MADISON COUNTY, OHIO - 725
three of whom died in infancy; Julia, who married James N. Converse, and was the mother of two children; Elizabeth, the widow of A. C. Milliken; and two others.
James Calhoun grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was married to Elizabeth Carpenter, November 20, 1823. She was born in 1797 and died on March 19, 1846. Mr. Calhoun was married, secondly, to Mrs. Lucretia Burnham, to which union no children were born. By her first husband, Mrs. Calhoun was the naother of the following : Annie, John, Henry, Dwight, Asa, Emeline, Lucius and Flora. James Calhoun was a pioneer in Madison county, and made his living as an auctioneer, crying all the sales in this part of the county, in addition to which he was endowed with considerable as a veterinary Surgeon. He was a Democrat, and voted in Canaan township when there were but two Democrats there. He was always public-spirited, and showed his Interest by serving in Several of the township offices.
Henry B. Converse was united in marriage, September 16, 1875, to Elizabeth Beach, daughter of Uriah and Eleanor (Downing) Beach, born April 25, 1857, in Brown township, Franklin county, Ohio, and lived there until her marriage. She was a student in the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware,. Ohio. This union has been blest with four children, Walter, Julia H., Uri B.; Eleanor Downing. Walter Converse was educated first bathe district schools, and was later a graduate of the Plain City high school and the Ohio State University, receiving the degree of Bachelor of Arts On. his graduation from the latter institution. He was married to Zella M. Beck, and follows farming in 'Washington township, Franklin county, Ohio; Julia E. Converse is a graduate of the Plain City high sehool. She also attended the Ohio Wesleyan University, from which she graduated with the degrees of Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts, and is now the wife of William Walker, a farmer in Canaan township. Previous to her marriage, Mrs. Walker taught in the grade schools of Plain City and in the high schools of Mt. Vernon and Circleville. Uri W. Converse is a farmer!in Franklin county, Ohio. He was united in marriage with Blanche Cramer. Eleanor Downing Converse received her early education at the Plain. City schools, graduating from the high school of that place, after which she entered the Ohio Wesleyan University, from which she was graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Arts.
Mrs. Converse is a member of the Big Darby Baptist church, in which she takes an active interest, and has served as president of the local missionary society. She is president of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union, and is past worthy matron of the Elizabeth Chapter No. 56, Order of the Eastern Star, of which both Mr. and Airs. Converse were charter members. Mrs. Con.verse is an agreeable, whole-souled woman, who has the sympathy of all in her bereavement.
Henry B. Converse died on April 23, 1915, and his remains were interred in the Plain City cemetery. In his lifetime he was au. earnest citizen in every respect and a splendid type of man. He gave unfailingly to the common good of the community and took a leading part in all movements for the betterment of Canaan township and the county in general. For the benefit of the people of his community he maintained a part of his land as a picnic ground at his own expense for the enjoyment of his fellow creatures. He was founder and one of the early presidents of Farmers' Institute at Plain City. From his early manhood Mr. Converse was active in fraternal affairs and few men were better known in this part of the state in Masonry than he. He was selected on many occasions to act as guardian for children who were bereft of their parents and his splendid influence and protection has shaped the course of many children who were enlisted to his care. Being an expert judge of land values Mr. Converse was often appointed to appraise estates and was also an expert judge of live stock, particularly sheep, and often officiated as judge of stock at the county and state
726 - MADISON COUNTY, OHIO.
HOWARD J. CONVERSE.
Farmer and civil engineer, Howard J. Converse, a distinguished citizen of Darby township, Madison county, Ohio, is descended from Revolutionary stock. He is the proprietor of "Rose Lawn Farm," a tract of twenty-eight acres of land, located three miles southwest of Plain City, Ohio. He is the scion of an old family established in this section as early. as 1814, more than a century ago.
Howard J. Converse, a native of Darby township, was born on September 2, 1851. His parents were Dr. Jeremiah and Hortense (Hemenway) Converse, the former of whom was the son of Jeremiah and Maliuda (Derby) Converse, and he in turn was the son of Rev. Jeremiah Converse, a Revolutionary soldier.
Dr. Jeremiah. Converse, the father of Howard J., was born in Darby township, Madison county, Ohio, June 11, 1822, eight years after his father, who was a pioneer minister, had located in this county. He was born in a season marked by an epidemic, which was well remembered by the older citizens of a half century ago, having made deep inroads upon the thinly-settled community of Darby Plains, and having thickly populated the primitive grounds on Big Darby, set aside and sanctified with tears as a burying ground for the dead. The mother of Dr. Converse was Malinda Derby, descended from the old English titled family of that name, and was a woman of remarkable characteristics of mind. Her keenly active faculties, aided by untiring devotion to her family, under less harrowing circumstances than those which surrounded the pioneers, would naturally have led to a careful, discriminating education for her children, but the school house and text-books of today were beyond her dreams and beyond the dreams of her time. It was by studious application of all his energies and the precious little spare time he could get from labor in the fields and woods, that young Converse obtained the rudiments of an education. The thud of the grubbing hoe, the crash of falling trees and the wielding of the ox-goad in preparing the land for cultivation, were interjections in his educational progress until about 1844, when he turned his mind to the study of the science of medicine and graduated four years later from the Starling Medical School at Columbus, Ohio.
About the time he began the study of medicine Dr. Jeremiah Converse was married to Hortense Hemenway, a young lady of excellent family and fine qualities of mind:and heart. To them were born six children. Following his graduation he began a professional career which lasted for twenty-five years and with it began an observance and study of the physical condition of the country, especially its sanitary requirements, together with the advancement of social, agricultural and general ideas which kept him prominently before the public. He never entirely gave up his farming ,interests and these, with his extensive practice, required the major part of his time. Yet in all, these he was careful to give his children excellent educational advantages. For one-fourth of a century he ministered to the sick over an extensive scope of country on horseback, traveling through the woods, over the mud roads and through the swamps, all of which impressed him with the idea that he could make himself more useful by establishing pikes and ditches to drain the country. He did much for the benefit of those who lived in his community. He served with distinction, for many years, as clerk, trustee and assessor. In 1860 he was elected to the office of county commissioner of Madison county. He was truthfully a high minded and helpful man, not only to Darby township but to Madison county as well. He always had a good word for everybody and no one ever went hungry from his door.
Rev. Jeremiah Converse, the founder of the Converse family in Madison county, who came here in 1814 from Vermont, had nine children, Sandford, Parley, Squire, Lathrop, Orinda, Surviah, Jeremiah, Silas and Charles. Jeremiah, the seventh child in this family, was born in Vermont. By his marriage to Malinda Derby, there was
MADISON COUNTY, OHIO - 727
a large family of children, Cyrus D., born on September 5, 1814; Rhoda, January 31,, 1817; Erastus, December 23, 1818; Elias, April 10, 1821, and died on April 21, 1821; Dr. Jeremiah, June 11, 1822, and died on November 2, 1895; Lemuel D., January 31, 1826, and died on January 26, 1909; Zelotus, June 8, 1828, and died on August 9, 1829; Malinda D., July 1830; Lois D., January 15, 1833; and Rosanna C., April 12, 1835. Lois D. is the only member of the family now living.
To Dr. Jeremiah and Hortense (Hemenway) Converse were born six children, Hortense, born on July 15, 1845, and died on June 2, 1850; Maschal D., August 18, 1848, died in September, 1908, who married Mary Hornish and had one son, William H; Howard J., the subject of this sketch; Eldon. G., deceased, July 20, 1854, who married Eva Worthington and had three children; Avis I., January 28, 1859, who married Charles F. Crawson, of Bloomington, Illinois, and has three children; and Carrie H., July 6, 1860, who is the wife of Price M. Walker, and has one child.
Howard J. Converse was reared on the farm in Darby township and received a common-school education, attending school in the winter and working on the farm in the summer until he had reached his majority. During the next sixteen years Mr. Converse was engaged in teaching, and after he quit teaching took up civil engineering. This was about 1885 and he has followed this profession ever since, in connection with a little farm work.
On January 1, 1879, Howard J. Converse was married to Rose Faulkner, who was born at Oswego, New York, October 21, 1855, and is the daughter of John and Margaret (Hanlin) Faulkner. Mrs. Converse's father was a native of England, born in Buckingham and having come to the United States at the age of eighteen, when he located at Oswego, New York. Her mother was born in Toronto, Canada, and educated in the Canadian schools. Mr. and Mrs. Converse have had one daughter, Maude B., who was born on November 21, 1879, and who died on November 23, 1892.
Mr. and Mrs. Converse are members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Plain City, Ohio. Mr. Converse is a Republican in politics and Mrs. Converse is an active member of the Women's Christian Temperance Union and the Foreign Missionary Society of the Methodist church.
M. E. GORDON.
M. E. Gordon, farmer, Irwin, Pike township, Madison county, was born on October 4, 1867, at West Liberty, Logan county, Ohio, and is a son of John and Eliza (Kelley) Gordon. He came with his father to Madison county when four years of age and was educated in the public schools of Rosedale, Ohio, And later became a teacher in the public schools of Madison county, and followed that vocation for five years, after which he became engaged in the general merchandise business, which he followed for ten years at Rosedale. His business was a prosperous one, enabling him to purchase his present valuable farm consisting of one hundred and ten acres, located in Pike township. where he has since followed farming. Mr. Gordon is a Democrat in national politics, otherwise he is an independent voter. He is a member of the Catholic church at Mechanicsburg. Ohio. He has made a specialty of breeding fine stock of various kinds. At present, Mr. Gordon is one of the directors of the Farmers' Telephone Company.
John Gordon, father of the subject of this sketch, was a native of Ireland, as was also his wife, Eliza (Kelley) Gordon, to whom he was married before coming to the United States. They settled in Logan county, Ohio, in 1861. Mr. Gordon went to the Civil War in Company I, One Hundred and Twenty-first Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, serving until the end of the war. Mr. and Mrs. John Gordon were the parents of ten children, six of whom are living in 1915: C. C., P. H., W. P., Martin, M.
728 - MADISON COUNTY, OHIO.
E., and Mary. C. C. Gordon is a prosperous attorney at Marion, Indiana; I'. H. Gordon is a resident of Rosedale, Ohio; W. P. Gordon lives at Osborne, Ohio; Martin Gordon makes his home at Mechanicsburg, Ohio; and Mary Gordon is the wife of F. J. Roll, of Belle Center, Ohio.
M.. E. Gordon was united in marriage, August 26, 1901, with Nellie E. Donlan, daughter of John and Mary Donlan, of Plain City, Ohio. Nellie E. Donlan was born in Champaign county, Ohio, and was educated first at the public schools of Plain City and later entered the college at Ada, Ohio, where she became a teacher, remaining six years. Mr. and Mrs. Gordon have one daughter, Lucile, who was born on July 7, 1902.
Nellie E. (Donlan) Gordon was a daughter of John and Mary Donlan of Plain City. John Donlan was born in County Galway, Ireland, and came to America when about twenty years of age and settled near North Lewisburg, Ohio, and engaged in farming. He was married at North Lewisburg to Mary Reed, the daughter of John and Nancy Reed, who also were natives of Ireland. Two brothers of Mary Reed, Joseph and John, came to this country and settled in Ohio; both are now dead and in their lifetime lived in Champaign county, Joseph having lived for a time in Madison county. After their marriage, John and Mary (Reed) Donlan settled near North Lewisburg on a farm and lived there about twenty years, later moving to Madison county and settled on a farm near Plain City. Mrs. Donlan died on July 12, 1912, and Mr. Donlan continues to make his home on the same farm. Their children were: Alfred, deceased; Ralph, deceased; Fred, deceased; Francis; Anna, who married P. H. Gordon; and Nellie E. The family belonged to the Catholic church.
Mr. Gordon has always followed a high plane of thought and action, and because of his genuine worth, he has won the good, will of all who know him.
THOMAS KILBURY
A veteran of the Civil War and an industrious farmer, the late Thomas Kilbury was one of the most highly-honored citizens of Canaan township during his day and geaeiation. He was born in Canaan township, in June, 1840, the son of Ira and Elizabeth (Brittenham) Kilbury. They were both of Madison county, Ohio. Ira Kilbury was a farmer.
Thomas Kilbury was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools. He was about twenty-one years old at the breaking out of the Civil War and enlisted in Company K, of a regiment being recruited in this part of Ohio, and served until the close of the war. During the war Mr. Kilbury was married, and when he had received his final discharge, returned to Canaan township and began farming. He died on October 25, 1892.
The late Thomas Kilbury was married in October, 1862, to Rosanna Bowen, who was.born in Clark county, Ohio, February 24, 1840, and who is the daughter of William and Barbara A. (Sugh) Bowen. The former was a native of Virginia and the latter also of the Old Dominion state. Subsequently, they came to Ohio and settled in Clark county, Ohio, where they lived until their death. They had six children, of whom only one is now living. Mrs. Kilbury was reared on a farm near Springfield, Ohio, .and when old enough attended the public schools until she was eighteen years old. She worked at home until she was married. in 1862.
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Kilbury had one son, Corrie E., born on August 7, 1874, and who died on September 7, 1914. He was educated in the common schools and remained at home with his mother.
Mrs. Kilbury lives on a farm four miles south of Plain City, Ohio. She is a woman who is well-known in Canaan township. Her husband, who was a Republican in politics. was a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. Since his death, his widow has
MADISON COUNTY, OHIO - 729
received from the government a pension of twelve dollars a month. She owns twenty-
two and one-half acres of land. Mrs. Kilbury has been a member of the Methodist
Episcopal church at Plain City, Ohio, for many years and is active in church work.
BENJAMIN F. ERWIN.
Mr. Benjamin F. Erwin has been successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits practically his entire life, and has made his work a matter of scientific study in order that he might receive the greatest possible returns for his investment.
Benjamin F. Erwin, farmer, Irwin, Pike township, Madison county, was born on April 11, 1855, in the township where he still resides, and is a son of Amzi and Catherine (Chess) Erwin. He was reared on the home farm, and at the proper age entered the public school, attending only during the winter months, and assisting his father with the farm work during the summer seasons, remaining under the parental roof until he was twenty-one years of age. At the time of his marriage, Mr. Erwin moved to his present farm, consisting of forty-seven acres. The house is located some distance from the public highway and to reach it one must pass through a shaded grove, which gives a very fine appearance to their home. Mr. and Mrs. Erwin are members of the Erwin Grange No. 1880, of which they are both active members, Mr. Erwin officiating as one of the trustees. His farm contains some of the best land in Pike township, and as a general farmer and stock raiser he is looked upon as being an excellent manager.
Amzi and Catharine (Chess) Erwin, parents of Benjamin Erwin, were early settlers In Madison county, where they always bore the reputation of being honest, upright citizens. Mr. Erwin followed farming until his death, which occurred on May 20, 1879. His wife died on June 20, of the same year. They were the parents of several children.
Benjamin F. Erwin was united in marriage. October 16, 1879, with Olive E. West, daughter of Edward and Martha (Applegate) West. She was born in Clark county, and was educated in the district schools of Clark county. To Mr. and Mrs. Erwin were born two children, Grace, who died at the age of eighteen months, and Lewis B., born on April 29, 1889. Lewis B. Erwin was educated in the public schools, from which he was graduated, and afterward attended the schools at Mechanicsburg and Ada, Ohio, respectively, where he received a good education. He is single, and lives at home with his parents. He is well liked in the community, where he takes an active part in local politics, occupying at present the office of clerk of Pike township.
Mr. and Mrs. Erwin number among their sincere friends many of the representative citizens of Pike township, where they are well and favorably known.
HAROLD WEAVER.
Harold Weaver. farmer, Irwin, Pike township, Madison county, was born on July 30, 1863, in the same township where he now resides. His parents were Lewis and Celia L. (Morse) Weaver. He was reared on the home farm in Pike township and obtained his education in the district schools, attending regularly, and in the summer assisting his father with his farming interests. When he grew to young manhood he began farming for himself on a small scale, having but little money to begin with, and now owns ninety acres of good farm land, all under cultivation. Mr. Weaver. has given his lifelong support to the Republican party, taking an active interest in local politics, and serving as clerk of Pike township for twenty-two years successively. and was elected treasurer in 1914, which office he now holds. He is a member of the Union church at Rosedale, Ohio, and is secretary of the Home Telephone Company, which office he has occupied for several years.
730 - MADISON COUNTY, OHIO
Harold Weaver was united in marriage, December 24, 1906, with Myrtle M. Figley, daughter of Calvin M., and Angeline B. (Southard) Figley. She was born on December 27, 1874, in Knox county, Indiana, and was educated in the public schools of Marysville, graduating from the high school in 1894, after which she became a teacher in the public schools, which vocation she followed for four years. After finishing her high school course, she attended the State University at Columbus, Ohio, and also took a course in music at Marysville. Mrs. Weaver is an attentive member of the Union church at Rosedale, Ohio, and belongs to the Harmony Club of that city, in which she has filled all the offices. Before her marriage, she was a very efficient stenographer, occupying a splendid position at Marysville, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Weaver have one daughter, Cello, who was born on September 30, 1907.
Mr. Weaver is a gentleman who thoroughly enjoys the quiet life of the farm and loves. the freedom that accompanies such an existence, and with his unpretending bearing and strict integrity has helped to build up a spirit of loyal citizenship in the community in which he resides, and where both he and his wife have gained many friends.
LEE HORN.
As surely as water finds its level the man who really means business is bound to find his proper place in the world of commerce, and it takes more than one stumbling block to put him "down and out." He expects difficulties and obstacles of various natures and prepares himself and his business conditions, as far as possible, to meet them, fortifying himself with patience and endurance, and is not discouraged with petty workings against the ultimate outcome.
Lee Horn, dry goods merchant, of Plain City, Ohio, was born in that village, April 11, 1873, and is the son of C. A. and Annette (Burham) Horn. During his boyhood days Mr. Horn attended the public schools of Plain City, and later entered the high school there, after which he became a clerk in a grocery store and was later a clerk in the dry-goods store of C. F. Dutton, where his services became so valuable, and the confidence of his employer in his ability and honesty so well established, that he became the business manager during the last two years spent in Mr. Dutton's employ.
In February, 1910, Mr. Horn and Mr. Milliken purchased the store, and it is now operated under the firm name of Horn & Milliken. Mr. Horn's first salary, as grocery clerk, was about one dollar and fifty cents a week, but was later increased as he became more experienced. All that he now has is the result of his own efforts, and his unlimited store of hope, ambition and determination. Mr. Horn is a Republican, to which party he has always given his vote. His religious membership is with the Presbyterian church.
C. A. Horn, father of the subject of this sketch, was, born at Martin's Ferry, Ohio, and his wife, Annette (Burnham) Horn, was a native of Woodstock, Ohio, and is now dead. Mr. Horn was reared in Ohio and obtained his education at the public schools. After arriving at manhood he became engaged in the manufacture of drain tile, in which business he has been eminently successful, and is now retired from business, spending his summers in Holyoke, Massachusetts, and his winters at Miami, Florida. To this union were born two children, A. V. Horn, who serves as a rural mail carrier at Plain City, and Lee Horn.
Lee Horn was united in marriage on July 9, 1892, with Alta Worthington,. who was born in Canaan township, where she received her early education, attending later at Buchtel College at Akron, Ohio. This union has been blest with one child, Margaret, born on July 1, 1899. She is a student of the Plain City high school.
Mr. Horn is quiet and unpretentious in manner, but very forceful in character, and he and Mrs. Horn enjoy the friendship of the entire community in which they reside.
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SWAINE KENNEDY.
Swaine Kennedy, farmer, Irwin, Pike township, Madison county, was born on March 25, 1859, in Union township, Union county Ohio, and is a son of Oramel and Areal (Lyons) Kennedy. He was reared on a farm in Union county and received his education at the public, schools of Madison county, after which he attended the Bliss Business College at Columbus, Ohio. Mr. Kennedy has always voted for the principles of the Republican party, and demonstrated his interest in local politics by serving as trustee of Pike township for a number of years. He is one of the directors of the Madison County Agricultural Society.
Oramel and Areal (Lyons) Kennedy, the parents of the subject of this sketch, are both dead. They were the parents of six children: Alfred, Rebecca, Swaine, Nancy, John and William.
Swaine Kennedy was united in marriage, December 27, 1894, with Emma King, daughter of Joseph and Amanda (Tarpenning) King. She was born on January 10, 1864, in Pike township, Madison county, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Kennedy were the parents of one child, who died when five years of age.
Joseph and Amanda King; the parents of Mrs. Swaine Kennedy, are both dead. They lived in this county for many years. They had four children : Ellen, Emma, Abbie and Benjamin.
Mr. and Mrs. Kennedy are both descendants of old pioneer families. Their kindness to humanity in general has given them a warm place in the hearts of all who have the pleasure of their acquaintance.
MARTIN RAUSCH.
The lives of those who unshrinkingly shoulder responsibilities necessary for the accomplishment of anything worth while, are inspirations to others less courageous and lacking in those qualities that go hand in hand with a successful career in the business world. Martin Rausch is a man who has never hesitated when emergencies called for strong resolutions and decided action.
Martin Rausch, farmer, Plain City, Ohio, was born on November 21, 1865, in Darby township, Union county, Ohio, and is a son of John and Anna B. (Gase) Rausch. He was reared and educated in the district schools of Darby township, and the parochial school of St. John’s Lutheran church. He remained on his father's farm until he arrived at young manhood and was married, at which time he had but little as a working foundation fund, but he possessed those qualities which have perhaps served him better than a start equipped with riches, and his name is prominently known as belonging to one of the prosperous and enterprising citizens of his community. He gives his support to the Democratic party, and has been a.ctively interested in local politics, having served as one of the trustees of Darby township, Madison county, for seven years. Mr. Rausch belongs to St. Paul's Lutheran church. In connection with his political interests he was nominated by his party, in 1914, for the office of county commissioner, but was defeated by the opposing element. He is a stockholder and director of the Home Telephone Company of Plain City, of which he was one of the organizers.
John A. Rausch, father of Martin Rausch, was born On March 8, 1834, in Darby township, Union county, Ohio, and was a son of George and Catherine (Bloomenshine) Rausch. He was reared in Darby township, and was there united in marriage with Anna B. Gase, living there until he died. He was prosperous in his agricultural pursuits, owning at the time of his death, six hundred acres. of land. Mr. Rausch begat by working by the day, and his wealth was acquired entirely through his own efforts
732 - MADISON COUNTY, OHIO.
and industry. Mr. and Mrs. Rausch were the parents of thirteen children, ten of whom are living in 1915: Barbara, May, Peter, Martin, George, Katie, C. J., Henry, Anna and Emma. Barbara became the wife of Adam Veollrath; May was married to Christ Mayer ; Peter is a retired farmer at Marysville, Ohio; .George is an agriculturist, living in Mill Creek township, Union county, Ohio; Katie was married to William Barger, of Darby township; C. J. is a resident of Columbus, Ohio, where he is established in business; Henry Rausch follows farming in Darby township, Union county, Anna is the wife of William Ell, of Mill Creek township, Union county; Emma was married to George Scherderer, of Darby township, Union county.
George and Catharine (Bloomenshine) Rausch, the paternal grandparents, came to the United States in 1832, settling at Baltimore, Maryland, after which he removed to Columbus, Ohio, walking the entire distance, his wife and family coming in a little wagon. They later settled .in Darby township, Union county, where they lived until Mr. Rausch died, never leaving their original farm. Mr. Rausch was a native German, and became very prosperous after coming to America. Mr. and Mrs. Rausch were the parents of nine children, only one of whom is living in 1915: Casper Rausch. George Rausch was the founder of St. John's Lutheran church at Marysville.
Martin Rausch was united in marriage, February 28, 1889, with Lydia Blumenshine, daughter of Philip and Lena Blumenshine. She was born in Darby township, Union county, Ohio, and is of German lineage. On March 5, 1889, Mr. and Mrs. Rausch moved to their present home place, consisting of one hundred and twelve acres. This union has been blest with eight children, four of whom are living in 1915: Augusta, the wife of William Bivins, a farmer of Darby township, Union county; Alfred; who is single and lives at home; Oscar, who is attending school; and Clara, born on June 27, 1903.
Mr. Rausch is a man who enjoys his home and the society of his family, and is well thought of in the community in which he lives.
VERNE H. PHELLIS.
The credit of a community is reflected in its citizenship, whose influence radiates in every direction. Occupying a position of prominence as one of the foremost agriculturists of Madison county is Verne H. Phellis who owns a fine stock farm in this county.
Verne H. Phellis, stock-farmer, Irwin, Pike township, Madison county, was born on June 10, 1881, in Pike township, and is a son of Charles and Clara (Guy) Phellis. He was reared on a farm until twelve years of age, when he moved with his parents to Mechanicsburg, where he attended the high school. Mr. Phellis has always been an admirer of fine stock, and his specialty is the breeding of registered Dorset sheep, sired by a "Tranquility" ram. He also feeds large numbers of cattle and hogs, which he annually ships by the carload. Mr. Phellis is a Republican, but has never taken much interest in local politics. He is. a member of the Masonic Lodge at Mechanicsburg, Ohio.
Charles Phellis, father of Verne H., was born in Hamilton, Ohio, and his wife. Clara (Guy) Phellis, was born in Pike township, and they are now living as retired farmers -at Mechanicsburg. To this union were born five children: Nellie A., deceased, a graduate of the Ohio Wesleyan. College at Delaware, Ohio; Charles W., who obtained his .education at various institutions, and is now occupying the position of general manager for the Dupont Powder Company, at Huntington, West Virginia, his territory covering West Virginia, the eastern half of Ohio and the eastern half of Kentucky ; Guy follows farming in Pike township, and is married; Ethel was graduated
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from the high school, and is now the wife of Charles Keller, of Pike township; and Verne H.
Verne H. Phellis was united in marriage, July 19, 1900, with Helen Shaul, daughter of Jasper and Mira (Joyner) Shaul. She was born in Goshen township; Champaign county. Her parents died when she was eighteen months . old, and she was reared by her aunt, Samantha Joyner, receiving her education in the public schools of Mechanicsburg and Oxford, Ohio. This marriage has been blest with three -children : Marjorie; born on April. 21, 1904 ; Esther V., July 8; 1906; and Juliet, February 19, 1914.
Mr Phellis is full of progressive and ambitious energy and Mrs. Phellis is equally as ambitious for the success of her husband as he is foi himself and family. The only public office to which he has given any attention is that of township trustee, in which capacity he served for six years. The prosperous and well cared for farm on which Mr. Phellis resides. and owns, is located about one-half mile from Rosedale, and is known as. "Rosedale Stock Farm," consisting of four hundred and twelve acres.
SAMUEL M. MITCHELL.
Samuel M. Mitchell, farmer, Pike township, was born on July 25, 1863, in Darby township, Madison county, Ohio, and is a son of J. C. and Nancy J. (McCullough) Mitchell. He grew up amid farm scenes, attending the schools of the district, and at the age of twenty-five years began to farm for himself, and now successfully conducts a large stock farm, consisting of four hundred and sixty-five acres of land. Mr. Mitchell has always voted the Republican ticket, and has taken an active interest in local politics, serving for six years on the board of education in Pike township.
J. C. Mitchell, father Of the subject of this sketch, was born in Darby township, and was a son of Judge David Mitchell. He was a very religious man and was a highly-honored citizen of Madison county. In 1876 Mr. Mitchell met with the misfortune of losing his eyesight and was blind the remainder of hiS life. His wife was Nancy J. McCullough, to whom he was united in marriage On August 26, 1851. She was a daughter of Samuel McCullough. Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell were the parents of six children, two of whom are dead. Those living in 1915 are : Emma J., who became the wife of J. B. Galloway, of Marysville, Ohio ; Madison; D. A. and Samuel M.
Judge David Mitchell, the paternal grandfather, emigrated from York county, Pennsylvania, in 1799, settling on Darby creek before Ohio was a state. It was at that time a part of the Northwest territory. Judge Mitchell was a prominent citizen of Union county, Ohio, where he served as justice of the peace for many years. At the organization of, Union county he was made associate judge, which office he held up to the time of his' death. He was a son of Jesse Mitchell, who was the first white child born in Union county, Ohio. Mr. Mitchell was a stanch member of the United Presbyterian church, of 'which he was an elder. His wife was Hannah (Caldwell) Mitchell, daughter of John Caldwell of York county, Pennsylvania. She was his third wife.
Samuel M. Mitchell was united in marriage, . October 14, 1884, with Eva A. Paris. She was born in Union county, Ohio, and was the mother of two children : Etta M., who became the wife of J. C. Wilson, of Pike township; and Homer II. Mitchell, who was graduated from the Bliss Business College of Columbus, Ohio, and is living 'at Cincinnati, Ohio. Mrs. Mitchell died on January 25, 1889, and Mr. Mitchell was married to Alfretta Segnar, daughter of Isaac Segnar, this marriage taking place on March 27. 1895. Mrs. Mitchell was born on September 19, 1873, and received her education in the public schools of the district. This second union has been blest with one child, Jesse C., who was born on April 9, 1897, was graduated from the Rosedale high school in the class of 1915, and is now attending Bliss Business College, Columbus, Ohio.
734 - MADISON COUNTY, OHIO.
Isaac and Lavina (Parker) Segnar, the parents of Mrs. Alfretta (Segnar) Mitchell, came to Union county, Ohio, when Mrs. Mitchell was a child of eleven years.
Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell find gnat enjoyment in the society of many warm and sincere friends in the community in which they reside, to whom they are always ready to extend a welcome hand.
CHARLES D. CONVERSE.
Charles D. Converse, farmer, Plain City, Ohio, was born on September 20, 1866, in Darby township, Madison county, and is a son of Russel B. and Anna (Lumbard) Con-vene. He was reared to the life of a farmer, and was educated in the district schools of Darby township, and later attended business college at Columbus, Ohio, where he learned bookkeeping, but decided upon the vocation of a farmer, which he has since followed. Mr. Converse has always given his support to the Republican party. He is a member of the Universalist church of Plain City, a member of Pleasant Valley Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, at Plain City, and both Mr. Converse and his wife are members of the Grange in their home town.
Russel B. Converse, father of Charles D., was born on January 15, 1828, in Darby township, Ohio, and died on August 2, 1889. His wife, Anna (Lumbard) Converse, was born near Covington, Kentucky, February 9, 1826, and came with her parents to Madison county in 1827, where she has since been a resident. To this union were born four sons: Kilborn, deceased; James, who was married to Florence Milburn, and is living in. Franklin county, Ohio; Elmer was married to Ellen King, and is also a resident of Madison county; and Charles D., of Darby township.
Charles D. Converse was united in marriage on October 25, 1897, with Clara Hortsel, who was reared in Washington county, Ohio. She died on March 31, 1907, without issue. Mr. Converse was married, secondly, on April 12, 1911, to Eva Cutler.
Mr. Converse is one of the most prosperous and progressive farmers of Madison county, Ohio. His splendid farm of sixty-nine acres in Darby township, known as "Buirr Oak Farm," includes the farm on which he was born, where he and his ancestors have long been honored and respected citizens.
NICHOLAS M. HUBER.
Among the farmers of Canaan township, Madison county, Ohio, who have succeeded in a large measure and who, at the same time, have won and held the respect of their neighors and fellow citizens, is N. M. Huber, one of the larger landowners of Canaan township, who lives five miles southwest of Plain City, Ohio. He is a most successful stock dealer, and the proprietor of a farm of two hundred and sixty-eight acres. Mr. Huber, however, cultivates in all three hundred and twenty-eight acres.
N. M. Huber was born in Hocking county, Ohio, June 23, 1851, and is the son of Joseph and Maxie (Kost) Huber, both of whom were born in Germany. They came to America on the same vessel, and after landing at Baltimore, Maryland, came on to Lancaster, Ohio, where they were married. Joseph Huber was a contracting mason, having learned his trade in Switzerland. As a matter of fact, he was more than a contractor, he was a man so skillful in his trade, that he was known as an artist. He followed his trade until he was disabled and. then bought a farm in Hocking county, Ohio, and lived on the farm until his death. Early in life he had been a member of the Catholic church, but later left the church. He and his wife had eight children, seven of whom are now living: Mary is the wife of Joseph Zimmerman, of Lancaster, Ohio; Joseph, Jr., married and is a carpenter at Circleville, Ohio; John is deceased; Margaret is the wife of Lawrence Stonebarger ; Nicholas M. is the subject of this sketch;
MADISON COUNTY, OHIO - 735
Paul is a farmer .of near Lancaster, Ohio; Rosa is unmarried and lives at Lancaster ; Teressa is the wife of a Mr. Fox, of near Lancaster.
Nicholas M. Huber, who was reared on a farm near Lancaster, was educated in the common schools, attending school in the winter and working on the farm during the summer months. Subsequently, when he was old enough, he took up farming for himself.
Nicholas M. Huber was married to Mrs. Alice Gladden, who had been previously married to a Mr. Atkinson. She was born in Pennsylvania, and by her first marriage had one child, Nellie, who is a graduate of the common schools and of St. Mary's Academy at Columbus, Ohio, and is the wife of Clinton Norris. By the second marriage there has been one child, Lee G., who married Grace Pennington. They live with Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas M. Huber.,
Mrs. Huber is a member of the Christian Science church. Mr. Huber votes the Republican ticket, and is one of the trustees of this township.
As a citizen, Nicholas M. Huber is of high rank in this township. As a farmer be has won considerable attention to his efforts as a breeder of Duroc-Jersey hogs. He also buys and ships large quantities of grain and live stock.
HERBERT E. REESE.
Herbert E. Reese, an industrious farmer of Darby township, Madison county, Ohio, where he has charge of one hundred and ninety-one acres of land, and who lives on rural route No. 1, out of. Plain City, Ohio, was born in Gallia county, Ohio, December 2, 1888. He is the son of Thomas L. and Sarah (Kincade) Reese, both of whom are also natives of Gallia county. Thomas L. Reese is the son of John and Harriet (Smith) Reese and is one of five children born to his parents. The others were William, Nathan, Ella and Sarah. Of these children, four are now living.
Thomas L. Reese grew up in Gallia county and was educated in the common schools. He was married in that county and has always lived there. He and his wife have been the parents of eight children, six of whom are now living: Maggie, who is the wife of Harry Viars, of Gallia county ; Millie, who is the wife of Morris Swisher, of Gallia county ; Elijah, who married a Mrs. Brown and lives in Union county; Herbert E., the subject of this sketch ; Emma, wild married Earl Moore, of Gallia county ; Willard, who is unmarried lives with his brother. Herbert E.; Garnet and Clyde are deceased.
Herbert E. Reese, who was reared in Gallia county and educated in the public schools of that county, began life for himself at the age of eighteen years, at which time he began working by the month. He came to Madison county at that age and has lived here practically all of the time since.
Herbert E. Reese was married on December 22, 1909, to Blanche H. Cline, who was born in Gallia county, Ohio, July 16, 1898. She is the daughter of Perry and Elizabeth (Davidson) Cline, both residents of Gallia county. Mrs. Reese is one of three children born to her parents and the eldest in the family. The other two children are Roy, who married Clara White, of Gallia county; and Edna, who lives at home with her parents.
After Mr. and Mrs. Reese were married they lived in Pike township for some time, where they rented a farm. They moved to 'Darby township in December, 1911. Mr. Reese is an extensive breeder of Duroc-Jersey hogs and registered Shorthorn cattle. He and his wife are pleasant people and popular in the neighborhood where they live. They have one son, Robert Max, born on February 8, 1911. Mr. and Mrs. Reese are members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Chuchery, Ohio. Mr. Reese votes the DemOcratic ticket.
736 - MADISON COUNTY, OHIO:
MONROE BIDWELL.
Monroe Bidwell, farmer, residing on rural route No. 2, West Jefferson, Ohio, an the proprietor of the old . Ephraim Bidwell farm, was born on July 14, 1850, on th, home farm in an old log horise, and is a son of Ephraim and Laura (Lombard) Bidwell. He was the eldest son of the family, and was reared on the farm where he now lives. His early education was greatly neglected, on account of being required to assist with the farm work until he reached maturity. Mr. Bidwell has only himself and wife to thank for his financial success, having accumulated all he and his wife now own unaided, and his splendid farm, consisting of one thousand and sixty-nine acres, situated in Jefferson township, Madison county, is one of the most prosperous of the larger estates of this section. Mr. Bidwell has always been a loyal voter of the Republican ticket, but has never taken an active part in politics.
Ephraim Bidwell, father of the subject of this sketch, was born in Madison county, Ohio, and was a.son of Elisha Bidwell. He grew up and lived in Madison counts: his entire life. About three years prior to his death he moved to Plain City, spending his last days there. He was the father of six children, only two of whom are living in 1915, Monroe and Ellen, who became the wife of Joseph McKimmon and now lives near Lincoln, Nebraska. Ephraim Bidwell was a farmer and a• member of the Legislature.
Elisha Bidwell, the paternal grandfather, was born in Vermont, and came with his wife and family overland by wagon to Ohio. He entered land from the government at Jefferson, one and one:half miles northwest of the present home of Monroe Bidwell, where he settled and reared his family. When he came here the land was wet and swampy and his was no easy task in clearing, ditching and putting the land in tillable condition. Mr. Bidwell was the father of fifteen sons and two daughters, all of whom grew to maturity. Three of his sons, Benjamin, Elijah and Washington, were killed during the Civil War.
Monroe Bidwell was united in marriage on. September 2, 1874, with Martha C. Kreainer, daughter of John Kreamer, a wealthy farmer: She was born in October, 1852,in Madison county. To this'union were born three children, Eber W., Cloa and Irma, all living in 1915. Eber W. Bidwell was educated in the district school, finishing his training at Ada, Ohio. He was married to Maggie Burrell, who died, leaving him one son, Asil H., born on April 1, 1897, who was reared by his grandfather and edu. eated in the public schools. Eber W. Bidwell was married, secondly, to Alta Ford, by whom he had two children. His second wife died and he was married, thirdly, on May 19, 1915, to Mrs. Magdalena (Hansel) Hanson, who was born in this county, a daughter of Chris and Amanda Hansel, the former of Whom is a farmer of this county. Cloa Bidwell becaMe the wife of Elmer Starkey, and has three children, Everett, William and Marie. Irma Bidwell is the wife of Raynard Harbage, a farmer of Canaan township.
John Kreamer, father of Martha C. (Kreamer) Bidwell, was born in Venango county, Pennsylvania, a son of Joseph and Mary (Badley) Kreamer. Joseph Kreamer was of German, descent and came to Madison county where he died at West Jefferson. Mary (Badley) Kreamer died in Pennsylvania. They were the parents of ten children, all of whom are now deceased. John Krearner came to Madison county with his father. He married Mary Sriodgrags, who was born hear Milford Center, Ohio; and they settled on a farm in Monroe township. About 1860 they went to live on the Morris forth. Mr. Kreamer died in Monroe township in January, 1870. His wife is still living at the age of eighty-Seven. She is a member of the Methodist Episcopal ChurCh. John Kreamer was a Republican and was township trustee for several years. John and Mary (Snodgrass) Kreamer were the parents of the following children: Ann died at the age of two years; Haddin died in infancy; Eugene married Laura Wright, and is a farmer resid-
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ing in Jefferson township; John married Rose Burrows, and is a retired farmer of Milford Center ; Rose married John Byerly, who is a farmer in Monroe township; Martha C., who married Monroe Bidwell, is the eldest of the children living.
Monroe Bidwell is a descendant of one of the old and highly-respected pioneer families of Madison county, where he is a well-known and honored citizen. He is a Republican. Mr. Bidwell is a meniber of the Universalist church, and Mrs. Bidwell is a member of the Methodist church.
WELCOME A. WEST.
In Somerford township, Madison county, Ohio, may be found the ancestral home of the West family, a tract of seventy acres of land purchased by and owned during his life time by the late Alexander West, the paternal grandfather of Welcome A. West, the subject of this sketch. Its present own.er came into possession of the farm about a quarter of a century ago, and here he has lived ever since. The old home of Alexander and "Betsy" West is still. standing on the West farm) and remains today practically as Mrs. West left it at the time of her death, in 1892. It is a fine specimen of the old-Ohio homes.
Welcome. A. West, the grandson of Alexander and Elizabeth (Curl) West, and the son of Samuel and Margaret Ann (Neer) West, was born in Pleasant township, Clark county, June 16, 1866. Mr. West's father was born in Logan county. Ohio, September 6, 1845, and was married to Margaret Ann Neer in Clark county, Ohio, September 18, 1864. They had four children, of whom two, Kelly and Sheldon, died early in life. The latter WaS born on June 16, 1873. The living children are: Welcome A., the subject of this sketch; and Harlan, born on April 14, 1878. The latter resides in Springfield, Ohio, and is assistant cashier of the First National Bank. He never lived in Madison county. Samuel West is now living in Pleasant township, Clark county, Ohio, two miles distant from his son, Welcome A. He came to Madison county as a child, the son of Alexander and Elizabeth (Curl) West, and settled on the farm where Welcome A. now lives. Alexander West, by his own efforts, developed this farm. He was born on June 21, 1809; married to Elizabeth Curl, March 31, 1831; and died on December 20, 1861, at the age of fifty-two years. His wife, Elizabeth or "Betsy" Curl, was born on March 29 1812, and died on March 25, 1892, at the age of eighty years. Alexander West was the justice of the peace for many years, and held court in his house. He and his wife had a family of fourteen children, most of whom reached maturity. Four are now living, Samuel, Thomas, Edwin and Mary Ann. Samuel and Thomas live in Clark county, the latter a resident of Springfield. Samuel lives On the farm, where most of his married life has been passed. He is now retired, but is well remembered as a stock buyer who covered ft wire range of territory, including Madison, Champaign and Clark counties. Edwin is living retired at Mechanicsburg, in Champaign county. Mary Ann is the widow of James Turpin, and lives at North Lewisburg, Ohio. Among the other children who are deceased, Henry lived and died in Clark county; John died at the age of twenty-six, while a recruiting officer of the United States army; Linnie was the wife of Thomas Buzzard and spent practically all her life in Madison county, dying in 1899, at the age of fifty-six years; Susannah, the twin sister of Mary Ann, died in November, 1880, and was the wife of John Furrow; Dorothy died at the age of twenty-eight,. unmarried.
At the age of twenty-four, Welcome A. West came to Madison county, Ohio. He had received a good common-sChool education, and when his father, Samuel West, who was the administrator of the estate of Alexander West, closed up the business, Welcome A. West bought in the old farm of his grandfather. He has made many improvements
(47)
738 - MADISON COUNTY, OHIO.
upon the farm. but the old house has been permitted to remain largely as it was when "Aunt Betsy" left it.
On February 27, 1890, Welcome A. West was married to Gertrude M. Evans, of Clark county, Ohio. Mrs. West was born in Champaign county. Mr. and .Mrs. West are the parents of three children: Ellis M., Orris C. and Hazel J., all of whom are living at home with their parents.
For thirty years Mr. West has kept a diary, including all of the weather reports and all neighborhood happenings. This diary has been accepted as evidence in court, and Mr. West is very proud of it. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Sumtherford. Mr. West is a member of the Sons of Veterans, and votes the Republican ticket, as does his father and as did his grandfather before him.
JOHN W. RECTOR.
Biographies of good men form splendid examples and. incentives to those drifting .along life's pathway, and are often the first aid to the discouraged and faint-hearted, inspiring them with hope for another "chance." The gentleman whose life history is here briefly reviewed is one who has followed a course of straightforward principles, and made his way to a respected and honored position in the agricultural world winning the admiration and praise of his neighbors and friends.
John W. Rector, farmer, West Jefferson, Ohio, was born on February 19, 1864, in Wayne township, Pickaway county, Ohio,, and is a son of Marcus and Mary F. (Van Kuren) Rector. He remained at home until twenty-two years of age, and then rented his father's farm, starting in for himself as a farmer. Through his industry and good management Mr. Rector has so skillfully conducted his business matters, until he now owns one hundred and twenty-two acres of farm land. Mr. Rector has always been a stanch Republican„ and greatly interested in the welfare of his township but has never taken an active part in local politics.
Marcus Rector, father of the subject of this sketch, was born in Pickaway county, Ohio, and his wife, Mary F. (Van Kuren) Rector, was born at Albany, New York, coming with his parents to Pickaway county, when a young girl. Mr. and Mrs. Rector both grew up in that county, and were married there. Mr. Rector was a generous-hearted and prosperous man, but his generosity was taken advantage of and he lost all he had. He was a devout member of the Methodist Episcopal church. His death occurred about 1893. Mrs. Rector still resides at Big Plain. Madison county, Ohio. They were the parents of eight children, as follow: Alva C. was born in Jefferson township: Marcus is a blacksmith in Madison county ; Robert S. is teaching school at Big Plain; Roy is a musician, and resides at Columbus, Ohio; Clara became the wife of George Alkire; Maud is the wife of Frank Edwards, of Big Plain, Ohio; Myrtle is the wife of Daniel Brobert, and lives near Circleville, Ohio; John W., of Jefferson township.
John W. Rector was united in marriage on August 9, 1889, with Amy V. Lane, daughter of Mitchell Lane. She was born on August 1, 1875. in Oakland township, and died in 1.892. To this union were born two daughters: Ida M., the wife of John Borland, of West Jefferson, Ohio; and Anna, a graduate of the West Jefferson high school, now the wife of Harvey Heath, also of West Jefferson. Mr. Rector was married, secondly, to Mrs. Iva M. (Wright) Walker, August 16, 1909. She is a daughter of Henry and Nancy H. (Harris) Wright, and was born on May 15, 1858, in Canaan township, Madison county.
Henry Wright, father of Mrs. Iva M. (Wright) Rector, was a son of Dr. Henry and Margaret (Bogen) Wright, and was born on February 17, 1822, in Frederick county, Maryland, and died on May 10, 1914. He came to Ohio in 1836, and began to
MADISON COUNTY, OHIO - 739
care for himself at the age of eleven years, working at first for his board and clothes, and at the age of twenty-three years, :he began to learn the wagon-maker's trade at Amity, Ohio. Mr. Wright went to the Civil War in the One Hundred and Twelfth Ohio Cavalry, in 1864, serving until the close of the war. He was married in 1852 to Elizabeth Mahaffey, who died in 1853, leaVing one son, Albert. Mr. Wright was married, secondly, to Nancy Harris, daughter of Thomas and Sarah Harris, by whom he had two daughters, Elizabeth A. and Iva. His second wife died, and he was married to Pony Dominy, by whom he had nine children. Mr. Wright began life as a poor boy, and succeeded so well that he at one time owned eight hundred acres of land, which .he acquired unaided, and which he divided among his children..
Mrs. Iva M. (Wright) Rector, was married, first, to Cassius B. Walker on July 2, 1874, by whom she has three daughters : Lenora, the wife of Roy Spring, of Delaware, Ohio; Eva. who became the wife of Taylor Simkins, and resides at West Jefferson; and Catherine, who married Hugh Cox, at Rome, Franklin county, Ohio. Cassius B. Walker died on December 18, 1906.
Mr. and Mrs. Rector are pleasant, affable people, and are prominent citizens in the township. Mrs. Rector possesses, in her own right, something over sixty-six acres of land. The beautiful home where they reside is knoWn as "Hilltop Farm," and is located on the Blair road, one mile north of West Jefferson, Ohio.
WILLIAM HOLLAND.
William Holland, successful farmer and owner of three hundred and five acres of land located in Monroe township, Madison county, Ohio, about two miles northeast of Plumwood, was born in Champaign county, this state, on June 12, 1858.
William Holland is a son of John and Mary (Foley) Holland, both natives of County Waterford, Ireland. John Holland, who was a son of Lawrence, was the first of his family to emigrate to this county. He was a young man at that time and came over in order to judge of conditions and opportunities in this land before sending for the rest of the family. He was seized with cholera while enroute to the West and was glad to leave. the train at Springfield for medical attention. He remained at that place, working for a time on a section gang and later went to a farm owned by a Mr. McDonald and located near Urbana. This farm he arranged to Manage on shares and having secured that position, he sent for his patents and the rest of the family. A short time after their arrival, his sweetheart, Mary Foley, also came and they were married in Springfield. They came into Madison county and bought two hundred acres of land from a Mr. Pratt, the same now constituting part of the farm of William Holland. Thete the old folks remained for the balance of their lives. There were seven children in their family, five of whom are living at the present time: William is the third child in order of birth; Bridget and Lawrence, the two elder, both being unmarried and remaining at home; Margaret is dead; Katherine is the wife of John Butler, and resides at Plain City ; Ed and John both died when small, but the 'rest grew to maturity.
Mr. Holland received a good common-school education in the district schools near his home and was early instructed in the work of the farm. home. It is, therefore, but natural that he should have turned the efforts of his mature years to agriculture. He has been highly successful in his line and 'is one of the up-to-date farmers of his community. He employs twentieth-century methods in the management of his business and is uniformly successful in whatever he undertakes, for he applies the best of brain and brawn to any duty he sees before him.
On February 27, 1900, William Holland was united in marriage with Delia Don-
740 - MADISON COUNTY, OHIO.
nelly, a daughter of Thomas and Bridget Donnelly, both natives of the Emerald Isle, coming from County Galway. To Mr. and Mrs. Holland have been born five children. namely : John, Elmer, Mary, William and, Catherine. John is in the eighth grade of common school, Elmer in the fifth, little Mary is just ready to enter school and the two youngest children are below school age. This is a most interesting and promising family, and they are being so trained as to fit them for useful places in the world when they shall have attained manhood and womanhood.
Mr. Holland and his family are communicants of the Roman Catholic church, and he gives his support to the Democratic party, although being at no time a seeker after office. Mr. Holland is a sturdy, self-reliant citizen. He is honorable and upright in his dealings, and therefore worthy of the high degree of esteem in which he is held.
BENJAMIN F. ROBERTS.
One of the solid, substantial citizens of the West Jefferson neighborhood of this county, Benjamin F. Roberts is known far and wide in that vicinity as one of the best farmers thereabout. Prominent in the local Grange, he having served as master of the same for some time, he has been equally prominent in farmers-institute work, often serving as secretary for the institutes held in his part of the county, and is known as a man who keeps fully informed on all matters pertaining to the advancement of the science of agriculture.
Benjamin F. Roberts was born in Union township, Madison county, Ohio, on April 7, 1839, son of Charles and Harriet (McCann) Roberts, the former of whom also was born in this county and the latter was a native of Ross county, this state. In his early life Charles Roberts was a school teacher, but after his marriage bought a farm near the fish hatcheries, in Union township, where he erected a grist-mill, which lon.g was known throughout that part of the county as the old Roberts mill, the road leading thereto still being known as the Roberts road. Later, Charles Roberts moved to Jefferson township, where he built a saw-mill on Little Darby creek, which he operated until his retirement from active business, at which time he returned to his former home place, where he spent the remainder of his life. He and his wife were earnest members of the Christian church and were recognized as among the leaders in all good works thereabout. They were the parents of eight children, John: Henry, Catherine, Benjamin F., Charles C., Harriet M., Mary E. and Melvina E., the latter of whom, the wife of Michael B. Wilson, of Clark county, this state, is the only one now surviving besides the subject of this sketch.
His father having been a school teacher, Benjamin F. Roberts received an excellent education, his course in the neighborhood schools of his youth having been supplemented by a thorough home training, and he is a man of wide information, keeping abreast of the times on all matters of general importance. Mr. Roberts never married, but he reared Homer T. Roberts, a well-known resident of this county, with all the tender solicitude he could have exercised in behalf of a son, and regards the children of the latter with as much affection as though they were indeed his own grandchildren. Homer T. Roberts married Lona Bricker, daughter of Al Bricker, and has four sons.
At the breaking out of the Civil War, Benjamin F. Roberts enlisted in the Union army, in Company E, One Hundred and: Eighty-second Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served as a private throughout the war. He was in the battle of Nashville, Tennessee. Mr. Roberts is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, and served as adjutant and commander of the post for several years. He was commissioned major of the Madison county battalion on September 1, 1888.
Benjamin F. Roberts for years has been active in the work of the Grange and is a past master of the grange to which he so long has been attached. He also has been
MADISON COUNTY, OHIO - 741
prominent in: county-institute work throughout the county and is one of the best-known farmers hereabout, his excellent judgment on agricultural matters having much weight with his neighbors. He has a fine farm of one hundred and fifty acres, two and one-half miles southwest of West Jefferson, which is looked upon as a model of well-tilled land. Now nearing the four-score mark in the journey of life, Mr. Roberts is quietly spending his "sunset time" at his pleasant home, enjoying the rewards of a life of industry well spent, and enjoying, as well. many evidences of the very sincere regard and esteem of his neighbors, all of whom hold him in the highest respect.
THE BALES FAMILY.
The Bales family, in Madison county, dates from the coming of Moses Bales, who was a resident of Virginia. With his wife, Mary, he settled in Somerford township, two miles north of the village of Somerford, near where Val Wilson now lives, and where he was a neighbor to the original Valentine Wilson, the grandfather of Val. The farm consisted of about three hundred acres of land and is still owned by members of the family. Moses Bales lived and died upon his farm, passing away in 1855, at a very advanced age. He built the present house on that farm. His third wife survived him several years. By his first marriage there were two sons, Calvin and Thomas, both of whom were farmers and stockmen, and two daughters, Catherine and Elizabeth. David Bales, a son of the third wife, lived in Madison county for a time, but finally emigrated to Texas, where he is still living. Late in life, Catherine married a Mr. Lansdale, of Champaign county. Another daughter was Mrs. Susan Markley. Another daughter, Betsy, died unmarried. Another daughter, Mrs. Sarah Locke, removed to Iowa. The daughters of Thomas Bales own the old home place near Tradersville. They are Mrs. Carrie Fitzgibbons, of Mechanicsburg; Talitha, the wife of Dr. Timothy Beach, of near London ; and Alta, who married Charles Gray, of Jeffersonville, Ohio. In 1914, Mrs. Gray was killed at a railroad crossing near Springfield, Ohio, when here automobile was struck by a car.
Calvin Fenton Bales was born on January 30, 1821. On October 19, 1843, he married Julia Ann Rigdon, the daughter of Charles and Lydia (Mitchell) Rigdon, of Somerford township. The former came to this county from Kentucky, the latter from Pennsylvania. Julia Ann (Ridgon) Bales was born in Champaign county, September 26, 1825. Her parents died in London after having sold the old home farm.
A short time after his marriage, Calvin Bales removed to the present homestead near Tradersville. At the time it consisted mostly of wild land. He set about to clear and drain the land and put about seventy-five acres in cultivation. Having started with four hundred acres he sold land until he had only two hundred and fifteen remaining. The main part of the present homestead building was probably here when he came but his widow remodeled and enlarged the house. Calvin Bales was very much interested in stock raising, and handled many cattle and sheep. He rented a great deal of land for grazing purposes. A short time before his death he purchased four hundred and thirty acres of land located near London. His death occurred in 1863, and he left a widow with five children. Mrs. Calvin Bales sold the London farm and returned to the old home farm near Tradersville. After a life of devotion to the Methodist Episcopal church and her family, she died in the old home, July 25, 1911. Mrs. Bales was a member of the Methodist church all her life, and was one of the liberal supporters of the Tradersville church. Calvin Bales was also interested in church work, and strictly observed all the requirements of the church. In fact, Calvin Bales' home was well known as the home of the Methodist preachers.
Calvin Fenton and Julia Ann (Rigdon) Bales were the parents of five children: Emeline married Daniel Hendrix and died on October 3, 1887. Mary Jane married William Houston, the father of L. C. Houston, and now lives in London. Charles E.
742 - MADISON COUNTY, OHIO.
is stock raiser of Madison county and Kansas. Milton McKendree Bales, who was, born on October 14, 1855 is now a Doctor of Divinity in the Baptist church. He was a Methodist minister for thirty years, but became .a Baptist. He is now located at Homestead, Florida. He is a graduate of the Garrett Biblical Institute. Lydia Minerva is the wife of Dr. E. U. Wood, of Columbus, Indiana, a practicing physician and surgeon of note.
Charles E. Bales was born in the house where he now lives on November 17, 1848, and has spent most of his life on this farm. Having been associated with his father in farming since he was ten years old, Charles Bales was able to take charge of the home farm upon his father's death. The first year after his father's death he carried three hundred sheep during the winter. When he took charge of the farm it consisted of two hundred and fifteen acres, but it now comprises three hundred and seventy-six acres. In the meantime, Charles bought the interests of his brothers and sisters in the home farm. He is a well-known stockman, who is much devoted to his business of crop raising and sheep feeding. Mr. Bales owns about five thousand acres of wheat and grass land in Kansas, which is well stocked with Hereford cattle. He has never had any desire to hold public office.
PROF. J. C. HAMBLETON.
Prof. J. C. Hambleton has devoted the best years of his life to fitting others with a foundation for any vocation that most appeals to them, or the one selected through force of circumstances. With our present method of vocational training a student acquires a better insight into the realities and technicalities of various branches, working under skilled instructors, and is better qualified, when he finishes school, to judge for himself as to what trade he might like to follow.
Prof. J. C. Hambleton, teacher in the East high school, Columbus, Ohio, was born on November 12, 1863, in Jefferson township, Madison county, Ohio, and is a son of Isaac and Jane (Reynolds) Hambleton. He was reared on the home farm, and obtained his early education in the public schools of the county, and is a graduate of the West Jefferson high school. After leaving high school he entered the MacAlester College, from which he was graduated with the degree of B. A., and has devoted his entire life to teaching. His first employment as a teacher was in the mission schools of Chile, where he met and married his wife, and where they resided for nine years. He returned to Ohio in 1900, and brought his family to Columbus. In 1912 they moved to their farm in Jefferson township. Professor Hambleton is a Republican. He is a member of lodge No 221, Free and Accepted Masons.
Isaac Hambleton, father of the subject of this sketch, was born on August 6 1825, in Columbiana county, Ohio, and died on February 15, 1915. His wife, Jane (Reynolds) Hambleton, was born on October 31, 1825, in. Georgesville, Ohio, and died on April 29, 1912: They were the parents of four children, three of whom are living in 1915: Ida, who is the widow of George Smeltzer, and resides in Arkansas; Wallace, who taught school for a number of years and is now a farmer in Champaign county.
J. C. Hambleton was united in marriage, December 25, 1891, with Sara Paulsen, daughter of George Paulsen. She was born on December 17, 1870, in Chile. Professor and Mrs. Hambleton are the parents of the following children: Olivia, James, Carmen, Blanca, Edson, David and Carlos (twins), Wallace and Mary Olivia was born in Chile, October 7, 1892, and is a graduate of the East high school of Columbus, Ohio, and a student at the Ohio State University ; James is a graduate of the same high school, and is a student in the State University ; Carmen was born on May 1, 1897, and is a student in the West Jefferson high school; Blanca was born on June 25, 1899, and
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is also a student of the West Jefferson high school; Edson was born on February 13, 1902; David and Carlos (Twins) were born on February 28, 1903; Wallace was born on November 30, 1908, and Mary was born on December 26, 1910.
George Paulsen, father of Mrs. Hambleton, was born in Denmark, and his wife, Carmen (Villagran) Paulsen, was born in Chile, and is now dead. Mr. Paulsen is still a resident of Chile.
Professor Hambleton stands very high in his work, in which he has met with great success, and in which he is considered an authority.
JAMES H. CLINGAN.
James H. Clingan, who is a well-known retired farmer living at Summerford, was born in that village on February 14 1855, and is the son of Andrew J. and Elizabeth A. (Clark) Clingan. Mr. Clingan's father was a native of Maryland and his mother was a native of London, Madison county, and the daughter of Henry Clark. Andrew Clingan and wife came to Madison county about 1840. He was a tailor by trade and followed his trade at Summerford.. He served three years in the Civil War and was a member of Company K, Twenty-sixth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry. His eldest son, Alonzo P., was also a soldier in the Civil War and died in the Andersonville prison at the age of eighteen. Andrew Clingan died in Madison county at the age of seventy-seven, soon after his wife's death, who passed away at the age of sixty-six. For forty years Andrew Clingan was a justice of the peace, and was succeeded by his son, James H., the subject of this sketch, who served one term.
The seven children born to Andrew and Elizabeth A. (Clark) Clingan, were as follow: Alonzo P., who died in the Civil War ; Laura V., who is now Mrs. Arnold, of Bradford Junction, Ohio; Mary G., who married Frank P. Weller and who died at Urbana ; William L., who was a merchant at Summerford for thirty-five or forty years, until his death in March, 1909; Ida F., who married Thomas C. Foster, and who died in Madison county; James H. is the subject of this sketch; Fannie H., who married. Thomas West, and who died in Springfield, Clark county, Ohio. Thomas West was an uncle of Welcome A..West of Summerford.
Practically all of Mr. Clingan's life has been spent in Madison county and in Summerford. For twenty-five years he was engaged in painting and paper hanging, and for seven years he was engaged in a general store at Summerford. He owns a farm of fifty-one acres adjoining the village and has a pleasant home. He is surrounded with all the conveniences of life.
James H. Clingan was Married at the age of twenty-six to Addie L. Cartzdafner, who died twelve years after their marriage, leaving one child, Stella Myrl, a brilliant teacher of Madison county who graduated from the London high school with the class of 1910, at the age of seventeen years. Having begun teaching immediately after her graduation from high school, she has made a brilliant record in this county. Miss Clingan was well prepared for teaching, having taken several teacher's courses at Wittenberg College.
Addie L. Cartzdafner was the daughter of J. W. and Julia Ann Cartzdafner, natives of Maryland and Ohio, respectively. The former was a millwright by trade and a mill operator and was well-known in this community. Further facts in the Cartzdafner history is to be found in the sketch of G. W. Cartzdafner, preSented elsewhere in this volume.
Mr. Clingan was married, secondly March 14, 1901, to Malinda Sweet, the daughter of Stephen D. and Catherine (Tingley) . Sweet, the former of whom was born in Champaign county, Ohio, the son of Joshua and Mary Sweet. Stephen D. Sweet was reared
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in Clark county and was married in September, 1853. He and his wife lived in Clark and Madison. counties. In later years they lived near Wilson chapel, in Clark county. He died at the age of sixty-one and she at the age of fifty-nine. Their remains are buried in the cemetery at Summerford. Mrs. Clingan is the only member of her family living in Madison county. She was reared in Clark county and educated in the country schools. By this second marriage there have been no children.
Mrs. Clingan is prominent in the Ladies Aid Society and in the Sunday school. Stella Myrl Clingan is also active in church work. James H. Clingan is about the oldest Odd:Fellow of the Summerford lodge. He has been a member for thirty-three years, has passed all the chairs and is at present Secretary of the lodge. Mrs. Clingan is a member of the Daughter's of Rebekah, at London. Mr. Clingan is a Republican in politics. He spends his vacations in fishing and hunting and is always taking an active part in improving the village and community where he lives.
HIRAM RUSSELL WILSON.
No citizen of Somerford township is more highly respected than Hiram Russell Wilson, a farmer at Tradersville in Madison county, Ohio. Ever since beginning life on his own responsibility, Mr. Wilson has been compelled to shift for himself, and the competence which 'he has accumulated in the passing years is the fruit of his own personal efforts.
Hirain Russell Wilson was born on, September 24, 1852, in Mineral county, West Virginia, and at the age of nine years accompanied his parents, Peter and Louisa (Hull) Wilson, to Clark county, Ohio. Both of his parents were natives of West Virginia. Peter Wilson's parents died in early life, and he was bound out to Alexander Riley. He grew to manhood as an apprentice. Hiram Russell Wilson grew to manhood in Clark county, Ohio, on a farm, and lived there until eighteen years old, when his parents removed to Fayette county. He aCcompanied them and lived at home until twenty-three years old. Still later his parents removed to Lilly Chapel, Madison county, and engaged in farming. After living in Madison county some eight or ten years, they returned to Clark county, a few Miles from their son's present residence, and there died, the father in September, 1886, at the age of sixty-five, and the mother about twenty years later in West Virginia. Peter Wilson was a poor man when he came to Ohio, and after coming here, rented land from different persons. His son, Hiram, is the only member of the family now living in Madison county. William and George both returned to West Virginia, where George still lives. Another brother, John, was a practicing physician in Miami county, Indiana.
After leaving home at the age of twenty-three, Hiram R. Wulson learned the blacksmith's trade at Lilly Chapel with George Wright. He followed the trade for twenty-two years in succession, working at Lilly Chapel, at Somerford and still later at Lafayette, operating shops of his own. In 1901 he removed to his present farm, known as the old Isaac Fox farm at Tradersville. He now owns one hundred and nine acres of land. In the meantime he has remodeled the house and made out of it an attractive country home. Mr. Wilson keeps. purebred Jersey cattle, which are all eligible to register. By separating the cream and selling it, he makes a very satisfactory profit from the farm. Mr. Wilson especially enjoys stock raising.
On November .6, 1882, Hiram Russell Wilson was married to Margaret A. Sidner, daughter of Philip and Minerva (Southern) Sidner. Mrs. Wilson's father is a half-brother of Clark Sidner, whose sketch is presented elsewhere in this volume. Philip and Clark are sons of Jacob Sidner. Mrs. Wilson was born at Lilly Chapel. She and her husband were young people together. They have three children, Blanche, Ercel and Guy. Blanche is a graduate nurse and lives at home. Ercel is a student at
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the Evangelical Institute at Chicago, Illinois. Guy is operating the home farm. He attended the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware, for some time, and expected to take an electrical engineering course, but has abandoned that for agriculture and will take an agricultural course.
Hiram Russell Wilson is a thorough going temperance man, and at the age of sixty-three years can truthfully say that he has never taken a drink of whisky, a chew of tobacco or a smoke in his life. His son is also a total abstainer. Neither does he know one card from another. In the community where he lives his influence among the young and rising generation is regarded as of a most wholesome character. He is not a politician, and, while nominally identified with the Republican party, votes for the man rather than the party. Although he has served on the school board, generally speaking he has kept out of office and has never aspired to public place. Mr. Wilson is a most deserving and honorable citizen, and respected in the community where he lives.
SIMEON G. KILGORE
In the veins of the Kilgore family flows the blood of militant pioneer stock, who knew what it was not only to battle with the savages who first peopled the Middle West, but who knew what it was to battle with the hardships of pioneer life in the American wilderness.
Simeon G. Kilgore, a prosperous young farmer of Union township, was born on July 20, 1872, on the farm where he now lives. He is the son of Henry and Orpha (Ellsworth) Kilgore, the former of whom was born in Madison county, Ohio, September 14, 1828. He was the son of James and Sarah (Hutson) Kilgore, natives of Kentucky and of Scotch and English descent, respectively. James Kilgore was a captain during the War of 1812. He was reared on a farm and received a limited education. In 1864 Henry Kilgore enlisted in the One Hundred and Fifty-fourth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served until the close of the war. He was engaged in farming during his entire life and owned, at one time, one hundred and sixteen acres of good land. In 1872 he was married to Orpha Ellsworth and to them were born two children, Simeon G., the subject of this sketch, and Charles H.
Henry Kilgore's mother, Sarah (Hutson) Kilgore, was born in Bourbon county, Kentucky, in 1789, and was married to Jonathan Denton in 1806. The few years during which they were permitted to live together, their lives were full of suffering and danger. Finally, they were driven away by the Indians to the neighboring fort. At the risk of her life, Mrs. Denton rode home each day to attend to the stock. Only a short time elapsed until her husband was killed in a skirmish with the Indians. With her three small children, she was forced to flee to her parental roof. In 1814 she was married to James Kilgore. She died on November 2, 1872, at the age of eighty-four yetars4 leaving a family of, eight children. She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, having joined the church at the age of sixteen years. She was a leader in the class meetings for many years.
Henry Kilgore and wife were members of the Christian church and he voted the Republican ticket. Of their two children, Charles H., who was born in 1876, married Clara Heaton and has one son, Charles. They live in Columbus, Ohio.
During his life Henry Kilgore made many improvements to his Madison county farm. He erected a fine house and barn. He was a member of the county infirmary board for six years and served as school director for a number of years. He died on February 27, 1915. Mrs. Kilgore lives with her son on the old homestead.
Simeon G. Kilgore is a Republican in politics and has also served on the county
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infirmary board for a term of two years. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias lodge, at London, Ohio, and, a member of Oak Run Grange, at London. The Kilgore farm is known, as “Maple Grove, Farm'' and is conveniently situated on the Kilgore pike. Having been represented in Madison county, Ohio, for nearly a century the various members of the Kilgore family are naturally well known in this section of the state. They have always been known as earnest, sincere, God fearing people, loyal to their friends and devoted to home and family.
REV. WILLIAM M. OVERTURF.
Among the early ministers of the gospel of Madison county, Ohio, was the late Rev. William. M. Overturf; a man of tremendous personal power and a man who performed noble service in the Master's vineyard. He lived to rear a family of several children who lived to honor the name which their father bore and the work he did on behalf of the Christian religion.
William M. Overturf was born in Licking county, Ohio, December 21, 1832, and died in 1885. He was the son of Solomon and Elizabeth (Griffin) Overturf, natives of Pennsylvania and of Virginia, respectively. The former died in 1847 while yet a young man. His wife survived him more than thirty years passing away in 1881 at a very old age. They had a family of ten children, five sons and five daughters. The only children who are living at the present time are Norman, Catherine and Hulda. Norman was a teacher in Madison county, Ohio as well as a farmer. He taught at Summerford for five or six years and then took up the study of law and became a very capable attorney. Several of his old pupils still live in Madison county. He practiced law in Delaware county, served a term the state Senate and was elected circuit judge in Delaware county. Subsequently, he removed to Texas and now lives in California. Catherine is unmarried. Hulda is the widow of Charles Carroll, of Columbus. Truman, who lives near Columbus was also a teacher in Madison county. He. taught for several years: near Mt. Sterling.. Ira was a minister in the Christian church and lived principally in Indiana. John never lived in Madison county. The father of these children was a pioneer minister or, as they were known in those days in the pioneer communities, "exhorter," of the old Free Will Baptist church.
The late William M. Overturf was married, August 18, 1854, to Hannah J. Long, the daughter of Gideon and Mary (Kerr) Long, who were residents of Appleton, in Licking county. In 1860 the Rev. William M. Overturf began to preach in the Christian church. He came to Summerford to assist in a protracted meeting and was employed at the end of the: meeting to take charge of this church. The Wilson family were among the leading members of the church. After serving the church for six or eight years he removed to. Mt. Sterling where he remained for two years. Then his old-parishioners of Summerford installed him again in his old place in the Summerford church and he filled this place until the time of his death. In the meantime, however, he preached occasionally at Mt. Sterling and at Clark's Run chapel. In fact, he preached his last sermon at Clark's Run chapel, his death having occurred but a few hours afterwards. In this community he was a favorite among the ministers in preaching funeral sermons and in performing weddings. He was popular with all classes and enjoyed the universal respect of the community.
By his marriage to Hannah J. Long five children were born, Frank, Clark, Flora M., Elmer C. and Hattie. Clark is living in the West. Flora married Val Wilson and died in middle life. Elmer is a, farmer in Monroe township. Hattie married William Prugh and died at the age of twenty-five. Mrs. William M. Overturf is still living in Summerford. She has retained her interest in the church and in religious work. In
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every sense she is an old-fashioned woman with the very best old-fashioned ideas and ideals. She has been a great temperance worker and is known as a woman who, when she has something to say, does not hesitate to speak. Her husband was a Republican in politics and a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He was one of the original prohibitionists in this section of the state. He was always outspoken in his views. Although not a highly-educated man, he was nevertheless well read and well informed. He performed a noble work in this county.
Of the children both to the Rev. William M. and Hannah' J. (Long) Overturf, Frank M. was born in September, 18540 in Licking county, but has spent most of his life since 1866 in Madison county. After teaching in Madison county for a period of about eighteen years, he engaged in farming on the Prugh farm west of Summerford on the National road: He began farming with one hundred and sixty-five acres, but has added to the tract until he now owns two hundred and sixty acres.
In 1880 Frank M. Overturf was married to Malinda Prugh, a daughter of Gabriel and Matilda (Wilson) Prugh. Mrs. Frank M. Overturf was born in, Summerford. She died on May 15, 1896, leavirig five 'children, namely : Alice Overturf lives with her father ; Gabriel Prugh was the second born; Jane was the wife of Ira Robbins and died in 1914; Mary was the fourth child; Lewis, the youngest, who is a graduate of the London high school and of the state University, was an instructor in mechanical engineering in the University of Pennsylvania for two years before he was twenty-One years of age, and is now the chief draftsman for a manufacturing concern at Franklin, Pennsylvania.
Gabriel Prugh Overturf was born on April 17, 1884, at West Jefferson, in Madison county. He has lived on the farm he now occupies since he was one year old. At the age of twenty-four, Mr. Overturf took charge of the farm an now owns and which consists of one hundred and seventy-five acres. He is engaged in general: farming and stock raising, making a specialty .of hogs and draft horses. In 1907 Gabriel Prugh Overturf was married to Hattie Yeazel, the daughter of William and Emma (Paul) Yeazel, of Clark county. Mrs. Gabriel P. Overturf's father is deceased and her mother resides in South Vienna, Clark county, Ohio. The family of Mr. and Mrs: Gabriel P. Overturf consists of three children, Vivian, Everett and Lewis: Mr. Overturf is a member of the school board. He and his wife and family are members of the Christian church.
RALPH W. THOMAS
Ralph W. Thomas, the superintendent of the Madison county infirmary since 1908, and one of the best-known citizens of the county, was born in Stokes township; Madison county, September 4, 1878.
Mr. Thomas is the son of Moses and Catherine (Blessing) Thomas, the former of whom was born in Madison county and who was the son of William and Lavina (Beacham) Thomas. William Thomas was born in Virginia, December 18, 1813, the son of Moses and Catherine (Williams) Thomas. Lavina Beacham was born in Clark county, Ohio, in 1815, Mr. Thomas' grandparents came to Madison county in an early day. Catherine Blessing was a native of Madison county and was married to Moses Thomas, the father of Ralph W., in this county.
To Moses and Catherine (Blessing) Thomas were born nine children as follow: Dora, who is 'the wife of George C. Adams; of Lafayette, Ohio; Amanda, who is the wife of Robert Chapman; of St. Joseph, Missouri; Lavina, who married David M. Henry, of Jeffersonville, Ohio ; Austin, who is a resident of Portland, Oregon; Gwinn, who lives in Plain City, Ohio; Carrie, who married John Horney, of Plain City; Ried, who lives
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in Fremont, Nevada; Ralph, who is the subject of this sketch; and Amy, who is the wife of Bemis Mendenhall, of Springfield, Ohio.
The late Moses Thomas was a farmer by occupation and owned ninety acres of land in this county. He died on July 3, 1905, and his wife died two years previously, on August 5, 1903.
Ralph W. Thomas received a good common-school education at South Solon and was graduated from the high school at that place.
On December 23 1908, Ralph W. Thomas was married to Anna Ada Burnham, the daughter of L. A. and Anna (Longbrake) Burnham, who live in Plain City. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas have two children, Lucille, born on. June 23, 1909, and Ralph H., April 30, 1911.
Mr. Thomas followed farming until 1908, when he was appointed superintendent of the Madison county infirmary, a position which he has now held for seven years. The infirmary includes a farm of one hundred and six acres, of which Mr. Thomas is ex-officio manager.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Thomas are members of the Presbyterian church at London. Mr. Thomas is a Member of the Masonic lodge at London and the Knights of Pythias lodge, No. 539. He is also a member of the Oak Run Grange. Mr. Thonias is a Republican.
JAMES Q. GEER.
There is no calling or vocation in which enterprise and industry will not produce a rather large measure of success. In the pursuit of agriculture, enterprise and industry are quite essential. Among the well-known and highly-respected farmers of Somerford township, Madison county, Ohio, who have attained a large measure of success in agri-culture, and who, at the same time, have greatly benefited the community in which they live, is James Q. Geer. a retired farmer of Summerford. Although he was deprived of all educational advantages in his youth and was not able to learn to read or write, he was endowed with sound common sen.se and has made a successful business man. During all of these years he has had many difficulties with which to contend, including especially considerable sickness in the family. Nevertheless, he has remained an optimist and is so today.
James Q. Geer was born on September 17, 1836, near the present county infirmary in Union township, Madison county, Ohio. He is the son of James and Rachel (Minchel) Geer, natives of Vermont and Virginia, respectively. James Geer, Sr., was a renter and occupied a part of the Florence land. He died near Tradersville, when his son was only seven years old, leaving a widow and eight children. The mother kept the family together and lived until they were all grown, passing away at the age of fifty-two.
James Q. Geer grew to manhood near Tradersville, in Madison county. He was accustomed to take odd jobs of clearing land, rolling logs and grubbing. He performed his first work for Mr. Willard, the father of E. E. Willard, the president of the Madison county board of commissioners. He made rails, cut cordwood, broke horses, and in fact ,did anything that he could find to do. He and his brother, George, supported their mother until her death.
At the time of Mr. Geer's marriage, he owned a horse worth possibly fifty dollars and a seventy-five dollar note, taken for the sale of a span of mules. An uncle had given hina a fifty-cent pocket piece and his. wife received twenty-one hundred dollars cash out of the Heffley estate. Mr. Gear soon began to handle sheep, buying and selling them. He paid forty-seven and one-half dollars an acre for his first land and during the early years of his career paid thousands of dollars in interest at ten per cent. His uncle, Quinn Minchel, backed him in buying sheep and stood by him for thirty years or more.
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He also borrowed money from John Thompson, but his uncle signed the papers. In later years he was able to borrow money at six per cent. Having begun to buy land as soon as possible, Mr. Geer has acquired tract after tract and now owns several hundred acres of land and several fine farms in Madison county, and also property in the village of Summerford. He probably has more separate deeds than any other man in the county, many of the purchases, however, having included only a few acres. Mr. Geer still keeps sheep and has found them most profitable.
James Q. Geer was married to Elizabeth Heffley, the eighth child in the family of Charles and Elizabeth (Wilson) Heffley. Mrs. Geer's mother was the daughter of the original Valentine Wilson, of Somerford township. Mrs. Geer died on February 14, 1907, the last survivor of the family of nine Heffley children. The old Heffley home is located on the north-bank of Deer creek, one mile north of Summerford. and here Charles Heffley settled about 1820. Here he spent his life and died on the old farm. The Heffley children were Jacob, Peter, Sarah Ann (who married Joseph Rafferty), William, Simon, Catherine (who married Henry Comfort), Sarah (who married George Stanford), Elizabeth (the wife of Mr.. Geer) and Isaac.
Mr. and Mrs. Geer have been the parents of six children. Charles died in Columbus. Luther died in Chicago. Wilbert, who is one of the leading young farmers of Union township, married Flora Thompson, and they have one child, Marie. Cora, who is the wife of Harry Augustus of Dayton, Ohio, owns "Gooseneck Farm," of one hundred and ninety-three acres. Guy married Mrs. Bliss Nelson, a widow, and they have one child, Elizabeth. Ray married Nora McVicker and they have two children, Charles and Chester (twins).
James Q. Geer is a good man and a good citizen, a man who has worked hard for the large competence which he may now enjoy in his declining years. He has the satisfaction of knowing that he has done much for the development of Madison county and has contributed in no small measure to its present progress and prosperity.
MANASSES MILLER.
Manasses Miller is a successful farmer of Darby township, Madison county, Ohio, and the proprietor of "Darby Plains Farm" of fifty-three acres. He is a native of Holmes county, Ohio, born on August 17) 1856, two miles south of Mt. Hope. He is a son of Isaac and Polly (Fry) Miller, both of whom were natives of Ohio. They grew to maturity and married in Holmes county, Ohio, where they spent the remainder of their lives. They were the parents of eight children, of whom there were three sons and five daughters: Catherine, deceased; Emanuel, a farmer of LaGrange county, Indiana ; Elizabeth, deceased; Freua, the wife of Philip D. Miller, of Goshen] Indiana; Daniel, living on the old home farm in Holmes county, Ohio ; Manasses, the immediate subject of this review ; Magdalena, the wife of Jacob D. Saubaugh; Lena, the wife of Christ Saubaugh.
Manasses Miller received his education in the public schools of Holmes county, and was reared there on his father's farm. During the winters he attended school and during the summer seasons he worked on the farm, until he reached the age of twenty-three years.
On September 26, 1878, Manasses Miller was married to Amanda Yoder, of Farmerstown, Ohio. Mrs. Miller was born in Pennsylvania, January 22, 1857, and came to Holmes county, Ohio, at the age of fifteen years. She received her early education in the schools of her native state, completing her school training in the schools of Ohio after coming here with her parents. Mr. and Mrs. Miller are the parents of four children, three of whom are living : Mary, the wife of John N. Miller, lives in Holmes county, Ohio; Jonas married Magdalena Miller, and lives in Madison county, Ohio; Emanuel went west and was drowned; and Samuel, who is unmarried and lives at home.