BIOGRAPHICAL.





CHAUNCE EDWARD SEARS. It is not ease, but effort, not luck but labor that develops character. There is perhaps no position in life in which difficulties are not to be met and conquered before success can be attained. As the skillful mariner gains his best experience amid storms, soon the ocean of life it is adversity which develops self-reliance, courage and the highest discipline.


The experiences of many men go to prove the fact that obstacles in the path of progress may usually be overcome by perseverance, honest, zeal and energy, and above all by a determination to succeed in the face of every obstacle. These elements in the character of Mr. Sears furnish us with the key to his success. Among the citizens of Circleville, few attained the prosperity which rewarded his unconquerable perseverance, and a brief review of his life will be both interesting and profitable. Death has closed his labors on earth, but his character still lives as a model for others, furnishing an example which posterity may well study, admire and imitate.,

The Sears family traces its ancestry to England, whence the great-grandfather of our subject came to America with two brothers, and settled in Connecticut. Daniel Sears, grandfather of our subject, was a native of the Nutmeg State,

whence he removed to Lewis County, N. Y., and settled in Leyden Township, engaging in lumbering and farming in the section of country known as the Black River. His death occurred at Port. Leyden, where he was buried. He came of Quaker ancestry.

The father of our subject, Chauncey Sears, was born in Connecticut, and was there married to Miss Emily Hollister, a native of Vermont. Ile pursued farming operations in Connecticut, and removed from that State to Port Leyden, N. Y., residing there for several years, but finally moving to Columbia County, N. Y., where he sojourned until his death. His principal occupation through life was that of agriculture, and he accumulated a competency. In politics, he was a Republican, and through life he adhered to the principles and teachings of the Quakers, in which faith he was reared.


The youngest son in a family of eight children, three sons and five daughters, Chauncey Edward Sears was born in Leyden, Lewis County, N. Y. His boyhood and early - manhood were passed in Lewis and Columbia Counties, N. Y., where he attended the common school, worked as a mechanic, and also became familiar with the duties of farm labor. When twenty-eight years of age, he went to Livingston County, N. Y., and, settling near Mt. Morris, engaged in general farming. He was especially interested, in raising broom corn, from which he manufactured brooms, and also in raising


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and drying sweet corn, and superintended various mechanical enterprises.


Livingston County Mr. Sears met and married Miss Annie Smith, M. D:, a graduate of the Woman’s Medical College of New York City. In the spring of 1873, he and his wife removed to Circleville, and during the same year built a factory for drying sweet corn, and a few years later erected the canning establishment which is now the largest and one of the most successful enterprises of the kind in the State, and one of the three largest in the United States. Two engines are in constant use from June to November, and between three and four hundred employes are given work. All the modern improvements and machinery are to be found in this establishment, and everything is conducted with system and dispatch. The drying house is 60x150 feet in dimensions; the packing house is large, two stories in height, and all the other buildings for storage are commodious and conveniently arranged. The details of all this business were superintended by our subject. In 1882, Mr. and Mrs. Sears erected a canning factory in Three Rivers, St. Joseph County, Mich., which they have operated since that time A man of great energy, promptness and reliability, whose word was always considered as good as his bond, Mr. Sears was a splendid addition to the citizenship of Circleville. He possessed great versatility of talent, was ap able writer and a prompt and eloquent speaker. He wras a public upright citizen, and a humanitarian, using his talents and means freely for the uplifting of society and humanity in general. A thorough temperance advocate, he did much for the advancement of that cause, and was an active member of the Independent Order of Good Templars. In politics he was a stanch Republican. In religious matters, he was educated in the Quaker principles, but was no stickler for creeds, forms or ceremonies, beheving firmly in a practical daily Christian life as taught and lived by Jesus. He died February 7, 1892, greatly lamented by the entire community where he resided. Mrs. Annie (Smith) Sears, M. D., was born in Van Buren, Onondaga County, N Y. Her father was a native of Greenock, Scotland, and died when she was an infant; her mother passed away when forty-four years old. The latter was the fourth daughter in a family of twelve children, seven daughters and five sons. Her parents were by name Abram and Polly Gillitt, and were natives of Vermont. Mrs. Gillitt vas a sister of President Fillmore’s mother. Mrs. Sears is sole proprietor of the business of C. E. Sears Mfc Co., manufacturers of canned goods, and is a lady whose business acumen is well known, and one who is thoroughly capable of superintending her own affairs. She is a graduate of medicine, eclectic in principle, and very successful in practice when she gave her time thereto..

In later years, it was the choice of Mrs. Sears and her husband that she should assist in the business instead of following her profession. Wide-awake enterprising, she has conducted the entire business successfully since the death of her husband, and is a woman of independent turn of mind, always doing her own thinking. All the progressive and reform movements of the day find in her a faithful friend, and she is identified with the Western Packers’ Canned Goods Association. She is a member of the Grand Lodge of Ohio of Good Templars, and at present serves as Chief Templar of her own district. In religion, she was reared in the Quaker doctrine, but is no sectarian, beheving that Christ’s people should all be one, and that without a daily practical Christian life, theories and doctrines are of no avail. In politics, she is a Republican, but beheves in the equal rights and privileges of all men and women as being God-given.


WILLIAM CROMWELL ROW, ex-County Surveyor and Civil Engineer for the State Canal Commission, is a man of education and learning, and well posted in all that pertains to his business. Like many of the most active and enterprising residents of Circleville, he is a native of Pickaway County, born one mile southeast of Circleville, in Washington Township, on the 25th


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of September, 1849, and no doubt takes a deeper interest in the welfare of his native place than any stranger could.

His father, Samuel Row, was born in this county (see sketch of Dr. George Row) and followed the occupation ofa farmer in Washington Township. On this farm our subject passed his youthful days, and in addition to the common-school education he received in the home district, he attended the High School in Circleville for one year. Being possessed of more than the ordinary degree of learning and good sense, he began teaching school in Washington Township when eighteen years of age, and, meeting with much success in this occupation, he continued it for nine years, teaching during the winter months for the most part. After this, Ire attended school for three years, during 1869.1870and 1871, taking a miscellaneous course, he studied engineering, and worked at this, and also taught school in his native State until 1876. He then became Deputy County Treasurer under John L. Seall, for eighteen months, or until he was elected to the position of County Surveyor, when he resigned.

In the year 1877, he was nominated and elected to the last-mentioned office on the Democratic ticket, and so ably did he discharge the duties of this position, and so well did he meet the requirements of the people, that he was re-elected in 1880, and again in 1883, and held the office until the 1st of January, 1887. During this time, he was actively engaged in county surveying. In 1890, he was appointed by the Canal Commission as Civil Engineer; has held this position for two years, and during eighteen months of that time he was on the road and traveled all over the State. He does his office work here, and finds time outside of his regular duties to interest himself in, and extend a helping hand to, all worthy enterprises.

He chose for his life companion Miss Olive Bennett, a native of Pickaway County, born in Circleville, and their union was celebrated in the year 1879. She is the daughter of A. J. and Sarah Bennett, of Columbus, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Row’s union has been blessed by the birth of five interesting children: Edith, Payne S., William C. Jr., Leshe, and Helen. Mr. Row has done a great deal of work for the city since he has held his present position. He laid out a cemetery in Walnut Township, this county, and also one in Fairfield County; also an addition to Circleville, and numerous other equally important duties. He assisted in organizing the State Association of Survevors and Engineers, and was an active member until 1888, when he withdrew. He is a Democrat in politics, and socially is a Knight of Pythias.

CHARLES W. MURPHY, senior member of the firm of Murphy Darst, editors of the Democratic Daily and Weekly Herald, at Circleville, was born In Bell brook, Greene County, Ohio, August 20, 1846. His father, John B. Murphy, was also a native of that county, while ; his grandfather, John C. Murphy, hailed from Kentucky, and early in life located near Bellhrook. He later went to Cincinnati, where he was engaged in pork-packing from 1830 to 1840, at the end of which time he returned to Greene County and became an agriculturist. He was a soldier in the War of 1812, and died in 1872, after having been successfully engaged for a number of years in cultivating the soil.

The father of our subject was engaged in the drug business in Xenia from 1857 to 1866, when he disposed of his business and removed to Mankato, Minn., and became a banker and real-estate dealer. He was the resident manager and member of the Board erecting the State Normal School Building of Mankato, being one of the earhest settlers in that place, locating tkere before the railroad was build and was active in all public improvements. In 1872, he returned to his native State, and departed this life at Xenia. His good wife, who was known in her maidenhood as Miss Rebecca Clark, was born in New York State, and was the daughter of Harry Clark, who later removed to Mansfield in the northern part of this State, where he was engaged as a wheelwright and surveyor. Mrs. Murphy is still living and makes her home in the city of Chicago.

Charles W. Murphy was the eldest of three

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children born to his parents, and received his education in the public schools at Xenia and the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware. In 1870, he entered the law department of the University of Michigan, from which institution he was graduated two years later with the degree of Bachelor of Laws. he then removed to Iowa, where he was engaged in the practice of his profession at Hamburg. After being thus engaged for two years, he became publisher of the Sidney (Iowa) Union, a weekly paper which he conducted very successfully for six years, during three years of that time being Postmaster in that city.

In 1881, on account of ill-health, the original of this sketch spent eighteen months in Colorado and New Mexico, then in the fall of 1882 returned to Circleville, formed a partnership with Mr. Darst, and published the weekly Herald. A year later, they started the daily, which now has one of the largest circulations in the county. In 18G3, Mr. Murphy enlisted in the Fifth Independent Battallion Ohio Cavalry, and later became a member of the One Hundred and Eighty-sixth Ohio Infantry, serving his country for a period of eighteen months and being mustered out as Corporal.

Miss Margaret B. Darst became the wife of our subject June 8, 1876. She was born in Circleville, and by her union with Mr. Murphy has become the mother of two children, viz: Clark D. and Kenneth. In their church relations, they are Episcopalians.

WILLIAM FLEMING. Amid the mutations with which the years in their flight encompass the changing experiences of mankind, it becomes the happy fate of but few to pass a long and successful life upon the homestead where first their eyes opened to the light of day. Such has been the fortunate experience of Mr. Fleming, who was born January 31, 1809 upon the farm where he still lives, in Wayne Township, Pickaway County, and who has, during his useful existence of four-score and more years, been closely connected with the development of the county, growing with its growth, and attaining to personal independence as it gained a solid reputation among other counties of the Buckeye State.

Among the soldiers who during the Revolution fought for liberty, was Capt. Fleming, whose son John was the father of our subject. John Fleming was born in Berkeley County, Va., whence he emigrated to Ohio about 1802, and settled in Wayne Township. Some six years after his arrival here, he was married to Miss Elizabeth Moore, who was born in Bourbon County, Ky. Her father, Fergus Moore, emigrated from Ireland when a }'Oung man, and served five years in the Revolutionary War, and, after his marriage in Pennsylvania, emigrated to Kentucky, and thence to Chillicothe, Ohio, where he remained for a time. He was one of its earhest settleil, and put the first shingles on any building in the village. At that early day two or three famihes occupied one rude cabin, and kept corn under the bed in order to secrete it from the Indians.

Subsequently, Mr. Moore removed to Wayne Township, Pickaway County, where he purchased a tract of land, and was one of the first settlers. His useful and honorable life was brought to a close in 1806, when he passed from earth to his final rest. He is spoken of to this day as a brave soldier during the Revolutionary War, a kind neighbor and industrious man. The parents of our subject, after their marriage, made their home in a rude log cabin, surrounded by a dense wilderness, and containing only the absolute necessities of existence. There the father cleared and improved a farm, leaving it only to serve during the War of 1812, and when he reached the age of sixty four years, in-1844, he was called hence by death. His widow survived until 1866, when she died at the age of seventy-five. They were worthy people, sincere Christians, and interested in measures of public importance, he having served as one of the first Trustees of the township, and being in other ways identified with its progress.

The parental family consisted of eleven children, three of whom arc still living, and the eldest of this large family is William. He was born in a cabin constructed Of round logs, and in that primitive structure his boyhood days were passed. His

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education was limited to the old-fashioned schools of that time, with rude benches and few text-books, and he also aided in the clearing of the farm.

July 22, 1832, Mr. Fleming was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Sullivan, who was born in Pickaway County, January 11, 1812, and was the daughter of Aaron and Sarah (Atchison) Sullivan, natives, respectively, of Delaware and Virginia. After his marriage, Mr. Fleming continued to reside on the old homestead, when he purchased a part of his Grandfather Moore’s old homestead, which belonged at the time to his uncle, and there engaged in farming and stock-raising on an extensive scale. The original log cabin was replaced with a small brick residence, and that was vacated in 1869, when the family were domiciled in the present commodious brick structure. The estate of one hundred and fifty-six acres is in good cultivation, and is still managed by its owner, who, however, no longer engages in the tilling of the soil. At an early day, he bought and sold cattle, owning some of the best grades ever brought into the county, and was accustomed to drive them to Philadelphia, where they were sold.

Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Fleming, namely: Sarah, wife of James H. Anderson, a pioneer of Wayne Township; John S., who is married, and lives near the old homestead; Mary, who married John Nelf, and resides in Jackson Township; William, whose home is in San Francisco; and Samuel, who died when eighteen years old. For sixty years, some of it in sunshine and some in shadow, Mr. Fleming and his estimable wife have lived in happy wedded life, and now side by side are passing through that dim and twilight path, beyond whose lengthening shadows gleams the brightness of eternity.

For a half-century or more, Mr. Fleming has been connected with the public affairs of Wayne Township, and now has in his possession the book kept by the first Treasurer of the township. A stanch Democrat, he cast his first vote for Gen. Jackson, and has served in positions of honor and trust. During war times, he was County Commissioner, serving six years. When he shall have served his present term, he will complete his fiftieth year as Treasurer of Wayne Township. He has served as Justice of the Peace for thirty-three years, and during his administration, has performed many marriage ceremonies, tried a great many suits, and transacted a large amount of business. In all cases brought before him, he endeavors to effect an amicable settlement, rather than encourage a suit.

PERCIVAL S. COLLINS. It is not “luck” that makes one fail and another succeed. It is not “fickle fortune” that brings clouds of adversity and difficulty upon one, while another has smooth and easy sailing; but it is careful, conscientious, thoughtful purpose, business tact, and command of resources that enable one to'advance where another can make but little headway. Mr. Collins is endowed with these fortunate qualifications, besides possessing more than ordinary public spirit and enterprise, and enjoys to an eminent degree the confidence of social and commercial circles.

The citizens of Washington C. H. are well acquainted with Mr. Collins, wiiose drug store has been located on the corner of Fayette and Court Streets since 1847, with the exception of one year. He is one of the pioneer druggists of the city and, with two exceptions, his drug store is the oldest in the place. Throughout the long period in which he has been thus engaged, he has maintained the esteem of his fellow-citizens, who have always found him reliable in his dealings and courteous in manner. In addition to the drug business, he devotes considerable attention to veterinary surge^, in which he has been successful.

Born in Cabell County, W. Va., November 28, 1829, our subject is the son of Patrick and Hannah (Griffith) Collins, natives of Christiansburgh, Va. He was about eight years old when he accompanied his parents to Jamestown, Ohio, where his father resided on a farm until his death, when about ninety-one years old. Our subject was reared on the old homestead, and in his youth learned the trade of a tailor, although he never followed it. For twro years, he read materia meclica, after which

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he studied veterinary medicine. He began’to practice with Dr. Winans, of Jamestown, but soon after, in 1847, removed to Washington C. H., where he has since carried on his profession and also engaged in the drug business.

Ever maintaining a close interest in the public affairs of the community, Mr. Collins has served as Deputy Sheriff for two years, was City Marshal for four years and a member of the City Council for seven and one-half years. He is probably as well known as any citizen of Washington C. H., and is one of the most successful auctioneers in the State, having made some of the largest horse sales ever made in Ohio, Indiana and adjoining States. At a commission of one per cent, he has made as much as $156 in one day.

Mr. Collins erected a commodious residence on East Market Street, where he has resided for many years. Within this pleasant home he and his wife are wont to entertain their friends with a charming hospitality which endears them to their guests. Mi's. Collins was, formerly, Miss Eliza P. Grubbs, and became the wife of our subject, February 10, 1850. She is a cultured lady and is highly esteemed in the social circles of Washington C. H. Socially, Mr. Collins is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows as one of its most prominent members.

STEPHEN WATSON, President of the Madison National Bank of London, and Vice-president of the London Exchange Bank, and one of the largest land-holders of the county, has long been prominent in the business world of this section of the State as a financier and capitalist of exceptional ability, whose liberal and progressive spirit has been potent in advancing the material welfare of city and county, and his influence being felt in all that pertains to the higher interests of the community.

A native of Madison County, Mr. Watson was born in Paint Township, June 4, 1827. His par ents were David and Mary (Helpshenstine) Watson, who were natives respectively of Maryland and Virginia. They were married in this county in 1807, and their wedding was an occasion of merry-making among the pioneers, who were, however, few in number, only twdve persons being present, although invitations had been sent throughout the county, but there were only a few inhabitants in all this region at that early day. Mr. and Mrs. Watson had to begin their married life as pioneers, sacrificing many comforts, braving many hardships and even dangers to upbuild a home, but working together with a hearty goodwill to accomplish their purpose, and their labors were crowned with a rich reward. Mr. Watson obtained land in that part of Union Township since known as Paint Township, and in time he became one of its most important farmers and most extensive stock dealers, and was well known all over this part of the county. he and his good wife had a family of twelve children, of whom only two are now living.

In the management of the above responsible offices, Mr. Watson brings to bear a wide experience in business affairs, a keen insight into money matters, and personal integrity that is beyond question, all of which have contributed to raise the

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standard of the banks with which he is connected to the first rank among the monetary institutions of the State. In their management, our subject and his fellow-officers pursue a wise, liberal and safe policy that has increased the businesss of the hanks, and while greatly benefiting the stockholders, gives them the reputation of being perfectly sound and stable. It is to such men as Mr. Watson and his associates in business circles that Madison County owes its steady rise and highly prosperous condition. His name is also associated with many good works that have contributed to its moral and religious advancement, and in him the Methodist Episcopal Church finds an exemplary member.

Mr. Watson was married in 1852 to Miss Elmira, daughter of John Dungan, who is a woman of rare character, and in her devotion to her husband’s interests has helped liim to make life a success.

WILSON ASBURY KOONTZ, a prominent ^ and influential citizen of Madison County, ' now living a retired life in Midway, was born on the 13tli of November, 1821, in Rockingham County, Va., and is one of two children born unto Philip and Mary (Crumley) Koontz. His father was a native of Virginia and the grandfather, Peter Koontz, was of Pennsylvania Dutch ancestry. The former was a prominent man. He served as Judge, Surveyor, and Justice of the Peace and represented his district in the Legislature. He was twice married, and by the second union two children were born. With the exception of our subject and his cousin John, of Washington C. H., all have changed the spelling of their names to Counts.

Wilson lost his father when he was only four years old. He continued to reside in Virginia until eighteen years of age, when he emigrated to Gallia County, Ohio. The next year, he came to Madison County and engaged in teaching the district school near Danville. For ten years, he followed that profession with good success. He married, April 5, 1848, Miss Louisa C. Counts,who was born in Range Township, May 28, 1822, and is a daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth (Walker) Counts. Her father, D. Counts, came from Rockingham County, Va., and her mother was of English birth. Mr. Koontz continued to engage in teaching for a few years after his marriage and then began clerking in a store in Danville, where he was employed for two and a half years. At the expiration of that time, he inherited some property,which he added to that he had earned, and began to loan money and change notes. In 1853, he came to Midway and soon bought the farm on which he. now resides, turning his attention to agricultural pursuits. In 1866, his present residence was erected. It was built of brick burned on his place in the first kiln erected in the vicinity of Midway.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Koontz were born two children. The elder, Philip D., was born in Danville, April 21, 1849. He acquired his education in the Ohio Wesleyan University of Delaware and in Yellow Springs, and began teaching at the age of twenty-three. He afterward went as a teacher to Texas, where he married Emmen Marrs, December 24, 1872. Two children graced their union: Osa W., born in Midway, January 30, 1874, and Enola Glenn, born in Midway,May 2, 1875. Their mother died October 18,1876, and Philip Koontz was again married, May 2, 1881, his second union being with Miss Fannie L. Orebaugh, of Washington C. H., a native of Greenfield, Ohio. They have three children, all born in Texas: Texie Belle, born in Williamson County, March 23, 1882; Carla Serena, born February 14, 1884,and Ernest Samuel, born January 16, 1886. Philip Koontz is a stock-dealer and farmer, having eighteen hundred acres of land which was given him by his father. He is a prominent citizen of this community and favorably known. Alice Virginia, the only daughter of our subject, was born in Danville, September 8, 1851, acquired a good education in the Female Seminary of Hillsboro and engaged in teaching one term. She is now the wife of John M. Stroupe, a merchant of Midway; they have one son, Ogan K., born February 5, 1882.

Since casting his Presidential vote in 1848, Mr Koontz has supported the Democratic party. He

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served as township Clerk for a number of years, was Justice of the Peace for nine consecutive years, and of the cases which he tried none of his decisions were ever resved. Mr. Koontz is now living retired, resting in the enjoyment of the fruit of fhis toil. His life was been very succesful, and as the result of his industry he has acquired a handsom property.

JAMES E. HAINES. The subject of this sketch is the senior member of the firm of Haines & Pinkerton, who do an immense business in retailing staple and fancy groceries at Washington C. H. He is the son of Samuel Haines, who was born in Perry Township, Fayette County, in 1823 His paternal grandfather, Ebenezer Haines, came from the Willamette Valley, Va., to the above named township, locating here when the land was' mostly in its primitive condition, making this locality his home until his death, when sixty-five years of age.

The father of our subject was the youngest of the paternal family, and was reared to mail’s estate, amid the. pioneer scenes of Perry Township, attending the log schoolhouse and aiding his father in the duties upon the farm. The maiden name of ouv subject’s mother was Maria Smith, the daughter of Frank and Charlotte Smith, earty settlers in this county. By her union with Mr. Haines were born nine children, all of whom grew to mature years and of whom eight are living. They are Albert, who is a farmer in Perry Township, Fayette County; Ella, who is engaged in teaching school in this county; Lewis, who is a well-known apiarist of this section; Frank, who cultivates a farm in Perry Township; our subject, who is the next in order of birth: William, who is deceased; Belle, Mrs. Henry Todhunter; Charles, also a farmer in the above named township, and Eva. Mr. Haines votes the'Republican ticket and is very prominent in bis locality. Both the parents are still living.

James E. Haines of thia sketch was born June 20, 1860, in Perry Township, Fayette County. He was educated in the public schools of his native place, and when choosing an occupation in life began farming. He was married August 10, 1882, to Nannie Worthingtoh, the daughter of E. T. Worthington, who was a prominent farmer of Green Township, Fayette County. Mr. Haines abandoned farming and embarked in business in September, 1888, at Moons, this State, doing a general mercantile business. He also held the position of Postmaster there for about a twelvemonth, when he resigned, preferring to devote his time and attention to his private interests.

February 15, 1891, he of whom we write purchased a grocery of H. M. Roach, of Washington C. H., and removing hither formed a partnership with Mr. Pinkerton. By their courteous and gentlemanly treatment of customers, they have succeeded in building up a lucrative trade and now rank among the leading grocers in the city. They carry a full line of staple and fancy goods, keeping on hand a fine assortment of goods suited either for the country or crty household.

In his political relations, Mr. Haines votes the Republican ticket. He is identified with Lodge No. 165, K. P., and is a member in good standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Moons.

JOHN MILTON HAISLEY. This gentleman who engaged in the business of hotel-keeping in Newr Holland, Perry Township, Pickaway County, is a native of Wayne County, Ind., where he was born April 7, 1842. His parents bore the names of Ezekiel and Mary (Mendenhall) Haisley, the father a native of North Carolina and the mother a native of Virginia. Mr. Haisley, Sr., moved to Indiana about the beginning of the present century, and there spent the remainder, of his days on a farm. He was of German descent.

Our subject’s parents both died when he was but a small lad, leaving a family of nine children, of whom John Milton was next to the youngest. Three of his elder brothel’s were married and he went to live with one of them. He remained with

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this brother until reaching his twenty-second jrear, when he commenced for himself in trading and speculating in Richland and Cincinnati, Ohio. He traveled for a number of years, and in the year 1882 engaged in the manufacture of drain tile. In this business, Mr. Ilaisley continued for six consecutive years, when he sold out and engaged in the meat business at New Holland, giving this up in 1891. In the last year mentioned, the original of this biography engaged in the hotel business, in which he has been very successful and has made himself respected and well-liked by all his customers and friends.

The worthy gentleman of whom we write was united in the happy bonds of wedlock in October, 1872, to Miss Lorena Crosby. Mrs. Haisley is a daughter of Isaac and Clara Crosby, both natives of Ohio, in which State she herself was born. Our subject votes the Democratic ticket in politics, and socially he is one of the leading members of the Knights of Pythias.

SAMUEL WARD. No man with any pretensions to wisdom fails to insure his property against loss by fire. A name which renders the business of insuring one of the most popular in Circleville is that of Samuel Ward, who has been associated with the business for some time. He is noted for his straightforward methods of conducting his affairs and is doing a heavy business in the city and surrounding country. The number of fire insurance companies doing business in Ohio is a large one, but the solidity of an insurance company and its promptness in paying claims are most important points. In this respect, the companies represented by Mr. Ward are entitled to due prominence and recognition, from the high character and reputation they enjoy. He represents twelve companies, viz: Phoenix, of Brooklyn; Fire Association, of Philadelphia; Milwaukee Mechanics’, Ohio Farmers’, and many others.

Our subject was born in Dudley, Worcestershire, England, on the 4th of November, 1837, and his father, Richard Ward, was also born there, as ! was also the grandfather, William Ward. The latter was a tradesman and died in his native country. Richard Ward was a hoop-iron roller in the early part of liis life and later was Superintendent of coal mines. He first came to this country in 1822, and afterward he returned, but came again in 1847 with his wife and children, settling in Connecticut, near New Britain, Hartford County, and was engaged in farming until his death, four years later. In politics, he was a Free-soil Whig, and in religion was a Regular Baptist. His wife, whose maiden name was Sarah Elwell, was a native of England. She was first married to a Mr. Brooks, by whom she had one child, who is still living. Her subsequent marriage to Mr. Ward resulted in the birth of six children,only four now living, two in England and two in this country. After the death of Mr. Ward, his widow continued to reside in Connecticut for some time and then returned to her native country, where she passed her last days.

Samuel Ward, the original of this notice, was the youngest of the above-mentioned children, and j he remained in his native country until ten years of age. In December, 1847, he left Liverpool, England, on the sailing-vessel “Andrew Foster,” and after a nine-weeks’ voyage landed with his parents in New York. From there, he subsequently moved with them to Connecticut and worked on a farm until sixteen years of age, in the meantime acquiring a very limited education in the common schools, for he was obliged to spend most of his time in youth in labor on the farm. In 1853 or 1854, he went to Harrisburgh, Pa., and clerked for some time for the State Mutual Insurance Company, in which his brother was Secretary. In 1855, he came to Ohio, staying in Pickaway and Fairfield Counties about one year. He then went to Champaign County, Ill., where, with his brother John, he bought three hundred and twenty acres of land, and on this raw land they commenced making improvements. There our subject remained until the breaking out of hostilities between the North and South. For the first few years on the farm, crops were very poor and they were obliged to pay eighty cents per bushel for corn to feed

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their stock In 1881, they raised the first good crop, but the freight in shipping it was so great that they realized but little from it. During that winter, Mr. Ward burned corn for fuel as he had to. haul wood fourteen miles.

In December, 1861, our subject enlisted in the Tenth Illinois Volunteers, and was mustered in at Camp Butler. He was appointed Commissary Sergeant of the Second Battalion and was sent to Quincy, Ill. He remained there one month and then went to Benton Barracks and then to renew the forces of Curtis at Pea Ridge. From there, he went to Missouri, but was injured in the left leg by a kick from a horse and went home on a furlough. He later took part in the battle of Pine Bluff and afterward was at Fayetteville until the spring of 1863. General Order No. 126 from the War Department changed the organization from Battalion to Regimental and mustered out the supernumerary officers, both commissioned and non-commissioned. Our subject was mustered out in April, 1863, and returned to Champaign County, Ill., staying but a short time. The same year, he went to Chillicothe, Ohio, and was foreman for Emmett Bros, until the summer of 1864, when he came to Circleville and clerked for Emmett Bros, in the grain house for five months. While in Chillicothe, he learned telegraphy on the private line owned by Emmett Bros, and in the fall of 1864 he was employed by the Western Union Telegraph Company at Washington C. H. office. In the spring of 1865, he was appointed to the Lancaster city office, but, being offered better pay in Circleville, Ohio, he went there in the fall of that year, and was manager of the same for nineteen years. In 1884, he quit this business and opened an insurance office in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows’ building.

Mr. Ward organized the Edison Electric Light Company and was its Secretary for three years. He was married in Champaign County, Ill., on the 3d of January, 1860, to Miss Ellen Post, a native of Dane County, Wis., and they are the parents of six children, four living: Abbie, Mrs. F. A. Barr; Nelhe, Mrs. T. A. Boyle; Lille, Mrs. H. M. Rife. Samuel died at the age of three years; Charles died at the age of twenty-two months, and Ruby is at home. Mr Ward is a member of the Masonic fraternity, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and Groce Post No. 156, G. A. R. He is a member of the Baptist Church, and is Trustee in the same. He has been Superintendent of the Sunday-school until recently. In politics, he is a true-blue Republican.

PETER HALL, a wealthy and representative citizen of Madison Township, Pickaway County, is a native of this county, as he was born in Walnut Township, January 24, 1832. His respected parents were David and Elizabeth Hall, both of whom were natives of the Keystone State.

David Hall when a young man emigrated with his father, John H. Hall, from his father’s home to Pickaway County, Ohio, settling in Madison Township, becoming early pioneers of the county. They made their home in the dense woods and encountered the ordinary difficulties of frontier life. David Hall became the father of seven children, of whom the following survive: John H., who makes his home in Kansas; Peter; Salina, now the wife of Henry Runkle; and Lydia, who married Levi Runkle. The father lived to reach the good old age of seventy-five years.

Peter Hall was reared to man’s estate in Pickaway County and has seen and marked the development of this section of country, and has done his full share in changing it from a wilderness to a rich and cultivated community. His early recollections go back to a time when little was to be seen except dense forests and rough attempts at civilization. His first schooling was received in a log cabin, furnished with slab seats, and where the writing-desks were merely boards resting upon wooden pegs which projected from the wall. His opportunities were so scant that he has found it necessary to supplement them largely by subsequent reading, but the drill which he received was so thorough as to stimulate his ambition and he has ever sought for self-improvement.

The marriage of our subject in November, 1857, brought to his home a wife in the person of Lavina

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Solt, by whom he has twelve children, eight of whom are living: Mary A., wife of Jackson Stein; Barbara J., now Mrs. Snider; David, William, Emma, Ella, John, and Ora B. The fine property which is owned and carried on by our subject is a large tract of land and all of it is in fine condition. he and his wife have together wrought out their own fortune, for this property is largely the result of their industry and economy.

Mr. Hall is a Democrat in his political views, although he is in no sense prominent in party matters. Religiously, he is attached to the doctrines and policy of the Lutheran Church, of which he is a member. His interest in educational matters and general intelligence fit him abundantly for the position of School Director in which he has served. His efforts are always given cheerfully toward promoting the best welfare of the county and towards the elevation of the community.

ANDREW J. CLINE. Among the self-made men of Fayette County, none deserve greater credit than the subject of our sketch, who is in possession of a comfortable amount of this world’s goods, obtained by hard labor and good management. At the beginning, when starting out in life for himself, he made it a rule to live within his income, and this resolve, closely followed, has given him an independence, than which there is no more pleasant thing in the world. He is at present residing on his farm in Jasper Township, Fayette County.

Our subject is the son of George and Catherine (Feagins) Cline, the father born in 1809, in Pennsylvania, and the mother in this county, in 1813. The elder Mr. Cline was the son of Philip and Mary Jane (Turner) Cline, natives of the Old Dominion, who came to Ohio in 1813, and made settlement on a raw tract of land in Clinton County. Mrs. Cline was the daughter of Edward and Elizabeth (Bush) Feagins, natives, respectively, of Kentucky and Virginia. Her parents were married in this county over eighty years ago, at which time they located on Rattlesnake Creek, Concord Township, where Mr. Feagins cleared up a farm. He was a soldier in the War of 1812, and, with his good wife, was highly esteemed in the county. They were the parents of eight children, four of whom are living.

Mr. and Mrs. George Cline, on making this county their permanent home, located upon a tract of unimproved land, where the mother is still a resident, being the oldest settler now living in this section. She is hale and hearty, and has under cultivation three hundred and forty-five acres of valuable land. The father of our subject was School Director and Road Supervisor, during the incumbency of which latter office he rendered great service to the traveling public. He was a Democrat in politics, casting his first vote for Andrew Jackson, and his last for Grover Cleveland. Four of their children are still living. Edward makes his home in Clinton County. During the late war he was Orderly Sergeant of Company F, One Hundred and Sixty-eighth Ohio Infantry, and has been one of the Commissioners of Clinton County for six years. William S. Cline resides in Jasper Township; Mary E. is the wife of Simon Jamison, has three children, and resides in Livingston County, Ill.; and Andrew J., of this sketch, was the youngest in order of birth. Mr. Cline died January 28, 1888.

He of whom we write was born July 4, 1841, in this township, growing to manhood on the old homestead. He was permitted to attend the common schools but a few months during the winter season, but at such times acquired sufficient knowledge to give him an impetus to gain more. He remained under the parental roof until reaching his majority, when he started out empty-handed to earn a name and fortune for himself.

In 1864, Elizabeth H. Nelson became the wife of our subject. She was the daughter of Samuel Nelson, of Ross County. Her parents dying when she was very young, she was then taken into the home and heart of her aunt, Hannah Shelton. Mrs. Cline was born July 3, 1843, in Ross County. Twelve years ago Mr. Cline located upon his present farm, which contains ninety acres. His estate is improved with substantial buildings, the most

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attractive among which is his comfortable resb dence, which was erected three years ago. His large barn was built in the fall of 1891, and affords ample room for the storage of grain and shelter of stock.

Mr. and Mrs. Cline have been granted a family of three children: Mary Catherine, now Mrs. E. Weaver, has one child, and resides in Jasper Township; Samuel N. and Philip P. They have all been given every advantage for obtaining good educations, and Mary, previous to tier marriage, taught school. Mrs. Cline is a conscientious member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and is active in all good works. Our subject is Director of his school district, and in politics, is a behever in Democratic principles. He has been the incumbent of the positions of Township Trustee and Supervisor, and is accorded the respect of all who know him.

HORACE B. McCORD. Among the old residents and prominent farmers of Scioto Township, Pickaway County, we are ‘pleased to mention the esteemed citizen whose name appears at the head of this sketch. He was born in Albemarle County, Va., July 16, 1825, and his father, James McCord, was born in the same county, June 10, 1802. The grandfather, William McCord, Was American born, but his father was a native of the Green Isle of Erin, who became a true and loyal citizen of America, and served as a soldier in the Revolutionary War before he was eighteen years old, continuing in service through most of the war, and being in the battle of Brandywine. He was still living when the father of our subject was in his thirteenth year.

James McCord was both a farmer and carpenter, and when he came to Ohio in the fall of 1834, he sold his farm of forty-eight acres in Virginia, and made his way across the mountains with team and wagon, a journey of six hundred miles, being three weeks bn the way. He settled first in this township, but a year late removed to Franklin County, where he remained for four years, and then returned to settle in the woods in Scioto Township, and made his home in a log cabin. he first bought one hundred and fifteen acres, and at his death owned an estate of four hundred and fourteen acres. He was a hard worker and a good business man, and did an immense amount of clearing. He was a Methodist in his religious views, and a Democrat in politics. His wife, whose maiden name was Sydney Brown, was born in Albemarle County, Va., in March, 1807. Her seven children were: Horace, Isabel, William (who died at the age of eight), John, Andrew (who died in his second year), Mary (Mrs. Brown), and James A. The father of this household died in February, 1875, and the mother lived until July, 1884. They were Methodists in their religious behef.

The subject of this sketch was nine years old when he came to Ohio, and well recollects the long and tedious journey. He had attended school only some six months while in Virginia, and here he entered the log schoolhouse, and out of school worked on the farm, remaining with his parents until he was twenty-one years of age. He then engaged to work for a neighboring farmer, and earned his first money by cutting corn at two cents a shock, a shock comprising an area twelve hills square. After this, he worked- for five seasons, at $10 a month, for his father, and was married March 26, 1857, to Mary Callahan, who was born in this township, and who died March 8, 1867, leaving no children.


Mr. McCord was again married, January 21,1871, this time to Elizabeth (Wade) Denheen, who was born in Knox County, Ohio, January 13, 1839. Their five children are Harry L., Laura, Chauncy, Miner and Daisey. Harry died when eleven months old. Laura is now from home studying at the Central Academy. The parents of Mrs. McCord were Abner and Anna (Terrell) Wade, who were natives of Knox County, Ohio, and Greene County, Pa., respectively, and who came to Ohio in their early childhood. The father was a farmer and still lives with his children on the farm in Franklin County, where he settled during the days of the Civil War. He is now seventy-eight years old, and in early times was noted as a great hunter

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as well as a worker, and he did much to clear up the country, he reared fourteen children: Elzy, Joseph, Elizabeth, Mary, James, Emeline Tille, Anthony, William, Josephine and Joseph; three died in infancy.

Our subject first bought fifty acres of land north of his present farm in 1856, and, having bought and sold several times, finally purchased one hundred and twenty-four acres across the line in Franklin County, in 1861. After living there for three years, he sold that property in 1871, and bought two hundred and seven acres, after which he sold fifty acres of that land and bought his present farm. he has two hundred and fifteen and a half acres of well-improved land, and carries on mixed farming, raising grain and stock, and fattening some cattle and a large number of hogs. He built his commodious and comfortable brick residence in 1883, moving into it in August, 1884, and his large frame barn was erected in 1883. Mrs. McCord is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and Mr. McCord is, in his political views, a Democrat, although he pays little attention to politics, and has never aspired to office. He has seen most of the development of this country, and has been remarkably successful in bis business.

CONRAD RICHARDS. Among the standard and leading establishments of Circleville, Ohio, the Cooperage Manufactory, conducted by Conrad Richards, stands among the foremost. This is the largest enterprise of the kind in the Scioto Valley, and an immense amount of business is done. Twenty skilled employes are kept at work and turn out first-class articles. The machinery is of the finest and most modern make and no works are fitted with more modern appliances. The goods are all guaranteed and are standard with the trade, and those dealing with Mr. Richards will get advantages not obtainable elsewhere.

Henry Richards, father of our subject, was born near Cologne, Germany, in February, 1802, was a tailor by trade, and conducted a shop in his native city. He also owmed a vineyard and manufactured wine there. About 1853, he became desirous of I settling in the “land of the free,” and he emigrated to America, locating in Circleville, Ohio, where he carried on his trade for three years, or until 1856. He then returned to his native country, and in 1859 came back to America with his family. He settled in Circleville again, followed his trade, but in addition was engaged in the real-estate business. He died in October, 1891. In religion, he was a Catholic, and in politics affiliated with the Democratic party. His wife, who was formerly Eliza Brungs, was also a native of Germany, and the daughter of Conrad Brungs, who was a carpenter in that country. Mrs. Richards died at the age of seventy-six years. Six of their eight children came to America and five are now living. One son, Henry, was a soldier in the Civil War and first enlisted for three months. After his term had expired, he re-enlisted in the Forty-third Ohio Regiment and was in active duty until cessation of hostilities. After the war, he returned to the Buckeye State and died in Cincinnati shortly afterwards. He was a member of the Knights of Pythias. Another son, John, was in the Morgan raid, was captured at Petersburg, Va., and was in Andersonville Prison for a year. He suffered untold horrors and after being released, came home more dead than alive. He is now the owner of a steamboat on the Ohio River.

Conrad Richards was born near Cologne, Germany, on the 27th of March, 1836, and was reared near Lenz, on the River Rhine. He attended the common schools from the age of six until fourteen, and when fifteen years of age he began working iu the copper mines, and was also in the silver mines in West Phalen for about three years. He became a practical miner, driller and blaster. In June, 1856, he left Antwerp, Belgium, and as he could not get a passport, he and his brother were smuggled aboard. They were on the ocean forty-seven days, and after landing in New York City went up the Hudson River to Albany, thence by rail to Columbus and from there by packet to Circleville, Ohio. He has picked up the English language since coming to this country and is quite a fluent speaker. After reaching the Buckeye State, he worked on a

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farm for a year but did not like it, and then embarked in gardening, which he continued until the fall of 1862, when he began serving as apprentice at the cooper trade. A year later, he began business here and in Chillicothe, but in 1874 he started his present business on the Scioto Valley Railroad between Maine and Mound Streets. His building is two stories in height and is 80x60 feet in dimensions. The capacity of his manufactory is three hundred barrels, and Mr. Richards superintends the business himself.

Our subject chose for his life companion Miss Theressa Kelliofer, a native of Cleveland, Ohio, ahd their marriage was solemnized in Chillicothe in 1865. Their union has been blessed by the birth of six children who are as follows: Lizzie, married John Ryan; Henry, a cooper by trade, married Mary Schweizer; Annie married Frank Stein; Maggie, Mary, and Birdie, all at home. Mr. Richards is a Democrat in politics, but is not radical in his views. He is a clever, shrewd business man, has been unusually successful, and by his pleasant, genial disposition has won many friends.

THOMAS HORN, whose home is in Fairfield Township, Madison County, is an intelligent and progressive farmer and a man of unbounded energy and zeal in whatever project he undertakes. He is the son of John M. Horn, who was born in Berkeley County, W. Va., while his mother, who bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Recob, Avas a native either of Pennsylvania or Maryland.

After their marriage, the parents of our subject located in Ross County, this State, where they resided until 1851, and then came to Madison County, where the father’s decease occurred March 4, 1861, in Fairfield Township. The mother, who survived him many years, departed this life at the home of her daughter in McLean County, Ill., in the fall of 1872.
Our subject was the youngest child in the parental family of seven children, his birth occurring in Ross County January 26, 1836. He was a lad of fifteen years at the time of his parents’ removal to this county, and on the outbreak of the Civil War enlisted in March, 1862, becoming a member of Company H, Second Battalion, Eighteenth United States Infantry. He participated in many of the important engagements in this struggle, among which were Mumfordsville, Ky., Hoover’s Gap, and Chickamauga. In the first-named battle, Mr. Horn was taken prisoner, but was paroled the following day and exchanged. He Avas mustered out of service at the close of the war at Lookout Mountain, Tenn. While in the army, he met with a serious accident by being run over by a horse and for six months was unfit for duty.

Returning home Avhen his services Avere no longer needed on the field of battle, our subject engaged in the mercantile business in Georgesville until 1872, when he disposed of his interest in that line, and coming to Lilly Chapel, this county, purchased a farm which he operated, and at the same time conducted a good mercantile trade. He had the honor of building the first house in Lilly Chapel after the town was laid out, and continued in business there until 1878, since which time he has given his entire time to farming pursuits. His estate, which includes eighty-six acres, is pleasantly located just north of the village, and by being properly cultivated, brings its owner handsome returns.

June 6, 1867, Mr. Horn and Miss Sarah J. Courtright were united in marriage. The lady Avas the daughter of the late Jesse and Mary (Brown) Courtriglit, natives of Franklin County, Avhere the father held the office of County Surveyor, and at his death, in April, 1874, avus one of the prominent citizens of his community. Mrs. Horn was born July 1, 1839, and Avas the eldest in a family of ten children. She has taken an active and prominent part in church work, holding membership with the Methodist Episcopal denomination and has been Class-leader and President of the Women’s Foreign Missionary Societ of the auxiliary at Lilly Chapel. She is a lady of culture and education, and prior to her marriage taught school for seven years.

Mr. and Mrs. Horn are the parents of six children, namely: Walter, Edward, Josephine, Samuel,

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Mary and Emma. Our subject has occupied a very high position in local affairs, and while residing in Georgesville was Postmaster for seven years. In politics, he votes with the Republican party, and by his good works has secured the unbounded confidence of his fellow-citizens.

CHARLES DRESBACH, B.S., LL. R., of Circileville, was born in Fairfield County, makes his home, the date of his birth being August 15, 1859. He belongs to an old Pennsylvania family of Saxon descent. His grandfather, Jonathan Dresbach, was born in Berks County, Pa., and removed to Ohio in his young manhood, settling in Fairfield County, where he improved a large tract of Government land. The father of our subject, Benjamin Dresbach, followed agricultural pursuits on the old homestead, where he was born and where his entire life was passed. His marriage united him with Miss Emily Roby, a native of Pickaway County, Ohio, who died in Circleville in 1889. Her father, who was born in Maryland, was a pioneer of Tarlton, this State, where he engaged in mercantile pursuits. Later, he moved to Bainbridge, Ross County, where he followed merchandising until he retired from active business life. Benjamin Dresbach and his estimable wife became the parents of seven children, all of whom still survive. The father died at the old homestead in 1883, when fifty-seven years old.

The fourth in the family is the subject of this sketch and commenced his literry eduction in the district schools, and afterward entered the Normal University of Lebanon, Ohio, from which he graduated in both the Business and Classical departments. In 1884, he was graduated from the scientific department, of the University, receiving the degree of Bachelor of Science, with the honor of being the Valedictorian and Commencement Orator of his class. In the fall of the same year, he entered the department of law in the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, and was graduated in 1886, when the degree of Bachelor of Laws was conferred upon him. During his University life, he was a member of, and filled all the offices in, the Phi Delta Phi, the only exclusively legal fraternity in the United States. He was also a prominent member of the Webster Literary Society, in which he was honored with various offices, including that of President.

Mr. Dresbach was admitted to practice at the Bar of the State of Michigan soon after going to Ann Arbor, and, while in that city, beside carrying on his university studies, spent three months in the office of Judge Thomas M. Cooley, who was at that time revising his work on “Taxation.” While in the University of Michigan, he was actively identified with the School of Political Science, and also devoted considerable attention to the studies of the regular medical department. In 1885, he was admitted to the Ohio Bar, and in June of the following year, opened an office in Circleville, wdiere he has since carried on an extensive practice.

Mr. Dresbach was united in marriage June 2, 1892, with Miss Maud N. Kerrick, of St. Louis, Mo.

In his social relations, Mr. Dresbacli is a Royal Arch Mason and a Knight Templar, and also a Thirty-second degree Scottish Rite Mason, belonging to the Ohio Consistory at Cincinnati. He is also a member of Syrian Temple of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, at Cincinnati, Ohio. He is Past Chancellor of the Knights of Pythias, and one of the founders of the Elk Lodge of Circleville. Politically, he is an active member of the Republican party, the principles of which he considers best calculated to advance the interests of the people. He is conceded to be the best-posted and best-read man in Circleville, his knowledge covering a broad range of ancient, medieval and modern history, and classical and general literature. To the wisdom acquired from books, Mr. Dresbach has added the culture imparted by travel : and observation of the customs of various peoples and nations. In 1891, he made a tour of Europe, visiting the principal points of interest in England, Ireland, France, the Netherlands, Austria, Hungary, Switzerland and Italy, spending five

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months abroad. Having previously gained a through knowledge of the history of Great Britain and the Continent, he studied every object of interest with eye of the student and the scholar, rather than the superficial glance of the ordinary tourist. His five library is not only large, but contains many rare and valuable books upon a wide range of subjects, and in this he sonstantly keeps up his classic and literary studies.

As an orator, Mr. Dresbach ranks among the most brilliant and ready speakers of this part of the State. As a lawyer, he has met with phenomenal success, and, in a few years after commencing practice, he had acquired not only a large and lucrative probate practice, but had obtained the reputation of being one of the best trial lawyers in the city. The friends of Mr. Dresbach know him to be more than a successful lawyer ; they know him to be one who is earnestly striving in all honorable ways to advance the material and social interests of the community in which he lives, and to conduct the practice of the law according to the strictest code of professional ethics.


There is probably no one of the public-spirited citizens of Circleville who is more in touch with that principle which has advanced the city along the lines of general culture than Charles Dresbach, and as such, he is honored wherever known.


JAMES WARD, a prominent resident of Walnut Township, Pickaway County, is a member of the well-known grain firm of Ward & Miller, who carry on an extensive business at Ashville. He is a native of Fairfield County, this State, his birth occurring October 16, 1844. His parents, Peter and Mary A. (Greek) Ward, were natives of Ohio; the father is now deceased. Great-grandfather William Ward emigrated from England to the United States previous to the Revolutionary War, settling in Virginia. The family came to Ohio in 1802, and located in what is now known as Walnut Township, Pickaway County. Four years later, a log cabin was erected on the farm which is the property of our subject, and this the family occupied until 1857. That rude structure is still standing and used by our subject as a tool-house.


Of the seven children born to Mr. and Mrs. Peter Ward six survive, namely:    Catherine,    Mrs. Sidney J. Ward; Jacob; Eliza, Mrs. Wood; James, David, and Mary E., Mrs. Milton Morral. The father of our subject was killed by a runaway team in Allen County, this State. The mother still survives and makes her home at Carey, this State.


James Ward was only four years of age when his parents came to Allen County, and had reached the age of twelve when he made this county his home. After the death of his father, our subject was taken into the home of his married sister, Mrs. S. J. Ward, with whom he resided until reaching his majority. His primary studies were conducted in the common schools of his district, and were later supplemented by an attendance of two terms at the Normal School at Lebanon. He fitted himself to become a teacher, and followed that occupation for some sixteen winters and two summers, conducting the district school with signal success.


March 9, 1876, Mr. Ward was united in marriage with Harriet Cromley, who was a native of Walnut Township, this county. She was a daughter of Stephen Cromley, an early settler of the above-named township, where he was a highly respected citizen. They have been granted a family of two children, Mettie and Myrtie, both of whom are deceased. Mrs. Harriet Ward died December 6, 1882, sincerely mourned by all her friends and neighbors.


The original of this sketch is the proprietor of two hundred and fifty-eight acres of valuable land, located on section 17 and which bears all the improvements in the way of buildings and machinery which are known to modern agriculture. Mr. Ward is very prominent in his community and was candidate two different times for Director of the Infirmary. His defeat was owing to the large Democratic majority in the county, he being a stanch Republican. Socially, our subject is a Mason, and is also identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Grange. During the late Civil War, he was a soldier in the one


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hundred days’ service, joining Company C, One Hundred and Fifty-fifth Ohio Infantry. his regiment operated with Grant in Virginia, and at the expiration of his term of service, our hero was honorably discharged, having earned the appellation of Corporal. Mr. Ward is public-spirited and enterprising and possesses those personal characteristics which make him warm friends and stanch adherents.


HON TOLAND JONES, M. D., of London, is not only distinguished in his profession as a physician and surgeon of more than ordinary skill, but he has acquired a high reputation as a business man and as a public-spirited citizen, whose name is inseparably linked with much that has contributed to advance the material interests of village and county and to promote their welfare in a higher sense.


Dr. Jones is a representative of a well-known pioneer family of Madison County, and he was born in one of its early homes, January 10, 1820, a son of Thomas and Mary P. (Truitt) Jones, who were natives of Worcester County, Md. They came to Ohio in 1810. and after a year’s residence in Ross County, removed to this county and township, and took their place among its prominent pioneers who were most active in laying the foundation of its future prosperity and substantantial growth. Mr. Jones entered upon his work of redeeming the soil from the wilderness with characteristic energy, first building a small log house to shelter his family, he brought a colony of twenty young men with him, the most of whom settled here and became useful citizens. He purchased a thousand acres of land, developed a fine farm, and continued to reside here until death closed his career. He was one of the foremost men of the county while he lived. He was Associate Judge of the Bench quite a number of terms, and was often Commissioner of the county. Though not a regular lawyer, he was well read in law, and was often called upon to do legal business for the people, such as drawing up mortgages, deeds and wills. In politics, he was a Whig. The paternal grandparents of our subject were William and Sarah (Cropper) Jones. His grandmother was a daughter of Dr. Edward Cropper, of Maryland, of which State both she and her husband were natives, the latter a planter, who lived in Maryland all his life. Both the Jones and the Croppers came from England originally.


Our subject is one of eight children, the names of the others being James J., William G., Edward A., Eliza J., John E., Kendall P. and Edison S. In his younger days, the Doctor passed his life on a farm and in attendance at the common schools, where be laid the foundation of a liberal education. He later attended school at London and Springfield, and was subsequent a student at Grandville College. Deciding to fit himself for a pliysican, he read medicine with Dr. Aquila Poland, of London, and afterward attended lectures at the Ohio Medical College, at Cincinnati. Having thus become thorough familiar with the principles of his chosen profession, be entered upon its practice in London with bright promises for a brilliant career, as be had shown in his studies a special rrptitude for his vocation. he soon acquired local favne as a sensible, practical physician, of progressive methods, and. his successful amputation of a patient’s limb at the hip joint brought him into wider notice, as up to that time there had been but one,other case of the kind successfully treated, and he received an honorary diploma in acknowledgment of his surgical skill.


The Doctor continued busily engaged in bis profession in London until 1862, when he laid aside his hopes and ambitions for a while to throw his energies into the great contest that was raging between the North and the South, and during the remainder of the war did invaluable service in defense of the Union. He took a company of soldiers to the front, was commissioned heutenant-Colonel, and was placed in command of the One Hundred and Thirteenth Ohio Infantry, and was in command as Colonel until he retired from the army at the close of the war. He displayed admirable qualities as a leader, was always at his post, and his unfaltering patriotism, unflinching courage, and bold, resolute front in time of danger


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inspired his men to do their best in every situation. he was first with Gen. Rosecrans, and later fought under Gen. Grant at Missionary Ridge. From Chattanooga, he went with Gen. Sherman on his famous march to the sea, and made a good record as a fighter in the various battles of that campaign. At Jonesboro, he was taken off his feet by a ball from the enemy’s works, but he luckily escaped unhurt from various other dangers that he encountered in the heat of battle, and returned home to his friends unscathed.


Our subject’s military life extended over a period of two years and eleven months, and he then quietly resumed the practice of his profession, in which he reaped new honors. He was Surgeon-General of Ohio during ex-Gov. Foraker’s administration, and he was formerly Surgeon for the Little Miami Railway. The Doctor has been exceedingly fortunate in money matters and is numbered among the wealthy men of the county. He has handled his finances with coolness and caution, and at the same time, with far-seeing enterprise, has invested his funds so as to j Secure good returns. He owns the Toland Block, : in the village of London, which contains a public : hall, a bank, stores and offices, and Toland’s Opera : House. He has other valuable property at this ; point, and he laid out Jones’ Addition and Toland’s Addition to the village, and has given an impetus to its growth in various ways. He wields considerable influence in local politics as one of the foremost Republicans of this vicinity, who assisted in organizing the party, and in 1866 and 1867 he represented this district in the State Senate, showing the same versatile talent sis a statesman as in other departments of life. Mr. Jones was the Presidential Elector for his district and was chosen to make the report of the State Electors of the State, at Washington, in favor of Benjamin Harrison. He belongs to the Loyal Legion of the United States, is a Mason and a member of the Grand Army of the Republic.


Dr. Jones and Miss Frances A. Toland, of this city, were married in 1846. Mrs. Jones is a daughter of Dr. Toland, who was one of the prominent and wealthy men of London. He was conspicuous in business circles as one of the organizers of the Madison County National Bank, of which he was President and one of the largest stockholders of the institution. The Doctor and his wife have had four children, three daughters and one son. Their son William P., who was a bright and promising young man, a graduate of Dartmouth College, died while attending lectures at the Medical University of Pennsylvania. Their daughters are Imogene, now Mrs. E. K. Stewart, who has five children: Frank, Handford, Margaret, Alice and Edward; Eva, Mrs. Graham, who has one son, Toland; and Bessie, Mrs. Riley, who has one son, Stewart.


ORTON A. SPERRY, attorney-at-law and Notary Public of Mt. Sterling, Ohio, has the honor of being a native of the Buckeye State, he was born in Wayne Township, Fayette County, December 27, 1861, and is the son of John and Sarah J. (Harper) Sperry, the former a native of Ross County, and the latter of Fayette County. When our subject was an infant, his parents removed to Shelby County, Ill., where his father died in 1864. The mother, with her two sons, then returned to the home of her father, Robert Harper. Our subject’s brother John and himself spent their boyhood days in the home of their grandfather.


Orton Sperry worked at farm labor during the summer months, and attended the village school of Good Hope in the winter season. Thus his time was passed until nineteen years of age, when his grandfather began paying him for his services. He saved his money, and in the fall of 1882 went to Poughkeepsie, N. Y., and took a course of study in Eastman’s Business College, from which he was graduated in March, 1883. It had long been his desire to read law, but his grandfather opposed this plan and compromised on a business course. After graduating, Mr. Sperry found it difficult to secure a position, and so returned to the farm, where he remained until the spring of


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1885. he then embarked in merchandising for himself, buying a half-interest in a country store in Good Hope, but after eighteen months he sold out and returned to the farm for Ins grandfather needed his hell) He remained on the old homestead until the spring of 1887.


In that year, Mr. Sperry saw his long-cherished desire in the way of fulfillment. He entered the law office of Worthington A Marehant, of Washington C. H., and in October, 1888, became a student in the Cincinnati Law School. Entering the senior class, he was graduated in May, 1889, and then returned to Washington C. H., where he was engaged in the practice of his chosen profession for one year. He came toMt. Sterling in May, 1890. He had no influential friends or money to give him a start, and during the first six weeks his fees amounted to only twenty-five cents, but since that time a constantly increasing patronage has rewarded his efforts, and he is now doing a good business, his practice building up rapidly.


Mr. Sperry was married September 16, 1891, the lady of his choice being Miss May Vance, of Washington C. H. She was born in Fayette County, Ohio, May 17, 1871, and is a daughter of I. J. and Molhe (Gibson) Vance. They have a pleasant home in Mt. Sterling and rank high in social circles. He was reared in the ranks of the Republican party, and is still a stanch advocate of its principles. His success is all due to his own efforts and he possesses the energy, determination and skill to win a prominent place at the Bar.



HON. JOHN NOBLE BEACH, M. D., a physician of marked talent and ability, has been brought into close and kindly relation with his patients in and about West Jefferson, in which place he resides. He is the son of the late Uri Beach, who was born in Vermont, December 7, 1789. He there spent his early 3rears, and in 1812 came to Ohio, and for a short time worked in Marietta, wdience he removed to Worthington, and there, in September 1816, was married to Mrs. Hannah Noble Gorham. The couple then located in what is now known as Canaan Township, Madison County, where they made their home. Here the elder Mr. Beach erected a sawmill, which was the first in that locality, and which proved a great convenience to the early settlers.


The father of our subject was a man of great push and energy, who had a faculty of carrying out his plans, and putting them in operation. Seeing the great need of a woolen mill in his community, he erected a building, and was engaged in the manufacture of woolen articles for several years. In company with his brother, Lorenzo, ME Beach purchased a tract of land in Canaan Township, this county, and laid out the village of Amity, where his decease occurred January 11, 1832. His good wife, who survived him a number of years, died November 17, 1854, firm in the faith of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which denomination her husband was also a member.


The parental family of our subject included seven children, of whom Dr. John was the youngest but one. He was born in Amity, in Canaan Township, January 27, 1829, where he was reared to manhood, and received his early education in the common schools. After attaining his fifteenth year, he took a course of study in the Ohio Wesleyan University, at Delaware, and three years later began the study of medicine with the late Dr. Charles McCloud. Entering the Starling Medical College, at Columbus, Dr. Beach completed the course of study in that institution, and in due time received his credentials as Doctor of Medicine, being at that time only twenty-one Years of age.


Dr. Beach began the practice of medicine in Unionville Center, Union County, where he remained for three years, and then came to Plain City, Madison County, where he made his home for five years, at the end of which time he located in West Jefferson, Madison County, in 1858, where he has since been engaged in active practice, with the exception of the time spent in the army. The following is a copy of the promotions of Dr. John N. Beach, which appear in the History of the Fortieth Ohio Infantry: “Surgeon, April 14, with rank from April 1, 1862. On staff duty as follows: Surgeon of the Third Brigade, Army of the Kana-


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wha, in the fall of 1862, at Gallipolis, Ohio; Medical Director of the District of Eastern Kentucky in the winter of 1862-63, atCattletsburg, Ky.; Medical Director of the Third Division, Army of the Ohio, in the spring of 1863, at Franklin, Tenn.; Surgeon of the First Brigade, First Division, Reserved Corps, Army of the Cumberland, July 24, 1863, until after the battle of Chickamauga; Surgeon of the Second Brigade, First Division Fourth Army Corps, Army of the Cumberland, October, 1863, which position he held at the expiration of his term of service; Operating Surgeon in Field Hospital of First Division, Fourth Army Corps, during the Atlanta campaign, and was mustered out at Nashville, Tenn., December 6, 1864.


On returning home from the army. Dr. Beach again located in West Jefferson, where he has been active in various phases of political work. He beheves in doing right at all times and under all circumstances, regardless of the opinions of the public, and his actions as well as his opinions have been characterized by manly independence. In the fall of 1875, he was elected to the Ohio Legislature on the Republican ticket, and served the full term of two years. In 1878, he was appointed Surgeon to the Fourteenth Regiment Ohio National Guard, which position he held for a period of five years, although, in 1880, he was commissioned Surgeon-General of Ohio, by ex-Governor Foster, being the incumbent of that position for four years.


Dr. Beach stands very high in social affairs, and has been Commander of Wilson Burrows Post No. 389, G. A. R.; is a member of the Loyal Legion of the Ohio Commandery; has been on the Staff of Gen. Hurst as Aide and Department Commander, and has also served on the Staff of Gen. Alger, National Commander, G. A. R. Dr. Beach is a member of the Madison County Medical Society, also of the District Medical Society, State Medical Society, National Medical Association, the International Medical Congress, and the National Association of Railway Surgeons.


The lady to whom our subject was married in Champaign County, this State, June 31, 1858, was Miss Eliza J. Snyder. She is a native of the above county, and the daughter of Daniel and Anna (Kiser) Snyder. By her union with Dr. Beach, a family of two children has been born, the elder of whom, Edith, is the wife of Prof. John R. Rathmell, of Chattanooga, Tenn.; Anna, who married Charles A. Shinn, also makes her home in that city. The Doctor is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and with his wife has been identified with the Methodist Episcopal Church for a number of years. They are both well and favorably known throughout Madison County, and the tasteful arrangement of their beautiful residence displays the culture and refinement of its inmates.


ALONZO C. WEST, proprietor of the Pal-j ace Livery and Feed Stable, on Market Street, between Fayette and Main Streets, Washington C. H., is an active and enterprising young man and controls a good business. Fayette is his native county, Jefferson Township the place of his birth, and June 13, 1861, the date of that important event in his life.


Our subject is a son of Edmund West; a well-known resident of Jefferson Township, of which his parents were early settlers. They had come to this county from Virginia, his native State, when he was a boy, and from that day the name of West has been familiar as connected with the rise and growth of Fayette County. The grandfather of our subject lived to a good old age, dying in 1880. Our subject’s mother was Mary Edge before her marriage. Of her seven children, six are living. The father of our subject is a stanch Republican and takes much interest in politics. He is prominent in the religious life of his community as a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.


He of whom we write is the youngest of the family. After completing his education in the public schools of the county, he gave his attention to farming for eight years. Abandoning that calling, he came to Washington C. H., in October, 1891, to establish himself in the livery business, to which he has since devoted himself with financial success. His stable is well equipped and supphed


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with carriages, buggies, sleighs, and all vehicles that are in demand in a city like this, and the horses, which are well kept, are good roadsters, combining speed and endurance. Our subject conducts his business in a manner that has won the confidence of his patrons, his name is good in financial circles, and he has a good deal of custom. He is a man of pleasant social qualities, and he stands high among the young Republicans of his native county in politics.


Mr. West and Miss Armeada A. Creamer were united in marriage October 10, 1886, and they have made for themselves a home as comfortable and cozy as possible, and the scene of true hospitality. Three children complete their household: Mary, Nina and Roy. Mrs. West is a daughter of William A. Creamer, an old settler of Jasper Township, this county.



HON. THADDEUS E. CROMLEY, A. M., the former popular, enterprising and useful Representative from Pickaway County to the Sixty-eighth and Sixty-ninth General Assembly of Ohio, is at present residing in Walnut Township. He is a native of this county, having been born in the above named township, June 21, 1843. His parents, William and Sarah E. (Staige) Cromley, were natives, respectively, of Pennsylvania and Pickaway County, this State. The maternal grandfather of our subject, Richard Staige, entered from the Government the land whereon the Hon. Mr. Cromley makes liis home at the present time.


William Cromley emigrated to this State at an early day, from Lehigh County, Pa., and located with his father, Conrad Cromley, in Walnut Township, where the latter-named gentleman passed the remainder of his life. To the parents of our subject two children were born: Thaddeus E., and Mary J., who is now the widow of William H. Morris, of Ashville, this State. Mr. Cromley was very prominent in local affairs and served Walnut Township in the capacity of Trustee for several years. In his political behef, he was a Democrat and was warmly interested in all measures advocated by his party. At his death he left an estate of eight hundred acres of valuable land, a sufficient proof of the fact that he was a successful business man and a good financier.


Thaddeus E. Cromley was reared on his father’s farm and attended school in a little log cabin, witli a puncheon floor, slab seats, etc., until about twelve years of age. Four years later, he entered the Circleville Union Schools, there preparing himself forcollege, and in 1861 became a student in Kenyon College, at Gambier, this State. He took the full collegiate course and was graduated in 1865 with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. Three years later, the degree of Master of Arts was conferred upon him.


Owing to close application to his studies while in college, Mr. Cromley’s health failed him, and instead of choosing a professional life he preferred outdoor employment and became an agriculturist. He has always taken a deep interest in educational matters and served as a member of the School Board for a number of terms He has been the recipient of various official positions, for a number of years being identified with the Town Council of Ashville, and Trustee of Walnut and Harrison Townships. He has been an active worker in the ranks of Democracy, and in 1886 was selected by that party as a Representative from Pickaway County. On the expiration of his term of office, he was re-elected, in 1888, serving until January, 1892. In 1890, he was nominated for Secretary of State, but was defeated by about ten thousand votes.


October 6, 1870, our subject was united in marriage with Mary R., daughter of Isaac D. and Sarah A. Miller, the former of whom is deceased and the latter makes her home in Harrison Township. Mrs. Cromley was born in the above-named township and in her youth was given a good education. She is a most estimable lady and has many warm friends in this locality. Her parents were early settlers of Harrison Township and were born in the Old Dominion.


To Mr. and Mrs. Cromley have been born eight children, all of whom are living with one exception.


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They bear the respective names of Charles E., Alvah M., MettaM., Amy L., Annie G. (deceased), Wilhe C., Anna M. and Thaddeus R. Mr. Cromley is the proprietor of a magnificent estate of eight hundred acres which bears excellent improvements in the way of buildings and machinery, for the owner beheves that the best methods and latest improvements bring him in the largest returns.


The Hon. Thaddeus E. Cromley is a member of the Grange and the Knights of Honor, serving the latter order as Dictator of Lodge No. 3005. While in the Legislature, he was Chairman of the Committee on Military Affairs, and was Chairman, pro tern, of the Committee on Agriculture. He was the framer and author of a Farmers’ Institute Bill, making the Farmers’ Institute a permanent organization in different counties. He was also identified with the development and with the practical work of the Ohio Experimental Station, at present located at Columbus. These two bills, especially, gave him a State reputation and were the means of securing him the nomination for Secretary of State. As a Legislator, he reflected great credit upon himself and his constituents, the welfare of the public always being held in view by him in the light of patriotism. He is a cultured and educated gentleman, of high financial and social standing, enjoying the entire confidence of the public. The biographer found him to be genial, hospitable, entertaining and thoroughly conversant with the leading topics agitating the body politic to-day. We are, therefore, pleased to 'be able to place before our readers the life sketch and portrait of so honorable and influential a gentleman, who is widely and favorably known throughout the State as a man of uprightness and thorough honesty of heart.


JOHN M. SHAFFER, who combines the occupation of a manufacturer of drain tile, building blocks and pressed brick with that of a farmer, is residing at Sedalia. He was born in Jefferson County, this State, November 10, 1837, and is the son of Jacob and Christina (Coffman) Shaffer, the former of whom was born in Shenandoah County, Va., April 7, 1790, grew to manhood in that county, and attended school with Zachaiy Taylor.


Soon after his marriage, the father of our subject enlisted in the State militia and participated in the War of 1812. he moved to Pennsylvania in 1827, locating in what is now Braddock Fields, where he followed his occupation of a blacksmith. His eldest child, Maria, was born in Shenandoah County, in 1814, and the remainder of the family were Barbara, Anna H., Susan; Noah N., who was heutenant-Colonel in the secret service during the Civil War, Martin C., who was born in 1825; Ambrose B., in 1827; Margaret J., in 1830; Sarah Catherine, in 1832; Alex C., in 1834 and our subject in 1837. He of whom we write lived in Jefferson County until 1853, when he removed with his parents to Wheeling, Ya. His father, in the meantime, had abandoned blacksmithing and operated a gristmill on Short Creek, in which line of work our subject was employed till he went to the Old Dominion. In Wheeling, he began clerking in a general store, which he followed for three years, and then re-maved with his parents to Marion County, Mo., which was their home until the fall of 1859. While residing in the West, John M. worked in a woolen mill until the above date, when, the slavery question being agitated warmly,the famity came to Marietta, this State, and he began working on the Cle-ona Fruit Farm, owned by E. J. Plumbley, a good old Quaker gentleman.


In 1860, after casting their vote for Abraham Lincoln, our subject and his brother, Alex C., loaded a vessel with produce, which they marketed at New Orleans for Mr. Plumbley, receiving $45 per month for the trip. It was a very dangerous proceeding, as men were shot down on all sides, and their lives were only safe when hiding in the bottom of the boat. They returned in the spring, and that summer Mr. Shaffer operated a drill, boring for oil in the vicinity of Marietta.


September 7, 1861, he of Whom we write enlisted in Company L, Ohio Cavalry, under Capt. T. J. Patton, and was mustered in at Camp Chase. There he remained until, with his regiment, he was sent to Kentucky, and near Lexington waited until they received their arms. He participated in many skir-


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mishes and at the battle of Pittsburg Landing came up with the reserve on the day after the battie. He was wounded on the road between that city and Corinth, an artery being severed in his right leg just above the knee. In addition to that misfortune, he was taken with the fever, and being sent to the field hospital, remained there seven or eight days, when he was taken to St. Louis, and ten days later to Camp Chase, thence home to Marietta. In December, he was ordered to Columbus, where he received his honorable discharge on the 10th of that month. He was at that time given a pass to travel wherever he pleased in the army, and fitting himself with a stock of goods, peddled his wares among the boys, thus furnishing them with many necessary articles which they could not have otherwise obtained.


John M. Shaffer and Miss Almeda Sims were united in marriage August 6, 1863. He had first met the lady when a cavalryman, when she was so frightened at the sight of the soldiers that, on being asked fora drink of water, she rephed that she would go to the spring to get some, but the moment she was out of sight ran as if for her life. Mrs. Shaffer was born in Franklin County seven miles from Columbus, August 24, 1845, and was the daughter of Edward J. and Sarah (Rose) Sims.


Our subject amassed quite a little fortune in peddling among the soldiers but he later lost it by investing in a panorama of Lincoln’s death. In 1865, he removed from Columbus to Spring Hill, Madison County, and operated a sawmill for three years, at the end of which time he began the manufacture of tile. In 1881, he moved to Midway and established in that line of business, manuacturing pressed brick, building blocks, etc., having an income of about $3,500 per year.


Mr. and Mrs. Shaffer have become the parents of ten children: Rhodolp S. is engaged as a printer in Midway, and also is employed with his father in the manufacture of tile; Ellen M.,Mrs. J. T. Crabb, lives in Columbus; Ora A. married M. J. Busick and resides in Chenowith, Madison County; Eva J. became the wife of E. J. Clawson and makes her home in Clarke County; Arthur died October 15, 1876; Leona, Walter Hf., Bessie P., Carl A. and Newell B. are at home with their parents.


Our subject supported the Republican party' from 1860 until of recent years, when he joined the Prohibitionists. He has been Justice of the Peace six years, in Fairfield Township, Madison County, and Constable two years. With his wife, he is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which body he has been Trustee. Socially, he is a Mason and has been Chaplain in the Blue Lodge. Tie is also an Odd Fellow, and has been through the encampment, holding membership at Lilly Chapel and London. He is a charter member of Vincent Allen Post No. 678, G. A. R., and has attended the State National Encampment of that order. He is also a member of the Sons of Temperance and belongs to the Grand Lodge of the State of Ohio, of which he has been Chaplain.


T. S. ALKIRE. A large number of the young gentlemen of Madison County are oecupying positions of honor and responsibility in their various townships, and are entering upon careers which give every indication of future welfare and affluence. Among this number is the subject of this biographical notice, who was born in Pleasant Township, March 1, 1865, and is successfully engaged as a farmer and stock-raiser on the old homestead where he was born.


The history of the Alkire family in America is quite fully given in the biographies of Abraham R. and Gabriel Alkire, presented in another portion of this volume. The former gentleman, who is the father of our subject, is one of the most prominent citizens of Mt. Sterling and a man whom everyone honors for his sterling traits of character. T. S. grew to manhood on his father’s farm, where he early acquired a practical knowledge of agriculture, meanwhile receiving his education in the schools of Mt. Sterling, which village adjoined the farm.


After finishing his education, our subject carried on the homestead with his father until the latter moved to the village in 1888. He then divided the farm among his sons, the home place of sixty-eight acres becoming the property of our


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subject beside three hundred and eighteen acres in Darby Township, Pickaway County. The land is mostly in grass, which fits it splendidly for the raising of stock, a successful department of the agricultural work.


September 21, 1891, Mr. Alkire was married to Miss Bessie, daughter of the Rev. S. T. and Sarah A. (Wallis) Morris, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work. In his political affiliations, Mr. Alkire is a stanch adherent of Republican principles, and cast his Presidential ballot for Benjamin Harrison in 1888. In his social connections, he is identified with the Knights of Pythias, having joined that order in 1890. A man of stanch integrity and utmost probity, it is not strange that his friends look to his future with great expectancy of honors and success.


LEWIS C. MALLOW. Prominent in social and business circles of Jasper Township, Fayette County, is the family of L. C. Mallow, whose attractive home and beautiful farm is one of the finest in the county. Ilis estate comprises the magnificent sum of eight hundred and eighty acres, all of which are under the best methods of improvement.


The father of our subject, Simeon Mallow, was a native of Ross County, this State, his birth occurring in 1813. His father, Adam Mallow, hailed from Virginia, where his father, also named Adam, was born, and where the family were among the F. F. V’s. The last-named gentleman was captured when six years of age, together with his mother, by the Indians, and was kept in bondage six years. The mother was traded, after a period of two years, to some Frenchmen, by whom she was taken to New Orleans, but later returned home.


The grandfather of our subject was Colonel of an Ohio regiment in the War of 1812. The maiden name of our subject’s mother was Jane Campbell. She was born in Kentucky, and was the daughter of William Campbell, who was among the early settlers of Fayette County, this State, where he was a prominent agriculturist. Her birth occurred in 1818 and after her marriage with Mr Mallow, resided for a time in Fayette County, and later removed to Ross County, where her death occurred in 1875; the father passed away in 1884. They were the parents of three sons and one daughter.


The original of this sketch was born March 3, 1840, in Ross County, and was trained to the of a farmer on the old homestead. Ilis education was received in the schools of his district, supplementing the knowledge gained therein by a course of reading in later years. He was married November 23, 1863, to E1iza J., daughter of Andrew' Haughey, of Clinton County, this State. To them has been born one daughter, Jennie E., who is the wdfe of N. B. Hall, and resides in Washington C. H.; she is the mother of three children.


Mrs. Eliza J. Mallow departed this life February 23, 1865, and the present marriage of our subject occurred December 28, 1869, at which time Miss Ellen, daughter of James H. Hays, became his w'ife. The following-named six sons have been born to them: Orville S., Russell C., Earl L., Carl S. and Roy G. In May, 1864, Mr. Mallow enlisted in the Union army, joining Company C, One Hundred and Forty-ninth Ohio National Guards, being mustered in as Second Sergeant. The company w'ent from Cincinnati to Baltimore, thence to Saulsbury, Del., to Washington, D. C., to Harper’s Ferry and Frederick City, being engaged in skirmishing around Washington and in Virginia and Maryland. He was honorably discharged in the fall of 1864, when he returned home and engaged in the peaceful pursuits of farm life.


Mr. Mallow, in the spring of 1863, came to Fayette County, and located on the Eustace Survey, where he made his home until removing to his present location on Webb’s Survey, which he resided in 1888. His beautiful residence, which was erected three years ago, is the finest in the township. It is supphed with all the modern conveniences, and is finished and furnished in a style that shows its inmates to be people of ample means and cultured taste. Mr. Mallow has placed his entire estate of eight hundred and eighty acres under cultivation, and has caused many thousand

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Mrods of tiling to be laid. Large and commodious buildings add to the value of the place, and stamp Mr. Mallow as a wide-awake and progressive citizen.


Socially, he of whom we write is a member of the Masonic fraternity, being identified with the lodge at Washington C. H. He is also a Knight Templar, belonging to the Blue Lodge and Chapter. Mrs. Mallow is a Dunkard in religious matters, and is a veiy intelligent and highly-esteemed lady, who has done her full share in aiding her husband to attain his present financial standing in the agricultural community. Our subject votes the straight Republican ticket, and has served as a member of the School Board. He has also been Trustee of his township, and for six years was County Commissioner, having been Chairman of the Board. He has been a delegate to county conventions, and, all in all, is a very active and prominent citizen. When locating in Jasper Township, it was Democratic in politics; now it shows a Republican majority of seventy-five, of which fact Mr. Mallow is justly proud, as he has been a hard worker for the interest of that grand old party. He is a jovial, good-natured gentleman, and numbers his friends by the score. He carries on a mixed husbandry, to which industry he adds that of stock-raising, having about fifty cattle, one hundred and fifty sheep and thirty horses.


JEREMIAH B. CHENOWETH, a retired farmer and stock-raiser of Range Township, Madison County, was born twelve miles from Columbus, in Franklin County, Ohio, September 22, 1816. His parents were John F. and Margaret (Ferguson) Chenoweth. The father was born in Kentucky in 1792, and when twelve years of age became a resident of Franklin County, where his wife was born and reared, although her parents were natives of Scotland and were of Scotch-Irish descent. He was drafted for the War of 1812, but sent a substitute in his stead. He started in life a poor man and made rails by the hundred, but as fast as possible, invested his earnings in lands and became a wealthy farmer and stock owner. he w'as a Democrat up to the time of Jackson’s administration, when he became a Whig and in 1856, he joined the Republican ranks. He was a stanch Abolitionist and a prominent citizen. He served as County Commissioner of Highways for many years, was Justice of the Peace for twenty years, and was twice elected to the Ohio Legislature. He took great delight in hunting and was an expert marksman.


Our subject was the fourth m a family of fourteen children, of whom two died in infancy and one at the age of thirteen. The others grew to mature yearn and had famihes, while seven are still living, and with the exception of Lewis, who resides in Sumner County, Kan., all are residents of Madison County. Jeremiah remained at home and aided his father in the labors of the farm until twenty-five years of age. He had expected to receive some of the property, but his father had to pay $30,000 security and so our subject claimed nothing and started out in life empty-handed. He was married September 23, 1841, to Miss Eliza Foster, of Range Township, a daughter of James and Margaret (Boyer) Foster, and a native of Ross County, Ohio, born August 2, 1824. They began their domestic life upon a rented farm, which Mr. Chenoweth operated for five years, when he purchased two hundred acres. This he afterward sold and bought a thousand-acre tract. From time to time his landed possessions were increased until the family has fourteen hundred acres, as Mr. Chenoweth has given a part of it to his children.


Unto our subject and his wife were born seven sons and two daughters, but the latter died in childhood. James F., who was born September 7, 1844, enlisted for one hundred days’ service in the late war, returned home sick, and died soon afterward, at the age of twenty; John W., born September 9, 1846, is a farmer of Range Township, where he resides with his wife and two children; Daniel B., who was born January 10, 1849, was educated in the common schools and in London, and follows agricultural pursuits; Nelson P, born April 26, 1851, is also a farmer and stock-raiser; George W., born October 3, 1853, was a farmer,


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and died August 4, 1887, leaving one child; .Jeremiah S., born December 11, 1855, is living in Range Township and has four children; Newton M., born December 25,1857, is married and resides in Range Township. he has one son, Earl Hix, bom July 7, 1886.


JUDGE SAMUEL W. COURTRIGHT, attorney-at-law of Circleville, is one of the most influential and prominent citizens of Pickaway County, and is also widely and favorably known throughout the States. Through his profession, politics and Masonry, he has formed a wide acquaintance and is held in the highest esteem by all. His life record will prove of interest to many.


Mr. Chenoweth proudly cast his first vote for William Henry Harrison in 1840, and is now a stalwart Republican, as are his sons, with the exception of two who vote the Prohibition ticket. He became a member of the Methodist Church in 1844, and has been Steward, a Trustee and Teacher in the Sunday-school for many years. With the exception of two of his children all belong to the same church. He has aided in the building of churches in this locality, and has given his support to all enterprises calculated to prove of public benefit. He is public-spirited and progressive and a valued citizen. His upright life and sterling worth have won him the confidence and goodwill of all with whom he came in contact.


The Judge was born in Walnut Township, this county, December 9, 1842, and is the son of Hon. Jesse D. Courtright, who was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, May 5, 1811. The great-great-grandfather, Johannas Von Courtright, came from Amsterdam to Staten Island with the first famihes of New York and was prominent among the Knickerbocker famihes of New York. The grandfather, John Courtright, was born in Pennsylvania. His father, Capt. Jesse Von Courtright, had dropped the title-prefix to his name on removing to Pennsylvania. He was born on Staten Island, and served as a Captain in the Revolutionary War. About 1802,John Courtright emigrated with his family to Ohio, traveling over the mountains and through the forests with a three-horse wagon. He bought land near Royalton, Fairfield County, improved a farm in the midst of the wilderness, and was very successful becoming owner of twenty-one hundred acres of land. He built the first brick house in that vicinity. His death occurred at the age of eighty-four years. he, too, had been a soldier, serving in the War of 1812. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Drake, was born in Scotland and came of the same family as Sir Francis Drake.


Hon. Jesse D. Courtright, father of our subject, was reared in Fairfield County, and educated in the old log schoolhouse. When a young man, he married Salhe Stout, who was born in Washington Township, Pickaway County. Her grandfather,George Stout, a native of Pennsylvania, settled in this county in the latter part of the eighteenth century. He brought his family and household ; effects in a wagon. Among his goods was a very large clock, which is still well preserved and is now in the possession of our subject. Mr. Stout became a prominent and wealthy farmer. Soon after his marriage, Mr. Courtright located in Walnut Township, where he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land and successfully engaged in farming. He always followed farming and finally became the owner of some two thousand acres of valuable land. He served one term in the State Legislature and refused a re-nomination. He ran on the Demoratic ticket and was elected over a large Whig majority. He also long served as Township Assessor and Trustee and for more than thirty years was Justice of the Peace. He was an Elder and leading member of the Presbyterian Church, and was an influential and highly respected man. In 1870, he removed to Circleville, living retired until his death in February, 1873. His estimable wife passed away in 1881, at the age of seventy-three years. Eight of their nine children grew to mature years and seven are yet living. One son, Dr. George S., was a Surgeon in the regular United States army in Gen. Kit Carson’s command,and is  now a prominent physician of Lithopolis, Ohio.


Judge Courtright was the sixth child in the family. He was reared to agricultural pursuits


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and bis early education was supplemented by a course in South Salem Academy, where he remained until 1861. he then began studying law in the office of the late David M. Jones, and in October, 1862, entered the Law College in Cincinnati, from which he was graduated in 1863, with the degree of L. L. B. A few days afterward, he was admitted to the Bar, and, returning home, immediately opened a law office in Circleville. Ilis skill and ability were at once recognized by his election to public office. In April, 1864, he was elected City Solicitor, and re-elected in 1866. In October, 1867, he was elected County Prosecuting Attorney, reelected in 1869, and satisfactorily filled the office. In 1870, he was elected a member of the Board of Education of the Union Schools, was chosen President and was successively re-elected for four years. In April, 1875, he was elected one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of the Fifth Judicial District of Ohio without opposition and was the youngest Judge in the State. After serving a full term of five years on the Bench, he resumed the practice of law and has since devoted himself to his profession.


In Circleville, December 14, 1865, Judge Courtright married Miss Jennie R., daughter of ex-Mayor Z.R. Martin, a native of Pennsylvania and an honored pioneer of Circleville. He served as Major for six years and was a prominent business man. Three children have been born to our subject and his wife: Florence B., who graduated from the Circleville High School and completed her vocal and instrumental instruction in music under Prof. Snyder and Miss Cranch, of Cincinnati, is an accomplished lady, now the wife of E. F. Dunn, the largest dry-goods merchant of Circleville. Jennie B., a pupil in the Circleville High School, has considerable musical talent. Marguerite B. completes the family. Their pleasant home is a magnificent residence on the corner of Court and Union Streets. It is the largest and most tastefullj furnished home Circleville and is the abode of hospitality. The Judge also owns several valuable and well-improved Pickaway County and one in Bloom Township, Fairfield County.


Judge Courtright is one of the most prominent Masons of Ohio. He is a member of the Blue Lodge, Council Chapter and Commandery of Circleville, and after serving as Grand Master of the State in 1876, 1877 and 1878, declined a re-election. He has been Grand Dictator of the Knights of Honor of Ohio and was thrice Representative to the Supreme Lodge. He is also Past Chief Patriarch of the Odd Fellows’society, and is a consistent and active member of the Presbyterian Church, of which he has served as Trustee. The Democracy finds in him a most ardent supporter, and his influence and power have done much for its upbuilding. From January, 1884, to January, 1886, he served on Gov. Hoadley’s military staff, with the rank of Colonel, and rendered important service during the Cincinnati riot and at other times He was also Colonel and a prominent member of Gov. Campbell’s staff from January, 1890, until January, 1892. The Judge is a most successful attorney. His quick powers of perception, his logical reasoning and his convincing arguments well fit him for the profession he has chosen. He has just been appointed by the Supreme Court of the State a third time as a member of the Ohio Board of Commissioners for examining candidates for admission to the Bar. The Judge is a large, well-proportioned and fine looking man, whose face gives evidence of that cordial and genial nature that has made him so popular. He is pleasant and affable, and, as stated in the beginning of this sketch, is undoubedly one of the most influential citizens of the county.


Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of the Third Subdivision of the Fifth Judicial District, embracing Franklin, Pickaway and Madison Counties, resides in Circleville. He is a native of Ohio, born near Chillicothe, Ross County, August 9, 1844. His grandfather, William Abernethy, was born in Virginia. He belonged to the F. F. V.’s and was of English descent. He came with his family to Ohio and died in Ross County. James Abernethy, father of our subject, came with his parents to this State. He