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650 - CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES One uncle and three cousins gave their lives in the struggle for emancipation. Both Mr. and Mrs. Lady, as well as all their family, are affiliated with the Methodist church, and the influence of the family is no small factor in the successful work carried on by that body. B. T. DAVIS. The right man in the right place is Mr. B. T. Davis, the popular superintendent of the Bethel schools, which position he has held for the past six years so acceptably that he was recently re-elected for three coming years. Mr. Davis is a son of William and Barbara (Shinkle) Davis, and was born on a farm near Felicity, Clermont county, Ohio, October 8, 1863. His father was a native of Clermont county, his birth having occurred in 1820, and who passed away in• 1882. He was a farmer and stock raiser. His wife, Barbara (Shinkle) Davis, was born near Felicity, Ohio, and died in 1869. There were six sons and six daughters born to this union : P. C., of Felicity, Ohio. John, a citizen of Kansas. W. H., a resident of Bethel, Ohio. B. T., is the subject of our sketch. Sarah J., the widow of William Rogers, of Moscow, Clermont county. Elizabeth, who is the wife of William Johnson, living near Point Isabelle. Melvina, is Mrs. Willis Cosins, of Fort Madison, Iowa. Laura, married Alva Sapp, residing in Hamilton, Ohio. The education of Mr. Davis was received in the schools of Lebanon, Ohio, from which he was graduated with high honors. After his graduation he assisted his father on the home farm until he reached his majority. He then entered upon his career as a teacher, first in the country schools, later teaching in the high school of Bethel, Ohio. He has been school examiner for thirteen years. Mr. B. T. Davis was united in marriage to Miss May Day, February 17, 1889. She is a daughter of George W. and Matilda (Coffman) Day, and was born in Brown county, Ohio, December 30, 1865. Her father was also a native of Brown CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES - 651 county, July 28, 1825, and died January 2, 1901. Her mother was a native of Clermont county, having been born November 20, 1829, and passed away July 7, 1893. Both of her parents are buried in the Felicity cemetery. Mrs. Davis is one of four children : Belle, is Mrs. Albert B. Armacost, of Terre Haute, Ind. Lucy, married J. M. Gregor, of Felicity, Ohio. May, is Mrs. B. T. Davis. A. E., of Bethel, Ohio. Mr. Davis gives his suport to the Democratic party, and is well posted in all the political questions of the day, though not an office seeker. Of fraternal organizations, he has membership with the Masons, the Odd Fellows, the Eastern Star, and the Rebekahs. Both he and Mrs. Davis are devoted members of the Christian church. The home of this estimable couple is one of refinement and culture, and both have many pleasant social connections in the community in which they reside. L. D. KENNEDY. Mr. L. D. Kennedy, who has for many years been prominently identified with the business activities of Bethel, Ohio, is one of its most highly esteemd citizens. He is a son of Aaron and Mary Ann (Hals) Kennedy and was born in Tate township, Clermont county, Ohio, May 16, 1838. Aaron. Kennedy was born in Maryland and came to Clermont county when a young boy. Mary Ann (Hals) Kennedy was born in England and came to America at the age of twelve years. Both have left this life and their remains repose in the Bethel cemetery. Mr. L. D. Kennedy is the fourth of ten children, five of whom are still living: Lucitta, who married Joseph Turner, resides in Illinois. Asbury is a resident of Williamsburg, Ohio. Alpines and Hals live in the State of Washington. The subject of our sketch, Mr. L. D. Kennedy, w. = educated in the schools of Clermont county and of Bethel, making his home with his father on the farm until he was of age, thus forming in his early years habits of industry and integrity. On February 9, 1862, occurred the great event of his life, when he was united in marriage to Miss Phoebe Olive Osborn, daughter of David and Minerva (Hill) Osborn. David Os- 652 - CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES born was a cabinetmaker and later was for years an undertaker at the Bethel home. The marriage vows were taken in the beautiful home in which the bride was born and reared to young womanhood, and where many happy, joyous days have since been spent, it being their present home. Mrs. Kennedy's father was a native of Clermont county and her mother was born in Kentucky. They are both laid to rest in the Bethel cemetery. Mrs. Kennedy is the only living one of three children. Mr. and Mrs. Kennedy are the proud parents of nine children and the family circle is still unbroken by the hand of death : Araminta is the wife of John Clare, of Cincinnati. They have five children. Glow married Walter Lee, residing at Fargo, N. D., and they have one daughter, Helen. Howard, of Cincinnati, a steam fitter. Blanche married Lou Runk and is the mother of three children, Margie, Araminta and Lucile. Phoebe Ann, wife of Howard Scott, of Cincinnati, and they have one son, Thomas ; and Gladys. A. Osborn, a resident of Bethel, Ohio, married Clara Johnson and is the father of four children, Earl, Roy, Herbert and Thelma. Minerva is Mrs. John Frazier, of Rushville, Ind., and they have four children : Byron, married and has one daughter, Mary Frances ; Harley ; Effie, and Charles. Miss Effie is living at home with her parents. Emma is the widow of Wilson Smith and lives at home with her parents. Charles, who is a shoecutter, of Bethel, Ohio, married Olllie Bier, has two children, Dewrel and Dyrl. La Clede is in business with his father, living next door to him. He married Bertha Reed. Clarence E. assists his father. David Osborn is at home. Two years after his marriage Mr. Kennedy embarked in the business of undertaker and funeral director with his father-in-law, the firm being Osborn & Kennedy. The progressive ideas and business ability have been thoroughly demonstrated in the years of service in this capacity. Those in trouble and distress have always found in Mr. Kennedy a kind and sympathetic friend, faithful and reliable in all things. CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES - 653 Mr. and Mrs. Kennedy experience a pleasure that is enjoyed by comparatively few, when, on February 9, 1912, they celebrated their golden wedding anniversary. Their beautiful home was decorated in white and gold, the favors being tiny golden bells. Three of the relatives who attended the ceremony fifty years ago were in attendance and the occasion was made joyous and gay by the presence of all of their own children and fifteen grandchildren. A sumptuous dinner was served to the children and grandchildren, following which a reception was given to about seventy-five friends. Mr. and Mrs. Kennedy have been privileged to attend seven other golden weddings of relatives and friends. They are justly proud of the fine family they were permitted to rear to maturity. Mrs. Kennedy is a lady of great ability as a wife, mother and member of society. Mr. Kennedy is a man of integrity and industry, broad-minded and liberal. This is the oldest established undertaking business in Clermont county, having been started by David Osborn some seventy-five years ago. Mr. Kennedy has conducted the business for forty-six years, since November, 1866. DR. WILLIAM S. ELLSBERRY. Dr. William S. Ellsberry occupies an enviable position as one of the leading physicians and surgeons of Clermont county, Ohio, residing at Bethel, where he was born, January 27, 1852, and where he commenced his professional life. His father, Dr. William Ellsberry, was one of the first physicians in Clermont county, coming here from New Jersey soon after its organization. His birth occurred in 1810 and his death took place in 1904. He was a Democrat and took great interest in politics, but would not accept office. He married Margaret Gatch Dimmitt, who was a native of Clermont county, Ohio, and a daughter of Rev. Moses Dimmitt. Dr. William S. Ellsberry acquired his education in the schools of Bethel, then attended the Medical College of Ohio, graduating in 1873, following which he attended the Rush Medical College of Chicago. He began practicing at his home town and was associated with his father until the latter retired from active life, after which all the practice fell to our subject. Dr. Ellsberry is a member of the Knights of Pythias, and 654 - CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES is a Democrat in politics. His home is the old Ellsberry homestead, which he has improved and remodeled, a beautiful residence. He enjoys his profession, which takes him over portions of Clermont, Brown and Hamilton counties, in the vicinity of his home. He is well and most favorably known, both professionally and socially, being of a genial, jovial temperament, although modest and retiring. He is a great reader and spends many happy hours in his library. He has two sisters living, Anna M., who is at home, and Grace, who is Mrs. William Ellsberry, of Atlanta, Ga. Dr. Ellsberry is health officer of Tate township, and is examining surgeon for eight insurance companies. WILLIAM JOHNSTON. William Johnston, of the general store of Bethel, Ohio, was born at Nicholsville, Clermont county, October 5, 1854, and is a son of Alexander and Anna (Johnston) Johnston, both of whom were natives of Scotland, and who came to America at an early day. They settled in Ohio and are both deceased. The father died in 1882, and the mother in 1877. They are buried in Monroe township cemetery. Of their union were four children : James and Archie live near Nicholsville, Ohio. William, our subject. Martha, who was the wife of Albert Patterson, of Cincinnati, passed away February 22, 1903. William Johnston was educated in the school at Nicholsville, helping his father on the farm until his marriage to Miss Lizzie Calhoun, April 24, 1884. She was born near New Richmond, Ohio, February 28, 1859, a daughter of Lewis and Elizabeth (Stroup) Calhoun, the former of whom was a native of Pennsylvania, coming to Clermont county many years ago, where he followed the occupation of blacksmith. They were the parents of two children : Lizzie Belle, is Mrs. Johnston. Charles A., who is a partner of Mr. Johnston. Mr. and Mrs. Calhoun embraced the Methodist belief, and both are deceased, the former being a soldier in the Civil war, as were two of Mrs. Calhoun's brothers. Both of the last named died in prison. CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES - 655 Mr. and Mrs. Johnston are members of the Presbyterian church and take an active part in all church affairs. She is a member and Worthy Matron of the Eastern Star. He is a Republican and is well informed upon all the subjects of the day. They have bought and remodeled a pretty home, where their friends are always welcome. They are quiet retiring people and are considered among the substantial citizens of the county, being upright and honest, in fact a representative family. They are doing a thriving business in their general merchandise store, supplying all parts of the township with anything that is required in the average household. W. H. BANISTER. One of the most prominent and enterprising business men of Bethel, Ohio, who conducts an up-to-date grocery store on Plane street, is numbered W. H. Banister, who is a native of the county. He was born at New Richmond, Ohio, July 19, 1854, and is the son of B. L. and Mary (Herbert) Banister, the former of whom was born in New York State, coming to Clermont county with his parents when a small child. He was a cooper by trade, residing in New Richmond. The latter was a native of New Richmond and both are deceased, leaving two children, our subject and Fred C., of New Richmond. Mr. Banister pursued his education in the public schools of New Richmond, after which he entered upon his business career as clerk in a general store of his home town. He was united in marriage to Miss Emma Swing, April 25, 1880, uniting himself with one of the most prominent Clermont county families. Mrs. Banister was born near Bethel in 1856, a daughter of Merritt J. and Maria (Cruthers) Swing, the former being a native of the county, his birth having occurred on the old farm known as the "Swing Settlement," near Bethel. He was a merchant of Bethel for forty-five years, and passed away in 1910, his wife having been deceased since Mrs. Banister was a small child. There were five children : Elizabeth, married Oscar Sims, of Bethel, Ohio. N. G., of Columbus, Ohio. Emma, is Mrs. Banister. Ella, is the wife of William Scott, of Denver, Colo. Marie, is Mrs. Wellington Hibbard, of Denver, Colo. 656 - CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES The Grandfather Swing came to Clermont county at an early day, making the journey in wagons from New Jersey. He purchased one thousand acres of land in the county upon his arrival, which he divided among his children. Mr. Banister continued his business life after his marriage as a traveling salesman, with headquarters at Cincinnati. He pursued this occupation until in 1891, when he took the office of county clerk, having been elected in 189o. Because of the excellent satisfaction he gave during his first term, he was re-elected in 1893. He resided in Batavia during the six years of office and upon retiring opened his present business. In political views, Mr. Banister is strictly Democratic ; in religion, lie favors the Methodist belief, he and Mrs. Banister being members of the church at Bethel. He is respected by all in the community in which he makes his home. GEORGE TIBBITTS BROWN. No family in Clermont county, Ohio, has in a greater degree contributed to the settlement, development and progress of the county in all of its relations than that of Brown, which is one of the oldest and best known in this locality and is especially noted for the high personal standing and business integrity that characterize its members. George Tibbitts Brown is a worthy son of Clermont county, being a typical and representative citizen, possessing the enterprise which has made him a dominant factor in the agricultural circles of the county. He is a native of New Richmond, Ohio, his birth having occurred there, April 5, 1857. He is a son of Enoch George and Susan (Fisher) Brown, who were married in the year. of 1845 in Clermont county, where they were both born and reared. Enoch George Brown was born in Monroe township, near Laurel, May 16, 1817, and died December 17, 1891, having spent all but two years of his life in the county of his nativity. He was a merchant the greater part of his life and his efforts were crowned with a large degree of success. He was a Republican, but not an office seeker. Susan (Fisher) Brown was born in Monroe township, November 3, 1822, and died May 31, 1886. They were the parents of nine children, five of whom are still living: CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES - 657 Charles Carroll, whose death occurred in June, 1911, at Spokane, Wash. He enjoyed the educational privileges of Parker's Academy, from which he graduated in 1868. Prior to this he enlisted in Company I, One Hundred and Eighty-fourth Ohio volunteer infantry, January 31, 1865. From his graduation in 1868 until 1874, he taught school, after which he was mail clerk between Cincinnati and Portsmouth, serving on the famous steamer "Bonanza." In 1885, Charles was transferred to the Cincinnati, Portsmouth & Virginia Railway Company, serving for two years as mail clerk. He then assumed charge of the steam laundry at Portsmouth, which position he held until in 1901, when he was forced by poor health to give up his work, and to seek health in the Western climate. His friends said of him that there was never a more even tempered, considerate man than "Charlie" Brown. He faced every turn in life with a smile and always encouraged and cheered others to renewed effort when the way seemed dark. He loved and was loved by his family with an affection that knew no limit. William B., residing at Eureka Springs, Ark. David F., a resident of East Walnut Hills, Cincinnati. Ella, who married Dr. K. B. Sayers, of Hyde Park, Cincinnati ; died in the fall of 1911. George T., of this mention. Anna, of Hyde Park. Jerome Augustus, of Hyde Park, Cincinnati. The maternal .grandfather of George T. Brown, the Hon. David Fisher, was one of the first settlers in Ohio, locating in Clermont county in 1798. From 1847-49 he was representative from the Second district of Ohio to Congress, during which time he was intimately associated with Abraham Lincoln. Mr. Brown acquired an education in Parker’s Academy, as did most of his brothers and sisters. After his graduation he spent five years in Leadville, Colo., where he was a clerk in the postoffice at that place. Returning to Clermont county, he was united in marriage to Miss Ruie Ely, June 2, 1885. She was the only daughter of John Francis Marion and Elizabeth (Justice) Ely, and was born at Bantam, Clermont county, November 18, 1859, at the site of her present home. Her father, John Francis Marion Ely was a merchant at New Richmond and was born at Bantam, November 28, 1834. He passed away May 18, 1907. Her parents were married October 27, 1858. 658 - CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES Mrs. Brown's grandmother, Mrs. Ruhama Justice, who was born at Little Egg Harbor, N. J., in 1808, came to Ohio in 1816 with her parents, Rev. James and Elizabeth Blackman, who were of English extraction. Mrs. Justice was a lady of rare intellectuality and was conspicuous in the society of the time of the Grants, General Hamer, Thomas Morris. She was a niece of the distinguished Methodist circuit rider, Rev. John Collins, who founded the Jersey settlement in Clermont county in 1803. Her husband's father, John Justice, and General Grant's grandfather, John Simpson, served two years together in the same regiment in the War of the Revolution. The Justice family were among the first to purchase large tracts of land in Clermont county, part of which is still in the possession of the heirs. Mrs. Brown's aunt, Miss Amanda Justice, a lady whom to know was a pleasure, was noted for her kindness and good deeds, contracting her death sickness by ministering to the sick with cholera in the epidemic in the early 50's, she being sick but a few hours. She was a young woman about to become a bride and was buried in her bridal robes. Mrs. Brown has in her possession an original letter from William Penn to the Marquis of Halifax, written May 21, 1683, taken from the Crystal Palace, in the first exposition held in New York City. She also has a silver knee-buckle which was worn by her great-grandfather, one of the gallant Revolutionists. She inherited much of her mother's and grandmother's parlor furniture and quaint old china. The fanciful mantel in the pleasant living room of the present home is hand carved and was removed from the old house which belonged to her grandfather, to the new modern home. The mantel was made over one hundred years ago. Mr. and Mrs. Brown have had five children in their family circle : Savyl Justice, whose birth occurred October 23, 1886, married Miss Hattie Siegler, from Indiana, in 1912, and they are farmers living near Fayetteville, Brown county, Ohio. Enoch Ely, who was born February 21, 1889, is doing office work at the Steel Works of Portsmouth, Ohio. He married Miss Blanche Rentinger in 1912. Edward Sayers, born January 28, 1893, assists his father. Susan, was born October 1, 1897, and is attending the high school of Bethel. Ruhama Elizabeth, who was born August 5, 1901, attends the school in the district. CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES - 659 Mr. Brown is largely self-made, for although Mrs. Brown inherited property, he has accumulated many of the comforts of life by his own industry and energetic attention to the details of his large business interests. He owns a well improved farm and in 1903 built an elegant modern home. He conducts a fine dairy business, and in connection does general farming and stock raising. In political views, Mr. Brown is Republican and has served in the capacity of assessor for two terms and for three years was township trustee. Fraternally, he holds membership with the order of Knights of Pythias, and has filled all the chairs Religiously, both Mr. and Mrs. Brown are members of the Presbyterian church, she being an active member of the Ladies' Aid Society. Mr. Brown has followed the occupation of farming since his marriage, with the exception of the first year, which he spent in the grocery business in Cincinnati. He is quiet and reserving, but cordial to all who call at the home, which is often thrown open to the family friends. He is a man of integrity and ability, a genial, whole-souled citizen. JAMES DAVIDSON. Among the native sons of Clermont county, Ohio, who have been actively identified with the farming interests here is numbered Mr. James Davidson, now living a retired life at Bethel, Ohio. He was born October 22, 1837, and is a son of John and Arie (Chalmers) Davidson, the former of whom was born in Mason county, Kentucky, in 1799, and the latter was born near Plainville, Hamilton county, Ohio, July 10, 1798, and died July 24, 1873. They were farmers of the county and are buried here. There were ten children born to them, of whom James is the only one living. James Davidson acquired his education in the common schools of the county, after which he assisted his father on the farm until he was of age, working a little at the carpenter's trade. On September 1, 1859, occurred the marriage of Mr. Davidson to Miss Martha Summers, who was a daughter of John and Vanelia (Trump) Summers. John Summers was born at Philadelphia, October 5, 1795, and his wife was born No- 660 - CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES vember 29, 1799, also in Pennsylvania. They are both buried in Ohio, where they came at an early day. Of the three children born to this couple, none are living : Elizabeth, was the widow of James Mathew, of Cincinnati, and died in 1912, and Malancthon died as a youth. Mr. and Mrs. Davidson had born to them nine children, all of whom were born in Clermont county. Joseph M., of Williamsburg, Ohio. Charles Henry, of Kansas. Thomas B., of Williamsburg township, Clermont county. Hon. John S., whose sketch appears elsewhere in these volumes. Emma, is the wife of John Burnside, of Williamsburg township. Herman P., of Williamsburg township. Nellie, who is her father's housekeeper. Harvey, of Colorado. Alice, is at home. After their marriage, Mr. Davidson and his wife settled on a farm in Batavia township, where they carried on general farming for sixteen years. In 1875 the family removed to a farm on the East Fork of the Little Miami river, in Williamsburg township, later moving again to another farm in the same township, on Clover creek, where he remained until he retired from farm life. He purchased a home at Bethel, where he now resides in comfort and quietude. Mrs. Davidson passed from this life January 8, 1902, and since then his daughter, Nellie, has kept the home for him and a younger sister. Mr. Davidson is a devoted member of the Methodist church and takes an active interest in all religious affairs. He is a Democrat in politics and is well posted on all subjects of the day. He is largely a self-made man and is enjoying the fruitful labors of his younger years. He has the respect of all in the community in which he lives, and is counted a representative citizen of the county. MILLER W. FAGALY. Miller W. Ragaly, a prominent farmer and highly respected citizen of Clermont county, Ohio, who has resided on his present farm for more than forty years, was born at Cincin- CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES - 661 nati, November 21, 1835, and is a son of Lewis and Mary .Ann (Fox) Fagaly. Lewis Fagaly, whose birth occurred in 1802, was a native of Germany, coming to this country in 1804 with his parents, who located at Cincinnati, where he made his home for thirty years. He was a butcher by trade and was one of the first in Cincinnati when there was but two stalls in the market place at Pearl and Butler streets. Lewis was a man of unusual business ability and was very successful in his line of work. In 1851, he purchased a farm in Clermont county, where he spent the remaining years of his life, his death taking place in 1882. Mrs. Fagaly was a native of Mason, Warren county, Ohio, her birth occurring on January 9, 1813, and passing from this life March 11, 1876. They were both members of the Wesley Methodist church, having been formerly members of the United Brethren church. To them were born twelve children, of whom seven are still living: Eveline R., is the wife of Samuel McHenry, of Dayton, Ohio. William H., deceased. Miller W., our subject. Margaret and Mary Ellen, deceased. Keziah M., of Clermont county, Ohio. Louisa and Wallace Clark, deceased. Sarah J. married Belleville Impson, of Cincinnati. Harriet is the wife of John Barnes, of Forrestville, Ohio. Charles A., of North Bethel, Ohio. Elmer J., of Redding. Mr. Miller W. Fagaly received his mental training in the schools of Cincinnati and Bethel, Ohio, remaining at home until he was of age and on December 31, 1857, occurred his marriage to Miss Malinda C. Beck, a daughter of John and Eliza (Edwards) Beck. She was born March 29, 1834. Her father was a native of the county, having been born in 1807, and died in March, 1861. Her mother was born in New Jersey, in 1805, and died in 1889. Mrs. Fagaly was one of twelve children, two of whom are living: Horace, of Bethel, Ohio. John, of Hamlet, Ohio. After his marriage Mr. Fagaly devoted his time to the occupation of farming in Tate township until the Civil war broke out, when he lmoved to Bethel, where he made stirups and saddle trees for the soldiers. In 1864 he enlisted in Company —, One Hundred and Fifty-third Ohio volunteers, serv- 662 - CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES ing four months. Mrs. Ragaly passed away August 18, 1910, leaving three children to mourn her loss John Lewis, who was born October 5, 1858, in Clermont county, married Miss Belle Ely. They are farmers of Tate township. Anna Roselia, was born October 24, 1861. She is keeping house for her father. George Mathews, whose birth occurred September 18, 1870, and passed from this life February 11, 1904. He married Mary Etta Boggess, and to them were born two sons, Miller AV. and George Gerald. In 1871, Mr. Fagaly purchased his present farm, where he has since made his home. He has followed farming as an occupation most of his life, and has been counted one of the most substantial farmers of the county. He is a Republican and claims membership in the fraternal order of Odd Fellows. He is also a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. FRANK FOSSYL. Mr. Frank Fossyl, whose useful and upright life was terminated in death February 4, 1901, at Bethel, Ohio, was a native of Germany, his birth having occurred in Hungaria, March 9, 1852. His father and one brother were soldiers of the German army and lost their lives in the service. Mr. Rossyl came to America when he was fourteen years of age and located in New York, where he began his life career as an employee in a piano factory. He spent ten years there, after which he came to Cincinnati, engaging as a coachman for a family on Walnut Hills. Tiring of this occupation he came to Clermont county, where he was in the employ of Mr. William Iden and Dr. B. Thompson. Later he took up the work in the shoe factory at Bethel. Politically, Mr. Fossyl was a Democrat, and socially, a member of the Odd Fellows. On March 31, 1869, occurred the marriage of Mr. Fossyl to Miss Nancy Jane Zugg, who is a daughter of Samuel and Ellen (Swing) Zugg, and was born November 10, 1850, in Clermont county. Her father was born in Hamilton county, Ohio, August 26, 1813, and died September 8, 1890. He was a Democrat and held various township offices. Her mother was born in Clermont county, April 12, 1818, and died March 21, CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES - 663 1859. Both were members of the. Baptist church and are buried in the Bethel cemetery. To them were born a large family : Sarah, who married James Clare, of Bethel, was at one time the owner of the old Grant home. Harriet, who is the widow of William Clare, is the present owner of the old Grant home at Bethel. Nancy J., who is Mrs. Fossyl. Mary, who was born November 19, 1852, married Thomas Meeker, a farmer of Tate township. She died in May, 1912. Lewis E., was born October 8, 1854, and died in 1909. He was a farmer of Brown county, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Fossyl were given one child to bless their union : Minnie, who was born in Clermont county, January 2, 1871, and received her education in the common schools of the county and was united in marriage to Cloyd W. Henderson, December 24, 1902. He was born at Bethel, Ohio, August 20, 1870, and is a son of Perry and Susan (Hicks) Henderson, the former of whom was an employee in the Bethel shoe factory, and passed away in 1908. His mother still lives in Bethel. They were the parents of the following children : Lec and Mamie, of Bethel, Ohio ; Margaret, married John Nelcamp, of Bethel ; Maude, is the wife of Alfred Holmes, a farmer living near Bethel ; Court and Leveret, of Cincinnati, and Laura, who is the wife of Mr. Peck, living in the East End of Cincinnati. Mr. Henderson is assistant superintendent of the shoe factory of Bethel, and is a reliable machinist, receiving many promotions from time to time. He is a Republican, but not an office seeker. Mr. and Mrs. Henderson have had one child born to them, Mary Grace, who was born in Clermont county, February 5, 1904, and after six months her sweet life was taken, on August 21, 1904. Mr. and Mrs. Fossyl's foster son, Howard, was born May 5, 1887, and attended the schools of the county, after which he was engaged in the shoe factory for a period. He married Miss Irene McCann, and is now residing in Cincinnati, engaged with the Miller Shoe Company. They have two children, who were born in Clermont county : Claude, was born May 27, 19o5, and Estelle died at the age of six months. This foster son has been a great comfort to Mrs. Fossyl and she is justly proud of him and his progress in the business world. 664 - CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIEs About 1900, Mr. and Mrs. Fossyl moved to Bethel, where they spent a pleasant six months in their home on Main street, before death came to take one of the members from this life. Mrs. Fossyl and her daughter, Mrs. Henderson, are devoted members of the Christian church, being members also of the Ladies' Circle. The elder lady holds membership in the Women's Christian Temperance Union, and is a great doer of kindly deeds. The paternal grandfather of Mrs. Fossyl was Frederick Zugg, who was born and reared in Germany. He and his good wife, Caroline, came to Cincinnati in the early days when that city was in the beginning of its growth. Their family consisted of : Frederick, Christian, Henry, William, and Samuel, who was the father of Mrs. Fossyl. All of the sons are deceased. The maternal grandfather of Mrs. Fossyl was Samuel Swing, who married Lydia Dryall in 1815, and they were the parents of the following: Michael, Sarah, Abraham, Ellen, Jeremiah, David and Shadrach, all deceased. Both the families of Mrs. Fossyl and her daughter, who resides with her, are of the substantial ones of the county, combining all the characteristics of refinement and integrity that goes to make representative citizens. ALBERT CRANE. After an active, useful and honorable career as an agriculturalist, Mr. Albert Crane passed from this life, February 7, 1905. He was a representative of one of the oldest families of Clermont county, Ohio, his birth occurring October 12, 1844, on the same farm, near Bethel, on which his father was born, June 26, 1820. His father was also a farmer of prominence in the county. His mother was Miss Euphemia Burk, who was born in Clermont county, December 25, 1822, and who died June 26, 1893. George W. Crane, father of our subject, was a Republican and a member of the school board, taking an interest in all affairs that were for the good of the community. His death took place July 9, 1892. Albert Crane received his education in the common schools of Bethel, helping his father on the farm, familiarizing himself with all the details of farm life. He followed this occupation CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES - 665 until his marriage to Margaret N. Bragdon, January 1, 1871. She was born in Pierce township, this county, October 28, 1849, a daughter of William B. and Elizabeth (Noyes) Bragdon), the former of whom was born in Brown county, Ohio, in in 1809, and who died July 12,, 1887. Her mother, born at East Fork, Clermont county, in 1822, and died March 31, 1906. Of the eight children born to this union all are living: Anna, is Mrs. Thomas Holland, of Bethel, Ohio. Margaret, is. the widow of Mr. Albert Crane. Laura, is the wife of Samuel Edwards, of Bantam, Ohio. Nora, married John White, of Terrace Park, Ohio. Dr. Ernest, of Bethel, Ohio. Thomas C., resides in Williamsburg, Ohio. Abner N., of Los Angeles, Cal. Etta, is Mrs. William Strock, residing at Chattanooga, Tenn. At the call of his country for volunteers, Mr. Crane enlisted in the Union army, in Company C, One Hundred and Fifty-third regiment, Ohio volunteer infantry, and was honorably discharged from service at the close of the war. Mr. Crane was successful as a farmer, being a practical business man and carried on his work in a methodical manner, getting the best results from his labors. He was a Republican, serving as a member and officer of the Bethel school board for many years. He held membership with the fraternal order of Odd Fellows, and in the Grand Army of the Republic. Mrs. Crane joined the Baptist church when quite young. There were two children born to this union: Edwin L., born September 21, 1873, and died December 6, 1898. He married Miss Bertha Prickett, and to this couple were born two children : Emmett, born March 26, 1894, makes his home with his grandmother, Mrs. Crane ; Mildred Grace, born March 3, 1897, is with her mother, who resides in Cincinnati. Grace E., who was born January 12, 1877, is the wife of George P. Hibbets, of Kansas City. They had two children : Philip Crane Hibbets, born March 17, 1902, and died July 16, 1902 ; Margaret E., born May 22, 1906. Following the death of her husband, Mrs. Crane rented the farm of one hundred and thirty-six acres, which Mr. Crane left her, and purchased a comfortable home at the edge of Bethel, where she has since resided. She is an earnest worker in the Baptist church, and is an active member of the ladies' aid. 666 - CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES DR. WILLIAM EDWARD LEEVER. Dr. Edward Leever belongs to one of the oldest families of Clermont county, where they settled about one hundred years ago. He is a native of Clermont county, born in Jackson township, in 1875, son of John Wesley and Mary (Johnson) Leever, the father born near Guinea, Clermont county, in 1841, and died in 1878, and the mother, who was born in Jackson township, Clermont county, 1842, now lives at Afton, Clermont county, and is the wife of John Meek. John Wesley Leever was a son of Henry W. Leever, who was a Methodist preacher, spending some time on the "circuit," and also preaching in local churches. His home was at Guinea and in later life he became a blacksmith and farmer. He was one of the most highly esteemed men in the county and well known in that part of the State. The family originally came from Germany, and several members participated in the Revolutionary war after coming to America. They originally settled in Pennsylvania, the father of Henry W. Leever being one of eight sons who located there, and later came to Ohio, locating at Loveland, Guinea, and other places in Southwestern Ohio. John Wesley Leever engaged in farming in Jackson township and became successful in this enterprise. He also conducted a nursery for some years. He served three years and three months in Company G, First Ohio volunteer cavalry, and his brother Relix was killed while serving in the Union army. John W. Leever and wife had four children, namely : Julietta, wife of D. Lamkin, lives at Mannsville, Okla.; Charles H. is a lawyer and resides in Cincinnati; Dr. William E. is the subject of this sketch ; Elizabeth married Isaac Shoemaker, and they reside at Hillsboro, Ohio. Dr. Leever's father having died when he was very young, he had his own way to make, and early developed habits of self-reliance. In boyhood he worked at farming in summer and attended local schools in winter. He received his scientific education at Lebanon, Ohio, and Ohio Medical College (known as Cincinnati Medical College), from which he graduated. He began the practice of his chosen profession at Owensville, where his reputation as a successful general practitioner is well founded. He has won the esteem and respect of his fellows and stands well in professional circles. He has taken an active interest in local affairs and helped promote the CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES - 667 Building & Loan Association, of which he is secretary and is a director of the local bank, also a member of the village board of education. He is a Republican in political belief and be- longs to Owensville Methodist church, of which he is a trustee and steward. His wife belongs to the Baptist church of Bethel, and both are conscientious workers in the cause. He belongs to two fraternal organizations, the Masons and the Odd Fellows, and is popular in both. He and his wife are well known socially and both have reason to feel proud of the part taken by their families in the past history of Clermont county. Dr. Leever was married, in 1901, to Miss Florence Crane, who was born in Bethel, Ohio, in 1879, daughter of Cyrus and Olive (Van Osdol) Crane, whose sketch appears in this history. Three children have blessed this union, all born in Owensville : Vivian Crane, aged nine years ; Lester Leon, aged seven, and Russell E., four years. Dr. and Mrs. Leever erected their pretty home on Broadway in 1902, and there his office is located. FRED H. SCOTT. The popular, energetic and progressive marshall of Bethel, Ohio, Fred H. Scott, is a son of Harrison and Elizabeth (Fields) Scott and was born at Bethel, August 31, 1867. Harrison Scott was a native of Pennsylvania, his birth having occurred in 1815, in Westmoreland county. He came with his parents to Clermont county, Ohio, when a lad. He and General Grant were fast friends in young manhood, at Bethel, and at one time when Grant. returned from West Point, Harrison, who was a great mimic, had a suit made which was the exact duplicate of the uniform worn by the cadets at the military school, causing great amusement among the young people by following his friend around town. He afterward enlisted in the Civil war, under General Grant, receiving an honorable discharge direct from him at the close of the war. Elizabeth (Fields) Scott, the mother of our subject, was born in Alabama, in 1830, and died in 1901. Harrison Scott passed away, April 25, 1885, and a peculiar occurrence in regard to both of these deaths is, that both died on Saturday before Easter Sunday, and both died in the seventy-first year of their life. They had born to their union nine children : 668 - CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES Olive, who married Albert Warden, of Ripley, Ohio, passed away at the age of fifty years. Jane, is Mrs. 0. C. Thompson, of Bethel, Ohio, Laura, of Bethel, Ohio. Mary, is the wife of George Armour, Ripley, Ohio. Zella, is Mrs. John Browning, of Bethel. Callie, is the widow of Griffith Wasson, of Portsmouth, Ohio, where she is forelady in a shoe factory. William H., of Cincinnati. Fred H., of this mention. Frank, who resides at Bethel. Mr. Fred H. Scott received his mental training in the public schools of his native town, following which he was employed at various occupations, until his marriage to Miss Georgia Thomas Easter, June 2, 189o. She was born at Falmouth, Ky., in 1874, and is a daughter of Jacob and Martha (Thomas) Easter, both natives of Kentucky, the latter of whom passed away May 24, 1912. There were four children : Georgia T., is Mrs. George Scott. Leo, of Bethel, Ohio. Blanch and Lottie are at home. In the family of Mr. and Mrs. Fred H. Scott are four children, and the family circle has remained unbroken by the hand of death. These are : William Earl, who was born October 4, 1890, and pursued his education in the schools of Bethel and graduated from the high school. He studied the clarinet from Mr. James Ritzpatrick, who is the leader of the Bethel band, and is now playing first cornet in the Twenty-sixth regimental band of Detroit, Mich. Matson Leo, who was born July 14, 1892, is a graduate of the high school of Bethel, and is substitute mail carrier on one of the rural routes. Gladys, who was born September 4, 1897, is attending school at Bethel. Harold Rexford, was born January 5, 1901. Several relatives of Mr. F. H. Scott answered the call for volunteers in the army of the Civil war. An uncle of Mr. Scott's, James Wasson, was in the same company as his father and a cousin, Palmer Wasson, received mortal wounds in the army. Two brothers-in-law, Mr. Warden and Mr. Thomson, were in the service, enlisting from Ohio. William H. Scott, a brother of our subject, was at one time on the police force of Cincinnati, and after the death of his CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES - 669 wife, traveled With the Barnum & Bailey circus for two years, as boss hostler, thus enabling him to see the countries of the old world as well as this country. He was privileged to visit all the principal cities and see many noted personages of the royalty. Mr. Scott is an independent voter in politics, always placing his vote for the best man regardless of which party he represents. He was elected marshall of Bethel on the Democratic and Home ticket in 1911, in which capacity he is still serving to the satisfaction of all. Mr. Scott is universally well liked and is a wide awake citizen of the county, and gives to the public whom he serves the best possible service. He is conscientious and upright in his conduct, performing any duty falling to his lot in a business like way. E. C. MANNING. One of the rising young business men of Bethel, Ohio, who is successfully engaged in the fire insurance business is E. C. Manning, of an old and representative family of Clermont county, Ohio. He is a pleasantly progressive gentleman, having a fine, up-to-date business and numbers his friends by the scores. The birth of Mr. E. C. Manning occurred March 29, 1874, on the farm of his father, 0. J. Manning, who is also a native of the county, being born April 2, 1844. He has followed farming as an occupation all his life. He married Miss Francis M. Fee, who was born in Clermont county, September 14, 1851, and whose death took place July 19, 1883. Of the five children who were given to this union three are living : E. C., the subject of this sketch. Samuel F., assistant secretary of the board of health of the city of Chicago. Elmer J., of Bethel, with the Interurban Traction Company. Mr. Manning acquired his education in the schools of Bethel and Clermont county and began his business career in the tobacco business in connection with farming, continuing for ten years. For five years following, he was with the Interurban Traction Company, after which he was deputy of the probate court for one year. Since the expiration of his term 'as deputy, he has devoted his entire time to fire insurance business, representing the following companies : Old Hartford Insurance 670 - CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES Company, Insurance Company of North America, New York Underwriters, Home Insurance Company of New York ; Philadelphia Underwriters, Aetna Insurance Company, German American Company, Continental, Royal, Ridelity Underwriters, Sun of England, Norwich Union of England, and American Central. On April 27, 1899, Mr. Manning was united in marriage to Miss Blanch Penny, a native of Brown county, Ohio, whose parents are G. H. and Mary (Norris) Penny, residents of Bethel, Ohio. There are four children in the family : A. H., resides at Memphis, Tenn. Miss Bessie, now the wife of Clemens Reif, residing at Morrow, Warren county, Ohio. Blanch, who is Mrs. Manning. Grace, who is an exceptionally fine teacher, has taught in the schools of Youngstown, Middletown, and Bethel, Ohio. She is a graduate of the Bethel High School, and holds a life teacher's certificate in Ohio. One child has blessed the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Manning, Beulah Mae, born February 3, 1908, in Clermont county, Ohio. They are consistent members of the Methodist church and Mr. Manning has membership in the fraternal organizations of Masons, Odd Fellows and Knights of Pythias. Mrs. Manning has membership in the Eastern Star and Pythian Sisters. Mr. Manning endorses the principles of the Democratic party and is at present township clerk. He has also served his party as mayor of Bethel most acceptably. In June, 1912, he was elected deputy grand chancellor of Clermont county, Ohio, at the grand lodge of Knights of Pythias, in session at Canton, Ohio. Mr. Manning deserves all the praise that is implied in the term "self-made," for his prosperity and advancement is due to his own energy and close application to his business interests. A. C. WOOD. Few names are more familiar or more closely identified with the affairs of Clermont county, Ohio, than that of Mr. A. C. Wood, owner of the "Bethel Journal." The Wood family is of English descent and has been prominent in the history of Clermont county since it was known as the Northwest CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES - 671 Territory. Absalon Wood, the grandfather of the Mr. Wood of this mention, was one of the first settlers of the county. Mr. Wood is a son of S. S. and Mary J. (Smith) Wood, and was born in Tate township, Clermont county, Ohio, August 25, 1867. His father and mother were both natives of Clermont county, the birth of the former occurring in the year of 1845, and the latter being bcrn in 1847. They were well to do farmers and raisers of fine stock. Their family consisted of three children : A. C.; Nina A., is the widow of Charles Sells, of Dayton, Ohio, and Rosa A., who died in her eighteenth year. The death of Mr. S. S. Wood occurred in 1885, his wife being spared until April, 1911. Mr. Wood enjoyed the educational privileges of the schools of Hamersville, Ohio, and was graduated from the high school with high honors. He then followed the occupation of farming for a period, after which he was checkman for the transfer company of Omaha, Neb. Returning to Hamersville, Ohio, he engaged in the hay, grain and coal business at that place. He sold out his business interests there and took up the insurance business in Cincinnati, which he followed for some time. Mr. Wood was later connected with the Daum Shoe Company, of Ripley, Ohio, and in 1908 located in Bethel, where he has since engaged in the insurance and real estate business. In 1911, he purchased the "Bethel Journal," one of the best newspapers in the county. The various business experiences which he has had, has fitted Mr. Wood for the position he now holds in the community. Mr. Wood was united in marriage to Miss Stella Chapman, in June, 1889. Mrs. Wood is a daughter of W. N. and Emma (Cheeseman) Chapman, who are residents of Brown county, Ohio. and was born in 1871. She is one of three children, the others being: Edward, of Ripley, Ohio. Allie, is Mrs. William Daugherty, of Brown county, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Wood have had four children born to bless their union : Lola, who was born in 1890, is the amiable telephone operator of the Bethel exchange. Verner B., whose birth occurred in February, 1892, is employed in the National Cash Register at Dayton, Ohio. Dale C., who was born in October, 1898, is in the office of his father's printing establishment. Forrest D., was born November 2, 1902. 672 - CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES Mr. Wood's study of the political issues of the day have led him to give his support to the Democratic party and is likewise interested in the public schools, having been clerk of the school board in Clark township, Brown county, Ohio. In religious views, both Mr. and Mrs. Wood are devoted members of the Disciple church. One incident in the life of the subject of this review that is rare and is experienced by few is, that he was a man grown before death claimed any of his grandparents, and that he plainly remembers two of his great-grandparents. His maternal grandfather, S. B. Smith, was one of the pioneer settlers of Clermont county, and was a wealthy farmer and stock raiser, in connection with which occupation he taught penmanship and music in the schools of the county in the early days. JACOB VINSON. Germany has furnished to the United. States many valued citizens, who have crossed the broad ocean to seek their fortune in the "Land of Great Opportunity." To this class belongs Mr. Jacob Vinson, the popular and enterprising baker of Bethel, Ohio. In the six years of his residence in Bethel, he has built up a fine and prosperous business, and by his genial manner has made for himself a host of friends. Mr. Jacob Vinson was born at Walsdenberg, Germany, August 13. 1876. His parents, Kasimer and Elizabeth (Briston) Vinson, were natives of Germany, the former having been born in. 1844 and the latter in 1847. The father died in Germany in 1907, and mother is still living in the land of her nativity. They had born to them, six children, three, of whom are in America : John, a resident of the State of Washington. Mary, married John Bower, of Hamilton, Ohio. Jacob, of this review. Jacob Vinson pursued his education in the schools of his home town, beginning his business life as a carpenter, which occupation he followed until 1893, when he came to America, locating at Hamilton, Ohio. He engaged in a bakery at that place, familiarizing himself with all the details of the business and in 1906 went into the business for himself at Bethel. Mr. Vinson does his own baking; using one and one-half bar- CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES - 673 rels of flour each day. He employs two helpers and delivers to grocers and retail bakery stores and the demand for his goods proves that they are first class in every way. The marriage of Mr. Jacob Vinson to Miss Olga Gessell occurred in 1899. She is also a native of Germany, her birth taking place in 1873. Her parents, Antone and Eva (Wind) Gessel, came to America when she was a small child, the father living on a nice farm not far from Bethel. Her mother died January 28, 1912. There were five children in the family : Lewis, of Cincinnati. Ernest, of Clifton Heights. Tony, living near Bethel, Ohio. Olga, who is Mrs. Vinson. Marie, married Frank Dworshack, and lives in Austria. Mr. and Mrs. Vinson are the proud parents of four fine children, all born in Clermont county, Ohio : Jacob, was born September 24, 1900. Sophia Eva, born October 20, 1901. Edward H., born April 8, 1906. John William, was born December 16, 1910. In political affairs, Mr. Vinson votes the Independent ticket, believing that the right man for the place should have the office regardless of the party he represents. Mrs. Vinson attends the Catholic church, and Mr. Vinson holds membership in the fraternal organization of Odd Fellows. He has been solicited for public office, but he has refused for lack of time to devote to anything aside from his business, which keeps him well occupied. He has the largest bakery business in Bethel, and is broad-minded and liberal citizen. CYRUS L. CRANE. Cyrus L. Crane, deceased, was well known in Clermont county, Ohio, for many years as a progressive agriculturist. He was one of the county's workers, assiting materially in its growth and progress. In purity and strength of character, Mr. Crane was among the foremost. A native of the county, he was born February 20, 1851, on a farm, now a part of Bethel, Ohio, on which his father's birth occurred. He was a son of George W. and Euphemia (Burke) Crane, the former of whom was born June 26, 1820, 674 - CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES and who died July 9, 1892, the latter being born near Bethel also, December 25, 1822, and died June 26, 1893. They were the parents of two children: Albert, deceased, was born October 12, 1844. Cyrus L., of this sketch. Cyrus L: Crane was a Republican, an active member of the Knights of Pythias, and interested in education and everything that tended to the betterment of mankind. The maternal grandfather of George W. Crane, Obed Denham, donated the land for the town of Bethel, and being a farseeing man, reserved for the town the right to a fine well on a portion of the land. He stipulated that the water should be used only for the purpose of supplying the town, and not to be sold under any consideration. The grandfather of our subject, Davis Crane, came to Clermont county early in the Nineteenth century. Mr. Cyrus Crane pursued his education in the public schools of Bethel, and after completing the high school course he attended the State University at Ann Arbor, Mich. After the completion of his education, he taught school during the winter terms, in Clermont county, for several years. The marriage of Mr. C. L. Crane to Miss Olive Van Osdol took place December 29, 1875, and the young couple settled on a farm near Bethel. He followed the occupation of farming for the remainder of his life, meeting with success. His death occurred September 16, 1906. He left two children : Florence M., who is Mrs. Dr. Lever, of Owensville, Clermont county. They have three children-Vivian C., Lester Leon and Russell E. Hazeltine L. is at home with her mother. Both daughters are well educated, being graduate of the Bethel High School, and of the National Normal University, at Lebanon, Ohio. Mrs. Crane was born near Bethel, in 1854, and is a daughter of Isaac and Martha G. (Crouch) Van Osdol. Isaac Van Osdol was born in sight of the birthplace of his future bride, Martha Crouch. Mrs. Crane's grandparents were among the first settlers in Clermont county, and the grandfather, Oakey Van Osdol, served as a soldier in the War of the Revolution. After the death of her husband, Mrs. Crane built the home in Bethel, where she now resides, although she still owns the farm where she and Mr. Crane spent many happy years rearing their family. She is a member of the Woman's Club of CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES - 675 Bethel, and is an active member of the Baptist church. She has three sisters, one of whom is deceased: Elizabeth, married William Hancock, and both are deceased. Mary, is Mrs. J. C. Trout, of Brown county, Ohio. Ellen, married Elihu T. Laycock, of Bethel. DIMMITT ELWOOD SOUTH. Among the progressive and enterprising families of Clermont county, Ohio, who by their united industry and ambition have been rewarded by a measure of prosperity, is the family of Mr. Dimmitt Elwood South. Mr. South is a representative of one of the oldest of families of the county and was born at Bethel, August 16, 1858, a son of Ezekiel and Catcher- ine Esther (Flick) South. Ezekiel South was born at Bethel, Ohio, May 6, 1816, and Catherine Esther (Flick) South was born in Bucks county, Pennsylvania, January 2, 1814. The father of Ezekiel, c South, came to Clermont county, Ohio, in the early days, from New Jersey, and was a hatter by trade. He also did some farming in connection with his other occupation and during the cholera time, in 1826, died, his wife living but a short time after his death. Ezekiel was a shoe maker and was appointed postmaster of Bethel by Abraham Lincoln, in 1861, holding the position continuously for twenty-three years. He was also elected mayor of Bethel, serving in this capacity for one term. He was a member of the Masonic lodge, Clermont Chapter, No. 211, Free and Accepted Masons. Both he and his estimable wife were devoted members of the Methodist church and their home was always open to the ministers and presiding elders of the church. Ezekiel South passed from this 1902, his wife having died in 1891. Both are buried in the Bethel cemetery. There were five sons, all born in Clermont county: Corwin, who was a resident of Bethel, Ohio, is deceased. Eugene, a physician in the Civil war for one year, in the One Hundred and Seventy-fifth regiment, Ohio volunteer infantry, died in 1867. Philip T., is a lawyer of Indianapolis, Ind. Ledrue, died in 1879. Dimmitt Elwood, the subject of this mention. 676 - CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES Mr. Dimmitt Elwood South received his education in the schools of Bethel and his first work after the completion of his schooling was in the bureau of engraving and printing of the treasury department at Washington, D. C., where he remained for nine months. Upon his return to Bethel, in 1877, he learned the shoe maker's trade with his father and brother, continuing at this occupation for about ten years. He was then associated with the Cincinnati, Georgetown and Portsmouth and the Interurban and Terminal railways as agent at Bethel for eleven years, and has since been engaged as a rural mail carrier. On October 3, 1883, Mr. South was united in marriage to Miss Edith Harrison, who was born at Owensville, Ohio, October 24, 1856. Her parents, C. J. and Leah Ann (Parker) Harrison, were born in New Brunswick, Canada, and in Clermont county, Ohio, respectively. The father was born in 1828 and the mother in July, 1826, the latter passing away in October, 1906, and is buried at Miamiville, Ohio. C. J. Harrison came to Clermont county when he was twenty years of age, taking his first examination for a teacher's certificate, under the late George L. Swing, of Batavia, Ohio, who was then probate judge of the county, and taught school for many years. For several years Mr. Harrison was school examiner and was county auditor for two terms, following which he retired from active service because of failing hearing. He has since written several books, one of which, "Tracadia," was published, meeting with great success. Several serial stories that he has written have never been published, but one poem, entitled, "The Fate of Hassan," was published in 1857 in Harper's Magazine, and attracted much attention and comment by reason of its uniqueness. It is thought to be the only poem ever published containing no letter "e" in the several verses. It has gone the rounds of the magazines for years, and was last seen in the Scrap Book. Mr. Harison makes his home with his several children since the death of his wife, who was a devoted member of the Methodist church. To them were born seven children : Ella, married J. S. Meek, of Afton, Ohio, deceased. Louise, is Mrs. Thomas Lever, of Loveland, Ohio. Edith, is Mrs. D. E. South. Belle, married William Thurston, of New York, deceased. Charlotte, became the wife of Frank M. Titus, of Batavia, deceased. CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES - 677 Annie, the widow of John Potts, is matron of the Indian school at Mt. Pleasant, Mich. James, met with death by drowning in a pond near his home at Branch Hill, Ohio, in 1885, in the eighteenth year of his life. Mr. and Mrs. South have three children to bless their union, all of whom were born at Bethel Ohio: Dale R., whose birth occurred March 3, 1885, pursued his education in the schools of Bethel, following which he attended the Ohio State University for three years. Camille L., was born April 7, 1889. She attended Antioch College at Yellow Springs, Ohio, and is at home with her parents. Annie Marie, was born January 18, 1893, and is attending the Ohio State University, taking the Domestic Science course. Mrs. South has demonstrated what a woman can accomplish in a business way. For several years she has engaged in manufacturing infant's moccasins, the steadily increasing trade warranting the building of a two-story factory in 1906. Mr. and Mrs. South are consistent members of the Methodist church, and give largely of their means for the support of all worthy affairs. They are Christians, both by faith and practice, their dealings with mankind are in perfect accord with the tenets they believe. Mr. South is trustee and steward of their home church. Mr. and Mrs. South and three children are members of the Eastern Star, while Mr. South and son, Dale, holds membership with the fraternal order of Masons. Mr. South is also a member of the Knights of Pythias. In politics, Mr. South is a progressive Republican, and has served as township clerk for two terms, and for the same time as tax collector. A. F. ELY. Among the prominent and energetic farmers of Batavia township, Clermont county, Ohio, none is more deserving of honorable mention than the gentleman whose name heads this sketch. He was a son of Amasa and Roxanna (Noyes) Ely, and was born November 11, 1856, in Batavia township, on the farm on which he resided until his death, February 1, 1913, after an illness of four months. 678 - CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES Amasa Ely was born on the East Fork, near Bantam, Clermont county, Ohio, May 31, 1817, and died December 25, 1889. In early life he was a cooper, later engaged also in agriculture, in connection with his trade. He was one of eight sons, who were all bound out and learned trades. They are as follows : Benjamin became a weaver by trade. James, for many years conducted the "Ely House" at Hamlet, his place being a changing point in stage traffic. John became a blacksmith. Amasa learned the trade of a cooper. George was a carpenter. Samuel became a hatter and later was a merchant and postmaster at Mt. Olive, Clermont county. Josiah learned practical farming. Robert learned the trade of a weaver and went to the army at the age of eighteen years. He was color bearer all through the Civil war, and one day when he was unable to carry the flag, the bearer who took his place was shot down. He brought the flag home with him, and it is now in Columbus, Ohio. A half-brother, Joseph, is a cabinet maker, and he has made a number of banjos and other musical instruments. He is the only one living, his home being at Peebles, Ohio. Roxanna (Noyes) Ely was born in Clermont county, near Amelia, June 17, 1826, and died October 23, 1900. She spent her girlhood days near Bantam. To her union with Amasa Ely were born four children, all of whom are deceased : A son and daughter died in infancy. Lewis died at the age of twenty-seven years. A. F., our subject. The educational privileges of Mr. A. F. Ely were exceptionally good for the days when he was young. After attending the schools of Batavia township, he pursued his studies at the Lebanon, Ohio, Normal School. When he had completed his education, Mr. Ely returned to his parents' home and assisted his father in the duties on the farm, thus becoming conversant with the most practical methods of successful farming. Mr. A. F. Ely was married to Cora Hancock, on April 9, 1879. Miss Hancock was born December 1, 1859, a daughter of Henry and Martha A. (Gray) Hancock, the former of whom was born in Maryland, September 5, 1829, and died January 7, CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES - 679 1891. The mother was born June 3, 1831, near Pleasant Hill, Clermont county, and paced away April 27, 1910. Both are buried in the Amelia cemetery. Mr. Ely continued to operate the farm of fifty-six acres, which he inherited from his father, and during the passing years he made many improvements. He remodeled the house and enlarged the barns, giving the place a most prosperous appearance. Mr. Ely always voted the Republican ticket, but was never an office seeker, preferring to give his entire attention to his farming interests. The fraternal connections of Mr. Ely were with the Knights of Pythias, and he was an active worker for that organization. Mr. A. F. Ely's is one of three families who settled in this neighborhood in the early settlement of the county, and he never lived elsewhere. Both he and Mrs. Ely are industrious and energetic and enjoy the respect of the entire community in which they live. They are pleasant and hospitable and their home is ever open to their friends. LAFAYETTE NASH. Mr. Lafayette Nash, a prominent retired farmer of Batavia township, Clermont county, Ohio, is one of the native sons of the county, who found opportunity for business advancement in their home locality. His life occupation has been along agricultural lines and a reasonable amount of success has crowned his efforts. He was born in Batavia township, March 14, 1845, and is a son of William, Jr., and Melvina (Gray) Nash, the latter a representative of one of the pioneer families of the county, her father having settled in the county in the very early days. She was born at Twelve Mile, Pierce township, and died in 1906, and is buried in the Amelia cemetery. William Nash, Sr., grandfather of Lafayette, was born near Laurel, on Indian Creek, December 29, 1776, and passed away January 1, 1873, at the age of ninety-seven years. He followed the occupation of general farming all of his life and was considered one of the substantial men of the county. Lafayette Nash is one of ten children, three of whom are living: Rosetta died at the age of eighteen. 680 - CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES Ruth became the wife of John Hamilton, and both are deceased. Lafayette, the subject of this mention. Elizabeth, who was the wife of John Vandeman, is deceased. Andrew, Theodore and Lewis are deceased. Edgar, a twin of Lewis, is a resident of Cincinnati. Susan died in infancy. Frank is deceased. Mr. Lafayette Nash was educated in Batavia township and remained at the parental home until he reached the age of twenty-three years. He thus acquired a practical education under the instruction of his father, in the best methods of successful farming. On August 23, 1868, occurred the marriage of Mr. Nash to Miss Josephine Moore, who was born near Nicholsville, this county, March 14, 1842, a daughter of James and Lucinda (Hinds) Moore, whose record appears on another page in these volumes, under the name of H. U. Moore, of Batavia. Mrs. Moore's mother was born in Willsburg, Va., in 180o, and died at the age of ninety-four years. For five years after their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Nash lived on a farm, and upon the death of Mr. Nash's father they removed to the home farm, which was the family home for thirty-five years. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Nash were born four children, all natives of Clermont county. They are: Eugenia Lou died at the age of one month. James Canby died at the age of nineteen months. Clara Myrtle died at the age of six years. Wilma, who is the wife of Mr. C. E. Smith, and lives with her father. Mr. Smith was born in Batavia township, in 1867, and is a teacher in the schools of Hamilton county, Ohio. He is a Republican and formerly served as town clerk of Amelia. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias lodge, and was local register of the Amelia lodge. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have two daughters, both born in Clermont county : Alice is a senior in the Woodward High School, Cincinnati, and Genevieve was born in 1910. Mrs. Smith and her older daughter are members of the Methodist church. Mr. Nash is a trustee of the German American Bank, of Batavia, and is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is a Democrat, although not an office seeker, preferring the quiet of private life. Mr. Nash is quiet and CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES - 681 unpretentious, a man to be relied upon in all things, and bears the respect arid regard of the entire community. Six years ago, Mr. Nash purchased a beautiful home at Amelia, on the Ohio pike, which he has remodeled to his own ideas of Comfort and convenience, and is now enjoying a well earned rest, after a life of activity. Mrs. Nash passed from this life on March 9, 1909, and is buried in the Odd Fellows cemetery at Amelia.. She united with the Methodist church in 1869, under the pastorate of Rev. Merrick Head, at Zion Chapel, at. Hulington, Ohio. Mrs. Nash was an exemplary Christian and her death found her happy and trusting her Savior. Her life was one of good deeds and kindly services for those with whom she was associated. Mr. Nash is also a member and an elder of the Methodist church, being one of the substantial men of that denomination. September 14, 1912, Mr. Lafayette Nash married Mrs. Mary E. Short, nee Smith and widow of Squire Joe Short, who died September 5, 1901. She was born in Illinois, daughter of Robert M. and Sarah (Whitaker) Smith, the former a teacher during his life. The mother died when Mrs. Nash was but fourteen months old, and the child was reared in the home of Joel and Mary H. Behymer, in Clermont county. Mrs. Nash taught for thirty years in Pierce township. She was for over fifty years a member of the Pleasant Hill Methodist Episcopal Church, transferring her membership to Amelia immediately following her marriage to Mr. Nash. J. V. MOTT, M. D. Dr. J. V. Mott, one of the native sons of Clermont county, Ohio, is a representative of one of the pioneer families in this section. He is engaged in the general practice of his profession at Amelia, in which he has attained unusual prominence. He is a man of wide reputation in medical circles, and is a great reader and student, keeping well abreast of the times.; there being few engaged in general practice with so broad and comprehensive a knowledge of the medical science in its entirety. The birth of Dr. J. V. Mott occurred July 26, 1863, on the old John Donham homestead, in Pierce township, which is one of the oldest homesteads in Southern Clermont. He is a son of Joseph and Jennette (Donham) Mott. 682 - CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES Joseph Mott was born in Vincennes, Ind., October 5, 1826, and passed away December 18, 1904. He was brought to Clermont county by his parents in infancy., and to his death made his home in this locality. He was a farmer by business practically all of his active life, and met with deserved success. In politcs, Mr. Joseph Mott was a Democrat and filled many of the various local offices of trust in the township. He evidenced his religious faith by his membership in the Methodist church, and gave liberally to the support of that denomination. Joseph Mott married first, Miss Margaret Donham, and to their union were born three children, all of whom are deceased. The second marriage was to Mrs. Jennette (Donham) Colvin, a cousin of his former wife, and their union was blessed with two children : Charles H., who is a farmer, resides on the old home farm in Pierce township. J. V., who is the subject of this mention. Jennette (Donham) Mott was born in 1820 at the old Donham homestead and passed to her eternal reward March 30, 1896. She had been twice married previous to her marriage to Joseph Mott, her first husband being John Pierce, and to their union were born two sons and two daughters, of whom E. B. Pierce, of Norwood, Ohio, is now living. Her second husband was John Colvin, and they became the parents of two daughters, twins, of whom one is now living. Cynthelia, the wife of J. D. Leeds, of St. Louis, Mo. The father of Mrs. Joseph (Donham) Mott was John Donham, known throughout this section as "King" Donham, who came to Clermont county from Pennsylvania. He was an uncle of Mr. D. J. Donham, of New Richmond, Ohio, and a brother of the late Col. Jonathon Donham, also of New Richmond, whose life record appears elsewhere on these pages. "King" Donham and a Mr. Mason were two of the hunters for the Columbia colony and were probably the first white men to visit Bethel, Ohio. On one of their big hunting trips, they killed several deer, near Deer Lick, not far from Bethel, which they hung in the trees out of the reach of the wolves and other wild animals numerous at that time, after which they "blazed" a trail so that a squad of men could be sent for the venison, from Columbia. They also broke the first ground for the colony at Columbia. John Donham was a man of few words and prompt action, as was illustrated upon one occasion when, needing flour badly, he put two bags of wheat on a horse CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES - 683 which he led to a water mill at Ten Mile. Upon arriving at the mill, he asked the proprietor's son to carry the bags into the mill for him, which the boy rudely refused to do, whereupon the gentleman turned away and taking his wheat with him returned home. He then sent one of his sons to Twelve Mile creek to locate a site for a grist mill, while he journeyed to Cincinnati to secure a mill wright. A tract of two thousand acres was secured and a mill erected on what is now the Francis Werst place. The busines thus established flourished for many years, and was a great benefit to the community. Politically, Mr. Donham was a Democrat, and served his party as a member of the State legislature of Ohio, from Hamilton county. He was twice married, his first union being with Miss Sallie Jennings, by whom he had four children, and the second union was with Miss Elizabeth Brown, and to them were born six children. At the time of his decease, in 1858, he was the owner of some twenty-eight thousand acres of land, of which about three thousand five hundred acres were in Pierce, Ohio and Monroe townships, Clermont county. Dr. J. V. Mott, the subject of this review, received his preliminary education in the public schools of Pierce township, following which he became a student of the Eclectic Medical College of Cincinnati, from which institution he was graduated in 1885. He at once began to practice his profession, and with the exception of one year as house physician at Maplewood Institute, his practice has been continuously in Amelia and the surrounding country. The marriage of Dr. Mott to Miss Nina Gillaspie took place at Mount Pisgah, the ceremony occurring on the 26th of September, 1883. Mrs. Mott was born February 18, 1867, at Mount Pisgah, Ohio, her parents being J. B. and Jane (Cox) Gillaspie, the former of whom was born in 1834, and the latter in 1835, both being natives of Mount Pisgah. Mr. Gillaspie gave his political allegiance to the Democratic party, which he served as justice of the peace for many years. He has membership with the New Light church of Ten Mile, and Mrs. Gillaspie embraces the faith of the Methodist denomination. They became the parents of eight children : George, of Mt. Pisgah, Ohio. Eliza, who became the wife of John V. Lewis, of Pierce township, Clermont county. 684 = CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES Elizabeth, who is the wife of William Golder, of Mt. Pisgah. Nina, who is Mrs. Mott, of this sketch. Florence B. died at the age of one year. John H. is a resident of Henderson, Ky. Charles, is also a resident of Henderson, Ky. William Richard, of Mt. Pisgah, Ohio. As the years have passed four children have come into the home of Dr. and Mrs. Mott, who are as follows : Victor Cleveland, who was born June 30, 1884, passed from this life at the age of eight months. An infant son, not named, deceased. Myrtle S., who was born February 27, 1887, is a graduate of the Amelia High School and taught three years at the Lin- dale school. She was married to Dr. F. C. 'Leeds, a practicing physician of Winchester, Ohio. They have one daughter, Anna Maurine, who was born at her grandfather's home at Amelia, May 29, 1912. Anna G., who was born October 1, 188o, is a graduate of the Amelia High School, and is at home. Two half-brothers of Dr. Mott, Albert R. and Elridge B. Pierce, were soldier in the Civil war, serving in Company G, Riftieth Ohio volunteer infantry. They were captured at the battle of Franklin, Tenn., and were incarcerated in Andersonville prison for a considerable length of time. Dr. Mott is a member of the Clermont Eclectic Association, of the Ohio State Eclectic Association, and of these organizations he has filled the various offices, and is a member of the National Eclectic Association. His political affiliations are with the Democratic party, and he has held the office of county coroner for three terms. His fraternal associations are with the Masonic order, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and the Modern Woodmen of America. JAMES SILLETT. Mr. James Sillett, veteran of the Civil war, and the present progressive mayor of Amelia, Ohio, well deserves mention among the representative citizens of Clermont county, because of those sterling traits of character which always command respect and confidence. He was born in Suffolk, England, May 27, 1846, and is a son of William and Harriet Sillett, CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES - 685 both of whom were natives of England, where they passed away some years ago. Of a family of six children, James Sillett has but one brother living, Henry Sillett, of Willard, Kan., who served in the Civil war, enlisting in the Seventeenth Indiana volunteer infantry. James attended the schools of Suffolk, England, until 1857, when he came to America with an uncle, who, after a period of two weeks spent in New York, came on to Ohio, where he bound out the young lad to a farmer living in Hamilton county. He remained with this man until the Civil war broke out, when he enlisted in the Fifth Ohio volunteer infantry. Mr. Sillett participated in a number of engagements, including the battles of Dumfrees, Chancellorsville, Spottsylvania Court House, Gettysburg, going from there to New York to quell a draft riot in 1863, after which he returned and was transferred from the Twelfth to the Twentieth corps of the Army of the Cumberland. He was engaged in the battles of Lookout Mountain, Ringgold, Rocky Face, Resaca, Buzzard's Roost and was wounded June 22, 1864, at Kenasaw Mountain, and was discharged July 16, 1865. The marriage of Mr. James Sillett to Miss Maggie E. Thomas was celebrated in 1866, she being a daughter of William Lee and Mary (Flora) Thomas, the latter a native of Kentucky. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Sillett were born three children, the first two being born in Cincinnati, where Mr. Sillett was engaged as a stove mounter, from 1870 to 1892, and the youngest being born in Clermont county, where he followed the occupation of farming from 1892 to 1907. The children are named as follows: Molly, who became the wife of William Ward, of New Richmond, Ohio, is the mother of two daughters, Lottie and Edith. Lottie, who married John Benning, of Mt. Holly, Ohio, is the mother of two children, Ellen and Earl B. Harry is a concrete worker in Cincinnati and resides at Amelia, Ohio. Mrs. Sillett, the mother of this family, passed from this life April 28, 1908, and was laid to rest in the Christian church cemetery. In 1911, Mr. James Sillett was united in marriage to Mrs. Katherine Williams, the widow of Freeman Williams, she being born in New Richmond, Ohio, March 21, 1858, a daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth (Edington) Kennelley. Her father 686 - CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES was born in New York and her mother was a native of England, both coming to Clermont county at an early date, and both are now deceased. Of the thirteen children born to this union, Mrs. Sillett is the only one living. She has a half-sister living, Alice, who became the wife of Jacob Hoover, of Illinois. Mr. Freeman Williams was born in Clermont county in 1856, and died January 25, 19o8, his occupation having been that of a farmer. Mrs. Sillett was married previously to her union with Mr. Williams, to Mr. Peter Ross, by whom she. had two children : Charles Thomas Ross, who was born in Clermont county, July 17, 1878, is now a resident of Cincinnati, and is the father of five children-Gussie, Eva, Geneva, Fred and Scott. Frederick S. .Ross, who was born in Clermont county, July 27, 1881, is a resident of Cincinnati. Mr. Sillett is now living in practical retirement at his comfortable home on the Ohio pike, after years of activity and honest effort. The political support of Mr. Sillett is given to the Republican party, which he has served in the capacity of road supervisor and was elected mayor of Amelia in 1911, having filled the unexpired term of another man, by appointment, in 191o. Mr. Sillett is an honored member of the Grand Army of the Republic, and Mrs. Sillett is a devoted member of the Baptist church. Mr. Sillett has always tried to live a clean, upright life, and he and his estimable wife have the respect and esteem of all with whom they are associated. Mr. Sillett is a man of strong attachments and has always regretted that he and his brothers were so scattered that they could not enjoy each others companionship. He has been faithful to all of the duties that have come to him as the years have come and gone. HARVEY PERIN. Scion of one of the early families of Clermont-a family noted for initiative and progressive business enterprise-Harvey Perin was born in Mt. Carmel, Clermont county, Ohio, May 19, 1862, son of Ira and Elvira (Day) Perin, and grandson of Samuel Perin, more extended mention of whom appears elsewhere in these volumes. CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES - 687 Ira Perin was born in Stonelick township, Clermont county, October 13, 1807, and died January 9, 1889; his wife was born February 22, 1823, and died February 26, 1905. The former, as a youth, was employed in the mill and distillery of his father, Samuel Perin, but he devoted his energies in later life to farming. By his first wife, nee Mary Edwards, to whom he was married January 21, 1845, he had two children : John, who resides in Cincinnati, and Lemuel, who died several years ago. Of the second family there were the following children : Rosa E., born March 12, 1854, is the widow of H. M. Edwards, and resides near Milford ; George D., born November 5, 1856, died March 20, 1883 ; Artemas, born June 12, 1859, lives at Mt. Carmel, Hamilton county, Ohio ; Harvey, the subject of this sketch, and Grace, born December 21, 1864, widow of William Donham, resides at Rossville, Ga. Mr. and Mrs. Ira Perin were members of the Universalist church of Mt. Carmel, and resided at Perintown. Harvey Perin attended the common schools of his native county, supplementing his education by a short course at the National Normal University at Lebanon, Ohio, remaining on the paternal farm until the death of his father. He was married September 6, 1893, to Miss Amelia C. Mellen, born December 19, 1864, in Amelia, Clermont county, Ohio, daughter of John and Eliza (Pompelly) Mellen, natives respectively of Massachusetts and Maine. They came to Clermont county, Ohio, in 1838, and to Amelia in 1858, where Mr. Mellen was engaged as a shoe maker for many years, also serving as justice of the peace. Mr. Mellen was a Mason and Odd Fellow and both he and Mrs. Mellen were Methodists. Their five children were born in Clermont county, the three older ones at Milford and the other two at Amelia, viz.: William died at three years ; Louisa, born in 1854, died in 1881 ; Olive, born in 1855, is deceased ; John, born in 1859, and Amelia C., wife of our subject. Mr. Mellen was of a literary turn of mind and was the author of numerous short poems ; his daughter, Mrs. Perin, inherits this talent to a marked degree and is a woman gifted with unusual natural ability. The spring of 1894 Mr. and Mrs. Perin removed from his home place to Pierce township, to the Albert Butler farm, near Amelia, inherited by Mrs. Perin from her uncle and foster father, Albert Butler, whose wife was Louisa Pompelly. Mrs. Perin had resided at their home from early childhood. Mr. Butler died May 16, 1900, while his widow passed away Sep- 688 - CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES tember 10, 1910; both are buried at Lindale cemetery. This worthy couple were married in 1848 and first lived in a log cabin in the woods, enduring the hardships of the pioneers ; Mrs. Butler bound shoes by hand and thus earned money to purchase a brass clock, now in possession of Mrs. Perin. Among other valued souvenirs Mrs. Perin has a scrap book compiled by her foster mother, which contains much valuable information regarding many noted persons, places, etc. The home place of Mr. and Mrs. Perin embraces some ninety-two acres, besides twenty acres within the corporate limits of Amelia. Mr. Perin has modernized the home and it is one of the noticeable ones of the county. He was the first president of the Amelia bank and until recently resigned, was a director of the New Richmond National Bank. Mr. Perin is a Republican ; socially is a member of the Masonic fraternity and both he and Mrs. Perin belong to the Order of Eastern Star and to the Grange. Their religious affiliations are with the Universalist church of Mt. Carmel. Three children have blessed this union : Percy Dean, born on May 23, 1898, died October 27th of the same year ; Louisa Butler, born April 9, 190o, and Rachel Day, born June 18, 1901, both attending school at Amelia. SAMUEL PERIN. Samuel Perin, father of the late Ira Perin, and grandfather of Harvey Perin, sketch of whom appears on other pages, was born in North Adams, Mass., February 23, 1785, and died April 3, 1865 ; his wife, Mary Perin, passed away December 7, 1851, both being buried at Perin's Mills, now called Perin- town. They were married September 10, 1804, in New York, Mrs. Perin being a daughter of Ephraim Simpkins and a native of the Empire State, the date of her birth being September 26, 1787. In 1805 they emigrated to Ohio, stopping first in Clermont county with Dr. Allison, who lived at East Liberty. Mr. Perin was suffering with a crippled leg and the doctor gave him the necessary professional and hospitable attention, in return for which Mr. Perin thoroughly overhauled the machinery of Dr. Allison's mill, reset the grinding stones and worked for him some time. In January, 1810, he bought from CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES - 689 Gen. James Taylor, of Newport, Ky., fifty acres of land on Stonelick, where he resided until 1815. He served in the War of 1812, as captain of a company of which William Glancy was first lieutenant. In 1815, Samuel Perin removed to the present site of Perintown and erected a saw mill and a grist mill, the village which sprang up being called Perin's Mills for many years. In 1825-26 he built a distillery there, with old-fashioned copper still and hand made mashes. Perin's Mills was for twenty- five years the market of Clermont county and was the principal market for wheat, corn, barley, rye, hogs and general produce, embracing also Brown, Clinton, Warren and Hamilton counties. In addition, Mr. Perin conducted a large store at this point, buying his groceries at New Orleans, in exchange for mill and distillery products transported on his own flat boats ; his dry goods were bought at Philadelphia and New York. He also operated large and very profitable branch stores at Milford and Fayetteville, thus employing a small army of clerks and assistants in tbe conduct of these varied and extensive enterprises. His son, Ira Perin, made frequent trips between Perin's Mills and New Orleans, selling flour and salt pork along the river. In 1849, he made a successful trip to California for gold. Samuel Perin was county commissioner of Clermont from 1825 to 1830, serving with James Blackburn, David White and John Boggess, during which time the court house at Batavia was built. Mr. Perin had the plans drawn and to him is due the excellent acoustic properties of the building. In 1830, he was elected representative from Clermont and was a member of the Twenty-ninth General Assembly of Ohio, declining a reelection on account of his extensive private business interests. He operated the distillery until it burned down, in 1853 ; the grist mill was destroyed by fire in 1862. Mr. Perin's nine children were all born in Clermont county, all now deceased ; one daughter-in-law, widow of Lyman C., is living in Cincinnati. CALVIN D. FRIDMAN. One of the most prominent of active factors in the substantial progress and development of Clermont county, Ohio, where for many years he has taken a deep and helpful interest 690 - CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES in all affairs and enterprises that tend to the betterment of the county of his nativity is Mr. Calvin D. Fridman, the genial mayor of New Richmond. On the 27th of August, 186o, near Clermontville, at the family home of his father, the late Franklin Fridman, occurred the birth of Calvin D. Fridman. He grew to young manhood in the vicinity of his birthplace and attended the noted educational institution known as Parker's Academy, after which he graduated from Eastman's Business College, at Poughkeepsie, New York, and in 1883 began his life in the business world. He was first engaged in the lumber and coal business at Clermontville, where he remained for two years, after which he turned his entire attention to the lumber business at New Richmond. Since the death of his father, Mr. C. D. Fridman has held the position of president of the Fridman Lumber Company. He is also identified with the First National Bank of New Richmond, being one of its directors and was one of the incorporators of the Peoples' Building & Loan Association, of which he has been a director since its organization in 1905. Mr. Calvin D. Fridman celebrated his marriage to Miss Bertha C. Weidinger in 1888, at New Richmond. She was born at Cincinnati, and is a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. S. Weidinger, who came to New Richmond in 1865, where Mr. Weidinger was engaged in the bakery business until his death, which occurred in March, 1911, he being in his eightieth year. Mrs. Fridman's mother, who is seventy-seven years of age, survives. Her parents were natives of Germany and came to America when quite young. Mr. and Mrs. Fridman have one daughter, Helen L., who is a graduate in elocution from the "Schuster School of Elocution and Dramatic Art," of Cincinnati. Mr. Calvin D. Fridman is an active Democrat and has served on the council, also being interested in educational matters, he being a member of the school board for several years. He is well known in the Masonic fraternity, being a Thirty-second degree Mason. Mr. and Mrs. Fridman are consistent members of the Presbyterian church. The home of Mr. Fridman is one of the first built in New Richmond, and was erected by one of the Light family in 1804. While Mr. Fridman is leading an active life in business affairs, he yet finds time and opportunity to aid in the advancement of measures for general good, and is a public-spirited citizen. CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES - 691 G. C. ANDERSON. Among the men of Clermont county, Ohio, who have wrested a competence from agricultural pursuits is Mr. G. C. Anderson, who at the time of his marriage had practically no capital with which to establish a home of his own, but by diligence and persistence of both himself and his faithful wife has been successful far beyond the average. He at one time owned and operated a tract of some two hundred and seventy-six acres, still retaining one hundred and seven acres, part of which is in Hamilton county, Ohio, and the remainder in Clermont county, besides his fine remodeled home at Bantam, which he purchased in 1911. Mr. Anderson was born on the Lee Hichs farm near Bantam, Clermont county, Ohio, August 3, 1873, son of George Washington and Lydia Ann (Brown) Anderson. The father was born July 5, 1845, at Bethel and is living retired near Bantam. G. W. Anderson is a veteran of the Civil war, having enlisted at Bethel May 2, 1864, as a private in Company C, One Hundred and Fiftieth regiment, Ohio volunteer infantry, and was honorably discharged at Camp Dennison, Ohio, September to, 1864; re-enlisted January 19, 1865, at Bethel, Ohio, in the One Hundred and Eighty-fourth Ohio volunteer infantry, serving until discharged at Edgefield, Tenn., September 20, 1865. A brother of his, Benton Anderson, enlisted at Bethel, Ohio, in the Fifth Ohio volunteer cavalry and later re-enlisted in the One Hundred and Fifty-third Ohio volunteer infantry. The Anderson family is one of the old ones of Clermont county and are originally of Irish descent. G. W. Anderson, the father of our subject, followed farming since the close of the war, until his retirement from active life. He was married September 8, 1866, to Lydia Ann Brown, who was born near Bethel, Ohio, March 8, 1846, and passed from this life July to, 1897, her death caused by lightning. Her burial took place at the Odd Fellows' cemetery at Amelia. A brother of Mrs. Anderson, John Brown, served in the One Hundred and Fifty-third regiment Ohio volunteer infantry, and another brother, William Brown, served in the Fifty- ninth regiment, Ohio volunteer infantry. The latter died while at home on a furlough. G. W. Anderson and his wife were formerly Baptists, but he is now a member of the Methodist church. Six children were born to them : William, residing in Montana, has served in the regular army. 692 - CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES Harry B. died August 21, 1891, at the age of twenty years. G. C., the subject of this sketch. Carrie, now Mrs. William Armstrong, of Norwood, Ohio. Pearl W., the wife of Frank Kymell, of Zanesville, Ohio. John Lee, who has served four years in the navy, being now on board the United States steamer Nebraska. Mr. G. C. Anderson was educated at the Amelia High School, remaining on his father's farm until he was twenty-one years of age, when he entered upon his business career as a farmer and rented land for himself. On October 27, 1897, occurred the marriage of Mr. Anderson to Miss Deliah E. Byfield, who was born at Madison, Ind., January 2, 1875, a daughter of Vincent Delos and Rebecca Turner (Johnson) Byfield, the former of whom was born at Akron, Ohio, October 28, 1839, and died November t, 1911, at the Soldiers' Home at Marion, Ind.. The latter was born in Harrison, Ohio, November 18, 1841, and passed away June 13, 1893, being buried beside her husband in Crown Hill cemetery, Indianapolis. Mr. Byfield learned his trade of iron molder at Madison, Ind., but removed to Indianapolis, the home for many years. He enlisted August 19, 1862, serving three years in Company C, Sixty-seventh regiment Ohio volunteer infantry. He was a Republican and held membership with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. In religious belief he embraced that of the Methodist church. Mrs. Byfield was a devoted member of the Baptis church. To them were born two sons and four daughters : Charles Howard, an architect of Indianapolis, Ind. Mrs. Anderson, the wife of our subject. Virgil died at the age of one year. Helen Matilda, the wife of Harry Birdwell, of Indianapolis. Hattie Bernie, of Indianapolis. Florence Johnson, of Indianapolis. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson have had four children born to bless their union, all of whom are natives of Clermont county. Harry Virgil was born March 19, 1899. Leona Pearl, whose birth occurred October 28, 19o1. Grace Elizabeth was born September 9, 1904, on the Paul Moore farm. An infant son, who was born April 3, 1911, on the Paul Moore farm, died April 3, 1911. When Mr. and Mrs. Anderson began housekeeping it was in a four-room log cabin in Amelia, where they remained for CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES - 693 two years, and later Mr. Anderson operated the Paul Moore farm at Horse Shoe Bend, Elk Lick, the most noted farm of two hundred and seventy-six acres on a branch of the east fork of the Little Miami river, in Clermont county. This farm was owned at one time by Judge George G. Bambach and R. E. Head, and is at present owned by R. E. Head. Mr. Anderson went in debt one thousand dollars when he went on the Paul Moore farm, for implements necessary for the operating of such a large tract of land and his success dated from that time. He spent five years here and at the end of that time he removed to Bantam, where he purchased forty acres adjoining that village. For one year Mr. Anderson remained on this farm and has since made his home in Bantam, Ohio. Mr. Anderson has always given his support to the Republican party and was elected as one of the first members of the board of education in Batavia township and served as clerk of the board of education for four years, resigning because of his removal from the township. Fraternally, Mr. Anderson is an active member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. In religious matters both Mr. and Mrs. Anderson are consistent members of the Amelia Baptist church, being active in all affairs of that denomination. Of late Mr. Anderson has been interested in the real estate business, in which he has met with a large measure of success. He is recognized as a man of ability and is an example of the sturdy business man and upright citizen and to such Clermont county owes its prestige. Mr. Anderson has sold out his home and real estate interests at Bantam, Ohio, and has purchased the Colonel Martin farm, known as the "Tally Hoo Stock Farm," near Bethel, Ohio, consisting of 187 acres, which constitute one of the best farms between Bethel and Williamsburg. W. W. SHINKLE. Bethel, Ohio, justly takes pride in including among its foremost citizens, Mr. W. W. Shinkle, who has taken a most active part in the promotion of all industrial enterprises that have benefitted the town and surrounding country. He conducts a thoroughly modern, up-to-date dairy, and has substantial 694 - CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES barns, tanks and necessary conveniences for the care of large quantities of milk and cream. The birth of Mr. Shinkle occurred near Eden church, Brown county, November to, 1866. His father, Christian Shinkle, was also a native of Brown county, having been born, February 24, 1833. He was a progressive farmer. In answer to his country's call for oiunteers during the Civil war, Christian enlisted in Company H, One Hundred and Eighty-ninth regiment, Ohio volunteer infantry, serving throughout the war. He married Miss Sarah White, a native of Brown county, and to this union three children were born : Emma J., married Wiliam Snider, of Cedron, Ohio. John K., a resident of Covington, Ky. W. W., of this mention. Mrs. Sarah (White) Shinkle was born November 11, 1834, and passed away July 31, 1910, and her husband followed her May 10, 1911. Mr. W. W. Shinkle received a limited education in the schools of Clermont county, and assisted his father on the farm until his marriage. On October 5, 1892, he was united in marriage to Miss Nancy Fithen, who was born February 16, 1869, at the Brown county infirmary, of which institution her father, David Fithen, was superintendent. David Fithen was born in Jefferson county, Ohio, April 4, 1832, and was married to Miss Mary Black on February 15, 1866. She was born in Brown county, Ohio, August 7, 1836, and died September 12, 1895. Of the four children born to them, all are deceased, except Mrs. W. W. Shinkle. Mr. Fithen died July 15, 1905. Wade Fithen, grandfather of Mrs. Shinkle, came from New Jersey to Jefferson county, Ohio, in the early days. He was a large land owner in New Jersey. Jersey City being built on a part of the land owned by him. Mr. and Mrs. Shinkle first farmed in Williamsburg township, where they remained until February 29, 1904, when they removed to their present beautiful home in Tate township. This farm is known as the North Side Dairy Farm and consists of forty-four acres. They raise horses, cattle and hogs, carrying on general farming and dairy business. Their energy and thrift are rewarded by a goodly share of this world's goods and the pretty home shows the great pride they take in making their surroundings attractive. Before her marriage to Mr. Shinkle, Mrs. Shinkle was the wife of Jacob Bier, who was born September 3o, 1862, a son CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES - 695 of Joseph and Elizabeth (Sullivan) Bier, natives of Brown county. Joseph Bier was a soldier in the Civil war, and died in the service. His wife died in Brown county in March, 1911. They were the parents of four children : John, is a resident of Cincinnati ; William, of Georgetown, Ohio ; George, and Jacob, who resided in Higginsport, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Bier were blessed with one child, Mary Elizabeth, who was born in Brown county, Ohio, October 15, 1884. She married George P. Medary, of Williamsburg township, and they are the parents of four sons and one daughter : Estel R., Harold H., Het- tie E., George R., and Charles 0. Mr. Medary is a farmer and raiser of fine stock. He is successful in the business which he conducts along progressive lines. In political views, Mr. Shinkle favors the principles of the Democratic party, and is a member of the school board. He is a member of the fraternal order of Odd Fellows. He is broad-minded and generous and has made for himself a name in the agricultural world. E. B. SCOTT. Among the leading business men of Clermont county, Ohio, is numbered Mr. E. B. Scott, the genial jeweler of Batavia, who by his honest and upright conduct has won the respect and esteem of the community where he has had residence for the past forty-five years. The .firm operates under the name of E. B. Scott & Son. Mr. Scott was born at Sugar Hill Ridge, Highland county, Ohio, May 3, 1842, and is a son of Henry and Margaret (Burnett) Scott, who were both natives of Ohio, having been born at Rocky Ford Creek, Highland county. They were farmers and were the parents of seven children, three of whom are still living: Elizabeth, married Joshua Burnett, of Maquan, Ill. E. B., the subject of this review. William, resides at Gillson, Ill. Mrs. Scott died when our subject was nearly three years of age. The education of Mr. Scott was received in the common schools of Highland county, called the Burnett schools, where he lived with his uncle after the decease of his parents. At 696 - CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES the age of thirteen years, he went to Chillicothe, Ohio, where he learned the jeweler's trade with a Mr. Pratt. At the beginning of the Civil war, Mr. Scott enlisted in Company K, Twelfth Ohio volunteer infantry, that being the first company to leave Highland county. Later it consolidated with Company C, Twenty-third Ohio volunteer infantry. He served four years and five months in the Army of the Potomac, and was in the battles of Scary Creek, Bull Run, Antietam, and South Mountain, receiving a wound in the right shoulder at Cedar Creek, Va., which compelled him to spend eleven months in the hospital. After the war was oyez, Mr. E. B. Scott located at Waverly, Ohio, and in 1866 opened a jewelry store, but remained there but one year, coming to Batavia, Clermont county, Ohio, in 1867. Here he opened a jewelry repair shop near where his present store is located. The business grew until he added all the lines to make a first class store, carrying a full line of clocks, watches, and all the things pertaining to the jeweler's business. The most important event of his life occurred in December, 1871, when his marriage to Miss Helen Hay, who was born at Batavia, 1850, a daughter of David and Helen (Maxwell) Hay, both of whom were natives of Scotland, coming to this country at an early date. She was one of nine children, all of whom were born in Clermont county. Four are still living: Elizabeth is the wife of Mr. Charles Hall, of Elizabeth, N. J. Mary is the wife of Jchn W. Lane, of West Hoboken, N. J. Belle, married Warren Brown, of St. Louis, Mo. Helen, married E. B. Scott. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Scott have been born three children : Jean, died at the age of seven years and is buried in Batavia. William, whose death occurred in his thirty-second year, was in business with his father until his death. James B., who was born November 25, 1879, is in business with his father. He is a graduate of the Batavia High School, after which he took a course in the Cincinnati Business College. He was a stenographer in Cincinnati for three months after his graduation from the business college, but at the death of his brother, William, he came home to assist his father. He is also a graduate of the South Bend, Ind., College of Optics, in which science he is very skillful. He does the CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES - 697 testing and fitting of the glasses in the department of optical goods. He is township clerk of Batavia ; is a Mason and an Odd Fellow. Mr. and Mrs. Scott are attendants at the Methodist church, the latter being a member of the Woman's Club, State Federation, and of the Eastern Star and Rebekah lodges. Mr. Scott is a member of the Odd Fellows and is a progressive Republican, holding the office of postmaster under President Harrison, from 188o to 1884. He has served on the school board for many years. Mr. Scott is entirely a self-made man, having to rely on himself very early in life. He has established a fine business and owns a beautiful home at the corner of Sixth and Wood streets ; also owning the store building in which he carries on his business. He is kind and generous to the Poor and needy, giving of his means where he thinks it will give the greatest good. He stands for progressive business methods, conscientious living and is consequently honored end respected by all. OLIVER P. CROSS. The genial and highly esteemed postmaster of Mt. Carmel, Clermont county, Ohio, Mr. Oliver P. Cross, was born near the village which is now his home, January 1, 1843. He is a representative of an old Clermont county family and should be mentioned in a work of this character. His father was Josiah Cross, who was born near Milford, Ohio, April 1, 1811, and passed away January 29, 1899, after having spent his entire life in the townships of Miami and Union, of this county. His occupation in life was that of farming, and in that line was most successful. He voted the Democratic ticket until 1856, when he became a Republican, serving his party in the capacity of township trustee. His wife, Rosannah (Day) Cross, was also a native of Clermont county, her birth occurring in 1816, and her death in 1897. In their family circle were six children, three of whom are deceased. The others are : Elizabeth, who married Mark Davis, of Newtown, Ohio. Oliver P., of this sketch. Charles, of Los Angeles, Cal. Mr. Oliver P. Cross pursued his education in the schools at Mt. Carmel, after which he went to Milford, Ohio, where 698 - CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES he learned the trade of harness maker. In February, 1864, he enlisted in the army of the Civil war, One Hundred and Ninety-fifth Ohio volunteer infantry, serving to the end of the war. After the war, Mr. Cross worked at his trade in Cincinnati and Wilmington for a time, and in 1869 returned to his native village, where he built his substantial home and work shop. These buildings are still in fine condition and he has the only harness shop in Mt. Carmel. In December, 1869, Mr. Cross was united in marriage to Miss Anna R. Johnson, a daughter of Franklin and Elizabeth (Stump) Johnson, of Mt. Carmel. Her birth took place Rebruary 25, 1844. Her father was born at Mt. Washington, Ohio, in 1819, and died on March 29, 1895, his occupation being that of blacksmith. Her mother was born in Columbia, now Cincinnati, Ohio. They were of the Methodist faith and were active workers in the church. They were the parents of nine children, those living being: Sarah, the widow of James Weaver, lives at Batavia, Ohio. Ella, is Mrs. William Hines, of Texas. Anna, Mrs. Oliver Cross. Mary, is the wife of Samuel Spurry, residents of Indiana. Thomas, of Cincinnati. Rebecca, married a brother of the subject of this sketch. Myrtle, Mrs. Hayworth, resides in Cincinnati, Ohio. They live in California. Mr. and Mrs. Cross have one son : Herbert, who was born at Mt. Carmel, Ohio, December 30, 1873. He is a graduate of the Mt. Carmel High School and is a bookkeeper for the firm of Mock, Berman & Company, of Cincinnati. In political views, Mr. Cross favors the Republican principles and has served his party in various capacities. He was appointed postmaster of Mt. Carmel, during President Harrison's administration, and has held the office since with the exception of the years of President Cleveland's administration, when he resigned in favor of a Democratic candidate. He also holds the office of notary public, and is a prominent Grand Army of the Republic man, belonging to the S. R. S. West Post at Milford, Ohio. Mr. Cross has one brother, Eugene Cross, who was a soldier in the Civil war, while Mrs. Cross had two brothers, Walter and Frank Johnson, who were volunteers, the former being in the Seventieth, and the latter in the Thirty-ninth, Ohio volunteer infantry. CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES - 699 Mr. and Mrs. Cross are broad and liberal minded in their views on all questions and have the respect and esteem of the entire community in which they live. Mr. Cross has always given the greatest satisfaction in his official capacity, and all think he is the right man in the right place. DR. W. H. AIKEN. Dr. W. H. Aiken, engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery at Felicity, Ohio, is well known throughout the counties of Clermont and Brown, as an able and efficient physician and surgeon, who by years of experience has won the esteem and confidence of his fellow citizens. Dr. Aiken was born at Madeira, Hamilton county, Ohio, November 7, 1855, and is a son of Thomas J. and Jemima Anna (Tingley) Aiken. Indian Hill, Madeira, Hamilton county, Ohio, was the birthplace of the parents of Dr. Aiken, the birth of the father occurring April to, 1828, and the birth of the mother took place in 1833. A farmer by occupation, Thomas J. Aiken followed that pursuit practically all of his life, and in Hamilton county. His death took place in 1908, his wife having passed away in 1898. In their family were six children, five of whom are living : Frank R. was a farmer of Clinton county, Ohio, and died in 1908. Dr. W. H., the subject of this mention. Elizabeth, who married Joshua Batterton, an engineer on the Baltimore & Ohio road, residing at West Loveland, Hamilton county, Ohio. George C., a resident of Glendale. T. E. resides on Indian Hill and is an employee of the Adams Express Company, at Cincinnati. Clarence M., a druggist of Cincinnati. Ohio, resides at Madeira. Dr. Aiken spent his boyhood days under the parental roof, and had good school advantages, which enabled him to fit himself for his chosen profession. He attended the public schools of Madeira and in Clinton county, Ohio, and having determined upon the practice of medicine as a life work, entered the Pulte Medical College of Cincinnati, graduating from that institution in the class of 1884.