396 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

CLAY TOWNSHIP.

LEVI BAKER, grain, tobacco and stock dealer, Brookville. Michael Baker, his grandfather, was born in Somerset County, Penn. He married Catharine Schmooker, of the same State. The result of this union was twelve children, of whom three are living, viz.: Samuel, Elizabeth and Benjamin. They emigrated to Ohio in 1804, and entered a tract of land near Dayton, containing 600 acres. The friendly Indians in the neighborhood advised him to change his location on account of what was called the milk sick." Mr. Baker thereupon moved to Clay Township, and entered a tract of 1,200 acres. At the time the land was entered. there were about three hundred Indians of the Shawnee tribe camped on the place and remained about two years. During this period the neighboring tribes were committing many depredations along the border, and nearly all the families became alarmed and moved to Dayton. The friendly Indians prevailed on Mr. Baker to remain and conceal himself, and they would take care of him, but he thought he would rather go to Dayton. In a short time after his arrival. he concluded that he would be much safer on his own place, and therefore returned. When he arrived the friendly Indians were glad to see him. and demonstrated their delight by giving a feast which lasted a couple of days. Mr. Baker passed from this world in 1853. The family lost in him a kind and indulgent parent, and the community a good citizen. Benjamin, the father of our subject, was born in this township the 25th day of March, 1810. He married Francis Niswonger in 1830; as a result of this union, had twelve children, the following of whom are living--Sadie, Malinda, Sarah, Johanna. Mary, Minerva, Noah, Levi, Cyrus C., Sylvester. Mr. Baker was an Old-Line Whig, but since the organization of the Republican party has been a faithful supporter of its interests. He has been a consistent member of the German Baptist Church for the past thirty years. Levi, the subject of this memoir, was born January 9, 1836, and obtained his education in the common schools, and assisted his father with the farm duties until twenty years of age, when he was united in marriage with Catharine A. Ganger, in 1856. There were born to bless this union, two children, Mary A. and one who died in infancy. He continued tilling the soil for six years, and then engaged in the grain business, which he has followed successfully until the present. As an evidence of the esteem and popularity with which he is held in the community where he lives, he was elected Assessor of his township, which position he filled for a period of thirteen years. Mrs. Baker was summoned out of this world April 5, 1879. He married for his second wife Rebecca Koonts, November 18, 187 9, and they have one child, Edith L. Baker. In 1862, he engaged in the general merchandise business, which he continued until 1870, when he disposed of his store and engaged in the produce and stock business exclusively. He possesses good business qualities, and has been successful in every enterprise that he has been engaged in. Although he has never identified himself with any church, he has led an honest and upright life.

JACOB BAKER, farmer, P. O. Brookville. His father, Jacob Baker, is the son of Michael Baker, whose sketch appears with the biography of Levi Baker. Jacob obtained a very limited education, and assisted his father in clearing the land of timber. He was united in marriage with Sarah Michael in 1854. Had fourteen children, of whom nine are living. Jacob, the subject of our sketch, was born in 1836, and reared on the farm. He celebrated his marriage with Sarah Shank in 1854. They are the parents of three children, viz., Permelia, Almira and Lawrence L. Mr. Baker has followed the occupation of tilling the soil to the present time, with good success. He cast his first vote for "father Abraham," and has since been identified with the Republican party.

NOAH W. BAKER, hotel and liveryman, Brookville. Michael Baker, Jr., was a son of Michael Baker, Sr., who came to this county in 1805, from Lancaster County,


CLAY TOWNSHIP. - 397

Penn. Michael Baker, Jr., was born about the year 1812 ; after reaching manhood he married Betsey Warner, by whom he had seven children. After her death he married her sister Roseann, and they were the parents of three children, two of whom are still living--Harvey C. and Noah W. ; the subject of this sketch was born November 15, 1848, and was married June 5, 1870, to Sophia Borden, who was born in Preble County, Ohio, October 17, 1853. They are the parents of five children. Mr., Baker has been in the hotel business for twelve years, seven of which he has been in the Eureka House, which he built in 1873. In politics, Mr. Baker is a Republican.

SAMUEL G. BARNES, dry goods and groceries and carriage manufacturing, Brookville, was born in Erie County, N. Y., May 5, 1836. His father was a native of the same State and county, and was united in marriage with Charlotte Rowe about the year 1821, and had nine children, viz.: Jane, Martha M., Eliza, Laura A., Charlotte A., Mary M., James G., Samuel G., Alice M. Mr. Barnes, by occupation was a miller, which he followed up until the time he came to Ohio in 1838. He located in Marion County and died a short time after his arrival, leaving a large family to the care of Mrs. Barnes, who managed to keep them together until 1845, when she broke up house-keeping, and our subject was bound out to a neighboring farmer until he was twenty-one. Our subject at this time was nine years of age, and had been to school only one winter, but being of an inquiring disposition and of studious habits, he obtained a fair knowledge of reading, writing and arithmetic. In 1847, the farmer with whom our subject was hound, failed, and our subject was thrown on his own resources at the age of eleven years. He followed various pursuits until 1849, when he engaged with Morrhous & Davis, at Xenia, Greene Co.. Ohio, to learn carriage-smithing, and con-tinned in their service for a term comprising a period of five years, and worked at journey work until 1857, when he took for a wife Rebecca Snyder, and as a result of this union had one son--Charles A. Mr. Barnes continued at journey work until 1859, when he commenced business for himself in Plattsburg, Clark Co., Ohio. Mrs. Barnes was summoned out of this world in 1861, when he disposed of his business and went at his country's call for volunteers, and enlisted in Company C, Thirtieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, as Corporal, and in a short time was made Color Sergeant, which position he continued in until he was wounded at the battle of South Mountain, Md., and was confined to the hospital for a period of nine months, when he was put in Company F, Twenty-first Veteran Reserve Corps, stationed most of the time at Philadelphia. He received his discharge in 1861, and re enlisted in the same company until the close of the war. His marriage with his second wife, Eliza Biggart, was celebrated in 1865, eleven months prior to his receiving his discharge from service. He continued following his trade in Philadelphia until 1870, when he came West to Dayton, Ohio, remaining' but a short time, and then came to Brookville, where he now resides ; continued working as a journeyman until 1872, when he embarked once more in the carriage manufacturing business for himself, which he continued operating very successfully until 1880, when he disposed of his shop and purchased a stock of dry goods and groceries. He, having a large and extensive circle of acquaintances, was soon able to command a large trade. In 1881, he associated himself with A. F. Roller in the carriage manufacturing business.

JESSE A. BINKLEY, farmer, P. O. Center, was born in Lancaster County, Penn., December 7, 1814 ; he is a son of Samuel Binkley, deceased, of Miami Township. Samuel was born in Lancaster County, Penn., June, 17 86. He was united in marriage to Miss Catharine Beam, of' Lancaster County, Penn., 1805. She was born June, 1786. By this union there were nine children born to them, eight of whom are now living. The youngest is past fifty years of age. A rather remarkable circumstance is that there was not a death in the family for more than fifty years from the date of their marriage. In the spring of 1837, Samuel and family emigrated to Ohio, and settled in Germantown, Montgomery County. They lived there some nine months, when they moved to Miami Township, where Samuel continued to live until his death, in 1872, in his eighty-sixth year. His widow is still living in Miami Township, in her ninety-sixth year. She is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Jesse, the


398 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

subject of this sketch, remained at home with his parents on the farm ; a part of the time was spent in the " Shuey Mill," in Germantown. He had learned milling in Pennsylvania. Jesse was united in marriage November 19, 1846, to Miss Caroline Whisler, who was born November 27, 1823, a daughter of Daniel Whisler, deceased, of Miami Township. This union has been blessed by the birth of twelve children, eleven of whom are now living, viz.: Henry, born June 10, 1848 ; William A., born March 24, 1849 ; Adaline, born October 30, 1850, now the wife of A. Rhodes, of Anderson, Ind.; Newton, born June 18, 1852 ; Jesse, born April 8, 1853 ; Caroline W., born December 19, 1854, wife of William Norman, of Clay Township; Alice A., burn December 6. 1856, wife of John H. Welsh, of' Randolph Township ; Jacob B., born May 2, 1858 ; Pharis, born .January 2, 1861 ; Samuel, born June 11, 1862 ; and Theora, born December 2, 1867. Their daughter Clara was born October 1, 1865. and died January 3, 1866. Mr. and Mrs. Binkley and seven of their children are members of the United Brethren Church at Phillipsburg, Ohio. Mr. Binkley has been a Township Trustee for several terms in Clay Township. In 1847, he moved to Clay Township, and settled on the farm where he has since lived. He owns a farm of 160 acres, well improved, with a large dwelling and substantial outbuildings.

LEWIS CAYLOR, farmer, P.O. Brookville, is the grandson of Peter Caylor, who emigrated from Virginia to Ohio, locating in Jefferson Township. It cannot be ascertained at what time, but it was almost a wilderness, and the Indians were very numerous. He was united in marriage with Sarah Retter. One daughter and five sons were born to bless this union, three of whom are living, viz., Joseph, Benjamin and Elizabeth. The father of our subject was born in Jefferson Township, September 19, 1812. He celebrated his marriage with Elizabeth Miller. Pen children were born to them--John, Susan, Lucinda, Anna, Peter, Lewis, Hannah are living at the present writing. Lewis, the subject of this sketch, was born in Jefferson Township January 26, 1845, and assisted his father with the duties of the farm until 1865, when he married Lidy A. Baker. They were the parents of' two children-- Altha M. and Herod V. Mr. Claylor's principal occupation has been tilling the soil. He purchased a farm in Van Buren Township, Darke Co., Ohio, in 1867, remaining until 1878, and disposed of his place and purchased the farm where he now resides. As an evidence of' the popularity and esteem with which he is held in the community where he lives, he was elected to the office of Justice of the Peace, which office he has filled to the entire satisfaction of' all concerned.

JACOB CARMONY, farmer, P. O. West Baltimore, was born in Washington Township, Montgomery Co., Ohio, July 10, 1823. He is a son of Jacob Carmony, late of Clay Township, deceased. Jacob was born in Pennsylvania, October 18, 1790. He emigrated to Ohio and settled in Washington Township, Montgomery County, in 1810 or 1811. He was united in marriage to Miss Mary Stausell, a daughter of Henry Stansell, deceased, of Washington Township, Montgomery County. She was born June 4, 1796, in Mason County, Ky. By this union there were born to them six children, four of whom are now living--Henry S., of Miami County, Ohio; Elizabeth. wife of George Halloway, of Portland, Ind. ; William, of Lawrence County. Ill., and Jacob, the subject of this sketch. Jacob, Sr., lived in Washington Township until 1866, when he moved to Clay Township, where he died April 26, 1869. His wife died in Clay Township, January 1, 1872. Jacob. Jr., lived with his parents engaged in farming until he was married, September 16, 1846, to Miss Mary Tice, a daughter of Joseph Tice, of Clay Township, where he died October 4. 1871. She was born in the State of New Jersey, April 24. 1829. By this union there have been born to them nine children, six of whom are now living, viz., William J., born May 16, 1847 Joseph T., born May 23, 1849 ; Arminte, born August 25, 1854, wife of Joseph Lasure, of Indiana; Clara, born May 24, 1859, wife of William Thompson, of Preble County, Ohio ; Sarah E., born February 17, 1861, wife of' Lewis Westfall, of Clay Township, and Henry J., born December 15, 1862. William J. was married to Miss Sarah A. Rasor, a daughter of D. Rasor, of Clay Township, September 27. 1868, They have had five children born to them, viz., Clara E., Milton O., Emma L., livery


CLAY TOWNSHIP. - 399

W. and Francis J. Mrs. Carmony is a member of the New-School Baptist Church at Gordon, Darke Co. Mr. C. has resided in Montgomery County all his life. He is the owner of a farm of 166 acres in Clay Township, where he lives.

WARREN H. COOK. farmer, P. O. Clayton, was born in Clay Township, Montgomery Co., Ohio, March 18, 1840. He is a son of the late Harris Cook, a native of Providence, R. I., who emigrated to Ohio in an early day. Warren lived at home with his parents until twelve years of age, when his parents sent him to a select school at West Milton, Miami Co., Ohio (known as the Quaker Seminary), where he attended two terms. When he was only fifteen years old he taught a school in Darke County, Ohio, and the following summer he attended the schools at West Milton. The next winter he taught school in Darke County ; then remained at home for a year, when he attended the Normal School at Troy, Miami Co., Ohio. The subsequent winter he taught the schools at Pattysville, Miami County; the next winter he taught a school north of Georgetown, where he commenced the study of medicine with his brother-in-law, Dr. Bobbs, of Phillipsburg, In the winter of 1861-62, he taught the Phillipsburg schools again. In August, 1862, he enlisted in Company E, Sixty-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry. His regiment served in the Fifteenth and Sixteenth Army Corps. He was in active service some fourteen months, when, by order of Secretary Stanton. he was detached from active service and attached to the Adjutant General's office at Washington, D. C. He had charge of the Corresponding Bureau under Col. Taylor until he was discharged. Upon his return home. he attended medical lectures at the Miami Medical College, at Cincinnati, Ohio. In 1865-66, on account of rheumatism contracted while in the army, he had to abandon the study of medicine. In the summer of 1866, he attended the Normal School at Dayton, Ohio. In the following winter of 1866-67, he taught the schools at Salem, Montgomery County, and in 1867-68, the Brookville schools. From 1869 to 1871, he taught a school four miles northwest of Dayton. April 13, 1871, he was united in marriage to Miss Hattie N. Turner, a daughter of H. M. Turner, of Montgomery County. By this union there have been born to them two children, viz., Bertha A., born November 9, 1872, and Malcomb, December 4, 1874. Hattie N., his wife, was born November 16, 1848. In 1875, he moved to Grant County, Ind., where he engaged in the drug business with Dr. Bobbs. This partnership continued one year, when Dr. Bobbs retired, and Mr. Cook continued the business one year, when he sold out and returned to Montgomery County, Ohio, and settled on the farm where he now resides. Mr. Cook is the owner of a farm of 110 acres of land in Clay Township, northwest of Salem three-quarters of a mile.

WILLIAM DILTS, farmer, P. O. Brookville, was born in Hunterdon County, N. J., May 21, 1815. His father, William, was born in 1765, and was united in marriage with Catharine Holcomb about 1790. They were the parents of eleven children, of whom eight are living, five daughters and three sons. William, the subject of this memoir, was educated in the common schools and brought up to farm labor. He was apprenticed at the age of seventeen years to learn the carpenter's trade, and served four years, and continued in the employ of his brother until he was united in marriage with Mary Allen in 1837. Followed his trade until the fall of 1837. In the spring of 1838, he packed all his worldly possessions in a wagon and started for the West. He arrived at West Baltimore, this township, after a long and tedious journey of' twenty-one days. In 1839, he rented a rude cabin near Brookville, and followed his trade until 1843, when he moved to Liberty Corners, remaining three years and purchased the farm where he now resides. Mrs. Dilts was summoned from earth to the spirit land in 1867. He married, for his second wife, Maria Conrad, in 1869. Mr. Dilts is the father of eight children, five by his first wife, and three by his second. Mr. Dilts has been a worthy and consistent member of the Baptist Church for the past thirty years. Mr. Dilts started in the world with nothing but good health, and, with the assistance of his good and industrious wife, accumulated enough of this world's goods to keep them in their declining years.

WILLIAM G. EWING. farmer, P. O. West Baltimore, is a son of John Ewing, a pioneer of Washington Township, Montgomery County, Ohio. John Ewing, Sr., the


400 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was a native of Kentucky. He emigrated from Kentucky and settled in Washington Township, Montgomery County, in the year 1797. He was one of the first Associate Judges of Montgomery County. John Ewing, the father of William G., was born in Washington Township, Montgomery County, in 1802, where he now lives. He is the oldest person living in the township that was born in it. He was united in marriage in the year 1823, to Miss Elizabeth Ewell, a daughter of Joel Ewell (deceased), of Washington Township, Montgomery County. The Ewell family came to Montgomery County from New Jersey in a very early day and settled in Washington Township. Elizabeth was born in 1804; by the marriage of John and Elizabeth there were born to them fourteen children, four of whom are now living--Jeremiah, born 1825 ; William G., the subject of this sketch ; Elizabeth, born February, 1827, and Robert, born September 7, 1838. The subject of this sketch was born March 30, 1826. John and Elizabeth are still living in Washington Township; John is in his eightieth year and Elizabeth in her seventy-eighth year. William G. lived at home on the farm until 1849, when he went to California and remained until May, 1854, when he returned. He was united in marriage November 4, 1856, to Miss Malinda Sunderland, a daughter of Aaron Sunderland (deceased), of Washington Township. She was born February 13, 1838; by this union there have been born to them six children, three of whom are now living--Cora M., born October 27, 1863; Lilly M., born January 14, 1866, and William A., born February 7, 1876. Three of their children are dead, viz. : A son who died in infancy April 8, 1859; Otto W. died September 3, 1864; and Laura S. died September 22, 1865. In 1869, Mr. Ewing moved to Clay Township and settled on the farm upon which he has since lived. He owns a farm of 105 ½ acres. Mrs. Ewing is a member of' the New-School Baptist Church at Centerville, Ohio. Mr. Ewing, while residing in Washington Township, was Trustee one term. In Clay Township, he has been a member of the school board for some time. He served in Company I, One Hundred and Thirty-first Regiment Ohio National Guards, under Col. Lowe, of Dayton.

HUGH FERGUSON, farmer, P. O. Bachman, was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, March 30, 1831. He is a son of' William Ferguson ( deceased ), late of Dayton, Ohio. William was born in Delaware in the year 1787. He was united in marriage in the year 1808, to Miss Jane Watson. of Delaware; by this union there were born to them nine children, four of whom are now living Christopher B., who lives in Dayton: Robert H., of Darke County, Ohio; Joseph J., who lives in Missouri, and Hugh, the subject of this sketch. William Ferguson emigrated from Delaware to Ohio and settled in Montgomery County, where he lived until his death. He settled first in Dayton, when there were but few houses at that point. William was a farmer. He died in Dayton October 21,1874, in his eighty-eighth year. His wife (Jane ) was born in Delaware in 1787 ; she died June 20, 1871, in her eighty-third year. Hugh was reared on a farm, and has since continued to follow the choice of' his youth. He was united in marriage January 28, 1858, to Miss Fidelia Valentine, a daughter of Jonathan Valentine, of Dayton, Ohio; she was born September 19, 1836; Jonathan Valentine was a native of New Jersey: he died in Dayton in 1864; by the marriage of Hugh and Fidelia there has been born to them seven children, six of whom are now dead. They have one daughter living - Lizzie M., born May 11, 1862. Mr. Ferguson has been a resident of Montgomery County since his birth, excepting three years he lived in Greene County, Ohio. In March 14, 1871, he moved to Clay Township, where he has since continued to live. He is the owner of a farm of seventy-two acres. Mr. Ferguson and daughter are members of the United Brethren Church at South Arlington, Ohio. Mrs. Ferguson is a member of the Reformed Church in Greene County, Ohio.

JACOB FLORY, farmer, P. O. Center, Ohio ; was born in Clay Township. Montgomery Co., Ohio (on the farm now owned by John Sayler), September 7. 1828. He is a son of the late Jacob Flory, Sr., who emigrated from Pennsylvania in 1805 or 1806, and settled in Montgomery County, near Liberty. Jacob. Sr., was united in marriage to Miss Mary Overholzer. He settled in Clay Township in 1817-18. At


CLAY TOWNSHIP. - 401

the time of his death in 1867, he owned the John Sayler farm in Clay Township ; at the time of' his death he was seventy years old ; he had eight children living at the time of his death. Jacob, the subject of this sketch, was reared on a farm, and has since engaged in the calling of his youth. He was married to Miss Frances Peffly, a daughter of Jacob Peffly, of Clay Township, January 20, 1856. By this union there have been born to them seven children, all of whom are now living, viz.: Wilson, born September 3, 1853 ; Lydia Ann, born January 3, 1855 ; Jacob, born April 5, 1856 ; Simon, born October 10, 1857 ; Benjamin, born August 28, 1859 ; Emma, born January 22, 1863 ; and Levi. born October 9, 1866. Mr. Flory and wife are members of the " Brethren in Christ " Church. Mr. Flory is the owner of a farm of eighty acres in Clay Township, where he resides. His farm is well improved with a very cheerful residence, substantial barn and other outbuildings.

GEORGE GANGER, farmer, P. O. Bachman. The subject of this sketch was born in Perry Township, Montgomery Co., Ohio, September 5, 1810. His father, John Ganger, was a native of New Jersey. He was born in the year 1766, and emigrated to Maryland. In 1796, he was married to Miss Barbara Redman, of Maryland. By this union there were born to them eleven children, five of whom are now living, viz.: Joseph, of Shelby County, Ohio ; Samuel, of Elkhart County, Ind.; John, of Elkhart County, Ind.; George, the subject of this sketch, and Jacob, of Elkhart County, Ind. The youngest child (Jacob) is now in his sixty-eighth year. John Ganger emigrated to Ohio from Maryland, and settled in Perry Township, Montgomery County, about the year 1809. He died in Clay Township in 1853, in his eighty-seventh year. His wife, Barbara, died in 1847 in Perry Township ; she was born in the year 1769. George lived at home with his parents engaged in farming until he was married. He was united in marriage, June 12, 1834, to Miss Elizabeth Reichard, of Preble County, Ohio, a daughter of Joseph Reichard. He was born in Center County, Penn., in the year 1793. He was married to Miss May Heiney, of Pennsylvania; he emigrated to Ohio in the year 1819, and settled in Montgomery County. By the marriage of George and Elizabeth there have been born to them eight children, five of whom are now living, viz.: Mary Ann, born November 22, 1835, now the wife of John Myers, of Clay Township ; George W., February 20, 1848 ; William, May 4, 1853 ; Elizabeth, May 29, 1857, now the wife of Ezra Whip, of Dayton, Ohio; and Levi B., November 1, 1861. In 1843, George Ganger moved with his family to Clay Township, and settled on the farm upon which he now lives. Mrs. Ganger is a member of the United Brethren Church at South Arlington. Mr. Ganger is the owner of a farm of 129 - acres, near Bachman. Their son William was united in marriage May 12, 1878, to Miss Eliza Eck, a daughter of James Eck, of Clay Township. William is engaged in farming the home place.



CHRISTOPHER GISH, physician and surgeon, Brookville. Mathias Gish was born in Lancaster County, Penn., in 1789, and was married to Frances Hammaker in Cumberland County, Penn., about the year 1811, and removed to Franklin County, and from thence to what was then Mifflin County, now Juniata County. While in Franklin County, he learned the trade of miller. He removed to Ohio in 1836, and settled in Shelby County, but soon came to Montgomery County, where he lived the rest of' his life, dying at the advanced age of eighty-six years. They were the parents of' six children, four boys and two girls--John, Abram. Eliza, Mathias, Fannie and Christopher. The subject of' our sketch was born in Franklin County, Penn., on March 20, 1815, and came to Ohio in 1834, having left his home two years prior to that time, and joined himself to a millwright, with whom he worked for two years at a compensation of $4 per month, from which he had to clothe himself. This scanty allowance formed in him habits of economy which formed the basis of his present fortune. In his native State he received a common-school education, and an academic education at the Dayton Academy. Read medicine with the late Dr. Bosler, of Dayton, going to the Medical College of' Ohio at Cincinnati in 1840-41, and also in 1852-53, when he graduated. Since 1841, he has been constantly in the practice, and has been very prominent in the medical profession in Montgomery County ever since. He


402 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES :

married Mary Feit December 27, 1842. She was the daughter of Charles Feit, a native of Prussia, and came to America in 1808. His father was left behind to attend to some business, and died soon after; his mother died during the voyage. Thus, landing at Philadelphia an orphan, he was sold to a Chester County farmer to defray his passage, with whom he stayed until he was twenty-one years of age. Mrs. Gish was born in Chester County July 24, 1819. Dr. Gish has been earnest and devoted in his work for education and the elevation and advancement of humanity. He is a man of broad views, and well-developed knowledge in the affairs of life.

SOLOMON GOOD, minister, Backman, is the son of Jacob Good, who was born in Rockingham County, Va., December 17, 1814, and emigrated to Ohio in 1816, with his father, and located in Fairfield County. He was united in marriage with Anna Busy, daughter of Abraham and Anna Busy, in 1840. These worthy individuals labored diligently for the support of an increasing family, nor in the midst of harassing struggles did they neglect the mental improvements of their progeny under the most depressing circumstances. They raised a very exemplary family of nine children. Mary (Bery) Solomon, Daniel Ely (Sarah McKinsey), Elizabeth Balinda are now living. In 1840, Mr. Good journeyed farther out to the frontier, and purchased a farm in Adams County, Ind., and has continued pursuing the occupation of tilling the soil until the present. Solomon was born September 22, 1845. and was educated in the common school, and assisted his father in clearing and cultivating the farm. He married his wife on February 26. 1867. She was the daughter of the Rev. John Winger, one of the pioneer members of the Brethren in Christ Church, and has done much toward enlightening the people and advancing the interests of that denomination. Mr. and Mrs. Good are the parents of two children, viz., John and David J. Mr. Good continued farming until 1877, when he moved to Ohio and located in this township, where he now resides, and is engaged in the merchandise trade. Believing in the refining and elevating tendencies of religion, he joined the Brethren in Christ Church. In 1875, he felt himself called of the Holy Ghost to preach, and, as he stated, though feeling unworthy and incapable, yet he felt in duty hound to obey the call, and was regularly ordained as minister, and worked actively for the advancement of the cause. Six months later he had organized a congregation, and erected a church at Winger Town, in the village where he now resides. For the past three years he has been sowing seed here and there, preaching Christ, seeking after the welfare of the church with a fatherly care, rarely omitting to administer good advice to those with whom he conversed.

ALBERT GRUENIG, bakery and confectionery, Brookville, Ohio, was born in Rhine, Bavaria, Germany, January 3, 1841 ; his father, Jacob, was born in Rhine, Bavaria, Germany, in the year 1796 ; he was a miller and baker. The subject of this sketch learned his trade with his father. His father died in 1871, in Germany, in his seventy-six year. His mother was born in the same place as her husband; she was born in the year 1813 ; she died in 1845. Albert, the subject of this sketch, had one sister and one brother. His sister, Mary, is dead ; his brother, Phillip, lives in Paris, France. The subject of this sketch came to America and landed at New York City on the 19th day of August, 1865. He first came to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he was engaged in baking for a year and a half, when he went to Germantown, Ohio, and followed his trade until 1867, when he returned to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he remained until the fall of 1868, when he returned to Germantown, where he carried on a bakery until 1S72, then he moved to Brookville, Montgomery Co., Ohio, where he now resides. He was united in marriage to Miss Rebecca Jane Wright, of Germantown, on the sixth day of June, 1872. The marriage ceremony was performed by Rev. Isaac H . Reiter, of the German Reformed Church, of Miamisburg, Ohio. They have had four children born to them, three of whom are dead, viz., John Albert, Anna E. and Ed-ward. They have one daughter living, viz., Dora Louisa, who was born November 9, 1876. Mr. G. has been engaged in business in Brookville since 1872 ; he is the leading baker in the town and has accumulated considerable town property in Brookville through his own industry.


CLAY TOWNSHIP. - 403

RICHARD M. HART, farmer, P. O. West Baltimore, was born in Butler County, Ohio, July 25, 1823. His father, George W. Hart, was born in New Jersey, in the year 1789. He emigrated to Ohio, and settled in Butler County in a very early day. He was united in marriage, in 1817, to Miss Rachel Pierson, of Butler County. Rachel was born in New Jersey in 1793; George W. Hart died in Hamilton County, Ohio, in 1840. His wife, Rachel, died in April, 1867. Richard began life at the bottom rung of the ladder, working by the day at any honorable work he could get, assisting his widowed mother to support the family. George W. and family moved from Butler County to Montgomery in 1830. where he worked at the carpenter's trade. In the spring of 1836, they moved to Lockland, Hamilton County, where he died. Robert M. was united in marriage, December 24, 1846, to Miss Harriet McGrew. who was born September 11, 1823, a daughter of James McGrew, of Preble County, Ohio. He was a native of Pennsylvania. By this union there have been born to them four children, all of whom are now living, viz.: Asbury E., born April 23, 1848 ; James L., born October 19. 1851 ; George W., born September 5, 1854, and Hattie M., born December 11, 1866. Asbury E. married to Miss Ella Sullivan, of Arcanum, Darke Co., Ohio. George W. married to Miss Susan Boner, of Randolph Township, Montgomery County. In the year 1840, the subject of this sketch and his mother returned to Montgomery County and settled in Clay Township, where he has since lived, with the exception of one year (1847 ). Robert lived in Butler County. Mr. Hart and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Gordon Darke County. Mr. Hart has been a member of the School Board in Clay Township for six years. He was a member of the One Hundred and Thirty-first Regiment Ohio National Guards, under Col. J. G. Lowe, of Dayton. He is the owner of a farm of thirty-nine acres in Clay Town-ship, where he resides.

JOHN JOHN, retired farmer, P. O. Center, was born in Stark County, Ohio, May 14, 1812. His father, David John, was born in Botetourt County, Va., March 29, 1788. He and his family emigrated to Ohio in 1809, and settled in Stark County, when it was a vast wilderness. They had but' one neighbor anywhere near; their frequent visitors were bears. wolves, wild cats and Indians. They had to fell trees in order to build their cabin. In 1829. David John and his family moved to Montgomery County, and settled in Clay Township, one mile south of Phillipsburg, where he resided until 1839, when he moved to Wayne County, Ind., and settled near Hagerstown, where he died November 4, 1872, in his eighty-fifth year. The mother of the subject of this sketch was born in York County, Penn , September 22, 1792. She was married to David March 26, 1811. Her maiden name was Mishler. She died in Wayne County, Ind., August 21, 1843. David John and wife were baptized in Stark County, Ohio, in 1817, by Daniel Garver. at David Graybills, at the Yearly Meeting of the German Baptist Church, and died in the triumph of that faith. The subject of this sketch lived at home with his parents until he was twenty years old, working by the day for a start in life. In his twenty-first year, he commenced to learn the carpenter trade, and continued to work at it for ten years. He learned his trade with Philip Studebaker, of Phillipsburg. In 1838, he purchased eighty-five acres of land in Clay Township, being a part of the farm upon which he now resides ; he has added to it until he has now a farm of 162 acres; near the town of Phillipsburg. He was united in marriage, May 14, 1833. to Miss Nancy Warner, a daughter of Jacob Warner, of Clay Township. This union has been blessed by the birth of ten children, seven of whom are now living, viz. : Elizabeth now the wife of Aaron Miller, of Clay Township), Lydia, Mary ( now the wife of Esq. Smith, of Brookville), Lewis W., Samuel, Hetta Ann (now the wife of William Binkley, who is engaged in farming his father-in-law's farm) and Susanna. Mr. John and wife were baptized in the German Baptist Church in 1841, at Michael Miller's, by Isaac Karn, in Randolph Township. Mr. John quit farming eight years ago, and is now taking his ease in his declining days, the result of his industry and economy.

ABRAHAM B. LANDIS, farmer and teacher, P. O. West Baltimore, was born in Monroe Township, Darke Co., Ohio, July 11, 1845. He is a son of Daniel Landis,


404 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

of Miami City, Montgomery County. Daniel was born in Stark County, Ohio, in 1818. Abraham Landis, the grandfather of the subject of this sketch, moved to Montgomery County and settled in Madison Township in 1S25. Daniel Landis was united in marriage, in 1841, to Miss Susanna Basore, of Miami County, Ohio. She was born in Lancaster County, Penn., in 1820 ; by this union five children were born to them, all of whom are now living. Daniel and Susanna are members of the German Baptist Church. Abraham, the subject of this sketch, attended the Normal School at Lebanon, Ohio, in 1865. He taught school for seven years in Montgomery, Darke and Miami Counties. Mr. Landis was united in marriage August 18, 1870, to Miss Laura E. Smock, who was born January 12, 1851. She is a daughter of George Smock. of Warren County, Ohio ; he is a native of New Jersey. Catherine, the mother of Laura, was a Schenck, one of the prominent families of Warren County. By this union there have been born to them three children, now living, viz.: Cecilia A., born October 8,1871 : Lilly M., born February 20, 1872, and Walter V., born September 22, 1874. These children are unusually bright and intelligent. Mr. Landis is a member of the A., F. & A. M., at Ithaca, Darke Co., Ohio. Mr. Landis has been a member of the School Board of Clay Township for five years. Mr. Landis is the owner of a farm of sixty-seven acres of land in Clay Township, where he resides. He has been for eight years dealing quite extensively in buying tobacco.

HENRY MUNDHENK, retired, Brookville, was born in Lancaster County, Penn.. April 17, 1816, and is a son of David and Anna Maria Mundhenk, whose history is fully given in Perry Township. Our subject came with his parents to this county, and here grew to manhood, receiving a fair education in the schools of his township. He was married May 22, 1851, to Mary Ann Read, who was born in Cincinnati, Ohio. January 18, 1829, and a daughter of Jonathan and Sarah Read, natives of New Jersey. Her father was born in 1801, and came to this county about 1826, where he lived many years, and was universally respected. He finally moved to Iowa, where he purchased a large tract of land, with the intention of settling all his children upon it, and there died several years ago. To Henry and Mary Ann Mundhenk have been born three children, viz.: Josephine, the wife of William Beardsheare, who is President of the Western College, Iowa ; Sarah A., deceased ; and Charlie L., who is a student at. the Western College. Mr. Mundhenk has followed milling nearly all his life, and has been one of the successful men of Perry Township. but is now retired from active business, living in Brookville, on the fruits of his early industry. Politically, he is a Republican, and he and wife are members of the United Brethren Church. They are modest, unassuming people, and benevolent, kind neighbors, who are ever ready to assist the poor and needy, as well as to give their means in helping along every worthy enterprise. Intelligent, well read, and courteous, they are respected by all who know them.

SAMUEL NISWONGER, farmer, P. O. Baltimore, is one of the stanch, energetic men of Montgomery County. His father, Samuel, was born in Virginia in 1788. and was united in marriage with Ellen Dillon. Ten children were born to bless this union, eight of whom are living at the time of writing, viz.: James, Levi, John D., Elizabeth, Catharine, Sarah, Prudia and Samuel. He came to Ohio, and located near the present site of Salem, in this township, and entered 160 acres, all in timber. Mr. Niswonger was a worthy member of the River Brethren faith, and was summoned out of this world in 1869. The subject of this sketch was educated in the common schools and brought up to farm labor. He was united in marriage with Rachel Studebaker, and five children have been born to bless this union, of whom two are living, viz.: Andrew and Rachel. Mrs. Niswonger passed from this world in 1857. Mr. Niswonger's principal occupation has been farming; he cultivated his father's farm until 1855, when he purchased the farm where he now resides, containing eighty acres. He married his second wife, Lydia Cupp, in 1862.

MRS. SUSANNA NISWONGER, farmer, P. O. Clayton. The subject of this biographical sketch was born in Darke County, Ohio, February 6, 1842, a daughter of Jacob Hinsey. She was married to George Niswonger November 17, 1870. He departed this life July 6, 1879. He was a son of John Niswonger, deceased. of Clay Township.


CLAY TOWNSHIP. - 405

Mrs. Niswonger is the owner of seventeen acres, where she resides, in Clay Township. She has a beautiful home, surrounded with everything to make her life cheerful and pleasant.

JESSE P. OLINGER, dry goods and groceries, Brookville. John Olinger, grandfather of our subject, was born in Bucks County, Penn. ; his grandmother, Mary, was born in the same State ; four children were born to bless this union. Judge George Olinger, the youngest, was born in Bedford County, Penn., the 18th day of February, 1793, and reared on the farm, and was possessed of an active, physical constitution. He never wholly forsook his first honorable calling. His early advantages, especially in educational matters, were limited, but by being of an inquiring disposition he sought for and gathered a mass of information which could only be acquired by profound reading and continued reflection. October 21, 1813, he was joined in the holy banns of matrimony to Margaret Hardman, of Kentucky; ten children was the result of this union, viz. : Israel H., Catharine, Jesse P., Susan, Margaret, Sarah, Mary, Mariah, Agnes, Eliza A.; all are living, excepting Susan, Catharine, Margaret and Mary. Mrs. Olinger was a member of the German Baptist Church; she died May 11, 1863, leaving a large family to mourn her loss. Judge Olinger was one of the early pioneers of this county and occupied a prominent position in its history. In the year 1827, he was elected Justice of the Peace for his township, and continued in office for twelve years, when he declined further honors in that direction. About the year 1835, Mr. Olinger was elected an Associate Judge of the Common Pleas Court, a position of honor which he held with credit to himself for a term of about six years. In the year 1829, Judge Olinger was elected one of the Commissioners of the county, and continued in that office for six or seven years, and so popular was his administration of the affairs of the county that his friends desired him to keep on running; he declined, however, and attempted to retire to private life. But it was insisted that he must do something in a public capacity, and he was put into the position of Land Appraiser for a number of years. Judge Olinger was a gentleman of the " old school," but belonged to that progressive class of old men that recognized the fact that the world moves. In politics, he was always a firm and consistent supporter of' the Democratic party. James Monroe was the first President for whom he voted. The Judge, although not in favor of total abstinence, was, however an advocate for moderation and temperance in all things. The common-school interest found in him a faithful friend. His life was spent mainly in a continued round of mental and physical activity, and he passed quietly out of this world in 1875, at the advanced age of eighty-two years. The family lost in him a kind parent and the community a good citizen. Jesse, our subject, was educated in the common schools and was brought up to the honorable occupation of tilling the soil, which he continued following until 1861. He married Mary A. Stouffer in 1848 ; by this union there were born to them four children, viz.: Elizabeth, deceased, George H., David H. and Charles W. Mrs. Olinger died in 1859. In 1861, he disposed of his farm and moved to Brookville, and purchased a stock of drugs and groceries, which he has managed successfully until the present. As an evidence of the popularity and esteem with which he was held in the community where he lives he was elected to the office of Justice of' the Peace in 1855, which position he filled to the entire satisfaction of all concerned. Ile married his second wife, Amy C. Dilts, in 1868. They are both worthy members of the Lutheran Church, and have taken an active interest in the cause of religion.

MRS. RICKEY ORTMAN, farmer, P. O. Center, Ohio, the subject of this sketch, is the widow of' Henry Ortman, of Clay Township. She was born in Deapols, Germany, December, 17, 1825, and was united in marriage with Henry Ortman, in 1846, in Germany. In 1848, they emigrated to America, and settled in Miamisburg, Montgomery County, Ohio. In April, 1861. Henry Ortman moved to Clay Township. and settled on the farm where he died, November 19, 1875. There were born to Henry and Rickey twelve children, eight of whom are now living, viz., Bernhart, born August, 1847 ; Mary, born March 3 L. 1857 , John, born January 25, 1859 ; Elizabeth, born October 3, 1860 ; Frederick, born March 25, 1862 ; Minnie, born


406 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

November 24, 1865; Henry, born September 2, 1865, and Rickey. May 9. 1867. The following children have died, Frederick, Lucinda, and two who died in infancy. Mrs. Ortman and six of her children are now living on the old homestead. They own 130 acres of land in Clay Township, well improved with a fine dwelling. substantial barn and other buildings. Mrs. Ortman and family are members of the Lutheran Church at Phillipsburg, Ohio.

FREDERICK PANSING, farmer, P. O. Center, is a native of Hanover, Germany, born October 25, 1839. His father, John F. Pansing, was born in Hanover, Germany, in 1797. He was married in 1826 to Miss Caroline Ratga. They emigrated to America, and landed at New Orleans, La., December 1, 1847, and from there came to Cincinnati, Ohio, and from there to Miamisburg, Montgomery Co., Ohio. where they lived until 1860, when they purchased the farm upon which they now reside, in Clay Township. There have been born to John F. and Caroline, six children, three of whom are now living, viz., Sophia, now the widow of F. Nidert, of Harrison Township. Rickey, wife of George Machenhmer, of Miamisburg, Ohio, and Frederick. the subject of this sketch. John F. is still living with his son Frederick. in his eighty-fifth year, and Caroline, in her seventy-seventh year. Frederick was united in marriage, December 24, 1863, to Miss Susanna Spitler, a daughter of John Spider, of Union Township, Miami Co., Ohio, she was born April 17, 1845. By this union there have been born to them ten children, eight of whom are now living, viz.: Emma, born September 10, 1864 ; Matilda, born May 6, 1266 ; William, born February 10, 1868 : Nora, born March 19, 1870 ; Caroline, born May 22, 1872: Ellen, born August 30, 1873 ; Effa, born November 29, 1877 ; Halley, born December 21. 1880. Mr. Pansing is a member of' the Lutheran Church at Phillipsburg, Ohio. Mrs. Pansing is a member of the United Brethren Church at the same point. Mr. Pausing has been elected Infirmary Director two terms in Montgomery County. He has been elected Township Trustee for seven years. and has been a member of the School Board for six years. in (Clay Township. This shows the estimation in which Mr. Pansing is regarded by the citizens of the county and his neighbors in the township. Mr. Pausing is the owner of a farm of eighty-six and a half acres in Clay Township.

NATHANIAL PEGRAM, boots and shoes, Brookville, was born June 4, 1843, in Warren County, N. C. He was born a slave, and has, consequently, been deprived of all educational advantages. During the rebellion, he was pressed into the service of the Confederate army as a servant to his master, who was wounded in the engagement at Lynchburg, and Pegram was taken prisoner by the Union forces and conveyed to Tarville, where he entered the service of Lieut. Burns, of the Union army. In this capacity, he continued for nine months, when he started for his former home. While en route, he was recaptured near Wytheville, Va., and held for an account of' himself. He escaped in the night, and by concealing himself in the daytime succeeded in reaching his destination, after a long and tedious journey of six weeks. His mistress allowed him the privilege of engaging in the boot and shoe trade in his own behalf, he paying her $50 per month in confederate money to indemnify her for the loss of his labor. He continued this business successfully until 1867, at which time he disposed of his stock in trade and shipped as cook and steward on a wrecking vessel from Wilmington, N. C. Not liking this occupation, he availed himself of an early opportunity which presented itself of escaping by stowing himself in the hold of a tug which was unloading provisions alongside of' his ship. Arriving at 'Wilmington, he was confronted by the shipper, of whom he demanded his pay. which was refused He at once commenced legal proceedings, attached the tug, and thereby obtained satisfaction in the sum of $500. In 1869, he commenced driving team for Adams Express Company, and at one time received a present of $25 and two suits of clothes for honesty in handling a $30,000 money package. In 1870, he repaired to Baltimore, Md., where he engaged in shoemaking. Eighteen months thereafter, he went to Washington, D. C., where he remained four years in the employ of the Government as watchman in the Treasurer's Office and Interior Department. In 1880. he went to Cincinnati, then to Key West, Ky., then to Dayton, Ohio, then to Brookville. where he now resides.


CLAY TOWNSHIP. - 407

He married Sarah Gardner, by whom he had five children. Of these, four--Nathaniel, Louisa, Eugene and Mary A.--are now living. In 1865, he was deprived by death of his better half. In 1875, he took to wife Elizabeth Allen, by whom he had one child, which died in its infancy. In religious belief, Mr. P. is an earnest and consistent Methodist, and takes every opportunity of enlightening his people in the truths of that Gospel to which he is so devoted.

HENRY RASOR, farmer, P. O. Clayton. John Rasor was born in Dauphin County, Penn., August 25, 1791, and came to Ohio in 1807, and settled in this county. He married Miss Hannah Michaels in 1820. They were the parents of twelve children, nine of whom are still living--Peter, John, David, Daniel, Samuel, Noah, Catherine, Mary and Henry. The subject of this sketch was born March 21, 1827, on the same place he now owns. He married Miss Malinda Baker, daughter of Benjamin Baker, of Clay Township. They are the parents of eight children, all of whom are living--Levi, Sadie, Cicero, Noah, John H., Martha, Hannah F. and Samuel E. Mr. Rasor received his education in the common schools of Clay Township. In politics, Hr. Rasor is a Democrat. He and his wife have been members of the Brethren in Christ Church for twenty-three years.



MICHAEL N. REED, farmer, P. O. Dodson, was born in Madison Township, Montgomery County, Ohio, December 18, 1829. He is a son of Peter Reed, of Madison Township, deceased. Peter was born in Pennsylvania, February 26, 1788. The father of Peter, Conrad Reed, was a native of Germany; he emigrated to America and settled in Pennsylvania in a very early day. He was married in Pennsylvania. He then wended his way westward, and settled in Clermont County, Ohio, in the year 1816. He was the father of ten children ; only one is supposed to be living, viz.: Elizabeth, wife of .Jacob Bailey, of Illinois. Peter, the father of Michael N., emigrated to Ohio. and settled in Madison Township, Montgomery County, in the year 1816. Peter was united in marriage, March 28, 1822, to Miss Wilhelmina Neipman, a daughter of Engle Neipman ; he was born in Germany in 1757 ; he emigrated to Pennsylvania in the year 1793 ; he died in Pennsylvania, July 11. 1814. Wilhelmina was born July 31, 1793. By the marriage of Peter and Wilhelmina there were born to them five children, viz.: Abraham (now dead), John, of Dayton, Ohio ; Henry, of Clay Township ; Michael N.; Benjamin, who lives in Missouri, and Peter, of Madison Township. Peter continued to live in Madison Township from the year 1816 until his death, May 11, 1874; he was in his eighty-second year at the time of his death. His wife, Wilhelmina, died November 18, 1875, in her eighty-third year. Michael N. made his home with his parents, most of the time engaged in farming, until his marriage. He was united in marriage, March 4, 1852, to Miss Mary Wagoner, a daughter of John Wagoner, of Randolph Township, Montgomery County ; she was born May 19. 1828 ; her father was a native of Pennsylvania. By their marriage there were born to them two children, one of whom is now living, viz.: Daniel W., born June 3, 1853, a carpenter by trade. He was united in marriage, August 18, 1874, to Miss Emma Sower, a daughter of Joseph Somer, of Clay Township. August was born April 15, 1858 ; they had one child born them, Melvin S., born February 21, 1877. Emma died August. 27, 1879. The daughter of Michael N. and Mary, Emily Frances, who died April 16, 1866, was born August 9, 1856. Mr. R. and wife are members of the United Brethren Church, at Brookville. Mr. R. settled in Clay Township February, 1870, and owns a farm of forty-five acres of good land.

WILLIAM R. SANFORD, druggist, Brookville, was born in Union County, Ind., December 20, 1855. William R. is a son of Charles C. Sanford, deceased. Charles C. was born on Nantucket Island, Mass., in the year 1796, and was a cooper by trade ; in 1814, he went on the sea as a sailor, and continued to follow the sea until 1836, when he emigrated to Indiana, and settled in Union County. In 1843 or 1844, he was united in marriage to Miss Minerva P. Howe, of Indiana. By this union there were born to them four children, three of whom are now living, viz.: Ann L., wife of William E. Pentecost, of Union County, Ind.; Lucretia, wife of Joseph H. Pentecost, of Union County, Ind.; and William R. Their son, Albert, died in 1855,


408 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES

Charles C. and wife died in Union County, Ind.; in 1861, William R. entered a drug store as a clerk when he was twenty-one years old, in Brighton, Ill., and from there he went to Fidelity, Ill., and clerked there for some time in a drug store; in 1877, he came to Brookville, Montgomery Co., Ohio, where he has since continued to reside ; in 1878, he purchased a drug store, and has continued in business since. He was united in marriage, September 25, 1878, to Miss Lizzie S. Marshall, a daughter of William B. Marshall, of Clay Township. Mrs. Sanford was born in 1859. Mr. Sanford and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Brookville, Ohio. and he is one of the leading druggists of that town.

JOHN SAYLER, farmer, P. O. Clayton, Ohio, was born in Maryland, June 18, 1842, was brought up on his father's farm, and lived at home with his parents until October, 1862, when he came to Ohio and located in Harrison Township. Montgomery County. April 18, 1865, he was united in marriage to Miss Harriet Wampler, a daughter of Jesse Wampler, of Harrison Township ; she was born June 15, 1845. Jesse Wampler emigrated from Maryland and settled in Montgomery County in 1812. (The Wampler family is one of the representative families of the county. ) In 1871, Mr. Sayler moved to Clay Township, and in the spring of 1872 purchased the H. M. Turner farm of 160 ½ acres, adjoining the town of Salem on the west, where he now resides. There have been born to them five children. viz.: Jessie, born September 6;, 1866 ; Charles, October 1, 1867 ; Lloyd, February 20, 1869 ; Howard, August 18, 1873, and Milton, March 23, 1878. Mr. Sayler has been elected a member of the School Board of Clay Township for two terms. Mrs. Sayler is a member of the German Baptist Church. She was baptized in the church by Israel Brower, in Harrison Township, in 1866. The marriage ceremony of John and Harriet was performed by Peter Nead, of the German Baptist Church.

LEWIS R. SMITH, Justice of the Peace and Notary Public, Brookville. Peter Smith, the father of Lewis R., was born in Pennsylvania, was by occupation a miller and farmer, and was united in marriage with Catharine Rickard about the year 1808, and they were blessed with a family of seven children, viz.: John, Mary (deceased), Peter, Rebecca, Lewis, Henry (deceased) and Samuel. Mr. Smith was a patriot of the war of 1812. In 1825, he emigrated to Ohio, and located in Stark County, and continued in the occupation of tilling the soil until 1833, when he disposed of his farm to advantage and moved to Montgomery County, locating in Clay Township, near the present site of Phillipsburg, where he purchased a farm containing eighty-five acres. under cultivation. In 1855, he disposed of his farm and moved into Phillipsburg, where he remained until he was summoned out of this world, in 1866. His wife died in 1865. Lewis, the subject of this memoir, was born October 25, 1827, and obtained a very limited education; but, being of an inquisitive nature, by profound reading he gathered a mass of information. By occupation he was a wagon-maker, and followed various other pursuits, until he celebrated his marriage with Lydia J. Davis, in 1857. There was born to bless this union two children, viz.: Silas W. and Cassius C., and both passed out of this world in 1861 with the measles, which had settled on the lungs, and their mother followed them the same year, leaving our subject to bear his grief alone. A few months prior to the death of his wife he engaged in the tinning business, in which he continued until the breaking-out of the rebellion. He answered the call of his country for volunteers and enlisted as a private, August 15, 1861, in the Eighteenth United States Infantry for three years, and, at the expiration of' this term of' service, came home to visit his friends. He re-enlisted in the Fifteenth Regiment United States Veteran Volunteers, of Hancock's corps, and served until the close of the war. In 1865, he engaged in the business of contracting and building. in which he continued until 1875. During this period he married his second with, Mrs. Mary Thomas, the widow of a fallen comrade. By this union they had three children, of' whom one survives. George V. C. As an evidence of the esteem in which he was held in the community, he was elected to the office of Justice of the Peace, and has discharged the responsibilities of that office with public acceptance and credit to himself' for a term comprising a period of five years. He has held many other positions of' public trust, and always acquitted


CLAY TOWNSHIP. - 409

himself with honor. In 1880, he located in Brookville, where he now resides, and was commissioned to enumerate the census of his township.

JAMES R. S. SMITH, attorney at law, Brookville, was born in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, and came to Ohio in 1837. He married Miss Rogers in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, some few years prior to that time. They were the parents of three children--Wilson, Elizabeth and James R. S. The subject of our sketch was born in the then county of Huntingdon, Penn., now Blair, near the town of Hollidaysburg, August 16, 1824, and came to Ohio with his father in 1837, coming all the way in their own conveyances, against the protest of their friends--the journey being made in the winter. On September 12, 1854, he married Miss Harriet McCarter, of this county. They were the parents of six children, four of whom are still living - Minnie, Nellie, Mary and William. Mr. Smith received a common school education in the schools of Clay Township, and a collegiate course at Farmers' College, College Hill, Cincinnati. He read law with Wood & Nead, of Dayton. He enjoys the confidence of his neighbors, and has a large practice in this neighborhood. Mr. Smith in politics is a Republican, and has figured largely in the politics of this section. He was appointed to the office of Assistant Revenue Assessor under Abraham Lincoln in 1864, removed under Andrew Johnson, and reappointed under U. S. Grant in 1869, and filled that office till it was abolished. In his early life, he followed the profession of school teacher for many years. In the spring of 1856, he went to Kansas, and located in Lawrence, in the midst of the political storms then sweeping over that Territory, and was a prominent member of the Free State party in that part of the State--was recognized as a Radical among them. He was the first Mayor of Brookville, and organized the village government.

NOAH H. STECK, farmer, P. O. West Baltimore, is one of the industrious and enterprising young men of Clay Township. He was born in Jackson Township, Montgomery County, Ohio, February 21, 1858. He is a son of John A. Steck, a farmer in Clay Township. John A. was born in Baden, Germany, in 1821. He was married while in Germany to Miss Margaret Burk, in the year 1848. In the year 1850, John A. and family emigrated to America and settled in Montgomery County the same year. By this union there were born to them eight children, all of whom are now living. John A. has lived in Montgomery County since he came to America, excepting five years spent in Preble County, Ohio. He is the owner of a farm in Clay Township, where he lives, of ninety-six acres. John A. and wife are members of the Lutheran Church, in Parke County. Noah H. started in life as a farmer and has willingly followed the choice of his youth since.

HENRY STOUFFER, farmer, P. O. Clayton. Frederick Stouffer was born in Lancaster County, Penn., August 24, 1814, and came to Ohio in 1818, with his father, John Stouffer, who was born in Lancaster County, Penn., and settled in Clay Township. John was married to Isabel Kelly, a native of the same county and State. They were the parents of six children, three of whom still survive--Henry, Jane and Frederick, the latter of whom married Miss Mary Jane Weaver. She was born October 14, 1815, in Augusta County, Va.; they were the parents of nine children, eight of whom are still living Elizabeth, Luther, Samuel, Sarah, Prudence, Leander, John and Henry E., the subject of our sketch, who was born March 11, 1850, in this county. He was married November 28, 1878, to Miss Amanda A. Beachler, who was a daughter of George Beachler, who was born December 11, 1822, in this county, and married Susan Booher, November 2, 1848. They had four children, two of whom are still living--Mamie and Amanda A., who was born April 13, 1850, in Dayton. Henry and Amanda A. Stouffer have one child, Tessie B., who was born November 14, 1880.

SIMON P. STRADER, farmer, P. O. West Baltimore, was born in Washington Township, Montgomery County, Ohio, September 10, 1818. His Father, Sampson P. Strader, was born in North Carolina, in the year 1796, and emigrated to Ohio and settled in Montgomery County at an early day. He was married to Miss Mary E. Benner, in 1817. By this union there were born to them five children, four of whom are now living. Sampson Strader died in 1877, in his eighty-first year. His wife, Mary, died


410 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:



in 1878. Simon remained at home with his parents on the farm until he was married. He was united in marriage to Miss Lydia A. Johnson, a daughter of Zenas Johnson, of Alexandersville, Ohio, October 26. 1842. The marriage ceremony was performed by Rev. David Winters, of Dayton, Ohio. By this union there were born to them eleven children, five of whom are now living, viz. : Mary A., born October 8, 1843 (now the wife of Dr. J. F. Winst, of Alexandersville, Ohio). Jacob F., October 21, 1858 ; Chester J.. born June 1, 1863 ; Chauncey S., born February 23. 1865, and Howard V., born July 1, 1869. The following children are dead : Simon V., Charity M., Payton D., Lydia A. and Lawton D. Mr. Strader has resided in Montgomery County for the past sixty-four years, excepting two years when he lived in Darke County, Ohio. Mrs. Strader is a member of the Presbyterian Church, at Carrolton, Montgomery County. Mr. Strader is the owner of a farm of sixty-three acres, in Clay Township, where he resides.

MRS. TAMAR THOMAS, farmer, P. O. Center, Ohio, is a pioneer, and was the first white child born in Union Township, Miami Co., Ohio. She was born on the 9th day of September, 1802, and is the daughter of Caleb Mendenhall, deceased. Her parents emigrated to Ohio from North Carolina. and settled in Miami County the day that the subject of this sketch was born. Tamar was united in marriage to Isaac Thomas October 26, 1827, and moved to Clay Township, Montgomery County, the same year. In 1817, Isaac Thomas emigrated to Montgomery County, Ohio. and settled in Clay Township. In 1821. he entered ninety-two acres of land from the Government. His widow now resides on the same. This marriage was blessed by the birth of eight children, five of whom are now living, viz.: Permelia (now the wife of Isaac Goodyear, of Miami County. Ohio), Harriet (now the wife of H. Jones, of Darke County), Milo, Caleb (who is the owner of a farm adjoining the old. homestead in Clay Township). He was united in marriage to Miss Harriet Coffman June 23, 1859. She was born October 16, 1837. There have been born to them nine children, six of whom are now living, viz.: Adam S., Rebecca E., Ora May., Ward B.. Tiffin Aldis and Alta Pearl. Caleb and wife are members of the Christian Church at Phillipsburg, Caleb is a member of Lodge No. 120, F. &; A. M., at Marshall, Henry Co.. Iowa. Caleb lived seven years in Iowa engaged in running a sawmill. Seth, a deceased son, was a member of Company H, Sixty-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry; he died at Memphis, Tenn., August 31, 1863, in his twenty-eighth year. Susannah, a daughter of Mrs. Thomas, and the wife of Francis M. Ibaugh, died February 24. 1870. Elam. deceased, was married and left a wife and one child, Ida Bell, who now makes her home with her grandmother. Irwin T. was born January 28, 1838 : he is a twin brother to Susannah, deceased. He was married November 7, 1858, to Miss Sarah Tibbs, of Phillipsburg. They had nine children born them ; four daughters are dead. The following are now living, viz.: Arnold F., Francis O., William W.. Cora O. and Webster E. Irwin is the owner of a farm of eighty-five acres in Clay Township, near the " old homestead." Irwin is a member of Lodge No. 594 Independent Order of Odd Fellows, at Phillipsburg. He has served two terms as Township Trustee. He is the President of the Special School Board of Phillipsburg. Isaac Thomas came to Clay Township as above stated in 1817, and lived in the township until his death September 17, 1880, in his seventy-seventh year. He lived and died a member of the " Friends:" Church. His widow is a member of the same denomination. She is now in her seventy-ninth year, a woman of' clear mind, and remarkably active for one of her age. What wonderful changes has she been permitted to witness in the development of this county.

JOHN J. TURNEY, farmer, P. O. Voorhees, is a son of Joseph Turney, who was a native of' Westmoreland County,. Penn. He was united in marriage with Margaret, daughter of the Rev. W. Webber, about 1812 ; he was a descendant of King William of Holland ; eleven children were born to bless this union--Benjamin, Rachel, John J., Weaver A., Joseph, Margaret and Elizabeth are living at present. They emigrated to Ohio in 1819, and endured all the hardships and privations incident to a journey over the mountains in wagons ; when they arrived in Pittsburgh they obtained a passage down the Ohio River in a keel-boat as far as Portsmouth, and continued


CLAY TOWNSHIP. - 411

their journey to Franklin County in wagons and located in Blenden Township, and commenced clearing off the timber preparatory to making a home. The subject of this sketch was born April 10, 1821, and passed through the usual routine of life incident to pioneer days, attending school at every opportunity. His educational advantages were limited; but, being of an inquisitive nature and a constant reader, he gathered a mass of information. At the age of eighteen years, the desire to see other places and to find a congenial and promising opening for business, induced him to visit various places, engaging in such employment as he could find. One journey that we will mention is a trip that he and his brother made down the river from Cincinnati to New Orleans in 1839, on a flat-boat. As they were filled with no desire to remain in that great southern metropolis, they journeyed up the Arkansas River as far as Little Rock; not finding any employment, they came back to Pine Bluff and accepted a contract of clearing up a piece of ground containing ten acres, covered with timber and a dense canebrake. There were three of them, and John J., our subject. was to cut the timber and the other two the canebrake. As they had no almanac or any other means of telling the day, they continued their work as usual Sunday morning ; our subject was not made aware of the fact until near midday, when his brother gave a terrible yell, and Mr. Turney made all possible speed to where they were working, fearing that some accident had happened. When he arrived to where they were, they asked him if he knew it was Sunday. They surrendered their contract to a couple of young men, after they had spent about four weeks time on it, and went up the river about fifteen miles and rented a small farm and commenced tilling the soil. They had labored hard to get their seed in the ground in season, and expected to reap the benefit of their exertions in the fall. Their crops had obtained a fair start when a heavy rainstorm came up and laid the fruits of their toil under a vast area of water, destroying everything. This discouraged our subject so much that he concluded to seek an opening elsewhere, and he purchased a skiff and bid his brother farewell, and started down the river ; the next day, he overtook an Indian chief and his wife who were wending their way down the river, trading at the villages that stand upon the banks of the Arkansas, but they went so slow that our subject soon left them far behind. As he neared the mouth of the river, the current slackened considerably from the fact that the Mississippi was very high and backed up the Arkansas for several miles, and this obstructed his progress ; he disposed of his boat and continued his journey on foot ; in the evening, arrived at the residence of one of the early settlers of that neighborhood and applied for a night's lodging and was at first refused, but they finally concluded to accommodate him for the night. They put him up in the loft over the dining room, which was ascended by means of a ladder. He passed the night very comfortably and continued his journey in the morning. About midday, he arrived to where there was a low place in the road where the water made its way through and spread back over the country, and he was compelled to make a crossing here or make an extensive detour of twenty miles. But he was fully determined to cross here, and threw his bundle and coat over and then waded into the water until it reached his neck. He arrived in Napoleon, after a journey of four days, and obtained a deck passage on a steamboat to Cincinnati. and in a short time he arrived at home. In 1842, he moved with his father to Union County, and purchased a farm that was covered with timber, and in a short time had a considerable part of it under cultivation. In 1843, our subject engaged at his trade of tanning at Marysville, Union County, Ohio, remaining but a short time, and went to Fort Wayne, Incl.; thence to Warren, where he associated himself with Benjamin Rickhard, and carried on the tanning business until the fall of 1844, when he disposed of his interest and returned to Fort Wayne and worked journey work until July, 1845. He visited various other places in search of employment, but was not successful until he reached Buffalo, N. Y. He remained there a few months and came to Dayton, stopping at the many towns on the road. He continued working at his trade in Dayton during the winter of 1846-47, and then went to Franklin, Warren County, and engaged with the firm of Evans & Worley, and remained in their service for eight years, and was admitted as one of the firm, Mr. Worley retiring. Mr. Evans was interested in the firm


412 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

of Evans & Meyers, in Shelby County, and Mr. Turney purchased the interest of Mr. Meyers. Mr. Turney celebrated his marriage with Eliza J. Ross in 1848. They were the parents of eight children, six boys and two girls--Jared, Joseph, Edward, George, Gertrude A. and Clifford were living at the time of this writing. Mr. Turney continued in the tanning business until 1869, when he sold out and engaged in the manufacturing of harness and collars, and dealing in leather until 1876, when he concluded to retire from active business life to the farm, and purchased the land where he now resides. Mr. Turney has been identified with the township offices and has taken an active interest in promoting Democratic principles. In 1879, the death messenger visited the residence of Mr. Turney, and carried off his wife from earth to the spirit land. She was an estimable lady and took great care in raising her children up in the fear of the Lord. Mr. and Mrs. Turney were both worthy and consistent members of the Presbyterian Church.

EASON B. WILLIAMSON, farmer, P. O. Center, Ohio, is a native of Clay Township, Montgomery County, Ohio. He is a son of Joseph Williamson, a pioneer of Clay Township. Joseph was born in Hampshire County, Penn., January 22, 1797. His parents emigrated to Ohio in 1803. They came first to Cincinnati, Hamilton Co., Ohio, and from there they moved to Warren County, Ohio. They moved to Clay Township, Montgomery County, in about 1818. John Williamson. the grandfather of Eason, when he settled in Clay Township in 1818, entered from the United States two quarter sections of land, where he lived until his death in January, 1855, he was ninety years old at the time of his death. He was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. Joseph Williamson, the father of the subject of this sketch was united in marriage December 29, 1819, to Miss Sarah Bower. She was born in Muhlenburg County. Ky., September 13, 1802. She is a daughter of John Bower. who was born in Lebanon County, Penn., in 1763, and emigrated to Kentucky. and in the year 1812 moved with his family to Clay Township, Montgomery County. As a result of this marriage. there have been born to Joseph and Sarah ten children, nine of whom are now living--John B., born October 16, 1821 (now living in Darke County, Ohio), Elisha A. born October 16, 1823 (now of Illinois), Delilah. born June 29, 1825 (now the widow of Henry Pearson, of Kansas). Garrotte, born August 22, 1827 (now living in West Baltimore, Preble Co., Ohio, Nancy, born March 10, 1830 ( now the wife of Benjamin Culver, of Illinois). Emeline, born June 25, 1835 (the wife of Josiah Falkner, of Clay Township). Civilla, born May 12, 1839 ( now the wife of' William Devenport, of Phillipsburg). Eason B. was born June 14, 1843, and Sarah April 24, 1845 (the widow of Lewis Warner, of Clay Township ). Joseph is still living in his eighty-fifth year, and his wife Sarah in her seventy-ninth year. They have lived together as man and wife for the last sixty-two years. What wonderful changes have taken place in the development of Clay Township and Montgomery County since they settled in Clay Township. They belong to a generation that has passed away. Joseph owns seventy-nine and a half acres of one of the quarter sections entered by his father in 1818, where he now lives. His son Eason lives on the old home place, taking care of' his venerable father and mother. Eason was united in marriage to Miss Isabel Leedy, daughter of Jacob Leedy, of Darke County, Ohio, February 21, 1867. As a result of this union, there have been born to them three children now living--Emma A., born December 27, 1867 ; Alma C., born January 15, 1869, and Sarah G., born July 19, 1871. Eason. as has been stated, lives on the old home place caring for his father and mother. He is the owner of a small farm adjoining the old homestead.

SAMUEL WAGOMAN, farmer, P. O. Brookville. Joel Wag man was born in Somerset County, Penn., in 1792. He came to Ohio in 1805, and settled in Montgomery County, and married Rachel Jacobs about the year 1821 ; settled on the farm now owned by his son Samuel in 1822, on which he continued to live until his death in 1831. He was the father of four children, three of whom still survive--Anna, Catharine and Samuel. The subject of our sketch. who was born May 22, 1822, was married to Sarah Ann Slayback November 30, 1853, and were the parents of ten children,


MIAMI TOWNSHIP. - 413

seven of whom are now living--Eline, Henry, Anna, Louisa, Virginia, Ollie and Lizza. On the 4th of October, 1880, death came and took from them their youngest son, Ambrose, who was at the time of his death eight years eight months and twenty-nine days old, having Intel) born January 5, 1872. His death was a severe blow to his aged parents, he being the child of their old age, and his little grave will be often moistened with tears until they meet in the bright hereafter. Mr. Wagoman was educated in the common schools of Clay Township, then being supported by subscription, and which were of the most primitive kind.

DAVID WORMAN, farmer, P. O. Center. David Worman, Sr., was born in Frederick County, Md., in 1775. He married Mrs. Mary Slong, a daughter of Mr. Boyer, about the year 1804, and settled in Van Buren Township in 1805. The farm on which they located is about two miles south of the corporation line of Dayton. They were the parents of six children, two sons and four daughters, four of whom are still living--Solomon, Mary, Lida and David. The subject of this memoir was born March 5, 1818, in Dayton Township (now Van Buren). He married Miss Susan Kemp, May 16, 1844. She was born October 20, 1827, in Butler County, Ohio, and was a daughter of John Kemp, who was born in Berks County, Penn., in 1779, and one of the first to settle in Butler County. Mr. and Mrs. Worman are the parents of eight children, seven of whom still survive--Alwilda, Mary, Elizabeth, Lenia, Rebecca. John, David and Hamilton. Mr. Worman was educated in the common schools of the early day. In politics, Mr. Worman is a Republican.


(RETURN TO THE TITLE PAGE)