600 - CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES Mary L., who married J. R. Moore, an attorney of Georgetown, Ohio. Charles, deceased. George L., who resides at Van Wert, Ohio. Grant W., who is in the insurance business at Georgetown, Ohio. Mrs. F. M. Smith. Sallie, wife of T. C. Rapp, of Kokomo, Ind. Jeannette, wife of Mr. Cropper, a real estate dealer of Georgetown, Ohio. Mrs. Smith is a graduate of the Georgetown High School and was for many years a teacher in the public schools of Georgetown. She is a member of the Methodist church and is a charter member of the Eastern Star. For a period of twenty-five years Mr. Smith served the Methodist Sunday school as superintendent, and practically all his life he has held some office in the Methodist church, of which he has long been a consistent member. Mr. Smith is a Republican in politics and was serving on the board of education at the time the present school house was erected and has held various township offices in Green township. Mr. Smith is a man of upright life, who well represents the very best citizenship of this section, and is widely known and everywhere respected. He is self-made and from a small beginning has accumulated a goodly competence, awning besides his pretty home on North Main street, several tenant houses and a number of business houses. Mrs. Smith has assisted him materially in all of his enterprises and their home is one of ideal comfort. JAMES W. ROBERTSON, V. S. Numbered among the rising young business men of Georgetown, Ohio, is Dr. James W. Robertson, practicing veterinary surgeon. Although not long a resident of Clermont county, Dr. Robertson has a fine practice and has made himself many friends. He was born in Dundee, Scotland, October 17, 1885, and his parents, William and Jane (Wallace) Robertson, are also natives of Scotland. William Robertson was born in 1854, while his wife was CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES - 601 born in 186o. Mr. Robertson came to America in 1882 and spent four years in Pittsburgh, but returned to his native land, where he and his wife and daughter now reside. They were the parents of four children, whose names are as follows : William, of Detroit, Mich., is chief draftsman for the Northern Electrical Engineering Company. James W., the subject of this sketch. Albert, of Detroit, is in business college at that place. Grace is with her parents in Scotland. James W. Robertson attended the schools of Scotland and is a graduate of the Valparaiso, Ind., School. After finishing the high school Dr. Robertson became a student of the Chicago Veterinary College, from which he graduated with high degrees. His first practice in his profession was at Dayton, Ohio, where he remained for three years. Since the expiration of that period he has been engaged in his profession at Georgetown, with offices in the National Hotel. From youth Dr. Robertson displayed business ability and his future is very bright. Dr. Robertson is one of the city's public spirited men, and is a useful member of the society of that place. His personal character is one that commands respect and his affable manner makes many fast friends. In fraternal circles Dr. Robertson is well and favorably known, having membership with the Masons and Woodmen. In politics, Dr. Robertson votes for the men and measures of the Democratic party. He is a consistent member of the Presbyterian church and is a liberal supporter of that denomination. The personal success of Dr. Robertson is due largely to his enterprising and energetic disposition and he is a credit to the community in which he lives. THOMAS W. WEAVER. Numbered among the representatives of the early families of Brown county, Ohio, is Mr. Thomas W. Weaver, a prominent citizen of Georgetown, conducting a prosperous real estate and insurance business. The grandparents of Mr. Weaver were among the very first to settle in Brown county, and it was necessary for them to clear away the timber 602 - CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES before erecting their home. Thomas A. Weaver was born in Georgetown, Ohio, August 15, 1857, and is a son of Louis L. and Eliza A. (Hicks) Weaver. Louis L. Weaver was born in Bavaria, Germany, in 1825, and passed to his eternal reward on December 8, 187i. He was but four years of age when his parents determined to seek their fortune in the New World, and thither they came, in 1829, settling in Franklin township, and later at Georgetown. Mr. Weaver learned the trade of saddler with Thomas Walker, in Georgetown, and later engaged in the saddler's business for himself, having a shop in Georgetown until his death. Eliza A. (Hicks) Weaver was born in Washington, D. C., March 4, 1827, and died in February, 1897. The Hicks family were Southern people and were originally from Virginia. When a small child she was taken and reared by Thomas L. Hamer, then a member of Congress. Mrs. Weaver became the mother of eight children, five of whom grew to maturity : Francis M., deceased. Charles G., a resident of Georgetown, Ohio. George K. and Katie, deceased. Thomas W., our subject. Mr. Thomas W. Weaver attended the schools of Georgetown, Ohio, until he reached the age of thirteen years, when because of the death of his father he was forced to leave school to assist his widowed mother. He began his business life in the shoe store of Mr. L. F. Roth, and gradually rose from one position to another until he finally became a partner in the business, the firm name being Roth & Weaver. He continued in this business until he reached the age of thirty years. In addition to this business Mr. Weaver has been interested in a cigar manufactory in Georgetown and has, traveled some in the interests of the cigar company. In 1900 he took up the real estate business, together with the insurance work. and until the past year has been associated with Mr. Charles Biehm, the firm being known as Weaver & Biehm. Mr. Biehm has within the past year removed to Texas, selling his interests to Mr. John A. Quinlan, mention of whom is made on another page. Mr. Weaver has offices over the Peoplels National Bank, corner of Main street and Grant avenue, and among the companies he represents are the North British Company, the Royal' of England, Northern of England, Home of New York, National of Connecticut, Philadelphia Underwriters, CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES - 603 Fire Association of. Philadelphia, German-American of New York, Union Central of St. Louis, Penn of Philadelphia, Home Life of New York, American Casualty Company of Pennsylvania and the New Amsterdam Casualty Company of New York. Mr. Weaver has one of the largest insurance agencies in Georgetown. His real estate business is all local, and mostly for other people. In September, 1882, Mr. Weaver was united in marriage to Miss Mary Ella Crouch, who was born in Matomoor, Woodford county, Illinois, in 1859, and is a daughter of Aaron D. and Elizabeth (Thompson) Crouch, the former .of whom was born in Clermont county, Ohio, in 1830, and died in January, 1912, after having conducted an undertaking establishment of great credit for many years in Georgetown. His death was very sudden, occurring but a few hours before he and his family were to start for a visit to Mr. and Mrs. Weaver at their winter home in Florida. Mrs. Crouch was born in Georgetown, in 1834, and still resides in the pretty home erected for her by her husband before his death. 'Her ancestors were from Kentucky. Mr. and Mrs. Crouch were the parents of three children, Mrs. Weaver being the eldest. The others are : William, deceased, and John T., who succeeded his father to the undertaking business. He married Miss Lena Dunn, a daughter of 0. F. Dunn, whose sketch also appears on these pages. Two children have blessed the home of Mr. and Mrs. Weaver, both born in Georgetown. One is deceased and the other, Guy W., born in July, 1886, holds the responsible position of county inspector of weights and measures. He married Miss Laura M. Cutler, of Mt. Washington, Ohio, and they have one daughter, Ellen Elizabeth. In politics, Mr. Weaver has always been a staunch Democrat, and, in 1889, he was elected director of the Brown county infirmary, and, in 1892, was re-elected to the same office. In 1893 he became a candidate for the office of county clerk, was elected, and re-elected in 1896. He was president of the board of public affairs of Georgetown until, in January, 1912, when he declined to qualify, as he spends his winters in Florida at Daytona Beach for his health, believing he could not do justice to his constituents, being absent one-half the time. Mr. Weaver has fraternal relations with the Masonic order, the Knights of Pythias and the Red Men, and in all these orders he is a valued member. 604 - CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES In religious matters, Mrs. Weaver was raised in the Baptist belief, while Mr. Weaver was raised in the Disciples church. Mr. and Mrs. Weaver have a very pleasant and comfortable home on South Main street. Mr. Weaver has ever been public spirited, active and energetic, and deserves much credit for the success he has made of life. CHARLES B. FEE. Mr. Charles B. Fee, one of the prominent and representative men of Brown county, Ohio, is the present mayor of Georgetown, and was born in Scott township, Brown county, Ohio, August 15, 1853. His parents, Dr. Enos B. and Amanda (Blair) Fee, were early residents of Clermont county, Ohio, who removed to Brown county about 1847. Dr. Enos B. Fee was born in Clermont county, Ohio, October 4, 1817, and passed to his eternal reward in October, 1884. He was a very busy and useful man and was highly respected by all with whom he was associated. The family was originally from Pennsylvania and came west in the pioneer days of Ohio. He practiced his profession first at New Hope and, in 1869, removed to Georgetown, where he continued in his chosen work until his decease. His wife:, Amanda (Blair) Fee, was born in Maysville, Mason county, Kentucky, in 1826, and passed from this life in 1893. She became the mother of seven children, all of whom were born in Brown county, and of that number three are still living. They are as follows : Lillie, of Georgetown, has not married. Charles B. Dr. Robert Fee, of Georgetown, Ohio. After completing the common schools of New Hope and Georgetown, Mr. Fee entered the Augusta, Ky., College and later attended the Cincinnati schools. He then taught school for one year in Brown county and Georgetown, following which he became a student of the Cincinnati Law School, graduating in 1873. He then began the practice of law and, in 188o, was elected mayor of Georgetown, in which capacity he served for a period of three years. At the expiration of this time, Mr. Fee turned his attention to agricultural pur- CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES - 605 suits for some years, returning to Georgetown, in 1911, when he was again elected mayor. Prior to his last election he was editor of the "Brown County News," during the years of 1888-1889, while practicing law occasionally. In 1884, Mr. Fee was made captain of Company G, Thirteenth Ohio Nation Guard, and has carried the title since that time, being known throughout this section as Captain Fee. In politics, Mr. Fee is a Democrat and has served his party in the capacity of town councilman, and his popularity is evidenced by his second election to the office of mayor of Georgetown. The fraternal relations of Mr. Fee are with the Masons. Mr. Fee is a lawyer of great ability and is a recognized factor in the progress of the county. He and his sister, both of whom are unmarried, have residence at the corner of Third and Green streets. O. F. DUNN. Mr. O. F. Dunn, one of the prominent citizens of Georgetown, Ohio, after a long and eminently successful business career, is now enjoying the comforts of retired life, surrounded by all that makes advanced years often the most enjoyable ones of a lifetime. Mr. Dunn was born three miles southwest of Sardinia, Washington township, Brown county, Ohio, June 26, 1843. His parents were J. H. and Elizabeth (Day) Dunn. J. H. Dunn was born near. Youngstown, Ohio, February 2, 1808, and died May 1, 1899. He was a prosperous end extensive farmer and stock raiser in Brown county, owning at one time over three thousand acres of the most fertile soil in Brown county. His father served his country faithfully and well during the Nation's peril in the war of 1812, and his mother's father in the Revolutionary war. Elizabeth (Day) Dunn was born on Bull's Skin creek, Lewis township, Brown county, Ohio, March 1, 1812, and passed from this life, June 14, 1889. The maternal great-grandfather of Mr. 0. F. Dunn, Robert Hamilton, was born in Ireland and crossed the Atlantic to America six months before the Revolutionary war broke out. He enlisted and served the country of his adoption during the entire war. He 606 - CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES was twice wounded, once with a musket ball and once with a sword. The maternal grandfather of Mrs. Elizabeth (Day) Dunn, Mr. Williams, was killed in Kentucky by the Indians and his family of five or six children were scattered among his friends. Mrs. Dunn's mother was brought up by a friend and never knew what became of her brothers and sisters, which was always a source of great grief to her. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Dunn eleven children were born, all born in the same house on a farm in Washington township, Brown county, Ohio. All of them lived to reach the age of fifty years : Ira B., who died March 7, 1903. Abigail, widow of David Calvin and later of Lewis Bingham, a resident of Mt. Orab. Julia, the wife of Francis Marion Tracy, of Tracy Station, Brown county. Elizabeth, wife of Martin Courts, died September 5, 1912. Perry T. died September, 1911. Orman Fletcher, the subject of this mention. Margaret E., who is the wife of Henson L. Vance, a resident of Macon, Brown county, Ohio. J. C., of Fayette county, Washington. J. W., of Sardinia, Ohio, Joseph E., of Georgetown, Ohio. Caroline Fee, wife of James Cumberland, of Mt. Orab, Ohio, Mrs. J. H. Dunn was a devout member of the Methodist church, • and while her husband was not a member, he was a firm believer of the doctrine and a liberal contributor to that denomination. Orman Fletcher Dunn obtained the education afforded by the school of Washington township and remained at the home farm, assisting in the duties that make up the life of the average agriculturist, and under his father's supervision grew to be a practical farmer and stock raiser. On September 5, 1865, Mr. O. F. Dunn was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth A. Wardlow, who was born in Brown county, February 26, 1842, a daughter of Henry and Mary (Purdom) Wardlow, both of whom were natives of Brown county, and who have long since been deceased. They were . the parents of seven children : William, deceased. CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES - 607 Thomas L. Hamer, a member of the Seventh Ohio volunteer infantry for four years, deceased. Benjamin, deceased. Mrs. Elizabeth Dunn, deceased. Mell, wife of Peter McKee, who lives at New Hope, Ohio. James, who lives on the old home farm at New Hope, which he owns. Nancy, wife of Jacob Heiler, who lives in Covington, Ky. Mr. and Mrs. Wardlow were prosperous farmers of Brown county for many years. After his marriage Mr. Dunn managed his father's extensive agricultural interests for two years and then moved to another farm belonging to his father, above Georgetown, where he spent one year. He then purchased a fine farm of two hundred forty-three acres in New Hope and rsided there from 1870 to 1887, when he returned to Georgetown, where he became engaged in the livery business. He erected the largest livery stable in southern Ohio, arid conducted this business for fifteen years, and still owns a half interest. In this business he met with success, as he did also in his general farming. The death of Mrs. Dunn occurred April 8, 1875, and left, beside her husband, four children to mourn their loss. Their names follow in order of birth : Lenna, wife of John Crouch, of Georgetown. Lillie F., wife of William R. Waters, who is in partnership with William Richards in the livery business and owns a handsome home adjoining Mr. Dunn's. Mr. and Mrs. Waters have one son, Howard Dunn, who was born in June, 1893, a graduate of the Georgetown High School, and is attending the State University, in his second year. Mrs. Waters is a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, which was organized in 1912. Lora Etta is the wife of Jack Wilson and resides with her father. Mrs. Wilson attended the Conservatory of Music at Cincinnati for some years and holds a certificate from that institution. She is a member of the Methodist church and is a great church worker. James H., Jr., who died in 1875, is buried beside his mother. Mr. Dunn married Mrs. Mary L. (Campbell) Vance in 1876, she being the widow of Mr. David Vance and a daughter of A. F. and Hannah (Mott) Campbell, her birth occurring in New Hope, Brown county, Ohio, August 2, 1843. Mr. Vance 608 - CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES was a native of Brown county and died in 1869, having been a soldier in the Civil war. Mr. Campbell was born in West Virginia, in 18o8, and died in 1863, while his wife was born near New York City, in 1818, and died in 1888. The Campbells came to Brown county, about 1839, where he engaged in the blacksmith business. They had ten children, whose names are : Sallie, widow of John Ira Dunn, living in Sardinia, Ohio. Mrs. Mary L. Dunn, wife of our subject. William, deceased, who was a soldier in the Civil war from Ohio. Elizabeth, deceased, the wife of 0. B. Moore, of Sardinia, who was also a soldier. John and A. F. are residents of Sardinia, Ohio. Rebecca, widow of Rev. E. L. Sanders, of Sardinia. Hannah N., wife of William Kincade, of Sardinia. Victoria died when quite young. M. E. resides at Sardinia. Mr. O. F. Dunn entered the army of the Civil war, in September, 1862, in the six months' service, and remained in the service of the State Guard until the close of the war. He is one of .nine of his company, called "The Squirrel Hunters," now living. His discharge papers were made out in March, 1863, but he continued in the service. He never drew a salary for his services and has never accepted a soldier's pension. Mr. Dunn is a genial man, bearing all the marks of a true gentleman. He is well preserved physically and runs his large touring car for the pleasure of his family and friends with all the ease and skill of a man many years his junior. Both Mr. Dunn and his estimable wife are devout members of the Methodist church, to which they contribute liberally. In politics, Mr. Dunn votes independently and has never cared for or sought office of any kind. In fraternal circles he is a worthy member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of which organization he has been past grand for the past forty years. WILLIAM A. EYLAR. Mr. William A. Eylar, editor and manager of the "News- Democrat," of Georgetown, Ohio, is widely known throughout this section of the State as an up-to-date and progressive CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES - 609 newspaper man of high standing. His entire active life thus far has been devoted to newspaper work, and the experience gained through the years has enabled him to establish one of the most modern and fully equipped newspaper plants in Southern Ohio. Since he assumed control, in 19a6, the entire building has been remodeled and all new machinery installed. The perfect satisfaction given to the public by the "News- Democrat" is evidenced by the large circulation of the paper. Mr. Eylar is a son of Joseph W. and Mary Ellen (Oldson) Eylar, and his birth took place at West Union, Adams county, Ohio, his natal day being the 16th of October, 1874. Mr. Joseph W. Eylar is a native of Brown county, Ohio, his birth having occurred at Ash Ridge, March I 1, 1847. He was a prominent and well known newspaper man and established "The People's Defender," of West Union, Ohio. He conducted this paper for a number of years, and his careful and judicious management made it a successful newspaper. He was elected State representative from Adams county, Ohio, in 1875, for two terms of two years each. Mr. Eylar and his brother, Oliver, entered the Commissary Department at the respective ages of twelve and ten years, with their father, at the beginning of the Civil war, going through the entire war. In 1889 Mr. J. W. Eylar took charge of the "News-Democrat," of Georgetown, Ohio, and was thus occupied until his decease. August 17, 1906. His wife, Mary Ellen (Oldson) Eylar, was born at West Union, Adams county, Ohio, in 185o, and passed away March 24, 1903. She was the mother of five children, all of whom were born in Adams county. Margaret, who resides in Columbus, Ohio, is a stenographer in the state department. Josephus, who died at the age of two years. William A. James Norton, who died at the age of twenty-eight years. Lottie, who married Griffith C. Hall, and resides in Cincinnati, Ohio. William A. Eylar acquired a good education in the West Union school and later in the Georgetown school. After his graduation he entered the printing office of his father and thoroughly familiarized himself with all the details of the printing business. As the years passed he became proficient in all the departments until he was fully capable of assuming the business at the death of his father. He is a man of fine judgment and executive ability and has the respect and esteem of his fellow citizens. 610 - CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES On the 31st of December, 1903, Mr. W. A. Eylar wedded Miss Marjorie Robinson Hench, a daughter of Rev. Thomas H. and Caroline (Cruser) Hench, the former of whom was born at Center, Pa., April 5, 1840, and now makes his home with Mr. and Mrs. Eylar. Rev. Hench is an able minister of the Presbyterian church, having had charge at Higginsport, Feesbury, Felicity and Cedron, Ohio. At one time he had charge of the Presbyterian church at Georgetown, Ohio. Mrs. Hench was born at Fairview, Ill., April 8, 1852, and died May 18, 1904. She was the mother of two children, George C., who was born in Walcott, Iowa, and Mrs. Eylar, who was born in Rock Island, Ill. Mr. and Mrs. Eylar are the parents of three children : Thomas Wilkins, born at Georgetown, Ohio, June 9, 1905, is attending school. Mary Ellen, born at Georgetown, Ohio, January 15, 1909. Carolena Louise, born at Georgetown, Ohio, December 25, 1912. In politics, Mr. Eylar favors the men and measures of the Democratic party and has served his patty as clerk of Georgetown. During his term of office the city of Georgetown put down concrete walks, established the electrical plant and erected the city building, at an outlay of probably one hundred thousand dollars. Mr. Eylar affiliates with the Masonic lodge and with the Knights of Pythias. The residence of Mr. and Mrs. Eylar is at State and Green streets, where they have a very comfortable home. RUFUS L. FITE. Mr. Rufus L. Fite, a highly successful general practitioner of the Brown county bar, residing at Georgetown, Ohio, for the past forty-two years, is a native of that county, his birth having occurred in Scott township in 1848. His parents were Jefferson and Elizabeth (Pickering) Fite, both of whom were also natives of Brown county, Ohio. Jefferson Fite was born in 1822 and passed from this life in 1882. He was of Pennsylvania German descent, and his grand- CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES - 611 father served as a soldier of his country in the war with England, in 1812. Elizabeth (Pickering) Fite was born in 1819 and passed away at the ripe age of eighty-seven years. Her forebears being of Revolutionary stock, thus making her descendants eligible to membership in the Sons or Daughters of the American Revolution. Mr. and Mrs. Fite were the parents of seven children, the births of all occurring in Brown county, the eldest being the subject of this review. The others are : Albert G., a lawyer, of Georgetown, Ohio ; Morris W., a farmer, of Brown county, Ohio ; Victoria, who is the widow of the late Robert J. Brady, residing at Union City. Ind.; America, who married Thomas Patton, also of Brown county ; Edgar M., who for a number of years previous to his death, which occurred in 1910, was a resident of Memphis, Tenn.; and Clement L., who died in 1903, having been a resident all his life of Brown county, Ohio. The preliminary education of Rufus L. Fite was obtained in the district school, and when seventeen years of age, he entered the Augusta, Ky., College—the first college founded west of the Allegheny mountains, and on the sight of the present high school of that town—where he attended for a period of three years. The following year he took up the study of law at Cleveland, Ohio, and graduated in 1870 from the institution then known as the "Ohio State and Union Law College," being admitted to the bar and locating at Georgetown in the same year. His success in his chosen profession is noteworthy, as evidenced by the extensive clientele established. Mr. Fite is also a director of the First National Bank of Georgetown, and of the Brown County Publishing Company, publisher of "The News-Democrat," and enjoys the confidence of his fellow citizens, being a recognized champion of progressiveness and everything that is for the best interests of the community. In 1872, Mr. Fite was united in marriage to Miss Hattie L. Power, also a native of Brown county, who died in 1884, leaving one son, William E. Fite, who also passed away in 1888, at the age of fifteen years. In 1887, Mr. Fite was married to Miss Addie B. Sells, who was born in 1853, in Brown county, Ohio, a daughter of Benjamin and Sarah (Fenton) Sells, who died respectively, he in June, 1883, and she in 1887. They were the parents of seven daughters and two sons. One of the sons, David, was a sol- 612 - CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES dier of the Civil war, and a member of the Eighty-ninth regiment, Ohio volunteers, and died a prisoner of war in Libby prison. The other son, Michael M., was also a soldier of the Civil war, and served as a lieutenant in the Fifty-ninth regiment, Ohio volunteers, and departed this life in 1897, at his home in Washington, D. C. The sisters of Mrs. Fite are : Leonora, deceased, who was the wife of S. H. Cook, also deceased ; Catherine, widow of John Rees, deceased; Mary, widow of Alfred Armstrong, deceased ; Jennie T., widow of W. R. Evans, deceased ; Ella, wife of F. W. Thompson, and Emma D., widow of 0. N. Murphy, deceased, one time governor of Arizona. Mrs. Fite is a devoted member of the Methodist church, and is the mother of two sons, of whom the eldest died in infancy ; the other; Arthur S. Fite, who was born in 1891, is a graduate of the Ohio State University, class of 1912, and is now attending the law department of that institution. By his study of the political issues of the day. Mr. Fite favors the measures of the Democratic party, but he is not a politician in the sense of office seeker. Fraternally, he is a member of Lodge No. 72, Free and Accepted Masons, and of Georgetown Chapter, No. 52, Royal Arch Masons, both lodges being situated in Georgetown, Ohio. Mr. Fite and his family reside at their pretty home on the east side of the village, appreciated and esteemed by their host of friends. FRANK WHITE. The name of White has been familiar and closely identified in the growth and progress of Clermont county, Ohio, for over a century, almost from the beginning of the organization of the county, and in all the years that have gone, the name has represented a class of men who, by their earnest and honest industry, have achieved success in the battle of life. The family are of Scotch-English descent and the first of the family to locate in Clermont county was David White, who came with a part of his family from New Jersey in 1804, settling in the heavily timbered part of the county, near Bantam, Ohio. The journey from New Jersey was traversed over mountains and bridgeless rivers, partly overland and partly by boat, finally reaching the site on which he estab- CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES - 613 lished a home for his wife and young family. A portion of the land obtained at this time, Mr. David White donated and upon this tract the first church building was erected. He married Miss Nancy Vaughn, and to their union were born five sons and two daughters: Forman, William, Charles, John, David, Antis, and Elizabeth. David White lived to the advanced age of eighty-four years, while his father died at the remarkable age of one hundred and seven years. John White, a son of David, and the father of Frank White, the subject of this sketch, was born near Bethel church, October 27, 1807, died in November, 1903, in the ninety-seventh year of his life. He was a hatter by trade and was located' at Batavia. He was the oldest man in years and in number of years in business in one place, in the county, at the time of his decease. He married Miss Clarissa Rogers, who was born in Cermont county, March 3, 1812, and died, September 12, 1886. Of this marriage, there were six children, all of whom were born in Clermont county : Elizabeth, died in infancy. Orlando, died at the age of one year. Horace, died at the age of eight years. Frank, our subject. Clara, who is the widow of Jesse Stagg, resides with her brother, Frank. She is the mother of four children : Lottie, widow of Morris C. Moore, resides at St. Louis, Mo., and she has one daughter, whose name is Pauline ; Jones P., married Miss Grace Maddox, and resides at Hartwell, a suburb of Cincinnati, being a prominent business man, having entire charge of the Philip Carey Roofing Manufacturing Company, and is a man of great business insight ; Charles, married Minnie Willenberg, and they have one son, Roger ; Frank, has been with the Philip Carey Roofing Manufacturing Company for some time, but was compelled to give up his work-on account of poor health. Anna, the widow of John W. Stiles, who was the clerk of the county court at the time of his decease. They had one son,. John W., Jr., who is in business at Cleveland, Ohio. Mrs. Stiles married a second time, Mr. G. A. Frazier, and had one daughter, Alpha, the wife of Mr. Eli Speidel. Mrs. Frazier died July 25, 1911, in the Bethsaida Hospital. Mrs. John White was a daughter of Dr. Levi Rogers, who was born at Philadelphia, Pa., in 1767, and died April 4, 1814. He was an able and proficient man, displaying unequaled ver- 614 - CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES satility in life, being lawyer, physician, clergyman, soldier, and politician, always at the head of his profession. He was a graduate of Yale College, after which he attended the Jefferson Medical University, at that time the best in America, and equal to any in Europe, in rank and thoroughness. From this college he was graduated with high honors. He came to Clermont county in 1804, settling at Williamsburg, where he remained until in 181o, when he removed to Bethel. His death occurred four years later, in 1814, in the prime of life and in his decease the spark of life departed from one of the most brilliant of the medical profession in Ohio. Beside being a physician of great skill, culture and extensive practice, Dr. Rogers was a man of varied accomplishments and wonderful good common sense. He was admitted to the bar, acting for several terms of court as prosecuting attorney. He was also a minister of the gospel, expounding the word of the Lord with great eloquence. During his ministry, he solemnized the marriages of many hundreds of couples. In 1811, he was elected State Senator and was the author of the first law regulating the practice of physicians and surgeons in Ohio, which has been a permanent monument to his ability and zeal as a physician. These acts of 1811 and 1813 were introduced by him. At the expiration of his senatorial term, Dr. Rogers was appointed surgeon in the army of 1812, in the Nineteenth regiment of Ohio infantry. Dr. Levi Rogers married Miss Anna George, only daughter of John George, who lived in New Jersey, near Philadelphia. She died at Batavia, October 3, 1856, at the home of the venerable John White. They were the parents of two sons and five daughters : Dr. John G. Rogers, who attended as physician at the birth of General Grant, and whose sketch appears, elsewhere in this work ; Levi Rogers ; Ann, died when quite young and was unmarried; Mary, married Forman White ; Clarissa S., married John White ; Sarah, married William Denham,.and Cynthia, married William Page. Mr. Frank White, the subject of this sketch, was born on the old homestead, in Clermont county, March 3, 1838, and is a son of John and Clarissa (Rogers) White. He was educated in the common schools of Batavia and after his graduation he worked on a farm for a time, after which he entered the store of Jesse L. Dustin, one of the greatest merchants ever in the county of Clermont. This proved of great benefit to Mr. White because of the immense amount of business CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES - 615 done by this store, and of the many branches of general mercantile business. He remained with Mr. Dustin until the War of the Rebellion broke out in 1861, when he enlisted in the Fifty-ninth Ohio volunteer infantry, on September loth, serving for three years in all the battles of the Cumberland, save that of Mission Ridge. He enlisted as a private and served as quartermaster sergeant for some time. In 1863 he was made first lieutenant on Stone River, serving again as quartermaster for a period. He was also aid and general inspector under General Beatty and under Gen. Thomas Wood in the Knoxville campaign. He was given a commission of captain, but was never mustered in. During the three and one-half years of service, Mr. White was never out of service for even one day and never had a hospital record, although he was wounded in the battle at Marietta, Ohio, on July 1, 1864. He was honorably discharged, at Louisville, Ky., in 1864, after which he returned to his home at Batavia. In 1864, after his return from the war, Mr. White went into the general mercantile business at Williamsburg, under the firm name of Sinks and White, which continued for three years. He then spent one year in Kansas and Nebraska with a surveying party, returning to Batavia in the early part of 1869. It had been the intention of Mr. White to form a partnership with Mr. Dustin, his former employer, in the general mercantile business upon his return from his surveying trip, but unfortunately Mr. Dustin died while he was away, and he was made administrator of the large estate of his old friend. Soon after his return from Kansas and Nebraska, he entered into a partnership with Albert Heinrici, the firm being White & Heinrici, conducting the largest general merchandise business in the county. In 1895, tbe firm sold out their splendid and lucrative business because of the poor health of Mr. White, he being unable to carry the great responsibility of the extensive business of the firm. In 1897, he took the position as business manager of the "Clermont County Sun," which he held until 1902. He has been president of the Building & Loan Association since its organization in 1885, and was secretary of the old loan association at the time it closed its business. He is president of the Carroll-Jamieson Machine & Tool Company, of Batavia, and has been on the school board at different times for the past twenty-seven years, and is president of the same at present. He was appointed by Governor Harmon as trustee of the Soliders' and Sailors' Orphans' Home 616 - CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES of Xenia, Ohio, one of the largest institutions of the State, there being nine hundred inmates. It is an ideal place and is beautifully situated. Mr. Frank White was married, June 20, 1873, to Miss Mary E. Griffith, who was born at Bethel, Ohio, in June of the year of 1849, a daughter of John S. and Ann Amelia (Eder) Griffith, the former being a prominent attorney of Batavia. Mrs. White died, September, 1885, and was buried at Batavia, Ohio, where her death occurred. Mr. White was again married, in June, 1888, to Mrs. Henrietta McCaslin, who was born at Kingsville, Ohio, April 30, 1859, and died June to, 1893. She was a daughter of Rev. John Graham, of the Erie conference, of which he was presiding elder, and Cornelia (Gaskill) Graham, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania. To this union was born one son, Charles Graham, who was born April 11, 1889, at Batavia, and is a graduate of the Batavia High School and of the Ohio Wesleyan College. He is now attending the Cincinnati Law School. Mrs. (McCaslin) White was the mother of two children by her former marriage—Cornelia G. and John Paul. She was a member of the Methodist church, and was a great musician, affording her family many pleasurable evenings at their home, and also to her friends, being ever willing to entertain with the God-given talent. Mr. White was nominee on the Democratic ticket for represenative, in 1895, being defeated by but sixty-seven votes. He has settled up many estate and has held many offices of trust. He is a Royal Arch Mason and is a member of the Methodist church, in which he takes an active part in all of the affairs of the church. Mr. White is a man of strong character, and a great lover of the truth, being a man of the strongest convictions and who never swerves from the truest and best principles, thus building up a strong and substantial character, which is the admiration of his home, the church and society. GEORGE W. IRETON. Mr. George W. Ireton is the owner and operator of one of the most productive farms in Jackson township, whose excellent location is one of its attractive features. He is one of the enterprising and energetic agriculturists of Clermont county, and is well known in this community. He displays splen- CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES - 617 did business ability and executive force in the management of his farming interests. A native of Clermont county, Ohio, his birth occurred in Jackson township, on a farm adjoining his present home, December 24, 1854, his parents being Robert and Missouri (Johnson) Ireton. Robert Ireton was a prosperous farmer of Jackson township, where for many years he was known as one of the substantial men of the county. He was practical and systematic and by diligence and strict attention to business accumulated a nice property. He was born on a farm in Williamsburg township in 1824. In response to his country's call for' aid, Mr. Robert Ireton enlisted in Company B, One Hundred and Fifty-third regiment, Ohio volunteer infantry, serving for four months. He had one brother, Erastus Ireton, and four nephews, Samuel, Aleck, Lorenzo and John, who were also soldiers in the Civil war, beside one son, James, who entered the army at the age of sixteen years, all enlisting from Ohio. It was in 1891 that death claimed Robert Ireton and Clermont county lost one of her most highly esteemed citizens. Missouri (Johnson) Ireton was also a native of Clermont county, her birth occurring in 1832. She passed from this life in 1888. She was a member of one of the representative families of Clermont county, and was a lady of noble characteristics. She was laid to rest in Bloom Rose cemetery, Brown county, Ohio, where her husband is buried also. In the family of this worthy couple were seven children, who were all born in the county, four of whom grew to maturity. They are as follows : James, who was a soldier in the Civil war, enlisting at the age of sixteen years. George W., the subject of this mention. David, who makes his home with his brother, George. William a resident of Jackson township. Mr. George W. Ireton attended school in the Harbough district and assisted his father with the farm duties, thus preparing himself for his future life occupation. He learned from his father the proper times for planting and harvesting and the many details of the work of an agriculturist who desires success in the tilling of the fields. Mr. Ireton remained at the home of his parents until he had reached the age of twenty-two years. The marriage of Mr. George W. Ireton to Miss Jennie Price occurred in 1876. She was born near Miamiville in 1853, a 618 - CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIEs daughter of John S. and Rebecca (Snider) Price, the former of whom was born near Camp Dennison and was a carpenter of Brown county, and the latter was born near Camp Dennison also, and both are deceased. They became the parents of five children, three of whom still survive. They are : Elizabeth, who became the wife of Moses Harbough, lives in Brown county. Henry resides near Goshen, Ohio. Etta, married Elliott Reddick, of near Marathon, Brown county. Orlando, deceased. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Ireton was born one son : John R. Ireton was a young man of unusual ability,. having graduated from the Williamsburg High School at the age of seventeen years, and entered Cincinnati Dental College only a short time before his death, which occurred January 26, 1905, at the home of Dr. Hines, Williamsburg, Ohio, never reaching home after having taken sick. This was a sad stroke upon the entire community, as "Johnnie" was loved by all. Mrs. Ireton was called to her last rest, October 20, 1904, three months prior to the death of her son, and was buried in Bloom Rose cemetery. Mr. Ireton chose for his second wife, Miss Maude E. Wise, the ceremony being celebrated on the 23d of June, 1906. She was born in Brown county, near Cedron, in 1877, and. her parents were George F. and Mollie (Barber) Wise, the father being a native of Brown county, whose birth occurred near Cedron, in 1837, and whose death occurred in 1905. He was a farmer of Brown county, but made a specialty of no particular line of agriculture, carrying on general farm. He was a son of Henry Wise, who reared a family of eleven children : Samuel, William, Ellen, Martha, John, Andrew, Lydia, Jane, Amanda and George F., the father of Mrs. Ireton, are all deceased ; Susan, deceased. George F. Wise married Mary Jennings for his first wife and to this union were born two sons : Henry Edgar, who resides near Point Isabel, Ohio, and William E., who resides near Bethel, Ohio. To his union with Mollie (Barber) Wise, who was born near Felicity, Ohio, in 1838, four children were born : Frank W., whose record appears elsewhere in these volumes; Josie, deceased ; Raymond S., of near Batavia, Ohio, and Maude E., who is Mrs. Ireton, of this review. CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES - 619 The grandfather of Mollie (Barber) Wise was a native of Ireland, and upon his arrival in America, settled in Boone county, Kentucky, where he raised a family of eight children: Robert, David, John, James, Mary Ann, and Martha, all deceased. In the family of James Barber were eleven children : Zeno, Harvey, Franklin, Elizabeth, Eliza Jane and Martha, all deceased ; Mary Ann, the mother of Mrs. Ireton ; Logan, of Felicity, Ohio, is a veteran of the Civil war, having enlisted from Ohio ; Ella, deceased. Mr. Ireton settled on his present farm when he was first married, eighty-seven acres of which he inherited from his father. Later, he added thirty-three acres in Brown county, making a fine farm of one hundred and twenty acres. As the years passed by, Mr. Ireton erected the home and new barns, and by constant attention to the farm interests, has made a home that is both pretty and comfortable. Mr. Ireton was seriously injured in an explosion of an engine while shredding fodder at the home of Raymond Wise, on the Emily McKeever farm near Williamsburg, November 26, 191o. The engineer, Will Pride, was killed, and Mr. Ireton almost fatally injured, while the barn and entire contents was burned. From this Mr. Ireton has never entirely recovered. To the second marriage of Ms Ireton have been born two children, both born in Jackson township : Stella Marie, who was born May 3o, 1907, and Raymond Frank, born September 7, 1910. In politics, Mr. Ireton has always voted the Republican ticket, but is not a politician in the light of an office seeker. He has served, however, on the school board, and in 1900 was census enumerator. In religious matters, both Mr. and Mrs. Ireton embrace the faith of the United Brethren church, and Mr. Ireton has filled the office of trustee and of steward. He is liberal in the support of his chosen church and in all charitable enterprises. Mr. Ireton is a genial, pleasant gentleman, a great reader, keeping well informed on all subjects of the day. Mrs. Ireton is an affable, hospitable lady and the family stand high in the community in which they live, and the life record of Mr. Ireton is one of uprightness of character, and exemplary conduct. The Ireton family are descendants of relatives of Oliver Cromwell. We take pleasure in reproducing a poem written by 620 - CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES Mrs. Maude (Wise) Ireton for the campaign of 1908, which is said to have aided very materially to the success of the no license cause in Clermont county. WHY -VOTE? Composed by Mrs. Maude (Wise) Ireton, Williamsburg, Ohio. Why 'gainst the liquor traffic vote When not one drop goes down your throat? Why worry over child or friend Whose future you can't comprehend ? Stop and think a moment men ! Listen! Consider ! Think again ! King Alcohol sits on his throne In every land where man is known ; Placed there, not for the good he's wrought, Not for the battle he has fought, Not for the victories he has won, But for the evil he has done. With tears as jewels in his crown ; With blood is stained his costly gown ; His sceptor proudly he displays Bought by the drunkards in their graves. His throne is built of dead men's bones ; Each skull now represents the homes Of those he's crushed beneath his feet, Ah ! What an army when they all meet ! Will he boast then of deeds he's wrought, When Christ will say, "I know ye not"? There’s fathers, sons and husbands dear, Once true and good, pure and sincere, In this vast army marching on Where millions of others have surely gone. Say brother, sisters shall we stand by Do not one thing but watch them die ? Let's cast this foe from out our State ; And save our boys, ere 'tis too late. Maybe your boy, no distant time Will sup his whiskey, beer and wine ; Will tread the path of sin and woe, And to a drunkard's grave will go. When I look at my innocent babe, so fair, CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES - 621 With smiling lips and curly hair, And know there are many, as innocent as she The wife of a drunkard has been, and will be, I pray to my God to forbid that her life Should meet such a fate, as a sad drunkard's wife. Let's then as fathers, mothers, all, Release ourselves from liquor's thrall, And teach our children the disgrace, Of such an awful cursed place, As the saloon, which leads to hell, And paves the path, yes, paves it well With bleeding hearts and tears and moans, And robs our purse and robs our homes. Now there's one way, and only one, That this great work can e'er be done ; That is to join our hearts and hands And vote this curse from out our lands. "We'll sink or swim ! We'll live or die !" Hurrah ! Old Clermont's going dry. GUSTAVUS A. FRAZIER. Gustavus A. Frazier, whose life exemplified all the traits of the good and, therefore, truly great citizen, and whose activities made him one of the representative and honored men of the day in Clermont county, Ohio, was senior member of the law firm of Frazier & Hicks, of Batavia, conducting a general law practice. He was born in Cincinnati, April 2, 1839, a son of Flavius Josephus and Susanna (Plank) Frazier, both of whom were of old families in Clermont county. His death occurred at Batavia, Ohio, September 3, 1912. Flavius Josephus Frazier was born in Clermont county, in 1817, and became a merchant at Point Isabel. In 1838 he married Miss Susanna Plank, a daughter of a pioneer who came to Clermont county from Illinois. She was one of eleven children and lived to the advanced age of nearly eighty-six years, passing from this life in 1908. She left three sisters, who died within a period of four months after her decease. She was widely known and respected, being an active member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Flavius Josephus was a soldier of the Mexican war and was a son of John Frazier, 622 - CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES who was a veteran of the War of 1812 and came to Clermont county before the war, from Maryland. He was of Scotch descent, belonging to the Scottish clan of Frazier. In religious views he held the Methodist belief and followed the occupation of farming. He died leaving three sons : Flavius Josephus, the father of the subject of this review. Adolphus. Alonzo, who served in the Mexican war. The widow of John Frazier married a second time, a Mr. Brush, and one son of that union, Gen. J. L. Brush, was lieutenant-governor of Colorado. Gustavus A. Frazier was the eldest of seven children, of whom three are still living: Mrs. Kate Rice, who is the widow of George Rice, resides at Chilo, Ohio. Mr. W. W. Waterfield is the widow of a prominent tobacco and general merchant of Clermont county. Joseph, who is a Civil war veteran, and is now at the Soldiers' Home at Dayton, Ohio. Isaac and Sylvester Jefferson, deceased, also were soldiers in the Civil war. Gustavus A. Frazier was reared from an infant in Clermont county, and after the usual preliminary education he read law under P. H. Hastings, of Felicity, Ohio, also attending Carter's Academy at Felicity. He taught school for eight years and was admitted to the bar on the same day as the late P. J. Nichols. On January 1, 1880, Mr. Frazier moved from Felicity to Batavia, where he formed a partnership with ex-Senator W. F. Roudebush, which continued for eight years. In 1888 the present firm of Frazier & Hicks was formed. Mr. Frazier was married first to Miss Georgia Ann Goodwin, at Felicity. She died in 1881, leaving one son, Charles E., whose birth occurred January 20, 1862... He resides at Cincinnati, where he is buyer in one of the departments of H. & S. Poogue Company. He married Miss Catherine McGuire, of Cincinnati. They are the parents of one daughter, Marian, eight years of age. The second marriage of Mr. Frazier was to Anna R. Stiles, who was the widow of John W. Stiles, formerly clerk of the courts of Clermont county. She was a daughter of John W. White, a pioneer resident of the county. Mrs. Frazier died, July 5, 1911, at the age of sixty-eight years. Of her first mar- CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES - 623 riage Mrs. Frazier was the mother of one son, John W. Stiles, now of Cleveland, Ohio, who is manager of the Keasby & Mattison Company, extensive manufacturers. Of the second union Mrs. Frazier was the mother of one child, Alpha F., who is the wife of Attorney Eli H. Speidel, mentioned elsewhere in this work. Mr. Frazier voted the Republican ticket until the time of Tilden and was afterward a Democrat. He was a members of the Masonic order, Blue Lodge at Batavia, and was a member of the official board of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he had been an active member for many years. His intellectual attainments, his broad and generous sympathies, and his liberality won the deepest feelings of regard from all who came within the circle of his influence. His thorough conception of duty to his constituents, his party and the public, with his generous readiness to fulfill, together with his upright and honorable bearing in all the situations a public man is forced to face, gives to Mr. Frazier a record that reflects lustre upon his party, home and name. DR. FRANK C. CURRY. The medical profession calls for greater sacrifice of personal comfort, greater knowledge and skill and greater tenderness, combined with firmness, than any other. The physician is the confidential friend and adviser as well as the medical director to his patients, and has, therefore, a sacred calling. One of the most successful men in the medical profession of Clermont county, Ohio, is Dr. Frank C. Curry, physician and surgeon, whose office is in the Citizens National Bank building at Milford, Ohio, and who has been a practicing physician in Milford for the past thirty years. Dr. Curry was born on a farm near Batavia, Ohio, March 24, 1858, his parents being James P. and Augusta (Lanham) Curry. He received the educational advantages of the school at Olive Branch, following which he entered the high school at Felicity, when Judge Parrott was instructor. In the meantime Batavia had established a high school course and he became a pupil in the first year, with Austin Wood as superintendent. After spending two years in the Batavia High 624 - CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES School he became a student in the Ohio Wesleyan University, where he took a scientific course, preparatory to the study of medicine. When he had finished at the university he entered the office of Dr. J. C. Kennedy, who had advised him to study medicine. He spent two years with Dr. Kennedy reading medicine with him and studying preparatory to entering the Ohio Medical College at Cincinnati, from which he graduated in 1881. Dr. Curry began his career at Milford in 1881 with sixty dollars as capital, which his father gave him, with the instructions to "make or break." During the first year Dr. Curry was successful to a marked degree, but, being young, spent his money as soon as it came in. At the end of the year he again called on his father for funds, but was refused. On January 31, 1893, Dr. Curry was united in marriage to Miss Frances Stuntz, of Terrace Park, whose father was professor of chemistry in the Woodward High School, of Cincinnati, of which she is a graduate. At the time of her marriage Mrs. Curry was a teacher in the schools at Hartwell, Ohio. In the family of Dr. F. C. Curry are Tour children : Chauncey J., a graduate of the Milford High School, is at present a student at the University of Cincinnati, taking the co-operative course ; Frances Dorothy, Frank Albert and Mary Eliza. Mrs. Curry's parents were C. R. and Eliza (Houk) Stuntz, of Milford. Dr. Curry is a Democrat in politics, but not a politician. In his busy life he has found time to serve on the board of education as treasurer, also serving for two years as committee on blind relief, under charge of the State Board of Charities. He has been appointed to the board of health, filling the appointment for several years. Fraternally, Dr. Curry is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and is past grand, past chancellor in the Knights of Pythias lodge. He holds membership in the Clermont County Medical Association, having been its president for the past four years. On several occasions Dr. Curry has prepared and read papers before the society, one of which had for its subject the important one of tuberculosis and was published in the "Cincinnati Lancet and Clinic." He is a member of the Miami Valley Medical Society and the Ohio State Medical Association. Dr. and Mrs. Curry are devoted members of the Methodist CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES - 625 church, as are all of the family. In his practice he has made a creditable name for himself, adhering closely to a high standard of professional ethics, and conducting his business along scientific lines, which has resulted in successful accomplishment. JOHN L. FOMORIN, M. D. Dr. John L. Fomorin is one of the best known physicians in Clermont county and belongs to one of the older families of the region. He was born near Owensville, Clermont county, November 28, 1855, son of Bertrand B. and Magdeline (Cline) Fomorin, natives of France, the father born in the city of Nantz. The father was born in 1800 and died in 1882, and the mother was born in 1816 and died February 3, 1900, and both are buried at Owensville. Magdeline Cline came to America, about 1830, and her parents located in Clermont county. Bertrand B. Fomorin served fourteen years in the French army and came to America about 1837. He learned the trade of locksmith in early youth, but later was employed as superintendent of a turnpike, spent one season as overseer of a plantation near New Orleans, and then entered the employ of the Perrin distillery in Clermont county. He began with a modest salary and an unimportant position, but worked his way up by industry and ambition, and in fourteen years held a post of considerable responsibility. He gave this work up, however, to engage in farming in Stonelick township, in which he was fairly successful. He and his wife had eight children, all born in Clermont county : Margaret, deceased, was the wife of George Feller ; Francis, of Owensville ; Anthony, deceased ; Elizabeth lives on the home farm ; Annie and her husband, B. H. Maxwell, live in Jackson township ; Dr. John L., Marathon, Jackson township ; Frederick, on the home form near Owensville ; Ella, wife of B. C. Turner, of Perintown. Francis Fomorin took part in the one hundred days' service during the Civil war, taking part in several skirmishes. The parents were members of the Catholic church and were highly respected and useful members of their community. They reared their children to useful manhood and womanhood and made many friends. Dr. Fomorin attended the local schools and later attended the Ohio Medical College, of Cincinnati. He began the prac- 626 - CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIEs tice of his profession in Marathon, in 1888, and since that time has built up a large practice. He stands high in medical circles and is a skilled surgeon as well. He is almost entirely self-educated, for he began life on his own account as a poor youth, taking every opportunity to make an honest livelihood and add to the money which was to take him through his college course. He is a man of liberal ideas, makes friends easily, and is able to hold the regard and affetcion of those with whom he is associated. He has a right to be proud of what he has achieved, and throughout his career has always kept sight of the excellent training he received in his childhood, living in a manner that is a credit to his family and parentage, as well as to his own good principles. There have been five physicians in his family, and his uncle, Dr. J. B. Cline, served as surgeon throughout the Civil war, from Ohio. Dr. Fomorin owns some fifty-two acres of land in Jackson township and a house in Marathon. The house contains a commodious and convenient office, with fixtures for a good drug department. Dr. Fomorin is a Democrat in politics and in all his life has been much interested in local affairs. He lives as befits a Christian gentleman and labors in the interests of his fellow men. In 1889, Dr. Fomorin was united in marriage with Miss Lillie Blanche Hartman, born in Marathon, in 1871, daughter of W. H. and Albina (Roudebush) Hartman. Dr. Romorin and wife have two children, both born in Marathon, Bertrand H., born in 1893, and a graduate of the Milford High School, and William F., born January 31, 1899, attends school at Marathon. DANA A. SMALLEY. Mr. Dana A. Smalley is well known in Clermont county, in connection, formerly with his activities along educational lines and latterly along the lines of agriculture and the insurance business. Since 1911, when Mr. Smalley erected a comfortable home on Cleveland avenue at Milford, Ohio,- he has devoted his attention almost entirely to the insurance business, representing the Home Insurance Company of New York, the New York Underwriters and the Queen Insurance Company, with offices over the Citizens' Bank, and his evident success is the result of his untiring effort. The birth of Dana A. Smalley occurred on a farm near Har- CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES - 627 veysburg, Clinton county, Ohio, a son of Samuel O. and Anna F. (Finch) Smalley, and is the oldest of a family of six children, the others being named as follows Sarah C., who married Thomas Morris, resides in Guthrie, Okla., and has one child. James P. is a resident of McPherson, Kan., and has one son. Thomas E., of Williams Corners, Stonelick township, has one son. Judson S. is a resident of Wichita, Kan. When Mr. Smalley of this mention was about fourteen years of age his parents moved to a farm near Blanchester, Clinton county, where they remained until he was about eighteen years old. They then became residents of Williams Corner, Stone- lick township, Clermont county. Mr. Smalley acquired an education in the schools of Clinton county. which enabled him to secure a teacher's certificate, and he was in Wilmington, Ohio, for the purpose of being examined the day Fort Sumter was fired upon. He engaged in teaching for two years when, although not physically able for the hardships of military service, he enlisted in Company C, One Hundred and Seventy- fifth regiment, Ohio volunteer infantry. He was not accepted for service, but remained with the company at Camp Dennison for three months, after which he returned to his profession of teaching and for a period of twenty-five years taught in the schools of Warren, Hamilton and Clermont counties. On August 20, 1872, Dana A. Smalley was united in marriage to Miss Maggie D. Gatch, the ceremony being performed in Miami township, the place of her birth, her parents being Andrew and Lucy (Leming) Gatch, the former of whom was a son of Conduce Gatch, who was a son of the Rev. Philip Gatch, a mention of whom is made on another page of this work. Dana A. and Maggie D. (Gatch) Smalley and their descendants have verified genealogical records showing Mayflower descent from Miles Standish, John Alden, William Nolines, Edward Dotin, Francis Cook—two lines—and Huguenot descent from his wife, Hester, the Wallron—and descent from Henry Walbridge, sergeant in the Revolution, thus showing eligibility to membership in the Colonial Dames, Huguenot Society and the Daughters of the American Revolution. One child has blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Smalley : Stella M., who was born in Pleasant Hill. Miami township, Clermont county, Ohio. After completing the country schools 628 - CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES she was graduated from the Milford High School. Her mother passed away when she was an infant and since she has been old enough she has been her father's housekeeper. From 1868 to 1870 Mr. Smalley was employed as bookkeeper for a grocery firm at Cambridge City, after which he spent one spring in a commission house at Cincinnati, returning to Clermont county, where he taught school at Mt. Repose, Mulberry, Terrace Park and Milford. In 1888, Mr. Smalley gave up his profession to take tip the occupation of farming, purchasing a portion of the old Gatch farm, where he continued until taking up his residence in Milford. Some time prior to his removal from the farm Mr. Smalley had given considerable attention to the business of insurance, which he has followed continuously since his coming to Milford. Mr. Smalley gives his political support to the Republican party and served his party as township clerk for two years. Although reared in the faith of the Baptist church, Mr. Smalley has embraced the faith of the Methodist church, and for several years filled the office of superintendent of the Sunday school at the old Gatch chapel. During his stay at Cambridge City, Ind., Mr Smalley joined the Knights of Pythias and has since been transferred to the Milford lodge, in which he has filled all the chairs, being at present the chancellor commander, representing his lodge at Canton, in the year 1912. In all matters of citizenship Mr. Smalley is interested, and his co-operation has been given to many measures for the public good. Whatever he undertakes he carries forward to a successful completion and deserves much credit for what he has accomplished in a business way. DR. HARRY FOREST ANSHUTZ. Dr. H. F. Anshutz, deceased, was known throughout Clermont county as an able professional man of experience, ripened by years of practice in his profession, and the resuif of this experience was ample proof of the esteem and confidence in which he was held in the community. Dr. Anshutz was a resident of Loveland for twenty-seven years and was one of the leading dentists in the county. He was born at Montgomery, Ohio, August 25, 1855, and his demise occurred March CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES - 629 15, 1911. The parents of Dr. Anshutz were Dr. A. D. and Nancy E. (Applegate) Anshutz. After receiving the preliminary education of the public schools Harry F. Anshutz attended the Ohio College of Dental Surgery, graduating February 28, 1882, and the following year located at Loveland, where he practiced dentistry until his decease. The marriage of Dr. Anshutz to Miss Mary A. (Roberts) Hanna occurred December 22, 1897, in Miami township, Clermont county, Ohio. Her birth took place at Clarksville, Tenn. She is a daughter of Adolph and Martha (Waller) Roberts. The former died when she was small and her mother moved to Cincinnati. Her studies were pursued in the schools of Cincinnati and at home with a private tutor. At the age of fifteen years she was married to Elliston Hanna, who was in business at Remington, where they resided until the death of Mr. Hanna, November 19, 1895. In politics, Dr. Anshutz was an advocate of the principles of the Republican party and was serving as a member of the city council at the time of his death. He was fire chief of Loveland for six years. In fraternal circles he was widely known, having membership in the order of the Free and Accepted Masons, of the Knights of Pythias and of the Modern Woodmen of America. In religious matters he evidenced his faith by membership in the Presbyterian church, in the work of which he always took an active part. He possessed strong mentality, marked individuality and force of character, and became widely known. He was a gentleman of unquestioned honor and warm impulses, fearless in defending every cause he believed to be right. Mrs. Anshutz owned considerable property left her by her first husband, and after her marriage to Dr. Anshutz they purchased property, which they remodeled, making the Broadway Hotel. The present residence of Mrs. Anshutz was purchased and improved by Dr. Anshutz for her, and she also has a beautiful home consisting of twenty-one acres on Loveland Heights. Mrs. Anshutz is known as the best business woman in Loveland and looks after her property and business herself. She has much ability and what she has accomplished in life by her moral and upright life cannot be measured in words. Mrs. Anshutz has one of the finest collections of curios in 630 - CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES the State of Ohio, which was left to her by her husband, and it is always a pleasure for her to show them to those interested in these things. She is the author of two beautiful little poems to the memory of her late husband. We regret that we cannot reproduce them. HENRY PARKER SMIZER. The Smizer family has been prominent in Clermont county, Ohio, for three generations as progressive, proficient agriculturists, gaining an enviable reputation for reliability and industry by reason of their straightforward, practical business methods. The family were originally from Germany, the first to leave their native land to seek their fortune in the "Great America" being two brothers and a sister, Mathias, George and Margaret Schmeisser, the German spelling of the name, which has been Americanized to the present form of Smizer. They emigrated to this country in 1738, settling at York, Pa. Two sons of Mathias Schmeisser, Philip and George, removed to Kentucky in 1795, the latter locating in Harrison county, on the Licking river. He was three times married, the first being to Miss Katherine Lair, and the second time to her sister, Mary. The third marriage was to Miss Martha Lair, a cousin of the sisters. She was the mother of Samuel Smizer, who married Rebecca Frazier, November 8, 1827, in Kentucky, after which they removed to Whitley Creek, Moultrie county, Illinois: Philip Smizer brought his family to Clermont county from Kentucky, in 1797, locating on a farm of two hundred and fifty acres adjoining the farm, which is now owned by Mr. Henry Parker Smizer, the subject of this review. Philip built a log house but later, about 1827, he erected a substantial brick dwelling. Henry Smizer has in his possession a receipt for the brick used in this house which quotes brick as being $2 per thousand. This house is occupied by George Smizer. David, a son of Philip and Mary Smizer, was born in Harrison county, Kentucky, in 1795, and when two years of age was brought by his parents to Clermont county. He married Miss Ruth Brown and they had eight children born to their union, three of whom are still living, George, who lives on the old homestead, Louisa, who married Mr. W. B. Fitzwater CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES - 631 and lives near Windsor, and Henry Parker, who lives three miles east of Milford, Ohio. David was a farmer all of his life, and was first a Whig, afterwards a Republican. He was a devoted member of the Christian church, and also a deacon in the church at Newberry, helping to put up the church at that place. David lived to the good old age of seventy-seven years, leaving a memory that ever lives in the hearts and minds of his people. Henry Parker Smizer was born in Maimi township, Clermont county, October 20, 1833, and received his education in a private school at Milford, Ohio, and on December 17, 1859, married Miss Lucy Howes, who was a native of Connecticut. She was a daughter of Solomon and Lucy (Day) Howes, who came to Ohio when Mrs. Smizer was six weeks old. They located in Ashtabula county, Ohio, and there she was reared and educated. She afterward became a teacher in the district in which our subject lived. To this union was born three children : Alma, who married William P. Price and lives in Miami township. They have three children. Edwin F., married Miss Flora Wright, of Middle Grove, where they now live. They have five children. Abielen, was a graduate of the Milford High School in 189o, under Prof. Byron Williams. She died in 1893. After his marriage, Mr. Smizer carried on general farming on the old homestead until in 1864, when he entered the army, enlisting in Company H, One Hundred and Fifty-third Ohio volunteer infantry. He was located at Paw Paw Station, near Harper's Ferry, and with about forty others started out on a scouting expedition to capture some Confederate soldiers. Upon their arrival they found to their consternation that what had been considered a small detachment was an army of three thousand. Mr. Smizer and twelve of his company were taken prisoners and sent to Andersonville prison, where he remained from July until in January, 1865, when he was sent to Annapolis and from there to his home. Upon his return home from the war, Mr. Smizer again resumed his occupation as a farmer and bought from his father one hundred and eighty acres of land. Mrs. Smizer died in 1872, and on February 18, 1875, he was again married at Whitley Creek, Moultrie county, Illinois, to Miss Lucetta A. Smyser, who was a daughter of William and Ellen (Robinson) Smizer. She was reared and educated at Whitley Creek, and 632 - CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES is a granddaughter of Samuel and Rebecca (Frazier) Smyser, and a great-granddaughter of George and Martha (Lair) Smizer. There have been no children to bless this union. Mrs. Smizer has been a devoted mother to the children, the youngest of whom was but four years of age when she came into the family. In 1904, Mr. Smizer moved his family to another farm which he had purchased. He has been an extensive fruit growler, having forty-five acres alone in peaches. In 1911, he erected a fine new brick dwelling, which is their present home. While not an office seeker, Mr. Smizer was born and reared a Republican, and is well versed in all the political questions of the day. He is of the Universalist faith, although Mrs. Smizer is a member of the Christian church, in which she is an active worker. Mr. Smizer is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Goshen, and is also a member of Kilpatrick Post, Grand Army of the Republic, and he and his wife have attended a number of the reunions of the post. One at Boston, in 1890, one at San Francisco, in 1886, and at Columbus in 1888. Henry Parker Smizer is now retired from active life, and is spending the evening of his life in the enjoyment of the fruits of the endeavors of his early years. He has followed up the characteristics of his German blood by industrious labor and truth. He has ever been a good neighbor, a faithful friend and an honest citizen. J. N. ROBBINS. J. N. Robbins is one of the oldest business men of Goshen, his native place, and was born diagonally across the corner from his present home, on Main and Elizabeth streets, his business location being nearby. He belongs to one of the older families of Goshen, where his father was a prominent business man. He was born July no, 1837, son of J. B. and Ruth (Wood) Robbins, the father a native of a village near Boston, Mass., born in 18o8. At the age of eight years J. B. Robbins was taken by his father, who was a watch maker, the rest of the family accompanying them, down the Ohio river in a flat boat, to the vicinity of Crittenden, Ky. There the grandfather carried on his business and there J. B. Robbins grew CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES - 633 up, and worked for a time at cigar making. Later he went to Cincinnati and learned the business of chair painting, soon afterwards removing to Milford, Ohio, where his marriage occurred. A short time after his marriage he located in Goshen, and there took up the manufacture of handmade chairs. He was not a mechanic himself, so was obliged to hire all the work done except the painting, which he did himself, so he decided to. follow another line and took up house painting. He became skilled in painting clock faces, and as his sons grew up to the right age, he taught them painting. There were then two shops in Goshen where wood turning was carried on and J. N. Robbins learned the trade, and this gave his father the idea of buying one of the shops and resuming the manufacture of chairs and some other furniture. The lathes were run by horse power and they had a great business. However, the manufacture of chairs by machinery at Williamsburg compelled them to give up this enterprise, so they took up the manufacture of revolving rakes and lard presses, which they continued to the time of the Civil war. In October, 1861, Mr. Robbins enlisted as a member of the band of the Fifty-ninth Ohio volunteer infantry, serving honorably in this capacity for six months. Leaving Batavia, they went to the vicinity of Richmond, and went into camp at Maysville. He participated in a small engagement at Piketon, Ky., or Ivy Mountain, and after the government had ordered the discharge of the regiment bands, he was honorably discharged at Nashville, having served faithfully in all his duties. Later, he participated in the capture of Morgan. While Mr. Robbins was at the front, his father had continued the manufacturing business, but after the return of the younger man, the firm dropped this enterprise and engaged in the sale of farm implements, and later purchased an undertaking business. They made their own coffin's, and built up a good reputation for the quality of their work. During the life of the father they were partners, and after his death the son continued the business. When coffins began to be manufactured more by machinery, he discontinued making them and purchased his supply of the Cincinnati Coffin Company, then a small concern. Finding this company did an upright and honest business, he has continued to patronize them to the present time, and during this time they have progressed and developed greatly. Mr. Robbins stands well in business circles and is held in high esteem for the manner in which he 634 - CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES deals with his fellowmen, in business relations and otherwise. He is one of the best known men in the community and is popular with his many friends. Mr. Robbins was married, in 1868, in Chillicothe, Ohio, to Miss Christina Day. Two children were born of this marriage, one of whom died in infancy. The other, Mrs. Nelly Robbins Williams, and her daughter, Christine, nine years of age, reside at the parental home. Mrs. Williams is a graduate of the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, under Theodor Bohlmann and also a graduate in sculpture at Cincinnati Art Academy, under Louis T. Rebisso. GOSHEN SCULPTRESS IS HONORED IN GERMANY. Miss Nelly Robbins, of Goshen, Ohio, daughter of J. N. Robbins, complimented by critics in Berlin, Germany. Her Bust of Prof. Bohlmann given unstinted praise. The article printed below is taken from a recent issue of "The Cincinnati Commercial Tribune." While the paper claims Miss Robbins for Cincinnati, and we do not blame it, it is, nevertheless, a fact that she is a native of Clermont county, and was born and reared at the village of Goshen, where she still resides. She is a young lady of most engaging manners, high social standing, and a prime favorite with all who know her. Her charming ways and happy social qualities make her adored by her many friends. She is exceedingly popular among her acquaintance, both in Clermont county and in the Queen City, where she is well known. Too much cannot be said in her praise and Clermont county is proud to claim her among her many distinguished sons and daughters. On the other hand, Miss Robbins is proud of the fact that she is a native of Clermont county, and a resident of the charming village of Goshen. The "Commercial Tribune" compliments her artistic talent in the following clever manner : "The work of Miss Nelly S. Robbins, a Cincinnati sculptress, artist, and musician, has attracted attention and received recognition at the hands of some of the most noted critics of Berlin, conspicuous among whom is Hugo Lederer, the famous sculptor of the Royal Art Academy." The above item was taken from the "Clermont Sun," December 19, 19—. Again, under date of December 5, 1900, the "Commercial Tribune says : CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES - 635 "A few years ago, when Miss Robbins, who was not yet twenty years of age, was a pupil under Prof. Bohlmann at the Conservatory of Music, and at the same time attending the Cincinnati Art Academy, she created a life-size portrait bust of Prof. Bohlmann, to whom it was presented. The bust was placed on exhibition at the academy and won for Miss Robbins much praise. "Recently Prof. Bohlmann visited Berlin and while there displayed the bust in the Royal Art Academy, where it was seen by Sculptor Lederer, who passed judgment upon it as being one of the finest pieces of work he had ever seen. Day after day, for some time, he spent hours studying it, and repeatedly praised the artist and the school in which she had received instruction. "Recently Miss Robbins received a letter from the famous sculptor, telling her of the pleasure he had derived from her work, and declaring that it was by far the best specimen of its kind that had ever been sent from America and exhibited in Europe. "Several other pieces of Miss Robbins's work have received honorable mention at the spring exhibits at the Cincinnati Art Academy, and one, a bust of Dr. Daniel S. Lyman, received special recognition. While at the academy, Miss Robbins was a pupil of the late Louis T. Rebisso." We also have before us very complimentary notices of Miss Robbins's work from the "Cincinnati Post," "Times-Star," and the "Western Christian Advocate." Each of these mentions the enthusiastic praise bestowed upon her work, both by foreigners and home people. Mr. Robbins is a Republican and cast his first vote for Mr. Lincoln, his father being a stanch Republican also. He steadfastly supported the Republican party until the Philippine Islands were annexed to the United States, and not liking the attitude of the government in this matter, he decided to transfer his allegiance, and since then has been an independent Republican. He has never been an office seeker, and has often refused to become a nominee when solicited to run for office. He has been occupied with his business affairs and is a man of retiring, modest nature, who fulfills the duties of good citizen ship by giving his support to those whom he thinks will best represent the interests of the people. He is a charter member of Kilpatrick Post, Grand Army of the Republic, and has served in every office except that of commander, which he has 636 - CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES refused to accept. He has attended several National reunions of the organization, including those at Boston, Washington, D. C., St. Louis and Cincinnati. Mr. Robbins is of a family that has lived in America for many generations and originally came from England. DANIEL W. MURPHY. There is, perhaps, no profession more high or holy than that of the law, for in no other is it given to man to see the human heart in all its emotions more completely. The office of a lawyer is one of trust and confidence, to vindicate rights and redress wrongs, hence one of importance. The Clermont county bar has always occupied an enviable niche in the legal jurisprudence of the State of Ohio, on account of the learning and ability of its members, as well as their personal and political standing. Numbered among the foremost in the profession is the prosecuting attorney of Clermont county, Mr. Daniel W. Murphy, who is a native of Milford, where he has a comfortable home at the corner of Mill and .Mound streets. His offices, however, are in the Blymyer Building, Nos. 35-39, Cincinnati, Ohio, and at Batavia, Ohio. The birth of Daniel W. Murphy occurred April 20, 1866, at Milford, and his parents, William D. and Margaret (Brethney) Murphy, were natives of Ireland, the former having been born in County Abbeyfeale, and the latter in County Galway. They crossed the sea to the land of opportunity when they were young and drifted into Clermont county many years ago. In response to the call for volunteers in the army of the Civil war, William Murphy enlisted in Company D, Tenth regiment, Ohio volunteer infantry, and served as a body guard for General Lytle at the battle of Chickamuga, where the general met his death. He was in the service for more than three years, during which time he was slightly wounded at several different times and was once taken prisoner. He remained in the service some months after the close of the war and upon his return, entered the mercantile business at Milford, which he conducted very successfully for some time. He was the father of four children, of whom our subject is the oldest. The others are : CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES - 637 Katherine, who. became the wife of John Guilday, who resides at Xenia, Ohio. Margaret J., married to John Walsh, of Camp Dennison. John, whose home is at Walnut Hills, Cincinnati. Daniel W. Murphy enjoyed the educational privileges of the Milford school, from which he graduated in the class of 1884, later becoming a student of the Woodward High School of Cincinnati, graduating in the year of 1886. About this time Mr. Murphy's father urged him to study to fit himself for the profession of the law and to help the young man, often going with him to hear noted men in the profession. The ambitions thus started in the heart and mind of our subject was the foundation on which his later successful career was built. He entered the Cincinnati Law College, graduating in 1889, and since that time has had offices in Cincinnati. His practice has been in all the branches of the law; and his clientele is extensive both in Cincinnati and in Clermont county. Not only is he an able pleader, but he is an eloquent speaker before a jury. His success at the bar, his long experience in active practice and his undoubted judicial attainments fit him for the office he now fills. Mr. Murphy was reared a Democrat and has been prominent in the public affairs of Clermont county for a number of years. He served hrs party as city councilman for two years, as city solicitor several times and continuously since 1902. He was elected to the Milford school board in 1904 for a term of five years, and from 1906 to 1908 he served as president of that body. In 1908 he was elected prosecuting attorney for Clermont county and was re-elected in 191o, serving four years. At various conventions, Mr. Murphy has acted as State delegate and has been chairman of the Democratic committee of the county. He has also served as treasurer of the county committee. In addition to all of these offices he has been active in the senatorial and congressional conventions, being a very popular speaker and worker in the political campaigns. Although Mr. Murphy is largely self-made and deserves all the credit that the term implies, he gives great credit to his father for the encouragement to enter the profession in which he has been so efficient. He has offices with the law firm of Nichols & Nichols, at Batavia, and has been associated with them in many cases of importance, although he has never been a partner. 638 - CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES Mr. Murphy was married in 1894 to Miss Emma C. Ducklo, of Cincinnati, Ohio, and they have three children—Helen and Hilda, twins, aged sixteen, and George, aged eleven years. Mr. Murphy is liberal in his views, broad in his sympathy, charitable to ad extent that is self-injurious, and one of the greatest and most unrelenting fighters at the bar. His character is beyond reproach and his large practice is due largely to his ability and fearlessness after once undertaking a cause to push it to a successful termination. DR. RICHARD C. BELT. Dr. Richard C. Belt has attained more than local prominence as a representative of the medical profession in Clermont county, Ohio, and his activities have been of a most beneficial nature. He has utilized his opportunities, making steady progress along the lines that ultimately reach the objective point. The residence and office of Dr. Belt are at the corner of Water and Mill streets, Milford, Ohio. The birth of Dr. Richard Belt occurred at the village of Goshen, Clermont county, December 13, 1849, his parents being Richard and Amanda (Haywood) Belt, the former of whom came to Cincinnati, in 1820, from Pennsylvania, with his parents, when he was a child. Richard Belt, Sr., became a boot and shoe merchant at Goshen and for several years continued in this business. In 1854 he removed with his family to a farm in Williamsburg township, where he carried on a general farming business until 1865, when he purchased a farm in Batavia township, to which he moved. Dr. Richard C. Belt was reared on the home farm, and having acquired a high school education, at the age of twenty years he began the study of medicine with Dr. A. C. Moore, of Amelia, obtaining a good groundwork for a thorough medical education, which he completed by a course at the Ohio Medical College at Cincinnati, graduating in the class of 1873. At once he began the practice of his profession at Olive Branch, where he remained but a few months, locating at Milford, in 1874. The great event in the life of Dr. Belt took place when he became united in marriage to Miss Rebecca Strong West, on September 16, 1874, at Olive Branch, which was her birthplace, CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES - 639 her parents being S. R. S. and Harriet (Huber) West. This union has been blessed with one child, a daughter, Harriet, who is a graduate of the Thane-Miller School at Cincinnati. Dr. R. C. Belt is identified with the Ohio State Medical Association, the American Medical Association, the Cincinnati Academy of Medicine, the Miami Valley Medical Association and is president of the Clermont County Medical Society. He is an enthusiast in his profession, which is generally recognized throughout the entire section of the country. Dr. Belt is a Democrat, but has been too busy to accept an office. He is interested in educational matters and has been an active member of the board of education, also being a member of the city council. In fraternal circles Dr. Belt became a member of the Batavia Lodge No. 109, Free and Accepted Masons. He demitted to Milford and has filled all the chairs in his local lodge, also representing it at the grand lodge. In addition, he holds membership with the Knights of Pythias at Milford. Both he and his estimable wife are untiring workers in the Episcopal church. He is a good citizen and takes an active interest in all affairs that tend to promote the welfare of his townspeople. He is a man of strong convictions, is capable and earnest, and none stand higher with his fellows in Clermont county and vicinity. JOSEPH M. APPLEGATE. Of the men who have passed from this life, whose record for good citizenship entitles them to honorable mention in these volumes, is numbered Mr. Joseph Moreland Applegate, who was born at Hamersville, Brown county, Ohio, April Jo, 1828, and died in 1902. Mr. Applegate was reared on the farm of his father, receiving his education in the district school of the neighborhood. When he was about sixteen years of age he enlisted as a soldier in the Mexican war, taking part in many battles, among them being the battle of Monterey. After the close of the war Mr. Applegate took a trip through the Southwest, principally through Missouri, and finally reaching California became interested in mining. He spent about thirty-five years in California, although he was not successful as a miner. In 1882 he returned to his native place, intending 640 - CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES to spend a short time in visiting the scenes of his childhood, and to return to California to resume his activities in that locality. While on this visit Mr. Applegate met Miss Missouri Weaver, whom he married, August 13, 1884. Mrs. Missouri (Weaver) Applegate was born in the home in which she now lives, and is a daughter of Simeon and Mary (Duckwall) Weaver, who were natives of Berkeley county, Virginia, coming to Clermont county with their parents when they were children. The families of Duckwall and Weaver settled on adjoining farms, and it was on the farm which Mrs. Applegate's grandfather, John Weaver, purchased at this time that is her present home. The first house was a cabin on the river bottom and a little later another house was erected. The present splendid brick house was put tip just before the death of the grandmother. There were five hundred acres in the original farm, which was divided among a large family, the homestead coming into the possession of Mrs. Applegate. Mrs. Applegate was one of six children : Lavina married W. R. Ely, a minister of the Methodist church. They were the parents of Edwin C. Ely, a prominent attorney of Batavia, mentioned elsewhere in this work. John Lewis was a farmer and a great church worker, being well and favorably known throughout the county. Sarah, deceased. Mary S., deceased. James W., deceased, leaving several children. Simeon Weaver was a Democrat, as was his father. He is buried in the Odd Fellows' cemetery at Batavia. DR. NELSON EDGAR BRADLEY. Dr. Nelson Edgar Nelson Bradley, deceased, was known in Clermont county, Ohio, for many years as an able and efficient physician and leaves a memory of kindly deeds in the hearts and minds of all with whom he was associated, both professionally and socially. His life was marked by an unfaltering fidelity to duty and an earnest desire to help those who were in need, not only of his professional services, but of his sympathy. He was born at Felicity, Ohio, March 11, 1858, and was a son of Dr. Harvey and Margaret (Quinn) Bradley. the former of CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES - 641 whom was born in Clermont county, on a farm near Felicity. He studied medicine at Felicity, after which he attended a medical college at Cincinnati. He was a practicing physician and surgeon. On July 12, 1859, he married Margaret Quinn, a daughter of Isaiah and Asenith (Wharton) Quinn, who were farmers living near Connersville, Ind , where she was born. When she was four years of age her parents moved to Felicity, and there she was reared and educated. Dr. Harvey Bradley was a surgeon in the Eighty-ninth Ohio volunteers and served for about two years, when his health failed. He was a member of the Free and Accepted Masons and took the thirty-second degree in that fraternity. His death occurred March 14, 1883. Dr. Nelson Edgar Bradley grew to manhood in Felicity, and after attending the public schools of that place, entered the normal school at Lebanon, from which he was graduated. He then taught the Penn school near Felicity and studied medicine with his father, later attending Ohio Medical College at Cincinnati, from which he graduated, in 1882. After his graduation he practiced with his father until the latter's death, in 1883. Nelson succeeded to the practice of his father at Felicity, where he remained until 1898, when he moved to Batavia. The marriage of Dr. Bradley to Miss Ella M. Duckwall, of Clermont county, occurred June 3o, 1887. She is a daughter of Moses and Margaret (Earick) Duckwall, the former of whom was born on a farm in Batavia township, September 16, 1822. The house in which he was born is still occupied as a home. Margaret (Earick) Duckwall was born at Louisville, Ky., where she grew to womanhood. The Duckwalls were of German ancestry and came to Ohio from Virginia. To the union of Dr. and Mrs. Bradley were born four children : Harvey Duckwall was born at Felicity, Ohio, July 26, 1888. He received his early education at Greenfield, Ind., where his father spent some six years on account of his health. In 1907 Harvey attended the Ohio State University at Columbus. Dawson Earick was born at Felicity, Ohio, May 2, 1892. He is a graduate of the Batavia High School, class of 1910, and because of the high honors he received he was given a scholarship in the Ohio Wesleyan University. In the fall of 1911 he entered the Young Men's Christian Association Law School, of Cincinnati. 642 - CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES Nelson Edgar was born at Relicity, Ohio, August 21, 1896. He is a junior in the Batavia High School. Margaret was born on the farm near Batavia, March 16, 1898. She is a sophomore in the Batavia High School. Dr. Nelson Edgar Bradley was a Republican and took an active interest in all public affairs, and while not an office seeker, srved as a delegate to nearly all the State conventions. He served on the school board for many years and was appointed a member of the board of pension examiners. He was a member of the Felicity lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, of which he was worshipful master. He took the thirty-second degree in the Masonic lodge at Cincinnati. He took an active interest in church work, giving liberally of his time and money for the good of the cause, and at the time of his death was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. His death occurred at the home farm, near Batavia, on the Batavia & Cincinnati pike, October 22, 1911. He was buried at Felicity with Masonic honors, and Clermont county mourned the loss of another good citizen. COL. LEWIS M. CLARK. Col. Lewis M. Clark, a veteran of the Civil war and a well known representative of the industrial interests of Milford, which has been his home since 1894, is a wide-awake insurance man real estate dealer and justice of the peace, having filled the last named office for sixteen years. Although he has passed the seventy-fifth milestone of life's journey he is an active, alert and progressive citizen. The birth of Mr. Clark occurred in the village of Athens, Ohio, Rebruary 3, 1837, a son of Justin S and Mary J. (Miller) Clark. Justin S. Clark was a contractor and decorator, who became a resident of Walnut Hills about 1840 and was among the first to settle on the Lane Seminary property, where he made his home. Having spent some time in a private way reading medicine, Justin Clark decided to enter the Eclectic Medical College, of Cincinnati, and consequently turned his contracting business over to his son, Lewis, who soon sold it. After his graduation Dr. Clark had a large practice in cholera, which was prevalent at that time. About 1849 they removed to Lewis county, Kentucky, where he practiced to the end of his CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES - 643 active life. He also established a tannery, having purchased a large tract of land and having learned the trade from his father, in this territory. Lewis M. Clark received a good common school education, and while in Lewis county married Miss Nancy Pierce, and to this union were born two children, one of whom died in infancy and the other, Edwin K., married, and soon after died, leaving one child, Everett 0. Clark, now of Cincinnati. In 1861, Mr. Clark received word from General Thomas to raise a company, which he organized and was elected second lieutenant and served until in August, 1862. This was Company K, Sixteenth Kentucky volunteer infantry. He was again instructed to organize a company, which he did, and was commissioned captain of Company I, Tenth Kentucky cavalry, and saw service in protecting Cincinnati at the time of the Kirby-Smith raid. He was recommended to raise another independent battalion to protect Big Sandy, but was not allowed to be independent, and was commanded to compete a regiment, with himself as colonel, but he stepped aside. and took the office of lieutenant-colonel, recommending for colonel Major James L. Foley, who declined. He also recommended and had appointed Maj. John Mason Brown, who was afterward appointed brigadier-general of the Second brigade, Burbridge's command. Mr. Clark had command as colonel and served in that capacity. He was wounded in the fight at Mt. Sterling, Ky., on June 9, 1864, with a gunshot in the left leg just above the knee, which slivered the bone ; still he kept on, losing no time. He was captured, but made his escape after about two hours. At Snow's Pond he was hit by a ball at the top of the forehead which plowed its way across the scalp, knocking him from his horse. He was left on the field as dead, but when he came to his senses managed to get to camp. During his four years of active service he was never sick and never lost any time because of his wounds. At the close of the war Mrs. Clark passed away, and on September 26, 1869, he was married to Mrs. Nora (Pierce) Lawrence, at Covington, Ky. She was born in southern Illinois, a daughter of Capt. Ephriam and Melvina (Loveridge) Pierce, who moved to Kentucky when she was a child. Capt. Ephriam Pierce was a captain of a steamboat for over forty years. When the war broke out he took a steamboat and went into the Southern cause. He served throughout the entire war and lost all that he had accumulated in the previous years. 644 - CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES Mrs. Pierce was of the Sherman family and her sympathies were with the North, consequently she gave that cause her services as a nurse in the hospital at Covington. Since the war Mr. Clark has held various offices in the United States Government, serving in the capacity of railway mail clerk, revenue officer and deputy United States marshal for the Sixth district of Kentucky. Mrs, Clark has one child by her former marriage, Lulu L., who married James Clare and is a resident of Covington, Ky., and is the mother of eight children. Mr. Clark is in favor of the Republican principles and is a member of the fraternal order of Masons, having filled all the chairs, and has taken the Royal Arch degree. He also holds membership with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Loyal Legion, of Cincinnati, and has recently been made a life member without dues. Mr. Clark is a man of pleasant and courteous disposition, his life record shows great integrity, activity and energy, the crowning points of his success, and his connection with the business affairs of Milford have been of advantage to the city, promoting its material welfare. EMLEY BARBER GATCH. There is no name in Clermont county, Ohio, which stands for greater integrity and uprightness than does that of Emley Barger Gatch, who is a great-great-grandson of the Rev. Philip Gatch, who was one of the earliest settlers in the county. Whatever of virtue of character of Mr. Gatch, whatever of quality in his living, has been directly inherited from an ancestry rich in steadfastness and principle, which places him among the prominent men of the community. He conducts a general merchandise store in Milford, and is also the postmaster of that place. He was born on the "Old Gatch Farm" in Miami township, Clermont county, Ohio, and is a son of Frank M. and Salina (Barber) Gatch. Frank M. Gatch was a son of Gen. Thomas Gatch, who was born and reared on a farm of one hundred and twenty acres, which was a part of the original one thousand acres purchased by the Rev. Philip Gatch from the Government. When Frank grew to manhood he became the owner of the farm, on which CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES - 645 his birth occurred, and died in the same room in which he was born, being about sixty-one years of age at his death. He was buried in what was then known as "The Gatch Cemetery," but has since been bought by the township, and is now known as the Green Lawn cemetery. He was married before the Civil war and was in the one-hundred-day service. He was a Republican. He was the father of eight children, of whom Emley B. is the oldest. Two died in infancy. Gen. Thomas Gatch, who was the father of Frank M. and the grandfather of our subject, was a farmer and was the owner of seven hundred acres of land. The title of general was acquired by his rank in the militia of his day. He was a member of the Ohio Legislature and was a son of Rev. Philip Gatch. Emley B. Gatch was reared on the home farm and remained with his father until he was grown, receiving a good common school education, which has enabled him to make a success of his life occupation. On February 17, 1875, Mr. Gatch became united in marriage to Olive Marsh, who was a native of Clermont county, having been born at Owensville, a daughter of A. M. and Cena (Williams) Marsh. Mr. and Mrs. Gatch are the parents of four children : Cena B., a graduate of the Milford High School. She has taught in the kindergarten in Cincinnati. She is now a partner in her father's store and clerk in the postoffice during his term as postmaster. Sallie, a graduate of the high school at Milford, is assistant postmaster. Frank M. is a commercial salesman for the firm of Brumble & Brush Wire Goods Company, of Cincinnati. Marguerite, also a graduate of the high school in Milford, and of Oxford College, is a teacher of College Hill. Two brothers of Emley Gatch are still living: M. W. Gatch, who lives in Baltimore, is superintendent of the Brumble & Brush Wire Goods Company, of Cincinnati. Albert B. Gatch, who resides in Milford, Ohio; is a salesman for the Brumble & Brush Company. Mr. Gatch cast his first Presidential ballot for U. S. Grant, in 1872, and in 1897 he was appointed postmaster by President McKinley. He has served in this capacity continuously since. He has also a large general merchandise business, in which he has been very successful. He has followed the example of his ancestor, the Rev. Philip 646 - CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES Gatch, in his religious views, being a member of the Methodist church, as are also his family. He is a member of the Rree and Accepted Masons and has taken high degrees and has served as king of the chapter. His oldest daughter is a member of the Eastern Star. By his earnest labor Mr. Gatch has built up a fine business and he and his family are people of genuine worth, who have many friends in the county. His life has been one of indefatigable diligence and at all times he stands for progress, improvement and reform, and whatever he undertakes he carries forward to a successful completion, deserving much credit for what he has accomplished in a business way. WILLIAM E. MOTSINGER. Mr. William E. Motsinger is one of the leading business men of Milford, Ohio, where he conducts an up-to-date livery and undertaking business on Water street. Mr. Motsinger was born and reared on a farm near Miamiville, Clermont county, his birth occurring on September 7, 1855. He is a son of Felix Jackson and Lydia (Young) Mot-singer, the former of whom was a brick manufacturer, supplying the whole surrounding country with hand made brick, and conducted an extensive business in addition to his farming interests. The boyhood days of William Motsinger were spent on the farm, receiving a good common school education while assisting his father in the brick yard. At the age of ten years, he began learning the brick manufacturer's trade, and at the age of nineteen was an experienced molder. However, he became tired of this business and decided to learn the trade of blacksmith, entering the shop of Mr. E. H. Hill, a blacksmith of splendid reputation. He worked the first year for forty dollars and board, the second year for sixty dollars and board and the third year for one hundred dollars and board. He spent one more year in the shop of Mr. Hill, following which he established a business of his own at Owensville, Ohio, and for nine years met with the best of success. The marriage of Mr. Motsinger to Miss Rebecca Hill was celebrated on May 3, 1879, at Belfast, Clermont county, Ohio. Miss Hill was born at Stone Lick, near Craver's postoffice, on CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES - 647 a farm, where she received her education. She is a daughter of Charles and Rebecca (Hand) Hill. In 1888, Mr. Motsinger sold out his blacksmith business to purchase an interest in his present business with J. A. Jones as partner. This partnership continued for a period when John W. Hill purchased Mr. Jones's interest and late. he sold out to E. H. Hill. Mr. E. H. Hill finally sold out to George Eveland, who is the present partner of Mr. Motsinger. Under this management a new barn was erected in 1891, which is 36x8.4, and is three stories, the horses being kept on the basement floor, the second floor is devoted to room for the carriages, and the third floor is arranged for residence rooms. The business is prospering and the company is making rapid strides to the front in this line of business. Mr. Motsinger was educated to the views of the Democratic party, casting his first presidential vote for Samuel J. Tilden, but in later years he votes for the best man in his estimation. He has held the office of trustee of Stonelick township and was appointed to the board of public affairs in Milford, and has served continuously since. He has also served as a member of the council in Milford and has been a delegate to various conventions. Since the organization of the Citizens' National Bank Mr. Motsinger has served as one of the directors. In fraternal circles, Mr. Motsinger is a Mason, having been made a member of "Old Hammer" Lodge, No. 128, at Owensville, his membership being at present at Milford. He was a charter member of the Knights of Pythias, and has held the office of master at arms in his home lodge. The religious support of Mr. and Mrs. Motsinger is given to the Methodist church, of which organization they are both members, Mr. Motsinger having been a member of the choir for more than twenty years. When in Owensville Mr. Motsinger was chorister for several years, and wherever he finds himself he becomes at once active in all affairs that tend to help in the welfare of those around him. D. F. LADY. In chronicling the lives of those who possess undisputed ascendency in the community of Clermont county it is very essential that we compile a sketch of the unclosed career of 648 - CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES Hon. D. F. Lady, at present mayor of Bethel, Ohio. To begin with Mr. Lady is the possessor of no meager ability which is enshrouded in a character replete with the highest sense of integrity so essentially necessary to attain the finest reverence and entire confidence of the people. Through these commanding traits, his excellent judgment and the immediate reliability with which he is accepted among the commonalty enabled him to secure a substantial majority in his candidacy for mayor of Bethel soon after taking up a residence in that city. Mr. Lady was born in Noble county, Ohio, February 15, 1849, and is the son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Forinash) Lady. Thomas Lady, the father of our subject, was also born in Noble county. He early engaged in the noble work of tilling the soil and at the call to arms he readily left the plow to share the hardships and dangers of the Civil war. It was there while fighting in the front ranks at Corinth, Miss., that he gave his life and thereby his last full measure of devotion for the preservation of the Union. Our subject's mother was born in West Virginia, on the shores of the beautiful Buchanan river. She has also departed this life. To this union were born eight children, of which Mr. D. R. Lady is the only one surviving. Mr. Lady acquired his early education in the common schools of Vinton county, Ohio. Here he worked as a carpenter, which trade he soon learned. After eight years of close attention to this line his earnest endeavor earned him possession of a saw mill, which he successfully operated for six years. At the end of this period he moved to Fayette county, where he farmed for twenty-three years, then moving to Clermont county, where he practiced the same science for six years. Mr. Lady's prompt realization of the advantage of the improved methods in farming enable him to secure the best results from his land. Mr. Lady always took a great interest and active part in the social and political affairs of the commonwealth within which he lived. At an early age he was elected on the Republican ticket as justice of the peace. In this capacity he served for thirty years first in Rayette county and on moving to Clermont county received the same honor, which he has so ably and impartially filled. On the first of November, 1909, he moved to Bethel. The citizens of the town soon CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES - 649 elected him their mayor. He is the present incumbent of that office. Mr. Lady is a bookkeeper, having charge of the bookkeeping system of the telephone company, and also tends to his pretty home on Charity Place. Our subject was not loathe to risk the loss of arm, limb, physical inability or even life itself when his country was in danger, as demonstrated when he enlisted for the Union, shouldering the musket in the One Hundred and Seventy-eighth Ohio volunteer infantry, in which regiment he remained until the close of the war. Mr. Lady has associated himself with Masonic and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows orders, as well as the Grand Army of the Republic. On December 11, 1869, Mr. Lady married Miss Sarah A. Cropp, who was born in Uniontown, Pa., in 1851, daughter of Abraham and Nancy (Yates) Cropp. Her mother and father died when she was young. A brother, Frank Cropp, at present lives in Jackson county, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Lady have eight children, all being born in Ohio. Six are married. Their names follow : William Franklin, aged forty years, married Miss Luly Erskine, now living in Victor, Colo. This couple have one boy, Harold. Elizabeth, the wife of Mr. W. L. Patton, living near Jefferson, Fayette county, Ohio. They have three sons, Frank, Dale and David, and one daughter, Miss Florence, who is a teacher in the Bethel High School. Miss Lady secured her education at Oxford and Ada. College, Ohio. Myrtle, wife of A. J. Willis, at present living in Chillicothe, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Willis have three children, Arthur, William and Naomi. George W. Lady is in the government weather service at Montgomery, Ala. George W. married Ethel Gotherman, and to this union has been born two children, Harold and Grace. Daisy is a graduate of the Bethel schools, and is now a valued teacher in the primary department of that school. Stella and Ella are twin sisters, the former being the wife of Mack Fisher, living in Clermont county, and has two children, David William and Roland; Ella is the wife of John King, of Bethel, Mr. King being a teacher in the schools of that town. Our subject had two uncles and six cousins who fought in the Civil war, all of whom enlisted from Vinton county, Ohio. table> |
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