650 - HISTORY OF ROSS COUNTY He always followed farming as his vocation. After his marriage he located on a part of his father's possessions in Wayne Township of Fayette County. There he erected a fine set of buildings close to the county line, and died there after a life of unusual productiveness, in 1897. Milton Hegler married Abigail DeWitt, who was born in Wayne Township, Fayette County, a daughter of Henry DeWitt. Henry DeWitt was born in Kentucky, became an early settler in Fayette County, buying 100 acres of land in Wayne Township from Duncan McArthur for $1 an acre. Late in life he returned to Kentucky, and died there. Henry DeWitt married Abigail Davis, a native of Kentucky, who died in Wayne Township. Abigail DeWitt Kegler died in 1858. Milton Hegler afterwards married Sarah Jane McCoy. By the first marriage there were two children : Lawson and Almer. Milton Hegler by his second wife had four children, named Dora, Orris, David S. and Iva B. Almer Hegler was born on his father's estate in Wayne Township of Fayette County, November 17, 1854. With an early training that adapted him for the work of farming, he has made that his regular vocation. After his father's health failed he took charge of the home farm and continued its active management until his father's death. In the meantime he engaged in business at Washington Court House as secretary and treasurer of the M. Hamm Company. This company manufactured fertilizers on a large scale. Though actively identified with the company, Mr. Hegler continued to reside on the old farm. He now owns and occupies the house which his father built in 1870. It is a stately and commodious brick house, a landmark in that part of Ohio, surrounded by an expanse of lawn beautified by shade and ornamental trees and is one of the pleasantest country estates in Southern Ohio. Mr. Hegler has always been a close student of Ohio history, and has done much to encourage a proper interest in the subject and also to preserve many of the relics of bygone days. During his extensive travels over the United States he has given particular attention to the collecting of Indian relics of all kinds, and is an authority on many phases of. American archeology. Evidence of this is found in the fact that he is one of the committee of four in charge of the Archeological and Historical Museum of Ohio at Columbus. At the age of thirty-two Mr. Hegler married Mrs. Laura (McCoy) Thompson. She was born near Good Hope, in Wayne Township, Fayette County, a daughter of Allen. and Malinda McCoy. JOHN WRIGHT is one of the sterling agriculturists of Deerfield Township, and represents some of that sturdy and industrious stock that first peopled this section of Ohio. He was born in Union Township of Ross County January 1, 1866, a son of Stephen Wright and a grandson of Peter Wright. Peter Wright was a native Virginian. From that state he moved to Ohio, and was one of the early men to establish a home in Ross County. The land he purchased was covered with timber and located in Union Township. His hard work enabled him to clear a farm from the woods, and he lived HISTORY OF ROSS COUNTY - 651 there honorable and upright until his death, November 16, 1861. Peter Wright married Sarah Corbin, who was born in the State of Delaware, a daughter of William Corbin. She died January 28, 1875, at the age of seventy-four, having reared four sons, named Peter, Joshua, John and Stephen, and four daughters, Eliza, Luvina, Nancy and Drusilla. Stephen Wright was born in Union Township of Ross County in 1833. As a young man he rented land from his father, and his success enabled him to purchase the old homestead, which he occupied and managed very successfully until his death, on October 23, 1906. On February 14, 1852, Stephen Wright married Nancy Justice. Mrs. Wright, who is still living, at the age of eighty-three, was born in a log cabin in Newton Township, November 8, 1833. Her father, Lemuel Justice, was a son of Isaac and Mrs. (Evans) Justice, both natives of Virginia and early settlers of Union Township, where they spent their lives. Lemuel Justice as a young man assisted in constructing the Erie Canal. His sons purchased a home for him in Pickaway County, not far from Yellowbud, and there he passed away March 11, 1876. Mrs. Stephen Wright was one of four sons and five daughters, namely : William, Matilda, Mary, Jane, Nancy, Sarah, Lemuel, Stephen Corbin and James Polk. Mrs. Stephen Wright grew up among pioneer scenes. As a young woman she learned to cook by the open fireplace, and there was no stove in her home until she had been married more than a year. She also learned to spin both flax and wool. She still has at her home two beautiful coverlets which represent the intricate handiwork of the women of an older generation. Though bearing the weight of many years, she is still possessed of all her mental faculties, and talks very entertainingly of pioneer days in Ross County. She reared nine children, Lafayette, Mary, Peter, Sarah, Douglas, John, Elmer, Charles and William. Mr. John Wright has always lived at home with his parents. He was the solace and standby of his father and mother in their old age, and after his father's death he and his mother continued to occupy the old homestead until 1912, when he bought a pleasant home in Deerfield Township, where he and his mother still reside. SIMON R. DIXON. Among the early settlers into Ross County from Virginia came Joseph Dixon. He was a man of good judgment and when he entered 640 acres of land, on section 13, in Liberty Township, he had not only taken into consideration the lay of the land, its valuable patches of timber and the evident fertility of the soil, but had also noted the depth of the water branches and considered the possibility of erecting mills at a later date. The patent for this land is still in the possession of the family, the signature of Andrew Jackson, President of the United States, being as easily deciphered as when "Old Hickory" placed it there. A sturdy, industrious man, he built a cabin and gradually improved his property, on which he lived until his death, long before that time having built both a grist and carding mill. In those days these were almost necessities, and proved to be an added source of 652 - HISTORY OF ROSS COUNTY income to the enterprising pioneer. He was survived by two sons, Joseph and Abel. During the father's lifetime the 640 acres had remained intact. When the sons made an equal division, the south 320 acres fell to Abel's share and the north 320 to Joseph, this being the part on which the mills stood. These mills Joseph continued to operate in connection with farming, and spent his life on that place. To his marriage ten children were born, and one of these, Fulton Dixon, lives in Texas, he being the only survivor. Joseph Dixon, like his father, was an industrious, honorable and upright man. The late Simon R. Dixon, son and grandson of Joseph Dixon, for many years was a man of prominence in Ross County. He grew up on the old homestead in Liberty Township and attended the district schools. His life was mainly devoted to agricultural pursuits, but on many occasions he was called to positions of public responsibility because of his sterling character. Liberty Township benefited when he accepted public office, such as township trustee, as did Ross County when he was elected county commissioner. In him the republican party found a staunch supporter. To the marriage of Simon R. Dixon twelve children were born, eight daughters and four sons. Minnie, Ethel and Mary are deceased. Ella J. is a resident of New York City. Alma is the widow of Charles S. Jones, and Elizabeth is the wife of Lawrence Climer. Charles W. and Edwin reside at home. Vernon W. married Miss Mabel Shook and they live in Cincinnati. Grace married Harford Jenks and lives in Columbus. Edith married Robert Jones and lives in Chillicothe. Harry married Blanch Erath and lives in Liberty Township. Mrs. Dixon, with some members of her immediate family, resides in a beautiful residence, an ideal country home, near Gillespieville, Ohio. The Dixons, through Revolutionary ancestors making them eligible, are members of the Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution. For very many years this has been one of Ross County's representative families. ARSENE J. JONES, whose farm of ninety acres is located on the northern edge of the Village of Vigo, belongs to the younger generation of the agricultural element which must be depended upon to preserve the farming prestige of the County of Ross in the coming years. He has passed his entire life within the limits of the county and is a farmer by training and inclination, having displayed already in his career those qualities which go to make up the successful and progressive tiller of the soil. He was born on a farm in Liberty Township, Ross County, Ohio, now occupied by his father, September 23, 1884, and is a son of Thomas C. and Martha (Rittenour) Jones. The Jones family is one which is one of the best known and oldest in Ross County. It was founded here by William Jones, the great-grandfather of Arsene J. Jones, who came to this fertile and productive portion of Ohio at an early date in its history, and here became well-to-do and prominent, as a stock dealer and a citizen. His son, Mason Jones, HISTORY OF ROSS COUNTY - 653 was also agriculturally inclined, was a husbandman all of his life, and accumulated a good property. Thomas C. Jones was born on the farm which he now occupies in Liberty Township, and has never cared to change his locality. Through the exercise of good management and industry and the display of ability in his vocation he has succeeded in the accumulation of a good farm, while as a citizen he has always been progressive and public-spirited, fairly winning and holding the respect, esteem and confidence of his fellow men. He and his wife have had three sons: B. G., a graduate of Wilmington College, who lives on his farm in Liberty Township ; Arsene; and R. E., who resides with his parents. Arsene J. Jones received his education in the district schools of Liberty Township and Wilmington College, Wilmington, Ohio. Returning at that time to his father's farm, he worked thereon until his marriage, November 10, 1909, to Miss Clara May Jenks, a daughter of Truman and Addie (McKinniss) Jenks. Truman Jenks was born in Jackson County, Ohio, and after his marriage went to Sedalia, Missouri, where he remained for about six years. He then returned to Jackson County for fourteen years, following which he took up his residence at Frankfort, and a short time later came to Vigo, Ross County. Here he has since been engaged in business successfully as the proprietor of a tile factory. Mrs. Addie (McKinniss) Jenks is a daughter of Granville and Mary (Cassiday) McKinniss, and a granddaughter of Charles and Martha (Cramer) McKinniss, who in 1802 came from Pennsylvania to Chillicothe, Ohio, and then removed to the farm near Coalton, Jackson County. Martha (Cramer) McKinniss was a granddaughter of Robert Fulton, Sr., who was born in County Kilkenny, Ireland. Hence the Scotch-Irish in the McKinniss family. Mr. and Mrs. McKinniss moved back to Chillicothe and then to Coal Township, Jackson County, where the grandfather was engaged in the river trade. Truman Jenks and wife became the parents of eight children, of whom five are living : Harford P., of Columbus, who married Grace Dixon ; Clara May ; Frank, of Atlanta, Ohio, who married Nannie Argabright ; Stella, the widow of D. T. Yoakum ; and Granville, of Vigo. The other three children died in infancy. After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Jones settled on the farm which they now occupy, and which has been brought to a high state of cultivation. Mr. Jones raises the standard crops and uses the latest methods in his work, and makes a constant study of conditions in the vocation in which his best energies are enlisted. In his political views he is a prohibitionist, and he has at all times been an indefatigable worker in behalf of temperance and a bettering of public morals. Mrs. Jones is a devout member of the Vigo Baptist Church, and takes an active interest in its work. They have one son, Truman Corwin, who was born October 17, 1910. SAMUEL LOGAN WALLACE. For many years actively engaged in the practice of law in Chillicothe, the late Samuel Logan Wallace, had a great natural aptitude for the work of his profession, having been indus- 654 - HISTORY OF ROSS COUNTY trious, conscientious, and earnest in the advocacy of his client's cause, while his record gives evidence of his wide research and learning, and of his familiarity with legal lore. A native of Ross County, he was born on a farm in Greene Township, in 1824, and was there reared. His father, Samuel Wallace, Esq., was born and bred in Pennsylvania. Coming to Ross County in pioneer days, he bought a tract of wild land in Green Township, and on the farm which he reclaimed from the wilderness spent his remaining days, dying while yet in •manhood's prime. He married Sally Ostrander, whose parents were among the early settlers of Pickaway County, Ohio. Samuel Logan Wallace had very limited opportunities as a boy for obtaining an education ; but he was reared to habits of industry and economy, and being endowed by nature with a keen, practical business ability, he readily overcame all obstacles in his way, by diligent application achieving success in his chosen field of endeavor. Before he had acquired sufficient knowledge of books to teach others, he found employment on a farm at 50 cents a day. On one occasion, when returning home from his day's work, he had the misfortune to lose the half dollar he had labored so faithfully to earn, and he spent a whole half day looking for it. Commencing his professional career as a teacher in the rural schools, he earned money enough to pay his way through college. Going, therefore, to Delaware, Ohio, he entered the law department of the Ohio State University, from which he was graduated with the class of 1851. Being then admitted to the bar, Mr. Wallace at once located in Chillicothe, where he soon gained a position of importance among the leading attorneys of this part of the county. Subsequently compelled by illness to give up his professional practice, he lived retired in Chillicothe until his death, in 1876. He was a man of fine physique, tall and well proportioned, having a strong face, and a commanding presence. An untiring worker, he was very successful in his profession, and eminently popular as a citizen. Mr. Wallace married, January 17, 1861, Mary Ann Moore, who was born and bred in Chillicothe, a daughter of Dr. John James Moore. Her Grandfather Moore, a life-long resident of Virginia, was an extensive planter, managing his plantation with slave labor. He married a Miss James, who came from one of the old and honored families of Virginia. Born in Virginia, near Luray, John James Moore was fitted for college when young, and after his graduation from a medical college located in Chillicothe, Ohio, where he was prosperously engaged in the practice of medicine until his death, in 1871. Doctor Moore married Harriet Ryan, who was born, July 21, 1816, in Chillicothe, a daughter of Gen. James and Mary (Moore) Ryan, the former of whom was born in Pennsylvania, while the latter was a native of Virginia. General Ryan settled in Chillicothe as a young man, and here spent the remainder of his long life of seventy-five years. Energetic and intelligent, possessing marked ability, he became prominent and influential in public affairs, rendering efficient service as a member of the city council, and filling the responsible position of mayor of the city most faithfully and satisfactorily. The wife of HISTORY OF ROSS COUNTY - 655 Doctor Moore, mother of Mrs. Wallace, died at the age of seventy-four years. She was the mother of six children, namely: Oscar; Mary Ann, now Mrs. Wallace; John ; William; Alma; and Edgar, who died at an early age. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Wallace was blessed by the birth of two children, namely : Samuel; and Harriet Story, who lived but eighteen years. After the death of her husband, Mrs. Wallace returned to her father's home, on North Mulberry Street, to care for her invalid mother. Succeeding to the ownership of the home, she has since occupied it. Mrs. Wallace also came into possession, by purchase, of the Boggs estate, in Pickaway County, an estate on which the famous Logan elm, under which Chief Logan made his speech to the whites, was situated. She has since transferred 4 6/10 acres of that estate, including the spot on which the elm stands, to the Ohio State Historical Society, a gift highly appreciated by the organization. Mrs. Wallace is a member of the Walnut Street Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Wallace was a member of the Sons of Malta, that having been the only fraternal society he ever joined. CHARLES E. BOWDLE. For considerably more than a century the Bowdle family has been identified with Ross County. Charles E. Bowdle and his father and grandfather "before him were all born in Union Township, where he now resides, one of the honored and useful citizens. An old historical publication states that Thomas and Henry Bowdle arid Thomas Withgow came to the Northwest Territory in 1800, and while located temporarily in Chillicothe built homes in what is now Union Township. Henry Bowdle's cabin had a row of portholes in the wall, and he and his sons were well equipped with guns and ammunition to use in ease of attack by Indians. Edward Bowdle, grandfather of Charles E., was born in Union Township and spent his life as a farmer there. His son, William Fletcher Bowdle, a native of the same township, learned the trade of carpenter, but after his marriage bought land and combined the occupations of farming and carpentry for a number of years. He died at his home in Union Township at the age of sixty-eight. His wife, Jane Elliott, was born in Washington County, Ohio, a daughter of William and Nancy (Ekey) Elliott, both of whom were natives of Jefferson County, Ohio. From Jefferson County the Elliott family moved to Washington County, and from there came to Ross County, locating in Union Township. William Elliott bought a farm on Egypt Pike, and both he and his wife died there, his wife at the age of ninety-one. Mrs. William F. Bowdle, who died at the age of seventy-eight, reared six children, named Charles E., Ida, Effie, Nannie, Flora and Grace. The only son of this family, Charles E. Bowdle, was born in Union Township October 31, 1859. His education was supplied by the rural schools, and under his father he learned not only farming but also the carpenter's trade. Mr. Bowdle has always been a carpenter, and at 656 - HISTORY OF ROSS COUNTY the same time he owns and occupies a pleasant home on the Sulphur Springs Road in Union Township. In 1891 he married Clara Beard. Mrs. Bowdle is a native of Union Township and descended from pioneer families on both sides. Her parents were Daniel M. and Arvilla (Augustus) Beard. David Augustus, the founder of the family in Ross County, was a native of Delaware, and settled in this county about 1800. William Beard, who founded that name in Ross County, was a native of Frederick County, Maryland, and was a Revolutionary soldier, having participated in the battle of Kings Mountain and also in the battle where Gates' army was defeated. From Maryland he moved to Greenbrier County, Virginia, and in 1809 came to Ross County. Mr. and Mrs. Bowdle have four children : Forrest, Orrin, Bernice E. and Arvilla. The family are active members of the Pleasant Valley Methodist Episcopal Church and Sunday school. FREDERICK B. BOWERS. There are may sections of the country that depend, in large measure, on the products of Ohio farms, and especially is there a demand for the fruit that seemingly gains a better flavor from the soil and air there than in less favored regions. The Pride Fruit Farm, which is owned by Frederick B. Bowers, a representative citizen of Ross County, is situated in Franklin Township, on the Scioto River, eight miles south of Chillicothe, and its products are shipped to many ports. Frederick B. Bowers was born on the farm on which he lives, consisting of 175 acres of exceedingly valuable land, February 17, 1852. His parents were James and Elizabeth (Pray) Bowers, and his grandfather was Adam Bowers. Adam Bowers was the founder of the family in Ross County. He was born in Pennsylvania and there had educational advantages before learning to be carpenter and millwright. He entered 460 acres of land in Ross County and showed energy and enterprise in other directions erecting mills at Chillicothe and in other places, and was the first man who inaugurated a freight line between Chillicothe and the Scioto bottoms, transporting by means of six and four-horse teams. He was one of the best-known pioneers of the county and one of the most practical and useful. James Bowers, son of Adam and father of Frederick B. Bowers, was born, reared and spent his life in Franklin Township, in his later years being a farmer. He was the father of five children, the only survivor being Frederick B., the first born. Frederick B. Bowers was reared on the home farm and attended the district schools. He devotes his large tract of land to general farming and fruit growing. Mr. Bowers is one of the leading democrats in this section of Ross County. As a man of sound judgment and unimpeachable integrity he has been chosen many times by his fellow citizens to fill responsible township offices. For fifteen years he has been township clerk, and during this time has adjusted many difficulties that have come HISTORY OF ROSS COUNTY - 657 to him officially. He brought the first test case of substitute school teacher before the county board and won the suit. For six years he served as a trustee of Franklin Township, and during that time much improvement was brought about in road building. Mr. Bowers was appointed land appraiser some years ago, and so careful was he in his estimates and so accurate that he was the only appraiser in the county who did not have to revise his books. There are few citizens in the township so well posted on local conditions and history. In January, 1896, Mr. Bowers was married to Miss Julia Sheets, and they have one daughter, Ruth E., who was born May 18, 1897, and resides at home. Mr. Bowers and family are members of the Christian Church. LAWRENCE M. BUTLER is one of the younger and more progressive farmers of Union Township. He has succeeded well in the task of making a home and creating a profitable industry and already has much to show for the active years of his career. He was born on a farm in the south precinct of Union Township, November 22, 1887. He is of old New England stock, his great-grandfather having been so far as known a lifelong resident of Vermont. His grandfather Ormond Butler was a native of Vermont, and after reaching manhood set out with his two brothers John and George for Ohio. Ohio was still the Far West, and they rode horseback as far as Pittsburgh and thence came by boat down the Ohio to Portsmouth and from there on to Ross County. Ross County was still undeveloped in most of its townships ; there were no railroads, and Ormond Butler found for a number of years a very profitable occupation in teaming and freighting. His home was in Union Township, where he spent his last days and where he and his wife lived to a good old age. Phillip Butler, father of Lawrence M., was born in Union Township, and spent his life as a farmer. He lived in the township until his death in 1910. The maiden name of his wife was Sarah Lawrence, who was born near New Holland in Pickaway County. The only child of his parents, Lawrence M. Butler as a boy attended the public schools and secured a thorough training by practical experience on the home farm. He lived with his parents a number of years, and in 1907 located on the farm on which he now resides. Besides the raising of the staple crops Mr. Butler is one of the most proficient in a growing Ross County industry, bee culture. He has made a thorough study in bees, is an expert in handling them, and has found both a congenial and profitable occupation in looking after his colony of honey-makers. His apiary now consists of over seventy hives. His bees are a cross between the Italian and the common black bee. In September, 1915, he married Edna Donahue, who was born in Union Township, where she was reared and educated, the daughter of Harvey and Ida Donahue. LAWRENCE GRANT PINTO bears one of the old and honored names of Ross County. The Pinto family was established here more than a 658 - HISTORY OF ROSS COUNTY century ago. They have been chiefly known as farmers, and in that vocation their success has been measured not only by steady returns from their fields, but also by a constantly increasing ownership of fertile lands and a position of leadership in their respective communities. The farm which he now owns and occupies in Union Township was the birthplace of Lawrence Grant Pinto on May 25, 1865. The family was established in Ohio by his grandfather, Capt. Isaac Pinto. Captain Pinto was born on one of the island possessions of Portugal, and as a youth went to sea, working his way from deck hand to captain of a sailing vessel. He was in the merchant marine service, and for a number of years commanded ocean going vessels. In 1812 he landed in the United States, and coming west to Ross County bought 116 acres in Union Township. There in 1813 he erected a substantial hewed log house. That house is still in fair condition and is still occupied and is one of the oldest houses north of the Ohio River. Even after locating his family in Ross County Captain Pinto continued to follow the sea for several seasons. He married Margaret Marshall, who was born in the United States of English ancestry. She spent her last days on the old farm and reared four sons—Henry, Jacob, Samuel, Miles Augustus—and one daughter. The son Henry was for a number of years in the boot and shoe business at Chillicothe and afterwards an insurance man. Jacob followed merchandising in Philadelphia. Samuel was a farmer and was also a merchant and grain dealer at Yellowbud. Miles Augustus Pinto, father of Lawrence G., was born March 6, 1832, on the farm that his father established and which his son Lawrence now owns. He was reared in Ross County, and after leaving school spent eight years as a clerk in his brother Henry's store. In the meantime the old Pinto homestead had been bought by his maternal uncle. On leaving the store of his brother at the conclusion of his eight years' service, Miles A. bought the homestead from his uncle, and spent the rest of his days as a general farmer, stock raiser and fruit grower. He was one of the pioneers in fruit growing, had a large orchard carefully tended, and one of the chief revenues on the place under his management was from vinegar which he manufactured and sold. He lived there until his death in 1905. Miles A. Pinto married Margaret Read, who was born in Ross County, a daughter of John Read, one of the early settlers. Mrs. Pinto was well educated and at the age of sixteen began teaching, an occupation which she followed until her marriage. She died at the age of thirty-eight when in the prime of life. Her seven children were Ernest M., Horace H., Lawrence G., Elsie M., Minnie E., Alvah Sherman and Rowland D. Lawrence Grant Pinto's early and later associations all center around the old Pinto homestead. He gained his education in the rural schools and trained himself as a farmer by practical experience on the old place. When ready to start out on his own account he rented for two years a 285-acre farm. He then bought the old Pinto homestead of 116 acres, and since then has bought the adjoining farm of 128 acres. He now occupies the latter place, and enjoys the comforts of a substan- - 658 - HISTORY OF ROSS COUNTY - 659 tial two-story brick residence. This house is located on high table land and commands an attractive view of all the countryside. In 1902 Mr. Pinto married Irene I. Morreis, who was born in Vinton County, Ohio, a daughter of Lewis Morreis, a native of the same county, and a granddaughter of William Morreis, who was born in Pennsylvania and was an early settler in Vinton County. Mrs. Pinto's father died at the age of seventy-eight. Her mother, who passed away at the age of forty-five, was Mary Jane Allen. Mrs. Pinto was one of nine children named Louisa Ellen, Melissa Jane, John William, Andrew J., Mary Alice, Rufis T., Phebe Dora, Irene Isabel and Alma Mary. Mr. and Mrs. Pinto are members of the Dry Run Church. Their family of four children are Luna E., Dollie M., Warren L. and James Theodore. WILSON A. TOOTLE. Any list of pioneer names in Ross County would include that of Tootle. The Tootles as a family have been identified with this section of Ohio for considerably more than a century. In the early days they helped to lay the foundation solid and secure upon which subsequent civilization has arisen. They have been worthy people in every sense of the term, have been industrious and capable farmers, and have fulfilled all the many obligations of citizenship and neighborliness. One of this family, Wilson A. Tootle, was born in Union Township August 10, 1846. His father, John Tootle, was born in the same township in 1813, while the War of 1812 was still in progress. The founder of the family in Ohio was Grandfather Thomas D. Tootle, a native of Virginia, and of early colonial ancestry. From Virginia he came west to Ohio when it was still a part of the Northwest Territory, and found a home within the limits of Ross County. He and his family endured all the vicissitudes of. existence at a time when there were no railroads or canals, when the cost of transporting goods was greater than the value of the produce, and when life was on a very simple and practical basis. Securing a tract of timbered land in the western part of Union Township, Thomas D. Tootle erected a log cabin as his first home. There he and his good wife spent their last years, he employed in the heavy task of clearing up the land, while she proved herself a real mistress of the home and of all the old-fashioned housewifely arts, cooking the meals by the open fire and spinning and weaving and dressing the family in homespun. They had four sons, John, James, Isaac and Amos. John Tootle grew up on a farm, succeeded to the ownership of part of his father's estate and remained a resident of Union Township all his career. He died at the age of eighty. John Tootle married Rebecca Brown, daughter of Clement Brown, who was one of the early settlers of Deerfield Township. She died in 1849, leaving five children, Stewart, Rachel, Eleanor, Wilson A. and Ruth A. Only three years of age when his mother died, Wilson A. Tootle received such training as the average Ohio farm boy of fifty or sixty years ago. He attended the public schools, and developed his strength by such duties as were to be found in abundance on the home place. In 660 - HISTORY OF ROSS COUNTY 1876 Mr. Tootle bought and occupied the place which he now owns. He has been very successful as a farmer, and his possessions now include nearly 500 acres of land, the greater part of it subject to cultivation. On his home farm he has erected a fine set of frame buildings, and farming has been a business that has afforded him a profitable occupation and a means of providing well for his family. At the age of twenty-five he married Mary Hoddy, daughter of Joseph and Mary Hoddy. To this union have been born a son and daughter, Earl and Gay. Earl has been twice married. First to Florence Huffman, who left one daughter, Helen, and second to Helen Skinner. Gay is the wife of Clarence Trego. She is the mother of three children, Cecil, Lillian and Irma, the latter being twins. MRS. RACHEL DAVIDSON CRISPIN, whose life has been largely spent in Union Township of Ross County, where she still resides, is the widow of the late Benjamin Franklin Crispin, one of the most successful farmers and honored citizens of Ross County. Mrs. Crispin was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, in 1849. Her father, William Davidson, was a native of old Virginia, but when three years of age was brought to Ohio by his parents, who were pioneer settlers in Pickaway County. He grew up in Pickaway County when it was comparatively new and undeveloped, later bought land there, and was a substantial farmer of that county until his death at the age of eighty years. Mrs. Crispin's mother was Rachel Ater. She was also a native of Virginia. Her father, Isaac Ater, born in Virginia, came to Ohio accompanied by his wife and three sons and one daughter. The Ater family passed through Chillicothe when it was only a hamlet and pushed on to what is now Deerfield Township, where Isaac Ater bought a tract of timbered land. Ohio was then an isolated district, without railroads, and all kinds of game could be found in the forest. Improving a farm in Deerfield Township, Isaac Ater lived there until his death. The maiden name of his wife was Elizabeth Smith, who was born in Virginia and who died On the old Ater homestead, 21/2 miles from Clarksburg. Mrs. Crispin's mother was quite young when brought to Ross County, and as a young girl she acquired all the housewifely accomplishments of that time. Among other things, she learned to spin and weave, and was also adept in cooking by the open fireplace. She survived her husband and died in 'her ninety-sixth year, having reared nine children, whose names were Elizabeth, Pensy, Nancy, Edward, Mary, Isaac, Anna, Samuel and Rachel. Of these, the three now living are Pensy, Edward and Rachel. Mrs. Crispin grew up on her father's home in Pickaway County. She attended the district schools, and grew up to a cultured and noble womanhood. At the age of twenty-two she married Benjamin Franklin Crispin. Benjamin Franklin Crispin was born on the farm in Union Township where Mrs. Crispin now lives. His birth occurred December 18, 1848, and at the time of his death, on March 28, 1913, was in his sixty- HISTORY OF ROSS COUNTY - 661 fifth year. His father, Benjamin Crispin, improved the old homestead where Mrs. Crispin now resides and occupied it until his death. Benjamin Franklin Crispin had one sister, Emma, who married Simon Noble. The late Mr. Crispin grew up on a farm and was trained to habits of industry in early life. After his marriage he began farming, and at the death of his father succeeded to the ownership of the old homestead. He was widely known as a progressive and energetic business man, and the fine condition of the home farm, with its substantial buildings and other improvements, attest his life of faithful toil. Mr. and Mrs. Crispin reared two children: William Benjamin and Ethel. William B. married Mary Leffingwell, and their three sons are Major, Maderia and Neal. The daughter Ethel married Clarence Jarrett, and her two children are Harold and Dorothy. Since the death of her husband, Mrs. Crispin has continued to occupy the old homestead, and has shown herself possessed of much capacity for managing business affairs. She is an active member of the Dry Run Methodist Episcopal Church. DR. JAMES D. MILLER. One of the leading physicians of the middle and later years of the last century, Dr. James D. Miller was for full fifty years engaged in the practice of his profession at Bainbridge and Chillicothe, during his earlier years of practice having traveled everywhere throughout the country on horseback, doubtless with saddle-bags well filled, as then there were no drug stores to which a prescription could be sent. He was born December 28, 1821, in Chillicothe, where his father. James Miller, settled about 1806. His paternal grandfather, a life-long resident of the British Isles, rebelled against the English Government, and his property was confiscated, and he was condemned to die. His friend, Lord Castlereagh, however, interceded, and he was pardoned. He continued a resident of his native land until his death. Several of his sons came to America, among them having been his son Joseph, who settled in Alabama, and William and James who located in Chillicothe, Ohio. William was thereafter for many years engaged in mercantile pursuits at the corner of Paint and Second streets. James Miller, the doctor's father, was sixteen years old when he sailed for America. During the voyage across the ocean, he was taken from the ship by the captain of an English vessel, and pressed into the British service. Making his escape at Havana, he secured passage on a vessel hound for Philadelphia, and after landing in that city came from there on foot to Chillicothe. He had previously learned the carpenter's trade, and subsequently, as a contractor, built the Paint Street bridge across the Scioto River. He was prominent in public affairs, filling various offices, and both he and his wife were charter members of the First Presbyterian Church. He died August 31, 1844, at the age of fifty-four years, six months and eleven days, his birth having occurred February 20, 1790, in County Londonderry, Ireland. James Miller married, in Chillicothe, March 26, 1816, Rebecca Patton, Vol. II-12 662 - HISTORY OF ROSS COUNTY who was born February 26, 1794, in Pendleton, Virginia, and came from there to Ross County with her parents, who acquired large tracts of land just across the river from Chillicothe. She survived her husband, dying February 21, 1863. She reared five children, as follows: Catherine, Joseph, Samuel, William Patton and James D. James D. Miller acquired his elementary education in Chillicothe, and after his graduation from the Ohio University, in Athens, began the study of medicine with Doctor Wells. He was subsequently graduated from the medical department of the Pennsylvania University at Lexington. Kentucky, and at the age of twenty-one years began the practice of his profession in Chillicothe, where he remained for upwards of half a century, an able and successful physician. In addition to faithfully attending to his professional duties, Doctor Miller served as clerk of the courts of Ross County, and for a few years conducted a drug store on Paint Street. With the exception of the short time that he was located at Bainbridge, the doctor occupied the parental homestead, to the ownership of which he succeeded, it being the estate situated on the south side of Main Street, next to that of the Walnut Street Methodist Episcopal Church, and which had been purchased by his father in 1826, when the doctor was but five years old. Doctor Miller died October 16, 1893, in the seventy-second year of his age. Dr. James D. Miller married Louisa Wilson, who was born in Highland County, Ohio, July 17, 1828, a daughter of William and Elizabeth (Wagner) Wilson, and the descendant of a pioneer family of prominence. She survived him many years, passing away December 3, 1914, at the venerable age of eighty-six years. The union of Doctor and Mrs. Miller was blessed by the birth of eleven children, including Elizabeth, Mary L., Edward, James, Rebecca P., Frank, and Louisa. Elizabeth Miller, the second child of the parental household, attended first the Chillicothe schools, and later the Ohio Female College, at College Hill, Cincinnati. Then, after teaching in Chillicothe, in a grammar grade, for a while, entered the Oswego Normal School, at Oswego, New York, and having completed the course of the literary department of that institution continued her studies in its scientific department. Returning to Chillicothe, she taught natural science in the high school of that city until her marriage to Fred L. Todd, a druggist at Newark Valley. New York. After the death of her husband, fifteen months later, Mrs. Todd returned to Chillicothe, and was again engaged in teaching until 1884, when she became the wife of Henry H. Howland. Mr. Howland, a commission merchant at Newark Valley, New York, was a lineal descendant of John and Elizabeth (Tilly) Howland, Mayflower passengers. Mr. Howland died December 6, 1887. After the death of her second husband, Mrs. Howland studied theology, first taking a correspondence course under Dean Wright, of Boston, and Doctor Harper, president of the University of Chicago, and later being a student in the theological department of Oberlin Seminary. In 1894 Mrs. Howland was ordained to the ministry in the Congregational Church at Napoli, New York, of which she was pastor the ensuing four HISTORY OF ROSS COUNTY - 663 years. The following one and one-half years she was at Chautauqua, New York, going from there to Nelson, Ohio, remaining until 1902, when she accepted a call from the Plymouth Congregational Church in Chillicothe. Seven years later, on account of ill health, she resigned that position, and for two years was pastor of the church at Oneida, Kansas. Returning to Ohio, Mrs. Howland held the pastorate of the Wayne Congregational Church at Williamsfield, until March, 1915, when she resigned, and came back to her native city to accept her former position as pastor of the Plymouth Church. Mrs. Howland has a stepson, Henry B. Howland, who was graduated from the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, in Troy, New York, and is now in. the Government employ, at San Domingo. Mary L. Miller, the third daughter of Doctor Miller, is a teacher in the public schools of Kansas City, Missouri, and spends her summers in Chillicothe with her sisters. Edward Miller is a traveling salesman, with headquarters at Columbus. James, the second son, is not living. Rebecca P. Miller is a teacher in the Chillicothe schools. Frank Miller, a resident of Columbus, is interested in the shoe manufacturing industry. Louisa, who became the wife of Daniel Rugg, of Syracuse, New York, died July 29, 1888, aged twenty-five years. HAMILTON D. HOUK has found in farming both a congenial and profitable occupation. He has spent nearly all his years in Ross County, and for fully thirty years has been engaged in the management of an extensive farm in Union Township. His birth occurred on a farm near Waverly, in Pike County, May 1, 1853. His father, David Houk, was born in the same county in 1821. The grandfather, Phillip Houk, was a native of Germany, of early German ancestry. Becoming a pioneer in Pike County, he bought a tract of timbered land, and in the course of years had it cleared and developed as a fine farm. He then sold out and soon afterwards started west to Iowa to invest his money and to visit a daughter. He arrived safely in that state, had his money safely invested, and was known to have started back for Ohio. After that no trace of him was ever found. On the farm in Pike County where he was born, David Houk lived until 1860, in which year he came to Ross County and for two years was located at High Banks. He began his career as a renter, and showed such judgment in handling farming that he was entrusted with larger and larger responsibilities every year. He finally rented a tract of 1,200 acres for a couple of years. He held his first crop from this large acreage, and after harvesting the second crop, sold 75,000 bushels of corn at 75 cents per bushel. He then bought 450 acres in the Paint Creek Valley, and continued farming there until 1864. Then, at the solicitation of the Federal Government, he went to Pulaski County, Tennessee, and rented an extensive tract of land which he devoted to cotton growing. During that year he raised 500 bales of cotton, cotton being worth at the time $1.72 per pound. Before this could be marketed, the Confederate army under General Hood raided the section, and all 664 - HISTORY OF ROSS COUNTY but eighteen bales of the cotton was destroyed, while the raiders took twenty-four mules and all the wagons and other equipment from his plantation. After this disaster he returned to Ross County and bought 800 acres of the rich Scioto bottom lands. He lived there until late in life, when he removed to Chillicothe, where his death occurred a few months later, at the age of eighty-five. He and his wife reared four children : Emma, Jacob, Hamilton and Matilda. Hamilton D. Houk grew up in Ross County, attended the schools of the country and also of Chillicothe, and completed his education in Wittenberg College at Springfield. His career has been a very active one, and after completing his college education he spent three years in business in the City of Chicago. Returning to Ross County, he took up farming in Union Township, and eventually succeeded to the ownership of 300 acres which had been part of his father's homestead. This land he has improved and has gathered rich yields of staple crops from it every successive year. A number of years ago Mr. Houk erected a handsome brick residence, which now serves the purpose of a home for himself and family. At the age of twenty-four he married Louise Studer, who was born in Chillicothe, daughter of Conrad and Margaret (Miller) Studer. Mr. and Mrs. Houk have three children. Their son Charles is married and has a son named Charles. Nettie is the wife of Jack Reed and has one daughter, named Dorothy. Mrs. Houk is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Politically he is a republican. JOHN E. PLEASANT. A progressive representative of the business interests of Vigo is found in the person of John E. Pleasant, who deals in crossties and fence posts, and whose enterprise and industry have combined to develop a prosperous and well-regulated business venture. He is also accounted one of the useful citizens of Vigo in the line of advancing its institutions, and at the present time is serving as vice president of the school board. Mr. Pleasant was born at Hamden, Vinton County, Ohio, March 3, 1876, a son of W. T. and Mary (Henderson) Pleasant. His father was born at Summerset, Kentucky, and was a young man when he came to Ohio, locating first at Hamden, where he met and married Miss Henderson. Several years thereafter they moved to Chillicothe, where Mr. Pleasant followed his trade of shoemaker, but after his wife's death, in 1879, removed to Richmond Dale, where he now makes his home. Mr. and Mrs. Pleasant were the parents of two children : W. P., who is engaged in merchandising at Vigo; and John E. John E. Pleasant was only three years old at the time of his mother's death, and he was reared in the home of his maternal grandmother, Mrs. Margaret Henderson, at Chillicothe, where he attended the parochial school. When he was confirmed he entered the Eastern College, where he attended classes for three years, and, with this preparation, began his career. His first employment was as a farm hand, but agricultural work did not appeal to him, and when the opportunity presented itself HISTORY OF ROSS COUNTY - 665 he accepted a position as clerk in a general store at Richmond Dale, there assimilating business methods and customs and accumulating a small capital. It was his ambition to become the head of a business of his own, and June 10, 1901, he invested his small means in his present business. His start was necessarily modest, but he was possessed of initiative, enterprise and good judgment, made the most of his opportunities, and gradually found himself the proprietor of a good and promising business. He now has an excellent trade in crossties and fence posts, his customers being found all over this section of the county. All that Mr. Pleasant has he has earned for himself, and he is justly entitled to be known as a strictly self-made man. Throughout his career he has been straightforward and honorable in his dealings with his fellow-men and his reputation for integrity is too well established to need further comment. In October, 1897, Mr. Pleasant was united in marriage with Miss Margaret Sigler, who was born and reared on a farm in Ross County, and is a graduate of Richmond Dale High School. Three children have been horn to this union, namely : Mary B., a graduate of Richmond Dale High School, class of 1916 ; John G., born in 1909 ; and Geraldine S., born in 1913. Mr. and Mrs. Pleasant and their children are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Richmond Dale. Fraternally, he is affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Improved Order of Red Men and the Royal Order of Lions. His vote is given to the candidates of the republican party. As a friend of education, he has been a member for some time and is now vice president of the school board. Mr. Pleasant belongs to the energetic and progressive class which Ross County must look to for its continued advancement in business affairs. EDWIN P. CLIMER. Prominent among the old and honored members of the agricultural element in Ross County, is Edwin P. Climer, who for many years carried on agricultural operations in Liberty Township, but who is now living a somewhat retired life at Gillespieville. Mr. Climer has passed his entire life within the limits of Ross County and has watched the great development and advancement that the years have brought about with interest, as he has borne his full share in the making of one of Ohio's most prosperous and fertile farming counties. Mr. Climer was born February 2, 1848, in Ross County, Ohio, and is a son of Daniel and Martha (Riley) Climer, early settlers of this county, both families having come from Virginia at a pioneer period. Edwin P. Climer was given his education in the public schools of his locality, and his boyhood and youth were divided between attending to his studies and helping his father in the work of the home farm. He remained at home until he was twenty-one years of age, at which time he left the parental roof and started out to make a. name and position for himself in the field of farming and the mercantile business. For several years he was in the mercantile business at Vigo ; was also. railroad agent and postmaster, and then returned to farming at his, 666 - HISTORY OF ROSS COUNTY present location. How well he succeeded in his ambition is shown by the exalted place he holds in the respect and confidence of his fellowmen and the material things that have rewarded his efforts. Mr. Climer was married June 9, 1880, to Miss Emmeline Jones, who was born in Liberty Township, Ross County, Ohio, January 26, 1851, a daughter of Henry and Mary Jones, the former of English and the latter of Holland descent. Mr. Jones was a lifelong farmer by vocation, was a good and public-spirited citizen and an active worker in the Methodist Episcopal Church, in the faith of which he died at the age of eighty-nine years. He was the father of seven daughters and one son, and four children are living at this writing (1916). Mrs. Climer enjoyed excellent educational advantages, following full public school course and then attending college, after which she attended a finishing school in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Climer have been the parents of four children, as follows: Jessie F., a graduate of the public schools and now the wife of Prof. G. L. Ely, of Harrisburg, Ohio; Alice, a graduate of the high school and now the wife of A. H. Free, of Bainbridge, Ohio; Gertrude E., a graduate of the high school and now the wife of James L. Heath; and Edwin P., Jr., who lives on the home farm and looks after his father's large agricultural interests. During the active years of his life, Mr. Climer did much in the way of building and improving, and thus contributed to the progress and upbuilding of his community. Also he supported such beneficial community movements as good schools and good roads. He and Mrs. Climer are active in the work of the Methodist Church. They now reside in the old homestead of Dr. Nelson Jones, at Gillespieville, which was built by the doctor in 1850. Mr. Climer is a republican in politics. HIRAM DIXON. Now a member of the retired colony of Vigo, at which place he has resided since November, 1911, Hiram Dixon has led a long and useful life, and while the greater part of his career has been spent in the neighboring County of Vinton, he is a native son of Ross County. A veteran of the Civil war, during his active years he was engaged both in farming and merchandising, and also has rendered his fellow-citizens efficient public service, having formerly been for fourteen years postmaster at Eagle Mills. Mr. Dixon was born in Ross County, Ohio, November 14, 1841, and is a son of Daniel and Christina (Wolfe) Dixon, the former a native of Ross County and the latter of North Carolina. The mother was a lass of twelve years when brought by her parents to Ohio, where, in Ross County, she met and married the young farmer, Daniel Dixon. They passed the remainder of their lives in the country districts of this county, and were widely known and highly respected as industrious and God-fearing people, kind neighbors, and devout members of the United Brethren Church. Mr. Dixon was a republican in his political views. There were four children in the family, namely : John. who served his country as a soldier of the Union and met a hero's death HISTORY OF ROSS COUNTY - 667 while in service; George W., who died when small; Angeline, who is also deceased; and Hiram, the only survivor. Hiram Dixon was reared on the home farm and attended the district schools of Ross County, and when his education was completed assisted his father and brother in cultivating the home acres. When the Civil war came on, both he and his brother evinced their patriotism by entering the Union army, the latter, as before stated, losing his life in defense of his country's flag, while Hiram came through safely, although having a number of narrow escapes. He enlisted in Company E, One Hundred and Forty-eighth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, for three years, in 1861, and was with his command until the expiration of his term of service in 1864, always proving a courageous and devoted soldier, and taking part in a number of important engagements. When he received his honorable discharge, the young soldier returned to his Ohio home, but soon went to Vinton County, where he engaged in farming on a property of his own. Mr. Dixon continued as an agriculturist until 1895, when he began merchandising at Eagle Mills, and for sixteen years was the proprietor of a successful general store, and during fourteen years of this period acted in the capacity of postmaster at Eagle Mills. In March, 1911, he made removal to Chillicothe, but in November of the same year transferred his residence to Vigo, where he still lives in quiet retirement, enjoying the fruits of his many years of industrious and prosperous toil. For about 21/2 years he was interested in the railroad tie business, but of late years has disposed of his holdings therein. Mr. Dixon was married in 1876 to Miss Susanna Walker, who became the mother of five children, of whom four are living at this time: William E. ; Fred L., a member of the police force of Columbus, Ohio; Christina, a graduate nurse and now in the United States Government service at Panama; and Hiram W., a member of the City Fire Department at Chillicothe. Mr. Dixon was married a second time, being united with Mary E. Forest, and they have had three children, of whom two are now living: Forest C. and L. M., both residents of Kansas. Mrs. Dixon. who has many friends at Vigo and elsewhere, is a lady of many attainments, and is a devout member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which she has been a member for a long period of years. Mr. Dixon is a republican. In his career he has interested himself in various lines of business, including trading in different fields, and sawmilling, and in each of his ventures he has met with success. Probably this has been so because whatever he has had to do he has done it to the full measure of his ability, and in a manner that has left no doubt in the minds of his associates as to his absolute honesty and integrity. GEORGE F. HAUBEIL. Among the substantial farmers of Ross County who have made an especially creditable record in husbandry and in citizenship is the gentleman whose name stands at the head of this record and whose attractive home and well-cultivated farm are located on Chillicothe Rural Route No. 2, in Liberty Township. Like a number of his fellow agriculturists in this county, Mr. Haubeil started his career 668 - HISTORY OF ROSS COUNTY with but modest means, and the prosperity that has rewarded his efforts has been brought about solely through his own abilities, unassisted by outside help or influence. He has merely made the most of his opportunities and has conducted his affairs in an orderly and well-managed manner. George F. Haubeil was born in Pike County, Ohio, October 21, 1862, and is a son of Christian and Sophia (Schauseil) Haubeil, natives of Germany. Each of Mr. Haubeil's parents was brought to the United States 'when small, their respective parents settling in Pike County, where they were reared and educated. They were married in 1858, at Waverly, Ohio, where Mr. Haubeil was street commissioner for some years and later a contractor, and where both passed the remaining years of their lives. Mr. Haubeil was a man of some importance and influence in his community, and served Pike County as coroner for several terms. He was a past noble grand of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and supported the democratic party in its campaigns, both local and national. There were seven children in the family, six of whom are living at this writing, namely Tina, who is the wife of Ed J. Wilde; George F., of this notice ; Anna, who is the wife of Fred Greenbaum ; Maggie, who is the wife of Alonzo Rowe ; Christian, who is engaged in farming near Lincoln, Illinois, and Lizzie, who is the wife of Leonard Lantz. August, the fourth child in order of birth, is deceased. George F. Haubeil was reared at Waverly, where he received his education in the public schools. When he was but thirteen years of age he showed his ambition and initiative by securing a position as clerk in a general store, and for five years continued in this capacity, thus gaining business experience and a knowledge of human nature that have since been of inestimable value to him in his work. When he was eighteen years of age he turned his attention to the soil and entered farming operations, although it was not until some time later that he • secured a foothold on the ladder of success. In 1891 he was married to Miss Kate Farney, who was born October 13, 1860, near Beaver, Pike County, Ohio, and there reared and educated, a daughter of Christian and Mary (Pabst) Farney, natives of Germany. At the time of their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Haubeil had, together, about $500, and with this as their starting capital rented a farm in Pike County. Four years later they moved to Fayette County, where they spent two years, and in 1897 came to Ross County, where they have since made their home. In the Liberty Township farm, on which the residence is located, Mr. Haubeil has 250 acres, all under a good state of cultivation. In addition to general farming, he is breeding a high grade of live stock, and in both departments is meeting with the success which his industry and honorable dealing merit. Mr. Haubeil also was the owner of 141 acres of good land in Springfield Township, but in 1915 sold a half interest to his son. Mr. and Mrs. Haubeil are the parents of five children, as follows : Otto, a graduate of the common schools, born November 28, 1892, mar- HISTORY OF ROSS COUNTY - 669 ried Carrie Chiner, and is now engaged in farming in Springfield Township ; Marie, born August 20, 1894, a graduate of the graded schools, and now living with her parents; Louis, born September 25, 1896, a graduate of the graded schools and of Chillicothe High School, class of 1915; Christina, born April 17, 1898, a graduate of the common schools and now in the sophomore class of Chillicothe High School; and Clarence, born March 25, 1901, also a graduate of the public graded school and in his second year at the high school at Chillicothe. The members of the Haubeil family belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church, attending with the Concord congregation. Mr. Haubeil is a democrat. He is a friend of education, and in addition to giving his own children a good training, has served the community in the office of member of the local school board. GEORGE B. SMITH. To be a good farmer requires a clear head as well as practiced hand. In modern days there are found among those who profit in the business, men whose book learning along many lines fully equals that of others who follow professional careers far from field and farm. One of these well-informed agriculturists is George B. Smith, proprietor of Happy Thought Farm, which lies in Liberty Township, Ross County, Ohio. George B. Smith was born in Liberty Township, on section 4, where he lives, May 27, 1861. His parents were Michael and Mary (Beale) Smith. The father was born in Harrison County, Ohio, January 1, 1808. He was without capital when he started out in life, but through industry and thrift accumulated and at one time owned 250 acres of land. He spent a large portion of his life on the farm his son George B. owns. He was a very well-informed man, was fond of reading and had an understanding mind. For many years he was a leader in the Methodist Episcopal Church and was a liberal giver to help carry on its work. In politics he was republican, and during the Civil war he saw four of his sons march away to fight for the preservation of the Union. Michael Smith was married twice, and nine children were born to his first union and four to his second. Of the first family, four survive : Abbe ; Willis, of Missouri; John and J. C., of Kentucky; The second wife, Mary Beale, was born in Ross County, Ohio, March 29, 1825. To this marriage the following children were born : S. W., who lives in Liberty Township ; George B.; Sarah J., who is the wife of Isaac Sechrist ; and Cynthia, who is the wife of Uriah P. Beecher. George B. Smith attended the district schools and was an attentive pupil because he appreciated the value of learning. All his life he has found great pleasure in reading and study. His interest in literature led to his devoting considerable time to the study of astronomy, and his proficiency in this branch of science is remarkable. He devotes his farm of thirty-three acres mainly to truck farming, finding a ready market for all that Happy Thought Farm produces. Mr. Smith was married April 1, 1884, to Miss Mary E. Tracy, who died April 30, 1898. She was an admirable woman in every respect 670 - HISTORY OF ROSS COUNTY and was a daughter of William D. Tracy and the mother of five children, as follows: Jesse F., who lives at Springfield, Ohio; Evaline, who is the wife of Alva Hess, of Liberty Township, Ross County ; Della, who is a resident of Springfield; Agnes, who is the wife of Ezra McWhorter, of Liberty Township ; and Zilpha, who remains at home to make her father comfortable. In politics Mr. Smith is a republican, but he has never sought public office. He is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America. For many years he has been a member of the United Brethren Church. SILAS FRANKLIN GARRETT. Thoroughly versed in the intricacies of the law, having conducted and won many important suits, and having been associated in practice with some of the ablest lawyers of Ross County, Silas Franklin Garrett, of Chillicothe, occupies a position of note in legal circles. He was born in Green Township, Ross County, Ohio, February 23, 1851, of colonial stock, being a lineal descendant, it is thought, of one Mr. Garrett, a blacksmith, who came to America with Capt. John Smith in 1607. He is a son of the late James Henry Garrett, and grandson of Reuben Garrett, a pioneer of Ross County. William Garrett, the great-grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was born in Virginia, and there spent his entire life, dying in 1825. During the Revolutionary war he served as a member of the Third Company, Second Virginia Regiment, enlisting in 1777, and serving under Col. Alexander Spotswood. It is not known whether he served throughout the entire conflict, but he was present at the surrender of Lord Cornwallis. He was a farmer and fruit grower in Essex County, Virginia, where he operated a still, manufacturing "apple-jack." He first married Elizabeth Taylor, who bore him seven children, James, William, Walter, Reuben, Smith, Elizabeth, and Theodorick. He married for his second wife Clara Faber, and by their union three children were born, namely : Richard Henry, Cynthia, and Silas S. It was in the barn of his eldest son, Richard Henry, in Caroline County, Virginia, that J. Wilkes Booth, the assassin, was killed. Reuben Garrett was born May 5, 1784, in Essex County, Virginia, and having as a young man served an apprenticeship at the tailor's trade followed it in his native state until 1832. In that year, accompanied by his wife and seven children, he came to Ohio, making the wearisome journey across the country with a team. He located in Green Township, Ross County, where for a number of years, not being strong enough to perform manual labor, he tended a toll gate on the pike running between Kinnikinnick and Adelphi. Retiring from active labor, he spent his last days in Kingston, passing away July 28, 1857. He married Sarah Toombs, who was also a Virginian by birth, being the daughter of a sailor who lost his life at sea. She survived him more than a score of years, dying March 8, 1878. Of the ten children born of their union, two died in infancy, and eight grew to years of maturity, as follows : Mary, William, Richard, Sarah, Elizabeth, James Henry, Virginia, and HISTORY OF ROSS COUNTY - 671 Silas S. They were Baptists in religion, and reared their family in the same faith. Born on a farm pleasantly situated on the Rappahannock River, near Lloyds Postoffice, in Essex County, Virginia, August 15, 1828, James Henry Garrett was but four years old when brought by his parents to Ross County, Ohio. He attended the rural schools, and as a boy became familiar with the various branches of agriculture. Choosing farming for his life occupation, he rented land at first, and in the tilling of the soil met with success. He subsequently bought land in Green Township, and was there a resident until his death, which occurred May 7, 1904. His body was laid to rest in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, near Kingston, where his parents are buried. His wife, whose maiden name was Susan Jones, was born in Vinton County, Ohio, June 30, 1830, and is now living with a daughter, Mrs. R. B. Grimes, near Chillicothe. Her father, Henry Jones, was born, in 1795, in Virginia, a son of Peter Jones, and married Nancy Moss, a native of Pennsylvania, and a daughter of Thomas Moss, a Revolutionary soldier. The union of Mr. and Mrs. James Henry Garrett was blessed by the birth of twelve children, of whom two, Minnie B. and Louisa J., died in, childhood, while ten grew to years of maturity, namely : Silas Franklin, Reuben W., Mary H., Sarah E., James H., William N., Anna J., Leah Catherine, Ethan Allen, and Davis N. Brought up on the home farm, Silas Franklin Garrett attended the district school a part of each year, and while yet in his teens assisted to some extent in the support of the family. Interested in books, he continued his studies as opportunity offered, and having earned some money by teaching entered Kingston Academy. Resuming teaching after leaving that institution of learning, Mr. Garrett devoted all of his leisure time to the study of law in the office of Judge Safford. An earnest and intelligent student, he was admitted to the bar on September 26, 1877, and for six months thereafter taught school, completing his eleventh term as a schoolmaster. On April 1, 1878, Mr. Garrett opened a law office in Chillicothe, and having met with flattering success from the start has here continued in active practice until the present time. From 1892 to 1896 he was in partnership with Mr. Reuben R. Freeman. Mr. Garrett married, November 13, 1886, Adelaide M. Rollin, who was horn in Zanesville, Ohio, July 11, 1861, being a daughter of Thomas and Mary (Anderson) Rollin. Mr. and Mrs. Garrett are the parents of five children, namely : M. Zuleime, Dolores E., George Raymond, Bernadetta Louise, and Cyril Franklin. Fraternally Mr. Garrett is a member of Tecumseh Lodge, No. 80, Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He has served two terms as city solicitor, and for four years was a member of the Chillicothe Board of Education, one year of the time serving as its president. CHARLES AULT. In a great agricultural state like Ohio, where farming is carried on so extensively and successfully as to produce more wealth than from any other source, there are kindred industries which 672 - HISTORY OF ROSS COUNTY engage the attention of many enterprising, practical men. One of these is threshing, a very necessary adjunct to farming and, in modern times, a scientific business by itself. Almost all his business life Charles Ault, whose valuable farm of 225 acres lies in Liberty Township, Ross County, has worked in season as a thresher and now owns a fine outfit and also operates a portable sawmill. Charles Ault was born on his present farm in Liberty Township, February 21, 1867, and is a son of William and Elizabeth (Jones) Ault, the latter born also on this farm and the former in Ross County. William Ault's people came from Virginia. After marriage he settled on this farm and here spent his life as a farmer. He was a well-known and highly respected man. Of his large family of children there are nine living, as follows: Mary, who is the wife of Jesse Arganbrit ; Sarah, who is the wife of Orlando Meeker ; Emily, who is the wife of James Stewart ; Andrew, who lives in Missouri ; George and Lyman, both of whom live in Kansas ; Jeremiah, who lives in Illinois ; Charles, of Liberty Township ; Myrtle, who is the wife of Frank Fanby, of Liberty Township. Charles Ault is one of the best-known men of Liberty Township, for this has always been his home. He went to school with men and women who have always been his neighbors and a very friendly spirit prevails through this law-abiding section of the county. Before purchasing the old homestead he lived on a farm along Walnut Creek for twenty-two years. To the original 204 acres he has added twenty-one acres and thus he now operates 225 acres. As mentioned above, Mr. Ault has been a thresher for many years and is a member in good standing of the Ross County Brotherhood of Threshers. In early manhood Mr. Ault was married to Mary D. Rutherford, who was born at Londonderry, Ohio, and they have twelve children, a happy, contented family of seven sons, and five daughters, as follows : James, who lives in Iowa ; Tiffin, who is a resident of Chillicothe ; Edwin, who lives in Iowa ; and Hazel, Inella, Jenice, Everett, Edith,. Orville, Walter, Ruth and Willard. All have been given educational opportunities. In politics Mr. Ault has always been a democrat, and for the last five years he has been one of the trustees of Liberty Township, succeeding himself. Both personally and as a public official Mr. Ault stands high in his community. NEWTON E. ICE. Combining farming with veterinary practice, Newton E. Ice, of Liberty Township, is one of the busy men of Ross County. He has 200 acres of land under his care and no part of this large farm shows any evidence of neglect. Doctor Ice was born in Wetzel County, West Virginia, February 20, 1885, and is a son of D. B. and Phoebe (Wyatt) Ice. Both parents were born and reared in what is now West Virginia, and are retired residents of Smithfield, Wetzel County. They are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Of their family of three children, one died in infancy and both of the survivors live in Ohio, Newton E. in Ross HISTORY OF ROSS COUNTY - 673 County and Lee in Washington County, and both are interested in agricultural pursuits. The one daughter bore the name of Jennie. On his father's farm Newton E. Ice grew to manhood and learned not only the practical business of operating a farm, but also the care and medical treatment of stock. He became greatly interested along this line and studied veterinary science and has adopted its practice as a profession. After attending the common schools, he entered the high school at Buchanan and was graduated therefrom in 1905. Mr. Ice found remunerative employment in the oil fields in his native state and continued there until 1909, when he came to Ross County, Ohio, and took a correspondence school course in veterinary medicine and surgery, graduating with an average of 96 per cent. His knowledge of veterinary science serves him well on his large estate, giving him the knowledge and skill to keep his own stock in condition while gradually building up a wider extended practice. He makes a specialty of fine horses. Doctor Ice was married July 8, 1906, to Miss Bessie Fry, who was born and reared in Virginia. They have four children : Beryl, Hortense, Drexel and Lorie. Doctor Ice was reared in the democratic party, as was his father. His 200-acre estate is situated one mile southwest of Londonderry, Ohio. W. H. WILTSHIRE. With an interest in 600 acres of valuable land in Ross County, Ohio, and by occupation a farmer, W. H. Wiltshire may be numbered with the prosperous men who have found in the peaceful pursuits of agriculture satisfactory returns for their toil. He belongs to an old pioneer family of the State of Ohio and with this section of the state he has been identified all his life. W. H. Wiltshire was born September 22, 1857, near Massieville, Ohio, and is a son of Dr. John 11I. and Mary (Sutherland) Wiltshire. His father was born in 1834 and practiced medicine for many years. His mother, also born in Ohio, died in 1896. They had four children : William H. ; James S., who is a physician and surgeon at Londonderry, Ohio ; Mary, who is the wife of F. A. Counts, resides at Richmond Dale, Ohio ; and J. E., who is a resident of Vigo, Ross County, Ohio. On his present farm, situated in Liberty Township, Ross County, W. H. Wiltshire grew to manhood. He attended the country schools and later the city schools at Chillicothe. All his life he has been interested in farming, and the depth of this interest may be correctly estimated when account is taken of the profitable yieldings of his many acres. He gives much attention to growing Duroc Jersey hogs. In 1903 Mr. Wiltshire was united in marriage with Mary F. Russell. who was born in Ross County, Ohio, a member of one of the substantial old Quaker families of this section. Mrs. Wiltshire was educated in the public schools and has spent her life in Ohio. They are members of the Society of Friends. In politics Mr. Wiltshire has always been a republican. As a man of sound judgment, he has frequently been urged to accept local offices 674 - HISTORY OF ROSS COUNTY for the public good, but he has never had any political ambition. He was one of the charter members of the Londonderry Lodge of the Improved Order of Red Men and passed the chairs in that lodge. WILLIAM T. LANDRUM. One of the prosperous farmers of Franklin Township, Ross County, is William T. Landrum, who owns 160 acres in the vicinity of Rigby, Ohio. He was born at Richmond Dale, in Jefferson Township, Ross County, January 19, 1848. His parents were Smith M. and Lydia (Acord) Landrum. The father was born in Greenbrier County, Virginia, and the mother in Pennsylvania, and they were married in Pike County, Ohio. Smith M. Landrum was a miller by trade and for many years after coming to Ohio he operated mills. For some years he conducted a mill at Richmond Dale, then at Sharenville, but his last years were spent as a farmer. He was twice married and eight children were born to his first union. One son, George L., was a soldier in the Civil war and laid down his life for his country. There are four survivors of the above family : John A., who is a veteran of the Civil war, lives at Massieville. Ohio; William T.; Martha J., who is the wife of Austin French ; and Lydia, who is the wife of Mr. Delong, of Circleville, Ohio. William T. Landrum lived at Richmond Dale until he was sixteen years old, in the meanwhile attending the public schools. He was then considered old enough to become self-supporting and look out for himself. He chose the life of a farmer and easily found employment as such and worked by the month on farms, and by the time he was twenty-two years old had saved $750 of his wages. While that was not a great fortune, it represented many months of hard labor and much self-denial and proved that he was industrious and frugal. He has continued to be a farmer, renting land for two years before he bought his first tract. Mr. Landrum was married to Priscilla McGuire, who was born in Pike County. She left one daughter, Harriet, who became the wife of Charles Allen, of Franklin Township. In March, 1879, Mr. Landrum was married to Miss Mary Borst, who was born at Chillicothe, Ohio, March 27, 1850. Her parents were John and Catherine (Frank) Borst, both of whom were born in Germany and came to the United States when aged, respectively, twenty and twenty-two years, and they were married at Chillicothe. Mr. Borst was a butcher by trade and carried on that business for a number of years in Ohio, but later moved to Kansas and there both he and wife died. Mr. and Mrs. Landrum have had seven children, three of whom are deceased. Those living are : William H., who is a farmer in Franklin Township ; Charles H., who is a rural mail carrier; Hannah, who is the wife of Paul Workman, a railroad man at Ironton, Ohio ; and Matilda, who is the wife of Charles E. Blanin, of Waverly, Ohio. Mrs. Landrum is a member of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Landrum is a republican in politics and has served as a member of the board of trustees of Franklin Township. He is identified with the Odd Fellows and is past grand of his lodge. Both he and wife are highly respected.