ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY - 877 pany. He was also there engaged in the manufacture of machinery for making flax, sisal and manila rope. His efficiency in this line of work led him to be chosen in 1864 by the firm of Todd & Rafferty to erect and superintend their works at Delaware, Ohio, where they were establishing a new enterprise under the name of the Delaware Manufacturing Company. During the remaining years of the Civil war they manufactured twine and seamless bags and afterward converte&the flax mill into a bagging mill for the manufacture of bagging for covering cotton. Mr. Kelly built in Delaware, Ohio, the first five machines for laying and finishing hemp twine and in the fall of 1876 he brought these machines to Xenia, placing them. in the factory of the Hooven & Allison Company. This company with whose history Mr. Kelly was thereafter connected up to the time of his death, was organized in 1869 for the purpose of making what is known as handmade twine. He had worked with the American hemp fibre and had experimented quite largely with this, in the hope of producing twine by machinery—and his experiments were prosecuted so successfully that in the spring of 1876 he laid his plans before the firm of Hooven & Allison, explaining to them his methods until they became convinced that a better and cheaper twine could be made by machinery than by the hand process which they had been using. Business arrangements between them,. were perfected and the firm, with Mr. Kelly's cooperation, at once set to work to secure appropriate machinery for the purpose of manufacturing machine-made twine. The first twine made in this way was put upon the spools on the evening before Christmas, 1876. From that time to the present, the business has constantly grown until it has assumed extensive proportions. The plant is large and equipped with the most modern and complete machinery for doing the work. Mr. Hooven died in 1881 after which Mr. Kelly entered into partnership with M. C. Allison, the firm name of Hooven & Allison being retained until the death of the latter on the 3d of May, 1888. Two months; thereafter, a stock company was organized,. the incorporators being Jacob Harbine, J. D. Steele, W. B. Harrison, R. A. Kelly and Mrs. Fannie Allison. The capital stock was one hundred and fifty thousand dollars and the officers were : J. H. Harbine, president; W. B. Harrison, vice president; J. D. Steele, secretary; and R. A. Kelly, superintendent.. Throughout the life of Mr. Kelly, these officers retained their positions, controlling a: business which furnished employment toi from two hundred and twenty-five to two hundred and fifty operators. The company manufacture hemp, jute, manila and sisal: goods, as well as cotton goods, and ship, their product to all parts of the United States. The splendid success of thiS great: enterprise is due in a very large measure to Mr. Kelly, whose thorough understanding: :of the business in every department enabled. him to so conduct the operationS of the factory that it brought a splendid financial return. . On August 14, 1862, Mr. Kelly was; united in marriage to Miss Catharine L.. Fisher of Paterson, New Jersey, who died in January, 1878, leaving three sons, James A., George. R. and William B. His. youngest child, Fred C., is the son of his second wife, Miss Alice Charters, of Xenia, Ohio, who died September To, 1897. Mr. Kelly died on the 14th of August, 1892, .and was widely mourned: He. was 878 - ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. so just and fair in his treatment of his employe's that he had their respect and confidencein an unusual degree. In business circles he was a man of unswerving honor and sterling worth; but was called away at a time when he had consummated new business arrangements and planned and adorned amost happy home. The following beautiful tribute written by Professor George S. Ormsby at the time of Mr. Kelly's death sets forth his character in a very clear light. Mr. Ormsby says :— "Know ye not that there is a prince and a great man fallen this day in Israel?" "These words, spoken by King David, in reference to Abner, who had been treacherously murdered by Joab, apply in all their meaning and force to our friend R. A. Kelly, who has so suddenly left us, and whose body this day has been laid to quiet rest. Many a leader from the king's army might have been slain, and many -a great man have fallen, and yet not drawn forth the regretful and sad exclamations of the king. So many a prominent man might have suddenly passed away without leaving so wide a gap in the community as is made by the death of Mr. Kelly. "More than a successful business man, he was a skilled mechanic; his hand could execute what his mind conceived. He could invent the machine, construct it, put it in operation—manufacture the fabric for which it was intended and find for it a market. Conscious of his own power, and having an abiding faith in hiS ability to perform what he undertook, he engaged in and carried to successful termination enterprises in which other men would have failed. "Had he entered the political field he would have risen to distinction there. Had he 'chosen the profession of arms he would have had a following like Sheridan and would have been numbered among the great leaders whom the country holds in high honor. Had he been a Stanley or a Livingstone he would have been in no degree behind them in enterprises of perilous adventures. "Mr. Kelly was for many years one of my most intimate and trusted friends. I have been at his home at almost all hours, sat at his table and conversed in his parlor. His friendship was wholly true and sincere, and he who enjoyed it could not have a truer friend. To me his death is a personal losS. It is the sundering of a more friendly tie than bound me to any other man, and I am sure that all who sustain a similar relation to him will feel as I do;, each has sustained a personal loss. "But looking into that inner circle, the holiest of all, the family, what shall I say ? A kind husband and indulgent father ? This language is common .and taine. Here he was intensive as in his business relations. He could not be negative anywhere, but was positive everywhere—not a; tyrant, but a crowned prince,—the loving companion and faithful husband of a noble woman Who most gladly would have laid down her, own life if the sacrifice would have purchased his. To his sons he was at once father,. 'brother, counsellor, companion and friend, combining all that was good in each of their relations. His command . was law, but it was the law of a counsellor and friend and lovingly it was obeyed, and this in a; large measure 'accounts for the noble manhood of the boys of ,whom the father was justly: proud. "Of him it may be fitly said: "Life's work well done; Life's race well run; Life's crown well won." ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY - 879 HON. JOHN LITTLE. A deep feeling of sadness spread throughout Xenia when it was announced that John Little had passed from this life, but while those who knew him remain on this earth his memory will be cherished, not so much for the splendid success which he achieved in has profession, not because he contributed so largely to the improvement of the city, not because of his statesmanship, although he was a colleague of many of the most eminent men of the nation and his efforts contributed to the country's welfare, but because of his life of helpfulness, of good cheer, of broad sympathy and his deep interest in and labors for the benefit of his fellowmen. He won and well merited high honors, but in Xenia, where he was well known, his nature was so kindly and genial, that he gained not merely regard, but that deeper feeling which, call it friendship or love, binds man in close relation to his fellOwtmen in ties which naught can sever. Thus it was that Xenia has seldom so widely and sincerely mourned one of her residents!, but for more than a half-century he was closely associated with. the history of Greene county and many of his friends in thought have breathed the sentiment : "He was a man. Take him all in all I shall not look upon his like again." John Little was born in Ross township, Greene county, on the 25th of April, 1837, and his early youth was that of the average farmer boy who attends the country schools through the winter months and in the summer works in the fields, but he desired more than an ordinary district school education, and in 1856 became a student in Antioch College, then under the presidency of. Horace Mann. He was graduated from that institution in 1862 and for many years was a member of its board of trustees, holding that position at the time of his death. In the autumn following his graduation he came to Xenia and entered upon the study of law under the preceptorship of Judge Winans. The elemental strength of his character was early shown forth, for though he had not the means to pursue in consecutive manner his education, he would not accept aid and by teaching replenished his exhausted exchequer. In 1865 he was admitted to practice in the courts of Ohio, and opened an office in the city of Xenia, and it was on the igth of October; of the same year, that he Married Miss Barbara Jane Sheets, who with their two children, George and Mary, survived him until May 31, 1902, When she, too, passed away. The son is now an active member of the Xenia bar. Perhaps no better history of his business and public career can be given than that given by Judge Shearer, long his intimate friend and associate, who, in a memorial meeting held for Mr. Little by the bar association, spoke as follows : "For a short time he Was associated with James E. Hayes, afterward judge of the ,court of common. pleas. . At the time of his admission to the bar he held the office of mayor of the city. Afterward in 1866 he was elected prosecuting attorney and reelected in 1868. Before the expiration of his second term he was elected to represent his county in the Fifty-ninth general assembly and resigned the prosecutorship. At this time he associated himself in the practice with C. C. Shearer, that partnership 880 - ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. continuing for seventeen years, until January 1887, at which time Mr. Shearer retired, having been elected judge of the circuit court for the. Second judicial circuit, C. L. Spencer succeeding Shearer in the firm, the name of which then became Little & Spencer .and continued until the death of Mr. Little. In 1871 he was re-elected to the general assembly. He rendered valuable service to his constituents and to the state at large. as member of. the judiciary committee of the house and of other important committees. His ability as a lawyer and legislator attracted wide attention and he became the candidate of his party for the office of attorney general and was elected in the fall of 1873, and fora second term in 1875. His opinions were clear, concise, able and, as a rule, passed the scrutiny of the courts. "During his first term there were strikes and riots among the miners of northeastern Ohio, and Mr. Little was requested by Governor Hayes to accompany the adjutant general as his advisor to the scene of disturbance. His wise,_ temperate counsel averted the threatened bloodshed and restored order. "At the expiration of his term he returned to Xenia and gave his attention to the practice and to the promotion of business enterprises until 1884, when his constituents again called him to their aid by electing him as the representative of his district in congress. Although he served but one term, Ire, by reason of his ability, took a prominent position in the house and was chosen to conduct the investigation of the charges of bribery in connection with the election of Senator Payne. The marked ability with which he discharged this duty at once established for him a national reputation. At the close of his term he again: returned to the practice and to the management of his large business interests which he !conducted with distinguished success. "In the year 1889 his services were, again called for. From time to time treaties: for the settlement of claims of citizens Of the: United States against the Republic of Venezuela had been made between the two countries, and commissions appointed to hear and determine the same; but, through the dilatoriness of these tribunals, awards failed to-be made within the limitations prescribed by several conventions and the treaties became inoperative. The last treaty limited the time for the determination of flies claims. to one year. President Harrison asked Mr.. Little to become a! member of the commission authorized by this treaty, and he accepted. Upon the organization of the commission, which consisted of Mr. Little, Hon. .J. V. L. Findlay, of Maryland, and Senor Andrade, then minister to the United States from Venezuela,—Mr. Little was chosen president. "Mr. Little, with: his accustomed habit of mastering every subject with which he dealt, 'set to work to learn the Spanish language . and to familiarize himself with the civil and international law. He acquired sufficient knowledge of the Spanish language to enable him to read .for himself the. documentary evidence written in that tongue and he became also a master of international law. Many questions, common to all cases,: arose, amoing theme the construction of the rule of prescription being the equivalent of the law of limitation under the common law.. The preliminary opinion written by Mr. Little, settling these questions, is a monument to his mental grasp and power of analysis. The commission completed its. ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY - 881 work within the period prescribed by the treaty, which!, it is said, was never done by any prior similar commission. "Among the public services of Mr. Little was that rendered on behalf of President Hayes, before the Florida returning board. He was at that time attorney general of . Ohio. The friends of Hayes aroused him at midnight and told him he must go to Tallahssee, and prevent, if possible, an unfair decision. He said: 'This is mighty short notice; but I'll go.' The next train, which left before daylight, bore Mr. Little through his home town en route to Florida. His family's first knowledge of his whereabouts was derived from the newspapers' mention of the counsel who were in attendance upon the hearing before the returning board. So zealous was he, so absorbed in this important mission, that he forgot to inform his family of his intended journey or of his arrival at the capital of Florida. The masterful argument which won the case for Hayes, although delivered by another, was written by Little. "Another important position held by our friend was upon the Ohio .State Board of Arbitration, to which he was appointed by Governor McKinley, and which he held Continuously through succeeding administrations to the day of .his death. For the work assigned to this board Mr. Little was peculiarly fitted. His even temper, his spirit of conciliation, his sense and love of justice, enabled him to see both sides of controversies between employer and employe, and in the exercise of. manly courage to cast his vote for the right. "The last public service of Mr. Little was as: a member of the courthouse building commission. He entered upon his duties with enthusiasm and gave his time, skill and knowledge of architecture to the securing of a courthouse which, when finished, will be for comfort and convenience, second to none in the state. "It is hardly too much to say that he was the creator of the I new courthouse, for it was the plans prepared by him that constituted the basis of the plans finally accepted. "This much for the public service of our brother. But apart from these he, in a quiet, unostentatious way,—not letting his right hand know what his left did,—alleviated suffering and helped the needy. He was generous but' discriminating in his bounty. No worthy needy one was ever turned away. Many are they who, since his death have said ; 'When John Little died, I lost my best friend.' "Our' friend was a -many sided man. His intellect was Websterian ; his. mental grasp remarkable; his powers of analysis unsurpassed. He 'mastered the facts of a case with marvelous readiness; separated grain from the chaff; seized and used with great skill the salient points of a cause. His power as an advocate rendered him a formidable adversary. In argument he indulged in none of the arts of the orator. His diction was simple, his statements clear, his logic forceful. In the struggle of the political arena he was fair and honorable,— not unduly exultant in victory, nor harboring malice in defeat. He never sulked in his tent. It was common remark that, as between a friend and an enemy, he was wont to favor the latter rather than the former. "As a citizen he was public spirited, ready at all times to further any enterprise for the betterment of the community. He encouraged manufacturers by voice and 882 - ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. purse, was active in municipal reform favored all needful public improvements and otherwise manifested his solicitude for the material welfare of the community in which he lived; In short, John Little was a statesman, a lawyer of high repute, a public servant loyal to every trust, a true patriot, a lover of his kind, a devoted husband and father, and, better than all, a high minded, honorable citizen. While he was not a believer in creeds or dogmas, yet with generous charity for those who held different views, he was a. religious man in the broader sense, that he reverenced his Creator, believed in the Bible and the Redeemer of the world and loved his neighbor as himself." The end came on the 18th of October, 1900, at 10:30 P. M. He was ill only a brief time, and thus his usefulness continued throughout the years of his manhood. .0n the public life not only of Greene county, but of Ohio, he left an indelible impression. No citizen of this community was ever more respected and no man ever more fully enjoyed the confidence of the people or more richly deserved the esteem in which he was held. In his lifetime the people of his state, recognizing his merit, rejoiced in his advancement and in the honors to which he attained, and since his death they have, cherished his memory, which remains as a benediction to all who knew him. Honorable in business, loyal in citizenship, charitable in thought, kindly in actibn, true to every trust confided to his care, his life was the highest type of Christian manhood. He was one of the great lawyers of the southern Ohio bar who lives in the memories of his contemporaries, encircled with the halo of a gracious presence, charming personality, profound legal wisdom, purity of public and private life, and a quiet dignity of an ideal follower of his calling. He was many years in active practice at the Ohio bar, and comparatively few men endear themselves. to so. great an extent to their professional associates and to those with Whom they come in contact in the discharge of duties. MILO SIMISON. Mild Simison has passed the psalmist's allotted span of three-score-years-and-ten, having almost reached the seventy-second milestone on life's journey. He is now living retired in the village of Spring Valley, but for many years was an active factor in agricultural circles in Spring Valley township. The farm which he still owns there was his birthplace. He was born November 19, 1830, unto John and Nancy. (Knight) Simison. His father's birth occurred March 9, 1798, and the mother was born on the 8th of May, 1807. The paternal grandfather, Robert Simison, was a native of Ireland, and on emigrating to America took up his abode in Pennsylvania, whence he afterward removed to Ohio and purchased the farm upon which our subject was born, paying five dollars an acre for the land. In after years he purchased another farm, which, is now known as the Scarff property, and after the marriage of his son, John Simison, the grandfather, removed to his second' farm, whereon he died. It was on the 1st of January, 1828, that John Simison was joined in wedlock to Nancy Knight, whose birth occurred in Greene 'county. She was a daughter of Samuel and Hannah (Caine) Knight. Her father lived to be about eighty years of age and was numbered among the pioneer set- ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY - 883 tlers of Greene county, coming from North Carolina at a very early day. The maternal great-grandfather lived to the very advanced age of one hundred and four years. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. John Simison began their domestic life upon the original homestead, which the father of our subject purchased from the other heirs after the death of the grandfather. Both Robert and John Simison were laid to rest in the old Presbyterian burying ground at Bell-brook. They were identified with that church and were very active workers in it, and influential in promoting the moral development Of the community. During. the lifetime of Robert Simison the family suffered much loss by fire on two or three occasions on account of the stick chimneys. The last log house that was built upon the old homestead, in which. the father of our subject lived and died, is still standing. The mother passed away March 29, 1847, and on the 2d of February, 1853,. John Simison was also called to his final rest. On the old home farm Mr. Simison of this review spent the days of his boyhood and youth. He acquired a fair common-school education and after his marriage he continued upon the old home farm which' he and his brother purchased from the other heirs, while , Milo Simison ultimately 'became the sole possessor of the property. He there made :his home until 1888 and during that time erected a fine modern residence. On the 28th of January, 1855, Mr. Simison was united in marriage to Miss Mary Kelley, of Spring Valley, who was born in county Mayo, Ireland, in 1838. She was a daughter of Michael and Ann (Hennegan) Kelley, and was quite young when left an orphan on the Emerald Isle. She came to America with her aunt, Mrs. Mary Gibbons, who located in Greene county, and here she acquired her education. Three children have been born unto our subject and his wife: Frank Wesley. born October 25, 1855; Nancy Caroline, who was born May 13, 1858, and is the wife of Joshua. Barnett; and Mary Catherine, who died in infancy. Mr. Simison has been a lifelong Democrat. He voted for Buchanan in 1856 and has since endorsed the principles 'of the party, but has never been an office seeker. He served for one term as a member of the city council of Spring Valley, but has on , no other occasion held office, preferring that his attention should be given to his business pursuits. In 1888 he erected a pleasant home in Spring Valley, where he is now living retired, enjoying the rest which he has truly earned and richly deserves. THOMAS P. TOWNSLEY. For almost sixty years Thomas P. Townsley was a well known figure in business circles of Xenia. He contributed large-. ly to the advancement Of commercial interests upon. which the growth and prosperity of a town or city always depend. He was 60 widely and favorably known that his life history can not fail to prove of interest to his many friends, and is a pleasure, therefore, that we present this record of his career to our readers. A native of this city, he was born on the 27th of May, 1817, a: son of George Townsley. His early education, acquired in the schools of Xenia, was supplemented by study in the Oxford Miami University, where he completed the course and was 884 - ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE. COUNTY. graduated with the class of 1836. Immediately afterward he returned to his home. He was then .a young man of nineteen years and at once entered upon his business career as a clerk for John Ewing and the railroad company when it built there. He followed that pursuit for several years and also taught school in the south. When his labors and economy had brought to him sufficient capital he began business on his own account as a dry-goods merchant in partnership with James Allison, as Allison & Townsley, in which line of activity they continued for many years. They carried a large and well selected stock of goods of modern styles, were straightforward and reliable in all their transactions and secured a liberal patronage, which enabled Mr. Townsley to add to his savings until, having acquired a comfortable competence, he (retired to private life and spent his remaining days in rest and in the enjoyment of the fruits of his former toil. In 1850 Mr. Townsley was united in marriage to Miss Agnes C. Paull, a daughter of James Paull, a resident of Fayette county, Pennsylvania. In 1896 Mr. Townsley was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who in that year departed this life. Two years later, on the loth of November, 1898, Mr. Townsley died, and his remains were interred by the side of his wife, in Woodland cemetery. Two sons survive them: George L., who is living a retired life; and James B., who is connected with the insurance business in Xenia. In connection jth merchandising Mr. Townsley had other business interests. He was one of the organizers of the old Second National Bank and its president from 1864 until his retirement on account of failing health. He was also one of the organizers and was interested in the Field Cord- age Company. He was energetic, prompt and notably reliable, and possessed sound judgment in business matters. He was one of the first members of the Presbyterian church, and liberally assisted in building both the first edifice and the present church building and many years, was a ruling elder. Mrs. Townsley was also a consistent member of this church. His political support was given the Republican party and he was elected to represent his district in the constitutional 'convention of 1873-4, where he proved himself as loyal and public-spirited citizen by the earnest manner in which he championed every measure for the public good. Honored and respected in every class of society, he was for some time a leader in public thought and action and was in citizenship so loyal, in business so honorable and in private life so reliable that his name deserves to be inscribed among 'the representative men of Greene county. CHARLES L. SPENCER. The motto "merit always commands its reward" is .well exemplified in the career of this gentleman. He early learned that knowledge is the key with which the poor boy on the farm or the lad in the shop could open the store house of the world and cull its choicest fruits. The result is that he is now one of the most successful attorneys practicing at the bar of Greene county, and is essentially the architect of his own fortune. A native of Ohio, Mr. Spencer was born in Newark, April 4, 1848, his parents being Newton and Lucinda J. (Trickey) Spencer. His ancestors were originally from Eng- ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY - 887 land. His father was born in Herkimer county New York, in January, 1816, of New England parentage, but was reared in Oswego county of that state, whence he came to Licking county, Ohio, at the age of eighteen years, the country being then new and undeveloped. There he was variously employed for some time, including the operation of a grist and sawmill and later of a large stone quarry. In 1846 he was united in marriage to Miss Lucinda J. Trickey, whose parents were from Pennsylvania.. Desiring to better his condition and rear his family away from the influences of the town, he concluded to go farther west, and in the fall of 1856 became a resident of Decatur county, Iowa, where he engaged in farming up to the time of his death in 1890, when he was seventy-four years of age. His wife .continued to make her home there until she, -too, was called to her final rest in 1901 at the age of eighty years. Of their six children only three reached maturity, these being Charles L., whose name introduces this :sketch; Albert G., a resident of Colorado Springs, Colorado; and Mrs. Mary F. Hampton, of Van Wert, Iowa. For eleven years .Charles L. Spencer resided with his parents on the little farm near Van Wert, Iowa, one hundred and fifty miles from the nearest railroad, with little or no educational advantages, being only able to attend school an average of one :month a year for the twelve years prior to attaining his nineteenth year. Although lacking school privileges, he made the most of his opportunities and read every book he could borrow within a radius of several miles in a sparsely settled neighborhood. In the meantime he worked on the home farm. and for the neighboring farmers, sometimes receiving only seven dollars per month. Among the books he obtained was a little one entitled "Duties. 'of Young Men," written by E. H. Chapin, then of Richmond, Virginia, afterward the noted Universalist preacher of Boston. This he read and reread until his desire for learning and culture became absorbing and he determined with all his innate powers to seek an education. He was then eighteen years of age. His parents being in limited circumstances, they could not send him to school but gave him his time to help himself, and during the ensuing year he worked for eighteen dollars per month, taking in payment for his services a colt, which he sold while in college for one hundred and twenty-five dollars. At nineteen, through the kindness of an old aunt, Mr. Spencer borrowed one hundred dollars 'and started to Ohio with the hope of finding better opportunities than were afforded him in Iowa. His intention at that time was to spend a year or more in preparing himself to teach a common school. With little knowledge of what a university was or what a college stood for, in the fall of 1867 he reached Delaware, Ohio, and went up to the Ohio. Wesleyan University. It was then vacation time and he found no one in the buildings, but fortunately happened to meet one of the professors, Dr. L. D. McCabe, on the campus, and introducing himself, he told the Doctor his simple story —that he was .a farmer boy from Iowa, who had never had a chance to go to school, was poor, having scarcely fifty dollars left, but wanted to better his education. Under the shade of a tree they talked for half an hour. Dr. McCabe advised him to begin there and to take the regular course in the preparatory department of the university, which would prepare him for a classical course in case he decided to go on. It was the best advice a 888 - ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. young man ever received, and acting upon it Mr. Spencer entered with the opening fall term. Before a single term passed, he learned that active and' ambitious young men had gone through. college largely, if not wholly; by their own efforts, and he determined then and there to take the full course. . He remained five years, one in the preparatory department and four in the collegiate. department. In the meantime he boarded himself, doing his own cooking for two years and two terms, and in a club for the remaining time, and he worked nights, mornings. and . Saturdays at whatever he could find to earn his living one year as janitor, building fires and sweeping rooms, while for three years he rang the college bell every three-quarters of an hour to announce chapel service in the morning and the recitations during the day. Three ters, first fourth.and fifth, he spent in teaching country schools, keeping up his studies at the university by extra work and passing the examinations on his return with his respective classes. Thus wholly without assistance from home but by his own efforts, Mr. Spencer sustained himself and acquired his education. He was graduated from the Ohio Wesleyan University in June, 1872, in the classical course, receiving the degree of Bachelor of Arts, and afterward, in 1875, in curse, the degree of Master of Arts. A self-educated man he was henceforth entirely self-reliant. Without means to take a course at law, school, Mr. Spencer immediately began the study of law, without even a vacation, for. the next week after his graduation we find him reading laws in the office of Lorenzo English and J. W. Baldwin, a well known and leading law firm of Columbus, Ohio, and teaching .a part of the day to maintain himself. With the exception of four months while in charge of the village schobl at West. Jefferson, near Columbus, he continued in ' their office until the fall of 1873, when he was made principal of the Xenia high school, where 'he engaged in teaching for two years. While thus employed Mr. Spencer devoted all his spare, time to reading law, and at the close of school in 1875 went to Cincinnati, where he finished his law course in the office of Noyes & Lloyd, the former an ex-governor of the state of Ohio, remaining with them until January, 1876. The previous October he had been admitted to the bar on examination before the supreme court of Ohio at Columbus, and in January, 1876, he was offered a partnership in Xenia by James. E. Hawes, with whom he was associated in practice for one year. He was then alone until 1878, when he entered into a partnership with W. J. Alexander, which continued until 184. and during that time he was. elected and served in the years 1881 and 1882 as prosecuting attorney of Greene. county. After the termination of that partnership Mr. Spencer was again alone for two and a half years, when in the latter part. of 1886 he became a partner of Hon. John, Little, which relation continued until the latter's death, October 18, 1900. The firm was connected with some of the most important litigation in the courts of Greene county and southern Ohio, Practicing in the state and federal courts, Mr. Spencer has gained an .enviable position at the bar, being widely known and recognized for learning and ability, and for his indomitable energy and the force of 'his logic. His personal integrity, unwavering fairness, conciseness and clearness. of statement of his cause of proposition and his persuasive reasoning always command respectful and con- ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY - 889 siderate attention of both court and adversary, and have greatly added to his success and won for him a high reputation as a lawyer and wise counsellor. Aside from his profession, Mr. Spencer was for several years secretary and assistant manager of the Field Cordage .Company, a large manufacturing concern not now in existence; is now a director of the Buckeye Shoe Manufacturing Company ; and was for many years a director and secretary of the Miami Telephone Company. On the 24th of December, 1885, Mr. Spencer was united in marriage to Miss Louie M. Currie, a daughter of A. H. and Lavina Currie, of Xenia, Ohio, who are still living. Mr. and Mrs. Spencer have one daughter, Anna, born October 2, 1891. They are active and leading members of the First Methodist Episcopal church. of Xenia, in which Mr. Spencer has been an official for many years. His labors have been very effective in promoting the upbuilding of the church, and for many years he has been a valued teacher in the Sunday school. In his political views he is a Republican but has never consented 'to become an office seeker outside of the line of his profession, although requested at times to do so. In the early part of his professional life, because of his experience as a teacher, he was appointed and served as city school examiner and for nine years was county school examiner. He has always taken a deep and helpful interest in matters. pertaining to the material, intellectual and moral development of the community, and his efforts have been both effective and appreciated in that respect. He is a man of strong character, as is proved by the manner in which he! acquired his education, and his life :history illustrates fully and forcibly. the possibilities that he before young men, proving the truth of the adage that `success is secure to him who labors and waits," and that such close application and ability both deserve and find their reward." He may well be accounted a representative citizen of Xenia. GEORGE C. SMITH. One of the well known farmers of Beavercreek township is George C. Smith, who was born at the place of his present residence Septemiber 11, 1864, his parents being Benjamin G. and Sarah A. (Yingling) Smith. His paternal grandfather, Benjamin Smith, was the first of the family to locate in Ohio, bringing his wife and children to Cincinnati, where he lived and died. It was in that city that Benjamin G. Smith, the father of our subject, acquired an education. Upon 'coming to Greene county he settled upon a farm upon the banks of the Indian Riffle, in the southern part of Beavercreek township, and there devoted his energies to agricultural pursuits for many years. Indolence and idleness were utterly foreign to his nature and his labor brought to him prosperity as the years passed by. At the time of his death he owned about two, hundred and twenty acres of valuable land, and also city property in Dayton, Ohio. He was a self-made man for he started out upon his business career without a dollar: He realized the value of industry and persistence in the active affairs of life and along the lines of legitimate labor he won his success. He had three children, the eldest being George Crawford Smith of this review. The second son, Benjamin Grant, wedded Mary Munger, and is now employed in the mail 890 - ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. service, his home, being in Dayton, Ohio. John William, the youngest son, married Flora B. Greenwood, and they, too, reside at Dayton.. After the death of her first husband the, mother married again and is now the widow: of Oliver Moler, and resides in :Dayton. Mr. Smith, the father of our subject, was a Republican in 'his political views sand was a very active and influential member of the Presbyterian church at Bellbrook. He served both as a deacon and elder in the church and put forth every effort in his power to advance the cause of Christianity in his 'community. He passed away upon the home farm June 5, 1887, and was laid to rest in Mount Zion Park cemetery.. Thus a most useful and honorable life was ended but his memory is still enshrined in the hearts of 'his family and of his many friends. Mr. Smith, whose name: introduces this review, gained his education in the township schools near this home and later pursued his studies in the high: school of Xenia, Ohio, but, before the date of graduation he was forced to relinquish his text books in order to assist his father who was failing in health. He has also pursued a commercial course in Dayton, Ohio, and throughout the years of his active business career he has carried on farming. he is interested in and operates one hundred and sixty-six acres of land. The old home has been destroyed by fire, and in its stead he has erected a fine, large residence which. is one of the most attractive country seats in this portion of the 'township, and has the other equipments and accessories that go to make up a model farm of the twentieth century. In addition to The cultivation of cereals best adapted to the soil and climate he is engaged in stock-raising, making a specialty of the breeding of Jersey cattle, having several head of registered cattle in his herd. On the 16th of November, 1886, Mr. Smith was united in marriage to Miss Lydia Belle Brown, who was born in Sugarcreek township, and is a daughter of Adam and Sarah (People) Brown, both of whom are now deceased. Four children have been born of this union, 'but the eldest died in infancy. The others are: Crawford Brown; Sarah M.; and Margaret Lucile. The parents hold membership in the Reformed church), and Mr. Smith has served as Clerk of the church for fourteen years, and also filled the office of deacon. He votes with the Republican party, and for about eight years has been at member of the school board, the cause of education finding in him a warm friend. He :is a popular citizen., for his genial manner and friendly spirit have gained him the regard, good-will and confidence of all with whom he has been associated. WILLIAM B. HARDIE. William B. Hardie is a native of Xenia township, his birth having occurred on a farm upon the Columbus pike,. March 17, 1825. His parents were William and Isabella (Buick) Hardie, both of whom were natives of Scotland and in that country they were reared, educated and married. In 1820 they bade adieu to home and native land and sailed for the new world, taking up their abode in Xenia township, Greene county. The father was a weaver by trade and followed that pursuit in Scotland and for some years after his 'arrival in America: -Later, however, he turned his attention to ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY 891 farming, purchasing a small tract of land in Xenia township upon which the subject of this review was born. About 1833 the father removed from that farm and located in Caesarscreek township, where he purchased a tract of one and twenty-six acres of partially improved land. He at once began its further development and cultivation, and made his home thereon until he retired froth' active business life. He then removed to Xenia, his death occurring in that city in 186o, when he was seventy-three years of age. His: wife survived him for a number of years and departed this life in Bellefontaine, Ohio, at the age of eighty-three years, her remains, being interred in the cemetery near Jamestown. Both were loyal and devoted members of what was known as the Associate church, and in his -political views Mr. Hardie was a. Whig and always endorsed the men and measures of his party. In their family were six children : Elizabeth, who was born in Scotland, is the widow of Isaac H. Fichthorn, and resides in Bellefontaine, Ohio, where her husband died. Jane became the :wife of John. Galloway and is now 'deceased. James died at the age of fifteen years. William B. is the fourth in order of birth. Margaret is the deceased wife of James Miller, and Mary is the wife of Samuel Finley, of Akron, Ohio. William B. Hardie of this review spent the first eight years of his life on the old home farm where he was born, and then accompanied his parents on their removal to Caesarscreek township, now New Jasper township, where he was reared to manhood. He obtained his early education in the district schools of that township, the temple of learning being an old log building such as was common at that day. Through the months of summer he assisted in the work: of field and meadow and continued to labor upon the old homestead until he was twenty-six years of age, when he was married. He then Tented a part of his father's farm, which he continued to. cultivate for a year, after which he purchased one hundred and twenty-five acres of improved land in New jasper township. For twenty-three years he made his home upon that place, and then removed to his present farm, on the Columbus pike, in Xenia; township, where. he owns. two hundred and sixty acres of rich. and arable land, all under cultivation. He is. engaged in general farming and stock-raising, devoting his attention to the crops best adapted to the soil and climate as well as the raising of horses, cattle and hogs. He has erected all of the buildings upon 'his place, including a large and beautiful residence, commodious barns and other necessary outbuildings. On January 29, 1852 in Caesarscreek. township, Mr. Hardie was united in marriage to Elizabeth Dean, a daughter of Robert Dean, who was an early settler of.. Greene county. His father came from Kentucky when he was a young man, and Robert Dean and his wife, Elizabeth (Campbell) .Dean, spent the remainder of their lives in Greene. county, Ohio, where he devoted his energies to farming. Here he died when about sixty-three years of age, and his wife when about forty. Their daughter, Mrs. Hardie, was born in this county and is. widely known as. a most estimable lady. By her marriage she has become the mother of six children, and the family circle yet remains unbroken by the hand of death. Laura Isabelle is at hoarse; Mary Etta is the wife of J. Wilson Liggett, a farmer of Union county, Ohio, and their children are:. 892 - ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. Raymond, Clarence, Bruce and Dwight ; Annie Nora is the wife of A. M. Stout, who is connected with the Toilet Supply Company, of. Columbus, Ohio; Robert Harvey married Miss Mattie Rogers, by whom he has one son, William Roy, and their home is in Nebraska; Ida L. is living with her sister in Columbus, Ohio; William Clark, who was born in this county and was educated in the high school of Xenia, is now engaged in farming upon the old home Mr. Hardie has been honored with some local offices. He filled the position of township treasurer for some twelve years, and his long service indicates his fidelity to duty. In politics he has always been a Republican, unwavering in his loyalty to the party and its principles. Both he and his wife are devoted and consistent members of the Second United Presbyterian church of Xenia, and he has long filled the office of deacon, serving in that position near Jamestown and in Xenia, Ohio. Mr. Hardie has a wide acquaintance in the county of his nativity, and his many friends know him 'as a man of reliability and sterling worth, who, in the conduct of his business affairs, has gained well merited success by reason of his' honorable dealings and indefatigable energy. CORNELIUS BROWN. Cornelius Brown who is residing in Beavercreek township, where he is devoting his energies to agricultural. pursuits, is a representative of one of the old families: of the county and since pioneers days has been identified with the improvement and progress here. Mr. Brown was born upon the farm where he now resides, his parents being Jonathan and Polly (Harshman )Brown. His father was born in Berks county, Pennsylvania, May 11, 1805, a son of John George and Catherine (Hermerbegerin) Brown. The former was born August 6, 1763, and was a soldier of the Revolutionary war. His wife died in Pennsylvania. In their family were: Philip; George; William; Catherine, the wife of George Harshman; David; and 'Jonathan. After the death of the wife and mother, John George Brown came with his children to Greene county, Ohio, about the year 1823, and located on land in what is now the Shakertown pike. He purchased about one hundred and forty-four acres from one of the John boys, who had entered the land from the government prior to the year 1800. There was a small log cabin upon the place and the family began life in Ohio in true pioneer style. Later the sons purchased the land from their fath'er and he lived with: them until his death, which 'occurred at the home of his son George, in Sugarcreek township, February 22, 1847, his remains being interred in Mount Zion cemetery. Jonathan Brown, the father of our subject, received but limited school privileges, and his educational training was obtained in the German language, for he lived in a German community in the state of Pennsylvania. He came to Greene county when eighteen years of age, and at that time could not speak a word of English. He started out in life for himself, and for many years followed the plasterer's trade, but in later life gave his :attention to farming. For a number of years prior to his death, however, he was an invalid and was unable to engage in any kind of work. He started out in life for himself without a dollar, but he accumu- ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY - 893 lated considerable property, owning a fine farm and a very comfortable home, the house standing to-day as it was built by him fifty-one years ago. Jonathan Brown was married January 18, 1832, to Polly Harshman, who was born in Beavercreek township, Greene county, in 1810, a daughter of the pioneer settlers,. Philip and Frances (Dumhaugh) Harshman. On both sides she comes from prominent pioneer families. The Dumbaughs were all buried in what Is known as the Harshman & Zimmerman cemetery, one mile north: of Zimmermanville. They became very extensive land owners and have a large number of descendants still living in the county. Philip Harshman, the maternal grandfather of our subject, was born in Frederick county, Maryland, January 18, 1777, and was a son of Christian and Catherine Harshman, both of whom died in Frederick county, Maryland, never coming to this state. At the age of seventeen Philip Harshman was apprenticed to learn the blacksmith's trade to serve for a term of three years. He worked at his trade for a number of years in Maryland, and was there married to Frances Dumbaugh. In 1806 they emigrated to Greene county, Ohio, coming by wagon, and for-three weeks they lived in the wagon until a cabin could be erected. They, too, took up their abode near Zimmermanville. Mr. Harshman opened a shop and worked at the blacksmith's trade, being one of the pioneers in that line of business in the ity. He died March 18, 1845, and many years before his first wife passed away, her death having occurred January 4, 1829. They were the parents of six children George, the eldest, was horn January 18, 1804; John C., born February 7, 1807, died June 27, 1880. Catherine, born August 3, 1808; died December 5, 1833. Polly, the mother of our subject, was born January 23, 1810, and died March. 22, 1899. Elizabeth, born September 28, 1813, became the wife of John Sipe, and died on the 3d of September, 1898. Jacob, born August 21, 1817, died April 20, 1861. Philip Harshman, the father of this family, chose for his second wife Mrs. Evanna Fielden, whose maiden name was Hull. They were married in the early part of 1838 and had two sons,—Philip, who was born January 22, 1839, and is living in Beavercreek township; and William A., born August 6, 1844, and now a resident of Zimmermanville. Mrs. Evanna Hrashman died December 4, 1882. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Brown were born seven children, Elizabeth, the eldest, is now Mrs. Hare, a. resident of Beavercreek township. Mary became the wife of Henry A. Dalhimer, and lives with her brother Cornelius. She had two children,—Frank ; and Mrs. Sarah M. Clayman. George, a resident of Montgomery county, Ohio, wedded Mary Fox, and their children are Mrs. Amanda Leman, Mrs. Flora. Smith, John, William, Mrs. Ada Gregg, Ray and Edith. John married Barbara Parson, and resides in Warren county, Ohio. Their children are Clement V., Charles, Mrs. Clara Cramer, and George. Philip, the fifth member of the Brown family, married Emma, Eckman, and died November 5, 1898, at the age of fifty-five years, but his widow is still living in Beavercreek township. Their children are Minnie M., Martha E. and Edward F. David, who is living in Montgomery county, wedded Mary Ellen Garner and they have five children: Harry, Harvey, Lewis, Hattie and 894 - ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. Marie. Cornelius Brown is the youngest member of the family and is living upon the old homestead. The father died August 31., 1878, and his wife passed .away March 22, 1899, their remains being interred in Mount Zion Park cemetery. In politics he was a Democrat and both were members of the Reformed church. They were people of the highest respectability, known and honored in Greene county from pioneer days down to the time of their death. B. FRANK HAWKINS. A well known representative of the agricultural interests of Greene county, B. Frank Hawkins was born on the old Hawkins 'homestead on the Ankeney road, December 12, 1841, and has always lived in that neighborhood. His paternal grandfather, Mounce Hawkins, was one of the honored pioneer settlers of this portion of the state and became an extensive land owner and prominent and influential citizen, aiding largely in the early development of the county. He was an own cousin of David Crockett, the famous scout and explorer. Leaving his. old home in the Shenandoah valley of Virginia he came to Greene county, Ohio, in 1814, and settled in Xenia. township, together with his father-in-law, Davis Allen, who had purchased one thousand acres of land;pa.ying for the same five thousand dollars. This tract was Originally coy: erect with timber but he cleared away the forest trees and developed a very valuable farm. Mounce Hawkins wedded Mary Allen, a daughter of Davis and Elizabeth (Antrim) Allen, who were also from Virginia, and they spent the remainder of their lives in this county. Reuben Hawkins, the father of our subject, removed from the old home place to a. farm upon the Hawkins road, upon which he lived until his .death, his attention being given to the cultivation of the fields and to stock-raising. He was a member of the First Methodist Episcopal church of Xenia and his life was in consistent harmony with his religious faith. In his political views he was a Democrat in early life, and later joined the ranks of the Republican party, with which he continued to affiliate until his death. For sometime he served as a school director and took .an active interest in promoting the cause .of education and advancing. every movement for the general good. He was indeed a public-spirited and progressive citizen and was accounted a valued. and representative resident of his community. He died in 187o, when about sixty years of age, and his remains were interred in Woodland cemetery, in Xenia. His wife passed away in 1894. She bore the maiden name of Lydia. Fallis, and was born in Clinton county, Ohio; a daughter of Jonathan Fallis, who came to this county at an early period in its development and settled in Xenia: township. He afterward removed near the East Point school house in Cedarville township and there: carried on farming. for many years. FI e finally purchased property below Clifton and built what was called the old Fallis mill, which he operated for a. number of years. When he disposed of his. milling interests in this county he removed to Indiana, settling near the Wabash river, where he engaged in the lumber business. Later he resided in Attica, Indiana, where he conducted a. flouring- mill, but his last days were passed in Dowagiac, Michigan,. ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY - 897 where. he died at the advanced age of eigthy-four years. In the family of Reuben and Lydia Hawkins. were six children, but our subject,. who is the eldest, is the only one now living. Joseph G., who. was .a member of Company D, One Hundred and Tenth Ohio Infantry, during the Civil war, was killed at the battle of the Wilderness,. when twenty years of age. Mary E. became the Wife of Preston Machael, who resides on the farm belonging to her father, and is an agriculturist and lumberman. She died in March, 1901, leaving two children; Jessie and Harry. Hannah L. died at the age of fifteen years. Sarah E. lived to the age of twenty-three years. James F., the youngest of the family, died in infancy. B. Frank Hawkins has always resided in the locality which is still his home. He obtained his early education in district No. 1, in Xenia township, the school house lot having been given to the public for that purpose by his grandfather, Mounce Hawkins. After completing his studies. our subject resumed the work on the old hoine farm, in which he sill owns an interest, the estate having never been divided. He has also purchased a valuable farm of eighty-three acres, formerly occupied by Davis Hawkins. Throughout his entire life our subject has carried on general farming and stock-raising, and in his Work he has met with creditable and gratifying success. He makes a specialty of short-horn cattle, Poland China hogs and Percheron .horses. In his political affiliations he is a Republican. He is a representative of early pioneer families of this portion of the state Who from the time of primitive development here have been active in the work of progress .a.n4 'improvement; succeeding generations bearing their part in promoting the general welfare and upbuilding. WILLIAM MUSSETTER. William Mussetter is a venerable and respected citizen of Caesars Creek township. He was born in Berkeley county, West Virginia, on the 18th of May, 182 I , and has therefore, passed the eighty-first mile-stone on life's journey. His parents were John and Anna Mussetter. The father was of German descent and the mother of French lineage, and were natives of Maryland, in which state they were reared and married. Subsequently they removed to Berkeley county,. West Virginia., and thence to Clinton county. Ohio, making their home in the village of Lumberton, where they spent their remain ing days. The year of their removal was 1837 and the journey was accomplished by team. In their family were seventeen children, five sons and twelve daughters. One of the number died in youth, but the other. sixteen reached years of maturity and fourteen of the number were married. Five of the family are yet living, three of teem being residents of Clinton county, while one is in Kansas, and another; William Mussetter of of this review, is a valued resident of Greene county. The father died in 1847 but his. wife survived him for many years and at:: the time of her demise was almost ninety years of age. William Mussetter pursued his education in Virginia and remained with his father until the latter's death, after Which he continued to live with his mother and her family for eighteen months after his marriage. That important event in his life occurred on the 11th of October, 1848, the lady of his choice being Miss Virginia Haughey, who was born in Jefferson township, Greene county, on the 1st of February, 1829. She is a daughter of Andrew M. and Ann (January) Haughey. Her grandfather, 898 - ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. Thomas Haughey, came to 'Greene county from Virginia at an early day and here Andrew M. Haughey spent many years of his life, dying in BoWersville. After residing for eighteen .months in Clinton county, Ohio, Mr. Mussetter removed with his young wife to Greene county, settling in Xenia township, on the Jasper pike, where he rented a farm, which 'he cultivated for ten years. In the spring of 186o he removed to his present home, which he purchased about that time; becoming the owner of one 'hundred and fifty-four acres, to which he has since added a tract of fifty acres, so that he now has a large and valuable farm. The buildings upon the place have all been erected by him and are substantial structures standing in. evidence Of his thrift and enterprise. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Mussetter have been born ten children, of .whom eight are yet living. Amelia Ann is' the wife of William Middleton, of Caesars Creek township. Clarissa is the wife of William Murphy, of the same township. Emily Jane is the wife of Isaac Wolf, of Xenia township, and they have five children,—Joseph, Lewis, Paul, Walter and Basil. The fourth member of the, family of William Mussetter is Basil, who wedded Mary Pickern and resides in California. They have four :children,— Raymond, LeRoy, Ann and an infant. Josephine is the wife of Charles Pearson, of Florida, and they have five children,—Edna, Frank, Ralph, Forest and Eunice. Joseph married Sally Swope, and is Jiving in Wilmington, Ohio, with his wife and two children, Viola and William, Ida May is the wife of Cheger Ballard, a resident of Washington, D. C., and their children are Joseph O. ; Edith; Fe; Guy; Chester and Susan; twins. William E. married Maude Hite, a daughter of William Hite, and they have three children, 'Mary, Clara, and Clarence. He is living with his father upon the home farm and now has the management of the property, carrying on general farming and stock-raising. Mr. Mussetter is a well-to-do man and has made his own, way in the world, starting out in life with nothing to aid him but a strong heart and willing hands. He deserves all the success that he has won and today is the owner of a very comfortable competence. He is highly respected by all who know him, and his enterprise in business and loyalty in citizenship' have made him a valued resident of the community. JAMES R. ANDERSON. James R. Anderson is a retired farmr living at Spring Valley. His life has been marked by industry, uprightness and fidelity, to duty and he enjoys in a high degree the respect and confidence of his fellow men. He 'wines of good old Revolutionary stock, his paternal grandfather, John Anderson, having fought for the independence of the colonies, while his father, James Anderson, was a soldier of the war of 1812 and a powder-horn that he !carried at that time is still in the possession of his son. John Anderson died in this county and was buried on the home farm, three miles east of Spring Valley. Our subject was born on the old home stead April 10, 1833, and acquired a good common-school education in that neighborhood. When about twenty years of age. he started out in life for himself and on the 7th of November, 1852, he was united in ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY - 899 marriage to Miss Catherine Jay, a daughter of Alexander and Margaret (Irving)-Jay. The lady was born in Clinton county, July 5, 1834; and by this marriage there were two children : Ambrose and William A. The former is married and resides in the village of Spring Valley, while William A. is aresident of Colorado. Mrs. Anderson died June 20, 1877, and on the 23d of January, 1879, Mr. Anderson was .again married, his second union being with Anna Sanders, the daughter of Jesse P. and Cassandra (Bell) Sanders. Her father's maternal grandfather, Daniel Cain; Was also a Revolutionary soldier and lived to the advanced age of one hundred years, at which; time he had but one tooth missing. He was buried about one mile north of Spring Valley, on what is known as the ;Benjamin Allen farm, it having formerly been the property of Mr. Cain. On both paternal and maternal sides Mrs. Anderson is descended froth honored pioneer ancestry of this state. Her father was the man who invented and tried to crate the first reaper ever used in this. country. He pondered over the matter much, and as his time and money offered him the opportunity he worked .out his ideas until in the little village of Bel.lbrook he had compiled the first reaper ever seen in America. A local paper in speaking of this said : "On a bright July morning in 1844 the first reaper that was ever invented for cutting wheat, was taken from an old shop in Bellbrook and drawn by two sturdy horses up the hill past the schoolhouse, to the old Bell farm—now belonging to Jacob Haynes—and placed in a field of ripe wheat for its first trial. The new invention had quite a following .that morning, some Sharply criticising its merits, and the possibility of its failure of success, others were as sanguine as the inventor himself. The excitement was intense when the horses started the machine 'around th.e field, the great wooden arm of the reaper rising and falling, and with every revolution drawing the grain down in the track of the reaper's teeth, leaving a wide strip of fallen wheat behind it, all ready to be bound in sheaf. The evening before a peddler had stopped at the village tavern, and when the little party left town for the wheat field, he sauntered along with them, eagerly watching the Machine,, and finally calling the attention of the inventor to certain defects in plan, eagerly questioning him as to the different points in its mechanism, as to whether patents were granted, etc. The people of the town did not suspect that the peddler had any ulterior Motive. They Were upright, honest people themselves, and did not think a man could possibly seek his knowledge for any dishonest purpose, but when the next year the famous McCormick reaper was patented and put. upon the market, thus robbing Bellbrook and . Jesse Sanders of fame and fortune, it was then that the people suspected that the peddler had stole his ideas from the scene which he witneSsed in the harvest field that day. Mr. Sanders had expected to improve on the imperfections which he had noticed. in the working of the machine, but had not the money to do, it at that time, and thus the opportunity passed. On the maternal side Mrs. Anderson descended from Stephen Bell, the founder of the town of Bellbrook. He was born: in the colony of New Jersey, August 18, 1774, and married Hannah Scudder, of Lycoming county, Pennsylvania, September 9, 1795. They had eleven Children, including Cassander Bell, who became the wife of Jesse San-