(RETURN TO THE TITLE PAGE) 500 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. wart support to the Republican party and its cause, being long prominent in public affairs of a local nature. In 1899 he was elected to the office of county recorder, in which he has given a most capable and discriminating administration, and in 1902 was re-elected for a second term of three years, having taken up his residence in the city of Urbana upon assuming his official duties. He is identified with the Masonic fraternity, having been raised to the master's degree and holding membership in Mount Olivet Lodge, No. 226, F. & A. M., at Addison, Ohio, while he is also a member of Social Lodge, at Addison, of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, taking an active interest in the affairs of each of these noble organizations. His religious faith is that of the Baptist church, of which his wife likewise is a member. On the 23d of July, 1882, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Moses to Miss Maria Huddleston, who was born and reared in Jackson township, Champaign county, being the daughter of Milton and Jemimah Huddleston. Mr. and Mrs. Moses have five children, namely : Roily R., Jennie L., John S., Blanche G. and Ethel M. JOHN P. NEER. Among the native sons of Champaign county who went forth in defense of the Union when its integrity was menaced by armed rebellion, rendering the valiant and loyal service of a leal and loyal son of the republic, is John P. Neer, who is most consistently given representation in this work, for he has practically spent his entire life in this county, is a member of one of its honored pioneer families and through his identification with the agricultural industry has become one of the successful and influential citizens of this section. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 503 John P. Neer was born on the old homestead, in Concord township, on the 27th of April, 1842, being a son of Joseph and Margaret Susan: (Monroe) Neer. Joseph Neer was born in Loudoun county, Virginia,. the paternal lineage tracing back to German origin, though the family had been established in the Old Dominion at an early epoch in its history. Joseph Neer was reared and educated in his native state, where he remained until about 1826, when he came to Ohio and became one of the pioneers of Champaign county, having settled on the homestead in Concord township which is now a part of our subject's estate, as early as 1831. This was school land and was purchased by Mr. Neer at the time when it was first placed on the market, and it has ever since been retained in the possession of the family. He cleared the tract of its heavy growth of timber and developed a good farm, while he was a man of dauntless spirit and progressive ideas, doing much to further the advancement of the interests of this section in the early days and to conserve the general welfare. His political allegiance was given to the Whig party until the time of the organization of the Republican party, when he became a stalwart supporter of the principles of the latter, having been strenuously opposed to the institution of human slavery and having exercised his franchise in support of John C. Fremont, the first presidential candidate of the Republican party. He was an active and zealous member of the Methodist Episcopal church, taking a deep interest in the promotion of both its spiritual and temporal affairs. In Champaign county, on the loth of November, 1835, he was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Susan Monroe, who was born in Harrison township, on the 27th of November, 1819, being a daughter of David Monroe. who was born in Virginia, of Scotch lineage, and who emigrated westward in an early day, becoming one of the honored pioneers of Champaign county, where he passed the residue of his life. Joseph Neer was summoned into eternal rest in 1869, and his cherished 26 504 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. and devoted wife passed away in 1880, having retained their residence on the old homestead from the time of their marriage until death released the silver cord of his life. About four or five years later the widow with her youngest daughter moved to Urbana where she died. Six sons and six daughters were born, concerning whom we incorporate a brief record in the following paragraph. David C. is a successful farmer of Allen county, Kansas ; Ann F. is the widow of James W. Ellis, who was a farmer of Oklahoma, where she still maintains her home; Eliza M. became the wife of Judge Joseph V. Offenbacher, of Champaign county, who died in the city of Washington, D. C., in January, 1895, her death having occurred on the 6th of October, 1875, in southern Colorado; John P., the next in order of birth, is the immediate subject of this sketch; Martha J. died on the 16th of September, 187o; Nathan A. is engaged in agricultural pursuits in Los Angeles county, California ; Sallie C. is the wife of Lowel T. Clemans, an electrician of Los Angeles; Joseph F. is a farmer of Champaign county; Mary F. is the wife of Charles W. McMaster, of Los Angeles county, California; Samuel J., who is engaged in the book and stationery business in Winfield, Cowley county, Kansas, served for two terms as clerk of that county ; Elizabeth died in infancy; and James M. is a farmer and stock-raiser of Cowley county, Kansas. John P. Neer, the immediate subject of this review, was reared upon the old homestead farm and acquired his early scholastic training in the district schools, which he attended during the winter months, while during the summer seasons he assisted in the work of the farm. In this peaceful vocation he continued to bend his energies until a higher duty faced him, when came the clarion call to arms, prompting the loyal sons of the north to defend the unity of the republic, now in jeopardy through civic rebellion. On the 3oth of July, 1862, he enlisted as a private in Company H, Forty-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 505 he was sworn into service at Camp Chase, in the city of Columbus, on the 19th of August. He continued on active duty with his regiment until the 12th of June, 1865, when he received his honorable discharge, at Camp Harker, Tennessee. His service thus covered the greater period of the war, and his record as a soldier was one to which he may well advert with satisfaction. ie was promoted to be corporal of his company, later sergeant and orderly sergeant and before he returned to his home he was commissioned first lieutenant in recognition of valiant service. Mr. Neer participated in many of the memorable and important movements and engagements incidental. to the course of the great conflict. He was in the battle at Dutton Hill, Kentucky, and later his regiment, while lie was on detached duty, assisted in the pursuit of Morgan at the time of his famous raid through Ohio and Indiana. On the loth of October, 1863, he was in active service in the battle at Philadelphia, Tennessee, in which engagement his regiment lost in killed, wounded and missing, one hundred and sixty-eight men, while later the regiment was in the entire campaign in eastern Tennessee, and in an engagement at Holston river, on the 15th of November, they lost one hundred and one men, five of the number being officers. They also had a spirited encounter with the forces under General Longstreet. In this engagement, on the 17th of November, Mr. Neer was shot through the left lung and was taken to the hospital, where he remained during the entire siege of Knoxville. As soon as he had sufficiently recuperated he returned to his regiment, going to Tazewell, Tennessee, and thence to Cumberland Gap, where he remained a short time, after which the regiment marched to Mount Sterling, Kentucky, where it remained about a month, he being detailed to take charge of the patrol of the city. Thence the command returned to Tennessee, by way of Knoxville, and finally joined the forces proceeding onward for the Atlanta campaign, in all of which our subject participated, including the engagement at Franklin, 506 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. which was one of the most hotly contested of all the fights of the war. He was present at the battle of Atlanta and his regiment was actively engaged in that famous battle, while later it was in the hard-fought battle at Nashville, Tennessee, on the 15th and 16th of December, 1864. We can but mention a few of the other notable engagements in which Mr. Neer took part,—Resaca, Dallas, Kenesaw Mountain, Pine Mountain and Lovejoy Station. After the war Mr. Neer returned to the old homestead, where he resumed his farm work, being associated with his father for two years, and after the death of the latter, in 1869, he purchased the major portion of the old home place from the other heirs. He now has an exceptionally attractive and valuable landed estate of six hundred and seventeen acres, upon which are the best of improvements, while he also gives special attention to the raising and handling of high-grade live stock, his business affairs being so capably conducted that splendid success crowns his efforts. Mr. Neer is a stanch Republican in politics, has taken an active part in the work of the party and believes firmly in its principles. He has served as county commissioner for two terms, filling the office from December, 1885, until 1891. He and his wife are prominent members of the Concord Methodist Episcopal church, in which Mr. Neer is serving as trustee, while he contributed toward the erection of the church edifice. He keeps alive the pleasing associations of the old days when he was following the old flag to victory by retaining membership in the post of the Grand Army of the Republic at Urbana, of which he was commander in 1899. In 1899 Mr. Neer was united in marriage to Miss Ida M. Goble, who was horn in Brooklyn, New York, where she was reared and educated, being a daughter of Ira and Catherine (Burke) Goble, both natives of the Empire state and both now deceased. In recapitulation we may say that Joseph Neer, the honored father CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 507 of our subject, was born on the 7th of August, 1804, and that his death occurred on the 26th of January, 1869, at which time he was in his sixty-fifth year. His wife, who was born on the 27th of November, 1819, died October 8, 1880. At the time of their marriage they moved into the house where our subject now lives, and this continued to be their home until death's hand intervened. Both were devoted members of the Methodist Episcopal church and they contributed largely to the erection of the church building in this township. SIMEON TAYLOR. When it is stated that Mr. Taylor, who was formerly incumbent of the important office of auditor of Champaign county, is of the third generation of his family in the county it becomes evident at once that he is a representative of one of the early pioneer families of this section, and such has been the prominence of the name and such the honor attaching thereto in connection with the annals of the county that it becomes specially consistent that a review of Mr. Taylor's genealogy and personal career be given place in this volume. He is one of the representative men of the county, where he is not only successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits, but where he also has other interests. which have important bearing on the industrial and business activities of the locality, maintaining his residence in the town of Westville, where he has an attractive home. Simeon Taylor was born in Mad River township, this county, on the 7th of June, 1838, being the son of Benjamin S. Taylor, who was born in Tennessee, whence he came to Champaign county with his parents when he was a boy, the family locating in Mad River township, 508 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. where he was reared to maturity and where he devoted the residue of his life to agricultural pursuits. He became one of the prominent men of the county, where he was honored for his sterling character and his useful life. In politics he was a Democrat, and in his later years was a stanch advocate of the cause of temperance. He died when but forty-nine years of age. His father, John Taylor, was born in Virginia, whence he removed to Tennessee and finally to Champaign county, where he was numbered among the first settlers in Mad River township. He located on Nettle creek, where he entered government land, and at this time the Indians were far more in evidence in the locality than were the white settlers. He developed a farm and on the same passed the remainder of his life. He was of Scotch-Irish descent and was a man of industrious habits, strong mind and inflexible integrity. The maiden name of our subject's mother was Sarah Miller, a native of Loudoun county, Virginia, where she was reared and whence she accompanied her parents on their removal to Champaign county, Ohio, being a young woman at the time. Her father, Valentine Miller, settled in Mad River township abount the year 1816, and here he devoted the remainder of his life to farming, his lineage showing Dutch, Irish and Welsh strains, with the Dutch predominating. The mother of our subject lived to attain the age of four score years. Her three children were as follows : Sarah Anna, who is the wife of Washington Louden--back, of this township; Darius, who died at the age of about sixty-three years ; and Simeon, the subject of this sketch. Simeon Taylor grew up on the old homestead farm where he was born, and his early educational discipline was received in the district school, after which he continued his studies in the graded schools of Urbana and thereafter entered the Bryant & Stratton Business College in Cleveland, where he took a commercial course. He devoted his attention to teaching school for about a decade, his entire pedagogic labors CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 509 having been performed in his native township, and that he was successful and popular in this line is clearly shown by the fact that for eight years he was retained as teacher in one district. He finally gave up teaching and located on the old farmstead, where he once more turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, said homestead having been located in sections 16 and 17. He still retains the homestead, but leases the place; not having given his personal attention to its operation since the year 1889. In politics Mr. Taylor has been one of the stanch advocates of the principles and policies of the Democratic party, and he has ever taken an active interest in public affairs of a local nature, lending his aid and influence in support of all measures for the general good of the community. He served as township trustee and as justice of the peace in Mad River township, and in 1889 was elected to the office of county auditor, being the only Democrat ever elected to this office in Champaign county, where the normal Republican majority is about one thousand. He gave an able and discriminating administration of the affairs of the office and thus gained the unqualified endorsement of the people, without reference to partisan affiliations. Mr. Taylor has long been a prominent member of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he has served as steward and superintendent of the Sunday-school, ever manifesting a lively concern in all departments of the church work, as does also his wife, who has been a devoted member of the organization for many years. Fraternally he is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Mr. Taylor's finely improved farm comprises one hundred and eighty acres and is one of the valuable places of the county. He has been for twenty years a member of the directorate of the Citizens' National Bank, of Urbana, and is now vice-president of this solid institution. He is also a director of the Farmers' Mutual Insurance Company, whose headquarters are in Mechanicsburg, and is president of the People's Say- 510 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. Ings & Loan Company, of Urbana. Thus it may be seen that he is distinctively one of the representative citizens of his native county, and here his course has ever been such as to command to him the unqualified confidence and esteem of all classes. On the 1st of October, 1863, Mr. Taylor was united in marriage to Miss Susan Ward, who was born in Mad River township, being the daughter of Noah and Lydia (Smith) Ward, who were numbered among the pioneers of the county. Of the five children of Mr. and Mrs. Taylor we incorporate brief record, as follows : Alonzo, who was graduated in the Eclectic Medical College of Cincinnati and who was successfully engaged in the practice of his profession in Delaware county, Ohio, died at the age of thirty-four years ; Laura 0. is the wife of Gerald Colbert, a successful farmer of Mad River township; David E., who likewise is a prominent farmer of this township, and married Mary Sowers ; Bertha R. is the wife of Dr. R. Lee Grimes, who is engaged in the practice of medicine in Westville; and ploy remains at the parental home. JAMES D. POWELL. When it is stated that with the lapse of but one more decade a full century will have fallen into the cycle of the ages since the time when the Powell family became identified with the annals of Champaign county, it will be readily understood that in touching upon the life record of James Dunlap Powell, the writer is dealing with a worthy representative of one of the earliest pioneer families of this section of the Buckeye state. Within all these long years what has been the character, what the accomplishment of those who have borne the name? The answer comes in most grateful measures when we scan the record, for in the line CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 513 have been men of sterling character and women of gentle refinement,— men who have played well their parts on the stage of life's activities; women whose influence has been ever potent for good. What a wealth of incident and variety of experience is summed up in tracing back over the period of ninety years which marks the identification of this family with the interests of Champaign county, and still farther may we go to find the ancestry maintaining an unblotted scutcheon from that early epoch when it first was planted on American soil, in the early colonial days. Thus it may be seen that the biographer may well feel a distinctive respect and satisfaction when he essays the task of rendering, even in epitomized form, a tribute to him whose name introduces this paragraph and to those who have gone before him and likewise exemplified true virtue and true usefulness in all the relations of life. In the mad rush of this electrical and almost turbulent twentieth century, we may well stop for a moment and give retrospective study and appreciation to those who have wrought so nobly in the past and the measure of whose influence can not be understood by superficial analysis. James Dunlap Powell is a native son of Champaign county, which has been the scene of his labors during the entire period of his long and signally useful life. He was born on the pioneer homestead farm, in Urbana township, on the 3d of March, 1819, being a son of Elijah and Mary (Dunlap) Powell. Elijah Powell was born in the state of Virginia, on the 20th of August, 1789, being the fifth in order of birth of the eleven children of Abraham P. and Ann (Smith) Powell, both of whom were likewise natives of the Old Dominion, which figures as the cradle of so much of our national history, the former having been born on the 20th of October, 1754, and the latter on the 12th of September, 1762, while their marriage was solemnized in their native state, in August, 1780. Abraham P. Powell rendered valiant service as a soldier in the Continental line during the war of the Revolution, and it may well 514 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY be said that the family name has been from the beginning identified with the founding and building of the republic. When Elijah Powell was a child his parents emigrated from Virginia to the wilds of Kentucky, of which state they became pioneer settlers, and there he was reared to manhood, while his knowledge of pioneer life was to he still farther extended, since he accompanied his parents on their removal to Champaign county, Ohio, in the year 1812,—a decade after the admission of the state to the Union. The family settled on a tract of heavily timbered land one mile west of the present city of Urbana, which was at that time a mere hamlet of a few primitive dwellings, and on this farm, whose improvement was at once instituted, Abraham P. Powell passed the residue of his life, passing away on the 3d of January, 1817, at the age of sixty-two years, while his widow long survived him, being summoned into eternal rest on the 9th of September, 1845, at the venerable age of eighty-three years. In this county, on the 27th of January, 1818, Elijah Powell was united in marriage to Miss Mary Dunlap, who was born in Kentucky, on the 26th of October, 1800, being a daughter of Rev. James and Emily (Johnson) Dunlap, both of whom were born in Virginia, the respective dates of nativity being July 10, 1773, and October 15, 1777, and when they were young they accompanied their respective families on their removal to Kentucky, in which state their marriage was solemnized, on the 29th of August, 1794. In 1812 Rev. James Dunlap came with his family to Champaign county, and he became one of the pioneer clergymen of this section of Ohio, becoming well known to the settlers far and wide and laboring zealously in the vineyard of the divine Master, his faith in whom he exemplified in precept and example, ever laboring to uplift his fellow men and to scatter the precious seed of the gospel on fertile soil. He moved to Jacksonville, Illinois, in 1844, and remained there until his death in 1866. Of the eleven children born to Elijah and CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 515 Mary (Dunlap) Powell, only three are living at the time of this writing, namely : James D., the immediate subject of this sketch; Jeptha, a resident of Upper Sandusky, Ohio, and Edward, who makes his home in Urbana. James D. Powell was reared on the old homestead farm in Urbana township, early becoming inured to the work involved in the reclamation and cultivation of the farm, while his educational advantages were such as came to the average youth of the locality and period, being confined to a desultory attendence in the primitive log schoolhouse, with its puncheon floor and slab benches. In short, he had to contend against the same disadvantages that hedged in all of the pioneer families in what was then a veritable frontier region, but few were so fortunate in fertility of natural resources and in meeting the exigencies and overcoming the difficulties which compassed the average youth thus placed. He gave his father able assistance in the management of the farm and became familiar with all details of the great basic industry which has ever figured as the bulwark of our nation's prosperity, and to the same he has consecutively devoted his attention during the long years of his singularly active and prolific life. His father died on the old homestead, on the 11th of June, 1866, at the age of seventy-six years and ten months. His religious faith was that of the Baptist church, of which his wife also became a member in her youth, and his loyalty and patriotism found as definite manifestation as in the case of his father, the Revolutionary veteran, since it was his lot to have been an active participant in the war of 1812. His wife, Mary Powell, died July 30, 1881. On the farm which is now his home, on the 9th of September, 1845, James D. Powell was united in marriage to Miss Minerva Hill, daughter of Joseph and Mary (Purcell) Hill, both of whom were born in Virginia. Joseph Hill was twice married. In Kentucky he wedded Miss Mary Oliver and they became the parents of eight children. In 1802 516 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. they came to Ohio and became the first white settlers in what is now Concord township, their location being the farm now owned and occupied by our subject, and here Mrs. Hill's death occurred. Some time afterward Mr. Hill returned to Kentucky for a visit, and while there he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Purcell, daughter of George and Margaret Purcell, who had removed thither from their native state (,f Virginia. Of the second marriage five children were born, Mrs. Powell having been the third. She was born in Concord township, Champaign county, on the 26th of August, 1822, and was here reared to womanhood, her educational privileges being such as were afforded in the primitive schools of the pioneer epoch. To Mr. and Mrs. Powell were born six children, their names, in order of birth, being as follows: Mary, Amanda J., Emma E., Elijah H., Sallie A. and Annie M. Of these Mary and Anna are deceased. Joseph and Margaret (Purcell) Hill both died on the old homestead, the former in September, 1861, and the latter on the 3d of July, 1869, both having been devoted and consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal church, secure in whose faith they passed to their reward. Mr. Hill was in active service during the war of 1812, and, although a poor man when he settled in the virgin forests of Concord township, he accumulated a comfortable estate. The great loss and bereavement of Mr. Powell's life was that entailed by the death of his cherished and devoted wife, on the 9th of February, 1902. Their wedded life had been protracted over more than half a century, marked by mutual love and confidence and helpfulness, and how idyllic that life was none can know save those who were of the immediate family circle, whose sacred precincts we would not wish to violate by lifting the veil. None but the venerable and bereft husband of her youth and her declining years can appreciate to the full the deprivation which has come, and yet there is a tender chalice of consolation from which he may ever drink, in the memory of a life CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 517 of so signal beauty and devotion, in the memory of a loving companionship which was so long vouchsafed him. One who knew her long and well paid the following tribute at the time of her death, the same having been published in a local paper : "She joined the Methodist Episcopal church at Concord sixty-five years ago and was happily converted by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and for all these years she proved a faithful member of the church. Though not in any way dominated by extreme emotionalism, in the walks of Christian life she showed herself to be a true and faithful follower of our divine Lord, and in all these years I never heard her say one word or saw her do one act unbecoming a Christian woman. True and faithful as a wife, kind and loving as a mother, if she could speak to-day she would say to her husband and children, follow me as I have followed Christ, and meet me in heaven, where the wicked cease from troubling and the weary are at rest. She will be missed by all her neighbors and friends, for her kind and benevolent acts of life were many; she ever remembered the poor by acts of charity and the distressed by a word of comfort, and their hearts have been made better thereby, so that they would to-day rise up and call her blessed." James D. Powell may be justly styled a self-made man, for he began life at the foot of the ladder and by his industry and definite purpose, his integrity and discretion he has attained a high degree of prosperity, being now the owner of a landed estate of more than eight hundred acres and being known as one of the representative farmers of the county in which his entire life has been passed. This success is the result of determined and consecutive application in his youth and of the judicious investment of his earnings, which he saved with provident discrimination. In all his labors his wife stood ever ready to lend a helping hand and to cheer him in his efforts, being a true helpmeet and coadjutor. He now has one of the finest homes in Cham- 518 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. paign county, and there a gracious and sincere hospitality has ever been in evidence. Mr. Powell is a man of temperate habits and in favor of temperance laws, and his political support is given to the Republican party, while his religious faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal church. In his business affairs he has ever shown marked sagacity and discrimination and no man could be more honest and upright in every transaction. He is a man of broad information and strong individuality, is genial and courteous in all the relations of life, and has ever commanded the confidence and high esteem of all good citizens. Though he has passed the age of four score years Mr. Powell retains marked physical vigor and gives his personal supervision to his large and important business interests. It is signally consistent that this record be perpetuated for coining generations, and the accompanying portraits of Mr. Powell and his devoted wife, now passed into the life eternal, most properly find place in the connection. CHRISTOPHER BEHNEY. For many years Christopher Behney was a prominent figure in the annals of Champaign county and aided materially in its development. By a life of uprightness, industry and honorable dealing,—a life devoted to the support of whatever was good and true,—he won the admiration and genuine regard of a large circle of acquaintances, who sincerely mourned his loss when, upon the 15th of May, 1896, he was called upon to lay aside the burdens, joys and sorrows which had fallen to his share, as to all, in the journey of life. Mr. Behney was born in Myerstown, Pennsylvania, January 13, 1836, a son of Isaac and Sarah Behney, also natives of that state. They were [he parents of four children; of whom our subject was the second CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 519 in order of birth. When a small boy he was deprived of a father's protecting care, and was reared by his mother, remaining at home until a young man, and then served an apprenticeship at the cabinetmaker's trade. In 1865 he came to Champaign county, Ohio, and five years later began dealing extensively in horses, buying and selling throughout this section of the state, in which branch of business he met with a very high degree of success. In 1870 he was united in marriage to Malinda Richards, a native of Champaign county, her birth having occurred on the farm on which she now resides. Her father, William Richards, was also horn on this old homestead, and his father, Andrew Richards, was a native of Champaign county, his death occurring on the old family homestead. He was a very active worker in the Whig party. The father of Mrs. Behney followed the tilling of the soil as a life occupation, was independent in his political views, and was a member of the Baptist church, having greatly assisted in the erection of the house of worship of that denomination in Urbana. He was united in marriage to Martha Powell in Champaign county, where she was born, reared and educated, and they became the parents of twelve children ; Elizabeth, deceased ; Henry, deceased; Mrs. Behney ; Ruth, deceased; Mary ; Phoebe ; Florence, deceased ; Sally ; Kate Bell, deceased; Fannie, deceased ; Emma; Charles, deceased, and all were born on the farm where Mrs. Behney now resides. The place consists of a tract of one hundred and thirty acres, all of which is under an excellent state of cultivation and is one of the valuable homesteads of the county. The union of our subject and wife was blessed with three sons,—Fred, Frank and Ralph,—who are still with their mother. Mr. Behney was a Republican in politics, a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and of the Masonic fraternity. His religious preference was indicated by his affiliation with the German Reformed church, while Mrs. Behney is a member of the Baptist denomination. 520 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. JAMES F. SPAIN. The spirit of a pure and noble life burned within the earthly tenement of the man of whom we write, and when the soul took its (light to purer regions and a better state those who mourned most deeply were those who knew him best. Mr. Spain died in the prime of a prolific and useful manhood, and though more than thirty-five years have passed since he journeyed to "that undiscovered country from whose bourne no traveler returns," his name is still held in grateful memory in his native county, while appreciation of his loyal services as a surgeon in the Union ranks during the war of the Rebellion, that greatest of all civil and internecine conflicts, will not be forgotten by his old comrades in blue or by others cognizant of his loyal and devoted service in a cause whose victory he did not long survive. James F. Spain was born in the village of Mechanicsburg, Champaign county, Ohio, on the 26th of June, 1832. He was reared in his native town, securing his early educational discipline in the local schools and preparing himself for the vocation of a teacher. He took up the study of medicine and finally entered one of the leading medical colleges of the city of Chicago, where he was graduated, defraying his expenses by teaching and being principal of the Mechanicsburg public school at the time of his marriage, his wife having been simultaneously a teacher in the schools of that village. He was in the active practice of his profession for only a comparatively brief interval and was incumbent of the office of treasurer of Champaign county in 1865, when his patriotism led him to enlist as a surgeon in the One Hundred and Thirty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which he served until the regiment was mustered out, when he resumed his official duties as treasurer of his native county, being re-elected to this office, of which he was incumbent at the time of his death, which occurred on the 4th CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 523 of October, 1867. He 'was a member of the Masonic lodge at Mechanicsburg and at the time of his death a Knight Templar, always being very zealous and enthusiastic in the cause of his order. He was a Republican in his political views, and his religious faith was that of the Presbyterian church, of which his widow is also a devoted member. He was a man of high intellectuality and inflexible integrity, his untimely death ending an honorable and useful career. On Christmas day, 1855, Mr. Spain was united in marriage to Miss Ellen R. Wilson, an associate teacher in the Mechanicsburg schools, as has already been stated. She was born in Geauga county, Ohio, the (laughter of S. L. and Lydia Wilson, natives of New York. Mrs. Spain completed her education in the Ohio Wesleyan University, in the city of Delaware, and thence removed to Mechanicsburg to engage in pedagogic work, in. which she was popular and successful. She became. the mother of one child, Lydia A., who was but seven months of age at the time of her father's death and who is now the wife of John R. Ross, a representative business man of Urbana, in which city Mrs. Spain has maintained her home since the death of her husband. She takes an active interest in the work of the Presbyterian church, is a woman of gentle refinement and gracious presence and retains the love of a wide circle of friends in the community where she has so long made her home. GEORGE REAM. George Ream, now deceased, won a place among the representative citizens and leading farmers of Union township, Champaign county, and is yet remembered, as he will be for years to come, by many who claimed him as a friend. He was born in Dayton, Clark county, Ohio, May 28, 1842. His father, Andrew Ream, was a native of Pennsylvania, reared 27 524 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. and educated there and when a young man came west, locating in Clark county. Here he was united in marriage to Annie Homer, a native of that county, who spent her girlhood days within its borders. This worthy couple became the parents of ten children of whom George Ream was the ninth in order of birth. All were born and reared in Clark county and the family record is one of which the members have every reason to be proud. George Ream began his education in the district schools near his home and during the summer months worked in the fields, thus becoming familiar with all the duties and labors that constitute farm life. At the age of twenty-one he left school and home, coming to Champaign county, where throughout his remaining days he made his home and won honor as a public spirited and progressive citizen. He first stopped in Wayne township where he was employed as a farm hand through the autumn. He afterward removed to Union township and there took up his abode upon the farm upon which he spent his remaining days and where his widow is yet living. He was married on this farm to Miss Sarah Madden, a native of Union township, who has a vivid recollection of the pioneer days of the county. She pursued her education in a log schoolhouse where the methods of instruction were somewhat primitive. Her father, Perry Madden, was a native of Virginia and after arriving at years of maturity came to Champaign county, settling. in Union township. There he remained for several years after which he removed to another farm, making some improvements thereon. Mr. and Mrs. Ream began their domestic life upon what is known as the old farm homestead, then comprising seventy-five acres, but the united efforts of this worthy couple resulted in the accumulation of a comfortable competence and they extended the boundaries of their farm until it comprised four hundred and forty-four acres of richly improved land. Mr. Ream was a well known stock dealer, making a specialty of the raising of horses and cattle, of which he always had some very fine grades upon his place. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 525 Unto Mr. and Mrs. Ream were born two sons, Perry, whose birth occurred on the old homestead and is now deceased ; and George, who owns an interest in the farm and looks after the cultivation and improvement of the land. The father served as justice of the peace for many years and was ever loyal to his official duties, his opinions being characterized by strict impartiality. He was a stanch Democrat and was well known throughout the county as a man of sterling worth who enjoyed and merited the friendship of all with whom he became associated. His son, George Ream, is well known as an enterprising citizen and is successfully carrying on the work instituted by his father. He was born on the old homestead December 16, 1873, and received his education at the Ludlow District School No. 8. He assisted his father on the farm until the latter's death, since which time he has devoted his attention exclusively to the management of the estate. May 31, 1897, he was married to Miss Ann L., daughter of David and Emma (Faulkner) Taylor, both of whom are still living, the father being a farmer of Salem township. Mr. and Mrs. Ream have had four children, all boys : Warren, born November 9, 1895; Pearl; Earl, who died shortly after his birth on June 7, 1896; Otho, born June 2, 1899. Grandfather Thomas Taylor was a native of Virginia who came to this county in pioneer days and (lied about twenty-one years ago. Grandmother Lucy (Chamberlain) Taylor died in July, 1845, and if she had lived until the day of her burial, her age would have been ninety-nine years. JOHN R. BLACK. The residents of Salem township who have long remained within its borders and have been prominent in promoting the public welfare know that John R. Black deserves to be accounted among the number. He was born February 20, 1848, in this township and has a large circle 526 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY, of friends and acquaintances throughout Champaign county, who esteem him for his genuine worth. The ancestry of the family can be traced back to Ireland, where lived Alexander Black, the great-great-grandfather of our subject. Attracted by the opportunities of the new world he left the green isle of Erin and braving the dangers of an ocean voyage at that time made his way to the new world, taking up his residence in Virginia. William Black, the great-grandfather of our subject, was a captain during the war of the Revolution and valiantly aided in the struggle of the colonies which resulted in the establishment of this republic. Alexander Black, the grandfather of our subject, was born in Augusta county, Virginia, on the 14th of October, 1765. He, too, was loyal to the cause of .liberty and when only fifteen years of age joined the colonial forces, but was not in active service during that period. At the age of twenty years he crossed the mountains into Kentucky and lived in a fort called Stroud's Station, three miles from Winchester, for a period of three years. While there he became well acquainted with Daniel Boone, the great Kentucky hunter and Indian fighter. In those days one heard nothing but the howl of the wolf and the whoop of Indians in "the dark and bloody land," as Kentucky was then called. in 1792 he was married to Jane Crocket in Rockbridge county, Virginia, and returned to Kentucky to make that his future home. He was with General Scott's Kentucky Volunteers, which marched to the front, and was with General Wayne when he gained his famous victory over the Indians on the Maumee in August, 1794, being wounded in the face in that battle. In 1809 he moved with his family to Champaign county, Ohio. During the war of 1812 he was a captain and with hi:; company guarded the frontier settlers against the attacks of Indians. Tecumseh with his tribe of Shawnees and Bateast with his tribe of Wyandottes having rebelled against the government and gone with the English. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 527 gave the settlers much trouble and they had to he on constant guard against them all the time of the war. Captain Black was always a warm personal friend of General Simon Kenton, of pioneer fame in Ohio, they having lived neighbors for years. Like all of the old Indian fighters, he had no love for an Indian, as he had spent all of his younger days on the frontier fighting them. Captain Black died in 1854, his wife passing away five years later. James Black, the father of our subject, was born in Clark county, Kentucky, February 8, 1798, and he was a youth of eleven years when he accompanied his parents to Champaign county, Ohio, in the year 1809. 1s a boy he enjoyed the experience and pleasure of pioneer life and at the same time bore his part in developing and improving the home farm. From the time of his arrival in this country he resided continuously in Champaign county, and being very successful in farm work, his labors brought to him an excellent return in golden harvests. Being a man of powerful build he was well calculated to stand the hardships of an early pioneer life. After the close of the war of 1812 he was engaged in driving cattle and hogs for two hundred miles through an unbroken wilderness to Detroit. They had to ford all the streams and rivers on the way, build fires at night to keep the panthers and wolves at bay, lie on the ground in rain or snow and all kinds of weather during the trip and had to go on foot all the way there and back. In early life James Black was a Henry Clay Whig, and had a personal acquaintance with that celebrated leader and statesman. Later he joined the ranks of the Republican party, to which he had ever given his stanch support. He was a second cousin of Davy Crockett, the humorist and member of congress from Tennessee, through his mother, Jane Crockett Black. After arriving at years of maturity he married Caroline Culbertson, a native of Erie county, Pennsylvania, born January 26, 1810. Her father, James Culbertson, was a native of Lancaster 528 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. county, Pennsylvania, and died in 1835. He served as a private in, the war of 1812, and in 1813 came to Champaign county. His father, Samuel Culbertson, was of English lineage and at the time of the Revolutionary war joined the colonial troops, fighting to throw off the yoke of British oppression. His death occurred in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania. Mrs. Black, the mother of our subject, died in Champaign county, Ohio, in the seventy-third year of her age. She was married in 1832 and became the mother of three sons and five daughters, all of whom reached years of maturity, while seven of the number married. Three-of the family are now deceased. The death of James Black occurred July 3, 1882. John R. Black, whose name forms the caption of this review, vas the sixth child and second son. He was reared in Salem township and no event of special importance occurred to vary the routine of farm life for him in his early youth. He worked in the fields and attended the district schools, while later he became a student in the high school at West Liberty. On putting aside his text-books he gave his time and energies to farming and stock-raising, making a specialty of the latter, and with that branch of business he was connected until 19o1, when lie put aside business cares and is now living in honorable retirement from labor. December 9, 1886, occurred the marriage of Mr. Black and Miss Belle Robbins, a native of Hunterdon county, New Jersey, born September 21, 1856. She is a daughter of John and Rebecca (Huff) Robbins, the former of whom died in West Liberty in 1887, but her mother is still living. In the family are three children, one daughter and two sons: Maud, Wayne C. and Yale D., aged respectively twelve, ten and eight years. In connection with his brother, James W. Black, Mr. Black, of this review, owns about six hundred acres of good land, and our subject CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 529 also has town property in West Liberty. He is likewise a stockholder in the Farmers Bank of that place, and his brother is one of its directors. In politics he is an earnest advocate of the Republican party, taking an active interest in its growth, and many times he has served as trustee of his township, having ever been efficient and faithful in the discharge of his official duties. For fifteen years he has been one of the board of managers for the Champaign County Agricultural Society and is vice-president at the present time. He has given much time and attention to the advancement of agriculture and the live stock industry for the Champaign county fair. Socially he is connected with the Masonic fraternity, in which he has attained the Templar degree, and he also belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of West Liberty, being one of its most progressive and active representatives. His life has ever been an exemplification of the beneficent spirit of those organizations. It has been in conformity with manly principles and has been guided by all that is true and bright. He has always resided in Champaign county, and those who have known him from boyhood are numbered among his stanchest friends. ISAAC N. DILTZ. Among the citizens of Cable to whom is vouchsafed an honored retirement from labor, as the reward of a long, active and useful business career, is Isaac Newton Diltz, who through an extended period was prominently connected with the agricultural interests of Champaign county. He was born in Union township, this county, August 27, 1833 and is descended from Joseph Diltz, his grandfather, who came from Pennsylvania to Ohio in a very early day. Wesley Diltz, the father of our subject, was a native son of the Buckeye state, his birth occurring in 1801, and he became one of the early pioneers of Champaign county, 530 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. and here his death occurred in 1882. He was a very active church worker, holding membership with the Methodist Episcopal denomination, and was identified with Republican principles. For his wife he chose Cynthia Kennard, a native of Shelby county, Ohio, her father; John Kennard, having removed from Kentucky to that county in a very early day. She passed away in death at the age of eighty years. They became the parents of nine children, six daughters and three sons, and all but two reached years of maturity and four are still living, but our subject and his brother, John H., the latter of -Urbana, are the only representatives of the family in Champaign county. Isaac N. Diltz, whose name introduces this review, was early inured to the labors of the farm, and throughout his active business career was extensively engaged in agricultural pursuits. His energy and enterprise, capable management and honorable dealing brought to him a comfortable competence, and therefore in 1899 he was able to put aside all business cares and rest in the enjoyments of the fruits of his former toil. He now rents his valuable little farm of eighty-four acres and resides in Cable. In 1879 Mr. Diltz was united in marriage to Alice Woodward, and after her death Laura E. Diltz became his wife. She is a native daughter of Champaign county. The Republican party receives Mr. Diltz's hearty support and co-operation. He has ever labored earnestly for the progress and advancement of his locality, and in all the walks of life he is found true to duty and to the trusts reposed in him. WILLIAM MOORE. The coming of William Moore, the gunsmith, to Champaign county in 1799 was brightened by no greeting from isolated neighbors, nor was there any indication that a pale-face would be a desirable acqui- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 531 sition to lands hitherto the undisputed possession of the Indian. Localities were marked by notches- upon the primeval trees rather than by the calculations of a government surveyor, and wigwams furnished a style of architecture from which no departure had as yet been dreamed of. Yet this courageous forerunner of civilization, sturdy in heart and character as the oaks under which he slept at night, created in the wilderness a home and competence for those dependent upon his care, and while clearing and cultivating his land reared to maturity a large family .of children. The father of William Moore emigrated from Ireland long before the Revolutionary war and settled near Uniontown, Pennsylvania, where William was born. The latter married in his native state with Mary Temperance, and thereafter removed to Washington county, Kentucky, where he met one Simon Kenton, enthusiastically in favor of removal to Ohio. It is not surprising that the searchers after better things listened with dawning faith to the tales of larger opportunities by which they were to be surrounded, predictions amply verified by the trend of subsequent events. Conveyed to their destination by ox-teams and wagons, the travelers settled near the present site of Urbana, from which location Mr. Moore in after life removed to Logan county, this state, where his death eventually occurred. Innumerable evidences of his presence in the early days is the heritage of those who now profit by his pioneer struggles. Numerous streams were named by him, notably Mad river and Buck creek, and upon the latter sprang into existence the town of Moorfield, the name a tribute to the honor in which he was held. The children born into the family inherited to a large degree the thrift and industry of their sire, as well as a share of the patience and endurance of one of those pioneer mothers upon whom the trials and deprivations of the times fell with such resistless force. Colonel Thomas Moore, one of the most influential of the sons 532 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. of William Moore, was born in Washington county, Kentucky, and accompanied his parents on the memorable journey to Champaign county in 1799. The rank of colonel was won during his association with the county militia, a service covering several years. A tanner by preferred occupation, he was also extensively engaged in general farming, and his all-around enterprise and ability brought him in contact with many efforts toward the general upbuilding of the locality. He lived to be sixty-nine years of age, while his wife, who was formerly Reliance Bates, died at the age of forty-seven years. Mrs. Moore was a native of Ohio, and when a child came to Madison county, where she was reared, and educated in the public schools. To Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Moore were born the following children: William Henry; Washington; Jesse S., who is a merchant in Mechanicsburg; Mary Temperance; John ; Thomas ; and Emaline. Of these, Henry, Mary Temperance, John, Thomas and Emaline are deceased. Mr. Moore was a member of the Methodist church, with which denomination most of the other members of his family were connected. The third generation of the Moore family in Champaign county is represented by the children of Colonel Moore, one of the best known of whom is William B. Moore, named for his grand-sire. He was born in Logan county, Ohio, January 23, 1825, and when a year old was brought to this county, which has since been his home. For many years he engaged in the management of a tannery with marked success, but of late years has been interested in farming. His marriage with Hettie Dye has resulted in the birth of five children, viz : Harry, H. Clay, Thomas, Mabel and Minnie. Mr. Moore is a Republican in national politics, and he enjoys an enviable reputation in the community of which he is a progressive and honored citizen. The precedent established by Colonel Moore has been maintained by yet another son, Jesse S. Moore, a native of Champaign county, and CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 533 born in 1832. Mr. Moore was reared on the paternal homestead, educated in the early subscription schools, and has been a resident of Mechanicsburg since 1856. During that year he entered upon an active business career as a clerk in a dry-goods store. After learning all about the dry goods trade from the bottom up he started an independent enterprise along the same line in 1874, and has since been successful in catering to a large and appreciative patronage. In his young manhood Mr. Moore married Mary M. Rutan, and of this union there are two children, Percy T. and Frank D. In the city which has witnessed his greatest success in life Mr. Moore is esteemed for his sterling worth and unquestioned devotion to the public well-being. Three of the sons of Colonel Thomas Moore were soldiers of the Civil war. Washington, whose occupation was that of a groceryman, rose to the rank of first lieutenant of his company. He first married Jennie Dye and several years after her death was married to Annie Climer, by which union there were two sons, Roy and Hugh. Henry and Thomas Moore also served as soldiers during the great civil conflict and the former reached the rank of captain of his company. WASHINGTON LOUDENBACK. On a well improved farm in section 11, Mad River township, Champaign county, the subject of this review has maintained his home during the entire course of a long and active life, being a son of one of the first settlers in this section of the state and standing as one of the honored and representative citizens of the county. Mr. Loudenback was born on his present homestead on the 11th of November, 1826, being the son of Reuben and Mary (Wiante) Loudenback, both of whom were born in the Old Dominion state of Vir- 534 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. ginia, the father having been of German descent, as the name implies. He came to Champaign county when a young man and took up a tract of wild land in Mad River township, establishing his home in the midst of the towering forest and setting to himself the arduous task of reclaiming the land for cultivation. Here he passed the remainder. of his life, respected by all who knew him and doing his part in forwarding the development of this now opulent and attractive section of the Buckeye state. His wife came to Champaign county when a young woman, and here occurred her marriage to Mr. Loudenback, whom she survived by many years, attaining the age of three score years and ten, while her husband passed away at the age of forty-three years. They became the parents of four sons and five daughters, all of whom attained years of maturity and were married, with the exception of one daughter, the subject of this review having been the fifth in order of birth and one of the number who survive at the. present time. He was reared in his native township, growing up under the sturdy discipline implied in clearing away the forest and cultivating the fields thus produced, while he bore also his share of the hardships and privations necessarily involved, the family home in the days of his youth being one of the pioneer log cabins of the primitive type common to the locality and period, while such educational privileges as were his were afforded in the little log school house, with its puncheon floor, slab benches and wide, yawning fireplace. True friendship, honesty and integrity and no small amount of good cheer were typical in the early days, and the discipline was such as to engender strong mental and physical vigor, integrity, kindliness and a high regard for the dignity of honest toil and endeavor, so that, as the shadows of life begin to lengthen, and while surrounded by the conveniences and comforts typical of the twentieth century, Mr. Loudenback finds pleasure in reverting to the scenes and incidents of the early days. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 535 Our subject remained on the homestead farm after attaining his majority, and in this township, on the 25th of September, 1851, was solemnized his marriage to Miss Sarah Taylor, who was born in Mad River township, being the daughter of Benjamin Taylor, one of its. honored pioneers and the eldest in a family of three children, of whom two are living at the present time. Mr. and Mrs. Loudenback are the parents of six children, namely : Mary J., Sarah C., Asa. T., Mildred,. Jennie and Simeon, none of whom are married except Jennie and Simeon. Simeon is engaged in the real estate business in Chicago. Mr. Loudenback has made the best of improvements on his farm, which comprises one hundred and eighty-three acres, and no man is more highly esteemed than he in the township where he has thus passed his entire life, attaining success through strenuous and well directed effort and contributing by influence and ,tangible aid to those legitimate undertakings through which the general good is conserved. In politics he has ever given a stanch allegiance to the Democratic party, but has never been an aspirant for political office. MARION GUTHRIDGE. For a number of years an active factor in the industrial interests. in Mingo, Marion Guthridge, through his diligence, perseverance and business ability, has acquired a handsome competence and has also contributed to the general prosperity through the conduct of an enterprise which has furnished employment to many. A native son of Wayne township, Champaign county, Ohio, his birth here occurred on the l0th of September, 1848. His mother, Polly Ainsworth Guthridge, is a native of Champaign county, Ohio, where she is still living at the age of seventy-four years, and a daughter of William and Fanny (Kimble), 536 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY Guthridge, William being born in Virginia, while his mother was born in Vermont. Marion Guthridge has spent his entire life in the county of his nativity, and in its district schools received his early educational training, while later he became a student in the high school of Cable. When the Civil was was inaugurated he was but a lad of fifteen years, but nobly offered his services in defense of the starry banner, becoming a member of Company F, One Hundred and Thirty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, enlisting on the 2d of May, 1864. He served through his term of enlistment as a private and at its close he received an honorable discharge at Columbus, Ohio, on the 1st of September, 1864. Returning thence to his mother's home at Cable, he remained with her for a time and in the spring of 1865 removed to Mingo, where for the following three years he found employment in a sawmill. On the expiration of that period: in 1868, he purchased the property and has since conducted the mill, which is now the largest of its kind in the county, and in addition to this valuable property he is also the owner of a farm in Wayne township, which he rents. In the year 1873 Mr. Guthridge was united in marriage to Agnes Hunter, a daughter of Thomas Hunter, and to this union were born three children,—Edgar, who married Edith Callahan and is the efficient station agent at Rittman, Wayne county, Ohio; Thomas, who died in infancy; and Walter, of Basler, Wyoming, where he is working as an operator on the Union Pacific Railroad. The mother was called to the home beyond on the ,6th of March, 1883, and on the 27th of May, 1885; Mr. Guthridge was united in marriage to Ella Z. Robinson, a daughter of the Rev. J. M. Robinson, a member of the Cincinnati conference for twenty-eight years, and now deceased. Mrs. Guthridge is the second child and the second daughter in order of birth in her parents' family, and she was born at Mount Repose, Clermont county, Ohio. Mr. Guth- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 537 ridge is a stanch suporter of Republican principles, and for eleven years has served his township as its treasurer. He is a member of John Briney Post, G. A. R., of North Lewisburg, and is also identified with the Masonic fraternity, holding membership in the blue lodge and chapter in North Lewisburg, and in the commandery at Urbana. He is also a member of the Junior Order of United American Mechanics. Both he and his wife are worthy and active members of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he has served as a recording secretary for ten years and for a long period has been the superintendent of the Sunday-school. GRANT V. FROMME. Connected with a profession which has important bearing upon the stable prosperity and progress of the community and stands as a conservator of human rights and liberties, Grant V. Fromme has already obtained a creditable position at the bar of Champaign county, although he is yet a young man. He was born in the town of Saint Paris, June 3, 1866, and is a son of John Frederick Fromme, a native of Germany, who on leaving the fatherland when about twenty-six years of age crossed the Atlantic to the new world and located first in Dayton, Ohio. Soon afterward, however, he came to Champaign county, and took up his abode in Saint Paris, where for many years he was engaged in the furniture and undertaking business, but is now living retired in the enjoyment of a rest which he has richly earned and deserves, his home being still in Saint Paris. He was married there many years ago to Franceska Carlo, a daughter of Dr. Moretz Carlo, and a native of Champaign county. She died in 1896, at the age of fifty-nine years. By their marriage there were born six children, five sons and one daughter. 538 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. Grant V. Fromme was reared in Saint Paris and there attended the public schools, graduating in the high school in the year 1883. He afterward spent one year in the Ohio Normal University at Ada but in the meantime had engaged in teaching for three years. From Ada he went to Cincinnati, where he became a student in the law school and was graduated in 1889, being admitted to the bar in the same year. In the fall of 1889 he located at Van Wert, Ohio, and became a law partner of Horace G. Richie, practicing law there for three years. He then returned to Champaign county, and has since been a member of the Urbana bar, being connected with much, of the important litigation tried in the courts of this district. In 1898 Mr. Fromme married Miss Nora McMorran, of Champaign, and they have one child, Eloise. In politics our subject is a Republican and is prominent in the councils of his. party in this locality. He is a pleasant, genial gentleman and in manner is unassuming, is thoroughly honest and his business methods will bear the closest inspection. He is admired by his fellow men, and for these and other excellent traits of character well deserves mention among the representative citizens of Champaign county. JOSEPH W. DAVIS. As general history is but composite biography. it naturally follows. that the deepest human interest in study and investagation must lie along these lines where thought has engendered achievement, not less for the general than the individual good. In any locality where progress has left its consecutive tracings there must ever be a dominant interest in reverting to the lives which have been an integral part of such advancement,—whether on the lofty plane of "massive deeds and great," CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 541 or on the more obscure levels where honest purpose and consecutive endeavor play their part not less nobly and effectively. The Buckeye state is peculiarly rich in historic lore, and it can not but be a matter of gratification to find in these latter days of electrical progress that to the favored commonwealth remains a numerous progeny of those who stood as founders and builders of the state's prosperity. In the case at hand we are permitted to touch briefly upon the life history of one who is a native son of the city of Mechanicsburg, Champaign county, where he has ably upheld the high reputation maintained by his honored father, both as a citizen and a business man, while it was his to render yeoman service as one of Ohio's loyal sons who went forth in defense of the Union when its integrity was menaced by armed rebellion. "Peace hath its victories no less renowned than war," said Sumner, and this fact has been proven often and again, as the march of progress has continued with ever accelerating speed. But the crucial period and the one which evokes the most exalted patriotism is that when a nation's honor is in jeopardy, its integrity threatened and the great ethic principles of right involved. Then is sterling manhood roused to definite protest and decisive action, and above all the tumult and horror of internecine conflict never can greater honor be paid than to him who aids in holding high the standard which represents the deeper principles, hurling oppression hack and keeping the boon of liberty. The military career of the subject of this review is one which will ever redound to his honor as a loyal and devoted son of the republic, and as one whose courage was that of his convictions, and yet one who was content to fight for principle and for his country's righteous cause rather than for mere glory in arms or relative precedence. That he is eminently entitled to consideration in a publication of this nature is self-evident, and as one who has played well his part in connection with the public, civic, industrial and military affairs of Champaign county we are gratified to here offer a resume of his career, thus perpetuating a most worthy record. 28 542 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. Joseph Ware Davis, who is successfully engaged in the furniture and undertaking business in Mechanicsburg, is a native of this town, where he was horn on the 3oth of October, 1842, being a son of John M. and Affalandert (Pearce) Davis, the former of whom was one of the honored and prominent business men of Mechanicsburg in the early clays, having been engaged in the same line of enterprise as is our subject and having continued operations in this direction for a period of nearly twenty years, ever cotnmanding the confidence and esteem of the comfnunity and being known as a man of unbending integrity of purpose. He was significantly the artificer of his own fortunes, since he was thrown upon his own resources when a mere boy, but this unfortunate contingency, involved in the death of his parents, was not sufficiently potent to greatly handicap the career of the ambitious and self-reliant youth, who bent circumstance to his will and advanced to a position of independence through his own efforts. John M. Davis was born in the city of Carlisle, Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, and he was left an orphan at the age of three years, a circumstance which naturally clouded his youth to a considerable degree, in that it threw him upon immature and unsatisfactory resources. However, he availed himself of such advantages as presented, and in preparing for the active responsibilities of life he learned the carpenter's trade, in the city of Philadelphia, becoming a skilled artisan in the line and thus being adequately equipped for the battle of life. As a young man he came to Ohio and located in the city of Urbana, Champaign county, where he made his home for some time and where he nearly lost his life in the memorable cyclone of 1832, his few worldly possessions being also practically destroyed at the time. He took up his residence in Me. chanicsburg in 1835, and here success came to him as the result of his energetic and honorable efforts, for, as a furniture dealer and undertaker, he secured a large supporting patronage and attained a fair com- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 543 petence. He was a director of the underground railroad and was one of the first six to vote the abolition ticket in Mechanicsburg. He was conscientious in feeding and assisting the slave in his road to liberty, believing it was not in accordance with God's will. His death, in 1884, at the age of seventy-eight years, terminated a career of signal usefulness and honor. He held membership in the Methodist Protestant church, while his devoted wife, a woman of gentle and noble attributes of character, was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. She survived him by more than a decade, entering into eternal rest in 1896, at the venerable age of eighty-seven years, secure in the love and filial solicitude of her children, whom she had reared to years of usefulness and honor. Joseph Ware Davis, the subject of this sketch, secured his early educational discipline in the public schools of Mechanicsburg and here he learned the cabinetmaker's trade in his youth, having just completed his trade at the time when the dark cloud of civil war cast its gruesome pall over the national horizon. He was among the first to tender his services in defense of the Union, for three years' service, since on the 9th of August, 1861, he enlisted as a private in Company B, Thirty-second Ohio Volunteer Infantry, for a term of three years, and in 1863 he veteranized, re-enlisting in the same company and being promoted to the office of commissary sergeant of his regiment, while at the time of receiving his honorable discharge, on the 18th of July, 1865, he held the office of lieutenant, being mustered out with this rank. During the first year of his service he was with his command in Virginia, and at Harper's Ferry he was taken prisoner by the Confederate forces, but was eventually exchanged, after which he accompanied his regiment to the southwest, being assigned to Logan's division and McPherson's corps, with which he participated in the movements and engagements of the Army of the Tennessee, taking an active part 544 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY in the siege of Vicksburg. He was an eye witness to the meeting of Generals Grant and Pemberton between the Confederate and Union lines, which resulted in the surrender of the army that had so ably defended the city for forty days, and on the following day, July 4, 1863, lie marched with Logan's division into the city. Later he was with Sherman in the Atlanta campaign and the memorable march to the sea, making the long and weary march through the Carolinas. His active service terminated with the surrender of General Joseph Johnston, at Raleigh, North Carolina, and after the great victory crowned the Union arms he proceeded with his command to the city of Washington, where he took part in the grand review of the victorious armies. From the federal capital the regiment proceeded to Louisville, Kentucky, where Mr. Davis received his honorable discharge, his record having been that of a valiant and faithful soldier. He retains the most lively concern in all that touches the welfare of his old comrades in arms, whose ranks are being so rapidly decimated by the one invincible foe of mankind, and he is ever ready to recall the kindlier associations of that crucial epoch with which he was so closely identified as a soldier of the Republic. He is prominently identified with the Grand Army of the Republic, being a member of Stephen Baxter Post, No. 8, in his home city, and his popularity in the same has been shown in his having seryed as commander of the post for three terms. After the close of the war Mr. Davis returned to his native city,. and here he turned his attention to contracting and building, in which line he gained prestige and success. His interest in public affairs has long been of vital order and he has figured as one of the uncompromising supporters of the principles and policies of the Republican party,. in whose councils and cause he has played an active part. He served for nine years as a member of the city council of Mechanicsburg, was for three years incumbent of the office of treasurer of Goshen township,. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 545 and for eight years he rendered efficient service as a member of the -local board of education. A further mark of the confidence and esteem reposed in him by the people of his native county was that shown in 1888, when he was elected to the office of treasurer of Champaign county, giving an able and discriminating administration of the fiscal affairs and being chosen his own successor at the expiration of his first term of two years, so that he was consecutively in tenure of the office for a period of four years, during which he resided in the city of Urbana, the official center of the county. Upon retiring from Office resumption of his former vocation seemed inexpedient, and Mr. Davis therefore turned his attention to the line of enterprise in which his father had been so prominently engaged, and he has built up an excellent business, having a large and comprehensive stock of furniture and having the best modern equipment as a funeral director. His correct business methods and his personal popularity have conserved the success of his enterprise and he is numbered among the progressive and representative business men of his native city. He and his wife are both zealous members of the Methodist Episcopal church, in wnose work they take an active part, and fraternally our subject is identified with Mechanicsburg Lodge, No. 113, F. & A. M., of which he was worshipful master for a period of three years. He has ever shown a marked appreciation of the duties of citizenship, and his public spirit instigates an inteliigent and helpful co-operation in all measures for the general good of the community in which he has passed practically his entire life. On the 17th of September, 1868,, Mr. Davis was united in marriage to Miss Mollie Jones, who was likewise born in Mechanicsburg, being a daughter of Robert and Nancy Jones, one of the pioneers of this county. Mr. and Mrs. Davis became the parents of three children, of whom two are living, namely: Hallie G., who is the wife of Harry Ridge, of Cincinnati; and David Thomas, who is associated with his 546 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY, father in business. The great loss and bereavement which came to Mr. and Mrs. Davis in the death of their elder son, John Robert, constitutes the only great shadow which has fallen upon their long and ideal married life. A young man of noble character and one who had made for himself a place of value in connection with the active duties of life, while he held the most unequivocal esteem of a wide circle of friends, he was cut down in his gracious youth, leaving that void in the hearts of his lived ones that can not be filled, though there must ever be a measure of consolation and compensation in knowing how truly and worthily he had lived his life. John Robert Davis was born in Mechanicsburg on the 17th of April, 1873, and he was summoned into eternal rest on the 5th of April, 1902, at Phoenix, Arizona, whither he had gone in the hope of recuperating his health. His life was spent almost in its entirety in his native place, though his education was finished in Urbana while his father was there living as incumbent of the office of county treasurer. There he entered the Swedenborgian College, but later became a student in the Urbana high school, where he was graduated as a member of the class of 1888. From his early years he had manifested a desire to identify himself with the banking business, and as preparatory to duties in this line he was matriculated in the Eastman Business College, in the city of Poughkeepsie, New York, where he was graduated in 1892. Soon afterward a vacancy occurred in the office corps of the Farmers' Bank, in his home city, and he was chosen to fill the office, which he practically held until his death. The cashier of the bank gave the following tribute to the young man at the time of his death: "Rob came to work at the bank in March, 1894, and up to the time he began to fail in health, in the summer of 1901, he was absent from the bank very few working days. Rob was an ideal bank man. Not once did he presume upon his position; not once, even in the smallest way, did he CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 547 betray a confidence either of his employers or the bank's customers. All three of the presidents under whom he served appreciated his sterling worth and loved him as a son. He enjoyed his work and never shirked or complained, no matter how great the provocation. It can truly be said that he never spoke an unkind word to any officer in the bank. He was loved by all,—so much so that the thought of electing his successor was not considered until hope of his recovery could be no longer entertained. We gladly took on his work for several months, with the hope that rest and change would see him well again. He came back from his trip to the east in excellent spirits, but it soon became apparent that he was getting through with his work only by the greatest effort. Realizing his condition finally, he manfully faced the situation and asked us to elect his successor. In contemplating the loss of Rob from the bank and from our circle of true friends the final words of the Rev. Dr. Marley at the funeral of Uncle Dick 'Williams came forcibly to our minds, 'We will never see his like again.' " We can not refrain from quoting farther from a memoir contributed to the Mechanicsburg News. by J. M. Mulford : "Robert Davis' life fully carried out Cardinal New-man's idea of a gentleman, he 'never inflicted pain,' but he was more than that, he was a Christian gentleman,—'the noblest type of manhood.' His activity in church work began in Urbana, when he united with the Presbyterian church. He remained a communicant of the faith for several years. Upon returning to this city (Mechanicsburg) he became an attendant of the Church of Our Savior, and when the Christmastide of 1900 was approaching he felt it to be his duty to be confirmed. From that time he was happy in all his relations to the church, at home making it the subject of much conversation, and spending much time with the prayer book. It was in the family circle that the warm th of Rob's love was most manifest. His father says, 'Rob never gave me an unkind word,' and though he loved clearly all the family his devotion 548 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. to his mother was ideal. His life was quiet, yet it did not limit the circle of his friends. All who knew him knew him but to love. A merchant said to me yesterday, 'Rob needs no eulogy; his life was almost Christlike, and his brother-in-law, Mr. Ridge, spoke volumes when he said, 'To be in Rob's presence for ten minutes made one a better man.' Such tributes as these are bright gems in the casket of jewels made up of the precious memories of his life. Robert Davis is gone. His life was a blessing; may his death be a benediction to us all." Of the estimate placed upon this noble young man by those who knew him best the foregoing words are significant, and the infinite life gained a new glory when death placed its seal upon his mortal lips. HARTLAND D. GOWEY. Respected by all who know him, Mr. Gowey well deserves representation in this work and with pleasure we present his life record to our readers. He resides in North Lewisburg and is a native of New York, his birth having occurred in Nelson, Madison county, on the loth of November, 1821. His paternal grandfather was of Holland lineage, the family being founded in America in 1630 by ancestors who came to New York. The Judson family, from whom our subject is descended in the maternal line, is of English lineage and was established in Connecticut on the Connecticut river above Hartford. Her father, John Gowey, was a native of Vermont, born in Arlington, December 29, 1791, and married Fannie Judson in his native place on the 7th of October. 1811. In 1821 they removed to New York, there making their home until 1837, in which year they became residents of Ohio, but in 1852 went to Iowa and located upon a farm, where they spent their CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 549 remaining days. The father's death occurred in his ninety-eighth year. He had ten children, all of whom reached adult age, were married and reared families. The mother was about eighty-six years of age at the time of her death. She was a relative of the first Indian missionary who went into the wilds of the west. This worthy couple traveied life's journey together for sixty-four years, their mutual love and confidence increasing as time passed. Their children were: Galesey, born in 1819; Hartland D., born in 1821; Arvilla, in 1823; Rolland, in 1825; Florian, in 1827; Ossian J., in 1829; Lovancia, in 1831; John F., in 1833; and Floretta H., in 1835: Of this family only two are now deceased. Florian died at Millikens Bend while serving in the Civil war and Rolland died in 1896. Mr. Gowey, of this review, was the second child and eldest son of his father's family. His early education was obtained in a cabin in the pine woods of Allegany county, New York, and the methods of instruction were somewhat primitive. In 1837 he accompanied his parents to Ohio, the family locating in Licking county. When he was but sixteen years of age he began teaching school in that county and followed the profession continuously for twenty years. In 1844 he came to Champaign county and was identified with educational work in this portion of the state until two decades had passed. In 1853 he was appointed postmaster of North Lewisburg and held the office continuously until 1886, covering a period of thirty-three years. For ten years he was mayor of the town, being elected to that office first in 1853 and again in 1893. He was justice of the peace for six years and was recorder and clerk of the town for thirty years. He has also been school examiner, and for thirty-three years was notary public. He filled many other local offices, discharging his duties with a promptness and fidelity above question. Mr. Gowey was married in 1846 to Miss Eliza A. Willey, and