(RETURN TO THE TITLE PAGE)

800 - CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES entire United States by reason of the excellency of their products and the business integrity and enterprising methods of the men who are at the head of the concern. The company makes a specialty of "Johnston's Dull Kote" paint, which gives such perfect satisfaction in every way. The officials of the company are as follows : R. F. Johnston, president ; R. L. Johnston, vice-president ; W. G. Johnston, secretary, and H. P. Aiken, treasurer. The board of directors are : R. F. Johnston, R. L. Johnston, W. G. Johnston, H. P. Aiken, B. F. Bruenger, Charles Boalt and Lowe Emerson. The Johnston Paint Company was incorporated in 1905, with a capitalization of $50,000, and employs nine traveling representatives, who distribute their goods from the Atlantic to the Pacific and from the Great Lakes to Mexico. The growth and progress of this company has been very gratifying to all who are interested in any way. Mr. Robert L. Johnston is a native of Clermont county, his birth having occurred at Moscow, August 30, 1846. He is a son of William and Mary (Fee) Johnston, the latter being also a native of the county and died in the forty-seventh year of her age, at her home in Moscow, Ohio. William Johnston was born at Campbell, Scotland, in 1806, and came to America with his widowed mother when he was nine years of age. They located at Nicholsville, Monroe township, and there William was reared and educated in the school at that place. Later he studied medicine and practiced at Moscow, where he resided until his death, in 1876. He was a Mason, being a Knight Templar. The marriage of Mr. Johnston to Miss Mary Pattison was celebrated in Moscow, Ohio. Her father, W. G. Pattison, resides in Brown county, where she was born. Mr. and Mrs. Johnston have had six children born to their union : Robert F. ; L. P. is in the War Department at Washington, D. C., where he was married, and is the father of one child, a daughter ; W. G., of Cincinnati, is a member of the Johnston Paint Company ; Miss Mary A., at home ; Mrs. Dr. George Lane, of Poughkeepsie, N. Y.; Mrs. C. B. Jones, of Cincinnati, is the mother of one child. The life of Mr. Johnston has been one of great activity in business, and is an example of that class of men who, by their earnest and honest industry, have achieved success in the battle of life, being rewarded by a measure of prosperity. CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES - 801 JOSEPH FOSTER WEAVER. Joseph Foster Weaver, who resides at Batavia, Ohio, in a beautiful home, which consists of three well-laid lots and a splendid modern house, at the corner of Broadway and Water streets, conducts a thriving feed business, operating under the firm name of J. F. Weaver & Sons. The firm enjoys a large patronage and is well known throughout Clermont county for their prompt and efficient service. Joseph Foster Weaver, who is a son of Henry Griffith and Ellen (Foster) Weaver, was born in Batavia township. Henry Griffith Weaver was a captain of the militia in the early days before the Civil war. He passed away in 1891 and is buried in the Union Citizens' cemetery. Ellen (Foster) Weaver died in 1879. Both of these good people were devoted members of the Methodist Episcopal church. He was a Whig and cast his vote for William H. Harrison. Mr. and Mrs. Weaver were the parents of seven children : Laura V., married Martin Wood. They had two children. Mrs. Wood is deceased. William, died at the age of five years. Ulysses Randolph, deceased. He left five children. Eben Idephard, deceased. He had no children. Joseph F., the subject of this sketch. John W., deceased. He left no children. Charles H. lives in Batavia township, and has three children. John Weaver, the paternal great-grandfather of Joseph Weaver, was a soldier in the War of the Revolution, while his maternal grandfather, Thomas Foster, was a soldier in the War of 1812. Joseph Foster Weaver was reared on the home farm of his father, and received a good common school education. He remained at home until he was twenty-four years of age, assisting his father in the duties that fall to the lot of the average farmer. When Mr. Weaver left home, he did so to attend the commercial college of Higginsport, Ky., which is a branch of the commercial college of Cincinnati. Mr. Weaver was married to Miss Eva Applegate, in 1879. She is a daughter of Nelson and Jane (Tate) Applegate. Mr. and Mrs. Weaver have eight children : 802 - CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES Homer Foster, is one of the firm of J. F. Weaver & Sons. He lives at home. Lloyd, also one of the firm and lives at home. Ethel, is a graduate of the Batavia High School. She attended the college at Oxford, Ohio, for two terms, and at the Wesleyan College at Delaware for one term, and at the Ohio State University. She is a teacher in the high school at Batavia. Frank W., a member of the firm. Lulu Belle, a graduate of the Batavia High School. Ruth, is in the high school, class of 1913. Dale, at home. Harold, agent for the "Cincinnati Post." Mr. Weaver is a Republican and a member of the Batavia Lodge, No. 1a4, Free and Accepted Masons. He is a member of the Methodist church, while Mrs. Weaver is a member of the Presbyterian church. The family attend both churches. FRANKLIN FRIDMAN. Franklin Fridman's record as a progressive and honorable business man of Clermont county for many years entitles him to representation among the honored dead of the county. He resided for fifty-four years at Clermontville, where he won the respect and high esteem of all with whom he was associated by his kindly purposes and upright conduct. Mr. Fridman was born in Stolhoven, in the principality of Baden, Germany, on the River Rhine, October 4, 1816, and died August 21, 1895, his life taken by a negro. He was the youngest son of George and Elizabeth (daughter of Michael Miller) Fridman, who had six children born to them : Leonard, who came to. America about 1830 and was a contractor in the construction of the Baltimore & Ohio railroad, and who died in 1889, aged about eighty years ; Mathias, who died, aged eighty-eight years ; Franklin, Theresa, Sabina and Elizabeth. The mother and two sisters died in Germany. In 1833, the family started for America, but the father died in France while en route. They spent a little time in Baltimore then moved to Wheeling, Cincinnati, Louisville, Ky., finally locating at Rockford, Ind., on the White river, near the present site of Seymour. CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES - 803 When only eighteen years old, Franklin came on to Cincinnati, alone, to learn boiler making under Thomas Justice and Mr. Banks, following the same for two years under Richard Dumont and Mr. Parker. Mr. Fridman was second engineer on the "Lady Scott," the first steam packet plying the Ohio river between Maysville and Cincinnati, for nearly a year, when he met with a severe accident to his hand, which compelled him to give up this work. He then began peddling over parts of Ohio and Kentucky, on foot. In this business, Mr. Fridman was most successful, and he was enabled to locate, in 1839, on Boat Run, near the Ohio river. Shortly after this time he established a store near the present home of his son, Franklin M., and subsequently built a large store and warehouse in Clermontville, where he conducted one of the largest general stores in Clermont county until 188o, when he transferred that business to his three oldest sons, and by them carried on until a few years since. Mr. Fridman married, September 9, 1840, Rebecca Bushman (daughter of Demos and Elizabeth Bushman, early settlers of Clermont county). To this union was born the following children : George Henry, Lewis L., Franklin M., Lincoln W., Charles A. (died in infancy), Elizabeth (Tomkins), Annie (Rice). Mrs. Fridman is deceased. On September 28, 1859, Mr. Fridman married a second time, to Millie A. Bushman (daughter of William and Drucilla Houseman Bushman). Their children are as follows : Calvin D., William M., Leonidas S., Fred W., Belle, Wallace and Grace (deceased). Mrs. Fridman was born, April 5, 1835, and passed away January 31, 1897, in the sixty-second year of her life. Both Mr. and Mrs. Fridman were members of the Christian church. Politically, Mr. Fridman was a staunch Democrat and was often solicited and strongly urged to accept a candidacy for office, but refused because of his many other public interests. He was a director and one of the largest stockholders of the First National Bank of New Richmond from its organization and was president from 1880 until his death. He was for years a director of the Clermont Mutual Fire Insurance Company, and was one of the owners of the "Virginia Home" steamboat, plying between Foster's Landing and Cincinnati. For many years this enterprising man of affairs built and owned a large number of flat boats trading on the Ohio river, 804 - CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES and with Mr. Theodore Steelman owned and operated at New Richmond, Ohio, the largest steam saw mill in Clermont county, which was afterwards incorporated as the Fridman Lumber Company, and is now owned and operated by his sons. On the exchange in Cincinnati and in the business circles of Southern Ohio, Mr. Fridman's name and word were ever held in high regard. A man of strictest integrity, but ever public- spirited, doing much to relieve the distress of the deserving poor. Never taking advantage of the necessities of others for his own gain. Mr. Fridman was strong in his convictions of right and wrong, and never allowed himself to be turned from his decisions. One instance of this trait of character : Nearly all the merchants of his time handled whiskey to a certain extent, but feeling that he could not conscientiously sell liquor he could never be persuaded to do so. Such a character as this well deserves the most reverent remembrance. JOHN W. LYTLE. Mr. John W. Lytle, whose death occurred December 7, 1875, was for many years a well known farmer of Williamsburg township, Clermont county, Ohio. He represented one of the oldest families of this part of the State, the name of Lytle having been closely interwoven with the history of the county for many years. John W. Lytle was a son of John and Dorcas (Warring) Lytle, both of whom were natives of Kentucky, the former being a brother of Gen. William Lytle, known as the founder of Clermont county. John W. Lytle was united in marriage to Miss Isabelle Wiseman, who was born in Manchester, England, in January, 1828, the marriage rites being solemnized on January 15, 1856. Isabella Wiseman is a daughter of Rev. John and Christina (Thompson) ) Wiseman, both of Scotch nativity, of Ayrshire and Lanarkshire, Scotland, respectively. They came to America in 1851, settling at Paterson, N. J. Rev. John Wiseman was ordained to the ministry in Glasgow, Scotland, having been graduated at St. Andrews. He became a Presbyterian minister in England and accepted a pastorate at Paterson, N. J. He later came to Clermont county, where for many CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES - 805 years he preached at Williamsburg and elsewhere in the county. His death occurred May 2, 1876, at the home of a son, Gavin Wiseman, at Danville, Ky. Gavin E. Wiseman, a brother of Mrs. Lytle of this mention, entered Hanover College in 1851, remaining until 1853, after which he entered Centre College, at Danville, Ky., from which institution he graduated in 1858. He was engaged in the dry- goods business at Danville until 1902, when he retired from active life. Mrs. John Wiseman, the mother of Mrs. Lytle, passed away at the home of a daughter, at Springfield, Ohio, a few years after the death of her husband. Mrs. Lytle has resided at her present home near Williamsburg, Clermont county, Ohio, for the past fifty-one years. During the Civil war the Confederate soldiers camped in the yard during John Morgan's raid, and Major Weber used the home as an office for a time. The union of John W. and Isabella (Wiseman) Lytle has been blessed with three children : John W., a prominent business man of Williamsburg, who makes his home with his widowed mother. Mrs. T. G. Foster. Mrs. Dr. D. L. Hines, of Williamsburg, Ohio. During his life time, Mr. Lytle affiliated with the Democratic party and served in many of the school offices, being school treasurer at the time of his death. Mrs. Lytle is an earliest Presbyterian and has always taken an active part in all that tends to the betterment of those around her, doing good at all times, a living example of the faith she professes. WILLIAM CRAVER. Mr. William Craver, conducting a profitable general store at Quaver, Clermont county, Ohio, has various other interests, including farming and trucking, operating several wagons. His intense and well directed activity has merited the success that has come to him. He was born on the farm on which he now resides, and which was purchased by his father in the pioneer days of the county, in Stonelick township, in 1868, and is a son of John Peter and Johanna (Cullen) Craver. 806 - CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES John Peter Craver was born in Germany in 1846 and came to America when a very young man. He located in Clermont county soon after his arrival, where he kept a hotel and farmed at Perintown, in addition to his hotel interests. He had been a farmer of Clermont county for forty-four years when his death occurred in 1904. Johanna (Cullen) Craver was born in Ireland in 1834, and passed from this life in 1894. To her union with John Peter Craver were born the following named children : Mary died at the age of five or six years. Cecelia died at the age of eighteen years. Ellie, who became the wife of Charles Goman, died about 1896. Christopher died at the age of twelve years. William, of this mention. Louis lives at Owensville, Ohio. Carrie is the wife of Augustus Calier and resides at Batavia. James, a resident of Allensburg, Ohio. Gilbert is in the navy. John Peter and Johanna (Cullen) Craver were devout members of the Catholic church, being pioneer members in this section. The education of Mr. William Craver was obtained in the Mt. Zion school in Stonelick township and acquired experience in the huckster business by running the wagon for his father until he became twenty-three years of age. The marriage of Mr. William Craver to Miss Josephine Gomen took place in 1891. She was born at Olive Branch, Ohio, in 1870, a daughter of Michael and Mary Ann Gomen, both parents being natives of France, the former having been born in 1821 and died in 1886. Mrs. Gomen lives with her son at Madisonville, Ohio. They were the parents of seven children, all born in Clermont county. William, of Norwood, Ohio. Louis, makes his home with Mr. Craver. Aim is a resident of Illinois. John is a resident of one of the suburbs of Cincinnati. Josephine, Mrs. William Craver. Bert is a resident of Newtown, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Gomen were devoted members of the Catholic church. After his marriage Mr. Craver purchased the old home farm of one hundred and ten acres in Stonelick, which he has im- CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES - 807 proved and modernized to suit himself and the family. In addition he is engaged in running the huckster wagon, raising the supplies on the farm. In 1892, he purchased the store which he is now operating, from his father, and enjoys a fine patronage. Mr. and Mrs. Craver are the parents of seven children, all born in Stonelick township : Marie, born in 1892, is at home. Ethel, was born in 1894, and is a graduate of the Owensville High School, and of the Wilson Business College, having graduated in short hand. She is also at home. William, who was born in 1897, is a student of the Owensville school. Leon, born in 1899, is attending school at Mt. Zion, in Stonelick township. John, born in 1902, is a student at Mt. Zion. Alice, born in 1905, is attending school at Mt. Zion. Alvin, born in 1906, attends school at Mt. Zion. In politics, Mr. Craver is a Democrat, voting for the men and measures of the party, but he has never had political aspirations for himself, preferring to give his undivided attention to his business affairs. He has served on the board of education for a number of years. Mr. Craver is largely self-made and has made the most of each opportunity as it presented itself and through perseverance has worked his way to the ranks of the well-to-do of the community in which he lives. By his honest dealings he has won the respect and high regard of his fellow citizens. He is well informed and is broad and liberal in his views on all questions. BENJAMIN E. CURLIS. Among the successful and enterprising young .business men of Clermont county, Ohio, are many who are born and reared on the farm and spent their boyhood days gaining a foundation for a life of activity and energy. Such a man is Mr. Benjamin E. Curlis, a son of Joseph and Eliza (Watson) Curlis. He is the owner and proprietor of a profitable saw mill at New Marathon, and is conducting his business in accordance with the progressive ideas of modern times. His concentration on his business interests has brought to him 808 - CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES prosperity and substantial advancement. He was born in Paloski, Ky., December 15, 1883. Joseph Curlis was born near Afton, Ohio, in 1855, and Eliza (Watson) Curlis was born in 1855. They are resident farmers of Brown county, living near Fayetteville, Ohio. They became the parents of three children : Benjamin E., the subject of this mention. Oscar, of Marathon, has a small interest in the mill. Nellie is at home. Joseph is a son of John Curlis, a veteran of the Civil war. The educational privileges of Benjamin E. Curlis were those afforded by the public school system of Brown county. He remained at home on the farm until 1894, when he was united in marriage to Miss Mollie Morgan, who was born in Brown county, Ohio, in 1883, and is a daughter of Joseph and Margaret (Malott) Morgan, the former of whom was born in Brown county in 1846, and the latter also a native of Brown county, was born in 1867. They are prosperous farmers of Brown county, and in their family have been seven children : Addie, at home. Ella, the wife of Mack Hessler, residents of Brown county. Mollie, who is Mrs. Curlis. Allen, of Bethel, Ohio. Lee, at home. Bertha, is also at home. After his marriage, Mr. Curlis located on a farm in Brown county, near Fayetteville, and there his early training along agricultural lines assisted him greatly in the management of his farming interests. He spent seven years on this farm and at the end of this time removed to their beautiful new home on the Milford and Hillsboro pike, west of Marathon. This farm consists of one hundred and sixty-eight acres of highly cultivated land and the home is modern in every respect. In 1903, Mr. Curlis added to his agricultural interests, those connected with the saw mill business, and now has in his employ from ten to twelve men, and is doing a splendid business. Mr. and Mrs. Curlis have had two children to bless their union : Joseph Ralph, aged three years. Mildred, born February 23, 1912, died June 9, 1912. Mr. Curlis is a man of broad outlook, readily recognizing opportunities and bringing to bear the practical in the accomplishment of the ideal. In business transactions he is the soul CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES - 809 of honor and deserves all the praise called forth by the term self-made, for it is by his own efforts that he is enjoying his present prosperity. Mr. Curlis exercises his right of franchise in support of men and measures of the Republican party, with which he has affiliated since reaching his majority. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Curlis is one of the pleasant, refined homes of the county, and there hospitality and good will abound. Mr. Curlis has accomplished much during his short business career and the family is well known in the community, and the members of the household enjoy an enviable position in social circles. W. H. LEEDS. Mr. W. H. Leeds is one of the most popular, energetic and progressive farmers of Clermont county, Ohio, and is held in high esteem by the citizens of this community for his many sterling qualities and excellent traits of character. Mr. Leeds resides on his handsome farm of ninety-eight acres in Jackson township, known throughout the county. Mr. Leeds devotes his land to general farming and stock raising, giving much attention to pure blood Jersey cattle. He also owns forty acres of good land near Marathon, Brown county, which he devoted entirely to pasture. Mr. 'Leeds was born in Sterling township, Brown county, Ohio, in 1874, and is a son of Moses and Emily (Simpkins) Leeds. Moses Leeds was born in Williamsburg township, Clermont county, Ohio, January 18, 1838, and is at present a resident of Brown county, where he is living in retirement, after an active life as a farmer. He gave three years and three months time to his country at the time of the Civil war, enlisting in Company B, Fifth Ohio cavalry. He was in the engagement at Pittsburg Landing, Bull Run and others. He was one of twelve children, six sons and six daughters, and the six sons and the six sons-in-law were all soldiers in the war. The six sons were : Lafayette, Gorham P., Frank, Lewis, Andrew and Moses, the father of our subject. The six sons-in-law were : Frank Code, Walter Beell, John Fields, Sam Rambaugh and two others. Several of these were killed in action. Andrew Leeds and John Fields were in the same company and regi- 810 - CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES ment with Moses Leeds. The widow of Lewis Leeds is still a resident of Williamsburg, Ohio. Emily (Simpkins) Leeds was born in Philadelphia, Pa., in 1844, and resides at the home in Brown county. A brother, Enoch Simpkins, was in the same company and regiment as Moses Leeds during the Civil war. To her union with Moses Leeds were born twelve children, eight of whom grew to maturity, and of those six still survive : Margaret, became the wife of Charles Cowdry, of Cincinnati. Elizabeth, who married T. W. Twicher, of Cincinnati. Lulu, died at the age of nineteen years. W. H., the subject of this review. Blanche, who is Mrs. George Fingstag, of Cincinnati. Roy, who has not married, and is at home. Grace, at home. Beausie, died at the age of eighteen years. Mr. W. H. Leeds was educated in the Salem school, near Williamsburg, in Brown county, and after his school days were over, he entered the employ of Mr. James McKever, and for eight years worked at farm labor, by the month. At the expiration of this period, he assisted his father on the home farm for four years, and in 1904 purchased the present farm, beginning life for himself. The marriage of Mr. Leeds to Mrs. Carrie Christie was celebrated in 1904, and her parents were J. R. and Mary (Anderson) Johnson. She was born in Stonelick township, in 1872, and was married to Mr. Christie, and by this first marriage she had one son, John G., who was born in 1897, and is attending school at Hillsboro, Ohio. Mrs. Leeds' father was born in Jackson township, about 1847, and her mother in Goshen township about 1852, and both are living in Brown county and are retired farmers, who are enjoying the fruits of the former years of industry. They were the parents of seven children, six of whom are living: Carrie, who is now Mrs. Leeds. Dr. F. A., of Fayetteville, Brown county, Ohio. E. T., is a dentist of Danville, Ill. Jessie, who became the wife of E. W. Gray, of Toledo, Ohio. Martha is a kindergarten teacher and makes her home with her sister, Mrs. Gray, of Toledo, Ohio. Grace, who is an instructor in music, is at the parental home. CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES - 811 The union of Mr. and Mrs. Leeds has been blessed with one child, Martha Isabell, who was born in Jackson. township, September 7, 1909. Since the purchase of the present home farm, Mr. and Mrs. Leeds have greatly improved it and today it is excelled by few in the township. They have rebuilt the house, making it one of the prettiest in the county, which, with its delightful surroundings, good buildings and well cultivated fields add much to the general air of prosperity to this section. In addition to the raising of the pure blood Jersey cattle, Mr. Leeds also raises and ships great numbers of hogs. He has a fine lot of chickens, horses and cattle., and has all the conveniences for the care of all of his stock. Mr. Leeds is a Democrat in politics, although he does not aspire to office. Mr. and Mrs. Leeds are active workers of the Methodist church, and well deserve the respect and esteem of those with whom they are associated. The present comforts of the family are due to the persistent effort and careful management of his business affairs, combined with strict honesty and integrity of Mr. Leeds. He is genial and pleasant and by his affable manner has won many friends. JOHN D. WHITE. The name of White is well known in Brown county and brings to mind one of the finest families in the region. They have long been identified with the best interests of the county and State, and have held many offices of trust and confidence. John D. White is well known as mayor of Mt. Orab, also as a successful attorney and a patriotic citizen. He was born in Georgetown, Brown county, June 6, 1854, son of Chilton Alden and Fannie E. (Boyle) White. The father, also a lawyer in profession, took a prominent part in the affairs of Brown county and was born near Maysville, Mason county, Kentucky, in 1823, and died in November, two. His wife was born at Fayetteville, Brown county, Ohio, in 1826, and died in 1882, both she and her husband being buried in Brown county. He practiced his profession at Georgetown for many years and was active in the interest of the Democratic party. Soon after his admission to the bar he was elected prosecuting 812 - CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES attorney of the county. This was but a stepping stone to higher things and later he served the county in the State legislature two terms, in the Senate two terms, in the National Congress two terms, and in 1882 served as a member of the constitutional convention from Brown county. He was an important factor in these august bodies and served on many important committees. He made his influence plainly felt wherever he was, and was closely identified with other well known public men, two of the most notable being George H. Pendleton and Clint L. Vollandingham. He was a prominent Mason and Odd Fellow and was buried by the two orders. He was an active member of the Christian church and his home was always hospitably opened to entertain ministers. He was a pioneer of the Sunday school and a trustee of the church, being active in the interests of erecting their church building. He and his wife had three children, born in Brown county, namely : Edward B., of Cincinnati ; John D.; Mary Isabel, wife of Dr. E. Whitaker, residing in Maysville, Ky. The father served in the Mexican war in 1847, with Thomas B. Homer, with whom he studied law. He was a schoolmate and warm personal friend of Gen. U. S. Grant, who once offered Mr. White a place on the Supreme bench for life if he would give the General his support. However, Mr. White could not see his way clear to do so, being fully convinced of the justice of the principles of the Democratic party. Mr. White was one of the leading men of Georgetown, and one whom his fellow townsmen were glad to honor and pleased to call friend and neighbor. After taking a course in local schools, John D. White attended Antioch College, Yellow Springs, Ohio, and in 1874 began reading law in his brother's office in Cincinnati. He was admitted to the bar in Georgetown in 1875, and went into partnership with his father and W. W. McKnight, then prosecuting attorney of the county. He has continued in active practice ever since, with unqualified success. He remained twelve years in Georgetown, and in 1887 came to live in Mt. Orab. He is a Democrat in politics, and has held various offices. He was justice of the peace in Georgetown one year, then resigned the office, and after living in Mt. Orab a number of years returned to Georgetown temporarily, again serving as justice of the peace there two years. He removed thence to Greenfield, Ohio, then returned to Mt. Orab permanently. He was elected mayor in November, 1910, and still holds the CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES - 813 office. He is also notary public and his office is located in the city building in Mt. Orab. He has the confidence and esteem of the entire community and stands well in professional circles. He has an excellent memory and feels proud of his father and family. The father's old home in Georgetown opposite the old General Homer (or Harner) home, and is occupied by Col. U. S. G. White, a cousin of John D. White. This old place, on North Main street, is a landmark of Georgetown, being one of the older buildings there. In 1888 Mr. White was united in marriage with Miss Mary Tucker, who was born near Mt. Orab in 187o, daughter of Frank and Margaret (Smith) Tucker. Mr. Tucker and his wife were born in Brown county, he in 1842, and she in 1847, and they now reside in Illinois. He was a farmer in Green township, Brown county, and served in the Forty-eighth Ohio volunteer infantry during the Civil war. He removed to Illinois several years ago. He and his wife had six children, born in Brown county, namely : Henry, of Green township ; Mrs. White ; Sallie, wife of Philip Vilvans, lives near Fayetteville ; Elizabeth, unmarried, lives with her parents ; Ora and James, of Green township, Brown county. Mr. and Mrs. White have five children, the two youngest born in Brown county : Fannie, born in Mt. Orab, married Henry Cade, resides at New Vienna, Clinton county, Ohio, and they have two children, Austin and Henry ; Minnie, born in Mt. Orab in 1891, married Grant Kibler, and they live near New Vienna, and have one child, Howard ; Ethel, born at Middletown, Butler county, in 1894, is at home ; Robert Emmett, born in Fayetteville in 1896, attends school ; Edna, born in Georgetown in 1903, attending school. The Whites have a pleasant home in the eastern part of the village. WILLIAM HENRY HOBSON. The Hobsons were among the earliest families in Clermont county and have always stood for progress and good citizenship. William Henry Hobson is a worthy representative of the family, and is much respected as a veteran of the Civil war and for his liberal views and personal qualities. He is popular with all and is a man of genial nature, enjoying the companionship of friends. He was born at Marathon, Decem- 814 - CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES ber 8, 1844, son of William and Elizabeth (Prindle) Hobson, natives of Clermont county. The father was born in Marathon in 182o, and was killed September 22, 1863, at the battle of Chickamauga. The mother was born near Marathon in 1824 and died in 1907. She was buried at Clearwater, Kan., and he at Chickamauga. They carried on a farm in Clermont county, where all save one of their six children were born. In 1856 they moved to Indiana and the father served two years in Company I, Thirty-eighth Indiana volunteer infantry. His children were : William Henry, the eldest ; R. H., of Kansas ; Rosanna, wife of George Carter, of Williamsburg; Wooster, deceased ; Elizabeth, wife of William Seigfried, of Springboro, Ohio ; Jacob, deceased, was born in Indiana. Mr. Hobson received most of his education in Marathon, but attended school some after the family's removal to Indiana. He remained with his parents until, at the age of seventeen years, he and his brother, R. H. Hobson, enlisted in Company D, Sixty-sixth Indiana volunteers, and served two years and eight months. Neither of the two ever missed a roll call and they participatcd in many important battles, including Maysville, Atlanta, Richmond, and more than a dozen others. He won a most honorable record, of which he has every reason to feel proud, but the father and husband did not return, and in his death the family received a severe blow. Two of his brother's sons also served in the war. After. William H. Hobson returned from his military service, his mother decided to return to Clermont county, where she could live among old friends, and he lived with her in Marathon until his marriage, in 1869, to Miss Adeline Applegate, who was born near Marathon, in 1846, daughter of William and Nancy (Fox) Applegate, natives of Ohio, and both deceased. The father served in the Civil war and he and his wife had six children, of whom four now survive : Mrs. Hobson, who died in 1876; William, of Newtonville, Ohio ; Sarah A., wife of Gordon Joy, of Dayton, Ohio ; Lydia Bell, wife of Samuel Davidson, of Lerado. Mr. Hobson carried on farming near Marathon until the spring of 1910, when he purchased his present farm of one hundred and thirty acres of choice farm land in Jackson township, where he has a very pretty and comfortable home. He is a Republican in politics and has at various times served as school director. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, and is prominent in the local organization. On June 8, 1878, Mr. Hobson was united in marriage with CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES - 815 Miss Ada Luella Hensel, born in Indiana in 1859, daughter of Thomas and Sarah A. (Highland) Hensel. Her father was born near Owensville, Ohio, in 1833, and lives in Clermont county, and her mother, who was born at Milford, Ohio, in 1835, has been dead over thirty-seven years and is buried in Owensville cemetery. Her father served in the One Hundred Day Service during the Civil war and received three discharges altogether. Mr. and Mrs. Hensel had six children, of whom five now survive : Bertha, wife of George Snell, living near Franklin, Ind. ; Mrs. Hobson, who was born in Indiana ; Ethel, widow of Charles Hathaway, of Indiana ; Emma, wife of Frank Snell, living near Lockland, Ohio ; Cora lives with her father ; Edith, wife of Raper Moore, died in 191o. Mrs. Hobson's uncles, Wesley, William, George, Jasper, Joe and Courtland Hensel, also her father, served in the Civil war from Indiana. Ten children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Hobson, all in Clermont county : Amanda, wife of George Conover, of Jackson township, has a daughter, Elizabeth ; Luella, wife of Walter Shuff, of Hamilton county ; James Arthur married Miss Myrtle Moyer and they live near Blanchester, Ohio ; William H. married Coral Harlow, lives in Brown county, and has one daughter, Edith Lucile ; Cora Viola, wife of George Felter, of Brown county, has one son, Clifford ; Beulah, graduate of Marathon grammar school and Owensville High School, lives at home ; Charles Harner married Ethel Martin and they live near Newtonville ; Frank Lloyd. is at home with his father ; Hazel May, who lives at home, has passed the Pattison examination ; and Thomas Milton, at home. This is a family of culture and refinement, representative of the best interests of Clermont county. The Hensels, as well as the Hobsons, were early corners to Clermont county, and both families have always stood high in the esteem of their fellows. WILLIAM H. JONES. William H. Jones is a substantial farmer and stock raiser of Jackson township, and is respected as an upright citizen. He is largely self-made and has made his way in the world through energy and hard work. He is an intelligent and progressive farmer and successfully follows approved modern methods in his operations. He was born in Sterling town- 816 - CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES ship, Brown county, Ohio, September 20, 1869, son of Levi and Sarah (Doris) Jones, natives of Clermont and Brown counties, respectively. The father was born near Goshen in 1845, and now lives on the farm in Brown county, where all his children were born. He served from Ohio in the One Hundred Day Service, and by trade was a mechanic, carpenter and chair maker, following these, occupations for a number of years. The mother was born in 1845 also. They had four children: Etta, wife of Harvey Cregar, deceased ; Almeda, wife of Charles Patton, of Clinton county, Ohio ; William H., and George C., of Brown county. Mr. Jones attended school in Sterling township, Brown county, remaining with his father until attaining his majority. On March 19, 1888, he was united in marriage with Miss Minerva Wallace, born near New Hope, Scott township, Brown county, June 14, 1870, daughter of Nichols and Martha (Brown) Wallace, natives of Brown county. Mr. Wallace was born in 1848 and his wife in 185o, and they now live in Clermont county, although for many years they carried on farming in Brown county. They had fifteen children, born in the two counties just mentioned, namely : Four who did not reach maturity ; Sarah, wife of Adam Morse, living near Edenton ; Ella, wife of Allen Malot, of Brown county ; Minerva, Mrs. Jones ; Zerelda, wife of Walter Henderson, of Warren county, Ohio ; Addie, wife of Gus Hulick, of Batavia, Clermont county ; Laura and Lena, twins, the former living in Cincinnati, and the latter the wife of Richard McElfreth, and is now deceased ; Levi, of Clermont county, married Gertrude Turner ; Goldie, wife of Quinn Leonard, of Owenton, Ky.; Eli, at home with his parents ; Zetta, wife of Jacob Lang, of Cincinnati. Both the Jones and Wallace families were among the very early settlers of Brown county. After marriage Mr. Jones and his wife spent four years in Brown county, spent two years in Pike township, spent the two succeeding years at Crosstown, Clermont county, and returned to Brown county. Eight years later they located at East Fork, Jackson township, Clermont county, remained there three years, and in March, 1909, moved to their present home on the farm owned by Samuel Pridmore, an uncle of Mr. Jones. He runs two hundred and nineteen acres of land, devoted to general farming, and does well for himself and for the owner. He is a Democrat in politics, and he and his wife are members of the Methodist church. They have had five CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES - 817 children, of whom three now survive, namely : Alma, born in Clermont county, September 22, 1888, died at the age of twenty-one months, and is buried in Brown county ; Carroll, born in Brown county, in 1891, married Miss Florence Johnson, of Clermont county, and they have one child, William ; Etta, born in Brown county, in 1894, at home ; Letha, born in 1896, died when two days old ; Goldie Catherine, born in Clermont county, in August, 191o. The family have a wide acquaintance and many warm friends. Anthony Wallace, the grandfather of Mrs. Jones, and her uncle, Jacob Wallace, served in the Civil war. John and James Jones, uncles of William H. Jones, also served in that war from Ohio. DR. W. C. CROWELL. Dr. W. C. Crowell, one of the rising young men of Bethel, Ohio, who is successfully engaged in the practice of denistry, with a well appointed office and liberal patronage, is a native of Kentucky, having been born at Maysville, Ky., April 27, 1887. He is a son of Simon and Mollie (Clinger) Crowell, who were both born in Mason county, Kentucky. The former is a house contractor and painter, and has made a name for himself in his business. The maternal grandfather Clinger was a Civil war soldier and was on the boat "Sultana," which was blown up on the Mississippi river. Mr. and Mrs. Simon Crowell were the parents of three children : Dr. W. C., who is the subject of this sketch. Lucile is at home with her parents, at Maysville, Ky. Mabel is also at home with her parents. The education of Dr. W. C. Crowell was received in the schools of Maysville, from which he was graduated with credit to himself and his teachers. After his graduation from the Maysville High School he continued his education at the Ohio Dental College of Cincinnati, finishing there in 1911. He then did some office work in Cincinnati, but shortly after began practicing at Bethel. Before going to college he had spent some time in the dental office of Dr. R. C. Pollet. of Maysville, which proved of great benefit to him. By reason of his intelligent and thorough knowledge of his profession, Dr. Crowell has established a fine business, although he has been in the town less than a year. His manly 818 - CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES qualities and pleasing manner have won for him many friends and well wishers. On October 15, 1912, Dr. Crowell moved to 308 West Fifth street, Cincinnati, Ohio, where he has fitted up elegant parlors for his business. J. R. JOHNSON. J. R. Johnson, a retired farmer of Marathon, now engaged in real estate business, is a leader in every movement for the good of his community, and belongs to one of Clermont county's old families. He was born in Jackson township, Clermont county, in 1848, son of Benjamin and Senith (Tribble) Johnson. Benjamin Johnson was born in New Jersey, and came to Clermont county in childhood, and his wife was born near old Clover, Williamsburg township, Clermont county. Both are buried in the Odd Fellows cemetery at Owensville. Their nine children were all born in Clermont county, namely : Anna, wife of Cornelius J. Works, of Williamsburg township ; Cornelius Jefferson lives in Austin, Tex. ; Jonathan, of Monterey, Clermont county ; J. R., subject of this sketch ; Alpheus, of Batavia ; Charles, of Hillsboro, Ohio ; Harvey and Henry, twins, the former of Norwood and the latter of Hillsboro ; Senith, wife of Coates McKeever, of Williamsburg. The parents were Methodists and active workers in the interest of the church. The father held a church office most of his life. Mr. Johnson was educated in Greenberry school and remained with his parents until 1871, when he married Miss Mary Anderson, born in Clermont county, in 1851, daughter of Peter and May (Smith) Anderson. Mr. Anderson was born in New Jersey and came to Clermont county as a small boy, and Mrs. Anderson was born in Clermont county. Both were buried in Owensville. Mr. Anderson's first wife was Catherine Hatfield, and by both marriages he had children, thirteen in all, as follows : Debby, wife of William Shin, and both she and her husband are deceased ; Nathan, Josiah, Samuel and Catherine, all deceased ; all children of the first wife. By his second marriage there were : Elizabeth, wife of Louis Ellis, and both are deceased ; William, of Tennessee ; Margaret and Harvey, of Marathon ; Martha, wife of Thomas Smith, of Wilmington, Ohio ; Addie, deceased ; May, Mrs. Johnson. Mr. CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES - 819 Anderson was a Presbyterian and his second wife was a Methodist. The Andersons and Smiths were among the very early settlers of Clermont county, and were representative of the best interests of their communities. After marriage Mr. Johnson and his wife located on a farm in Jackson township, where they lived many years, rearing their children there. Some twelve years since he retired from active life, and they now live on a very pretty place of seven acres on the Chillicothe pike, Marathon, just over the edge of the county line, and in Brown county. He is engaged in real estate business to some extent, although he does not carry on this line very aggressively, for he has well earned a rest from great activity. He is well known throughout Clermont county and has a host of friends and acquaintances. He is a Democrat in politics, and has held various township offices. He was appointed to fill a vacancy as county commissioner, serving eight months, and served two terms of three years each, by election. His service in this office was most satisfactory, and he is held in respect by one and all. He and his wife are members of the Methodist church, and he has held office in the church for many years until recently. He has spent practically all his life in Clermont county, and his integrity and good citizenship are well recognized there. He is proud of the part taken by his ancestors in the early affairs of the county, and has been a worthy representative of his family. He is progressive and liberal in his views in general and is a man of considerable influence. He and his wife have a comfortable and very tastefully furnished home and she is a woman of rare good judgment and refinement. Seven children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Johnson, as follows : Carrie, widow of G. R. Christy, by whom she had one son, John, married William Leeds and they now live in Jackson township ; Dr. Frank married Miss Julia Day, and they live at Fayetteville, Brown county ; Edward married Eva Smith, lives in Danville, Ill., and they have one child, May ; Jessie married Edward Grey, of Toledo, and they have one child ; Margaret ; Katie, deceased ; Martha is now a kindergarten teacher in Toledo ; Grace is a music teacher in Marathon. Mr. Johnson began life on his own account with almost nothing in the way of wordly goods, and he and his wife worked side by side, with industry and energy, to build up their prospects, with very good results. 820 - CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES DAVID S. McPHERSON. Mr. David S. McPherson, familiarly known as "Dave" McPherson, is among the most progressive and enterprising of Brown county farmers, and is a representative of one of the earliest of pioneer settlers. He was born on his present home farm, which has been in the family since the year of 1832, and which consists of two hundred and fourteen acres. The date of his birth was January I, 1862, and his parents were James and Elizabeth (Hopkins) McPherson. James McPherson (formerly spelled McFerson) was born in Byrd township, near the corners of Byrd, Jefferson and Union townships, Brown county, in April, 185, and his death occurred in May, 1898, after a useful, honorable and upright life. His occupation was that of farming and stock raising, and the success which he so well deserved was due to his untiring energy and careful management. He was a member and elder of the Red Oak Presbyterian church, and was active in all affaiars of that denomination. James was a son of David and Anne McPherson, who were of Scotch parentage. Elizabeth (Hopkins) McPherson was born in Union township, Brown county in November, 1821, and passed from this life in August, 1909. She was a daughter of Robert Hopkins, a pioneer settler of Brown county. In religious faith she was a member of the Presbyterian church. David S. McPherson is the eighth child in order of birth of a family of nine children : Frances Ann, died in 1866, at the age of twenty-two years ; Robert H., was born in 1846 and died in January, 1853 ; William A., born in April, 1848, is a resident of Byrd township ; Louisa J., born in April, 1850, died in January, 1910. the wife of Joel Morrow, of Russellville, Ohio ; Milton C., who was born in November, 1851, married in March, 1880, to Hannah Fenton, and died about 1905 ; Samuel Lewis, born in March, 1854, passed away in August, 1881 ; Agnes, born in June, 1856, married in 1878, Ackles Culter, and are residents of Russellville ; David S., our subject ; Edward P., who was born in January, 1864, married *Louise Beaty in September, 1892, and resides at Evanston, Chicago, Ill. The marriage of Mr. D. S. McPherson took place in May, 1891, and his union was with Miss Ella McCutchen, who was born and reared at Manchester, Ohio, a daughter of John and Eliza McCutchen, the former of whom was for a number of years a farmer, but is now a merchant of Manchester. CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES - 821 Mr. McPherson has always given his attention to his chosen calling and is successfully engaged in general farming and stock raising. He has made many improvements on the farm property, including a comfortable new home in the place of the old one, which he had torn down in 1911. The home was completed in 1912, and is one of the most modern farm houses in the county. Mr. McPherson takes an intelligent interest in politics, and his study of the questions of the day have led him to give his support to the Republican party and he has served in the various township offices. In religious matters, Mr. and Mrs. McPherson hold membership, and he is on the board of trustees, of the Red Oak Presbyterian Church. He is well known in his locality and is highly regarded as an honorable man and a first class citizen. JOHN C. FLOWERS. John C. Flowers belongs to an old and well known family of Brown county and he and his wife count their friends by the hundreds. He is a man of quiet, modest demeanor, and everything around his home shows him to be a progressive, up-to-date farmer. He is broad and liberal-minded and favors every cause he believes will benefit the township and county. He was born at the Brown county infirmary, in Pleasant township, in 1859, son of Davis and Catherine (Kier) Flowers. The father was born in Pennsylvania in 1829 and died in Brown county March 4, 191o, being buried in the cemetery at Georgetown. He served three years in the Civil war, first in Company K and later being transferred to Company C, Fifty-ninth Ohio volunteer infantry. He participated in the battles of Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain and many others. He was a Republican in politics, and for five years had charge of the county infirmary, this time including his service before and after the war. He and his wife had to provide all the help in the institution and conducted it in a manner that did credit to them and to the county. They had three children : Namon D., of Lewis township ; William Henry died in Colorado some twenty years ago, and John C. The mother 822 - CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES was born near Fincastle, Brown county, in 1828, and now lives with her son, the subject of this sketch. Her parents came to Brown county from Pennsylvania among the earliest settlers and Mr. Kier cleared land for a farm. He and his wife lived to the ages of ninety-three and one hundred and three years, respectively. Mrs. Flowers was a Methodist in earlier life, but is now too feeble to attend services, although she is much interested in the work of the church. Mr. Flowers spent most of his life farming in Lewis township and raised garden truck. Mr. Flowers, of this sketch, attended the Blue Bird school, and after leaving school worked for various farmers by the month for some ten years. In 1882 he was united in marriage with Miss Louisa Letitia Drake, who was born on White Oak creek, Lewis township, in 1861, daughter of John and Elizabeth J. (Newland) Drake, who were early settlers of Brown county. The Drakes originally came from England. John Drake was born in Pennsylvania in 1808 and died on February 12, 1873, and Mrs. Elizabeth Drake was born in Brown county in 1828 and died August 17, 1911. Both are buried in Hig- ginsport, Ohio. They had a farm in Lewis township and were the parents of eight children, all born in the county, and seven now surviving : Hannah J., widow of George Watson, of Portsmouth; Sabina A., wife of Rufus Dugan, of Higginsport; Jacob W., of Washington State ; Phoebe E., wife of John A. Stephens, of Straight Creek ; Rebecca, widow of Benjamin White, lives near Higginsport ; Ruth Mary Ellen, wife of Mirian Fry, of Milford, Clermont county ; Mrs. Flowers; Martha C. died some thirty years ago. The Drakes were members of the Baptist church. Jacob Newland, Mrs. Drake's father served in the Revolution. After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Drake spent four years on a farm on White Oak creek, Lewis township, then they lived in Pleasant township, and in 1899 purchased the fine farm of one hundred and eight acres where they now reside. He erected a comfortable eight-room farm house and suitable out buildings, and has in other ways improved the appearance and value of the place. He carries on general farming and raises hogs, horses and cattle. His tobacco crop is a good one, and he raises considerable grain and hay also. In politics he is a Democrat, but in local affairs votes for the man rather than for party. He and his wife formerly were members of the Christian church at Higginsport. They had two children, CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES - 823 Arminda Ellen, who died in 1883, at the age of eleven months and eight days, and is buried in Georgetown, and William David, born in 1885, a graduate of the Georgetown High School. The latter married Miss Gertrude Alma Brown and they reside on the home farm. Mr. and Mrs. Flowers have worked together since the time they joined hands in the marriage knot, and began with debts on all sides, but have prospered and now have a nice home and good prospects. They have given their son all advantages for fitting himself to take his place in the world, and have won a very good standing with their neighbors and associates. Their success is self- made, for they began with very little and have added to their possessions from time to time and bit by bit. They enjoy many comforts and have well earned them. In the summer time they keep city boarders with good success. Solomon Flowers, an uncle of Mr. Flowers, was killed at New Orleans during the Civil war. CHARLES HARLOW Charles Harlow, superintendent of the Marathon schools, and a resident of Jackson township, belongs to one of the oldest families of Clermont county. He was born in Jackson township in 1887, son of Cornelius W. and Anna E. (Stark) Harlow. Cornelius W. Harlow was born in Jackson township in 1853, and still lives there, and his wife was born in Stonelick township, Clermont county, also in 1853. He is one of the most progressive farmers of the region, devotes considerable attention to stock raising and is a man of influence and high standing. He is a Democrat in politics and has held several township offices. There were four children born to him and his wife, namely : Edwin died at the age of six years ; Jesse also died when six years old ; Charles, the only surviving son ; Addie C. is a teacher in the public schools of Clermont county, but is taking a rest at the present time. Miss and Mrs. Harlow are devout members of the Methodist church. Cornelius W. Harlow is a son of Jeremiah and Emeline (Johnson) Harlow, his father born on the Cornelius Harlow farm in 1818 and died in 1890. Mrs. Emeline Harlow is deceased and both are buried in Bloom Rose cemetery, Brown 824 - CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES county, Ohio. Jeremiah Harlow was a miller in Jackson township, where he had a saw and grist mill and afterwards carried on farming. He and his wife were the parents of thirteen children, of whom seven now survive : Rachel lives with her sister, Mrs. Hamilton, of Jackson township ; Mary, widow of Mont Ferce, has two children, Orie, who married Miss Thersa Curtis, lives near Batavia, and has two children (Orie and Mary Helen), and Clara, widow of Homer Mahon, living on a farm near Afton, has one child, Beatrice ; Cornelius is the father of the subject of this sketch ; H. W., Oliver J. and Samuel, of Jackson township ; Julia E., wife of Alvin Hamilton, of Jackson township, has two children, Lena, aged sixteen years, and Harlow, aged thirteen. The Harlows were very early corners to Jackson township and cleared their land, a little at a time, and always taking great interest in the general welfare and progress of the county. They purchased two hundred acres of land at two dollars per acre, which is still in the family. An ancestor of Cornelius W. Harlow, Cornelius Washburn, was known as the Indian hunter. The Indians had killed his mother and he had vowed that he would hunt the particular tribe that had perpetrated the deed, but they finally killed hint. He had served in the War of 1812 and his father in the Revolution. Charles Harlow graduated from the Williamsburg High School, and took a post-graduate course in agriculture under Prof. J. R. Rounds, superintendent of schools in Hocking township, Fairfield county, Ohio. He entered upon his profession by teaching one year in Perry township, Brown county, then taught four years at Greenberry, Clermont county. In 1911 he was appointed superintendent of schools at Marahon, and teaches all subjects and grades. He is well prepared for his work and keeps in touch with modern methods and ideas. During the summer of 1912 he taught in the Boys' Industrial School at Lancaster, Ohio. He is well known in Clermont county, where his family is prominent. He is a Democrat in politics and fraternally is a Mason, being affiliated with the Blue Lodge at Marathon, and the Royal Arch Chapter at Batavia. He holds office in his lodge. He gives good satisfaction in the performance of his duties and is popular as a young man of genial and courteous manner. He lives with his parents on the old home farm. He is proud of the part taken by his ancestors in the public affairs in the early days of Clermont county. CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES - 825 An ancestor of Mr. Harlow, Cornelius Washburn, was a colonel and led the whites against the Indians, near Marathon, Clermont county, where the first bloodshed occurred in the first battle fought on Ohio soil between the Indians and whites. ELIJAH G. PENN. Elijah G. Penn, deceased, died June 27, 1910, at his home in Amelia, Clermont county, Ohio. He was born near Point Isabel, in this county, June 28, 1835, son of Elijah T. and Philena (Walroven) Penn. The parents were both natives of Maryland and drove to Ohio at a very early day. The father was in the flour milling business in early life, but later owned and operated a large farm. Our subject was the next youngest of their eleven children, of whom but one is now living, in 1912, viz., their ninth child, William W., who married Mona Sargent (deceased), and resides at Moscow, Ohio. The others were : Mary ; Sarah, married the late Judge Thomas Q. Ashburn, extended mention of whom appears on other pages of these volumes ; Anna S., married the late John Holter ; George W. was a Civil war soldier and married Margaret Gilfillen, now the widow of Rev. W. H. Southerland ; Julius A., first married Miss Minor, deceased, and second Mary J. Brock, also deceased ; John D., whose widow was Charlotte Ashburn, now residing at Wilmington, Ohio ; Joseph W., who first married Caroline Sargent, deceased, and second Viola Nichols, who, as his widow, resides at Amelia ; Benjamin F. married Mahala Foster, deceased, and Milton, who married Susan Berger, now deceased. Elijah T. Penn was four times married. His second wife was Mrs. Margaret Nichols ; his third was Miss Lizzie Sargent, while his fourth was Mrs. Caroline Corbin, an aunt of the late General Corbin, mentioned elsewhere. Mr. Penn, of this review, attended the common schools of Clermont, later taking a business course at Bartlett's Business College. Upon leaving college, he went at once to Warsaw, Mo., where he was most successfully engaged in the real estate business until 1859, when he returned to Clermont county and was married by the Rev. John Fowble, at 7:3o p. m., November 9th of that year, to Miss Mary A. Foster, born 826 - CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES May 5, 1842, near Batavia, Ohio, only child of Joseph R. and Susan (Ricker) Foster, who were married at 12 o'clock noon, July 13, 1837, by Rev. Robert Cheeney. Joseph R. Foster, who was born in 1816, and died September 17, 1871, was a cousin of the late Bishop Randolph Foster, and both were educated at Augusta (Kentucky) College. He was a farmer and an active Republican, serving as justice of the peace some seventeen years. He and his wife were members of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he was an, officer many years and until his death. She was born in 1822 and died May 26, 1891 ; her brother, the late Maj. Elbridge G. Ricker, served in the Civil war, as did also his son, Benjamin J. Ricker. Adeline (Ricker) Frazee, widow of Benjamin Frazee, is now aged eighty-eight years, and is an aunt of Mrs. Mary A. Penn and residing at the latter's home, is the only survivor of that generation of the Ricker family. After marriage, our subject and wife settled in Batavia. He served as county clerk and later removed to Amelia, where he engaged in real estate business until he volunteered and enlisted, October 3, 1861, as first lieutenant in the Fifth Ohio cavalry, serving until discharged, October 20, 1862. He was a member of the Grand Army of the Republic and of the Methodist Episcopal church. Following are the children of Mr. and Mrs. E. G. Penn : Susan Foster, wife of Frederick Harting, a newspaper man of Portland, Ore., was a pupil at Ohio Wesleyan University, Delaware, Ohio ; and Miss Philena M. Penn, a graduate of the Amelia High School, and who also took a business course at Cincinnati, is a teacher in the public schools of Clermont county. Mrs. Penn was educated at Hillsboro, Ohio, Female College, under tutelage of Prof. J. McDowell Matthews, noted scholar and instructor. She is general pension attorney, since 1892, and is a woman of rare business qualifications. The first Clermont county institute was organized and held at Mrs. Penn's home, headed by Prof. John Hancock. Her home is historical, formerly owned by the Hopkins family, bought by Mr. Foster; who remodeled and left it to his daughter. Her parents are buried in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows cemetery, where rest four generations, including a grandchild of Mrs. Penn, the lot marked by a beautiful monument. She has the discharge papers left by her father at a little historical legacy, the document being signed in General Grant's own hand writing. CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES - 827 Mr. Penn was of a highly refined and intelligent nature, well informed on all subjects and a man very highly respected in Clermont county, while Mrs. Penn is quiet and graceful, possessing those charms which make it a real pleasure for one to meet ; thus the Penn home has ever been pervaded by a spirit of true hospitality. This spirit is inherited by their daughter, who evidenced her devotion by giving her father every attention possible, and is now showing every consideration for her mother. Both ladies are members of the Methodist church. FRANCIS MARION EDWARDS. Mr. Francis Marion Edwards, who has passed the eighty- fifth milestone on life's journey and is therefore living retired, owns, however, ninety-eight acres of valuable land in Batavia township, Clermont county, and his possessions are such as to bring him a very desirable income, so that he is enabled to enjoy all the comforts and many of the luxuries of life. He was born in Bird township, Brown county, May 27,.1827, and his parents were John and Demiah (Jones) Edwards, the former of whom was born in Brown county and the latter was born in Kentucky. Both have been deceased for many years. They had six children, all being deceased but Mr. F. M. Edwards. Mr. Edwards was educated in Brown county and at the age of sixteen years went to Amelia, where he learned the trade of tanner. As his employer worked in a shoe shop during the winter, Mr. Edwards was enabled to learn the shoe maker's trade also. After he had learned this trade thoroughly he entered the employ of his brother, who owned and operated a harness and carriage trimming shop in Amelia, and who had offered him three dollars per day to work for him. He was thus engaged for six years making collars, and for another period of six years was employed by a sewing machine company to run a wagon. On January 11, 1855, Mr. F. M. Edwards was united in marriage to Miss Amelia L. Byers, who was born in Fulton, Hamilton county, Ohio, in 1837, and her parents were James and Jane Ann (Collerton) Byers, the former being born in Ireland and the latter born in New York. Both are now deceased, leaving two children : Amelia, who became Mrs. Edwards. 828 - CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES John, who went to South America at the age of twenty years and died there after a residence of twenty-five years. He gave his sister, Mrs. Edwards, the farm of ninety-eight acres, that is now their home. Mr. and Mrs. Edwards had six children born to their union, those living being: Kate became the wife of William Clayton, and they have three children, Florence, Lottie and William. Their home is in Chicago. John B. is also a resident of Chicago, and has three children, Kate, Delia and George. J. F. is at home with his father and operates the home farm. Mr. Edwards is an advocate of the principles of the Republican party, although he has never been a politician in the light of an office seeker. The fraternal affiliations of Mr. Edwards are with the organizations of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and the Knights of Pythias, and for many years has been prominently identified with the affairs of both orders. All of the members of the family of Mr. Edwards are devoted members of the Methodist church, and are active in all that tends to the advancement of Christianity. Since his marriage Mr. Edwards has followed the occupation of general farming and stock raising. He has a good breed of horses, sheep and hogs, which he raises for market. Mr. Edwards has been practically retired for the past six years, although save for a partial loss of hearing he is able to enjoy all the pleasures of life. The farm and building show great pride in keeping the home in good condition, and in good repair, and although he has given over the management of the farm to his son, he is very active for one of his years. The life record of Mr. Edwards is characterized by all that is honorable and manly and has moreover proved what may be attained by close and persistent purpose supplemented by unqualified business integrity. GEORGE JARMAN (Deceased). In the death of George Jarman Clermont county lost an upright, useful citizen and one who was highly respected by all. He was industrious, public-spirited and progressive, having at heart the best interests of the community. He was long a CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES - 829 farmer in Washington township, and was successful in his undertakings. Although he died October 19, 1878, he is well remembered by all who had the pleasure of his friendship, and is held in most loving memory by his family, as a kind father and devoted husband. He was born near Neville, January 18, 1841, son of Azariah and Martha (Kelsey) Jarman, who are mentioned at some length in connection with the sketch of another son, Levi Jarman, deceased, which appears on another page of this work. Mr. Jarman attended school in Neville and carried on farming with his father until he enlisted in Company A, Fifty-ninth Ohio lvolunteers. At the end of his term he was discharged, and although he was drafted to go to the front a second time, he hired a substitute and remained at home. He participated in action at several battles. On December 27, 187—, he married Miss Alice Rose, who was born near Chilo, August 1, 1851, daughter of Timothy and Eliza (Brown) Rose. Mr. Rose was born in Cincinnati, November 5, 1827, and died February 25, 1879, and Mrs. Rose was born November 25, 1832, and died May 21, 1885. They had a large family of children, of whom but four now survive : Alonzo, of Manchester ; John Brown ; Sarah, widow of Newton Kirk, of Maysville, Mason county, Kentucky ; Mrs. Alice Jarman. Mr. Rose came to Clermont county in an early day and his father, Timothy Rose, kept a store on the farm where Mrs. Alice Jarman was born. Mr. Rose and wife are buried in Chilo cemetery, Woods Hill. Soon after marriage George Jarman settled on a farm about a mile from her birthplace and about a mile from the place where she now lives, where Mr. Jarman carried on farming until his death. His widow later sold this place, and in May, 1909, bought the pretty place of sixty acres, where she now resides. Mr. Jarman was a Republican in politics, and he and his wife belonged to the Methodist church. They had four children, all born on the home place : Martha, wife of Dr. C. S. Bolander, of Indianapolis, was born September 26, 1872 ; William died at the age of eleven months ; John, born November 28, 1875, married Miss Hattie Essex, and his sketch is published in this volume ; Mary Eliza, born October 1o, 1877, married Robert Eddington, and they have a son, John. By a life of industry and economy Mr. and Mrs. Jarman accumulated a competence and reared their family to honorable man and womanhood Mr. Jarman was a kind friend and neighbor, and was greatly missed in many circles. He was 830 - CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES buried in Vesper cemetery, near Neville. Mrs. Jarman is a good Christian woman, greatly liked by all; and is proud of the part taken by her ancestors and those of her husband in the earlier history of Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Jarman proved worthy representatives of these families and always endeavored to do their whole duty by their children and the community. DAVID W. GAMES. Among the representative and substantial men of Brown county, the above named gentleman is a leading figure. He lives on his splendidly improved and productive farm of over two hundred acres near Hiett postoffice in Huntington township. He carries on general farming and stock raising, and his well tilled fields and beautiful meadows give his property a pleasing and prosperous appearance. Mr. Games was born and reared on a nearby farm, a part of which he now owns, September 1, 1841, and his father was the Hon. John F. Games, whose sketch also appears in these volumes. Mr. Games' present home is a substantial frame structure, which was erected in 1856, by his grandfather, a short time before the latter's death. Mr. Games has resided on this farm since his marriage thus far, with the exception of the time he was in the service of his country during the Civil war. On October 16, 1861, he enlisted at Camp Hamer, at West Union, Ohio, in Company F, Seventieth regiment, Ohio volunteer infantry, and in August, 1862, was discharged on account of disability. On September 16, 1864, he re-enlisted in Company I, One Hundred and Eighty-second regiment, Ohio volunteer infantry, a part of Steadman's brigade. He was at the battle of Nashville, and was under fire, although not actively engaged in that battle. A part of this brigade, however, made the first charge of the engagement. July 7, 1865, Mr. Games was finally mustered out and he returned to his home. In 1866, Mr. David W. Games was united in marriage to Miss Sarah J. Case, who was born in Adams county, Ohio, January 2, 1849, and who passed from this life January 12, 1907. She was a daughter of T. W. and Julia (Shelton) Case. She left nine living children besides the eldest, Wilson Games, who died at the age of twenty years. The others are : CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES - 831 John, a carpenter of Dayton, Ohio, married Ellen Thompson, of Adams county, Ohio. James C., a farmer of Adams county, married Margaret Cooper. Cary, a farmer of Adams county, married Sarah Grierson. Annie, wife of George H. Knechtly, a farmer of Texas. Olin H., a farmer of Huntington township, Brown county, married Verdie Roush. Watson E., a teacher, resides near Columbus, Ohio. Stanley C., is by occupation a farmer. Charles Ross is a farmer and teacher, and married first, Miss Nellie Lane, who died leaving one son, and his present wife is Miss Geordie McGuire. Amanda J., wife of Elmer Lawwill, a farmer of near Mt. Orab. Mr. Games married, in March, 191o, Miss Cora Atherton, who was born and reared in Huntington township, a daughter of George G. and Margaret (Kimball) Atherton, early residents of Brown county. Mrs. Games has one brother and three sisters living in Adams county, Ohio, and two brothers living in Kentucky. The political support of Mr. Games has always been given to the Republican party, in which he has taken an active interest. Mr. Games is a member in good standing of George Bailey Post of Aberdeen and has served as officer of the day. Mr. Games and his family are regular in attendance of the Methodist Episcopal church, to which he has ever given a liberal support. Mr. Games is a man who keeps fully abreast of the times and is influential in his neighborhood because of his upright and honorable life. H. W. DENNISTON. Mr. H. W. Denniston is one of the best known men in Clermont county, through his business relations. He carries on his farm and also deals in leaf tobacco, being successful in both enterprises. He is a self-made man and he and his wife have worked together to gain a good start in life. Both are highly respected by all. Mr. Denniston is considered one of 832 - CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES the substantial citizens of his community and is well liked for his broad, liberal ideas and his kindness of heart. He was born in Illinois, December 25, 1859, son of William and Elvina (Savage) Denniston. The parents were born in Brown county, the father in 1832, and the mother in 1841. He died in 1898, and is buried in old Pisgah cemetery, and she died in 1908. He served through the war, enlisting in the Eighty-ninth Ohio volunteer infantry, and spending two years and two months in infamous Andersonville prison. They had six children, three of whom now survive : H. W., of this sketch ; Belle, wife of Robert Pork, of Dayton ; John C., of Indiana. Mr. Denniston's grandmother married Mr. J. P. Dougherty, a well known preacher, who preached at Point Isabel and various other places in Clermont county, died in the edge of Brown county, and was the oldest Christian minister in the conference at the time of his death. He had preached longer, had married and buried a larger number of persons that any other preacher in the conference. He was a noble man and was held in great affection by all, for he had broad sympathies and was able to touch the hearts of his hearers, as well as to give them comfort and advice in the every day affairs of life. Mr. Denniston was educated in Higginsport, Georgetown, and Lebanon college, spending three years at the latter place. He taught school in Brown county for some ten or eleven years, with good success, and won a reputation in the profession, then took up the business of farming, which he followed in Brown and Clermont counties. He has always had a good understanding and natural ability in the tobacco business, in which he has always dealt more or less, and in 1907 he became more extensively interested in it. He has a large warehouse in Chilo and employs ten men in winter and five in summer, being the only large dealer in his part of the county. He resides on the Felicity and Chilo turnpike road, where he has one hundred and twenty acres of land, but altogether he has two hundred and sixty acres in Franklin township. He has made many improvements on the place and erected the house and some of the barns on his home farm. He is an energetic and wide-awake business man, and a skilled farmer. He is an excellent judge of tobacco and is honorable in his dealings. He has been successful through hard work and careful management, and now has a nice family and a beautiful home. He is a Democrat in politics, and fraternally is a Knight of Pythias. CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES - 833 In 1882 Mr. Denniston was united in marriage with Miss Nannie C. Mefferd, born in Brown county in 1861, daughter of Rev. G. W. and Nancy (Evans) Mefferd, whose parents were also natives of Brown county. The father died when about ninety years of age, and the mother died at the age of about eighty-nine years. Rev. Mefferd was a prominent preacher of the Christian church and spent his whole life in this work. He was much respected and was a great power for good in the community and county. He and his wife had seven children, only four of whom are now surviving: Minerva, wife of Ellis Trunnell, of Illinois ; James, of Lexington, ton, Ky.; J. D., of Point Pleasant ; Nannie C., Mrs. Denniston. Mr. and Mrs. Denniston had seven children: Irene, born in Ohio, graduated from the Lexington High School, and married John Olmsted, of Chilo ; Eugene, aged twenty-six years, was born in Ohio, is manager of his father's warehouse in Chilo ; Lola, born in Ohio, is at home; Henry Clay, born in Kentucky, is at home on the farm; Cecil, born in Kentucky, at home ; Blythe and John, born in Ohio, are at home. J. F. RICHARDS. Among the native sons of Clermont county who have helped materially in furthering the general progress and prosperity, J. F. Richards deserves prominent mention. He belongs to one of the oldest families of the region and was born in Franklin township, June 26, 1862, son of Robert and Bena (Smith) Richards. The father, also a native of that township, was born August 11, 1825, and died July 29, 1908, and the mother, a native of Germany, was born in 1823, came to America at the age of eighteen years, spending thirty-five days on the water, and died in March, 1898. Both parents were buried in Calvary cemetery. The father was a farmer and a prominent citizen of Franklin township, where his father had settled in an early day. The grandfather Richards was one of a family of nine children, and his wife was one of nine children. Robert Richards was one of four children, and is now deceased. The others of the family were : Caroline, deceased, was the widow of Gideon Winterood ; William and Thomas, deceased. These four children all formerly lived near Felicity, and all bore an honorable part in the affairs of the neighborhood. 834 - CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES To Robert and Bena (Smith) Richards five children were born, namely : Stasia ; Anna, formerly a teacher in Clermont county, lives with a younger brother in Cincinnati ; Addie, wife of M. A. Wood, lives at Mt. Carmel, Ohio ; J. F., of this sketch ; D. S., a teacher in the Oyler School, Cincinnati, one of the best elementary schools in the world and well known in educational circles. J. F. Richards remained with his parents until his marriage, receiving his education in his native place. In 1894, he was united in marriage with Miss Caddie Moore, a native of Moscow, Washington township, Clermont county, October 12, 1861, daughter of J. E. and Anna (Smith) Moore. Mr. Moore was born in Belmont county, Ohio, April 16, 1825, and died in 1906, and his wife, a native of the same county, born May 24, 1824, died May 3, 1883, both being buried in Felicity cemetery. Mr. Moore had been a local preacher. He was one of twelve children and eight children were born to him and his wife, namely : James E. E., born November 3o, 1847, died at the age of twenty-five years ; Lucinda Anna, born August 7, 1852, taught school many years in Clermont county, Ohio, and in Chicago, Ill., and now resides with her sister, Mrs. Richards.; Sarah Isabel, born. June 5, 1854, died young; Elizabeth Jane, born March 20, 1855, died at the age of thirty-two years ; Eva Josephine, born May 7, 1857, died at the agel of three years ; Rachel Eliza, born May 19, 1859, is the wife of Charles S. Warner, a minister living in Oklahoma ; Clara May, born October 12, 1861, Mrs. Richards ;. Belle Smith, born January to, i865, died at the age of seventeen years. The father's brother, Eugene Moore, served in the Civil war from Ohio. Soon after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Richards located on the old Moore homestead, of which she inherited two hundred and fifty-one and one-fourth acres. He carries on general farming and pays especial attention to stock raising. He has been very successful and has established a reputation for integrity and industry. He is actively interested in public affairs and is a Prohibitionist in politics, although reared a Republican. He and his wife are members of the Methodist church, in which he has served as trustee and steward for some time, and for many years was superintendent of the Sunday school. They are much interested in various measures for the public welfare and for the uplifting of the race. They are among the best known people of the community, being natives of the county and members of prominent families. CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES - 835 Two children have blessed the union of Mr. Richards .and wife : Dorsey Smith, born July 8, 1895, attends Woodworth School in Cincinnati, and is taking a course in domestic science ; Robert Moore, born October 1, 1903, attends the local school, which is on a part of the old Richards farm. DR. T. V. FITZPATRICK. Dr. T. V. Fitzpatrick, one of the most eminent laryngologists and aurists of Cincinnati, Ohio, was born at Nicholsville, Clermont county, Ohio, April 9, 1855, and is a son of Solomon and Zerelda (Vanhook) Fitzpatrick, natives of Crab Orchard, Ky., the former of whom was born December 4, 1793, and passed away February 5, 1868. Dr. Fitzpatrick came to Cincinnati in 1871, and there attended the Hughes High School, later becoming a student of the Cincinnati College of Medicine and Surgery, from which he graduated in 1875. From 1875 to 1876, Dr. Fitzpatrick practiced his profession at Paragon, Ind., and the year following was spent at New Baltimore, Hamilton county, Ohio, where he was also engaged in the practice of medicine. In 1888, Dr. Fitzpatrick attended the New York Post-Graduate School of Medicine, devoting special attention to otology and laryngology. After the completion of this course, he spent some months abroad and upon his return was tendered a professorship in the Cincinnati College of Medicine and Surgery, to teach otology and laryngology, which position he filled until the year of 1892. In 1890, Dr. Fitzpatrick received an honorary degree of Doctor of Philosophy from the Twin Valley College. Dr. Fitzpatrick is a prominent member of the following medical associations : The American Medical Association ; the American Laryngological Association, the American Rhinological Association ; the American Otological Association ; the Pan-American Congress ; the Mississippi Valley Medical Association ; the Ohio State Medical Association and the Cincinnati Academy of Medicine. The political views of Dr. Fitzpatrick are in accord with those of the Republican party and he has filled the office of mayor of Norwood, which is his present home. 836 - CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES In religious matters, Dr. Fitzpatrick is broad and liberal in his views and gives largely to the support of the churches and worthy charities: Dr. Fitzpatrick is a Thirty-second degree Mason. In 1885 occurred the marriage of Dr. Fitzpatrick to Lotta A. Willey, who passed from this life October 8, 1893, leaving one son, E. Verne, born in 1889. The second union of Dr. Fitzpatrick was with Florence Swing, and to them was born one son, Thomas S. E. C. BEE. The Bee family has been well known in Clermont county since the great-grandfather of E. C. Bee located there in 1818. He located at New Richmond and died three days after his arrival. They are of English descent and have always been respected as public-spirited and progressive citizens. James Bee, grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was a successful contractor of Cincinnati for many years. E. C. Bee was born below Bethel, Clermont county, September 24, 1868, son of Joseph and Anna (Carter) Bee. The father, who was born in Cincinnati in 1846, lives near Bethel, and the mother was also born in Cincinnati, the date of her birth being 1859. After coming to Ohio Joseph Bee took up farming and has followed this occupation all his active life. He and his wife had eleven children, all born in Clermont county : William lives near Bethel ; Joseph and George live in Tate township ; E. C. is the subject of this sketch ; Walter, Lewis and John live in Tate township ; Fannie, Nellie, Gracie and Charlie, all live at home. Mr. Bee was educated in the local schools and remained on the farm with his parents until his marriage, in 1902, to Miss Ethel Holland, born November to, 1880, daughter of Thomas and Anna (Brogdon) Holland. Mr. Holland was born in Cincinnati in 1833 and Mrs. Holland was born near Bantam, Pierce township, Clermont county, in 1857. Their children, all born in Clermont county, were : Samuel C., an expert mechanic, lives at Providence, Rhode Island ; Archie, a civil engineer, lives with his parents in Williamsburg township ; Mrs. Bee. Soon after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Bee located near Nicholsville, Pierce township, but one year later moved to CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES - 837 Stonelick township, where they remained two years. They then came back to Tate township and purchased their present very comfortable home. This purchase was made in 1904, and they have seventy acres of good farm land. Mr. Bee erected the present house and made an addition to the barn, besides making many other improvements. He is a progressive farmer and successfully follows modern methods. He is a Republican in politics and he and his wife belong to the Methodist church. Fraternally he belongs to the Masonic order, and the Knights of Pythias. Mr. and Mrs. Bee have one child, Ralph Edward, born in Tate township, February 22, 1905, a promising child. Mr. and Mrs. Bee have worked side by side in gaining their start in life, and both have been most energetic and industrious. They stand well with their neighbors and are recognized as desirable members of the community. Mrs. Bee's uncle, Pierce Holland, served in the Civil war from Williamsburg township, Clermont county. Her parents were rather early settlers of Tate township, where they spent the remainder of their lives, and became highly respected by all. FRANK J. DALE. Frank J. Dale, one of the progressive and enterprising citizens of Clermont county, Ohio, is the owner and proprietor of the general store at Ashdale, which he built and named. He was born July 22, 1868, in Miami township, and is a son of Ephrim and Louisa (Jordon) Dale. Ephrim Dale was born in North Carolina, in 1825, and came to Clermont county with his parents when he was a very small boy. He was a soldier in the Civil war, enlisting from Ohio, but would never accept a pension from the government because of the feeling that he did not wish any remuneration for duty done at a time when the country needed the services of all loyal citizens. His death occurred in 1907 and his remains were laid to rest in the Green Lawn cemetery. Louisa (Jordon) Dale was born in Clermont county, near Edenton, in 1832, and passed from this life in 1904. She was a member of an old family of the county, who were among the earliest settlers. She also is buried in Green Lawn cemetery, beside her husband. She became the mother of five children, all of whom were born in Clermont county : 838 - CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES Louis is a resident of Stonelick township, is operating the old home place. J. C. is married and is living at home. Charles is a farmer of Miami township. Frank J., of this mention. Mr. Frank J.. Dale attended school in Stonelick township, and remained at home until the age of seventeen years, after which he worked at the blacksmith trade until he reached the age of twenty years, when he returned to his home. The marriage of Mr. Dale to Miss Sallie Hill took place September 5, 1888. Her parents were Benjamin and Mollie (Murphy) Hill, who are residents of Milford, Ohio, formerly farmers of Stonelick township. Mrs. Mollie (Murphy) Hill was born in Stonelick township. They became the parents of five children : Olin, of Stonelick township ; Sallie, who is the wife of Mr. Dale ; Milton ; Nancy, the wife of Charles Wilson, is a resident of Madisonville, Ohio ; Homer is a resident of Madisonville, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Dale located on a farm on the Woodville and Edenton pike after marriage, where he engaged in the horse business for one year, following which they moved to a farm in Stonelick township, carrying on general farming for a period of two years. The next four years were spent in Milford, and at the end of that time, they removed to this locality, where they purchased one acre of land and engaged in the grocery business, making this their home also. They have a fine farm of fifty acres in Stonelick township. In the family of Mr. and Mrs. Dale have been three children, all born in Clermont county : Roy, who was born in 1890, is in the grocery business in Cincinnati. He married Nellie Wilson, in August, 1912. Court, born in March, 1892, is in the store with his father. Lilla was born in December, 1894, and is at home. Mr. Dale is a Republican in politics, and is always active in the interests of the party. He has served his party in various local offices, having been twice supervisor and is only the second assessor ever elected on the Republican ticket in this township, and in this capacity he has given the utmost satisfaction. At present he is serving as committeeman of the township and has served on the school board for the past nine years. Mrs. Dale has membership with the Methodist church, to which both she and Mr. Dale give liberally of their means. CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES - 839 Mr. Dale enjoys a large patronage, and is held in high regard by his fellow citizens. He is an enterprising farmer, as well as an energetic store keeper, and it would be hard to find a more genial, practical and popular gentleman. WILLIAM S. KELSEY. Mr. William S. Kelsey, one of Brown county's most progressive and public-spirited citizens, has for the past six years filled the office of postmaster of Levanna, where he is also engaged in the mercantile business. His birth occurred at Levanna, Ohio, January 19, 1867, a son of Henry C. and Lydia (Jordan) Kelsey. Henry C. Kelsey was born in Cincinnati in April of 1844, his parents immigrating to America from Ireland about 1832, locating first in Pennsylvania, where he engaged as a mechanic and who came to Cincinnati about 1840. They both passed from this life at Cincinnati. Henry C. Kelsey served three years and ten months in the First Kentucky infantry during the Civil war, and the exposure and hardship of the battle field brought about poor health. He was by trade a decorator and painter, which he followed after his return from the war. In 1866, he removed from Cincinnati to Levanna. He was a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, Hostirt Liggett Post, No. 145, of Ripley, Ohio, and was a devout member of the Christian church. His death took place in 1901. Lydia (Jordon) Kelsey was born at Levanna, Ohio, in 1844, and her death occurred in 1897. She was a daughter of Jeremiah and Melinda (Mefford) Jordon, the former of whom was one of the pioneers of Brown county, who came from Pennsylvania, and the latter of whom was born at Washington, Mason county, Kentucky, and died at Levanna, Ohio. To the union of Henry C. and Lydia (Jordon) Kelsey were born four children : William S., the subject of this sketch ; Edward L., a ship builder and foreman, of Cincinnati, Ohio ; Lulu M., wife of W. A. Dunham, of Cincinnati ; and Bert S., a ship carpenter, of Cincinnati. William S. Kelsey was reared at Levanna, Ohio, and after completing his education in the school at his native town, learned the trade of painter and decorator, in which business he has been engaged until December of 1906. He was suc- 840 - CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES cessful in the business, but tired of it, and determined to take up the mercantile business, and his large patronage is proof that he is prospering in this line also. His union with Miss Annie L. Chapman took place in 189o. She is a native of Levanna, and is a daughter of William and Geneva (Dunham) Chapman, the latter of whom passed away in March, 1909, and the former residing at Levanna. Mrs. Kelsey has brothers and sisters living as follows : Charles, of Chilo, Ohio ; William, of Cincinnati ; Mrs. I. W. Lawrence, of Chilo, Ohio ; and Mrs. J. L. Pangburn, of Levanna. Mr. and Mrs. Kelsey have three sons, Roy E., Roland S. and Howard C., all of whom are at the parental home. Roy E. is principal of the Higginsport schools and Roland S. is a teacher in the Brown county schools. The political views of Mr. Kelsey are in accord with those of the Republican party, and although he does not desire public office, is interested in all that affectS the interests of the community in which he lives. The social relations of our subject are with the Modern Woodmen of America, of Ripley. The family of Mr. Kelsey attend the Christian church, of which Mrs. Kelsey is a consistent member. FRANKLIN PIERCE HITE. Numbered among the most progressive and prosperous of Brown county citizens, is Mr. Franklin Pierce Hite, who for the past forty-one years has been successfully engaged in the tobacco business, as a buyer and dealer, at Ripley, Ohio, where he owns two large tobacco ware houses. Mr. Hite was born at Higginsport, Ohio, August 7, 1852, and is a son of James and Elizabeth (Dugan) Hite, the latter of whom was born in Brown county and is a daughter of Jesse Dugan, an early merchant at Higginsport, where he was a large dealer in pork. She passed away in October, 1910, at the age of eighty-six years. James Hite was born in the neighborhood of Sandusky, Ohio, coming to Higginsport as a young man. He was a merchant and large tobacco dealer, and in this line of work was very successful. He reared a large family, consisting of eleven children, of whom eight are living. He was a staunch Demo- CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES - 841 crat, and served as postmaster for many years. In religious belief, he was a Universalist and his death occurred at Higginsport. Mr. F. P. Hite is the fifth of eleven children, and was reared and resided at Higginsport until his removal to Ripley, about the spring of 1893. He purchased a beautiful old home on West Second street, which he has remodeled and modernized. In 1877, Mr. Hite was united in marriage to Miss Julia Davidson, of Higginsport, where she was born and reared, a daughter of Henry and Elizabeth (Holden) Davidson, the latter of whom was a native of Maine, and the former a native of Washington, Mason county, Kentucky. He came to Brown county as a young man and married here. He was a mill wright by business, and died in 1892, at the age of seventy- eight years, while his wife died in 1879, aged sixty-seven years. Mrs. Hite is the youngest of seven sisters, three of whom are living : Miss Mary, of Ripley ; Mrs. Fannie Brookbank, of Champaign, Ill. Mr. and Mrs. Franklin P. Hite have one daughter, Mayme, now Mrs. 0. C. Ellis, of Ripley, and they have two children, Elizabeth Virginia and Ruth Evelyn. Mr. Ellis is in the tobacco business, and is also a farmer. He was born and reared at Higginsport. In politics, Mr. Hite is a Democrat, but not in the light of an office seeker, preferring to give his entire attention to his business interests. Mrs. Hite and her sister are consistent members of the Christian church of Higginsport, Ohio. Mr. Hite is an energetic business man, thoroughly reliable in his dealings and whatever of success he has achieved is attributable entirely to his own efforts. WILLIAM A. GILLILAND. Mr. William A. Gilliland, who has passed the eighty-fourth milestone of life's journey. is numbered among the oldest native born sons of Brown county, and has resided for more than fifty years on his present home farm in the northern part of Union township. He is recognized throughout the county as one of its most influential men, known alike to rich and poor, 842 - CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES he is esteemed by all with whom he is associated. Mr. Gilliland was born in Union township, April 20, 1829, and is a son of James and Narcissa L. (McLain) Gilliland. James Gilliland was born in South Carolina, in the year of 1804, and the year following, his parents, Rev. James and Frances (Baird) Gilliland, became residents of Brown county, Ohio. Rev. James Gilliland was born in Lincoln county, North Carolina, in 1769, and his death occurred in Brown county, in February, 1845. He was a Presbyterian minister, and preached for over thirty-seven years at the Red Oak Presbyterian church, which was erected in 1817. James Gilliland carried on the business of farming for many years, and raised much good stock, always taking an interest in the improvement of both stock and land. In later years, he was associated with the Farmers' Bank, as president, and his death took place on his farm in Union township, in 1881. He was a Whig and later a Republican in politics, and was a staunch member of the Presbyterian church, in which he was always active and a liberal contributor. Narcissa L. McLain was born in Pennsylvania, December 16, 1808, and passed from this life in 1882. She came as a child down the Ohio river, with her parents, who were early settlers of Brown county, and were prominent members of the Presbyterian church. She and James Gilliland were the parents of five children, of whom William A., of this mention, is the eldest. The others are : John L. and Amanda, died in infancy ; James M., of El Paso, Tex., until recently a farmer of Union township ; and Luther, deceased. William A. Gilliland enjoyed the educational privileges of the Marietta College, where he took a preparatory course of one year and one-half, after which he pursued his studies at Hanover College, graduating in the class of 1853. He then took up the study of medicine, under Dr. Alexander Dunlap, and further broadened his knowledge at the Jefferson Medical College of Pennsylvania. Following his graduation from this institution, he entered upon the practice of his profession at Hillsboro, Ohio: After a period of about one year, he concluded to give up his practice and this he did, purchasing his farm in Brown county, and turning his attention to the pursuits of agriculture. Mr. Gilliland was first united in marriage to Elizabeth Jane Hopkins, who was born in Union township, in 1832, and died in the latter part of 186o. She was a daughter of John and CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES - 843 Nancy (Mayes) Hopkins, who were from South Carolina. Of this union, seven children were born Frank W., a farmer of Union township, is the father of five children. Miss Hattie N., at home. Anna Mary, who is now Mrs. S. W. Kincaid, of Hillsboro, Ohio. Elizabeth, who became the wife of Dr. S. L. McCreight, of Chicago. James H. is in business at Los Angeles, Cal. Jeanette, who is the wife of Mr. Chambers Baird, of Ripley. Miss Althea, at home. For his second wife, Mr. Gilliland chose a sister of his former wife, Miss Harriet Ann Hopkins, the ceremony taking place in the year of 1871. Both ladies are sisters of Mr. Archie Hopkins. The present Mrs. Gilliland was born May 9, 1834, and is a lady of great intellectual ability, having had collegiate advantages. Mr. Gilliland and his family are members of the Red Oak Presbyterian Church, of which he has been a ruling elder and superintendent of the Sabbath school for many years. LOUIS O. GARDNER. Mr. L. O. Gardner is engaged in the raising of draft horses and other blooded stock on his well tilled farm of one hundred and eighty acres in Huntington township, Brown county, Ohio. He has registered Percheron horses, stallions and mares and devotes his entire attention to the improvement of his farm and the raising, buying and selling of fine stock. Mr. Gardner is a native of Brown county, his birth having occurred in Union township, October 18, 1860, and his parents are Mr. John W. and Nancy Jane (Boggs) Gardner. He was reared to farm life and attended the common schools of his district, thereby obtaining a good education. He made farming and stock raising his life occupation, and in this line he has met with an unusual measure of success. Mr. L. O. Gardner was united in marriage to Miss Jeanette Buchanan, on October 21, 1884. She was born in Huntington township, and is a daughter of Thomas and Ellen (Hiett) 844 - CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES Buchanan. Their family consists of four children, all born in Brown county : Earl is a member of the undertaking firm of Trapp & Gardner,. of Ripley, Ohio. Thomas is at home on the farm. Frank died at the age of three years. Charles is also at home. He married Miss Margaret Ears-ley, a daughter of Joseph Earsley, of Union township, Brown county. In politics Mr. Gardner votes the Independent ticket. Religiously Mr. and Mrs. Gardner and family are members of the Hiett's Chapel Christian Church, in Huntington township. All four sons of Mr. and Mrs. Gardner are graduates of the Ripley High School, and the eldest, Earl, spent three years as a student of the University of Ohio and attended Nelson's Business College of Cincinnati. They are a family of whom their parents are justly proud. Mr. Gardner enjoys the universal esteem and regard of all who know him and his success in life is due entirely to his own energy and enterprise. THOMAS BUCHANAN. Mr. Thomas Buchanan, a leading citizen of Brown county, and one of its most prosperous farmers, resides on his well improved and highly cultivated farm of two hundred and fifty acres in Huntington township, his home since 1849. Mr. Buchanan was born in Belfont, Sterlingshire, Scotland, his natal day being November 3o, 1833, and his parents were Thomas and Jeanette (McCuen) Buchanan. The mother passed away about 1843, and the father died in 1849, aged about seventy-five years. They were both devout and active members of the Presbyterian church. The subject of this mention remained at the parental home in Belfont until the year of 1846, when he accompanied a sister to the city of Glasgow. In 1849, the youth sailed for America in company with an older brother, George, who located in Brown county. George Buchanan brought with him from Scotland, his wife and two children, they having been influenced to leave the old country by his wife's uncle, John CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES - 845 Thomas, who had settled in Brown county some time previous. Thomas Buchanan had very little capital with which to begin life in the new country, but he, with his brothers, George and John, purchased his present home farm, then mostly timber land. Two years later, Thomas bought out his brothers' interest in the farm and George removed to near Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where he followed the occupation of general farming until his decease, in 1906, at the age of eighty-five years. In April, 1853, Mr. Thomas Buchanan married Miss Ellen Hiett, who was born in Huntington township, Brown county, August 23, 1828, whose death occurred January 27, 1909, at the age of eighty-one years. She was a daughter of Samuel and Sarah (Gilbert) Ellett, who were from Pennsylvania, and were among the pioneers of Brown county. She was a member of the Christian church, Hiett's Chapel in Huntington township. Mr. and Mrs. Buchanan were the parents of ten children, of whom one, Samuel, died in infancy, and another, George, died in 1908 in California, leaving a widow, formerly Miss Myrtle Kendall, and one daughter seven years of age. Those living are : John, who is a farmer of Huntington township, Brown county. Thomas Jr., of Ripley, who is engaged in the coal and feed and stock business. Miss Sarah Ann, at home. Jeanette, wife of Louis 0. Gardner, mentioned elsewhere. Griffith, who is engaged in agricultural pursuits near Russellville, Ohio. Elizabeth, Ruth and William are at home. The home of Mr. Thomas Buchanan, which he erected in 1855, stands in the midst of well tilled fields. He has made all the improvements on this farm and has remodeled the home which is one of comfort in every respect. During the winter of 1877 and 1878, Mr. Buchanan was privileged to visit the home of his childhood and youth in Scotland, and the pleasure this trip afforded him has never been forgotten. Politically Mr. Buchanan has voted the Republican ticket mainly, although he voted for President Buchanan. Socially, Mr. Buchanan is a member of Ripley Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, Ripley Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, 846 - CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES and Hanselm Commandery of Cincinnati. He was made a Mason .in 1856. Religiously he has been an active member and generous supporter of the Presbyterian church of Huntington township, for many years. REZIN HAWKINS. Among the substantial and highly esteemed citizens of Clermont county, is numbered Mr. Rezin Hawkins, a farmer and fruit grower on Twelve Mile creek, where he owns and operates his sixty-five-acre fruit farm, in Ohio township. He has a fine pear orchard of twelve acres and a five-acre cherry orchard, beside berries of all kinds. He is thoroughly up-to-date in his methods and has followed the business of fruit culture most of his active life. He was born on the farm which he now owns, which is a part of the old home place, February 27, 1848, and is a son of William Hawkins, whose family record appears elsewhere in these volumes. Rezin Hawkins was reared to habits of industry and enjoyed all the advantages of a good home and kind parents. He acquired a good common school education and grew to manhood on the parental farm. At the time of the war he took passage to Charleston (now West Virginia), in 1863, and enlisted in Company A, Thirty-fourth Ohio volunteer infantry, serving until his discharge on account of disability, in March, 1865. He participated in all the engagements during his service and was seriously injured at Fisher Hill, after which he spent four months in the hospital, in Delaware and West Philadelphia. For three years after his return to his home, his life hung in the balance. He had been wounded in the elbow and he was advised to have the arm removed, but it finally healed up and he engaged in the fruit growing business as soon as he was physically able to do so. Mr. Hawkins is one of five brothers who were soldiers, four of whom are now living. Mr. Hawkins has been twice married, first in Ohio township to Miss Hattie Leeds, who was a native of Stonelick township, Clermont county, a daughter of Lewis Leeds, an early settler of the county, a carpenter and builder, who is long since deceased. She died in 1875, at the age of nearly twenty-two years. To this union were born two children : CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES - 847 Edmond married a Miss Cook and they are the parents of two children, Ada and Roy. Rezin, Jr., who died in infancy. The second marriage of Mr. Hawkins was to Mary Ellen Leeds, a sister of his former wife, and they have had ten children, eight of whom are living: William married and has two children. He is a resident of lower Kentucky. Harriet married William Baldwin, and died in 1905, leaving two children, Raymond and Stella. Henry married a daughter of Edward White, and has one son, Edward. They are residents of Monroe township, this county. Melvina, who became the wife of William Lake, and resides in Arkansas.. Rezin, Jr., of Monroe township, married a daughter of Charles Carnes, and has three children, Ella, Arthur and Mildred. Catherine is Mrs. Guy Smith and is a resident of Monroe township. Loraineo, at home. Mart, at home. Daisy, the youngest of the family, is at home. Mary, died at the age of four years. In political views, Mr. Hawkins is a staunch Republican, and has served his party in the various local offices, for six years as township trustee and has been an active member of the school board for the past twelve years. He was elected count commissioner in 1904 and served four years. Socially, he is and has been a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows for the past forty years, being also a member of the New Richmond Encampment. He and his family are members of the New Richmond Methodist church. As residents of Clermont county, the family of Mr. Hawkins has many friends. CAPT. GEORGE W. TEMPLE. Capt. George W. Temple, United States gauger, in the Department of Internal Revenue, since June 17, 1901, is a representative of one of the oldest pioneer families of Clermont county. His beautiful home at Lindale, Ohio, stands very 848 - CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES nearly on the site of the cabin home erected by his paternal grandfather, Rev. Ichabod Temple, who was pastor of the Baptist church of Lindale for thirty-eight consecutive years. Rev. Ichabod Temple came to Clermont county from near Bangor, Me., in 1816, and erected his log cabin, which was said to be the best built cabin in this section of the country. Rev. Ichabod Temple was born in the North of Ireland in 1762 and had two brothers, one of whom remained in the land of his nativity, while the other came to America and settled in the southern part of the United States. Rev. Temple was ordained in Maine and there was twice married, his first wife being the grandmother of Mr. Temple of this biographical sketch. His first charge in Ohio was at Ten Mile, where the first stone church in this locality was erected. Cyrus Temple, the father of George W. Temple, was born in Maine in 1804, and when eleven years of age accompanied his parents to Clermont county, the long trip being made by ox team. Cyrus Temple assisted his father to clear the farm, which was mostly timber, and spent most of his life on this farm. His wife was Sarah West, who was born near Bethel, in 1801, and was a daughter of James and Mary (Atkinson) West, who were born and raised forty miles south of Alexandria, Va., and located near Bethel in the latter part of the Eighteenth century. James West was a brick layer and built many of the homes and buildings in the county. He died in 1852, in December, at the age of sixty-six years. His wife died at the age of eighty-six years. She was of unusual height for a woman, being six feet tall, and her brothers were very tall, one of whom was six feet, eight inches. They were the parents of two sons and six daughters, Eliza, Rosanna, Rebecca, Sarah, Elizabeth, Nancy, James and Edmond. The boys died as young men. Cyrus Temple was one of eight children, Jacob, Robert, Nathaniel, Henry, William, Mrs. Edmond and Mrs. Preble, all of whom are now deceased. Capt. George W. Temple is one of four sons and two daughters : Mary died September 20, 1863, leaving a husband, Arthur Wyatt, and four children. Hester A. married Jacob Donham, and died in June, 1906, leaving one son and five daughters. James Perry died in 1855, at the age of twenty-four years. Oliver C., a member of Company F, Eighty-ninth Ohio vol- CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES - 849 unteer infantry, died in Libby prison, having been captured at Chickamauga, September 20, 1863, and died the following October 24th. A. J., of Lindale, was first lieutenant of the Thirty-fourth Ohio volunteer infantry of the "Zouave" regiment, being the tallest man in his regiment: George W., our subject, who was born May 20, 1842. Capt. George W. Temple was reared at Lindale, where he received his preliminary education. He further pursued his studies at the Clermont Academy for one year and for two years he was a student in the Amelia High School. He attended a select school under Prof. John Ferguson, at Lindale, and at the end of his study here, taught school for twelve winters, farming during the summer. From 1882 to 1884 he served as deputy revenue collector and was nominated and elected in the fall of 1884 to the office of county auditor, and in this capacity served for six years. For one term Mr. Temple served as sheriff, after which he returned to the revenue service, being reinstalled June 17, 1901. Capt. George W. Temple was one of the brave soldiers of Company F, Eighty-ninth regiment, Ohio volunteer infantry, having enlisted on July 29, 1862, and mustered out June 7, 1865. He participated in many dangerous campaigns and was with General Sherman on his famous "March to the Sea," also taking part in the Grand Review, at Washington. He was mustered out as first sergeant, although he had served as sergeant-major, and has always been known as "Captain." On June 9, 1867, occurred the marriage of Captain Temple to Miss Sallie J. Idlet, a daughter of James and Elizabeth (Bainum) Idlet, both of whom were born in Clermont county, and who are now deceased. Mrs. Temple has four brothers and seven sisters, all living with the exception of one. Captain and Mrs. Temple are the parents of the following children : Della, who became the wife of E. C. McCaskill, president of a college at Superior, Wis. Allen P. is a professor of Natural Science at Springfield, Mo. He married Miss Blanche Wyatt, of Stephen's Point, Wis., and they have one daughter, Jane, who was born June 19, 1908. Politically, Captain Temple has al ways voted the Republican ticket, and cast his first presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln, at his second, election. His first vote for Governor of Ohio was given to John Bluff. He has held many positions of trust 850 - CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES and responsibility in connection with public affairs, but has never sought political honors. In fraternal circles, he is widely known, having membership in the Masonic order, of Amelia, the Knights of Pythias, of Batavia, now demitted and is the oldest in the county, from 1872, and formerly of the Odd Fellows of New Richmond. He is a. member of Amelia Post, No. 319, Grand Army of the Republic, and attends the Methodist church, of which Mrs. Temple is a member. Captain Temple is a man of upright life, who well represents the very best citizenship of this section and the whole family is held in the highest esteem. FRANK L. POELTZ. Frank L. Poeltz, one of the most respected merchants of Brown county, is a self-made man and worked very hard to get a start in life, advancing slowly to his present position. He has been successful through energy and industry and is interested in the progress and welfare of his community, as a good citizen. He was born in Clermont county m 1864, son of Julius and Wilhelmina Poeltz. The parents are mentioned at some length in connection with the sketch of their son, Charles Poeltz, which appears in another portion of this work. The father was born in Germany in 1827 and died in 1855, and the mother, who was born in 1826, lives with her son Charles in Clermont county. Mr. Poeltz attended school at Laurel, Clermont county, and his first work was assisting his father on the home farm. He remained with his parents until his marriage, devoting his time to farming and to the trade of blacksmith. He spent twelve years at this trade in Monroe township, Clermont county, and was an expert workman, having a large trade. In 1894 he married Miss Laura Metzgar; who was born in Cincinnati, in November, 1866, daughter of Gottlieb and Harriet (Flinchpaugh) Metzgar. Mr. Metzgar was born in Germany and his wife, who was born in Cincinnati in 1835, lives with her son-in-law, Mr. Poeltz. She had several brothers who served in the Civil war. Mr. Metzgar was a machinist and locksmith, doing expert repair work in nearly all mechanical lines, and was highly regarded as a workman and as a citizen. He and his wife had the following five children : William died in 1909 ; John and Edward live in Cincinnati ; Frank died in 1909, six months before the death of William ; Mrs. Poeltz was the only daughter. CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES - 851 After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Poeltz settled in the village of Laurel, Clermont county, and as before mentioned, he followed his trade of blacksmith there a dozen years. In 1906 they came to Russellville, Ohio, and engaged in business there. He keeps a full line of general hardware and agricultural implements, making a specialty of heating and cook stoves. He also has paints and oils, and handles a high grade of fence, tiling, sewer pipe, and a similar line. He has a patronage extending for many miles around the village and has a good standing m business circles. He is known to be upright and conscientious in his dealmgs and his personality has helped bring him custom. In politics he is a Republican and at the age of twenty years he served as assessor in Monroe township. He and his wife belong to the Methodist church, of which he is steward and trustee. They reside on Main street, where the store is located, and he owns both pieces of property, as well as some vacant lots m the new division. Two children have blessed the union of Mr. Poeltz and wife, both born in Clermont county : Edith May, who died at the age of two and one-half years, and Carson Harold, born in 1900. GEORGE W. TURNER. George W. Turner is the owner of a valuable farm of eighty- eight acres in the Valley of the East Fork, in Union township, and has an attractive residence in the midst of well cultivated fields. His place gives evidence of industry and thrift and he is considered as one of the leading stock men in the county. On November 26, 1847, in Hamilton county, Ohio, occurred the birth of George W. Turner, his parents being Michael and Nancy (Flinn) Turner. George W. is the sixth of a family of eleven children, of whom five are now living: Isaac D. was born April 4, 1844, and is a resident of Summer- side, Clermont county. James J., of Monterey, this county, was born January 26, 1846. Miss Anna E., residing with her brother, Edwin J. Edwin J., who was born October 13, 1860, is operating the home farm. Those who are deceased are as follows: John W. married Rhoda Davis, a sister of Benjamin F. Davis, 852 - CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES whose sketch appears in these volumes. He was born June 24, 1855, and died October 23, 1888. Joseph died in infancy, May 4, 1857. Sarah died January 27, 1857, in her sixteenth year. Syrena died October 20, 1868, in her sixteenth year. William died in infancy, July 30, 1841. Van Buren M. died January 18, 1847, at the age of nine years. Michael Turner was born October 13, 1809, in Pennsylvania, near the town of Sparta, and died August 28, 1889. He came with his parents, Isaac and Sarah (Winton) Turner, to Ohio by flatboat, where they located at what is known as "Round Bottom" in Hamilton county. Later Isaac removed to the farm which is now the home of his grandson, Edwin J., and built a part of the home now standing, in 1817. Isaac was born January 1, 1778, in Pennsylvania and died in Ohio, July 17, 1833. Sarah ( Winton) was born October 9, 1779, and died August 3o, 1849. They were the parents of nine children : Michael was a successful farmer and stock raiser, being also a large dealer in meats. He was married .December 3, 1835, to Miss Nancy Flinn, near Madisonville, Ohio. She was born Jan- uary 1, 1817, and died December 19, 1879. Her paternal grandmother is reputed to be the first white woman to land at Columbia, near what is now the city of Cincinnati. She was a Methodist from girlhood, but Mr. Turner never joined any church or secret order. George W. Turner was reared in Hamilton county, Ohio, and was well educated, attending, in addition to regular schooling, the Nelson Business College at Cincinnati, and has followed the occupation of farming along scientific lines and has met with splendid success. In 1875 Mr. Turner was married to Miss Lucy J. Ragland, of Hamilton, who is a sister of John G. Ragland, mentioned elsewhere on these pages. In 1876 Mr. Turner removed to Clermont county, locating one mile above Perintown, where he carried on general farming until 189o, when he sold the farm and purchased the present home. He has made many improvements and his farm is one of the attractive homes in the county. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Turner consists of the following children: Clifton R. died in infancy. Flora S. became the wife of Henry Friend, a member of the Cincinnati Fire Department. CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES - 853 Alice .R. married John Rosenberger and they have one daughter, Helen F. Nannie E., who is Mrs. Edwin Ernst, farmers of near Batavia. They have two sons and one daughter : Emmerson T., George C., and Mary Lucille. Politically Mr. Turner gives his support to the Democratic party and has served in the various local offices of his township. He is a member of the Masonic lodge of Newtown, also being a member of the Grange. Both Mr. Turner and his wife are members of the Methodist church and give liberally to its support.