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450 - CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES tenant Williams, in charge of the forward 8-inch gun of the Baltimore, fired the first shot from that ship, and he was officially commended for his conduct in the battle by Captain N. Mayo Dyer, the intrepid commander of the Baltimore, who had himself commanded a small ship on that famous "August day with Farragut" at Mobile Bay. On May 2d, the Baltimore forced the surrender of the Spanish forts on Corregidor at the entrance to Manila Bay, and on May 3d, under direct orders of Commodore Dewey, Lieutenant Williams, in command of a company of marines and sailors from the Baltimore, landed and took charge of the Spanish Navy Yard and Arsenal at Cavite. This was the first landing of American troops on Spanish soil in the war, and Lieutenant Williams at once disposed his force to establish order and protect the innocent inhabitants, and then raised the Stars and Stripes over the captured arsenal, this being the first American flag raised on Spanish soil in the Spanish-American war. For his energetic and efficient work on this occasion Lieutenant Williams received the official commendation of Admiral Dewey, who since that date has been his highly valued friend. As a result of the Spanish-American war Lieutenant Williams was promoted to a captaincy on March 3, 1899. He served in the Philippines until May 1, 1900, serving on board the Baltimore, the battleship Oregon, and the flagship Olympia, and also on land with the army. During the Spanish war and the resultant Philippine insurrection, Captain Williams took part in some thirty engagements in various parts of the islands, and commanded the marines at the capture of Olongapo and at the capture of Vigan, in the latter affair retaking from Aguinaldo's army ninety American and Spanish prisoners. During the latter year of his service in the Philippines, Captain Williams held, in addition to his regular command, the position of assistant judge advocate general on the staff of the admiral commanding the fleet. On May 1, 1900, Captain Williams was ordered to duty on the staff of Admiral John C. Watson, and sailed from Yokohama, Japan, on board the United States flagship Baltimore for New York, by way of China, the Malay Straits, India, the Suez and Europe. arriving in New York in October, 1900. He was immediately ordered to the marine barracks, Boston, Mass.. where he served for two years, in charge of the United States Naval Prison, as military and technical instructor of a class of second lieutenants newly appointed from civil life, and for half CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES - 451 of the time as acting commanding officer of the post. For this duty Captain Williams was twice officially commended by Major General Charles Heywood, then commandant of the marine corps, in the annual reports of the Navy Department. From September, until December, 1902, Captain Williams commanded Company "A" of the marine battalion serving in Panama for the protection of the Panama railroad and foreign interests during a serious revolution. During this service Captain Williams was commended in orders by Admiral Casey, commander in chief of the United States Pacific Fleet, by Col. B. R. Russell. commanding the United States forces on the Isthmus, and by United States Consul-General Gudger, the latter commendation being transmitted to Congress by the State Department. From Panama, Captain Williams was transferred to Culebra, West India Islands, and appointed adjutant of the First provisional regiment of marines engaged in fortifying that island. But this was to be a brief detail, as within two weeks he was selected to be fleet marine officer of the Atlantic battleship fleet, in command of the battalion of marines attached to the ships of the fleet. In this capacity he served until October, .1904, seeing service aboard the battleships Maine and Kearsarge, in the West Indies, South America and Europe. On this cruise he was presented to the late King Carlos of Portugal, and King George of Greece. In January, 1905, Captain Williams was selected as a member of the staff of instructors of the United States Naval War College, at Newport, R. I., where he delivered lectures on military subjects and prepared important papers for the country’s naval war plans. In February, 1905, he was promoted to be a major, and when the revolution of 1906 made American intervention necessary in Cuba, he commanded a battalion of marines, 430 strong, which were among the first landed in Cuba in September that year. Landing at Havana this battalion crossed Cuba to Cienfuegos and for one month kept peace and order in that important city. In October, 1906, General Franklin Bell, then chief of staff of the United States Army, detailed Major Williams to the staff of the Army of Cuban Pacification, and by orders of President Roosevelt he was temporarily transferred from the marine corps to duty with the army. For nearly a year Major Williams was first assistant to the chief engineer of the Army of Cuban Pacification, his principal duties being in charge of the field work of the military map of Cuba, which 452 - CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES was carried rapidly to a successful completion. For this work he received the official commendation of Major General Franklin Bell, Major General G. F. Elliot, then commandant of the marine corps, and Colonel Langfitt, the chief engineer of the Army of Cuban Pacification. Major Williams was selected by the late Admiral Robley D. Evans, to be fleet marine officer of the Atlantic battle fleet for the famous cruise around the world in 1907-08-09, and in December, 1907, he joined the flagship Connecticut. All through that cruise of the battle fleet, Major Williams commanded the marine regiment of the fleet, 1,300 strong, which paraded on shore at San Diego and San Francisco, Cal.; Seattle and Bellingham, Washington State ; Sydney, Melbourne and Albany, Australia ; and at the Hudson-Fulton celebration in New York in 1909, and on many occasions for drill. He was commended by Admiral R. D. Evans in an official letter to the Navy Department, for his efficient performance of duty during the cruise of the battle fleet from Hampton Roads, Va., to San Francisco, Cal., and also by Admiral Sperry, who commanded the cruise of the fleet from San Francisco, via the Suez to New York. Major Williams was also chief intelligence officer of the fleet, and in October, 1909, was detailed to duty in the office of naval intelligence of the Navy Department, at Washington, D. C., where he remained until March 15, 1913, when he was ordered to Peking, China, as commandant of the American Legation Guard, which consists of 350 men, comprising infantry and artillery and a mounted section, and is a very important foreign post of our armed forces. Major Williams wears the following government medals : Congressional medal commemorating the battle of Manila Bay, May t, 1898, the Spanish war medal, the West India campaign medal, the Philippine insurrection medal and the Cuban pacification medal. He has taken a constant interest in rifle firing and marksmanship and wears the government silver sharpshooter's badge. Major Williams has devoted considerable attention to literary pursuits, and has written several books on subjects pertaining to the naval profession, among them being "Naval Reconnaissance," a manual of instruction for the reconnaissance and survey of harbors and surrounding country ; "The Port Directory," containing valuable information concerning all the principal ports of the world ; "The Uniform Regulations, United States Marine Corps," and many articles for the CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES - 453 press, the magazines, and the service journals. In the cruise of the battle fleet around the world, by special authority of the Secretary of the Navy, he acted as special correspondent for the "New York Times" and the "London Daily Mail." DR. C. A. BENNETT. Dr. C. A. Bennett, a well known physician and surgeon, whose home and office are at Withamsville, Clermont county, Ohio, was born in the village where he now resides. He is a son of Dr. Elisha and Hannah (Smith) Bennett, who were also natives of Withamsville. In the '50s the former served two terms as a member of the Ohio legislature. Dr. Bennett grew to manhood in this vicinity, attending the district schools until he entered the high school at Mt. Washington, which he attended for two terms. When he was about nineteen years of age, he and an older brother conducted a store at Withamsville, continuing for several years in this occupation. In September, 1873, Dr. C. A. Bennett was married to Miss Louisa Whitaker, of Withamsville. This union was blessed with one child, Lela Irene, who married Rev. Asa Kestle. They are the parents of two children, James Allen and Lois Winifred, and reside in Lebanon, Ohio. When about twenty-five years of age, Dr. Bennett began to read medicine with his father, later attending the Ohio Medical College at Cincinnati, graduating in 1878. He began the practice of medicine with his father, who was a prominent physician of the county for nearly fifty years, and has followed his profession in this vicinity continuously to the present time. The second marriage of Dr. Bennett took place in 1882 to Miss Sarah Laidley, who was born at Jeffersonville. Ind. They are the parents of one child, who died in infancy. Mr. Bennett owns a farm of twenty-three and one-half acres, which came to him from his father. Politically, he is a Democrat and fraternally holds membership with the Free and Accepted Masons at Withamsville, having joined J. B. Covert Lodge, No. 437, in 1875. The lodge building was burned several years later and the lodge has since been located at Tobasco. Dr. Bennett has served in the various offices in the lodge. In addition he is a member of the order of United American Mechanics. 454 - CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES During the years he has spent in the village of Withamsville, Dr. Bennett has made many friends, both professionally and socially, and has the warm regard of the entire community. GEORGE G. JONES. Mr. George G. Jones is known throughout the manufacturing circles of Clermont county, Ohio, as a man of unquestioned integrity and sound business judgment, combined with a never failing courtesy to all with whom he is called upon to meet. The present prosperous condition of the Jones Heel Manufacturing Company, of which he is president and active general manager, is largely due to his energetic efforts. Mr. Jones is not a native of Clermont county, his birth having occurred at Fishing Creek, Pa., on December 5, 1872. He is a son of Francis W. and Monema (Gregory) Jones, the former of whom was a miller of Fishing Creek, Pa. George G. Jones was reared and educated at Fishing Creek, until he was about eighteen years of age, when he entered the Valparaiso University, in the class of 1892, and was graduated from the scientific department with the degree of Bachelor of Science. He then entered upon the study of civil engineering, which he followed for a short period. The real business career of the subject of this review began at Orangeville, Pa., in 1894, when he entered into a partnership for the manufacture of shoe heels. In this venture he met with a reasonable success until in 1903, when he was visited by an unfortunate fire, which carried away his entire business. He was only partially reimbursed by insurance, but with his accustomed optimism did not allow his misfortune to master him, for in 1905 he was again in business. Mr. George G. Jones was married in New York City, on December 4, 1897, to Miss Ruby Jean DeLong, of Orangeville, Pa., where she was born and received her education. She is a daughter of Jerome B. and Flora (Golder) ) DeLong. Mr. and Mrs. Jones are the parents of four children : Mabel Jeannette was born at Orangeville, Pa., May 20, 1902. Rebecca Jean was born at Orangeville, Pa., December 30. 1903. Frances Louise was born at Batavia, Ohio, December 22, 1905. George G., Jr., was born at Batavia, Ohio, February 7, 1911. CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES - 455 In political views, Mr. Jones is a Republican, but is not an office seeker, prefering rather the quiet and peace of the private citizen. His first ballot was cast for President McKinley. Both Mr. and Mrs. Jones are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and in his former home he was a teacher of the normal class in Sunday school. In 1907 he became a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Batavia, of which he has served as senior warden and has taken the royal arch degree. Although he has been in Clermont county but seven years, Mr. Jones has made himself a leading figure in the affairs of the county, and the town in which he is making his home. FRANK L. COOK. Frank L. Cook is a member of an old Ohio family and was the cashier of the Milford National Bank, which position he held for eighteen years. He was born at Lebanon, Ohio, September 18, 1859, and is a son of James- and Mary E. ( Jameson) Cook, the former a farmer living near Morrow, Ohio. The boyhood days of Frank L. Cook were spent on the farm, where he attended the common schools, and at the age of eighteen years he passed the teacher's examination, although he never used his certificate. He engaged on a farm for nine months at eighteen dollars per month and board, which he considered better remuneration than the salary of a teacher. At the end of nine months he accepted a position with Mr. John A. Jameson, at South Lebanon, who was the agent and operator for the Pennsylvania Railway Company. Here he did general work around the station and learned telegraphy in spare time. He was in this apprenticeship for two years, after which Ile became night operator at Foster, Ohio. and served in this capacity for eighteen months, when he was promoted to assistant agent and baggage master at Morrow, Ohio. On the 22d of November, 1881, he was married to Miss Emma B. Greely, the ceremony taking place at Morrow. She was born near Maineville, Ohio, a daughter of Boardman and Elmira (Fouche) Greely. Two years later Mr. Cook removed to Milford, where he had been engaged as agent and operator for the Pennsylvania Railroad Company. 456 - CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES He held this position until in 1893, when he resigned to accept a position with the Union Central Life Insurance Company, in the actuary department, at the time when Mr. John Pattison was president. The following January he accepted the position of cashier of the Milford National Bank and served in that capacity continuously until July 19, 1912, when he became vice-president of the Second National Bank of Cincinnati, after it was reorganized. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Cook have been born seven children : Lillie D., a graduate of the Milford High School. Leonard E., a graduate of the Milford High School and of the Mueller School of Business, of Cincinnati. He died at the age of twenty-one years. Howard B., a graduate of the University of Cincinnati, co-operative class of June, 1912, and is assistant chief engineer of Brownell Company, of Dayton, Ohio. Mary, who after graduating from the high school of Milford, was for two years a student of Miami University at Oxford, Ohio, in the fall of 1912 entered the Cincinnati Missionary Training School. Ruth is taking a course in domestic science at Miami University, Oxford, after graduating at the Milford High School. Charles Wesley and Esther are students of the Milford High School, class of 1914. Mr. Cook cast his first Presidential ballot for James A. Garfield, being a Republican in politics, until recently he became an advocate of the principles of the Progressive party. Soon after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Cook became members of the Methodist church, of which he has served in the capacity of trustee, treasurer and a teacher in the Sunday school. He is an enthusiastic worker in the church and is widely and favorably known as a representative of one of the oldest of Ohio families. His district conference sent him as a delegate to the general conference at Minneapolis in 1912, and both he and his wife are people of genuine worth and have many friends in this part of the State. H. H. HILL. Among the self-made of this generation Mr. H. H. Hill is one of those keenly alive to all of the possibilities opening before him, industrious and upright in character, and although CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES - 457 still a young man in years, he has achieved remarkable success. Mr. Hill is a member of the Hay and Grain Company, of Milford, Ohio, buyers and shippers of hay and grain, handling in addition the best grade of farm implements. Mr. Hill was born at Cincinnati, June 24, 1872, and is a son of Jacob and Barbara (Wilde) Hill, residents of Withamsville, Ohio, who conducted a grocery at Cincinnati for many years. Our subject received his education in the public schools of Cincinnati and at the age of nine years began assisting his parents by selling the "Evening Telegram." He continued in the newspaper business for two years, turning his earnings over to his parents, and when fourteen years old left school, after which he entered the employ of Mr. Prescott Smith, a lawyer of Cincinnati, as office boy. He remained in this position but a short time, leaving to accept a position with Granger & Hunt, leading lawyers, and continued there for two years. During his engagement with this law firm he took up the study of shorthand and typewriting, which he learned without a teacher. In 1889, Mr. Hill engaged with the firm of Orr & Granger, grain dealers, as stenographer, and in this office learned the grain business. He was in the employ of Mr. Granger for fourteen years, and while managing a grain elevator at Dayton, Ind., he met and married Miss Della Thomson. Mrs. Hill was born at Dayton, Ind., January 3, 1875, and is a daughter of A. J. and Annie (Casner) Thomson. In 1893, Mr. Hill embarked in the grain business for himself in Cincinnati, and for a time the family resided at that place, coming to Milford in 1905, from which place he still conducted his business in Cincinnati. Since 1909 he has been in the grain business in Milford. In the family of Mr. and Mrs. Hill are three children : Forrest, who was born at Dayton, Ind., is a graduate of the Milford High School and has attended the Ohio State University for one year. Esther was also born at Dayton and is a graduate of the Milford High School. Elizabeth was born at Cincinnati. Evelyn died in infancy. In political views Mr. Hill favors the principles of the Republican party and cast his first Presidential vote for William McKinley, in 1896. He has filled the office of mayor by appointment, and was elected to that office for a two-years' term. 458 - CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES Mr. Hill holds membership in the Free and Accepted Masons of Milford, having become a member first in the Hoffner lodge at Cincinnati. He is serving his second term as high priest in the Milford Chapter. He is also a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of the Clermont Lodge No. 49, and is right supporter to the vice-noble grand and has served as left supporter to the noble grand. Mr. and Mrs. Hill are members of the Eastern Star, of which the latter has been worthy matron and the former worthy patron. In religious matters they are believers of the Universalist faith and are active in the church affairs of that organization. Mr. H. H. Hill began his business life with no capital, but a strong heart and a clear brain, and by his genial manner, unfaltering courtesy and deference for the opinions of others, he has not only made himself popular in a social way, but has made many business friends. GEORGE McCAMMON. Mr. George McCammon, now living retired at Milford, Ohio, after an active and honorable connection with the farming interests and business affairs of this vicinity, was born at San Francisco, Cal., August 14, 1860. The family was originally from the north of Ireland, the grandfather having emigrated to America when a young lad. He settled at Cincinnati when that city consisted of some half-dozen houses. He became a contractor and shipbuilder and amassed a large fortune by reason of his industry and keen management. He married Miss Ellen McGinnis, and one of their children, William McCammon, who was born at Cincinnati, learned the saddlery and hardware business at that place, and later he engaged in business on his own account. Subsequently he removed to San Francisco and conducted a hardware store for about fifteen years. At Sacramento, Cal., on the 14th of August, 1856, was celebrated the marriage of William McCammon and Miss Mary Ann Burke, of New Orleans, and to their union were born four sons, two of whom died in childhood. The other sons, George and William P., came with their parents to Ohio, in 1864, settling on a farm of one hundred and thirty acres in Warren county, CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES - 459 not far from Hopkinsville. The parents lived on this farm for twenty-four years and in 1888 returned to Cincinnati, where the father engaged in the real estate business until his death, May 26, 1909. His widow has since resided at 406 Broadway, Cincinnati, keeping up the home where for twenty-one years she and her husband spent many pleasant hours. George McCammon grew to young manhood on the farm, receiving a good schooling and practical experience. While paying a visit to his mother's people at New Orleans he became acquainted with Miss Anna McCann, whom he afterward married. They are the parents of the following children : George R., William H. and John A. McCammon. George R., who was born at Cincinnati, Ohio, February 25, 1892, was a student of the public school and later attended Miller's Business College. He was married at Newport, Ky., October 14, 1911, to Miss Mabel E. Prather, who was a native of Clermont county. They have one child, named Viola Marie .McCammon, born July 13, 1912. William H. was born at Hopkinsville, Ohio, March 27, 1893. John A. was born at Milford, Ohio, November 15, 1894. Mr. William P. McCammon, brother to our subject, is the enterprising editor of the Milford Record. In political views Mr. George McCammon was reared a Republican, although he has never accepted office. He is a Catholic in religious faith and has reared his children in the same faith. Mr. McCammon is a good citizen, a loyal friend and a splendid neighbor. His kindly manner and friendly disposition have made for him lifelong friends. WILLIAM J. LOCKWOOD. William J. Lockwood, one of the leading and substantial business men of Milford, Ohio, is the junior member of the Milford Hardware Company, whose place of business is located on Main street. Mr. Lockwood was born on Betts street, Cincinnati, May 3, 186o, and is a son of Augustus and Anna (Lightner) Lockwood, of whom the former was a leather dealer. William Lockwood attended school until about the age of fourteen years, when he became an apprentice in a plumbing 460 - CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES establishment, receiving three dollars per week for the first year, which was raised to seven dollars per week for the second oyear, and at the end of the fourth year he was earning eighteen dollars per week and was considered a journeyman. He held a position with one man for seven years, after which he embarked upon the plumbing business for himself on Western avenue, where he continued for six years. The marriage of Mr. Lockwood to Miss Anna Louisa Denier was celebrated August 27, 1884, at Cincinnati, where Miss Denier was reared. They became the parents of five children : Amelia, who was born at Cincinnati, is the wife of George Molitor, and resides in Miami township and has five sons. Clara was born in Cincinnati, became the wife of Frank Farson, of Cincinnati. They have one child. Edwin A. was born in Miami township, married Abbie Kilinger, and they are residents of Cincinnati. where he is an engineer. Ada, who was born in Miami township, is at home. James is also at home. In 1891 Mr. Lockwood removed with his family to Miami township, where he purchased a farm of one hundred and two acres, near Mt. Repose, following the occupation of farming continuously until in 1904, when he entered into partnership with A. W. Dietrich in the business in which he is now engaged. The company enjoys a liberal patronage and has one of the most complete stores of the kind in the county. In political views, Mr. Lockwood favors the Democratic party, but in no sense a politician. He was elected a member of the council in the spring of 1912. He is a useful citizen, an honest. upright business man and a loyal friend and neighbor. He is interested in his home town and is active in all public affairs. JACOB WOLFER. The German element is an important one in our American citizenship. 'The sons of Germany have come to the new country, and have readily adapted themselves to the conditions in the new world, manifesting habits of industry and perseverance that is ever characteristic of the race. To this class of CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES - 461 citizens belongs Mr. Jacob Wolfer, the prosperous proprietor of one of the first class meat markets of Milford, located on Main street. Mr. Wolfer was born at Wirtemberg, Germany, March 3o, 1836, and is a son of John and Christina (Walz) Wolfer. The father was a highly educated man, and held many government offices, including county surveyor, treasurer and other important offices. Jacob Wolfer attended school until he was fourteen years of age, studying German, Latin and French. When fourteen years of age, Jacob became an apprentice in a butcher shop, and later traveled from place to place working at his trade. When he had reached the age of seventeen, he and a younger brother, John C., but fourteen, set out for America, arriving in New York after a storm tossed voyage, in which masts were lost and there was great danger of ship wreck. At once upon their arrival in New York, our subject engaged in a shop, working at his trade, while his brother found employment in a grocery. The brothers had studied English on the way over so they learned the language very rapidly. After a year spent in New York, the brothers came west as far as Philadelphia, where the younger brother learned the wagon maker's trade and Jacob worked at the butcher business. There they spent three years, coming to Warren county, Ohio, about 1857 or 1858, and settling at Morrow. Mr. Jacob Wolfer was married to Barbara Soth at Morrow, May 20, 1860. Miss Soth was born at Baden, Germany, and is a daughter of David and Barbara (Pfrimmer) Soth, who came to America when she was about fourteen years of age, and settled on a farm near Pleasant Plain, Warren county, Ohio, in I 86o. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Wolfer have been born four children : William Frederick is not yet married and is at home. Emma Wilhelmina, was among those of the first class to graduate from the Milford High School. She also took a course in kindergarten work at Cincinnati, where she iS now teaching. Charles Jacob, died about the age of thirty-four years, leaving a wife, but no children. Edgar David is married and has one child. He is an assistant in his father's market. Soon after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Wolfer located in 462 - CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES Milford and in 1863 engaged in the business which has grown to substantial proportions. Everything in the market is first class, consequently gives entire satisfaction. Mr. Wolfer is a Democrat and has served for several years as councilman of Milford. In 1868, he became a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, filling all the chairs and representing his local lodge at the grand lodge, being deputy grand patriarch. Although both Mr. Wolfer and his wife were reared in the Lutheran church they have since maturity embraced the faith of the Methodist church, being active workers in all worthy affairs. They are both pleasant people to meet and show great attachment for the home and family, also being interested in the development of their town and the surrounding country along progressive lines as well. They are greatly respected and enjoy the hearty friendship of their townspeople. JOHN G. ERION. John G. Erion is well and favorably known in this section of the country and as the superintendent of the Milford Water Works, and as a first class engineer, whose home is on the corner of Council and Beach streets. He was born at Foster's Landing, Bracken county, Kentucky, November 14, 1854, his parents being George and Ann (Neable) Erion. George Erion was born and partly reared at Wittemberg. Germany, where he learned the stone masons’s trade, and at the age of sixteen years settled in Clermont county, where he married a playmate of his childhood, who was also a native of Wittemberg, Germany, and came to America when she was eighteen, with her parents. They settled on the Judge Norris farm near Williamsburg, and resided there for about seven years, and for one year lived near Camp Dennison, moving to the Griffith farm near Batavia, remaining there three years. Their next move was to Spencer county, Indiana, where they purchased a farm and there they spent their declining, years. In 1871, John G. Erion entered a machine shop as an apprentice, receiving for the first year, three dollars per week, the second year he was advanced to five dollars per week, the third year his wages were again raised to twelve dollars. He spent three years and eight months in this shop, and when he CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES - 463 left was drawing eighteen dollars per week. During the time he was learning his trade, the father died and his brother, Christian, operated the farm for one year, when he passed away, which made it necessary for John to return home to look after the farm and his mother. In a short time he and his mother sold the farm and returned to Clermont county in 1878, purchasing a small home at Batavia, where, July 1o, 1879, he was united in marriage to Miss Emma Walker, of Madisonville, Ohio, who is a daughter of Benjamin and Rachel (Matz) Walker. In 1879, Mr. Erion went into the grocery business and for seven years he was very successful. He sold out in 1886 to engage in the threshing business, which he conducted several years, and also had a saw mill, and at the end of ten years he found himself swamped. He then hired out to run an engine and to do whatever he could find to do. He became engineer of the Batavia Elictric Light & "Water Works and held that position more than three years, resigning to accept his present position, moving his family to Milford. Mr. and Mrs. Erion became the parents of twelve children, of whom seven are living: Anna, died at the age of six years. William, died when two years of age. Christian H. B., is a graduate of two schools of correspondence, and is the present chief engineer of the Cincinnati, Georgetown & Portsmouth Railway Power Plant, at Highland Park. He married Miss Ola Bryant, of Williamsburg, and they have had six children, four still living. Mary, married Charles Williams and resides at 1535 Jones street, Cincinnati. They are the parents of two children. Dora, married Charles Herman, who is chief gardener at Rest Home, at Wyoming, Ohio. Albert, is an electrician at Cincinnati. Frank died in infancy. Raymond, at home, is studying electrical and steam engineering. Wright is a student in the high school at Milford. Bessie R., at home. James and Julius died in infancy. In politics, Mr. Erion was reared a Democrat, although he is independent in his views. He cast his first presidential vote for Samuel J. Tilden in 1876 and was twice elected assessor of Batavia township. He is a Mason and has filled all the 464 - CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES chairs in his local lodge, his membership being at Batavia. Mr. Erion and his family are members of the German United Brethren church of Batavia, and are liberal in their support of all worthy enterprises. JOHN B. WINSPEAR. The character of a community is always judged by its representative citizens and to this class Mr. John B. Winspear belongs. He is a prominent and enterprising man of affairs in Clermont county, Ohio, where he has made his home since 1876. John B. Winspear was born at Ashland, Ky., June 17, 1873, and came to Clermont county, Ohio, with his parents, Wheelock and Ellen (Rowe) Winspear, who previously settled in Pierce township in 1858. Wheelock was, however, engaged in business for some two years, 1872-74, in Ashland, Ky. Wheelock Winspear is a native of New York, his birth having occurred at Buffalo. He is a son of John and Catherine (Wheelock) Winspear, the latter of whom was born in England. John Winspear was a tailor by trade, but followed the occupation of farming after his settlement in America, and passed away in Clermont county, in 1877, in his sixty-ninth year. Catherine (Wheelock) Winspear was born in Edinhurgh, Scotland, in 1817, and died July 9, 1892. They were both members of the Christian church. To their union were born three sons and two daughters : James H., who was a lawyer by profession, died in Omaha, Neb. He was prominent in politics, having served his party in the State senate of Nebraska. Kate, who is the wife of Dr. Joseph T. Ricker, of Mt. Carmel, Ohio. Wheelock, who is the father of the subject of this sketch, is retired from active labors and is a resident of Lindale, Ohio. George, who was formerly a farmer near Buffalo, N. Y., where he now resides, is also retired from active life. Maria, married J. W. Moss, a druggist of New Richmond, Ohio. John, is in the real estate business in Cincinnati. Ellen (Rowe) Winspear was born in London, England, and came with her patents to America when she was fourteen years of age, the family settling in the vicinity of Cincinnati. Three CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES - 465 brothers served in the Federal army, two of whom were lost on the Magnolia, and one died in Andersonville prison. One brother is still living, and is a resident of Princeton, Ind. John B. Winspear has one brother and four sisters : Wheelock, Jr., a farmer and dairyman of Pierce township, this county. Minnie, the wife of Clifford White, of New Richmond, Ohio. Nellie, married Elton Montjar, who is in partnership with her brother, Wheelock Winspear, in the dairy business. Marie, is Mrs. Wiley Riffle, of Cleveland, Ohio. Catherine, makes her home with her father at Lindale, Ohio. She has for several years taught at Middletown, Ohio, and is now teaching at Norwood, Ohio. John B. Winspear acquired his education in the school at Mt. Carmel, from which he graduated. Following his graduation, in 1891, he taught in the schools of Clermont county for thirteen years, the last two at Point Pleasant, his present home. On December 27, 1899, occurred the great event of his life, when he was united in marriage to Miss Myrtle Armacost, a daughter of Ephraim and Martha (Cooper) Armacost, the latter born in Monroe township, Clermont county, in 1839, and died February 20, 1913, a daughter of John Cooper, also born near Point Pleasant, a merchant and postmaster of that place over forty years, his death occurring in 1899. His father, James Cooper, was a resident of Monroe township for many years, and was born in Ireland, coming here as a young man. He was a farmer by business and farmed near Clermontville, where he met with great success. He passed away at Jeffersonville, Ind., where he is buried, and where he spent the latter years of his life. Ephraim Armacost was born in Monroe township, 1841, and died in 1893, being buried at Mt. Zion Cemetery. He was a boat owner and operated on the Ohio river. He was a son of John Armacost, a pioneer settler of Clermont county. Mrs. Winspear has two brothers : Robert, of Greenville, Mich., is in the commission business. He married Miss Edith Wells. Ernest, of Point Pleasant, married Miss May Shaw, a daughter of the late Jonathan Shaw. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. John B. Winspear have been born two children, and their family circle is as yet unbroken by the hand of death. They are : 466 - CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES Gertrude Elizabeth. Edith May. In political matters, Mr. Winspear favors the Republican party, and has served as township clerk of Monroe township for the past seven years. He has been postmaster of Point Pleasant, since commissioned, July 27, 1908. Socially, he holds membership in the Masonic lodge of Tobasco, the Knights of Pythias, of Milford, and the Junior Order of American Mechanics of Moscow. The religious faith of both Mr. and Mrs. Winspear is demonstrated by their membership in the Methodist church at Point Pleasant. Since 1904, Mr. Winspear has devoted his time to the store which Mrs. Winspear started the year previous, while he was employed in the profession of teaching. In addition to the general merchandise business Mr. Winspear is a large manufacturer of elm blocks for wagon and carriage hubs, employing from twenty-five to thirty men and putting out from two hundred thousand to three hundred thousand blocks annually, which he supplies to the various manufacturers. He has ample warehouses, in which the blocks are stored and seasoned. It was due to his initiative and management, incurring the expense of freight, that the fine fourteen-foot cannon was shipped from Philadelphia and installed in the street on Big Indian creek, directly in front of the site where General Grant was born. The cannon was dedicated October 2, 1907, at the time of the "Home Coming" celebration, attended by nearly ten thousand people, including the late Gen. Fred D. Grant, the late Lieut.-Gen. Henry S. Corbin, U. S. A., the retired Governor Harris, of Ohio, Congressman Nicholas Longworth and many other notable men and citizens. The inscription on the cannon, in large raised type, is as follows : Ulysses Simpson Grant, Lieutenant-General United States Army, and twice elected President of the United States, was born on April 27, of the year 1822, in a home located on this spot. GEORGE WILLIAM GATCH. Mr. George William Gatch, one of the native sons of Clermont county, who has sought occupation in other fields, is a mail carrier of Cincinnati, residing on Cleveland avenue, Mil- CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES - 467 ford, Ohio. He is a son of Rev. George Gatch and was born on the old Gatch farm, near Milford, Ohio, November 6, 1842. He is also a grandson of the Rev. Philip Gatch, whose life record appears in these volumes. The children of the Rev. Philip Gatch were : Precosia, whose first marriage was to Mr. Garland. She was again married to a Mr. Osburn. Conduce, married Peggy McGrew. Thomas, married first, Miss Barber, and second, Miss Lucinda McCormick. George, married Sarah Jones. Ruth, married Michael Swing, and a son of theirs. Philip B., became United States district judge. Elizabeth, became the wife of Aaron Matson. Philip, first married Miss Dimmitt, and second Miss Susan Ulrey. George Gatch, the father of our subject, was born on a farm near Fredericksburg, Va., and was two years of age when his father, the Rev. Philip Gatch, came to Ohio, making the trip from Pittsburgh to Cincinnati on a flat boat. He was reared and educated in the schools of Clermont county, where the family finally located, arid when quite young began his life in the ministry as a circuit rider. He married Miss Sarah Jones and settled on the "Old Gatch Farm," becoming a local preacher. He was the father of the following children : John Jones, who died at the age of twenty-two years. Asbury Phillip, married Etta Hopper, and died in 1911, leaving two children. He was a captain in the Ninth Ohio cavalry during the late rebellion, and served until the close of the war, going with General Sherman to the sea. Rachel, passed from this life at the age of twenty-two years. Elizabeth, died in early life. Virginia, married Charles J. Buckingham, and died in 1868, at the age of thirty-five years. Precosia, passed away in early life. George William, the subject of this mention. Mahala, married Charles J. Buchingham, and died when a young woman, leaving two children. Samuel, married Lillian Wiggs. They live in Los Angeles, Cal., and have one child. George William Gatch grew to young manhood on the home farm and received a good common school education, learning the details of farm life. November 3o, 1871, he was united in 468 - CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES marriage to Mary E. Boyer, of Milford, who is a daughter of Thomas Wallace and Eunice (Condit) Boyer. They have had two children born to their union : Fannie B. is at home. George W., married Miss Emma Vogt, and is a farmer of Montana. They have two sons, George Albert and Wallace B. From the -Old Gatch Farm," George William inherited one hundred and sixty-six acres on which was the house built by his grandfather, Rev. Philip Gatch, and was the first frame building in this part of the country. It was used as a meeting place for the Methodists believers and sheltered many of the circuit riders of that day. In 1885, Mr. Gatch sold all of this farm with the exception of forty-six acres surrounding the home, and in the same year received an appointment as carrier of the mail in Cincinnati, and is still in the service. Mr. Gatch was reared a Republican, but has taken no active part in politics. He and his charming wife are active members of the Methodist church of which Mrs. Gatch has taught in the Sunday school for many years, and has been most successful in this line of church work, she being popular with the young people. In 1867, Mr. Gatch became a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, of Milford, Ohio, and has filled all the chairs of his local lodge. In the latter years of the late war he joined the army, enlisting in Company H, One Hundred and Fifty-third Ohio volunteer infantry, and was in the service of his country until the close of the war. the librarian. ABRAM BROWER. One of the best and favorably known ctizens of Milford, Ohio, who for years has been identified with the business affairs of Clermont county, belongs to one of the pioneer families of the county and is now retired from active life. His home is on Mound street, where he is spending his declining years. Mr. Brower was born at Montgomery, Hamilton county, Ohio, April 3, 1838, and is a son of Charles H. and Anna B. (Branch) Brower, the former of whom was born at Brunswick, New Jersey, February 22, 1812. He came with his parents, Dr. Abram and Elizabeth (Stoutenburg) Brower to Ohio, when they were quite young. The journey was made from Bruns- CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES - 469 wick to Pittsburgh by teams, and from there to Cincinnati by flat boat, soon after settling at Montgomery, Ohio, where Abram became a ruling elder in the Presbyterian church. He later moved to Lawrenceburg, Dearborn county, where he was very active in church work, and his demise occurred at Lawrenceburg, at a ripe old age of eighty-six years. Charles H. Brower, the father of our subject, grew to manhood on the home farm at Montgomery and there married the daughter of Joseph Branch, a native of Western New York, who purchased six hundred acres of land in Clermont county in the early days. While a new house was being erected on the home farm, the Branch family lived at Montgomery, and there the marriage of our subject's parents took place. The father of Mrs. Brower, Joseph Branch, died of that dread disease, cholera, and "Branch Hill" is named for him. They remained at Montgomery until 1838, when they removed to Branch Hill, where the mother had inherited a portion of the Branch estate. Abram Brower remained at the home farm of his parents at Branch Hill until he reached the age of twenty-three years, receiving a good common school education and good practical experience in the business of agriculture. His first venture in the business world was in the employ of W. W. Glenn & Company, wholesale grocers. He was thus occupied about one year, when he resigned from this company to accept a position with W. W. Hanley, wholesale grocer, and was with this company two years. In 1861, Mr. Brower enlisted in the One Hundred Day Service, in Company E, One Hundred and Thirty-seventh regiment, Ohio volunteer infantry, and although his regiment was ordered at once to the front at Petersburg, they went into quarters at Baltimore, and was mustered nut at Camp Dennison. Mr. Abraham Brower was married at Branch Hill, to Miss Anna M. Armstrong, on February 12, 1868. She was a daughter of A. E. and Priscilla (Skillinger) Armstrong, and was born at Cincinnati, where she received a splendid education for her day. Soon after their marriage they moved to a farm in Warren county, Ohio, where they carried on general farming for four years. About the year of 1873, Mr. Brower purchased a farm at Mt. Repose, Clermont county, Ohio, residing there for about six years, after which they lived at Branch Hill for a period of three years, moving to Milford in 1881. He then entered the employ of the Russell & Morgan Printing 470 - CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES Company, of Cincinnati, remaining in that establishment for six years, which was his last active position. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Brower have been born three children: William W., whose home is in Milford, Ohio. Alice E. became the wife of F. D. Balshiser, resident of Milford, Ohio. Arthur Howard is in the office of the Adams Express Company at Cincinnati. Mr. Brower was reared a Republican, but by his study of the political questions of the day he became a Democrat, and cast his first presidential ballot for Steven A. Douglas. He has served at different times as township trustee and has attended the various conventions as a delegate. He has filled the various chairs of the Knights of Pythias organization, of which he has been a member for many years, representing his local lodge at the grand lodge a number of times. He is a member of the S. R. S. West Post, Grand Army of the Republic, serving as adjutant of the post for several years. He has attended the reunions at Columbus, Ohio, and a number in Indiana. He is by birthright a Presbyterian, having membership at Milford, Ohio, and has served as trustee and as elder. HARRY S. STEVENSON. Mr. Harry S. Stevenson is one of the prominent attorneys of Clermont county, practicing in State and Federal courts, chiefly at Cincinnati. Mr. Stevenson is self made, having fought his way up from his early youth, occasioned by the loss of both his parents, and deserves much credit for his present enviable position in the professional circles of Clermont, Hamilton and Warren counties. John Stevenson, the grandfather of our subject, was a native of Ireland and a lieutenant in the Irish army. He came to America as a refugee, leaving Ireland on the day Robert Emmett was hanged, settling in Adams county, Ohio. He had twelve sons, who became prominent men of affairs in southern Ohio. Harry S. Stevenson was born in Adams county, Ohio, near Manchester, June 20, 1866, and his parents were David and Elizabeth (Halbert) Stevenson, the former of whom was born CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES - 471 in Adams county, where he grew to maturity, becoming a farmer. The education of Mr. H. S. Stevenson was acquired under difficult conditions. He was employed as a section hand, deck hand and farm laborer until he became of age, and he was forced to work his way through school. He walked to and from West Union for a teacher's examination, the distance being thirteen miles. He taught school for ten years. Mr. Stevenson graduated from the National Normal University at Lebanon, Ohio, class of 1899, holding the degrees of Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws. At one time in his life the subject of this article was a minister of the Methodist church and would have made this his life work, but being too liberal in his views he thought best to give up that profession and to take up instead the profession of law. On August 10, 1899, Mr. Stevenson was united in marriage to Anna M. Dunlap. Miss Dunlap was born and reared in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, a daughter of Henry B. and Mary E. (Crawford) Dunlap. She was a teacher in the Soldiers' and Sailors' Orphans' School at Chester Springs, Pa., holding one position continuously ten years, and while attending the normal school at Lebanon met Mr. Stevenson. She holds the degree of Bachelor of Arts. In the family of Mr. and Mrs. Stevenson is one son, David H., who was born at Lebanon, Ohio, December 24, 1900. Mr. Stevenson graduated from the law school at Lebanon, Ohio, in 1901, and in 1903 moved with his family to Loveland, where he has resided ever since. Although reared a Democrat, by his study of the political issues of the day Mr. Stevenson votes for Republican principles. He has served his party in various local offices and was nominated for prosecuting attorney of Clermont county in 1912. Fraternally, Mr. Stevenson is a Mason, Odd Fellow and Junior. There is particular satisfaction in reverting to the life history of Mr. Stevenson because of the untiring energy and courage displayed in overcoming difficulties and obstacles in fulfilling his ambition to follow the profession that appealed to him. His loyalty to his friends is one of his most engaging qualities, and his character is beyond reproach. He has established a large clientele and his constant attention to business has made him a pronounced success. 472 - CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES THOMAS H. FLINN. Thomas H. Flinn, one of the successful and highly progressive young business men of Loveland, Ohio, is senior member of the well known firm of Flinn & Ertel, grocers, whose up-to-date and thoroughly equipped place of business is located at the corner of Broadway and Railway avenue, was born at Loveland, February 28, 1882, his parents being Stephen and Susan (Terrill) Flinn, still residents of this village. Stephen Flinn, for the past twenty years watchman and flagman at the Baltimore & Ohio railroad crossing at Loveland, during which time he has never been suspended nor has anyone been injured at this point, was born in county Meath, Ireland, near the city of Dublin, May 25, 1847, son of Thomas and Margaret (Melady) Flinn, who came to America in 1856, when Stephen was about nine years of age. The sailing vessel on which they took passage was nine weeks on the ocean and encountered a severe storm before landing at New Orleans. They came to Cincinnati, and on to Loveland. Thomas Flinn was a stonemason, and after a time entered the employ of the old Hillsboro railroad, building stone bridges, and later worked in Loveland and vicinity, finally becoming a contractor. Subsequently he purchased lots in Loveland, on which he erected houses, selling the properties to incoming residents. He lived to the age of seventy-four, while his widow survived him some fifteen or sixteen years. Both are buried at Milford. Stephen Flinn received a fair common school education and worked on the farm in his youth, also starting in to learn the shoemaker's trade. During the Civil war, at the time of Kerby Smith's raid, he was called out and served for ninety days, receiving an honorable discharge, and afterwards spent nine months more in the Government service as a teamster. Shortly after the close of the war he entered the employ of the Marietta & Cincinnati railroad, now the Baltimore & Ohio, working on the section for years, finally becoming a section foreman. His marriage to Miss Susan Terrill was solemnize! at Loveland, she being a native of Perry county, Ohio. Their two children are : Thomas H., of this review, and Margaret, who is the wife of Charles Roush, of Norwood, Ohio. Thomas H. Flinn graduated form the Loveland High CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES - 473 School in the class of 1901 and for one summer was employed as a book solicitor, in which he proved himself a success, incidentally receiving a training useful in after life. Was for a short time engaged as bookkeeper at King's Mills, in Warren county, Ohio, resigning to accept a position as assistant agent for the Pennsylvania Railroad Company at Loveland. One year later he resigned, and on February 28, 1903, formed the present partnership with Hon. Earl E. Ertel, the present representative from Clermont county to the Ohio Legislature. The business of this firm has been most satisfactory, having grown rapidly under their progressive management. Mr. Flinn was married at Cincinnati, February 12, 1907, to Miss Nellie M. Daly, who was born, reared and educated in the Queen City, a daughter of Timothy and Mary (Linsky) Daly, residents of Cincinnati. Both are natives of Ireland, coming to America prior to their marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Flinn have two children : Roland Earl and Thomas Charles. Although reared a Democrat, Mr. Flinn is a staunch Republican and cast his first Presidential ballot for Theodore Roosevelt in 1904. He was reared in the Catholic church, being confirmed at fourteen under Bishop Elder. Socially he is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, of which he served as clerk for three years and for six years as a member of the official board of the local camp. STEWART HOPPING. Among the younger business men of Loveland, Ohio, is numbered Mr. Stewart Hopping, who, although not long a resident of the county, is one of the substantial and energetic men of the village where he now resides. He is considered one of the best auctioneers in this section. He is a native of Greene county, Ohio, his birth taking place at Clifton on the 24th of August, 1881, his parents being David R. and Flora C. (Campbell) Hopping. He grew to manhood in his native county, attending the public schools and graduating from the high school at Jamestown, in the class of 1900. His business life began when thirteen years of age, in the employ of a cider mill company, and at the age of eighteen engaged with a telephone company as trouble shooter, and for nine years he continued in this busi- 474 - CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES ness. He was made manager at Jamestown and held this position for twenty-eight months, after which he took up construction work in Ohio and Kentucky, becoming very proficient in all lines of the telephone business so that he could construct and operate a new line. However, he tired of the telephone business, and concluded to fit himself for the auction business, and to this end took a regular course in auctioneering at Chicago, where he worked his way through the Jones National School of Auction, and graduated in 1909. In January, 191o, Mr. Hopping came to Loveland and on March 17, 1910, was united in marriage to Pearl Timmons, of Rensselaer, Ind., where she was born and reared. She is a daughter of Joseph and Ellen (Payne) Timmons. In politics, Mr. Hopping votes the Republican ticket. He was reared in the United Presbyterian church and is a member of the church at Sycamore, and his wife was reared in the Methodist church, but both attend the Presbyterian church. As one of the reliable and honorable men of this section, Mr. Hopping commands the respect of all who know him, and his success in this locality is assured. JAMES WESLEY McKIBBEN. Mr. James Wesley McKibben, an honored veteran of the Civil war, is living retired fro mthe active duties of life, in his home in Monroe township, between Clermontville and Point Pleasant, which consists of some four acres on the Ohio river. He was born in Clermont county, Ohio, March 5, 1842, and is a son of George and Emeline (Fisher) McKibben. George McKibben was born along the Little Muskingum river in 1813 and died in Clermont county, May 9, 1895, at the age of eighty-two years. He came to this county as a young man and settled in Monroe township, where he conducted a wood yard. He served in the Civil war, enlisting in Company B, Fifty-ninth Ohio volunteer infantry, serving as a private for two years. He was a Republican and formerly a Whig. His father was Joseph McKibben, who was a native of Scotland, and came to America when quite young. He passed away on his farm on the Little Muskingum river. CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES - 475 George McKibben had several brothers and sisters, all of whom are deceased. Emeline (Fisher) McKibben was born in Clermont county, in Washington township, in 1818, and died in September, 1902. She was a daughter of Peter Fisher and wife, whose parents were natives of Germany, and who came to Clermont county from Pennsylvania. Peter was a son of Adam Fisher and a brother of the late David Fisher, formerly police judge and hotelman, of Cincinnati. Other brothers of Peter were ministers of the Christian church. Emeline (Fisher) McKibben had the following brothers and sisters, all now deceased except one sister, Mrs. Lizzie Corbin, residing in Monroe township : David, Samuel and Ben, all resided at Moscow, Ohio. Peter died at Covington, Ky., in 1912. Mrs. Polly Tattman lived at Moscow, as did Mrs. Lovina Armacost. James Wesley McKibben is the eldest living of nine children : David, James W., Mary, George, Frank, Albert, John, William Tell, Belle, Jane. James W., the second child, was born and reared in Monroe township and with the exception of the years spent in service in the Civil war has always lived in the county. He enlisted in Company C, Twelfth Ohio volunteer Infantry, and later in Company K, One Hundred and Tenth regiment, Ohio volunteers, being three years in service. He was mustered out as sergeant of Company C, Twelfth Ohio volunteer infantry, at the close of the war. He received wounds near Winchester in the Shenandoah Valley, and has been more or less disabled since that time. James W. McKibben was united in marriage, in January, 1869, to Miss Mary E. Keplinger, who was born in Crawford county, Illinois, October 7, 1848, a daughter of Noah and Mary (Watts) Keplinger, the former of whom was a native of Virginia, and the latter of Illinois. The education and early training of Mrs. McKibben was received in Illinois, where she resided until a short time prior to her marriage. She is the mother of eight children : Charles is a resident of the South. Walter, of Columbus, Ohio, is interested in a sanitarium at that place. He married Amelia Hoelcher and they have one son, J. Morton. Viola, of Cincinnati. 476 - CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES Nina is a bookkeeper for the Citizens' Telephone Company, of Lawrenceville, Ill. Watts is at home. Robert, Clarence and Paul, all have passed away. In politics, Mr. McKibben is a Progressive Republican and cast his first Presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln and for all the Republican candidates. In fraternal organizations, his son, Walter, has membership with the Odd Fellows, of Columbus, and the Masonic lodge. James W. McKibben and his estimable wife are members of the Christian church, of Mt. Zion. They are people of integrity, intelligence and high moral standing. WILLIAM O. ROBINSON. William O. Robinson, the enterprising and energetic merchant and postmaster of Perintown, Ohio, was born in Batavia township, Clermont county, Ohio, March 20, 1862, his parents being Oliver and Laura A. (Lytle) Robinson. The boyhood days of Mr. Robinson were spent on the farm and he was educated in the country schools of the county. He then taught school one term, after which he went to Lebanon, Ohio, where he attended school in the summer, but taught during the winter terms in the country schools. He kept this up for three years, having for a teacher, "Daddy" Holbrook." He continued teaching, later attending the summer school at Valparaiso, Ind., for two summers. By constant application to his work, Mr. Robinson earned a first class life certificate to teach, in which profession he was engaged for twenty-one years in Clermont county. In 1904, Mr. William Robinson desiring a change of occupation became an employee of the Union Central Life Insurance Company, when Mr. John G. Pattison was its president, and at the time the latter was elected governor of Ohio. After spending three years in the insurance business Mr. Robinson came to Perintown, where he purchased a stock of merchandise and was appointed postmaster. In 1864, when Mr. William 0. Robinson was two years of age, his father died, leaving two children, our subject and a sister, Lillian. His mother married again and her second husband was James Hitch. To this union two children were born, Harriet and Frank. The stepfather being an invalid, it became CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES - 477 necessary for William to help in the support of the family when he was quite young, which he did by teaching. Lillian and Harriet became teachers, the latter following the profession until her marriage to Monroe Wiseman, of Ironton, Ohio. She has two children, Franklin and Robert. The half-brother, Frank, is a graduate of the State University, and is city engineer of New York City. The mother and step-father of Mr. Robinson are still living in Batavia, Ohio. Mr. William Robinson is not only a staunch Democrat, but has been a delegate many times to the various conventions, and refused the office of county treasurer in 1912. He is a member of the Methodist church, and has for many years been a teacher of the Bible class. He is well known in the fraternal circles of the county and State, holding membership in the Free and Accepted Masons, and is past worshipful master, representing his lodge at the grand lodge for two years. He is also a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Amelia, No. 99, being past grand and representing his lodge for three years at grand lodge. He was district deputy for two years, installing officers all over the district, including Clermont and Brown counties. Mr. Robinson is not only a self-made man, but he has been the main support of the family as they grew up, helping materially in educating those younger than himself. He yet contributes to the needs of his mother and step-father, and to any who are in need of assistance.. He has been a great benefit to the young of his locality, is very well read, and is informed on all the subjects of education and political interest. HORACE J. BECK. In Mr. Horace J. Beck we find a splendid representative of the self-made man, a man who without any special pecuniary advantages has worked his way steadily upward in the commercial world. Mr. Beck was born in the house which is his present home, at Bethel, Ohio, July 9, 1837, his parents being John D. and Eliza (Edwards) Beck, the former a native of Ohio. He was a blacksmith at Bethel and died in 1861, aged fifty-two years. Eliza (Edwards) Beck was born in Essex county, New Jersey, and died in 1889, aged eighty-four years, and to this union were born ten children : 478 - CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES Timothy E. was a resident of near Bethel, Ohio, until his death. William Gerard remained with his father in the shop until his death. Caroline C. was the wife of Miller W. Fagely, of this county. Horace J., our subject. Marcus A. died at Bethel and was a blacksmith. Samantha, deceased, was the wife of Reuben White. Amos, deceased, was a farmer in Illinois. John H. is a resident of Amelia, Ohio. Moses died when a young man, at Bethel, Ohio Edwin, passed away at Bethel, Ohio. Horace J. Beck was educated in the schools of Bethel and assisted his father in the shop for a time, after which he accepted a position as clerk in the general store of Sinks & Clare, at Bethel, and was thus employed for some thirteen years. In 1880, Mr. Beck was united in marriage to Miss Phoebe Winterrowd, who was born in Indiana in 1852, and is a daughter of Peter and Elizabeth (Hagerman) Winterrowd, both of whom were natives of Indiana. They were the parents of eight children, four still living: Phoebe, Mrs. Beck. Peter is operating the old home farm in Indiana. Clara is the wife of George Muck, of Indiana. Julia is Mrs. Charles Klein, of Indiana. Mr. and Mrs. Horace Beck have had four children, all being born in the same home in which their father first saw the light of day. They are : Estel, whose birth occurred in 1882, lives next door to his father in a substantial brick home. He is an employee in the shoe factory at Bethel, Ohio. He married Louise Reed and has one son. Angie C. is the wife of Oliver House, a brickmason, of Cincinnati. Her birth took place in 1884. Clara was born in 1886 and is Mrs. Allen Harris, living near Bethel, Ohio. Florence was born in 1888 and lived but four months. For the past fifteen years Mr. Beck has been engaged in the insurance business, representing the Phoenix Insurance Company of New York, with office in his home. He has a nice farm of eighty-seven acres near Bethel, which he has kept rented. In religious matters, both Mr. and Mrs. Beck are consistent CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES - 479 members of the Baptist church, of which he has for many years been a deacon, also superintendent of the Sunday school, until he was unable to attend to the duties of that office. JOHN H. BECK. John H. Beck, retired, residing in the village of Hamlet, Clermont county, Ohio, is a native of this county, born January 1, 1845, son of John D. and Eliza (Edwards) Beck. The father was a blacksmith at Bethel for years, being a son of Levi Beck, a veteran of the war of 1812. John D. Beck died March 29, 1861, while Mrs. Beck passed, away June 12, 1889, she being the last representative of the Edwards family in this section. The Becks are of English descent. The maternal grandfather of our subject, Capt. John Edwards, was a Revolutionary soldier and lived and died in New Jersey. He was a warm personal friend of Gen. George Washington, who often dined at the Edwards home. A son, Timothy Edwards, accompanied by his wife, nee Martha Miller, came from New Jersey to Ohio very early in the nineteenth century, settling on the Miami river. Later removed to a farm near Bethel, in Clermont county. John H. Beck is one of twelve children, of whom but one other is living, Horace Beck, of Bethel, Ohio. Mr. Beck received his schooling at Bethel and before coming of age enlisted in the One Hundred and Eighty-fourth Ohio volunteer infantry, spending a year with the Army of the Cumberland. Returning to Bethel, he attended school for a time and then engaged in farming with one of his brothers. Was married, November 21, 1877, to Miss Alice S. Gardner, born December 16, 1851, daughter of George and Elizabeth (Eppert) Gardner, both natives of Clermont county. The Gardners are of Welsh descent, while the Epperts are of Pennsylvania German extraction. Mrs. Beck's grandfather, Samuel Gardner, was born July 22, 1785, and died in 1879, aged ninety-four. He came to Ohio while the Indians were still plentiful, being on friendly terms and trading with them, also hunting a great deal. His parents, Nathan and Pattie Gardner, lived to be one hundred and three and one hundred and one, respectively. George Gardner was born near Mt. Pisgah, May 6, 1824, and died August 13, 1908, while his widow, who resides at the old home in Mt. Holly, 480 - CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES was born April 20, 1834. He enlisted, in November, 1861, in Company K, Fifty-second Indiana infantry, being discharged from hospital in 1862. A brother, Nathan G. Gardner, served in the army, also three brothers-in-law—Samuel Eppert, who died in Andersonville prison, Madison and Perry Eppert, besides several cousins. Mr. and Mrs. Gardner were members of the United Brethren church. Ten children were born to them, of whom six are living: Alice S., wife of our subject : Carthena, wife of Uriah Butler, residing at Mt. Pisgah, Clermont county ; Martha, now Mrs. Lewis Furlong, of Newtown, Ohio ; Laura, Mrs. Harmon Fagin, of Plymouth, Ill.; Edgar B., of Terre Haute, Ind.; and Elmer C., who resides at Los Angeles, Cal. After marriage Mr. and Mrs. John H. Beck settled on a farm near Bethel, their home for twenty-four years. Then Mr. Beck purchased the pretty home at Hamlet, on the Ohio turnpike, where they have since resided. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic and a Prohibitionist. He and Mrs. Beck are both members of the Baptist church, of Amelia, Ohio, of which Mr. Beck is now serving as a trustee. Their four children, all born in Clermont county, are living: Elsie V., born January 31, 1879, was married May 24. 1900, to J. Paris Goodbar, and they have one son, Paul Beck Good-bar, born September 4, 1908, and their home is in Dallas, Tex.; Gordon C., born June 20, 1881, a graduate of Bethel High School and of Dennison University, taught a year at Pin Hook, Clermont county and is engaged in real estate business at Pittsburgh, Pa.; Ellsworth, born September 16, 1884, is an artist residing at Westerville, Ohio, having been with the Culver Art and Frame Company the past nine years—married Miss Lenore Jenkins, July 28. 1907, and they have one son, Marston Keith, born January 28, 1913 ; and Miss Ethel May, born May 16, 1887, is at home. Mr. and Mrs. Beck are enjoying their comfortable home, which is one widely known for its hospitality and pervading spirit of good cheer. They number their friends by the score. ALBERT W. FRANCIS, M. D. Dr. Albert W. Francis, a prominent physician and surgeon of Ripley, Ohio, associated with Dr. Robert T. Prine, is not only eminent in his profession, but has been closely identi- CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES - 481 fied with the city's material development since 1889. Dr. Francis was born at Russellville, Brown county, Ohio, and is a son of Wilson W. and Hannah (Bower) Francis. Wilson. W. Francis was born at Ash Ridge, Brown county, Ohio, about 1823, and died in 189o. He was a son of Edward and Jane (Wilson) Francis, both of whom were natives of county Caven, Ireland, and who came to America about 1816, bringing several children with them and locating at Ash Ridge, Ohio, where they resided until their deaths. Wilson W. Francis was a farmer and a substantial citizen, who filled many offices of trust in the township and county. He gave his services to his country in her time of need, during the Civil war. He was a member and an elder of the Presbyterian church, of Russellville, for many years before his decease. Hannah (Bower) Francis was born near Russellville, in Brown county, Ohio, in 1825, and died in 1892. She was a daughter of Robert and Sarah (Smith) Bower, the latter born in Pennsylvania and the former was born in county Down, Ireland, and he came to America about 1799. He was a successful farmer and owned large property in the vicinity of Russellville, where they resided for the greater part of their lives. They were staunch members of the Presbyterian church. Dr. A. W. Francis is the fifth of seven children, namely : Mrs. Eleanor Kendall, a widow, resides with Dr. Francis. Mrs. James Porter, who died at Russellville, Ohio, in 1888. William, a contractor and builder, of Wichita, Kan. He is married and has a family of two children. Charles W., a painter and decorator, of Shreveport, La, Dr. A. W. Two others died in infancy. Dr. Albert W. Francis received his early education in the Russellville schools and later at Lebanon, Ohio. He then taught school for six years in Brown county, after which he studied medicine with Dr. J. N. Salisbury, of Russellville, and then entered the Ohio Medical College, of Cincinnati, from which he graduated in 1889. He entered upon his professional career at once, associating with Dr. W. A. Dixon, of Ripley, and this connection continued for eleven years. Since 1899 Dr. Francis has been associated with Dr. R. T. Prine. Dr. Francis is a man of progressive ideas and professional ability. He is vice-president of the Ripley National Bank 482 - CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES and president of the People's Building and Loan Association. For the past sixteen years he has served his towns people on the school board. Fraternally, Dr. Francis is the high priest of Ripley Chapter No. 82 and is a member of Union Lodge No. 71, Free and Accepted Masons. He is also a member of Ripley Lodge No. 84, Knights of Pythias. The religious connections of Dr. Francis are with the Presbyterian church. Dr. Francis is a member of the American Medical Association, of the Ohio State Medical Society, and has just recently retired from the office of president of the Brown County Medical Society, having served in that capacity for a period of seven years. He has contributed articles and papers to the county and State societies. Dr. Albert W. Francis is very highly esteemed by his fellow citizens, which fact is evidenced by the extensive practice he has obtained in this vicinity. Possessed of all the qualities which go to make a useful life, Dr. Francis has added the graces of culture and professional attainment, which have brought to him much personal affection. ROBERT T. PRINE, M. D. Dr. Robert Tomb Prine, of the firm of Francis & Prine, physicians and surgeons, who has been a resident of Ripley, Ohio, since 1899, is engaged in the general practice of his profession, in which he has attained unusual prominence. He is a native of Ripley, Brown county, Ohio, his birth having occurred October 13, 1875, his parents being Robert T. and Anna (Sutherland) Prine. Robert T. Prine, Sr., was born in Flemingsburg, Fleming county, Kentucky, in 1835, a son of Henry Prine, who located at Russellville, Ohio, before the Civil war, and there conducted a hotel for many years. Robert T. Prine, Sr., was for twenty years engaged in the banking business at Ripley, being associated in the First National Bank, now the Ripley National Bank. His death took place in 1882. Anna (Sutherland) Prine, a native of Brown county, Ohio, died in 1905 at the age of nearly sixty-two years. She was a daughter of Isaac and Sarah (McConaughy) Sutherland, both CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES - 483 of whom came to Brown county when young. Mrs. Prine was a devout member of the Presbyterian church. Dr. Robert T. Prine is an only child and was reared in Ripley, where he attended the public school and graduated therefrom. After completing his preliminary education he entered the Medical College of Ohio at Cincinnati, graduating in the class of 1897. He then practiced his profession near Cincinnati until 1899, when he located in Ripley, and the present partnership was formed. Dr. Prine chose for his life companion Miss Bessie Garoutte, a native of Eaton, Ohio, and a daughter of Rev. C. W. and Elizabeth (Sheldon) Garoutte, the former a minister of the Christian church, of Ripley, Dayton, and elsewhere. Mrs. Garoutte was a sister of Dr. S. B. Sheldon, of Five-Mile, Ohio. Both Rev. and Mrs. Garoutte are deceased. Politically, Dr. Prine is a staunch Republican and has served as councilman, and is at present a trustee of the water works committee. He was also candidate for State representative. Fraternally, Dr. Prine is present master of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, Union Lodge No. 71, of Ripley, and is a member of Ripley Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, No. 82. In addition, he has membership with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, being a past noble grand of Lamartine Lodge No. 118, and a past chief patriarch of Ripley Encampment No. 295. Dr. Price is a member of the Ohio State Medical association and of the Brown County Medical Society. Religiously, Dr. Prine is a member of the Presbyterian church. Dr. Prine is a man of Statewide reputation in medical circles and has always been a constanat student and keeps thoroughly abreast of the times, and there are few engaged in general practice with so broad and comprehensive a knowledge of the medical science in its entirety. MICHAEL GERMANN Mr. Michael Germann, for many years prominently identified with the agricultural interests of Brown county, has been a resident of Ripley, Ohio, since 1906, and is enjoying the retirement from active labors, surrounded by all that tends to 484 - CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES make the evening of life often the most pleasurable. Mr. Germann was born in Bavaria, Germany, July 12, 1834, a son of George and Mary (Mathias) Germann, the former of whom was a maker of wooden shoes and passed away in 1838, aged thirty-two years, and the latter of whom was about fifty years of age at the time of her death, in 1860, at Boston, Mass. Michael Germann is one of four children, whose names are as follows : Barbara (Hoover) died at Cincinnati in 1911; Elizabeth (Heitz), a widow, of Cincinnati ; Mary (Lang), a widow, residing at Ripley. In company with his sister, Barbara, Michael Germann set out for America in 1852, and, settling at New York, he learned the trade of a wagon maker. Three years later the rest of the family came to New York, and soon after their arrival they removed to Boston, the home of our subject until 1862, when he located at Ripley, Ohio. His marriage occurred at Boston on the 4th of May, 1858, his union being with Miss Frances Thrane, who was born in Wurtemburg, Germany, March 9, 1836, a daughter of Joseph and Barbara (Beier) Thrane, both of whom died in Germany, the former being a tailor by business. Mrs. Germann is one of six children, all of whom are deceased : Frank ; Joseph ; Christoff ; Barbara, and Kate. Mrs. Germann came to America when eighteen years of age, with her brother, Christoff, and remained a short time in New York and Buffalo, after which they came west to Boston, Mass., where she was married. In the family of Mr. and Mrs. Germann have been ten children, of whom nine are living : Frank and George, of Ripley, Ohio ; Frances, wife of Frank Schwalia, a farmer of Union township ; Lizzie (Lang), farmers ; William died in the fall of 1911 at the age of forty-three years ; John, a farmer ; Katie (Haucke), farmers ; Lawrence, a farmer ; Michael, r., and Miss Anna, at home. Mr. Michael Germann opened a wagon shop at Ripley, in 1862, making the first spring wagon in Brown county. He continued in this business until 1865, when he sold out to Mr. Reinert and purchased a small farm in Huntington township. He sold this farm and bought another, a larger one, and until 1906 he carried on general farming at this place, which he still owns. Removing to Ripley, he purchased the Renolds home on Third street, which was erected in 1855. In politics, Mr. Germann votes the Democratic ticket. He is a member of St. Michael's German Catholic Church, of Ripley, and to this denomination he gives a generous support. CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES - 485 Mr. and Mrs. Germann have fifty-six living grandchildren, and three besides this number are deceased. Mr. Germann and his family are much respected and esteemed by all with whom they are associated, and are in every sense good citizens. JOSEPH H. EVANS. Mr. Joseph H. Evans, deceased, was long connected with the agricultural interests of Brown county, Ohio, and was one of the most highly esteemed and substantial citizens. He was born on the Evans homestead in Huntington township, Brown county, February 15, 1854, a son of the Hon. Andrew Evans, extended mention of whom is made on another page of these volumes. Joseph H. Evans attended the school in his neighborhood and remained under the parental roof until his twenty-second birthday, and under his father's instructions grew into a thoroughly practical farmer, able to cope with almost any agricultural situation. For years he was considered one of the best farmers in his locality. Mr. Evans was united in marriage on his twenty-second birthday to Miss Louisa B. Dragoo, who was born March 22, 1857, a daughter of Samuel and Amanda (Day) Dragoo, of Union township. One year after his marriage Mr. Evans removed to the farm, where Mrs. Evans still resides, and which consists of two hundred and sixty-nine acres. This farm Mr. Evans improved and cultivated during his life and the family continue to keep it in excellent condition. The home is in Union township and was built in 1821. Four children were added to the home of Mr. and Mrs. Evans, whose names follow : Charles P., born November 9, 1876, is operating the home farm. He married Miss Audrey Shank, who died October 14, 1901, leaving one son, Richard N., thirteen years of age. Mr. Evans is a member of Lamartine Lodge No. 118, Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Ross H., born March 17, 1879, is in the United States mail service and resides at Kansas City, Mo. He married Cordie Christopher. Archie L., born June 18, 1881, is a jeweler of Kansas City, Mo. He married Sadie Marshall. 486 - CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES Estelle V., born August , 1855, and is the wife of Evert R. Fennan, a farmer of Jefferson township, living near Russellville, Brown county. Mr. Joseph Evans and his family are members of the Presbyterian church, and he was a man of integrity of character, and honorable and upright in public and private life, he was highly respected by all who knew him. He was a member of Union Lodge No. 118, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of Ripley, Ohio.    THE MEFFORD & GRIM COMPANY. The Mefford & Grim Company, furniture dealers, funeral directors and embalmers, of Ripley, Ohio, is the largest and most widely known furniture and undertaking establishment in Brown county. The company has done a large business in Brown and Adams counties in Ohio and also in Kentucky, and is incorporated for ten thousand dollars. The business was established about 1876 by Mr. L. Grim, Sr., as a general store and funeral directory, in the present location, the coffins and furniture being manufactured in the same building, which has since been remodeled. Later the firm name was changed to L. Grim & Son, and in 1906, when Messrs. Harry L. and Thomas L. Mefford became interested in the company, the firm name was changed to the Mefford & Grim Company, by which it has since been known. Mr. Grim has retained his interest in the business, but it is managed by the Mefford brothers. The business has steadily increased during the past few years and the building has been remodeled and modernized to take care of the extensive trade. It is interesting to thus note the gradual growth of a large enterprise and it is easy to feel enthusiasm for the minds who have not only the ability to plan, but also to execute so great an undertaking. The firm was doing a very nice business prior to the time the Mefford brothers became interested, but upon entering into the firm they combined youthful energy and persevering activity with rare administrative skill and thorough knowledge, which has made possible a larger increase. The mutual confidence and esteem which has always existed among the members of the firm has had its influence, and all are men of highest business integrity as well as commercial perception. CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES - 487 FRANK E. BOYD. Mr. Frank E. Boyd, general manager of the People's Coal Company, of Ripley, Ohio, has occupied the present position since July, 191o, to the entire satisfaction of his employers. The company is owned by Mr. J. T. Hatfield, of Covington, Ky., Mr. Fred Eversbach, of Pomeroy, Ohio, and Mr. Gottlieb Hardwig, of Cincinnati, and does the largest retail business on the Ohio river, with the exception of the cities. Frank E. Boyd was born at Levanna, Brown county, Ohio, February 10, 1871, and is a son of the late Capt. Charles W. and Margaret Frances (McMeekin) Boyd. The latter was a native of Adams county, Ohio. Her death occurred May 12, 1897, at the age of sixty years. She was a devout member of the Christian church. Capt. Charles W. Boyd was born in Lewis county, Kentucky, in 1834, and died in 1894. He was a very active and successful business man and conducted a lumber saw mill and boat building business at Ripley, Levanna and Higginsport, Ohio. In his later years he was active in politics and served as deputy collector of internal revenue under President Harrison. Upon coming to Brown county, Captain Boyd became associated with his uncle, Samuel Horn, a merchant and boatman, for some time. After becoming thoroughly familiar with this line of business he purchased the business from his uncle and conducted it with the assistance of a brother, Samuel, who is now in the lumber business in Cincinnati. The firm operated under the name of C. W. & S. G. Boyd and later as the Boyd Manufacturing Company, with head offices at Ripley. This venture proved very successful and they continued this association until the disastrous fires and floods of the early '8o's. Captain Boyd then turned his attention to general farming on his farm in Union township, four miles from Ripley. In 1861, at the first call for volunteers, he enlisted in the Thirty-fourth regiment, Ohio volunteers. He re-enlisted and served until the close of the war. He won much admiration by his gallant service and was promoted at various times, leaving the service as major, although he was always known as captain. He participated in many important engagements and was wounded at Fayetteville, W. Va. Socially, Capt. Charles Boyd was a member of the Masonic order, Blue Lodge and Chapter of Ripley, of the Cincinnati 488 - CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES Commandery. He was also a member of the Loyal Legion and the Blaine Club. He served in the various offices of the Wirt Liggett Post, Grand Army of the Republic, and as commander in the State department. Mr. Frank E. Boyd, the subject of this mention, is the youngest of six children living, the youngest having died in infancy. The others are : Alice K., wife of A. E. Humphreys, of Denver, Colo., where he is engaged in the mining and real estate business. Alberta Lee, widow of T. S. Thomson, who is residing with her daughter at Canton, Ohio. Mattie A., wife of W. 0. Saum, Charleston, W. Va. James P., of Ripley, Ohio. W. C., a miner of coal in West Virginia and until recently superintendent of stores of the Carbon Coal Company. The education of Frank E. Boyd was acquired in the public schools, after which he entered upon his business life in the livery business, continuing for a period of fourteen years. Upon reaching the age of his majority he chose for his companion of future years Miss Esther Ladenburger, a native of Brown county, and a daughter of Mr. Louis Ladenburger, of Ripley. Their marriage has been blessed with one son, Charles W., who is eight years of age, and is in school. Mr. F. E. Boyd votes the Republican ticket and has always taken an intelligent interest in all public affairs. He has served for the past twelve years as township trustee of Union township. The fraternal relations of Mr. Boyd include the Blue Lodge and Chapter of the Masonic order, of Ripley, and the Modern Woodmen of America, of Ripley. Mr. Boyd has membership with the Christian church. while Mrs. Boyd is a member of the Presbyterian church. B. R. CRISWELL. Mr. B. R. Criswell, a member of the drug firm of Criswell & Bristow, at the corner of Second and Main streets, Ripley, Ohio, is one of the city's most prominent and substantial citizens. He was born at Ripley, August 14, 1866, and is a son of R. M. and Ellen (Donaldson) Criswell, the latter of whom is a resident of Ripley, and is eighty years of age. CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES - 489 Mr. R. M. Criswell was reared in Pennsylvania, his parents being of an old Bradford county family. His grandfather was of English lineage, and his grandmother was of Irish parentage, and many of the family now reside in Central Ohio. R. M. Criswell came to Brown county from Washington Court House, Ohio, and settled in Ripley in 186o, where he embarked in the carriage manufacturing business. For many years his carriage factory was the only one at Ripley. He was widely known and enjoyed an enviable reputation because of the excellent workmanship on his carriages and surreys. His demise occurred in 1894, at the age of sixty-three years. He was a Democrat in politics, and both he and his wife were devout members of the Methodist church. Ellen (Donaldson) Criswell was born at Zanesville, Ohio, and was practically reared there until her marriage. She was a member of an early and prominent family of Muskingum county. She became the mother of four sons and one daughter, whose names follow : James M., who owns a farm in Union township, near Ripley, and is successfully engaged in general farming. C. D., has charge of a department in a large store in Decatur, Ill. B. R., who is the subject of this mention. One son is deceased. Mrs. W. P. Reynolds, wife of a printer of Columbus, Ohio. Mr. B. R. Criswell was reared arld educated at Ripley, graduating from the high school, after which event he entered the business world in the confectionery and restaurant business at his present stand. Prior to starting out in life for himself, Mr. Criswell was associated with his father in the carriage manufacturing business. The present partnership in the drug business was formed early in the year of 1912. Mr. W. H. Bristow is a graduate pharmacist, and has been a resident of Ripley for the past year. He was formerly from Covington, Ky. He and his family are members of the Presbyterian church, and he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and of the Masons. In politics, Mr. Criswell is a staunch Democrat and takes an active interest in all public affairs. The fraternal relations of Mr. Criswell are with the Ripley Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, of which organization he has filled the office of high priest for the past three years, and 490 - CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES with the Knights of Pythias, of which he is past chancellor commander. In religious belief, he is a member of the Methodist church, to which denomination he gives liberally of his means. For the past year, Mr. Criswell has given his entire attention to the drug business, and has met with a large measure of success. The firm enjoys a fine patronage and Ripley is proud to number it among the business enterprises of the town. POLEMAN NELSON ELLIS. The death of Mr. Poleman Nelson Ellis, on August 28, 1912, at his home in Higginsport, Ohio, removed from that town a valued and well known citizen. Mr. Ellis was a successful farmer and progressive tobacco dealer, during his active life, and because of the energetic labors of his younger years was enabled to spend the sunset of life in the calm and peaceful enjoyment of the fruits of his endeavors. Mr. Ellis was born in Lewis township, Brown county, Ohio, March 4, 1838, and was a brother of Mr. Amos F. Ellis, of Williamsburg, Ohio. On the 2d of December, 1862, Mr. P. N. Ellis was united in marriage to Miss Ruth Hannah Pangburn, who was born in Brown county, June 16, 1838, a daughter of John and Sarah Jane (Hodkins) Pangburn, both natives of Brown county. Mr. Pangburn was a farmer by business and also flat boated on the Ohio river, carrying produce to the South. He was a son of Lyons Pangburn and Rebecca (Applegate) Pangburn, who were born in Pennsylvania, and were among the earliest resident farmers of Brown county, of near Lavenna. Mr. John Pangburn died at the age of seventy years, while his wife passed away at the age of sixty-three years. John and Sarah Jane (Hodkins) Pangburn were the parents of the following sons and daughters : Ruth Hannah, Mary Ann (deceased), Martha (deceased), James E. (deceased), Winfield Scott, Lines Albert, Alexander B., Alfred (deceased), Calvin, William (deceased), Washington and Grant (deceased). Mr. and Mrs. P. N. Ellis were the parents of four children : One child which died in infancy unnamed. Oston, died March 20, 1865, aged eighteen months. Oscar C., who is in the tobacco business at Ripley, Ohio. CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES - 491 He has two daughters, Elizabeth Virginia, born on Easter Sunday, March 27, 191o, and Ruth Evelyn, born August 24, 1912. Edgar W., of Avondale, Ohio, who is now in Florida, where he recently purchased twenty thousand acres of land on Indian river, and has laid out a town there. He has two daughters : Edna, born March 30, 1890, married Paul L. Henkel. Their wedding was a society event in Avondale. Mr. Henkel died December 24, 1912. Marie was born September 2, 1913. Mr. Ellis was a staunch Republican, and was active in all worthy enterprises in his locality. During the Civil war, he was a member and captain of the home guards. In religious faith, Mr. Ellis and his family embraced the belief of the Christian church. The place he occupied in the hearts of his many friends can never be filled. Known alike to rich and poor, he was esteemed by all and many were the touching expressions relative to the general loss. SAMUEL B. MEFFORD. Mr. Samuel B. Mefford, one of the best known citizens of Union township, Brown county, Ohio, who has proved himself a successful farmer and stockman, owns and operates two hundred and thirty acres of the old Mefford farm, which was settled by John Mefford, the great-grandfather of Mr. Samuel Mefford of this mention. Mr. Mefford was born on a farm adjoining his present home, December 7, 1854, he being a son of John Walker and Annie (Pangburn) Mefford. John Walker Mefford was also a native of Brown county, his birth having taken place in Union township, February 3, 1814, and his death, May 17, 1891. He was a prosperous farmer, which occupation he followed during his entire active life. In politics, he was a staunch Republican, and both he and his wife were consistent members of the Christian church. He was a son of George and Polly Mefford. George Mefford was born November 22, 1786, and departed this life, October 30, 1872, while his wife was born October 20, 1793, and passed away, May 16, 1832. He was engaged in the produce business and in connection with this line of business, made eighteen trips to New Orleans. He and his wife were active members of the Baptist church, and were prom- 492 - CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES inent in the community in which they lived. George was son of John Mefford, who was also the great grandfather of Mr. Samuel B. Mefford. John Mefford was born in Pennsylvania, April 19, 1764, and came to Mason county, Kentucky, from his native State in 1787. Shortly after, he removed to Brown county, locating near Levanna, where he purchased five hundred acres of land and there carried on general farming until his death, April 21, 1834. He made the trip from Pennsylvania to Kentucky by flat boat, then the common means of travel. Samuel B. Mefford is one of fifteen children, of whom thirteen grew to maturity. One died at the age of fourteen years, and one at two years of age. There are eight still living, namely : George W., L. P., Melissa (Drake) and Mrs. Flora White, all of Higginsport; William P., of Felicity, Ohio; Emma (Burgett), of Dayton, Ohio; and Clamenza (Smith), of Ripley, Ohio. Mr. Samuel B. Mefford has resided thus far on the old home farm, and has been engaged in the business of farming along general lines. He has made many improvements during his residence as owner, including a handsome home, which was erected in 191o. The marriage of Mr. Samuel B. Mefford and Miss Albertine Loudon took place on the 2d of April, 1879. She was born in Union township, Brown county, Ohio, September 25, 1852, and is a daughter of W. P. and Eliza J. (Rogers) Loudon. The birth of the former occurred in February, 1827, and he passed away November 27, 1903. The latter was born in 1832 and died June 8, 1911, both natives of Brown county. Mrs. Mefford's grandfather, Charles Loudon, was a brother of Gen. James Loudon, who came to Brown county together, from Mason county, Kentucky. Her maternal grandfather, Ezekiel Rogers, was born in Brown county, and was a son of Thomas Rogers, who settled in the county soon after the Revolution. Mrs. Mefford is one of four children, two sons and two daughters, the others being: W. B. Loudon, of Union township, a farmer on Pizgah Ridge ; E. W., a tobacco man of Cincinnati, whose office is at No. 1o East Front street ; Rachel (Myers), of Union township, a widow of William Myers. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Mefford consists of the following children : Bertha, who died in infancy; Harry L. and Thomas L., furniture dealers and undertakers of Ripley, Ohio ; and Earl L., a traveling man of Dayton, Ohio. CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES - 493 Mr. Mefford takes an intelligent interest in politics, and has served for the past six years as township trustee of Union township. Mr. and Mrs. Samuel B. Mefford are active members of the Christian church. He is a thoroughly respected citizen and all who know him appreciate his many noble traits of character. J. H. NEU. Mr. J. H. Neu has been prominently identified with the commercial interests of Higginsport, Ohio, since October, 1895, as a dealer in hardware and farm implements, carrying an extensive line of goods and implements. Mr. Neu is a native of Brown county, his birth having taken place in Pleasant township, November 6, 1869, his parents being Jacob and Margaret (Wolfe) Neu. Jacob Neu was born in Brown county in 1845, and passed from this life in 1907, while his wife was born in Germany in 1851, and is a resident of Higginsport. She was a daughter of Louis Wolfe, who came to America when his daughter was three months old and settled in Brown county. Jacob Neu was a very successful farmer of Pleasant township, where he was highly esteemed by all with whom he came in contact. He was an active member of the Democratic party and his religious belief embraced the faith of the Lutheran church, and his wife was a member of the Christian church. He was a son of Jacob Neu, who came to America when he was eight years of age with his father, Conrad Neu, who settled in Brown county. Mr. J. H. Neu is a member of a family of nine children, of whom three sons and four daughters are living: Charles E., a farmer residing in Lewis township, Brown county, Ohio. Louella (Shelton), of Xenia, Ohio, married first, Mr. Robert Armstrong. Ada M. (White), is a resident of Pleasant township, where her husband is engaged in farming. Stella C. (Shelton), of Dayton, Ohio, where her husband is engaged as superintendent of the Prudential Insurance agency. Minnie, who died in 1895, at the age of eleven years. Clarence, is a farmer of Pleasant township. Edna died in 1895, at the age of five years. 494 - CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES Miss Nellie, at home. Mr. J. H. Neu acquired a good common school education in the schools of his locality, and remained at the home farm until he was twenty-six years of age, thus gaining a good practical experience in the occupation of farming. Mr. Neu married Miss Emma M. Sontag, who was born in Brown county, and is a daughter of Richard and Catherine (Gross) Sontag, a native of Germany, now of Hamilton county, Ohio. In the family of Mr. and Mrs. Neu are four children, and the family circle remains unbroken by the hand of death Their names are as follows : Mabel L., Ruth A., Mildred M., and John H., r. Mr. Neu affiliates with the Knights of Pythias, of which organization he is past chancellor, and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of which he is past grand, and of the Rebekahs. He gives his support to the Democratic party and has served three terms as township treasurer. Mr. Neu is interested in various prosperous enterprises, including the Higginsport Independent Telephone Company, being vice-president and general manager of that company, and he is also a director of the Citizens' Bank of Higginsport. Mr. Neu has met with an unusual degree of success in his undertakings, and is deserving of all the praise implied in the term, self-made. His energy and perseverance are salient features of his success, and he has won the esteem and high regard of his fellow citizens. Mr. Neu and his family attend the Christian church. MRS. HELEN BEASLEY. Mrs. Helen Beasley, widow of the late John Beasley, resides three miles from Ripley, Ohio, on a beautiful farm on the Ripley and Hillsboro pike, Union township, Brown county, Ohio. Mrs. Beasley is held in high esteem in and about Ripley, and in this section she has spent her life thus far. She is a daughter of John M. and Mary (Baird) West. John M. West was born in Byrd township, Brown county, Ohio, April to, 1832, and resided on the home farm where his birth occurred until his death, July 15, 1873. He was a son CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES - 495 of John M. West, who was a native of Virginia and came to Brown county in pioneer days, locating in Byrd township, and there remained until his demise at the age of eighty-five years. Mary (Baird) West was born in Jefferson township, Brown county, Ohio, in 1844, and died in 1898, and was a daughter of John Baird, who was an early settler of the county. To her union with John M. West, five children were born: George B., who was born July 14, 1852, has resided at the old home farm in Byrd township and followed the occupation of farming. In later years, he has resided with his sister, Mrs. Beasley. Levina became the wife of Samuel Edinfield, a farmer of Jefferson township. Joseph E., has been a resident farmer of Nebraska for the past twenty-five years. He has reared a nice family. Helen, our subject, married John Beasley, who died in 1903, at the age of forty-nine years. They were the parents of two children : Grace, a graduate of the Ripley High School, class of 1913 ; and Nellie J., who died in 1905 at the age of eight years. William Rufus, operates the old home place in Byrd township. The politics of the family is mainly Democratic. Mrs. Beasley and her brother, Mr. West, reside on the farm in Union township, and are progressive farmers along general lines. In religious belief, Mrs. Beasley and the family are members of the Christian church, as were also her parents. Mrs. Beasley is well known in Brown county and her home is always open for the entertainment of her friends and neighbors. WILLIAM NIMON WEST. Mr. William Nimon West, one of the prominent farmers and stockmen of Union township, Brown county, Ohio, owning a well cultivated and valuable farm of ninety-six acres on the Arnheim pike, was born May 17, 1863, in Byrd township, and is the son of Rev. Joseph S. and Susanna (Dixon) West. Rev. Joseph S. West was born in Byrd township, December 7, 1825, and passed to his eternal reward in 1892. He was a 496 - CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES minister of the Christian church for many years and filled the pulpit of Liberty Chapel from 1855 to 189o. His father, John West, was born in Pennsylvania, January 1, 1797, and came with his parents, John and Eleanor West, in 1798, to Kenton Station, Ky., where they spent a short time, coming on to Brown county and settling in Byrd township. The great-grandparents of our subject, William Nimon West, secured land and became successful farmers of the county. They passed away at the old West homestead, between Decatur and Russellville, which is now owned by Mr. Rufus West. Susanna (Dixon) West, the mother of Mr. W. N., of this mention, was a daughter of William and Mary (Carr) Dixon, of Union township, and her birth occurred April 28, 1833, and her death in 1897. She was an active member of the Christian church and was an able assistant to her husband in his ministerial work. William Dixon was a native of Kentucky and accompanied his father to Brown county in 1793. He was a general farmer and was prominent in politics, serving as justice of the peace for many years. William Nimon West is the fifth of twelve children, all of whom are living: Louie, Sadie, Susie and James H. reside in Norwood, Ohio ; Dr. John W., of Philadelphia, Pa.; Mary Lovina married William Smith and lives near Mt. Hope, Kan.; Thomas A., a minister of the Christian church, of near Wichita, Kan.; Joseph S., a banker, of Russellville, Ohio ; Oscar A. resides on the home farm in Byrd township ; Martha E., who married G. H. Buchanan, lives in Jefferson township ; Elizabeth married Archibald N. Leggett, a farmer of Jefferson township. Mr. William Nimon West was reared on the farm and grew to be an intelligent and practical agriculturist, but his beginning- was in a small way and his success is the result of his own industry and enterprise. In 1890, Mr. W. N. West was united in marriage to Miss Lou Esther Kearns, who was born in Union township, Brown county, in 1866, a daughter of Samuel and Elmira (Martin) Kearns. Her death occurred April 19, 1900, leaving five children, all of whom are at home : Florence, William Earl, Joseph N., Archie S. and Alonzo K. Mr. West is an advocate of the men and measures of the Democratic party, and although not an office seeker, he takes an active interest in all questions of the day. CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES - 497 Fraternally, Mr. West has membership with the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, of Ripley. Religiously, he and his family are devoted members of the Christian church, of Ripley, and is a most liberal supporter of all worthy enterprises. MARION ALONZO KEARNS. Numbered among the substantial agriculturists of Brown county, Ohio, is Mr. Marion Alonzo Kearns, who is a representative of an old family of Brown county. He owns and operates a well tilled farm of one hundred and thirty-three acres on the Arnheim pike, in Union township. Mr. Kearns recently sold another farm of one hundred and nine acres in Jefferson township. He was born in Jefferson township, one and one-half miles southwest of Russellville, October 18, 1850, and his parents were Samuel and Elmira (Martin) Kearns. Samuel Kearns was born in Pleasant township, Brown county, March 24, 1824, and his death took place in Union township July 9, 1899. He was a son of Daniel Kearns, who died when Samuel was a youth. Daniel's parents immigrated from Pennsylvania and settled on the Little Miami river. Some of the family located in Cincinnati, where they were prospered as business men. Samuel Kearns, having been reared to the pursuits of agriculture, continued in this vocation. He was a soldier in the defense of his country during the Mexican war, and was in the battle of Monterey. He was also active in the home guards during the Civil war and made several trips into Kentucky. Thus, from experience, he was known as a man of military knowledge. Samuel Kearns was a Republican in politics and for over forty years was a very active member of the Christian church. Elmira (Martin) Kearns was born in Franklin township, Brown county, June, 1826, and died September 26, 1904. She was a daughter of Joel and "Jennie" (Brown) Martin, the former of whom was a Scotchman, who emigrated to Brown county, locating in Franklin township, where he died after a useful and active life. The mother was one of nine children, four of whom lived to be over eighty years of age. Marion Alonzo Kearns is one of six children, whose names follow : Lizzie (Myers), a widow residing at Georgetown, 498 - CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES Ohio ; Taylor died at the age of twenty-three years of smallpox; M. A., our subject ; Belle J., wife of J. W. Work, of Union township ; Anna died at the age of five years ; Lou Esther, deceased wife of W. N. West, a sketch of whom appears on another page. The marriage or Mr. M. A. Kearns to Miss Nancy Purdum occurred October 17, 1876. She was a native of Brown county, her birth occurring in Pleasant township, her parents being Isaac W. and Hannah (Hodkins) Purdum. Isaac Purdum was born in Brown county and carried on the business of farming all his life. He was an active politician and served in the various local offices of the township. He died December, 1911, at the age of eighty-two years. Hannah (Hodkins) Purdum was also born in Brown county and was a daughter of Samuel Hodkins, who was a Revolutionary soldier. Isaac W. Purdum was one of sixteen children, of whom one was a soldier under General Sherman. Mrs. Kearns has three brothers : John W. Purdum, of Kansas ; James, of Indiana, and Jesse Lee, of Georgetown, Ohio. In the family of Mr. and Mrs. Kearns are three children : Jesse Lou, who is married, is a merchant at Russellville ; Minnie L., is a resident of Jackson township ; and George T., is at home. Mr. Kearns is a standard Republican, and is active in the interests of the party, having served as supervisor and a member of the school board. He was chairman of the board of education in Jefferson township. Mr. and Mrs. Kearns are members of the Christian church at Russellville and their children are members also. The reputation of Mr. Kearns in his neighborhood is that of a man of sterling worth and a farmer of excellent agricultural ability. ROBERT W. MILLER. Mr. Robert W. Miller has made farming his occupation throughout his entire life and has attained a high degree of success in his chosen pursuit. The home farm of Mr. Miller is located on the Arnheim pike, on the old Dixon ridge, in Union township, Brown county, Ohio. He was born in Pleasant township, Brown county, March 15, 1849, and is a son of Robert S. and Mary J. (Evans) Miller. CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES - 499 Robert S. Miller, the father, was born in Pennsylvania, November 22, 1817, and died November 20, 1901, at his home in Union township. His father, Robert Gillen Miller, came to Brown county from Pennsylvania, locating first in Lewis township and was active in the operation of the famous Underground Railroad, He finally located in Pleasant township and was living in a log house, now the home of Albert H. Moore, at the time of his death, aged sixty years. He was a captain of the Home Guards. Robert devoted his attention to farming and was considered among the most successful in his locality. Mary J. Evans was born in Brown county, December 12, 1821, and was of Scotch-Irish descent. She was a daughter of William and Mary (Patten) Evans and was an aunt of Capt. Nelson W. Evans, of Portsmouth, Ohio. Her death occurred January 24, 1875. She and her husband were consistent members of the Christian church. In the family of Robert S. and Mary J. (Evans) Miller were nine children, of whom five sons and two daughters are now living: George, of Thorntown, Ind.; John W., of Byrd township, Brown county ; Robert W., our subject ; William W., of Bethel, Clermont county, Ohio ; James E., of Clark township, Brown county ; Jane (`Tweed), of Dayton ; Sarah F. (Cox), of Union township ; Anna C. (Carr) died in 188o ; and Emma died in infancy. Mr. Robert W. Miller has been a resident of Union township since he was five years of age and has been a successful farmer practically all of his active life. Mr. Miller was united in marriage in 1881, in Lewis township, to Miss Addie L. Cahall, who was born in Lewis township, in November, 1853, and departed this life June 8 1902. She was a daughter of James and Fannie (Drake) Cahall, an old family of Lewis township. She was survived by three children : Everett J. P., at home. Miss Mary B. was born in 1883 and died in December, 1907. Miss Sadie L., at home. By his study of the political issues of the day Mr. Miller is a Republican. The religious views of Mr. Miller and family are in favor of the Christian church, of which they are active members. Mr. Robert W. Miller enjoys the high regard and esteem of the community in which he has lived for so many years, be-