohio. They have two children. Forrest Leland, aged nine, and Mabel Carryl, aged seven. Mr. and Mrs. McCreight are members of the U. P. Church of Tranquility.

As an officer, Mr. McCreight is industrious and painstaking, and tries to do his duty to the best of his ability. He gives his entire attention to his office.

was born October 5, 1861, in Nile Tov/nship, Scioto County, Ohio, son of George S. McCormick, who has a sketch herein. When old enough to be sent away to school, he spent two years at the National Nonnal University at Lebanon, Ohio, and afterwards four years at the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware, Ohio. After the completion of his college course, he became a law student of the Hon. Thomas E. Powell, of Delaware, Ohio, and graduated horn the Cincinnati Law School in 1886. While studying in Cincinnati, Ohio, he was in the office of Cowen and Ferris, Attorneys, the Ferris being Judge Howard Ferris, of the Probate Court of Hamilton County.

Mr. McCormick was admitted to practice in 1886, and removed to Indianapolis, Indiana, where he became manager of the R. G. Dun & Co., Commercial Agency. He continued his employment and resided there seven years. He removed to Portsmouth, Scioto County, Ohio, in January, 1895. He was elected, as a Republican, to represent Scioto County in the House of Representatives in the Fall of 1897, and re-elected in 1899. In the House, he has served on the Committees on Municipal Affairs, Corporations, Military Affairs, and Public Works.

He was married to Miss Anne Corrille Scarlett, daughter of Joseph A. Scarlett, manager of R. G. Dun's Commercial Agency in Cincinnati, on the thirty-first of December, 1885. They have one daughter, Corrille, a girl of thirteen years, now a student in Columbus.

Mr. McCormick had been a Democrat until 1897, but now is a Republican of the stalwart type. He is a man of liberal views and ideas. He is an excellent lawyer and his friends think he ought to eschew politics and confine himself to the law. However, as a politician, he has been quite successful, and bids fair to be one of the prominent men of the Slate, if an ordinary lifetime shall be allotted to him.

was born Atigust 8» 1863, at Muscatine, Iowa. His father was John D. McColm and his mother, Lida Edg^ngton, both from Adams County. His grandfather was James McColm, at one time Probate Judge of Adams County. His grandfather, on his mother's side was Oliver Edgington, who resided near Manchester. ' His mother died when he was but eleven months old. He was taken by his grandfather, Oliver Edgington, and reared in Adams County. He went to school at Manchester. He engaged in the marble business at Manchester when he was but seventeen years of age, and has been there in the same business ever since. He has $10,000 invested in it and employs twenty-five men, including salesmen. He has the largest establishment of the kind between Cincinnati and Pittsburg, and, in his business, he has the latest tools and the most modern and very latest inventions. He sells monuments in the three States of Ohio, Kentucky and West Virginia.

In 1887, he was married to Ida Varner, of Mason County, Kentucky, and they have three children, two boys and a girl. In politics he is a Republican.

He deserves a great deal of credit for having built up the wonderful business he has, and it is demonstrated that he is one of the best business men who ever resided in Adams County. Mr. McColm has the confidence of all his neighbors and acquaintances.

was bom near Cross Plains, Ripley County, Indiana, July i, 1841. In a family of seven children he was the second son. His father was Robinson McMannis, formerly of Winchester, Adams County, Ohio. His grandfather was Charles McMannis, a Revolutionary soldier. He was a private in the regiment of the Pennsylvania Militia. He was a pensioner of the State of Pennsylvania. He was bom in 1754 and emigrated to Ohio in 1817, settled in Adams County, and died at Cherry Fork in 1840, in his eighty-sixth year, and is buried in the Cherry Fork cemetery. His wife's maiden name was Ellen Spears. He had been a farmer in Pennsylvania and had followed the same occupation in Ohio.

Our subject's mother's m.aiden name was Filner Shaw, a daughter of Russell Shaw, for whom Russellville, Brown County, Ohio, was named. Her mother's name was Reynolds, an aunt of the late Stephen Reynolds, of Peebles, Ohio. The parents of our subject both died within a week of each other when he was not yet six years old. At the age of ten years, he made his home with a family named Duffey, of Winchester, and he remained there until he enlisted in Company C of the 70th 0. V. I., as a private, November i, 1861. He was made a Corporal and afterward a Sergeant, February 25, 1863. He was wounded in the right leg at the battle of Shiloh on April 6, 1862. He verteranized January i, 1864, and was wounded in both arms in the attack on Fort McAllister, December 13, 1864 barely escaping amputation of the right arm by a reduction of a radius of five inches. He was discharged from the service June 23, 1865, after serving about three years and eight months. After returning home, he served as Deputy Treasurer under J. C. Duffey for two years. He was married January 3, 1867, to Elizabeth Waite, of Blue Creek, Ohio. In the Fall of 1867, he was a candidate on the Republican ticket for County Treasurer, but was defeated by Elijah Leedom on the Democratic ticket. In December, 1867, he removed from West Union to Blue Creek, where he engaged in farming and milling. In the Fall of 1884, he was appointed Deputy Treasurer of Adams County and served two years. In 1886, he was appointed Deputy Clerk under W. R. Mahaffey and served two years. In 1889, he was elected Sheriff of Adams County by a majority of thirteen, determined after a contest with W. P. Newman, the opposing candidate. He was re-elected in 1891 and served until 1894. The same year he removed to Peebles, where he now resides.

Mr. McMannis is a quiet, modest citizen, very diffident, but possessed of those sterling qualities which make one appreciated. He is noted for his integrity and honor in all the relations of life. His children are James O. McMannis, lately Probate Judge of Adams County, married to the daughter of Captain L. L. Edgington, and residing at West Union ; Herbert W. McMannis, in the Eleventh Regimental Band in the Regular Army, now at vSan [uan, Porto Rico; Onania, the wife of P. A. Wickerham, now Chief Clerk to Gen. Howard, in Manilla; Charles N. McMannis, a graduate of Park College, Parkville, Mo., and now studying for the Presbyterian ministry at Auburn, New York, in the Theological Seminary there ; Allen N. McMannis, in the mercantile business at Greeley, Colorado; Jay Wilbur McMannis, a student at Parkville, Mo., and Stella May McMannis, a student at Parkville, Mo. He lost a son, William, at eighteen months and a daughter, Edna, at eight years of age. All of his children are bright, intelligent and studious ; all are ambitious, sought honorable and responsible positions in life, and none are more promising. He has great reason to be proud of them, and they have just reason to be proud of his record as a patriot, a public officer and a citizen.

was born at Unity (near Wheat P. O.), September i, 1834, the son of Hugh McSurely and Mary Clark, his wife. He resided on his father's farm, attending school in the Winter and performing farm work in the Summer until 1850. As a child, he was set aside for the ministry. He was always seriously and deeply religious. In his farm work, he was always honest and conscientious, as he has been in everything he has done since. In the common schools, he was a diligent and earnest stu- dent and excelkd in spelling. In the county spelling matches, he was always chosen first. In 1850, he entered North Liberty Academy at its opening, and spent two years there preparing for college. In 1852^ he entered Miami University and graduated there in the dass of 1856. During his college course, he was a lover of books. He maintained a high standing in his class at college. He was a diligent student. Immediately after his graduation, he took up the study of theology at the U. P. Seminary at Oxford and was licensed to preach in 1858 and ordained in 1859. He already evinced talents of a high order, as his first call in 1858 was to succeed the very eloquent and learned Dr. Claybaugh of the United Presbyterian Church at Oxford. On November 12, i860, he was married to Hulda Taylor, of Sparta, Illinois, daughter of John K. Taylor and Sarah Wylie, his wife.

Rev. McSurely remained at Oxford until 1866. He was minister to a church at Kirkwood, 111., in 1867 and 1868, and then for a short time was pastor of the Presbyterian Church at Loveland, Ohio. In 1869, he was called to the First Presbyterian Church of Hillsboro, which call he accepted and where he has remained ever since, and where he will remain until he either resigns or dies. His pastorate there will never be given up on account of his congregation, or any of them. He has been a Trustee of Miami University since 1887, and in the discharge of the duties of that office, he has been most conscientious and faithful. He has been President of the Board of Trustees of the Public Library of Hillsboro for over twenty years. He has three children, William Harvey, a lawyer of Chicago, who has a separate sketch in this work ; Ella Glenn, a graduate of Oxford College, and a son, James Edwin, who is now a law student in Cincinnati.

Dr. McSurely's distinguishing characteristic as a preacher is his profound scholarship. The deep study bestowed on the preparation of his sermons make them a delight to his cultivated congregation.

For thirty years, his Hillsboro Church has looked forward with assured anticip>ation of pleasure and profit to his Sunday morning sermons. He is naturally reserved and retiring, perhaps somewhat timid, in many directions, but in what he believes to be his duty, he is uncompromising, bold and determined. While he has made some antagonisms, he has the respect, esteem and aflfection of his church and of the community. This tribute is from a layman in his own town.

A clergyman says of him, "that his thirty years' pastorate has proven his wisdom and ability. He is clear in his theological thinking. He is highlv charitable to those who diflfer from him. His loveliness of character is most appreciated among his parishioners. His pulpit ministrations are clear, spiritual, and well calculated to strengthen the faith and life of his hearers. His fellow ministers estimate him most highly, both as a preacher and a presbyter. They regard him as able, safe and wise. As a student and scholar, he is above the average. His education was not finished at the college or seminary, but having their learned to study he has continued the habit ever since. In his preaching, he is always instructive and edifying. Endowed with a clear and musical voice, his sermons and addresses are all well delivered. When Moderator of the Synod of Cincinnati, he showed himself well equipped for the place."

The Interior of Chicago, Ihe leading publication of the Presbyterian Church, in a recent number, said of him : "He has had numerous calls to important churches, but his idea was the old one of a life work in one place. No one who has heard him preach doubts that, if he had been desirous of a change to a metropolitan congregation, he could readily have effected it." On the front page of the same numiber appeared a fine, full page portrait of Dr. McSurely.

In public reading and in the delivery of his sermons, he has a degree of ability and power almost remarkable. With a sure understanding of the thought to be imparted, he has a correct and sensitive taste in gesture, and especially in tone color of voice, which conveys the meaning in an impressive and often striking manner. He has the gift of intuitive elocution in its best sense; and with a resonant and flexible voice he commands and holds the attention of his hearers.

He is a man of the utmost sincerity. His words are carefully weighed and full of purpose. He has strong convictions of the right and truth, and has the courage of his convictions. At the same time, his manner is mild and conciliatory. One friend says of him, that he reminds him very much of the character of the beloved disciple, St. John. While tenacious of the truth, as he sees it, he is liberal of those who see it differently. His life has been full of good works, and in all respects it is an exemplification of his teaching and preaching.

was born January 27, 1865, in Oxford, Ohio. He went with his parents to Kirkwood, Illinois, in 1867, and returned to Loveland, Ohio, in 1868, and in 1869 went to Hillsboro, Ohio. His boyhood was passed there. He attended the Pubhc schools there. In January, 1880, he attended the South Salem Academy and in the Fall of 1881 entered the Freshman class at Wooster University. He graduated in 1886. After that, he read law in Hillsboro for one year under Hon. Frank Steele. He went to Chicago in 1887 and went into the office of Norton, Burley and Howell, and completed his law studies with them, and was admitted to practice in 1888. He became a member of the firm of Norton & Burley on January I, 1893.

He was married October 18, 1892, to Miss Mary Elizabeth Cadman, whose father, now deceased, had been one of the most brilliant lawyers in Chicago. On the death of Mr. James S. Norton, the senior member of the firm of which Mr. McSurely was the junior member, the firm was and has since been reorganized and took the firm name of Burley & Mc- Surely. Mr. and Mrs. McSurely have one daughter, and one deceased.

Those who know him best say of him, he is a Christian gentleman, a man graced with dignity and elevation of spirit, of dear and quick perceptions, of manners frank and aflFable, of cheerful spirit and benevolent disposition. In his profession, he is prompt, decisive, upright and successful. When but a beginner in the law, he was chosen for merit by the distinguished late James Sage Norton to be a partner with himself and the talented Mr. Clarence A. Burley, in their firm, and he has won by work and has obtained an honorable standing among that class of lawyers known to be rtie beat in their profession.

Biographical Sketches 821

of West Union, was born in that town, September 6, 1867. He received a good common school education, and when C. W. Sutterfield became Postmaster at West Union, tinder President Harrison, he was appointed Deputy, which position he held until appointed Deputy Sheriff during his father's second term as Sheriff of Adams County. He studied surveying under A. V. Hutson, and is an accomplished surveyor and civil engineer. On December 12, 1894, he was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Edgington, the only daughter of Capt. L. L. Edgington, of West Union. In January following his marriage, he entered the firm of L. L. Edgington & Sons as bookkeeper. In 1897, he was nominated on the Republican ticket for Sheriff of Adams County but was defeated by a small majority. In March, 1898, he was appointed by Governor Bushnell to fill a vacancy in the Probate Judge's Office, occas-^ loned by the removal of Judge John W. Mason from that office, on charges under the so-called Garfield law. He served until the re-election of Judge Mason. He is now with the firm of L. L. Edgington & Sons as bookkeeper. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church.

A summary of the dates and facts connected with the life of Dr. Mc- Dill is first presented and compiled mainly from Dr. Scouller's "Manual of the United Presbyterian Church."

"Dr. David McDill was born August 26y 1826, in Preble County, Ohio ; was graduated at Centre College, Kentucky, in 1849, ^^^ studied theology at Oxford and Allegheny ; was licensed April 7, 1852, by First Ohio Presbytery, and ordained September 8, 1853, by Chillicothe; was pastor at Cherry Fork, Ohio, September, i8S3-June i, 1876, and pastor of Henderson, 111., March 3, 1877- July i» 1884; was Professor of Philosophy in Monmouth College September i, 1876- 1885; ^^^ b^^" P^O" fessor of Apologetics and Momiletics in Xenia Theological Seminary since September, 1885. Publications : "Life of Judge Morrison," 1863^ "Secret Societies," 1881, "The Bible a Miracle." Recently also Dr. Mc- Dill has published two other works, one on the "Mosaic Authorship of the Pentateuch," the other entitled, "Pre-Millenialism Discussed."

From the above sketch it will be seen how difficult it is to compress all that ought to be said concerning Dr. McDill within the limits prescribed by the publishers of this work. A life so long, useful, and honorable, certainly deserves more than passing notice. In writing of the man one cannot but feel that he would like to be wholly untrammeled both as to space and time, and that this life, so rich in material, is worthy of full biography instead of a brief sketch which must seem too much like dry chronology.

The older citizens of Adams County will remember Dr. McDill as a man of force and endowed with rare qualities of leadership. He was one that "blazed the way" among them, and took the lead then, as he does now, in many lines of reform. He was a pioneer, in his denomination, in the matter of conducting a series of meetings to win men to the church and to Christ. He thought, and rightly, too, that some such preparation was necessary before a pentecost could come. In the days when public debates on religious questions were in vogue, he did his full share of that work and while never seeking a contest of that kind, neither did he run to cover from any adversary. Logic, or clear reasoning, if you will, is one of the Doctor's strong points and that many an opponent living far beyond tlie limits of Adams County has discovered to his sorrow. In an argument the writer has never known him to be worsted, and yet he never stoops to the tricks of the pettifogger; in all such contests he would rather honorably lose than unfairly win.

In the dark days of the Civil War, Dr. McDill had more than one opportunity to show his loyalty and courage. True, he was not actually on the fieid, but in another sense he was in the forefront oi the battle. He spoke for the Union when it had enemies north of the Ohio River ; he denounced slavery when the system had its advocates and apologists north as well as south of Mason and Dixon's line. When invasion by Southern troops was threatened, he was made Lieutenant of the "home guards" in his community, and when the famous "Morgan Raid" actually occurred. Dr. McDill was taken prisoner and saved the life of a friend and neighbor at that time by resolutely refusing to disclose his hiding place. The man in question had fired on the advance guard of Morgan's men and if caue^ht would no doubt have been shot without trial or ceremony. But neither threates nor cajoling could induce Dr. McDill, while a prisoner, to betray his friend, and "Dick" Morgan found that there was at least one man in Adams County who could keep a secret though that man had never belonged to a lodge. Truth telling is an eld and a fixed habit with the Doctor ; but he felt that there were certain questions which he had no right to answer before that court of inquiry. Release followed before he had been long a prisoner and the Doctor came back, with honor unsullied, to gladden the hearts of anxious friends and parishioners.

But the time came ere long when the people of his community realized that Dr. McDill belonged to the whole church and to the country as well as to Adams County. A man with his gifts could not long keep in hiding even if he desired it ; he found it impossible to burry his talent even in a country pastorate. So, after more than a score of years spent in his quiet country home and in close application to study, there came, naturally enough, a call to occupy the Chair of Philosophy in Monmouth College. From that intellectual center his fame spread, through his work, and the unassuming "country parson" was by no means a lesser light in the faculty of that justly celebrated school. In that honorable position at Monmouth he served till once more, in 1885, the church said, "come up higher," and he was called to the Chair of Homiletics and Apologetics in Xenia Theological Seminary. Here he has busied himself in giving seed to the future sowers. The place fits the man, and it is needless to say that the man in every way adorns the place. In his present position his business chiefly is to defend the Bible, and in that sphere, as all his acquaintances know, the Doctor is quite at home. Not only does he give the students the benefit of his excellent lectures upon the subject, but he has lately entered the field of authorship along that line and we are looking eagerly for other books to follow those already published. His book on the "Mosaic Authorship of the

Pentateuch" must be a terror to the higher critics, and when one reads his latest work, "Pre-Millenialism Discussed," he is bound to feel that the time of Christ's appearing is not yet at hand. He is a theologian in every sense of the word and therefore the initial letters that follow his name are more than mere ornaments or props for a reputation which could not well stand without them.

Yet it is as a man, no doubt, rather than as scholar or churchman, that Dr. McDill is best beloved and most honored by those who know him. His character is even above his talent, remarkable as the latter may be. There never was a truer friend. His presence is as sunshine in any home. His disposition is and ever has been not to seek his own but the good of others, and that is why his admirers have become an host and some among them hardly dare say or write all they think of the man, lest they seem to indulge in fulsome praise. Although at the time of this writing Dr. McCall has passed the three score and ten, he still possesses full vigor of mind and body. To those near him the sun of his life appears more glorious in setting than in its rising, and when at last, full of years and honors, he is gathered unto the fathers, there will be many to miss him and to feel more deeply than ever that without the inspiration of his personal presence they must fail of reaching that high mark which in his life he set them. Dr. McDill married Miss Martha E. Gordon, of Xcnia, Ohio, in 1853.

of Wamsleyville, is of Scotch-Irish descent, his maternal grandfather having been born in Scotland and his paternal grandfather, Hugh McCormick, in Ireland. He is a son of Charles McCormick and Rebecca Mc- Call, and was born October 5, 1845, ^^ White Oak, Adams County. His parents located afterwards at Locust Grove, where our subject attended the Public schools, and ground tanbark at the old tannery there during vacation. He attended Miami Medical College and afterwards Ohio Medical College, at Cincinnati, and began the practice of medicine at Wamsleyville, where he has since been located, in 1872. In 1876, March 3, he was united in marriage to Miss Emma E. Wamsley, daughter of S. B. and Anna Freeman Wamsley, and there was born to this union a son, Edgar E. McCormick, March 22, 1878. He is now one of the bright and active teachers of Adams County.

Dr. McCormick stands in the foremost ranks among the physicians of Adams County, and as a citizen is held in the highest esteem by all who know him. He is a member of the Christian Union Church, and of Wamsle}'ville Lodge, No. 653, I. O. O. F. In politics, he is a Democrat of the Jeffersonian type, believing in a "government of the people, by the people and for the people." One who has known the Doctor intimately for years says of him: **A more refined and courteous gentleman than Dr. McCormick would be hard to find."

of Winchester, Ohio, son of Edwin and Rachel (Pennywitt) McMillan, was born April 19, 1869, at 302 Linn Street, Cincinnati, Ohio. He was educated in the Public schools of the "Queen City," and began his active business career with J. H. Bromwell & Co., of the city of his birth. He was for a time with Joseph R. Peebles, and later, for ten years, traveling salesman in Southern Ohio and Northern Kentucky for Andrews, Bates & Company, of Cincinnati.

On the twenty-second day of November, 1894, he was united in marriage to Miss Lulu Reese, daughter of James M. Reese, a prominent business man of Adams County, who built the first steam flouring mill at Peebles, Ohio, as well as flouring mills at Buck Run and Winchester. Mr. Reese's wife was Miss Harriet Horner, a member of one of the old and prominent families of Adams County.

In 1897, after the death of his father-in-law, Mr. McMillan took charge of the flouring mill at Winchester, and two years later became sole manager. This is one of the finest and best equipped roller mills in the county with a capacity of one hundred barrels a day. Mr. McMillan, in connection with the milling business, handles all kinds of grains and farm seeds. To him is due the credit of introducing to the farmers of Adams County that valuable forage and food plant, the cowpea.

Mr. McMillan, by his energy and strict integrity, has succeeded in building up a fine business at Winchester, and is looked upon as one of the most substantial business men of the town.

was bom October 21, 1842, near Unity, in Oliver Township, Adams County, Ohio. There is a separate sketch of his father, Hugh McSurely, among the pioneers in this work. Our subject was reared on his father's farm and attended the Public schools of his vicinity until 1859. He attended Miami University in 1859 and i860, and was ready for the Freshman class when he gave up school and went to farming.

When the war broke out, he wanted to enter the service, but his father would not hear to it, and he enlisted himself on November i, 1861, at the age of fifty-five, in Company E, 70th O. V. I. What might have been expected happened, and Hugh McSurely could not stand the hardships of the service. He was discharged December 18, 1862, for physical disability. He went home, and the following Summer, his son, our subject, enlisted in the same company and regiment for three years from June 8, 1863. He served until July 28, 1865. He was never in the hospital until after the close of the war. He never missed an hour from duty in the Atlanta campaign.

After returning from the war, he taught school eight years. On April 20, 1869, he married Miss Martha Clark, daughter of Samuel Clark, a neighbor. From 1865 until 1873, he taught school and farmed; and from 1873 until 1886, he was a farmer in Adams County. He then removed to Oxford, Ohio. For two years after his removal, he had no particular occupation. In 1888, he opened a grocery in Oxford, and has carried on that business ever since.

He is regarded as one of the foremost business men of that place. He has been a member of the United Presbyterian Church since boyhood. Directly after coming to Oxford, he was made an elder in the United Presbyterian Church there, and has served in that office most acceptably ever

Biographical Sketches 826

He has had two daughters: Lora, who died at the age of nineteen, and Mary, who is a graduate of the Oxford High School and of the Oxford College. She also took a post-graduate course at Miami University, and taught in the Oxford College in 1899 and 1900.

Mr. McSurely is a Republican, and has always been one. In the contest for the postoffice at Oxford under President McKinley, in 1897, he was supported by the several institutions of learning and by the old soldiers, as well as by a large portion of the citizens. He is a man of quiet manners, kind, gentle, and very faithful to his friends. In all relations as a business man, a citizen, and an officer in his church, he is trustworthy and conscientious. As a soldier, he was faithful, reliable, and efficient. He is a man of clear head and warm heart, and he is true to his convictions of duty.

son of the late Hon. Thomas McCauslen, of Steubenville, was bom January 26, 1857, at West Union, Adams County. In the same year, his father removed to Portsmouth, where he resided till 1865. In that year, his father removed to Steubenville, which has since been his home. He attended the Public schools in Steubenville and graduated from them in June, 1877. He studied law with his father and was admitted to practice June 17, 1879. H^ practiced in connection with his father at Steubenville until the latter retired in 1883. Since then he has been in partnership with Dio Rogers, under the firm name of Rogers & McCauslen. He was married December i, 1892, to Miss Winona K. Lowe. He is a Democrat in his political views, but has never sought or held office. He is active in his profession and has a vigorous mind. He is a gentleman of fine presence and is quick and active in the conduct of a case. He is methodical in the transaction of business. As a gentleman, he keeps to the highest standard. He is prompt in the fulfillment of all his obligations. He belongs to a number of fraternal societies, and is popular in all of them. He has a prosperous business.

son of George O. and Mrs. Clay B. Newman, was born at Portsmouth, Ohio, June 14, 1867. He attended the Portsmouth schools for the course of twelve years and graduated from the High school, June, 1884. He then attended Kenyon College and remaind till the close of his junior year in 1887. He began the study of law in the Fall of 1889 under his father and was admitted to the bar in October, 1891. He began the practice of the law in Portsmouth, Ohio, alone and so continued it until September, 1893, when he formed a law partnership with the Hon. A. C Thompson. This continued until November, 1898, when it was dissolved by the appointment of Judge Thompson as Judge of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio. Since then, he has continued his law practice in Portsmouth alone.

On June i8, 1894, he was married to Judge Thompson's eldest daughter, Charl. In politics, Mr. Newman is a Democrat, and in religion, an Episcopalian. He is highly esteemed as an excellent young lawyer and bids fair to establish a distinguished reputation in his profession.

was born near Peebles, in Adams County, June 10, 1863. His father was Harrison Newman, and his mother, Mary Mitchell. They had six sons and five daughters, and our subject was the fifth child. In 1874, his father left Adams County and located in the Black Oak Bottoms in Lewis County, Kentucky, opposite Buena Vista. After residing there a year, he returned to Adams County and remained three years. Then he tried Kansas for eight months in 1878, but concluded Ohio was better than Kansas and returned to Scioto County. There our subject began life on his own account. He began work for John Williams on his farm west of Rarden, and so well did he and Mr. Williams get along that on September 29, 1887, he married his daughter, Eliza C, and lived on the same farm until Mr. Williams* death in July, 1891. When the farm was sold in the course of administration, he bid it in and continued to reside there until all the buildings were destroyed by fire. After that, he purchased property in Rarden, where he now resides. He has four children living, all sons, Walter C, William, Alty Denver, and Hershel.

Mr. Newman has one of the best farms in the Scioto Brush Creek Valley and is an excellent farmer. He is a Democrat by birthright and on his own account. He is fearless in the discharge of any duty and is a good citizen, self-respecting, and respected by his neighbors.

proprietor of the Nixon Hotel, at Peebles, was born October 12, 1842, in Meigs Township, Adams County, two and a half miles south of Peebles. His parents were married in Loudon County, Virginia, May 26, 1831. Their names were James Nixon and Susan Potts. They came to Adams County in 1837.

Our subject's grandfather, George Nixon, was bom in Loudon County, Virginia, August 12, 1799, ^"^ resided there all his life. David Nixon was reared a farmer's son, and had the usual common school training. He enlisted in Company E, of the 70th O. V. I., November i, 1861, at the age of nineteen. He was made a Corporal, July 14, i8i64, and a Sergeant, January 24, 1865. He veteranized in 1864, and was mustered out August 14, 1865. To have been a Corporal and Sergeant in this company was a greater honor than a commission in many other companies. John T. Wilson was the first Captain of this company. Dr. John Campbell, its First Lieutenant and Joseph Spurgeon, its Second Lieutenant. This company was as near a successor to Cromwell's Ironsides as any company could be. The Captain was fifty years of age when he was enrolled.. There were four others in the company over fifty years old. There were four over forty, and a number of them discounted their ages to get in. The regiment was in fifteen battles and numerous skirmishes. Nixon was found at the front all the time and made a first-class reputation as a soldier. When he returned from the war, he engaged in farming.

Biographical Sketches 827

On February 21, 1867, he was married to Mary Ann Eakins, daughter of Joseph and Mary (McNeill) Eakins. Joseph Eakins was a son of 'Squire John Eakins. When the town of Peebles was established in April, 1882, David Nixon was the first to build a house, the present Nixon Hotel, and the best in the place. It will always be the best as long as Nixon is in the business. There is an old adage, "He knows how to keep hotel." Whoever is the author of that must have had David Nixon in his mind