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He entered the Cincinnati Conference in 1852, since which he has labored three years as pastor at Asbury Chapel, Cincinnati ; three years at Troy, Ohio, and the same time at Hillsboro. At the request of Grace Church, Newport, he was transferred to the Kentucky Conference, and spent three years at Grace Church. Returning to the Cincinnati Conference, he was then three years at Eaton, coming to Hamilton in the Fall of 1880. Since his arrival here the Methodist Church has shown a material increase in membership, and the two years have been full of spiritual and financial success.

Mr. Cowden was married in 1851 to Miss Romain Rathburn, daughter of Dr. Rathburn, a fowler well- known physician of Jackson Court-house. They are the parents of four children, three of whom, daughters, are living. Their eldest child, Edgar H., died in 1877, in his twenty-first year. Mr. Cowden is a member of the Masonic order. While these sheets were passing through the press, Mr. Cowden was made a presiding elder, and has entered upon his duties.

Alfred Compton was born in Hamilton County, Ohio, July 16, 1833, being the son of Abraham and Abigail (Phillips) Compton, the former of whom is still living on the farm where he settled in the woods, in Springfield, Hamilton County. He is now in his eighty-first year. He raised a family of five daughters and five sons, of whom three daughters and three sons survive. Alfred was educated in the common schools in that township, and* was brought up to farming until he was sixteen, when he began an apprenticeship of three years at the trade of carpenter, in Hamilton. Upon the completion of his term he worked as a journeyman. In 1853 he went to Iowa, where he carried on building and contracting for some three years.

In 1854 he was united in marriage to Miss Nancy Jane Luckey. They are parents of seven children, of whom four are living—Lester K., Thomas L., John A., and Francis M. Mr. Compton and family are members of the Christian Church. After marriage he remained in Iowa until returning to Ohio in 1863, when he located at Symmes's Corner. He came to Hamilton in 1872, and organized the firm of Compton & Brother, builders and contractors. That continued till 1875, when h.e began the lumber business on the corner of Second and Sycamore Streets.

David D. Conover was born in Dayton, Ohio, November 1, 1818, and is the son of Isaac and Elizabeth (Deardorff) Conover. The father was a native of New Brunswick, New Jersey, and came to Ohio in 1802. He first settled in what is now Lemon Township, two miles south of Middletown, afterward removing to Dayton, where he married and remained till 1822. Returning to Butler County, he located at Monroe, where he spent the remainder of his days. He was engaged in mercantile business, in which he was successful, and reared a family of five children, of whom three survive. Thomas J. is a resident of Monroe, and Caroline is the wife of D. Y. Wintersteen, of Indiana. He died in 1832.

David D. Conover went to the common schools, but improved his education in later years. When sixteen he was thrown upon his own resources, and began an apprenticeship of four years at wagon-making. Upon completing his term, in 1839, he married Mary, daughter of Dr. Daniel Millikin. To this marriage were born two children, of whom one survives, Marietta, wife of Joseph Rodefer, of Hamilton. Mrs. Conover died in August, 1844. After marriage he removed to Hamilton, and in 1840 engaged in wagon-making. He continued in that till 1846, when he confined his attention to spring carriages, at which he remained until 1852. He was then in the grocery trade, on High Street, some two years, and was also in the livery business for two years. He was in Rock Island, Illinois, in the saw manufacture, until 1859. He was then appointed general agent of the Butler County Insurance Company, and on the outbreak of the Rebellion became the commissary for supplying the recruits with provisions. Afterward he was with Job E. Owens, engaged in the purchase of forage for the government and supply of the camp in Hamilton, till the close of the war. He has been engaged in raising broom-corn, and also devotes attention to collections and real estate.

In 1847 he was married to Mary Easton, and had by her three children. Ellen is the wife of John Goodman, and Lizzie is the wife of William Long, and is a resident of Toledo, Ohio. Mrs. Conover died in 1853, and in 1866 he was married to Miss Mary Corriell, his present wife. He was appointed deputy United States- mar- shall in 1861, and held the place until his resignation about 1867. He was reappointed in 1878, and is still filling that position. He and his wife are members of the Baptist Church. He has been a member of the Odd Fellows since 1850.

Charles M. Campbell, editor and proprietor of the Daily News and of the Hamilton Telegraph, was born in Middletown, Guernsey County, Ohio, January 1, 1852. He is the son of Dr. James Campbell, an eminent physician, who enjoyed a large practice, and Susan Brown. His father died in 1852, and his mother in 1882. C. M. Campbell was educated in the common schools in his native place, and afterwards went to Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, and to the University of Wooster, in Ohio. He learned the trade of a printer, and was engaged as a partner in the publication of the Cambridge (Ohio) News, and the Washington (Pennsylvania) Observer. During the centennial year he was at Washington, D. C., representing a St. Louis daily. In December, 1879, he purchased the Hamilton Telegraph, and on the 22d of the same month began issuing the Hamilton Daily News, which has been a great success, and at this writing issues about two thousand copies a day. Mr. Campbell was married to Miss Pauline Straub, in Hamilton, on the 2d

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of December, 1881. Since being in this city, he has acquired an excellent knowledge of the politics and social matters of the place, and has made his journal a necessity in every family.

Jonathan Crowley was born in Alleghany County, Pennsylvania, about seven miles from Pittsburg, April 26, 1812. His parents were Jeremiah and Johanna (Thomas) Crowley. They were both natives of Pennsylvania and of Irish extraction. When Jonathan was three years old the family removed to Pittsburg, where he attended school. In 1827 he removed to Cincinnati, and began learning the cabinet business. Two years later his father died, and six years subsequent to his death his mother also departed this life. Mr. Crowley remained in Cincinnati until the Fall of 1831, when he went to St. Louis, returning in 1832, during the cholera year. He remained in that city until July, 1833, when he removed to Milford Township, in this county.

In 1838 he purchased the establishment owned by his employer, and in connection with cabinet-making made undertaking a special feature. In 1865 he sold his property and came to this city. He has followed undertaking all this time, forty-eight years. He became a member of the Presbyterian Church in 1832, and for twenty years, while living in Union Township, was a ruling elder. He is a member of the Blue Lodge of Masons, and has taken all the subordinate degrees in the Odd Fellows. Heiwas married July 3, 1834, to Miss Manilla Perry, who was born in Somerville, and was thi daughter of Daniel Perry. Thirteen children have been born to them, eight of whom survive. Lorella is the wife of Martin Seward; Emma is married to George W. Dye; and Ella is the wife of Abram Allen; Marietta, Clara A., Laura, George T., and Charles L. are still unmarried, and live at home.

George Hoffman, who was born in Bavaria, Germany, in 1813, was married in 1841, in Pennsylvania, to Mary Barbara Dingfelder, who was born in Bavaria, Germany, in 1819. He had nine children, of whom six are living. Elizabeth is the wife of George Hack ; George L. is married, Barbara is the wife of Joseph Mal- son, and the others are Louisa, Mary A., and Anna E. He emigrated from Germany to the United States in 1837, and his wife came in, 1840. Both settled in Pennsylvania, where they were married in Pittsburg, and came to Ohio in 1843, settling in Fairfield Township. He purchased one hundred acres from John Lindover, and went to farming, which he has followed ever since. At present he owns three hundred acres and farms about one hundred, renting the rest. One of his sons was drafted in the late war and sent a substitute. He and his wife are members of the German Lutheran Church.

Abraham Huston was born in Greene County, Ohio, in 1804, and was married the/first time in 1829 to Elizabeth Hall, born in Butler County in 1810, who died in 1845, leaving six children. Mary Ann is the wife of Thomas K. Vinnedge ; Sarah Jane is at home ; William H. is married, and lives in Champaign County; Susan E. is at home ; David B. is married ; Luther P. is married and lives in Hamilton. He married in 1854 the second time. His wife was Jane Bell, widow of James Smith, born in Dumfries, Scotland, in 1828. They have five children : Abraham H., Maggie B., Edwin M., and Cora I. Mr. Huston came to Butler County in 1832 and settled in Fairfield Township, on the William Hull farm. His mother's uncle, James Flynn, had command of a company of rangers in the War of 1812, and two of his brothers, Abraham and James Barnet, were also in the War of 1812. His son, Luther P., was in the late war, in the Sixty-ninth Regiment. He enlisted in 1861, and was discharged at Nashville on account of sickness. He afterwards re-enlisted for a hundred days. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and is an elder. Mrs. Huston had by her first marriage two children, James E. Smith and Mrs. Jones.

David Shepherd was born in Monmouth County, New Jersey, September 25, 1802, and died October 12, 1876, in Union Township. He was married in Monmouth County, New Jersey, in 1835, to Elizabeth Ely, daughter of William Ely and Rebecca (Baird) Ely, who was born in Monmouth County, July 28, 1810. They had four children. James was born September 7, 1836, in Monmouth County, and is married, living in Liberty Township; William E. was born December 29, 1838 ; Mary Ellen, who was born May 1, 1844, died when an infant; and Charles H. was born July 16, 1846. Mr. Shepherd came to Ohio in 1830 overland from New Jersey, bringing his sister and her husband, and his own wife and one child, in a wagon, occupying a month on the trip. He settled in Liberty Township, where he remained a month with his brother Peter, then moving to Union, and purchasing fifty acres, which was his first start. He increased his land until he finally owned six hundred and fifty-six acres, and considerable personal property. His son James was brought here when two years old. He married, June 20, 1867, Laura Ellen Brown, daughter of Nicholas Brown and Mary Ann Waller. She was born April 16, 1845, in Liberty Township. They have one child, Cora, born August 25, 1868. Mr. Shepherd has been a school director in Union Township. He owns and farms one hundred and twenty acres in Liberty, and also has eighty acres in Union, which he rents out.

Alexander Getz, the county recorder, was born on the ship Havre, at sea, December 21, 1846. He is the son of January Getz, an influential citizen of this town, who was born in Baden, Germany, and Rosiva Getz, from the same place. The mother died October 16, 1881. The son received his education at St. Stephen's Catholic School, in Hamilton, and became a clerk in a dry goods and grocery store, at the age of fourteen. He went into business for himself at the age of nineteen, at which he

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remained for eight years. He then sold out, and again became a salesman. He was elected recorder in October, 1878, and was re-elected in 1881. He is a member of the St. Antonius Orphan Society, the St. Paul Benevolent Society, and the Catholic Knights of America, Branch 106. He is a Democrat in politics, and is a member of St. Stephen's Catholic Church. He was married April 13, 1869. His wife's name was Catherine Beck. She was the daughter of Charles Beck, Sen. Mr. and Mrs. Getz have had five children-Charles Alexander, January John, Lorenz Jacob, Catherine Theresa, and Henry Edward.

William S. Giffen was born in Hamilton, April 8, 1851, and is the son of Stephen E. and Rachel (Crane) Giffen. He attended the public schools in this city, and graduated in 1867, when he entered the Miami University. He remained there for four years, and was graduated in 1871. He read law in the office of James E. Campbell for two years, during which period he was a student at the Cincinnati Law School. He graduated there in 1880, and was admitted to the bar the same year, immediately beginning the practice of law in Hamilton.

Jacob Galloway, one of the old residents of the west side of town, is the son of Enoch Galloway and Rachel Morris, who came to this county in 1807. He was born in Washington County, Pennsylvania, on the 2d of October, 1800. Hs father served in the War of 1812, as did also his brother William. At an early day Mr. Galloway learned the trade of blacksmith and gunsmith, and followed this trade from 1815 to 1830, when he purchased a farm, since having been a farmer. He was married, December 30, 1824, in Hanover Township, to Sarah Brosius, daughter of George Daniel Brosius and Elizabeth Yager, who was born in Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, March 31, 1804. They had nine children. Preston R. was born December 29, 1825 ; Daniel, on the 21st of May, 1827 ; Jackson, November 15, 1828; William, March 7, 1831; John, December 11, 1832; Elizabeth, March 7, 1836; Henry, March 23, 1838 ; Catherine, April 2, 1840; and Wilson S., December 21, 1842. Jackson died May 11, 1875 ; William, September 10, 1841; Henry, June 30, 1841; and Wilson S., February 21, 1877. The oldest son, Preston R., was a captain in the late war. Mr. Galloway has seven great- grandchildren.

John Gilmore was born in Springdale, Hamilton County, February 17, 1833. His parents were W. S. and Jane (Braden) Gilmore. He came to Butler County with his parents about 1840, and completed his education in Fairfield Township. He was at home till his marriage, November 5, 1853, to Jennie H., daughter of James Hardin. They are the parents of seven children, of whom six are living, four daughters and two sons. They are as follows: Anna, Ida, Clifford, Charles W., Estella, and Nellie. Clifford is a resident of Iowa, engaged in cabinet making and undertaking, and Charles W. is a clerk in Captain Travis's grocery. After marriage he conducted a farm in Fairfield Township some years, engaging in the nursery and fruit business in a successful manner He came to Hamilton soon after, and has been settled here ever since, with the exception of one year, when he resided in Indiana. He deals extensively in real estate, buying, selling, and exchanging farms and city property. He now owns several farms. He has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church since his marriage. He is a stockholder in the Hamilton and Tylersville Pike, of which he was treasurer for many years, and owning one- third of the stock. His second &if-4liter, Ida, has been a teacher in the schools of Chattanooga,. Tennessee. Mr. Gilmore resides on Ludlow Street, adjoining the Methodist Episcopal parsonage, where he has a pleasant home. He has had the advantages of foreign travel, as he has made a trip to the Old World, and seen many strange things in Paris and Edinburgh. He went across the ocean with Elbert Marshall, and on returning, took charge of his father's business. On his way over he made the acquaintance of a genial Scotchman, James Brown, who bought some property at his suggestion.

Frank Hammerle was born in Bavaria, on Good Friday, 1838, being the son of Johannes and Elizabeth Ham- merle, who both died in Germany. Frank came to this county in 1862, and was married October 15, 1863, to Kathrina Meyer, daughter of Henry Michael and Eva Meyer, who came to this county about 1836. She was born in Hamilton, October 7, 1842. They have had four children. Henry was born December 25, 1865; Frank, in 1868; Louisa, in April, 1874; and Fred, in September, 1878. Mr. Hammerle was township trustee from 1872 to 1876, in St. Clair Township, and has been a member of the board of education since 1878, and the treasurer since 1880. He is a gunsmith by trade. Besides his town lots, he owns a farm in Morgan Township.

William R. Eiber was born in Cuyahoga County, Ohio, February 28, 1852, and was educated in the common schools. When fourteen he began an apprenticeship at shoemaking, in Cleveland, where he worked as a journeyman some ten or twelve years, and came to Hamilton November 25, 1872. Here he worked for John Weidenhomer some five years, but ill the Spring of 1878 organized the Miami Boot and Shoe Manufacturing Company, composed of Mr. Eiber, W. H. Hurm, and Henry Breide. It now employs from twenty-five to thirty hands, making ladies fine work a specialty. Mr. Eiber was married, in 1874, to Miss L. Janser, and is the father of one daughter and one son, Hattie and Charles H. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and of the Odd Fellows.

Ira Rensselaer Edwards, of Jones's Station, was born in. Warren County, October 17, 1820. His parents were Uzel Edwards and Mary Crane, the former of whom died January 13, 1832, and the latter January 14, 1874.

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They came to this county in May, 1805, from New Jersey. He was married May 30, 1847, near Princeton, to Margaret Davison, daughter of George Davison and Elizabeth Beadle. Mr. Davison died in December, 1858, and his wife in March, 1850. They came to this county in March, 1841, from Warren County. Mr. and Mrs. Edwards have three children. Floretta was born July 13, 1848; Mary E. Kirk, February 1, 1859; and Phebe Jane, March 26, 1861. Mr. Edwards has been a member of the board of education for about twenty years ; two years he was township clerk ; and two years township treasurer. His grandfather, Moses Edwards, was in the Revolutionary War.

Michael F. Eisle was born in the year 1808, and came to this county in the year 1839. He was the son of George and Mary Eisle. He was married to Mary Brook in the year 1838. She was the daughter of Henry Brook, and had one son, Charles Y. Eisle. The son was drafted into the army, but procured a substitute on account of pressure of business. Mr. Eisle has been a contractor and builder.

Granville M. Flenner was born in Liberty Township, June 29, 1843. He is the son of John Flenner and Mary Jane Peake, who were natives of this county. He was married on the 29th of November, 1865, in Hamilton, to Anna P. Rust, who was born June 10, 4844, at West Cornwall, Vermont, and who was the daughter of Horatio S. Rust and Caroline D. Long, of Vermont. Mr. and Mrs. Flenner have had five children—Edith M., John R., Granville M., Carrie, and Merle D'A. Mr. Flenner is how in the ice business, but was for eighteen years engaged in hardware. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and he was superintendent of its Sunday-school for seven years. He was out in the Ninety-third Ohio in the war, for two years and a half. He was wounded at Chickamauga, and was in the battles of Stone River, Liberty Gap, and Asheville.

William Christian Frechtling was born in Hanover, Germany, May 19, 1837. He came to this county in 1855. His parents were Christian and Dorothea (Gahre) Frechtling. He was married August 12, 1865, in Louisville, Kentucky, to Mary M. Freis, daughter of Louis Freis and Margaret Freis. They have four children. Cora was born in 1870, Edward in 1873, Camilla in 1875, and Wilhelm in 1878. Mr. Frechtling went into business in May, 1858, on the north-east corner of High and Second Streets, where he still continues. The beginning was in one room, sixty by twenty, but the business has been enlarged from time to time, until now two rooms, fronting on High Street, are occupied. One, twenty by eighty, is for dry goods, and one, twenty by ninety-two, is for groceries. There is also an L room, eighteen by forty, fronting on Second Street, used for groceries. He is a member of the Lutheran Church.

Joseph A. Fromm was born in this city, November 16, 1840, and is the oldest living son of Sebastian and Mary Ann (Bruner) Fromm. The former was born in Wirtemberg, Germany, in 1782, and was a cabinet-maker by trade. He came to America in 1817, first locating in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where he remained some ten years. In 1827 he came to Hamilton, and engaged in selling German clocks through this county. His two sons, Joseph A. and John A., are the only survivors of his family. He was active in raising funds to build the original St. Stephen's Catholic Church. His son, Austin S., with his wife and children, were blown up on the Moselle, losing their lives. Sebastian Fromm died December 22, 1859, and his wife died August 16, 1878, in her seventy- seventh year. Joseph A. Fromm was educated in the Catholic and public schools in Hamilton, and was employed in various mercantile houses, till beginning business in April, 1865, as a butcher. He soon after took his brother, John E., as partner, the firm being J. A. Fromm & Brother. They are doing an extensive business at 115 Main Street, First Ward.

Mr. Fromm married Miss Emma J. Metcalf. They are the parents of three children, whose names are Austin S., Dora Josephine, and Gertrude Iona. He was an appraiser of real estate one year. In 1881 he was elected to the city council from the First Ward. He is a Knight of Pythias. John A. Fromm, his brother, enlisted in April, 1861, in the Third Ohio, and was discharged for disability after nine months. He then re-enlisted in the Ninety-third, and was at Murfreesboro and Perrysville, and took part in all the battles of the regiment. He was placed on detached duty, and served till the end of the war. He was mustered out at Plattsburg, New York, in the Summer of 1865. Sebastian Fromm, the father, was the first Catholic who resided regularly in Hamilton, and the first member of the Church here.

Dr. Anderson Nelson Ellis is of the well-known family of that name, of Adams and Brown Counties, Ohio, and Mason and Lewis Counties, Kentucky. He is the son of the late Washington Ellis of Sprigg Township, Adams County, and was born at the old family homestead at Ellis Landing, on the Ohio River, four miles above Maysville, Kentucky, on the 19th of December, 1840. Washington Ellis was the son of Jeremiah Ellis, who was the son of Nathan Ellis, who was the son of Colonel James Ellis, of the Continental army. The family is of Welsh extraction, and has been in America about one hundred and fifty years. In 1730 three of the Ellis brothers emigrated from the mountains of their native land and sought homes in the English colonies on the western side of the Atlantic, one of whom settled in Boston, Massachusetts, one in Richmond, Virginia, and one in Eastern Pennsylvania. Religiously the Ellises were Quakers of the strictest kind, and were associated with the colonial history of Pennsylvania in the French and Indian Wars, and later in the Revolutionary struggle, several of the name holding important commands in the Continental army.

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In the Spring of 1795 Captain Nathan Ellis, together with his four brothers, embarked on flat-boats at Brownsville, on the Monongahela, and floated down past Pittsburg into the Ohio, looking for homes in the mighty forests and fertile lands of the almost unexplored Northwestern Territory. The Ohio was the great highway over which came much of the tide of emigration which has peopled this section of the Union—a mighty stream hemmed in by a continent of gloomy shade and weird solitude, rolling its unbroken length for a thousand miles—a beautiful stretch of restless, heaving water, that realized to the voyager the " Ocean river" of Homeric song. Landing at Limestone (low Maysville), the Ellis brothers were so charmed with the beauty of the region and the productiveness of the soil that they determined to go no further. At that time, with the exception of a few isolated settlements at Marietta, Gallipolis, and Cincinnati, there were but few settlers on the north bank of the river, while upon the south side the country was swarming with emigrants seeking out and appropriating the best lands and most eligible town sites. Like the Jordan of old, the Ohio was a great boundary line. It stayed the incursions of the Indians, and beyond it the wave of emigration had not yet rolled. The very day—April 27, 1795—that Captain Nathan Ellis landed at Limestone, Kentucky, five hundred red men were encamped, on the river bottom just across the river. Finding that the most valuable lands had been taken up, the Ellis brothers determined to push over into the Northwestern Territory. Captain Nathan Ellis laid out Aberdeen, directly opposite MaYsville, and his brother Sam the town of Higginsport, eighteen miles below. Each of the five brothers took up large tracts of land, and such has been the staying qualities of the name, that many of the original entries still remain iu the possession of the family. As a connection, they have ever been blessed with an abundance of the good things of life, and inherit many of the sterling qualities which distinguished their Quaker ancestors.

Nathan Ellis and Mary Walker his wife, had ten children, all of whom have passed away with the exception of their youngest daughter, Mrs. Elender Higgins —now in her eighty-eighth year—of Johnson County, Missouri. Jeremiah Ellis was born in 1779, and in 1803 was married to Miss Anna Underwood—a daughter of one of the best known and wealthiest families in Virginia. Ten children blessed their union, seven of whom still survive. Washington Ellis was born in 1804, and in 1832 married Miss Aris Parker, of Mason County, Kentucky. Jesse Ellis was born in 1792, and married Sabina, a daughter of Captain William Burks, of Mason County, Kentucky, a contemporary and warm personal friend of both Boone and Kenton. He and his brother Thomas were captured at Blue Licks, and were prisoners among the Indians for five years. Major John Ellis, of an Ohio infantry regiment in the War of 1812, married Keziah, a daughter of Thomas Burks. Jesse Ellis died in 1877, in his ninety-fifth year. His wife died May 14, 1882, in her ninetieth year. Nathan Ellis died in 1819, and is buried on the hill overlooking Aberdeen. His mother (died in 1799) rests in the Aberdeen cemetery. John died in 1829, Jeremiah in 1858, and Washington in 1873. The last three lie in the family cemetery at Ellis Landing, four miles above Maysville.

The subject of this sketch entered the public schools at Ripley in his twelfth year, where he remained six years. He then entered the freshman class at the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware, Ohio, where he stayed until the breaking out of the Rebellion. Shortly afterwards he went to the front as a volunteer aid-de- camp upon the staff of the late Major-general William Nelson, and remained with him until his death. Subsequently he was for a time attached to the staff of Brigadier-general Jacob Ammen, commanding the Fourth Division, army of the Ohio. On the 18th of March, 1862, he was commissioned a lieutenant in the Forty- ninth Ohio Infantry, which commission he resigned on the 28th of September, 1863, on account of failing health. Returning home he at once entered Miami University, where he remained one year. In the Spring of 1865 he became a student of medicine in the office of Dr. C. G. Goodrich, of Oxford, and afterwards he attended medical lectures in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Pittsfield, Massachusetts, and Cincinnati. At the Berkshire Medical College he was assistant to the chair of chemistry, and graduated with the valedictory. Subsequently the board of trustees of that institution elected him demonstrator of anatomy. In March, 1868, the Ohio Medical College gave him an ad eundum degree.

After some little private practice in Ohio and Kansas, Dr. Ellis entered the United States regular army as a medical officer, and spent a number of years on the plains and mountains of the South-west. To one who had hitherto known nothing beyond the haunts of civilization the nomadic life of an army officer on the frontier presented many attractions. While in New Mexico the doctor became much interested in the history of the Pueblo Indians—that last remnant of the Aztec population of the days of the Spanish conquest, who present the pathetic spectacle of a civilization perishing without a historian to recount its sufferings, a repetition of the silent death of the Mound Builders. He spent much of his time while off duty in exploring many of those ancient ruins which lie all over that interesting land. After leaving the service he delivered a number of lectures and published several articles on " The Land of the Aztec."

The day of his graduation in medicine the doctor began to cast longing eyes to the superior clinical advantages afforded by the great European hospitals. In 1878 an opportunity was afforded him of realizing this bright day-dream of his life. He went abroad, and spent one

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year in Heidelberg, Vienna, and London, and besides that made a journey through France and Italy. While absent from the United States he published many letters of his travels and observations. Upon his return home he received the appointment of assistant physician to Longview Asylum, a position which soon proved exceedingly irksome. In February, 1881, Dr. Ellis came to Hamilton, and already enjoys a fine and growing practice.

Ezekiel B. Fisher was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, November 12, 1829, and is the son of Robert and Sarah (Ball) Fisher. Robert Fisher was born in Washington County, Pennsylvania, and came to Ohio in the early years of the present century, with his parents. He settled near Middletown, clearing up a large tract, now known as the Abraham Simpson place. Robert Fisher's wife was the daughter of Judge Ball. She raised a large family of children, thirteen in number, of whom nine are living. By trade Mr. Fisher was a carpenter. He died about 1872. Ezekiel B. Fisher attended the common schools, and was brought up to farming. He was reared by an aunt, Mrs. Mary Squiers, near Trenton, and was with her until he was eighteen, when he came to Hamilton. He began an apprenticeship with George W. McAdams at the trade of tailoring, and continued with him as a journeyman some two years. He was in Middletown"' some five years, and in Franklin, Warren County, for fifteen years, as cutter, and in conducting business. He was also at Tiffin, Ohio, as cutter in one house for nine years, coming to Hamilton city in February, 1882, and purchasing the business so long carried on by George W. McAdams. He has an extensive trade in fine custom clothing. Mr. Fisher was married about 1853 to Miss Lydia, daughter of John Webster, of Liberty Township. They are the parents of eight children, of whom four sons are living. They are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church..

Henry Frechtling, Jr., was born in Cincinnati, June 16, 1850, and is the son of Henry and Wilhelmina (Buck) Frechtling. Mr. Frechtling came to Hamilton with his parents in 1853, where he was a pupil at the common schools until he was fourteen. He received a fair education, and was brought up to mercantile pursuits, entering his father's store at the age of ten. In 1875 he was admitted as a partner in the house of, H. & W. Frechtling & Co., and continued there until beginning his present business in 1879. He now deals extensively in dry goods, groceries, and other articles. It has more than doubled in the short time it has been carried on. Mr. Frechtling was married in 1877 to Miss Mary, daughter of Philip Hartman. They are the parents of one son and one daughter—P. H. Paul, born January 2, 1879, and Elizabeth Birdie, born January 24, 1881. Mr. and Mrs. Frechtling are members of the Lutheran Church. He is doing one of the most extensive mercantile businesses in Hamilton.

R. C. Stockton Reed, A. M., M. D., of Fairfield Township, was born in Franklin, Warren County, Ohio, February 2, 1825, and was the third child of Gilbert and Catherine C. Reed. His father, Gilbert Reed, was born in Delaware, in 1800, and was a member of the Reed family of that State that was identified with the Revolutionary movement twenty-four years before his birth. He was but little more than an infant when his parents died, and he was adopted into a Quaker family, living not far from Trenton, New Jersey, where he remained until near his eighteenth year. It was a condition of young Gilbert's adoption that he was to be received into the family as a member, and granted a liberal amount of schooling; but each of these conditions was grossly violated by his guardians, from whom he took his departure, without the formality of an adieu, a short time before the expiration of what was really his servitude.

He went to Philadelphia, and soon caught up in the general western movement, joined an emigrant party, and made his way over the mountains to Pittsburg, and thence by keel-boat down the Ohio to the city of Cincinnati, arriving at the latter place in 1818. He remained but a short time in Cincinnati, going thence to Trenton, Butler County, and subsequently to near Franklin, Warren County, where, in 1820, he met and married Catherine Cummings Stockton, who was born in New Jersey in 1798. She was the eldest daughter of John Robert Stockton by his wife, whose maiden name was Jane Van Schaick, of New York State. John Robert Stockton was the eldest son of Philip and Catherine (née Cummings) Stockton. Philip Stockton was a member of the New Jersey family of that name. His brother, Richard Stockton, was one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence from New Jersey. One of his sisters married Dr. Benjamin Rush, and another became the wife of Elias Boudinot, a prominent New Jersey divine. But Philip Stockton, being a clergyman of the Established Church of England, was not as loyal to the American interest as were the rest of his family; he identified himself with the Tory party, and was a zealous supporter of the crown. It is believed that at the conclusion of the war he went to England, where he died, but his family remained in America.

This family consisted of John Robert Stockton, Lucius Witham Stockton, William Tennant Stockton, Richard Cummings Stockton, and Elias Boudinot Stockton. The first named, after his marriage with Miss Van Schaick, near Schenectady, moved to Western New York, and lived for a while near Auburn. He thence started West, and arrived in Ohio in 1816, and located temporarily near Franklin, Warren County, but soon removed to and occupied a tract of land still known as the " Stockton section," near Pisgah. It was, however, during his stay at Franklin that his eldest daughter, Catherine C., married Gilbert Reed.

A few months after the birth of R. C. S. Reed, who was the third son, his father removed to Union Town-

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ship, Butler County, where he remained until 1832, when, after a few months' sojourn with his father-in-law, he took his family to Montgomery County, Ohio, where he purchased land lying on the National Road and the Dayton and Union Railroad, where he remained until his death, which occurred in 1860. At eleven years of age R. C. S. Reed left his parents' home in Montgomery County to live with his grandfather near Pisgah. John R. Stockton was a gentleman of the old school, but was a haughty and austere man, who would tolerate no opposition to his authority and allow no dissent to his dictum. It can readily be understood how an example of this kind should‘ during a period of three years, exert a permanent influence upon a susceptible lad.

During his stay at Pisgah, which lasted until the death of his grandfather, in 1839, young Reed enjoyed the advantage of the neighboring schools. He stoutly demurred upon his return home to his father's proposition to put him at a trade. He carried his point, and was given three more years of coveted opportunities at private schools. At the expiration of this time he secured a certificate as teacher, and began that occupation in Preble County, Ohio. During the few succeeding years, he followed the calling of a teacher in the counties of Preble, Butler, Warren, and Hamilton.

While teaching at Sharon, he began the study of medicine in the office of Dr. Thomas, and prosecuted his studies subsequently with Dr. S. P. Hunt, at Morrow, and finally with Dr. Isaac Kay, then of Lewisburg, but now of Springfield, Ohio. In 1851 he attended lectures at Starling Medical College, Columbus, Ohio, where he enjoyed the teachings of one of the best faculties ever connected with a medical college. After taking his course at Starling College, he located in 1851 in the practice of medicine at Wolf Lake, Noble County, Indiana.

The next year he married Miss Nancy Clark, daughter of John Clark, of Milford Township, Butler County, Ohio, and began housekeeping at Wolf Lake, Indiana, where in 1854 his first son, now Dr. John G. Reed, of Westchester, Ohio, and two years later his second son, now Dr. C. A. Lee Reed, of Hamilton, Ohio, were born. On July 14, 1856, his wife died—a loss that for a time threatened to completely crush him. With his dearest ties now severed, he abandoned his prosperous practice in Indiana and spent a period in travel. On his return in 1859, he married Mrs. Susan. W. McClelland at Hamilton, and returned for a time to Wolf Lake, where his third son, Horace Greeley Reed, was born. In 1860, he removed to Union Township, and has since been a resident of Butler County. In 1860, he accepted the degree of Doctor of Medicine from the Cincinnati College of Medicine and Surgery, with which institution he soon became closely identified.

In 1862 Dr. Reed was elected professor of mfflteria medica and therapeutics in the Cincinnati College of Medicine and Surgery, and held that position continu ously for seventeen years, resigning in 1878, but was immediately elected to an Emeritus professorship. In 1882 he was appointed by the board of trustees, of which he was and is a member, to reorganize the faculty, the former one having resigned in consequence of some internal dissensions. In this task, as in two former instances of a similar kind, he was successful, and the institution, through his instrumentality, was again placed upon a career of prosperity. With the reorganization, however, Dr. Reed again resumed an active connection with the institution, assuming the duties of his old professorship. As a reward for his services, and in recognition, not only of his long connection with the institution, but of his executive ability, Dr. Reed was by his colleagues elected dean of the faculty.

Dr. Reed resides at Jones's Station, Butler County, in the easy enjoyment of a comfortable home. He has for several years been out of active practice, and now attends only such of his friends and neighbors as it may suit his convenience to look after. Of his children but two, Kate and William, aged respectively sixteen and thirteen, remain at home. In politics Dr. Reed is a staunch Republican, and while very liberal in religion, his tendency is toward Presbyterianism. In 1882 he received the honorary degree of Master of Arts from Summit College, Kentucky.

William H. Millikin was born in this city, July 26, 1844, being the only son of Samuel and Louisa (Halstead) Millikin. He was a pupil at the public schools in the First Ward until the breaking out of the war, in 1861, when, on the 19th of April, he enlisted in Company F, Third Ohio Volunteers. This was the first company raised in Hamilton for the three years' service. Mr. Millikin participated in the campaigns in West Virginia under McClellan, taking part at Rich Mountain. He was transferred to the army of the Ohio under Buell, in Kentucky, going overland to Nashville, being at the capture of Bowling Green, and proceeding to Huntsville, Alabama. There he was engaged on guard duty under General 0. M. Mitchell. They went in pursuit of Bragg, and suffered severely at Perryville. He was at Stone River, on detached duty, and the raid under Colonel Straight, near Rome, Georgia. The command was captured and. taken to Richmond and City Point, being afterwards exchanged. They again went to the front at Chattanooga, and were on garrison duty until the expiration of their term of service.

With the regiment he was mustered out at Camp Dennison on the 23d of June, 1864. Returning home after an interval of some eight months, Mr. Millikin again entered the service for one year, in the Ninth United States Infantry, under General W. S. Hancock. He served out this term of enlistment, and was discharged at the end of the war. He was mustered out April 4, 1866. Returning to Hamilton, he entered the employment of the Hamilton Plow Works, with which he has ever since

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continued, although under different firm names. He first learned the trade of a machinist, which he worked at until 1870. Since then he has been engineer for the company. He was married in 1867, to Miss Amelia Johnson, daughter of James M. Johnson, a well-known resident of Hamilton. They have been the parents of five children, of whom three are living—Jessie F., Helen M., and Leah M. He is an active Republican in politics, first voting for General Grant.

Franklin W. Whitaker, dealer in groceries, queens- ware, and country produce, was born in Mason, Warren County, Ohio, December 8, 1849. He is the son of David R. Whitaker and Mary A. Thompson. He was married, in Hamilton, September 3, 1870, to Sowara E. Cassedy, a native of Mason, where she was born October 15, 1851. She is the daughter of Samuel M. Cassedy and Elizabeth E. Meighan. Mr. Whitaker was elected justice of the peace, April 12, 1877, for Lemon Township, and was also assessor for the years 1880 and 1881.

Dr. Alanson Smith was born August 21, 1806, in the town of Sandisfield, Berkshire County, Massachusetts. When but an infant his father traded his farm for three hundred and fifty acres, at the outlet of Cayuga Lake, and then removed to Marlborough, Massachusetts, and began teaching. From him the doctor received his primary education. His father died when the boy was about eight years old, and he soon afterwards went to live with his uncle Jabez, a farmer. At fifteen he began living with his step-brother, Lovel Hartwell. Smith attended the institute in New Marlborough a part of the time, and read much, seeking to improve himself. He began teaching in 1827 in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, and came to Perry City, Ohio, in 1829, teaching school there, and subsequently elsewhere. He began the study of medicine in the last mentioned place, with Dr. Willard. Soon after he came to Cincinnati, and introduced at the county fair a corn-sheller, now in common use. He then attended Van Doren's Institute in Lexington, Kentucky, and then traveled extensively on business and pleasure.

In 1831 he came to Hamilton and engaged in teaching. He was elected secretary of the Temperance Society, and a member of the Elocutory Society. He was elected superintendent of the public schools, and held that position for a number of years. January 5, 1833, he was married to Nancy Ann McNiel. In the Spring of 1838 he entered into partnership with Governor Bebb in the morns multicaulis speculation, but it failed. The doctor moved on his farm west of the city seventeen miles, in the Spring of 1841, and while living there frequently addressed public meetings on the subject of temperance. After a while he rented his farm, entered the medical college in Cincinnati, and graduated. Since that time he has been nearly continually in practice.

November 26, 1846, he married his present wife, Mahala S. Ladd, daughter of Ephraim and Susan Ladd, of Newport, Kentucky. He moved to Cambridge City, Indiana, where he was in active practice eight years, at the end of that time coming to Hamilton. Since coming here he has done much speculating in patents. After getting a good trade in the oil and lamp business, he turned it over to his two sons; Julian G. and Edward A. Smith. He is a member of the ,Baptist organization, having joined more than fifty years ago. He is a man of excellent character, benevolent, and enterprising, and is in good health and strength. He has had eight children. Louisa Jane was born September 1, 1839 ; Henry McNeil, December 8, 1841; Ellen Maria, March 5, 1844. By his second wife he had Charles Edmund, born July 7, 1848; Julian Gardner, August 1, 1850; Albert Berry, February 2, 1853 ; Edward Alanson, July 4, 1855; and Walter Ladd, April 25, 1866. Charles Edmund died April 20, 1865, and Walter Ladd, December 25, 1868. Henry M. Smith was under Sherman four years.

Charles Stewart, one of the early settlers of Butler County, Ohio, was born in New Jersey, December 2, 1781. In his early youth he crossed the mountains with his parents, who settled in the Ligonier Valley, Pennsylvania, where he grew to manhood, and married Miss Mary Hunter, of Laurel Hill, Pennsylvania, emigrating to Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1810, where he remained only a short time, moving to Middletown, Ohio, in 1812. He bought of the government 190 acres of land in Reily and Morgan Townships where the town of St. Charles now is. This place was hi after years called St. Charles in honor to Mr. Stewart. Here he erected his log-cabin and settled down, with his nearest neighbors more than three miles away. In this place Mr. Stewart lived with his wife (who survived him several years) until his death, which occurred December 24, 1854. He raised a family of ten children to manhood and womanhood.

Mr. Stewart was a soldier in the War of 1812, serving five months under General Winchester, and was honorably discharged at the close of the war. Mr. Stewart was of Scotch descent, his forefathers coming to this country in the days of the colonies, making their voyage in the vessel Caledonia. Mr. Stewart was a pioneer of Methodism, and his house was always open for the weary itinerant minister, as he traveled from house to house through the newly settled regions. He lived a life-long devoted Christian, reaching the ripe old age of seventy- three years.

Of ten children who grew to manhood and womanhood but two are now living, Samuel Stewart, of Kingston, Indiana, and Charles J. Stewart, of Cincinnati, Ohio. Two of their sons, John C. and Charles J., served with distinction in the late war of the Rebellion, both having enlisted at the beginning of the war, and serving over three years—John C. dying while in the service, from the exposure, haing been promoted from a private to captain of Company I, Fourth Ohio Volunteer Cavalry. The only descendants of the family now living in Butler

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County are Frank P. Stewart, now engaged in the monument business, in Hamilton, and Samuel P. Stewart, monumental draughtsman, both sons of John C. Stewart.

Henry Moudy was born in Lockland, Hamilton County, February 8, 1830. He is the only son of Othias and Elizabeth (Hazleton) Moudy. Othias Moudy is a native of Hagerstown, Maryland, where he was born in 1807. In 1812 he came with his parents to this county, settling two miles south of Hamilton. The grandfather was Henry Moudy. Othias Moudy was married in 1826, and reared a family of two children. His daughter, Mrs. Harriet Longfellow, lives on a place owned by Henry Moudy, in Fairfield Township. The other child is Henry Moudy. Othias Moudy was a successful business man and farmer. He died February 12, 1877, and his wife died in 1871. She was an active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Henry Moudy was brought up to farming, remaining with his parents until their death. Mr. Moudy was married, in 1872, to Miss Hettie J. Morgan, who was born in Delaware. Mr. and Mrs. Moudy are the parents of two daughters. Laura was born June 10, 1874, and nessie M. May 7, 1876. Mr. Moudy continued to reside in Fairfield Township till the Spring of 1881, when he removed to Hamilton. He is a member of the Masonic order. He is engaged in cultivating his farm of one hundred and sixty acres.

George Kramer was born in Greene County, Pennsylvania, January 27, 1807, and came out to this county with his parents, George and Barbara Kramer, in 1817, where he has ever since remained. Both his parents were of German descent, but were horn in Maryland. They lived on the Monongahela, and when they made up their minds to come out West, built a flat-boat, the whole family embarking with their household goods. One horse only was brought with him, that being all the live stock he then possessed. When he arrived in Milford Township he bought three hundred acres of as good land as there is in the township, situated north of Darr- town on the pike leading from Hamilton to Richmond. He lived on the farm the remainder of his life, dying at the extreme age of ninety-two years. He was survived by his wife, who lived to see her ninety-seventh birthday.

The present Mr. George Kramer has been three times married. His first wife was Eliza Brown, daughter of William and Mary Brown ; the second, Eleanor Swan, daughter of Robert and Ellen Swan; and the third is Margaret Hoyt, daughter of John and Mary Hoyt. By' them he has had six children. William was born September 18, 1839; George, October 14, 1840 ; Andrew, July 15, 1842; Mary Elizabeth, January 22, 1845; Barbara Ann, June 15, 1848, and Elizabeth, September 4, 1855. Andrew Kramer lives in Centerville, Indiana. Mr. George Kramer owns three hundred acres of land in Wayne County, Indiana, and one hundred and sixty in Milford. He has earned all his own property, and has passed through many trials. Although very old, he enjoys himself well. He has been subject to rheumatism lately.

Henry Kessling was born in Lunbergen, Hanover, May 27, 1819; being the son of Dederick and Anna Mary (Baerling) Kessling. He was educated in such schools as offered in the vicinity of his father's home, and was brought up to farming, until coming with his parents to America in the Summer of 1836. The family settled on a farm now owned by J. P. P. Peck, joining the corporation of Hamilton. Dederick Kessling raised a family of four children to maturity, of whom three survive-Henry, Catherine, now the wife of John Tabler, and Mary Theresa, now Mrs. Joseph Jacobs. Dederick Kessling was a successful man, and continued to farm until his death, which was about 1860.

Henry Kessling was married in April, 1841, to Mary Catherine Werrike, born in Germany in 1816. They are the parents of six children, of whom only one is living. Four died in infancy. Mary Elizabeth died November 8, 1878, aged thirty-six. Mary Catherine is now the wife of Augustus Soehner. Mrs. Kessling died March 28, 1875. After marriage Mr. Kessling engaged in farming, in the vicinity of Hamilton, for some ten years, when he began keeping the hotel known as the Kessling House. He kept the Schmidtmann House, now known as the Central House, for some five years, during which time he also conducted the marble business, employing some twenty or twenty-five hands, under the firm name of Horssnyder & Kessling. He sold out to Mr. Horssnyder in 1852, and disposed of his city property for a farm two miles west of Hamilton, in Hanover Township, living there some four years. He still owns the same place, which consists of one hundred and fifty acres, well improved. In 1876 he retired from business, and with his daughter made a tour of Europe, being absent four months. He is a member of the Catholic Church. While in the marble business he furnished the stone work of many of the principal buildings of Hamilton.

James L. Kirkpatrick, M. D., was born in North Liberty, Adams County, Ohio, April 17, 1841, and was educated at the academy in that place. After reading medicine one year at Xenia, Ohio, he entered the Eclectic Medical Institute at Cincinnati in 1865, and remained through 1866 and 1867, excepting six months of the latter year. He practiced in Celina, Mercer County, Ohio. After graduating at the Eclectic Medical Institute, he came to Hamilton in the Spring of 1867, where he has since continued, and now has an excellent practice. He was the secretary of the State Medical Society in 1874, 1875, and 1876, and is a member of the Miami Valley Medical Society and of the National Eclectic Medical Association. He was married in 1877 to Lizzie, daughter of Theodore Marston, of Middletown, and has by her one son, born in November, 1880. He is a member and an elder in the United Presbyterian Church.

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As a surgeon he has been very_ successful, and has had experience in some very complicated cases.

Dr. Kirkpatrick is a large and intelligent collector of Indian and prehistoric relics and curiosities. In pipes his museum is unsurpassed in the United States. From every portion of Butler County and the neighboring country, he has gathered axes, knives, clubs, fleshers, gorgets, breast-pieces, carved work, and ornaments, till his collection is an honor to the city. He is likewise a well-known numismatologist, having a nearly complete array of the coins of the United States, and many foreign and antique pieces. He served in the United States army (hiring the war, and was elected surgeon-general of the Grand Army of the Republic, department of Ohio, in 1869.

John Krebs was born in Bavaria in 1814, and married Elizabeth Bachman, born in Bavaria about 1826. They had five children : Frank ; Clara, wife of Thomas Waltz, of Illinois ; Charles, married, lives in Hamilton ; Philip, and Elizabeth, wife of August Schurfranz, lives in Hamilton. Mr. Krebs dame to Butler County in 1854, and settled in Hamilton. He was a grinder in a machine shop, and was killed by the bursting of a grindstone, November 11, 1856. His son Frank was born in Bavaria in 1844, and was married in 1866 to Ellen M. Smith, born in Indiana in 1851. They have had five children, three of whom are living : Ernest, Stella, and Daisy.

He enlisted September 25, 1861, in the Thirty-seventh Ohio, Company K, and re-enlisted in January, 1863, in the Marine. Cavalry, Company D, and was mustered out March, 1865. He was taken prisoner at Princetown, Virginia, and confined on Belle Isle, Virginia, for five months, when he was exchanged, being one of the first squad exchanged with the Confederate States.

He was engaged at Princetown, siege of Vicksburg, Sunnysale, Mississippi, and Rodney, Mississippi. While with the cavalry he was employed mostly in scouting. Since returning he has twice held office in this city. He was on the water-works board and was street commissioner, serving from April, 1877, till April, 1881. He had charge of the works for cutting off the basin from the canal. He is a member of the Knights of Honor and the United Workmen, and is treasurer of the Butler County Democratic Central Committee.

James T. Imlay was born in Jacksonburg, Wayne Township, October 27, 1825, and is the oldest son of William E. and Helen (Tapscott) Imlay. His father was a native of New Jersey, where he was born about 1796, coming to Ohio about 1820, in company with his sister, afterward Mrs. James Craig. They came from Trenton, New Jersey, to Jacksonburg, Ohio, in a one-horse wagon. He was a cooper by trade, but afterward a merchant in Jacksonburg, and then on a farm. He raised a family of four children, of whom two survive—James T. and Lydia Ann, wife of John Ross, of Colorado. Mr. Imlay died in 1846. His son was educated in the common schools in this vicinity, receiving a fair degree of knowledge. He was brought up to farming, and acting as clerk in a store, and various other occupations at home, until he was of age. He was married, in 1847, to Miss Susannah Look, and is the father of five children, of whom four are living, three sons and one daughter.

He removed to Hamilton in 1857, and entered the employment of Tapscott & Shaffer, remaining in that capacity for some time. Mr. Imlay had conducted a saw-mill for five or six years following 1850. In 1863 he entered into partnership with Mr. Tapscott in a flouring-mill, now Carr's mill, staying until 1868. He was secretary of the gas company from 1867 to 1870, then entering into the grain business in the firm of Weller, Straub & Co. This lasted until 1875, when he acted as clerk in various commercial houses in Hamilton. He was with T. V. Howell & Son and Long, Alstetter & Co., entering into his present position as principal bookkeeper for the Cope & Maxwell Manufacturing Company in September, 1881. He was an officer of the Butler County Agricultural Society for two years, 1875 and 1876, and was also connected with various building associations as secretary, treasurer, and president. He has been a member of the Presbyterian Church. since 1848. In 1864 Mr. Imlay enlisted in the One Hundred and Sixty-ninth Ohio National Guards, and took part in the campaign in Western Virginia. He served out his term of enlistment, filling the position of first lieutenant.

At the time George Isaminger came to Butler County his brother Philip went to Adams County, where he had three children, Philip and Solomon, and one of whom no record is kept. Philip, the younger, married Hannah Hawk, and had by her seven children, of whom five are living. Sarah, the wife of Frank De Marrs, lives in Ironton. Rebecca is single, and lives in the same place. Solomon is married, and is in California. George W. is a resident of Hamilton, and Josephine, who is single, lives in Scioto County. George W. Isaminger is the only one of this branch of the family that ever came to Butler County. He was born August 22, 1836, and was married in Scioto County to Sarah Ellen Robinson, born in Gallia County. They have six children—Georgie A. H., Charles Wilbur, Frank Kynett, Nellie Pearl, Garnett Robinson, and James Edward Campbell.

Mr. Isaminger studied for the ministry in the Methodist Episcopal Church, and was graduated at the Ohio University. After leaving college, he taught school for a time, and in 1859 was admitted to the ministry at Columbus, receiving his first appointment in Orange County. He was stationed at Racine when he was appointed chaplain of the One Hundred and Seventy-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, serving in this capacity until the close of the contest. He remained in the traveling connection until 1870, when, in consequence of his health, he resigned, and began the practice of law. He moved

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to Butler County in that year, and now resides in Hamilton, where he is a practicing lawyer and real estate agent. During part of the day he is in Cincinnati.

Peter Jacobs was born in Germany, April 1, 1826, and received but a limited education. He came to America with his parents in 1834, making his way direct to Hamilton. After getting old enough, he became a clerk in several establishments. He was with McCleary, in his store, and also in Perry G. Smith's drug store, being connected with the latter establishment till the death of Mr. Smith. He then entered the employment of John 0. Brown, a prominent druggist, with whom he was in partnership for some time after removing on the east side, when Mr. Jacobs succeeded him in the business. This was in the building now occupied by L. A. Boli. From there he removed to the store now occupied by John C. Schwartz, where he continued until his death. He was a successful business man, doing the largest trade as a druggist of any one in Hamilton. He was a self-educated man, but had acquired a fine knowledge of chemistry. He was a member•of the Masons, and had been their treasurer for more than twenty-five years, and was also an Odd Fellow. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church.

He was married in October, 1848, to Miss E. C. Meyers, daughter of Jacob and Sarah Meyers. Mrs. Jacobs was born in Cincinnati in 1832. They were the parents of the following children: Sarah Alice, who is the wife of Joseph Morris, issnow a resident of Cincinnati ; William H. Jacobs lives in Cincinnati; Kemmey, now Mrs. Edward Ratcliff, is in Cumminsville; Flora M. is the wife of Zeller Shanks, of Hamilton ; Charles F., Minor M., Jessie B., Edith, and May are at home. Mr. Jacobs died January 4, 1877. Mrs. .Jacobs conducted the business successfully for some two years after her husband's death, selling out to John C. Schwartz in November, 1879. She has been a member of the Presbyterian Church since 1848, and is a genial and cultivated lady.

Frederick Jacobs was born in Hamilton, Butler County, November 15, 1835, and is the son of Peter and Catherine (Kemeline) Jacobs. Peter Jacobs was born in Prussia in 1800, and was married in Germany. He came to America in 1834, settling in Hamilton, and burned lime and engaged in the ice business until 1859. He reared a family of four. sons, two of whom are living, Frederick and Conrad, a druggist of Zanesville, Ohio. Peter Jacobs was one of the organizers of St. John's Church, and died in 1873. Mrs. Catherine Jacobs is still living with her son Frederick, and is in fair bodily health at the age of eighty-two. Frederick was educated in the common schools in Hamilton, and assisted his father in conducting the ice business till 1859, when, in company with his brother Conrad, he engaged in the same occupation for himself. They made an artificial ice pond, and were quite successful.

In 1870 Mr. Jacobs began the grocery business at his present location, but closed out after a few years, then leading a retired life for four or five years. In the Fall of 1880 he again began the grocery trade at his old location, doing a nice retail trade. He was married on the 29th of March, 1860, to Elizabeth Kirchort, who was born in Darke County, April 6, 1839. They are the parents of eight children, Kemmie K., Carrie M., Louisa A., Wilhelmina F., Frederick C., Emma B., George, and Susie. Mr. Jacobs is a member of St. John's Church, and belongs to the Ancient Order of United Workmen, the Knights of the Golden Rule, and Knights of Honor.

Mrs. A. J. Hutchison was born in Morgan Township, May 13, 1828. She is the daughter of Joseph and Nancy (Bell) Abbott. She was educated in the common schools and Young Ladies' Seminary in Hamilton and elsewhere, receiving a liberal education. Her guardian, Ludwig Betz, provided her with a home at his residence in Hamilton until her marriage, December 25, 1845, to Edward Hutchison, a native of Virginia, who was born April 17, 1818. He came to Ohio about 1830, and engaged in wagon making and afterwards in the coal business, which he afterwards conducted alone. He was an extensive dealer in Cincinnati and Hamilton. He was an attendant at the Universalist Church, and a liberal contributor to all worthy objects. Mr. and Mrs. Hutchison were parents of six children, of whom four are living, one daughter and three sons. Mr. Hutchison died July 13, 1866. Mrs. Hutchison occupies the former residence on Dayton Street built by Mr. Hutchison in 1848. She is a member of the Universalist denomination.

Gabriel Huber was born in Wirtemberg, Germany, March 18, 1820. He is the son of George and Frances Huber. He learned the trade of weaver, and when sixteen began an apprenticeship of two years at the carpenter's trade. He worked at this until coming to America with his parents in 1842. The family settled in Hanover Township. He was married July 2, 1845, to Mary Seefert, born in Germany, August 18, 1820. Mr. and Mrs. Huber are parents of six children, of whom five are living. Felix is a resident of Hamilton, Valentine is a carpenter by trade, Mary is the wife of John Fisher, and Elizabeth and Josephine are at home. After marriage he worked as a journeyman. He has been for the past sixteen years in the employment of M. F. Eisel & Co. He is a member of the Catholic Church, and an active Democrat in politics.

Isaac Hagerman is a native of this county, having been born in Lemon Township, April 27, 1801. His parents were Michael Hagerman and Margaret Freeman, who came to this county in 1799. He was married in June, 1835, in Fairfield Township, to Maria Reeser, daughter of William Reeser and Molly Skehlen, who came to the county in 1835, both now being dead. Mrs. Hagerman was born in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, March 24, 1815, and bore her husband nine children.

384 - HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

William was born December 26, 1836; Jane, June 25, 1838; Mary, May 17, 1840; Isaac, June 2, 1842 ; Francis, May 2, 1848; Sarah, December 20, 1850; Josiah, November 27, 1852; Aaron, July 20, 1857; Michael, July 20, 1857. Isaac died while serving in the Union army in the late war, having contracted camp fever ; Josiah died October 15, 1878 ; and Michael died when eight months old. Mr Hagerman is one of the oldest persons in the county, having lived here over eighty years, always having followed the calling of a farmer. One of his brothers was in the war of 1812. He now has twenty-one grandchildren.

The Rev. Nicholas Fr. Holtel, pastor of St. Stephen's Church, was born in Cincinnati, April 9, 1853. He is the son of George Henry Holtel and Anna Christine Holtel, née Nolgel. Mr. Holtel was regularly educated for the priesthood by the Franciscans, and fills his charge here acceptably.

James E. Hancock was born in Butler County, June 24, 1839, being the son of Henry G. Hancock and Ella Watson. Henry G. Hancock was born in Kentucky, coming to Ohio in 1835, and settling in Reily Township. He was a farmer by occupation, and reared a family of ten children, of whom six are living. He removed to Indiana about 1840, where he died in 1876. James E. Hancock was educated in the common schools in Indiana, and was brought up to farming. Upon the death of his mother, in his fourteenth year, he left home, and was for five years a resident of Illinois. In 1859 he came to Ohio, locating in Oxford, and entering the employment of C. F. Billings, a broom manufacturer. He continued with him some four years. In the Fall of 1863 he came to Hamilton, in the employment of Bennett & Caverly, broom manufacturers, and was with them three years. He began business for himself in the firm of Rump & Hancock, in the same line, in 1866. He also engaged in the livery business the next year, and carried on both at the same time. The latter was discontinued after three years. He then engaged in farming and raising broom-corn. He employs in his manufactory from fifteen to twenty-five hands, supplying a demand . that exists in Memphis, Natchez, and New Orleans. Mr. Hancock was married in 1865 to Miss Ella, daughter of George W. Louthan. They are the parents of three children, two now being alive, Ida Iola and Lulu May. Mrs. Hancock is a member of the Baptist Church.

Jervis Hargitt was born in Dearborn County, Indiana, on the 24th of April, 1833. He is the fourth child of Robert Hargitt and Jane Palmer. At the age of seventeen Mr. Hargitt entered mercantile life, as salesman and bookkeeper for a dry goods firm in Hamilton. In 1856 he became a partner. This occupation engrossed his attention until 1861, when be engaged in farming near Middletown. Mr. Hargitt was elected clerk of the court of common pleas in 1872, entering on its duties in February, 1873. He was re-elected in 1875, filling that po sition six years. He was a member of the school board for some of these years, and was president of that body. In the Winter of 1880 and 1881 he was elected assistant secretary of the State Board of Equalization, and served during its entire sessions. He is an active Democrat, and has been chairman of the Butler County Democratic Central Committee for five years. He is a member of the Masonic order, the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and the Knights of Honor. He was one of the incorporators, and is now secretary of the American Electric Brush Company, of Cincinnati, a prominent and extensive manufacturing concern. Mr. Hargitt was married October 23, 1855, to Miss Martha A., daughter of John Waldron, a resident of Lemon Township. They are the parents of two daughters and three sons, all under the parental roof. Thomas Palmer, his grandfather, was a native of Ireland, and was for twenty years recorder of Dearborn County, Indiana!

Robert Hargitt, mayor of Hamilton from 1854 to 1856, was a native of Yorkshire, England, and came to America with his parents, when a boy, settling in Dearborn County, Indiana. He came to Ohio in 1851, and established the first news depot in Hamilton. He was the first mayor of the consolidated villages of Hamilton and Rossville. He was a justice of the peace and postmaster of Rossville previously. He was an elder in the Presbyterian Church. He had a family of eight children, of whom but three survive.

William G. Jellison was born in Preble County, Ohio, June 17, 1848, being the oldest son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Cassell) Jellison, the former being a native of Pennsylvania, settling in Preble County about 1825, where he is still living in vigorous health. He reared a family of eight children, of whom six are living. William G. Jellison was brought up to farming, remaining at home till he was twenty-one. He continued to work at farming until coming to Hamilton, July 12, 1872, when he engaged to drive the omnibus, following this for some two years, for Davis & Maynard. He then purchased the business from them, conducting it till July, 1881, when he sold out to F. R. Hutchinson. In October, 1881, he began the livery business, on Front Street, but on the 9th of April, 1882, was burned out, losing severely. His losses exceeded his insurance by more than a thousand dollars. He immediately put up a building opposite his former location, where he now is, and doing an increasing trade.

He was married April 20, 1876, to Susie G., daughter of Asa Cain. They are the parents of one son, George Earl, who was born October 23, 1880. Mr. Jellison is a member of the Knights of Honor and of the Knights of the Golden Rule. In his seventeenth year, in 1864, he enlisted in the One Hundred and Fifty-sixth Ohio National Guards, and with that regiment participated in the campaigns of West Virginia, Kentucky, Cincinnati, and Maryland, and was in a sharp skirmish near Cum-

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berland, Maryland. He served out his term of enlistment, and was mustered out at Camp Dennison.

Andrew Huber was born in Hohenzollern, Germany, November 30, 1834. He is a son of George and Frances (Herrmann) Huber. He was educated in Germany, and came to America with his parents in 1842. The family settled in this neighborhood, where George Huber purchased a farm, and lived upon it till his death. He reared a family of four sons and two daughters, of whom five are living. He died about 1853. Andrew Huber began his education in Hamilton, and was brought up to farming until he was sixteen, when he commenced an apprenticeship at the baker's trade. He worked as a journeyman until his marriage, April 1, 1856, to Miss Anna, daughter of Caspar Hoff. Mrs. Huber was born in Cincinnati, October 17, 1838. She is the mother of twelve children, of whom seven are living, five daughters and two sons. In April, 1856, Mr. Huber began business as a baker and confectioner on High Street, and continued it in a successful manner until 1861.

In that year the war breaking out, he organized Company K, Thirty-seventh Ohio Volunteers, going out as second lieutenant. He was afterwards promoted to first lieutenant, and was in command of the company. He participated in all its battles to Charlestown, West Virginia, and was in command in seven battles. Ill health then compelled him to resign, and he was in the hospital some three months. He returned to civil life, and conducted the home farm some six or seven years. He then engaged in the fruit trade in Hamilton for some two years. He was in the employment of Long, Black Alstatter in their wood-working department for three years, when he returned to the fruit trade, which he continued. until beginning his present business in the First Ward in 1878. Mr. Huber had been a member of the Jackson Guards at the breaking out of the rebellion. He is a member of the Roman Catholic Church.

Captain Jonathan Henninger was born in Berks County, Pennsylvania, May 20, 1829. He is a younger son of John and Elizabeth (Gaumer) Henninger. Mr. Henninger was a turner by trade, and came to Ohio in 1837, settling at Seven Mile. He reared a family of eight children, of whom five are Set living. He died in 1872. Captain Henninger had but limited opportunities for an education, but by study and reading in leisure hours has acquired much. He worked as a farmer until he was seventeen, when he learned the trade of stone mason, and afterwards that of cooper. He worked as a journeyman for three years, until ill health compelled him to abandon the occupation. He then was employed as a carpenter, and gradually acquired a good knowledge of that trade. He worked for others until 1854, when he began building and contracting in Hamilton, continuing in this till August, 1861.

He then enlisted in Company B, Thirty-fifth Ohio, as orderly sergeant, being present at Mill Spring and the siege of Corinth. They went back to Louisville, Kentucky, in pursuit of Bragg, then at Perrysville, and were at Nashville and Murfreesboro. He was promoted to be first lieutenant February, 1863, and the following May was made captain. He commanded the company at Hooven's Gap and Tullahoma, Tennessee, and also took part in the numerous raids and skirmishes. At the battle of Chickamauga he commanded the company both days, going in Saturday morning with thirty-eight men, and coming out Sunday night with eleven. They moved down to Ringgold, where he had several short skirmishes, and remained there until May, 1864. They broke camp then, and accompanied General Sherman on his Atlanta campaign, during which the captain was severely injured by an accident which disabled him for further service. He was in the hospital at Chattanooga for some two months. The time of the regiment having expired they were mustered out at Chattanooga. The officers who had been promoted were retained for some six weeks, but they were finally discharged in November, 1864.

On returning to civil life he resumed his former business in Hamilton, which he still continues. He has also been a member of the firm of Cole, Gehrman & Henninger since 1873. They manufacture sashes, doors, and blinds. He is also engaged in the stove and tin business at No. 106 Main Street, First Ward. Captain Henninger was married in 1854 to Miss S. E. Ballinger, daughter of Dr. K. H. Ballinger, of Hamilton. To that marriage have been born twelve children, nine living, five daughters and four sons. All, with one exception, are residents of the town. Mrs. Henninger died November 20, 1881. Mr. Henninger has been a member of the Odd Fellows since 1852. The family are members of the United Presbyterian Church.

Daniel Hart Hensley was born in Logansport, Indiana, January 10, 1844. His father, Richard Hensley, was born in Virginia, but brought up in Kentucky. He emigrated to Logansport in 1829. His wife, the mother of D. H. Hensley, whose maiden name was Frances Mull, was born in North Carolina. The boy received a common school education, and enlisted in July, 1862, under Colonel Gilbert Hathaway, in the Seventy-third Indiana Infantry. The regiment served with the Independent Provisional Brigade, and was captured. The men were taken to Belle Isle, but were exchanged the same Summer, and sent to the front. He served with the regiment until the close of the war, in 1865. He has been a resident of this town for the last ten years; and is the secretary of the Gas Works Company. He is a member of the Odd Fellows, and is the commander of the Grand Army of the Republic. He is also a member of the First Baptist Church. He was married to Miss Eliza A. Mundorff, December 25, 1867, and has two children—LeRoy R. Hensley, thirteen years old, and Mabel M. Hensley, one year old.

386 - HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

Daniel Hughes, of Lemon Township, was born in Baltimore County, Maryland, January 27, 1806, being the oldest son of Elijah and Sarah (Mutchner) Hughes. He came with his parents' to Ohio in 1816. The family settled on the place now owned by Joshua E. Hughes, which was then deep in the woods, where the father carried on blacksmithing. Daniel Hughes received but a limited education, and was brought up to farming pursuits. He remained at home until he was twenty-six, when he went to Indiana, and located one hundred and sixty acres on the Wabash, but got tired of it and returned to Ohio. He was married in March, 1833, to Miss Anna B. Kain, born in New Jersey in 1805. They were the parents of four children, of whom three are living. Mary Jane is the wife of Job Mulford; Elijah resides with his father, and Samuel K. is also at home. Mrs. Hughes died in 1877. After marriage Mr. Hughes located on sixty acres, which constitutes a part of the home place, but was then wild and unproductive. He was in company with his brother Micajah, and for some seven years they owned every thing in common. Upon the marriage of Micajah the partnership was dissolved. Additions were made to the farm at various times, and it now amounts to five hundred acres. He also owns three hundred acres in the vicinity of Kyle's Station. Mrs. Hughes was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for many years.

August F. Hine was born in Germany, January 16, 1828. He is the son of William Hine and Maria Graham. He came in 1848 from Piqua, where his parents settled in 1833, but is now a resident of Hamilton. He was married to Hannah Garrigus; in Hamilton, June 28, 1859. She is a native of Crawfordsville, Indiana, where she was born December 18, 1825. Her father was Abram Garrigus, and her mother was Mary Ann Messer. Her uncle, Jacob Messer, was in the Revolutionary War. Andrew J. Garrigus, her brother, and her half-brother, Edward J. Garland, were in the late war. The latter served two years. Mr. Hine has only one child, Mary, born July 26, 1860. She lives at Piqua. He enlisted in Butler County, August 15, 1862, and was discharged July 6, 1865, at the close of the contest. He was engaged in the skirmish at Yazoo Swamps, December 16, 1862 ; Thomson's Hill, Champion Hills, Black River Bridge, Vicksburg, 1863 ; and Red River, 1864. He was wounded in the left leg April 9, 1865, and was mustered out of service, as sergeant of Captain F. M. Leflar's Company F, Eighty-third Infantry. In 1879 he was chief of police in Hamilton.

B. Hafertepen was born in Hanover, Germany, November 21, 1836, and was the oldest son of D. Hafertepen. His mother's maiden name was Ruve. Mr. Hafertepen was educated in Germany, where he received a liberal education. With his parents, he came to America in 1848, the family settling in Cincinnati, and served an apprenticeship of two years at the shoemaking trade, in

Cincinnati, beginning in his thirteenth year. He worked as a journeyman in Cincinnati until coming to Hamilton in 1856. October 1st he commenced business in a small way, in the same location he now occupies, and is doing an extensive trade. He employs six or eight hands on the average. In 1856 he was married to Miss Philomena Mahler, and Mr. and Mrs. Hafertepen are now the parents of nine children, of whom seven are living. He was elected township treasurer in 1871, filling that position two years. He has never desired office. Mrs. Hafertepen died in 1880, and he was married again in 1881, to Barbara Leus, daughter of Walter Lens, a well-known citizen of Hamilton. He is a member of the Roman Catholic Church.

Philip Hartman was born in Gilversam, Bavaria, March 10, 1827. He is the son of Jacob and Marillus (Nepnow) Hartman, and received instruction in the schools of Germany. In 1847 he was conscripted in the Bavarian army, serving one year, and emigrating to America in 1848. He came directly to 'Hamilton, and commenced to learn the trade of a turner, at which he was engaged three years. He worked three years as a journeyman for Owens, Ebert & Dyer, purchasing their stove business in 1855, and at once making extensive sales. He is a large dealer in stoves and tinware, and also manufactures tin goods. Mr. Hartman was married in 1857, to Anna Maria Lindeman, born in Germany, and they were the parents of three children, of whom but one now survives, Mary, wife of Henry Frechtling, Jr. Mr. Hartman is a member of Zion's Lutheran Church. With Mrs. Hartman he visited his old home, in Germany, in the Summer of 1881, and was absent four months.

John C. Hooven was born September 29, 1843, in Montgomery County, Ohio. He is the son of John P. and Mary (Baughman) Hooven, who were both born in Pennsylvania. Mr. Hooven was by occupation a farmer and cooper. John C. Hooven was educated at Franklin, Ohio, where the family removed in 1849, attending the common school. In 1864 he left Franklin, and removed to Xenia, where the firm of Hooven & Sons was formed, composed of John P., E. P., and John C. Hooven, in the hardware business. In 1864 he came to Hamilton, where he engaged in the agricultural implement business. The firm was dissolved in June, 1876, the father retiring, but the old firm name was retained by the two sons. In November, 1878, it was changed to John C. Hooven, Mr. E. P. Hooven retiring, and in that year the concern took up the manufacture of threshing-machines. In September, 1879, he sold out the implement business to Clark & Stanhope, and in the following year the firm of Hooven, Owens, Rentschler & Co. was formed, now known as the Hooven, Owens & Rentschler Co., the Monarch and Eclipse Machine Works. They are manufacturers of portable and stationary engines, threshers and saw-mills.

Mr. Hooven is a Knight Templar in the order of

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Free and Accepted Masons, and is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He was a member of Company B, One Hundred and Forty-sixth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, of one hundred day service men. He was married November 21, 1867, to Miss Jennie Enyeart, of Troy, Miami County, the daughter of John Enyeart, a farmer of that place. Four children have been born to them. Their names are Blanche, Earle, Enyeart, and Paul M.

Peter Heck was born in Prussia. Germany, December 31, 1828, and is the oldest son of Jacob and Anna Maria (Bruck) Heck. With his mother and stepfather, he came to America in 1834, first stopping in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. In the Spring of 1838 they came to Ohio over the mountain in a wagon, locating in Hamilton. In this place Peter received his education in the public schools. At sixteen he began an apprenticeship, lasting four years, to carriage-making. After completing his time, he worked as a journeyman for some fifteen years in St. Louis, Nashville, Cincinnati, etc. In 1864 he began the carriage business in his present location on his own account, and with a small capital, under the firm name of Heck & Co., remaining thus until 1873, when he purchased his partner's interest, since conducting affairs himself. The goods he makes are spring wagons, carriages, and fine work.

He was married when twenty-three years of age, on the 28th of June, 1852, and has had by this union five children, of whom two sons and three daughters are living. He was again married in 1864 to Mary Frederica Beinkampen. He is a member of the Zion Lutheran Church. Mr. Heck, at the time of the rebellion, was a resident of Nashville, Tennessee, and with difficulty escaped conscription in the rebel army. He finally reached the North' in 1862, and saw some stirring times. He again became a widower last year, Mrs. Heck having died August 21, 1881.

Arthur T. Good, D. D. S., the son of Henry and Matilda (Carter) Good, was born near Trenton, March 20, 1849. His father was born near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1802, and with his parents, John and Magdalena (Landis) Good, came West, and located on a farm near Trenton in 1816, where he lived sixty years before moving to Trenton, his present place of residence. He was married January 20, 1837, to Miss Matilda Carter, daughter of Mordecai and Nancy (Cox) Carter, who was born near Lebanon, Ohio, November 5, 1809. Her parents were Quakers and were from North Carolina. Of a family of ten children, nine boys and one girl, but four are now living : John V., grain merchant; Nelson H., farmer ; Anna N., wife of A. L. Kumler (lawyer of Lafayette, Indiana), and Arthur T., dentist.

Arthur T. Good, the seventh son, lived at home on the farm until he was eighteen years of age, attending district school as opportunity afforded. The school was a mile and a half away, and the distance in this case was materially lengthened by the path leading over many hills and hollows, and numerous fences. Hence in bad weather he had to remain at home until old enough "to stem the torrents, which was very detrimental to his progress. In the Fall of 1868 he entered Antioch College, where he remained for two years, coming home in the Spring to work on the farm, thus missing the Spring term. After this he went to Otterbein University, remaining three and a half years, and completing the scientific course of study in that institution.

He entered the Ohio College of Dental Surgery in Cincinnati in the Fall of 1874, taking in that institution two full courses of study—the full requirements—besides one extra term at his own wish, that he might be better prepared for the duties of his profession. By request of the dean, he remained in the infirmary of the college one Summer, which gave him considerable experience before he selected his field of labor. Ile was graduated on the 2d of March, 1876, receiving the degree of " Doctor of Dental Surgery," and in May following opened an office for thee practice of his profession in Hamilton. The doctor being a social and agreeable gentleman, has since that time had all the success that could reasonably be expected, or that might be deserved by a thorough preparation. Just after graduating he became a member of the Mississippi Valley Dental Society, the oldest association of the kind in the West, of which he is still a member, and was appointed by it a delegate to attend the American Dental Association which met at Niagara Falls the following August.

Dr. Good was married on the 14th of September, 1875, to Miss Emma Jane Beal, of Westerville, Ohio, an old schoolmate and classmate in Otterbein University. Both are members of the Presbyterian Church. She is the daughter of John- and Jane (Budd) Beal. They have one son, Henry Lee Good.

Jacob Matthias was born in Winchester, Virginia, October 21, 1802, and attended school in the neighborhood of his father's house. Early in life he learned the trade of a coppersmith, and in the Fall of 1827 came to Cincinnati, remaining there a year. He was married in that city on the 27th of March, 1828, to Miss Emily Webb Grooms. To that marriage were born eight children, of whom one is living, Emma C., now the wife of William Miller, of the State of Illinois. On his first coming to Ohio he had made a journey to Hamilton on foot, returning in the same manner. In company with his brother Isaac he again went to Hamilton in the Spring of 1828, with the purpose of becoming a permanent resident. The two brothers at once organized the firm of I. & J. Matthias, engaging extensively in the coppersmithing business, subsequently adding the stove and tin-ware trade. Jacob Matthias was also amber of the firm of Matthias, Kline & Resor, conducting a general store in Rossville. Mrs. Matthias died in 1845, and on April 23, 1857, he was married to Ann M.

388 - HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

James, daughter of Barton James, one of the pioneers of Hanover Township, where he settled in 1817. Mrs. Matthias was born in that township, September 16, 1828. Her father was a successful farmer and prominent citizen. He raised a family of seven children, of whom Benjamin F., now a resident of Missouri, and Mrs. Matthias are the sole survivors. Mr. James died about 1861. Mr. and Mrs. Matthias were the parents of one son, W. J., and two daughters, Lutie E. and Lillie F. Three of the grandchildren by Mr. Matthias's first marriage are residents of Idaho, and one of them, George M. Parsons, has represented his district in the territorial Legislature.

Jacob Matthias represented his district in the State Legislature in the session of 1837-1838, and was also a member of the city council and the school board at various times. He was also infirmary director for some years before his death. All of these offices he filled to the utmost satisfaction of his constituents, and with credit to himself. He was a consistent member of the Universalist Church, and an active and influential citizen and successful business man. He died August 21, 1877. The firm of I. & J. Matthias existed until his death, or for fifty years, his heirs soon after purchasing the interest of Isaac Matthias, and since conducting the same under the able management of W. J. Matthias & Co. Mr. W. J. Matthias is looked upon as one of the promising young business men of Hamilton. Mr. Matthias's death was a misfortune to the poor, to whom he had always been a warm friend, and the press united in encomiums upon his character.

M. N. Maginnis was born near Frederick City, Maryland. He read law in the office of Governor John W. Stevenson, of Kentucky, and with Judge James Clark, of Hamilton, Ohio. He was admitted to practice at Hamilton in 1861. Believing that the States were voluntarily united under the powers vested by the Constitution in the government of the United States, he, while deprecating the resort to peaceable secession as the rational process for resuming powers which the seceding States claimed had been perverted from their purpose, was opposed to armed invasion of them and their coercion to an involuntary union, as destructive of the American system of government by consent; as a renunciation of the opinions avowed in the Declaration of Independence and acted on by the colonies, and as a return to the practice of organizing the people for government-instead of organizing government for the people. He was noted throughout the conflict for the courage and ability with which he expressed his convictions, and was respected by those with whom he differed for the unselfish advocacy of his opinions.

The law-abiding people of Hamilton had for a long time been terrorized by the criminal classes. To end the infamous and dangerous domination, the citizens, without distinction of party, elected Mr. Maginnis mayor. He served from 1871 to 1873. The reappearance of the disorderly element during the subsequent term led to his re-election in the same manner. During his second term, from 1875 to 1877, he procured the passage of an ordinance establishing a police force. This body, which he appointed, disciplined, and supervised, thoroughly suppressed the criminal and disorderly classes of the city. At the close of his second term, Mr. Maginnis returned to his profession, in which he is still engaged.

Joseph Mayer was born in Wirtemberg, Germany, September 7, 1846, being the oldest son of Anton and Catherine (Maile) Mayer. He attended the public schools in Germany, and was brought up to farming. He came to America in 1866, making his first place of sojourn Hamilton. Here he worked as a farmer for three years. In the employment of Louis Sohngen and Peter Schwab & Co. he spent five years. In 1876 he organized the firm of Schneider & Mayel., in coal, wood, and salt. This lasted three years, when he sold out to Mr. Schneider in 1879. Mr. Mayer began business in "his present location, dealing in coal and wood, at the corner of Second and Sycamore Streets, soon after.

He was married on the 17th of May, 1870, to Miss Louisa W. Hiller. Mr. and Mrs. Mayer are the parents of seven children, of whom one is dead. Four sons and two daughters are living. Mrs. Mayer is a member of the Lutheran Church, and her husband belongs to the Odd Fellows, Ancient Order of United Workmen, and the United German Society. The names of their children are Edward C., Catherine J. E., Emma Maggie, John F., Joseph, and George F.

Charles E. McBeth was born in Champaign County, Ohio, February 7, 1835, and is the oldest son of James and N. B. McBeth. He attended the common schools in his native county, then beginning to learn the machinist's trade at Urbana when seventeen years old. He continued there and in Eastern cities, working as a journeyman, until coming to Hamilton, in the Fall of 1860, with Lee & Leavitt. He built circular saws and steam engines for them by contract for some years, until they discontinued business. He purchased the greater portion of it, and during the war conducted it under the firm name of McBeth & McClung, manufacturing wood-working machinery. They sold out to Bentel, Margedant & Co. in 1874. He then became a member of the firm of Long, Alstetter & Co., now a stock company, known as the Long & Alstetter Co., and has been its secretary and treasurer ever since. They are manufacturers of agricultural implements, power punches, and hammers. They employ about one hundred and fifty hands. Mr. McBeth was married on the 1st of June, 1864, to Miss Lizzie Hunter, daughter of William Hunter. They have two daughters, Mary M. and Anna. He and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church.

Abram Miller was born in Hamilton County, February 28, 1828, and was the oldest child of Matthias and

389- HAMILTON.

Elizabeth (Gorman) Miller. He was educated in the common schools of Hamilton County, and was brought up to mercantile pursuits in his father's store until he was eighteen. He then learned the trade of saddler, and worked as a journeyman for some time. He also learned carriage making. He came to Hamilton about 1856, when be entered the firm of Miller, Gary & Co., carriage manufacturers. The firm existed till 1860. About 1863 he entered the employment of John Crawford, in house furnishing goods, staying two or three years. He was also with H. H. Wallace for two years. In 1870 he bought the interest of Henry Libby, then a partner of Robert Beckett, forming the firm of Beckett & Miller. This lasted till 1874, a period of four years. At that time he purchased the interest of Mr. Beckett, since which he has continued the business himself. He is an extensive dealer in house furnishing goods, glass, crockery, queensware, window shades, etc. He also does a large business in carpets. He owns the building.

Mr. Miller was married in 1856, to Lile Jane, daughter of Mark C. McMaken. They are the parents of one daughter, Nettie, now the wife of Captain George W. Wilson, of Hamilton. Mr. Miller is a member of the Christian Church, and Mrs. Miller of the United Presbyterian. Mr. Miller has been a member of the Odd Fellows since 1854. During the war he rendered valuable aid to the Sanitary Commission.

Thomas McGreevy was born in Hamilton, Butler County, December 9, 1849, being a younger son of Conner and Jane (Meron) McGreevy. He improved his educational opportunities in the public schools in Hamilton, receiving an ordinary education. At seventeen he commenced an apprenticeship of three and a half years at the trade of blacksmithing. After acquiring the trade

- he worked- as a journeyman in Hamilton some four or five years. He was appointed a member of the original police force of Hamilton about 1876, and served one year in that capacity, and then was employed for a year at his trade. In the Spring of 1876, Mr. McGreevy began business in his present location. He was elected a member of the City Council from the Fourth Ward in the Spring of 1876, and was re-elected in 1878 and again in 1880. He whs vice-president for some four years, and president pro tem. for some little time. He is a member of the Roman Catholic Church and of various benevolent societies.

John Moebus was born in Rossville, in this county, March 6, 1840. His parents were John Moebus and Catherine (Stroh) Moebus, the father being a native of Germany. He came to Hamilton about 1838, and reared a family of four children, of whom three are living. He died about 1855, but his wife, Mrs. Catherine Moe- bus, is still in Hamilton, being vigorous in mind and body. John Moebus was educated in the common schools of Hamilton, and when fourteen became an apprentice to the tinner's trade in this place, and worked as a journeyman in Hamilton and elsewhere till 1861, when he enlisted in the Forty-seventh Ohio, and was with that regiment during its various conflicts. He was at Carnifax Ferry and took part in the campaign in West Virginia, and was in the battles at Lewisburg, Virginia, and Chafieston, Virginia. He was sent to Louisiana, and took part in the siege of Vicksburg, and was afterwards at Jackson, Mississippi. They went to Atlanta by way of Chattanooga, when he was one of the first to cross the Tennessee River and take part in the battle. After being at Chattanooga he was at Dalton and through the Atlanta campaign, during this having many engagements. In this campaign he was, with some seventeen hundred men, made a prisoner, and taken to Andersonville. He escaped after some Tour months, but was recaptured eight days after. He and his comrade were tracked by bloodhounds. They were then taken to Macon, as Andersonville had been abandoned on the approach of General Sherman. From Macon they were sent to Florence, South Carolina, where they were held three and a half months, or till the close of the war. When first captured his term of service had nearly expired, or was within twenty-two days.

He was discharged at Columbus, Ohio, June 20, 1865. He returned to Hamilton, and went to work as a journeyman. In October, 1865, he was married to Margaret Eider, and had by her five children, three sons and two daughters. His wife died in 1875, and he was again married in 1878 to Kate Beal. They have one daughter and one son. In 1869 Mr. Moebus began business in his present location, in stoves, tin, japanned and britannia ware, and in guttering, spouting, and roofing. He now does a large business, but began in a small way. He is a member of Zion Lutheran Church.

Henry Neiderauer was born in Bavaria, Germany, November, 1837, being the second son of David and Margaret (Carrel) Neiderauer. He attended such schools as existed in the neighborhood of his father's home until he was fourteen, being brought up to farming. He came to America in 1856, taking up his residence in Hamilton immediately. He served an apprenticeship of two years at the trade of carriage-maker, with Pfafflin, Keller & Co., in this place, and after acquiring his trade worked as a journeyman in Cincinnati for eight months, and Richmond, Indiana, for a year and a half. He returned to Hamilton, being again in the employment of Pfafflin, Keller & Co., and afterward was in various cities of the United States.

In 1862 Mr. Neiderauer began the wagon-making business in Hamilton, in the First Ward, doing a successful trade. In 1867 he removed his business to the east side, and continued there until 1872, when he entered into partnership with John Donges, under the firm name of John Donges & Co. Mr. Neiderauer has been married three times—first, in 1861, to Margaret Irving, who died in November, 1866 ; and again, in 1871, to

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Katie Keeler, who died in 1874. The present Mrs. Neiderauer, to whom he was united in marriage March 29, 1875, is the daughter of William Huber, of Cincinnati. She was the widow of John Ganz, and the mother of two sons. To Mrs. and Mr. Neiderauer have been born two children, one of whom, Ida Sibylla Flora, who was born December 28, 1875, survives. Mr. and Mrs. Neiderauer are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a member of the Royal Arcanum.

Linus Russell Marshall, professor of music, was born at Martinsburg, Lewis County, New York, March 23, 1825. He is the son of Samuel Marshall and Emma Kellogg. The father was a Baptist minister, who was a chaplain in Colonel Moody's regiment, the Seventy-fourth Ohio, and died in 1872. His son was educated in the common schools and at an academy in New York State, and at the age of nineteen left home for Tennessee, where two brothers were engaged in teaching. He studied with one of them, who had charge of an academy in Wilson County, and also taught part of the time. In 1849 he took charge of a select school in Clarksville, teaching one year. He married Sarah A. McFall, of that place, on the 24th of January, 1850. He went to Russellville, Kentucky, and Logan County, teaching literature and music. He was professor of music in the Female Institute of Russellville for three years, till 1858. In the same Summer he came to Ohio and engaged in teaching.

In 1862 he enlisted for three months in the Eighty-fifth Ohio, and re-enlisted October 16, 1862, in the Eighty-eighth. They were kept at Camp Chase to do guard duty. In July, 1863, he was promoted to second lieutenant, and in 1865 to the first lieutenancy. For a time he was detailed as the discharge officer of the northern department at Columbus, and afterward was in Cincinnati as a member of General Hooker's staff. He returned to Warren County at the conclusion of the war, where he taught till 1879. For seven years he was a special teacher of music in Lebanon, Ohio, and three years in the Holbrook Normal School of that place. In 1879 he was appointed special teacher of music in the Hamilton city schools, where he has since remained. At Lebanon he was the leader of the Lebanon Musical Society, which took part in the Musical Festival in Cincinnati in 1873, the first entertainment of that kind. Three of Mr. Marshall's children died young. One, Samuel H , born January 14, 1852, is a photographer. He was married in Florida, where he has spent about two years. Mr. Marshall has been a Mason since 1854, and a Knight Templar since 1877. He is a member of the Miami Commaudery of Lebanon, No. 52, and of the Knights of Pythias and the Knights of the Golden Rule in Hamilton. Mrs. Marshall's father was Major Samuel McFall, who was out in the War of 1812, and was several times mayor of Clarksville. He was a prominent man.

William H. Louthan was born in this city November 14, 1846, being the son of George W. and Mary Ann (Devon) Louthan. George W. Louthan was born in Virginia about 1806, and came to Ohio about 1825, settling in Hamilton, in building and contracting. He married a daughter of Frederick and Mary Ann Devon, a family that were among the pioneers of the county. They reared a family of five children, all living. He served as city marshal for some time. His death occurred in October, 1866. His wife, now Mrs. Clawson, is still living, as also is her mother, Mrs. Mary Devon, who is in the ninety-fourth year of her age.

William H. Louthan was educated in the public schools of Hamilton till 1814, when he worked at broom-making, for a time conducting the business in connection with his brother-in-law, James E. Hancock. He carried on a livery business for—some four five years. In December, 1879, he began the grocery trade, in his present location, which has increased to large proportions. He was married, October, 1870, to Miss Alice, daughter of Jacob Lindley. They are the parents of four daughters-7-Mabel, Jessie, Alice, and Edith. Mrs. Louthan is a member of the Christian Church, and Mr. Louthan is a member of the Knights of Pythias. In 1864 he enlisted in the One Hundred and Sixty-seventh Ohio National Guards, and participated in the West Virginia campaign.

John H. Lashhorn was born in Hamilton, December 29, 1852, his parents being Joseph W. Lashhorn and Hannah Stonebreaker. He was married, November 4, 1874, to Angeline Shuler, daughter of Asa Shuler and Mary J. Shuler. She was born February 10, 1854. In conjunction with Mr. Shuler, he carries on the nursery business, about a mile east of Hamilton, owning sixty- three acres of land for that purpose. He was brought up a machinist, but in the future expects to devote all his attention to the nursery. He had an uncle in the Revolutionary War.

Alexander Pugh was the first member of this family that came to Ohio. He was born in England, and was married to Hannah Stubbs, a native of Wales, when quite young. He came to this country, with ten of his brothers, all serving in the Revolutionary War. Since that time nothing has been known of the brothers. Alexander Pugh settled in the State of Alabama, after the close of the war, and in 1804 removed to Ohio, settling in Preble County, on the Twin Creek Valley. There he resided for many years, but late in life removed to Indianapolis, where he died. He had five children, only one of whom is living. His name is Jared, and he resides in Montgomery County.

John Pugh was the only one that came to Butler County. He was born in 1797, in Alabama, and moved to Ohio with his father in 1804, while a child. He was married about 1817 to Keziah Jones, born in North Carolina in 1797, by whom he had eight children. Elizabeth, wife of Ezekiel Samuels, lives in Seven-Mile ; Riley is deceased ; Alexander is married, and lives in Eaton ;

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William is married, and lives in Hamilton ; John is married, and lives in Wayne Township ; Isaac is married, and lives in Preble County ; Hannah, wife of John Mike- sell, lives in Preble County ; Keziah, wife of James Busenbark, lives in Cumminsville, Hamilton County.

Mr. Pugh came to Butler County iu 1817, and settled in Wayne Township, on the farm now owned by his son John. He was a self-made man, for, although he received a small farm with his wife, it was all he did get. Two of his children, John and Isaac, were out in the late war. William Pugh, born November 7, 1825, was married December 24, 1851, to Cynthia Ann Boatman, born in Butler County, October 24, 1834. They have had three children : Charles Eugene, married, and living in Hamilton, and Carey Riley and Cassius M. Clay.

James S. Lewis was born September 12, 1819, and died November 23, 1876. He was a native of Warren County, and settled in Butler in 1847. By good management and industry he made for himself and family a good home, leaving his wife and children in good circumstances. His parents were John and Rachel Lewis. He was married September 5, 1850, to Julia E. Jackson, who was born in Charlotte County, Virginia, December 20, 1827. She is the daughter of Preston Jackson and Elizabeth Chevious. Mr. and Mrs. Lewis have had five children. Lloyd Augustus, the eldest, was born June 24, 1851, and died March 21, 1852. Julia Elizabeth was born August 31, .1853. Horace St. Clair was born May 24, 1856, and died July 2, 1859. Adelaide Bromly was born December 23, 1859, and died August 2, 1869. John Elsworth was born August 1, 1862. Mr. Lewis was a farmer.

Jacob Lorenz, president of the Lorenz Refrigerator Car Company, was born in Grethen, Rhenish Bavaria, Germany, March 17, 1837. He was the son of William and Elizabeth Lorenz, whose maiden name was Stepp. In 1854, at the age of seventeen, he came to America and settled in Marietta, Ohio, where he learned the trade of a tanner. Here he remained until 1858 and then removed to Cincinnati and to Hamilton, where he finished learning his trade. He worked as a journeyman for three years, and at the expiration of that time opened a shop for himself. He sold out his store two years later to engage in other business. In 1877 he invented and patented a new idea in the way of an ice house, and that year erected six ice houses on the Miami River and canal, and in partnership with Messrs. Rupp and Held, formed the firm of Lorenz, Rupp & Held, which put in about fourteen thousand tons of ice annually. Prior to engaging in the ice business Mr. Lorenz was a member of the firm of Lorenz & Bender, who were proprietors of the Star Refrigerator Manufactory. From this he conceived the idea of building cars on 'the same principle as family and saloon refrigerators, and in 1881 built and patented one made by himself, which gave such satisfaction that in February, 1882, he had little trouble in forming the corporation known as the Lorenz Refrigerator Car Company, composed of the following gentlemen : Jacob and John Lorenz, H. and Joseph F. Reutti, Martin. Mason, Israel Williams, Dr. A. Myers & Co., J. W. See, Carl Frenust, H. P. Deuscher, and J. F. Bender.

He was married March 17, 1858, to Miss Barbara Eberhardt, by whom he has seven children, the oldest of whom is dead. Mr. Lorenz is a member of the Knights of Pythias and the Royal. Arcanum.

Nathan Egbert Warwick, a member of the Butler County bar, was born in St. Clair Township, this county, February 11, A. D. 1849. His parents are Jeremiah Warwick, at present a citizen of that locality, whose biography appears in this book, and Lydia Smith, daughter of Daniel Smith and Alice Mary Jacoby, two pioneers of this county, of Pennsylvania Dutch descent, and noted for their industry, integrity, and piety. Mr. Warwick's boyhood was spent on the farm and at the common school until the age of fifteen, when he attended the Seven-Mile Academy, where he prepared himself for entrance to the collegiate course at the Miami University. In 1869 he entered the university at Oxford, then under the presidency of Dr. Stanton, and began the classical course, which he completed, along with the elective studies of practical astronomy and calculus, in the year 1872, graduating with the next to the highest average grade in all studies of any in the class of that year, and on account of his abilities as a speaker was by the faculty awarded the "honor speech" on commencement day. While at the university, Mr. Warwick was a member of the Erodelphian Literary Society, holding in turn each of the offices of that organization, and receiving a diploma from it, as well as from the university, which conferred on him at his graduation the degree of Bachelor of Arts.

Mr. Warwick, before this event, began the study of the law, which he pursued after the manner of his school studies, reading and digesting, and on October 25, 1873, was admitted to practice by the Supreme Court at Columbus, Ohio. He at once began active practice in all the courts, and has earned that degree of success which hard labor in his profession secures.

On September 18, 1879, Mr. Warwick was married to Miss Ida J. McLinn, daughter of Isaac B. McLinn and Mrs. Jennie McLinn, age Kennedy, daughter of Robert Kennedy and Joan Minor Millikin. Mr. and Mrs. Warwick have a daughter, Hope, to add to the attractions of their home, on Second Street, in Hamilton. Mr. Warwick has never held any political office, although in 1878 he became a candidate before the Democratic Convention for member of the Legislature, but failed to secure the nomination. He has always been connected with the Democratic party, and since his removal to Hamilton has taken a deep interest in its success, and in nearly every campaign canvassed the county in its behalf.

Henry A. Walke was born in Union County, Ohio,

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December 15, 1833, and settled in this county in 1877. He is the son of William Walke and Virginia (Evans) Walke. He was married in Port Huron, Michigan, July 26, 1871, to Maggie A. Kimball, the daughter of David Kimball. She was born in Ontario, Canada, January 2, 1841, and has given him two children. Cora H. was born June 26, 1874, and Frances L. November 22, 1876. By a former marriage he has had Dora E., who was born January 15, 1858 ; Irena V., December 26, 1860, and Arthur, October 2, 1867. Dora E. is dead. Mr. Walke we justice of the peace and county commissioner of Lenawee County, Michigan, from 1867 to 1870. Mr. Walke is the inventor of the celebrated fountain pen known by his name, and is the manufacturer. His grandfather, Anthony Walke, served in the War of 1812, and was afterwards a member of Congress. His uncle, Henry Walke, rear-admiral in the United States navy, has been in that service since the age of sixteen, now a period of about fifty years. At the breaking out of the war he commanded the steamship Supply at Pensacola, but was soon transferred to the gun-boat Taylor, with .Commodore Foote's fleet. From that he went to the gun-boat Carondelet, running the blockade at Island No. 10, and firing the first gun at Fort Donelson. Mr. Walke's brother William served in the Ninety-sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry a short time as wagon-master, and afterwards was transferred to take charge of the supply between Louisville and Nashville. He was finally given charge of the hospital at Nashville, and was honorably discharged in 1864. Other brothers were in the hundred days' service.

George G. White was born in Virginia, April 24, 1792. At an early age he emigrated with his father to Ohio, and settled near the river, when it was the home of the Indian. In 1796 they set sail on a broad horn, intending to go down the Mississippi, but were convinced it was highly dangerous, and remained in this section of the State. In 1821 he was married to Miss Jane White, sister of the late Rev. Levi White, of the Cincinnati Conference. He united himself with the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1815, and remained a consistent member all of his life. In 1824 he moved to Oxford, on the day Dr. Bishop was inaugurated the first president of Miami University. A few years after going there he was appointed postmaster, which he held for a long time, under five or six different administrations, up to that of President Buchanan. After that time he acted with the Republicans, having previously been a Democrat. He had fbur sons and four daughters, of whom George W. White, of Hamilton, is the only one living. His last illness was brief and not severe, his death occurring on the 15th of June, 1867, at the age of seventy-nine. He was an amiable, honest, and intelligent man, with a good literary taste. He was well versed in the best of the English poets and prose writers, quoting them with ease and accuracy. He was a man of high religious character, of great purity of mind, and highly respected in the community.

William R. Whitehead was born in Hamilton, July 18, 1836. He was the son of Robert W. Whitehead and Lavina Wilsey. The former was born in Plymouth; Massachusetts, in 1806, being the son of an Englishman who had emigrated to this country. Mrs. Whitehead was born at Albany, New York, of New England parents. Her birth was in 1802. Mr. Whitehead received only the instruction of the average youth and left school early to learn a trade. His original tastes were for drawing and painting, but his father put him with a cabinet and pattern maker, which trade he learned and followed for a number of years. His artistic proclivities, however, led him into photography, and he finally bought out Poe Brewer, and started a gallery in Beckett's Block, which he carried on for a number of years. He felt a warm interest in the supremacy of the government in the late national struggle for existence, and sent out a substitute to the war, but did not himself enlist, owing to ill health.

He was a prominent member of Hamilton Temple, No. 17, Temple of Honor, and of the Sons of Temperance, for a number of years. He was an ardent and devoted Christian. He was a member of the First Baptist Church, and attained a reputation throughout the county as one of the most successful of primary teachers. His drawing aided him in showing the meaning of the lessons. He was in charge of the primary department of the Baptist school at the time of his death. He married Mary J. Randall, May 5, 1857. She came of a long- lived family of hardy pioneers, who emigrated here from Pennsylvania. She died August 10, 1879. At one time he was prominently connected with the sewing-machine interest; He first introduced the Singer machine and started the first sewing-machine wagon for that company in the State. He conducted the large offices at Hamilton, Richmond, and Dayton. Mr. Whitehead was a man of the highest character, and was esteemed and respected by all who knew him. He died December 6, 1880.

Americus Symmes is the son of John Cleves Symmes, the author of the theory of a hollow inhabited world, of whom an account is given on an earlier page. Americus Symmes came to Hamilton in March, 1828, on a canal boat, and carried on and cultivated a farm here successfully. In later years he retired to the neighborhood of Louisville, Kentucky, where he is still living. He is an ardent defender of his father's theory, and points to several facts recently discovered as a confirmation of the doctrine.

C. H. Stahler was born in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, April 23, 1843. He is the only living child of Joel and Elizabeth (Shantz) Stahler. He was educated in the common schoOls in Lehigh County, and completed his education in a commercial college at Allentown. He was brought up to farming, but began to learn the tan-

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ner's trade, which was interrupted by the breaking out of the Rebellion in 1861. He enlisted in the One Hundred and Fourth Pennsylvania Volunteers, which was afterwards consolidated with the Ringgold Battery. He remained with that command during his first term of enlistment of three years, being in sixteen battles, including the second Bull Run. His regiment was attached to Burnside's army corps. He was an inmate of a hospital at Covington, Kentucky, some three months, then re-enlisting. On account of physical disability he was sent home for iffedical treatment. He again went to the front, in Virginia, when his regiment took part in the battle of the Wilderness. He was appointed postmaster of the artillery corps, occupying that position until the end of the war. He took part in the siege of Richmond, and was present at the surrender at Appomattox and at the grand review in Washington.

He served until the close of the war, and with the command was mustered out at Philadelphia, June 13, 1865. He came to Cincinnati in the Fall of 1865, and the next Spring arrived in Hamilton. He entered the employment of Owens, Lane & Dyer, and was with them about a year. He was then a book-keeper for Eli Cook. In the Fall of 1868 he went with M. Weismeyer, and remained there until the death of his employer, some three years. He conducted the business for the widow three years longer, until 1872, when he purchased it, and has since carried it on. He is an extensive dealer in family groceries, fresh and salt meats, and provisions.

Mr. Stabler was married in 1870, to Miss Catherine, daughter of Philip Lohrey. They are the parents of two sons, Joshua M. and Harry. Mr. Stabler was elected a member of the city council in 1876, and again in 1878, from the Second Ward. He is a member of St. John's Lutheran Church, and also of the Masonic order. Mr. Stahler's mother is still living with him, vigorous in mind and body, in her sixty-fourth year.

Perry D. K. Travis was born in Tylersville, Butler County, August 9, 1848, being the younger son of Amos and Hester R. (Horton) Travis. Amos Travis was a native of Butler County, where he was born January 12, 1805, and was the son of Amos Travis, Sen., one of the pioneers of Union Township. Amos Travis, Jr., reared a family of five children to maturity, who are all living. He was a farmer by occupation. He was an active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. His later years were spent at the house of his son, Captain Travis, in Hamilton, where he died January 12, 1882. Mrs. Hester R. Travis died November 24, 1880.

Captain Travis was a pupil at the common schools in Tylersville, till coming to Hamilton with his parents, in 1861. He completed his education in Hamilton, but was brought up to farming. He was in the employment of a gunsmith a short time, and then was with John C. Holbrook. He stayed with him from November, 1864, till 1875. He was a member of the police force, under

Mayor Maginnis, but was in that position a short time only. He began business for himself, October 14, 1875, in the firm of Travis & Niphardt, an arrangement that lasted for some three years. He then was a member of the house of Travis & Louthan for over a year. In June, 1881, he sold out to Mr. Louthan, then commencing in his present location. He has an excellent trade in general family groceries. Mr. Travis was married, in 1875, to Miss Lucinda Meyers, and is the father of two sons-Harry DeKalb and Charles B. He is a member of the Masonic order, and also of the Knights of Pythias.

John Thomas, of Wayne Township, was born there August 27, 1829. He is the son of Benjamin Thomas, born in Maryland, who came to Butler County about 1805, and Anna Good, sister of Henry Good of Trenton. She came to this neighborhood with her parents in 1816. Mr. Thomas was married in Madison Township, November 9, 1854, to Maria Miller, daughter of Charles Miller and Catherine Reed. She was born July 23, 1837. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas have had six children. Benjamin was born November 3, 1856 ; Anna, March 7, 1858; Ida Alice, February 28, 1861; Elizabeth, May 11, 1864; Charles M., February 4, 1866, and John L., February 21, 1871. Mr. Thomas's wife died March 19, 1882. She was a member of the Methodist Church at Seven- Mile, of which her husband is also a member. He is a leader and steward.

Benjamin F. Thomas, lately probate judge, was born in Liberty Township, Ross County, Ohio, February 19, 1830, and is the son of James and Tamson (Wilkins) Thomas. His education was limited to the merest rudiments of the common school branches till he was grown, when he attempted the task of acquiring a collegiate course, which was begun in 1851 and completed in June, 1857, graduating from Miami University with a class of twenty-six. He taught school from 1858 to 1866, at which time he was admitted to practice at the Butler County bar. He came to this county in 1852. He was married on the 24th of September, 1857, to Elizabeth Marston, a native of Butler County, being born near Trenton, daughter of Jeremiah and Mary Ann (Vail) Marston. The mother, who was a native of Ohio, died in 1855. Mr. Thomas was school examiner of Butler County from July, 1863, to September, 1868, and probate judge from February 9, 1876, to the 9th of February, 1882.

Judge Thomas's father moved with his father from New Jersey in 1806 to Ohio, settling on the Scioto River about seven miles east of Chillicothe, where he died in 1879, at the age of seventy-eight years, having reared to manhood eight sons, and to womanhood one daughter. The grandfather, Webster Thomas, was in the War of 1812. Judge Thomas's eldest brother, Webster, was in the Mexican War for about thirteen months as sergeant, and was also in the War of the Rebellion. He served from 1862 till the close of the war as captain of

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a company from this county. He was at the capture of Vicksburg, and at numerous other%smaller engagements. Another brother, William A., was also in the war for one year as a member of the band connected with Colonel Campbell's, the Sixty-ninth. Judge Thomas is a trustee of the Lane Free Library.

Baltis B. Rusk was born in 1811, in the State of Maryland, in Baltimore County. His parents were David Louis Rusk and E14abeth Rusk, and they came to Hamilton County in 182i, and to Butler County in 1837. Baltis B. Rusk was married, in 1837, to Elizabeth W. Gibson, born in this county in 1819, and the daughter of Robert and Anna Gibson._ They raised six boys and five girls. Three of his sons were in the Union army, serving three years. One went through to Savannah, with Sherman, and was in twenty-two battles ; one was down on the coast, and one in the Carolinas. His grandfather Rusk was quartermaster to the French division, in Baltimore, in the Revolution. Two great-uncles were in the Revolution, both being wounded at the battle of Brandywine.

Jonathan Rowland settled in this county in 1831. He served as a member of Company H, Sixty-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and also in the three months' service. He was married, on the 18th of June, 1865, to Mary Vencan, and has one child, Dora A., born September 17, 1870.

Charles A. Lee Reed, M. D., was born at Wolf Lake, Noble County, Indiana, July 9, 1856. He is the son of Dr. R. C. Stockton Reed and Nancy Clark Reed. His literary education, aside from that obtained in the public schools, was acquired under private instructors. He received his medical education in the Cincinnati College of Medicine and Surgery, where his father was professor of materia medica and therapeutics, graduating February, 1874. His taste for this profession was pronounced in early life, in consequence of which he was put at his medical studies when a mere lad. He first located in Cincinnati, in 1875, but in 1878 removed to Fidelity, Illinois, where he remained in practice till the time of his marriage. He then returned to Butler County, settling in Hamilton. He was professor of pathology in the Cincinnati College of Medicine and Surgery, from 1877 to October, 1878, having been elected to that position by the trustees. He resigned when he went to Illinois. He was elected professor of obstetrics and diseases of women in the same institution in June, 1882, and is now discharging the duties of the place. He was elected a member of the Ohio State Medical Society, in 1874, and is a member of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. He is the editor of the Clinical Brief, formerly the Sanitary News, and has displayed, in its management, industry, learning, and tact. He was married, at Otterville, Illinois, May 30, 1880, to Miss Irena A. Dougharty, daughter of John G. Dougharty. The family is Scotch, coming originally from the town of Haddington.

Celadon Symmes, an old and highly respected citizen of Fairfield Township, was born January 25, 1807, on Section 34, in that township. His father, Celadon Symmes, was one of the earliest settlers in the county. He was a nephew of John Cleves Symmes, the patentee of the Miami lands. The present Celadon Symmes was married October 16, 1828, to Catherine Blackburn. They have had eight children, seven boys and one girl, of whom four survive. They are John Milton, Daniel T., Joseph C., and. Aaron B. Mr. Symmes is still in hearty old age, vigorous in mind and body. He has filled many township offices, and for a number of years was infirmary director. When General Harrison went up through this region to the battle of Tippecanoe he borrowed of Celadon Symmes, Sen., a sword and pair of pistols used by Judge John C. Symmes in the war of the Revolution, and which are still in the possession of the family. Mr. Symmes has all his life lived in this township.

Daniel Sortman was born in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, November 17, 1809, and is the oldest son of Benjamin So'rtman and Mary Stonebreaker. He came hither with his parents on the 1st of October, 1811, settling in Hanover Township, where his father was a pioneer. He reared a family of eleven children. Daniel received a limited education in the common schools, and was brought up on a farm until he was twenty-five. When he was nineteen he learned the trade of a blacksmith, and after working as a journeyman one year opened a shop on his father's farm about 1830, remaining there some three years. From there he went to Millville, Ross Township, where he stayed thirteen years. The death of his father occurring, he returned home, when he carried on the farm for three years. He purchased a farm, and conducted it for six years, and then was in Reily Township for eight years. He came to Hamilton to live in 1856, and engaged in mercantile business. Since then he has been in trade in company with his son William, doing an extensive business, as dealers in groceries and provisions. Mr. Sortman was married November 29, 1832, to Elizabeth, daughter of Judge John McCloskey, a former well known resident of Butler County. They are the parents of two sons, William, a merchant of Hamilton, and John, who is conducting a flouring mill in this city. He never desired office, and is a self-made man, influential, prosperous, and respected. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and was a War Democrat.

James Rossman was born in Brownsville, Pennsylvania, November 3, 1802, and is the son of James and Martha Rossman. He came with his parents to Ohio in the Fall of 1806, by way of the Ohio River and Cincinnati. The family settled in Franklin, Warren County, Ohio. James Rossman was educated in the common schools until 1815, then removing to Rossville, now West Hamilton. He entered the employment of Alexander Delorac, then a leading merchant, and was with him

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until his failure, five years after. Returning to Franklin, he commenced learning the saddlery trade with his brother. After completing his time, he worked as a journeyman for two years, and entered the employment of Mr. Lowry as a clerk, at Lebanon. He then entered into business as one of the firm of Skinner & Rossman, in the saddlery business at Lebanon, for two or three years. He returned to Hamilton in 1828, being in partnership as Taylor & Rossman, in the saddlery line. They did an extensive trade, particularly with Indian agents. They sold out in 1839. He then began a general store on the west side. Afterwards his brother was admitted under the firm name of J. & J. Rossman, which was continued till 1876. Since that time he has not been actively in business. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Rossman married, on the 31st of December, 1828, Miss Clarissa Crawford, born in Virginia in 1809, on the 16th of December. They are the parents of eight children, of whom but two survive. Three died young. Edward H. was a student at the time of his sudden death, in his' nineteenth year, about 1844. Alexander C. Rossman was in the civil war. Mrs. Rossman died in December, 1880.

Herman Reutti, maltster, and for twenty-five years a resident of Hamilton, was born in Freiburg, province of Baden, Germany, February 5, 1834. He was the son of Carl and Charlotte (Wesser) Reutti. His father died when the son had reached the, age of fifteen years. The boy then went to learn the brewing and malt business in his native province, serving an apprenticeship of two years. Desiring greater advantages than could be had at home in this business, he went to Bavaria, and thence to France, where he spent some time. In 1854, with his widowed mother and the remainder of the family, he set sail for America, landing in New York City. He left his mother at this point, and went on to Cincinnati, where he soon became employed in Schaller & Schiff's brewery. After an absence of ten months, he returned to New York, where he worked for a short time, but becoming dissatisfied with the wages there paid he removed to Scranton, Pennsylvania, where he was at work for two years.

In 1851 he left Pennsylvania, and calling at New York for his mother, he came direct to Hamilton, where his first employer was John W. Sohn, who at that time was in the brewing business. He was in Mr. Sohn's employment about four years, and for the greater part of this, time he filled the position of foreman. In 1856 he, in partnership with Ernst and Moritz Jacoby, bought out Mr. Sohn in the brewing business, and under the firm name of Jacoby & Co. conducted the business two years. Then another change took place, Peter Schwab buying out the Jacobys, and the firm changing to Schwab & Co. Mr. Reutti remained a partner in this concern until 1875, when he sold his interest to Mrs. Schwab, the wife of his partner. Subsequent to this, for the space of four years he conducted a restaurant and billiard saloon. Then desiring a change of climate and to once more visit the scenes of his early boyhood, he went to Germany, and spent that Summer in his native land. Returning to Hamilton in the Fall, he made arrangements to lease the extensive malt house of John Schelley, and in partnership with his son-in-law, Martin Mason, the firm of Reutti & Mason, general maltsters, was formed, and has continued up to the present time. Mr. Reutti was married March 4, 1864, to Mrs. Henrietta Regner, by whom he had two children.

Jacob Reister was born in Wirtemberg, Germany, December 25, 1830, being the oldest son of Jacob and Sarah (Krafer) Reister. He received instruction in the common schools in Germany, and was brought up to farming. He came to America in September, 1853, staying at Cincinnati. He learned the trade of wagon- maker with his uncle, John Krafer, in that city, afterwards working as a journeyman, coming to Butler County in 1857, and here beginning wagon-making and blacksmithing. At this he worked for eight years, being successful, and coming to Hamilton in 1864. Here he built a residence at the corner of Fourth and Walnut. He was in the employment of Giffen & Brothers in their lumber yard as foreman for four years. In the Spring of 1873 he began the coal and wood business in Hamilton in a small way, removing to his present location on Canal Street in the Fall of 1877. He is now doing an extensive business, employing from six to twelve hands. Mr. Reister married in 1856 Mary Lagua, and had by her two children, George and Louisa. Mrs. Reister died in 1863. The present Mrs. Reister, to whom he was married in 1864, was Miss Katie Isley. Mr. and Mrs. Reister are the parents of five children : Jacob, Amelia, Dora, John A., and Emma. Mr. Reister and his wife are members of the Zion Lutheran Church.

Mrs. Cordelia S. Quire was born in Harrison County, Indiana, on the 3d of March, 1830. Her maiden name was Fripps, and she was the eighth child of John and Sarah Fripps, out of a family of ten children. Their names were William, Susan, Mary S., Jonathan H., Margaret. S., John H., Nancy Jane, Cordelia S., Joseph P., and Wilkison B. She was married in 1849 to Charles N. Quire, who was a farmer, and followed that as his vocation until his death on the 7th of August, 1853. They had two children, Charles H., born February 22, 1851, and Joseph S., born August 22, 1853. The Fripps family were from Virginia, where John was born, September 16, 1782, and Mrs. Fripps, September 5, 1792. They came to this county in 1837. Her grandfather, Beverly Spencer, was a private in the Revolutionary War, and served completely through that struggle under General Washington.

Philip Rothenbush was born in Hamilton, Butler County, July 1, 1842, being the son of Christian and Dorothy (Michael) Rothenbush. Christian Rothenbush

396 - HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

was a native of Germany, where he was born in 1806, and came to Hamilton in 1828. He was a baker by trade, and carried on that business on the west side of the river until retiring about 1850. He was a successful business man, and built and conducted for many years what is now known as the Butler House. He reared a thmily of km sons and two daughters, most of them being residentl of Butler County. He was a council- man of Rossvilin one term, and a member of the Masonic

order.

Philip Rothenbush went to the common schools in this place and to the academy then kept by Mr. Furman. He was in the employment of his brother as dispensing druggist for some six years, until April, 1861, when he enlisted in the company of Captain W. C. Rossman, Third Ohio Volunteers. He served out his three months' term of enlistment, and again entered the service in Company I, Thirty-fifth Volunteers, as orderly sergeant. February 1, 1862, he was promoted to first lieutenant, and on March 30, 1864, to captain. His was the first company to take possession of the Kentucky Central Railroad, and its subsequent exploits are mentioned in our history of the Rebellion. Lieutenant Rothenbush was severely wounded at Chickamauga, but staunched his wound and continued in action. No hospital existed, every thing having been captured, and during a lull in battle he was shot again by a sharpshooter, while he was gathering cartridges for his men, as a scarcity existed. He received a third wound before leaving the field. He was then led off by his men. In the evening he went to Chattanooga, and remained under the care of a surgeon there for some time. After a while he obtained leave of absence for six weeks. He returned to the front January 1, 1864, and went to Ringgold, and from that time on took an active part in the advance of the army. At Peach-tree Creek he had a narrow escape. He served out his term of enlistment, and was mustered out at Chattanooga, September 29, 1864.

He was with his father, in 1865, in the grocery business, in the First Ward, being there two years. He was married, January 16, 1866, to Miss 011ie M., daughter of Robert Ratliff, a former well known resident of Oxford. They are the parents of three children, two sons and one daughter. They are James E., Jennie M., and Clifford E. In 1866, he was assistant United States assessor, and was also United States storekeeper in 1867, 1868, and 1869. He was of the firm of Borger & Rothenbush, in. the fruit business, for two years. In 1871 the firm of Rothenbush & Ratliff was formed, which is still in existence, and does a large and successful business in fruits, vegetables, nuts, and confectionery. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic.

William Ritchie was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, May 26, 1839, being the only son of George Ritchie, formerly of that place. He was educated in the public schools, and when twelve or fourteen began an apprenticeship to the machinery trade, in Hamilton, where he had come in 1856. He was in the employment of Owens, Lane, Dyer & Co., continuing with them in later years, as superintendent of their works, until they discontinued business, in 1879. He then organized the Ritchie & Dyer Company, manufacturers of saw-mills and road- engines, now employing some forty hands. It is an extensive concern.

Mr. Ritchie was married, in 1870, to Miss Pattie Nifong, who was born in the State of Missouri. They are the parents of one son, Oscar N., who was born in 1874. Mr. Ritchie was elected chief of the fire department, as an independent candidate, in 1879, for two years. Besides his business life, Mr. Ritchie has a long and honorable record in the last war. He enlisted, in 1861, in the Fiftieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and afterward was transferred to the Sixty-ninth. After the battle of Murfreesboro, he was transferred to the engineer corps, where he was placed in charge of the machinery, in connection with the Army of the Cumberland. He made the celebrated march to the sea with Sherman. He more than served out his time, and was mustered out at Savannah, Georgia, in January, 1865. Returning to civil life, he resumed his former position with Owens, Lane & Dyer. He is a self-made man, prosperous and influential. He is an active member of the Grand Army of the Republic.

Dr. Silas J. Nicolay was born in Somerset, Somerset County, Pennsylvania, February 8, 1847, being the son of Frederick and Margaret (Jennings) Nicolay, the latter being a daughter of Colonel Benjamin Jennings, an officer in the Continental army under Washington, crossing the Delaware with him and assisting in the capture of a thousand Hessians on the night of December 24, 1776. Mr. Frederick Nicolay is still living in Pennsylvania. Dr. Nicolay was a pupil at the common schools until he was fourteen, when he commenced an apprenticeship of three years at the trade of silversmith. He had acquired the trade in 1864, when he enlisted in the One Hundred and Seventh Pennsylvania Veteran Volunteers, participating in the capture of the Weldon Railroad, and in numerous skirmishes and raids. He was at the battle of Hotel's Run, February, 1865, when the regiment suffered a loss of one-third of its men, and in the battles preceding Lee's surrender, also being present at that event. He served until the close of the war, and .was discharged at Washington, June 3, 1865.

He came to Ohio in 1865 as a student in the National Normal School at Lebanon, where he remained one year, graduating from that school in 1868. He engaged in teaching in Butler and Hamilton Counties till 1871. In 1870 he entered the office of Dr. William Jones, at Montgomery, Hamilton County, remaining there till 1871, when he commenced a three years' course at the Ohio Medical College. He graduated from that institution March 1, 1874, then beginning the practice of his

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profession at Mercer, Illinois, in connection with an older brother, Dr. William J. Nicolay. He continued there till September, 1880, when he came to Hamilton, purchasing the business formerly carried on by Linker & Son, and dealing extensively in drugs, medicines, paints, oils, books, stationery, and fancy articles.

Dr. Nicolay was married in 1875 to Miss Margaret Parrish, daughter of Jared Parrish, a former well-known resident of Westchester, Butler County. They are the parents of one daughter, Helen, born August 6, 1881. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, the Odd Fellows, and the Grand Army of the Republic. His wife is a member of the Methodist Church.

William Arthur Nichols was born in Hamilton County, Indiana, in 1839, being the son of George and Margaret Nichols. He was married in Dayton, Ohio, in 1870, to Mildred Wiley, daughter of Thomas and Mildred Wiley, who was born in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, in 1851. They have five children. Maggie was born in 1871 ; Harry, in 1873 ; Nellie, in 1875 ; Blanche, in 1877 ; and Paul, in 1880. Mr. Nichols enlisted in the Eighty-sixth Indiana Volunteers, in 1862, and served nearly three years. Two brothers enlisted in 1864, and were out till the close of the war. Mr. Nichols came to Hamilton in 1874, and is the principal of the Ohio Commercial College.

Joseph W. Myers was born in Hamilton, August 26, 1843, being the son of Peter and Mary J. (Ward) Myers. Peter Myers was a native of Pennsylvania, being born in 1815. He came to Ohio about 1837 and engaged in building. He brought up to maturity five sons, four of whom were members of the Union army during the Rebellion. But two of these sons survive—Joseph W. and Edward, also of Hamilton. Peter Myers is still living, acting as an assistant foreman in the building department at the Soldiers' Home, at Dayton. Joseph W. Myers was educated in the common schools of Hamilton. When sixteen he learned the trade of carpenter, and was working at that business in the Spring of 1861. He enlisted in Company D, Thirty-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and participated with it in nearly all its engagements. At the battle of Perryville he was a sergeant. During the battles of Chickamauga and Mission Ridge he was engaged on detached duty, recruiting for the regiment. At Buzzard's Roost he had command of the company, and took part in the siege of Atlanta. He was mustered out with the regiment September 10, 1864.

Returning home he again went to work as a carpentef. He was engaged in the broom manufacturing business in Indianapolis in 1867 and 1868, and carried on the confectionery business in Hamilton for some years. He was elected city street commissioner in 1875, and filled that position for two years, then being a builder and contractor till 1879, when he was appointed captain of the police force, acting as such for two years. In August, 1881, he entered the employment of Bentel, Margedant & Co., and is still with them. Mr. Myers married in 1870 Miss Mary Stafford. He was captain of the fire department from 1869 to 1879, and is now captain of the Veteran Guards, an organization connected with the Grand Army of the Republic. He is also a member of the Royal Arcanum, and Mrs. Myers of the Methodist Episcopal Church. His administration as street commissioner was marked by its economy, saving the city some eleven thousand dollars during his term.

Robert C. McKinney was born in Troy, New York, January 20, 1852, being a younger son of Robert and Mary McKinney. With his parents he came to Cincinnati in 1861, where he attended the public schools, and was at the Woodward High School. In 1872 he entered Cornell University, where he took a course in mechanical engineering, and completing his education there. In 1873 he entered the employment of the Cope & Maxwell Manufacturing Co., and in 1876 was assistant postmaster. In 1877 he became connected with the Niles Tool Works, and was elected secretary of the company January 1, 1879, a position he still occupies. Mr. McKinney was married in the Fall of 1879 to Miss Nellie, daughter of William Beckett. Mr. and Mrs. McKinney are members of the United Presbyterian Church.

Joseph J. McMaken, city clerk, was born in Union Township, January 10, 1848. He is the youngest child of Mark C. and Martha (McCracken) McMaken. His family are among the oldest settlers in the county, having been here eighty-seven years, and his father is the oldest living native of the county. He was educated in the public schools in Hamilton, being occupied in farming for some time. He entered the United States Navy in the Fall of 1862, being in the lower Mississippi squadron, on the steamer Benton, at Vicksburg and Grand River. Ill health compelled his removal to the hospital at Memphis, where he remained three months, then being discharged for disability. In December, 1864, he returned home, and entered the Miami University in 1866. He was there four years, and graduated in 1870. He read law in the office of James E. Campbell, and was admitted to the bar in 1873. The state of his health, however, did not permit him to practice. He became connected with the Cincinnati Enquirer about 1875 as a local writer. He now controls the branch office in Hamilton. He was appointed United States commissioner in 1876, and still occupies the position, and he is also city clerk, being elected to that place in 1881. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity. He was married in 1871 to Miss Sarah Belle McElwee.

Mrs. Charlotte McGuire was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, March 9, 1814, and was the oldest daughter of Robert and Elizabeth Cameron. She received her education in subscription schools, and lived with her mother until her marriage, August 7, 1835, to James McGuire, a native of Pennsylvania, who was born in 1803. He came to Ohio in 1834, and was connected with a paper mill, in

398 - HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

various capacities, till 1848, when he formed a partnership with Kline and Erwin, under the firm name of McGuire, Kline & Erwin, the present Skinner & Tweed- ale mill. He was connected with that mill, under different firm names, as long as he was living, and was one of its originators. He always declined office. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church at the time of his death, and had been an active member of the Masonic order. He was of a retired, quiet disposition, and was a Democrat in politics, but supported the war earnestly. He was a successful and esteemed gentleman. He died August 6, 1874. Mrs. McGuire is very pleasantly located, and is an intelligent lady.

Robert Barbour Millikin, clerk of the courts of Butler County, was born in this city March 21, 1844. He is the son of Thomas Millikin, and grandson of Dr. Robert B. Millikin, and his mother was Mary Van Hook, daughter of William B. Van Hook. He attended school in Hamilton, and afterwards was two years at the Park Latin School, Boston, Massachusetts. On leaving there, he entered Miami University, where he was two years, then enlisting in the Ninety-third Regiment, on July 16, 1862. He was promoted to be second lieutenant May 6, 1864, and first lieutenant May 31, 1864. He resigned on account of disability November 22, 1864. He began business as a manufacturer of implements and machinery at Hamilton in 1865, in the firm of Millikin & Co., now Millikin & Cisle. He was clerk of the city of Hamilton for six years from 1875, and is now the clerk of the courts of Butler County. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, Ancient Order of United Workmen, and the Knights of Honor. He was married at Piqua, Ohio, August 16, 1865, to Carrie E. Brandon, daughter of Abel and Martha Brandon, pioneer settlers of Miami County, Ohio.

David Mering was born in Morgan Township, June 10, 1836. He is the son of John and Mary E. (Bottenburg) Mering. John Mering was born in Maryland in 1799, and came to Ohio in 1819, settling the next year on the place in Morgan Township now owned by Evan Evans. He was married in Morgan in 1820, and raised a family of eight children, of whom five are living. Two died in infancy. John George enlisted in an Illinois infantry regiment, and was killed in battle at. Jackson, Tennessee, in 1864. Two of his daughters are residents of Butler County. John Mering was an active militia man, an ardent Whig, and a prominent member of the Congregational Church. At the time of his death he was a member of the Lutheran Church. He was a miller by trade, and conducted the Smith Mills, which he owned for many years. He died October 29, 1849.

David Mering was educated in the common schools, was at Farmers' College for the years 1852 and 1853, and afterward was two years at Franklin College, Indiana. He taught school some two years in Warren and Montgomery Counties, and also in Indiana. He was brought up to farming and milling. He was married, in 1858, to Miss Mary E. Crockett, daughter of Marmaduke Crockett, a relative of the colonel. After a residence of one year in Minnesota, he located in Warren County, at Springboro, where he is engaged in mercantile business, also having been postmaster for the past ten years. He was a licensed preacher of the Gospel in Indiana, but is now a member of the Methodist Church, in which he has been made a local preacher. In 1862 Mr. Mering enlisted as a recruit in Company H, Fifth Ohio Cavalry, and participated in its engagements. He served till the close of the war, and was honorably discharged June 29, 1865. He is a member of the Masonic order.

John McKee, late postmaster of Hamilton, was born in Kentucky, February 20, 1829. His parents were William and Louise McKee. The father is still living, but the mother, whose maiden name was Stip, died February 21, 1881. They came to this county in 1844. Mr. McKee's grandfather, John McKee, was in the Revolutionary War. The late John McKee was married to Sarah J. Beckett, daughter of Robert Beckett and Mary Crawford, September 24, 1861. Robert Beckett died March 11, 1863, aged sixty-nine years, and Mrs. Beckett died in August, 1873, aged seventy-eight. He came to this county in 1805, and she in 1812. Mr. and Mrs. McKee had three children. Mary L. was born October 18, 1865 ; Ellen, September 2, 1868; and David B., February 11, 1871, dying the same day.

When the war broke out Mr. McKee went out as captain of Company K, Thirty-seventh Indiana. At the battle of Stone River, December 31, 1862, he was wounded, afterward being unable to do any more active service. He therefore resigned, having served his country for two years and two months. He was brought up as a farmer, but for six years before entering the army was a school-teacher. He graduated at Williams College, in 1855, the year before President Garfield. He was appointed postmaster September 8, 1873, and held the position for eight years. His successor was appointed on the 30th of January, 1882, and within three or four weeks Mr. McKee died. His health had been deplorable for a long time. He was an elder in the United Presbyterian Church, and was a man of great probity of character.

Lot D. Northrup was born in Sussex County, New Jersey, August 6, 1837, being the son of Joseph and Alice (Van Sands) Northrup. He remained on the farm at home until he was of age. In the Fall of 1858 he began as a clerk in a shoe store at Middletown, Connecticut. He returned home, and afterwards traveled some years on pleasure and business combined. In 1868 or 1869 he came to Ohio, entering the employment of A. Benninghofen & Co., as traveling salesman, and continued with this house some four years. In the Spring of 1874 he began business in fuel, lime, and cement, in a small way. The business is now much larger, and

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embraces dealings in coal, lime, cement, and lath. He employs a number of men and a good many teams. He was married in 1874 to Elizabeth Protze, and they have three daughters. Frances Elizabeth was born July 16, 1876; Georgiana, July 20, 1879; and Josephine Alice, February 8, 1882. Mrs. Northrup is a member of the Lutheran Church. He is a charter member of the Royal Arcanum. Mr. Northrup was elected a member of the board of education in 1878, and served two years from the Second Ward. He resides on Greenwood Avenue, in a ho4e which he recently built.

Lucien C. Overpeck, photographer, was born in St. Clair Township, May 15, 1853. "He is the son of Daniel and Rachel (Warwick) Overpeck, both natives of Butler County. His father was a farmer. The son attended common school, and at the age of fifteen began to learn photography at home, in a shed at the rear of the house, making his own skylight out of a window frame. He always had a mechanical turn of mind, and a desire to learn photography. In 1870 he entered a drug store at Trenton, where he remained three years. During his spare moments he practiced photography, and read much relating to the subject. He made a special study of chemistry with the one idea in view of practicing his chosen art. In the'Summer of 1873 he rented the old Brant gallery, which had been vacant for some time, where he has continued ever since, his stock and capital being forty dollars. He has made a great success. His pictures are distinguished for clearness and distinctness of outline, harmony, and softness of detail, uniting them with an excellent knowledge of light and shade. He is a member of the Photographers' Association'of America. After getting his business in good shape, he visited New York, Philadelphia, and other large cities of the East, with a view of ascertaining the true state of photography there, and learning any new things that might have lately originated. In January, 1882, he united with the Odd Fellows. He was one of the charter members of the Hamilton Harmonic Society, and was one of the thirty-five who went from Hamilton to open the great Music Hall in Cincinnati. He is very fond of music, and has attained a great proficiency in it. The family, consisting of four brothers and one sister, each play an instrument. He is now leader of the Hamilton Glee Club.

Oakey V. Parrish was born in Westchester, in this county, October 16, 1844. His parents were Jared Parrish, who was born in Kentucky, and Phebe Van Hise, born in New Jersey. He attended the common schools in Westchester, and entered Miami University in 1861, remaining there until 1864, when he entered Delaware University, staying till 1865. In 1866 he went into business in Dayton, and from there, in 1867, removed to Cincinnati, and. engaged in the sewing-machine business. In 1869 he came to Hamilton, and has resided here ever since. He is engaged in the sewing-machine and ice business. On the 2d of May, 1864, he enlisted in Company A, One Hundred and Sixty-seventh Ohio, at Oxford, and was honorably discharged September 8, 1864. He is a member of the Methodist Church. He was married October 7, 1868, to Augusta S. Curtis.

John Pascal Paoli Peck, M. D., was born at Richmond, Ontario County, New York, August 15, 1820. His parents were David H. and Hannah S. Peck, natives of New London, Connecticut. The great-grandfather on the mother's side was Gabriel Sistare, a native of Barcelona, Spain, and the maternal great-grandmother was an American lady of Scotch and Irish parentage. The ancestors on the father's side were English with a mixture of French blood, the first, William Peck, emigrating to this country in 1635, and being one of the founders of Norwich, in that colony.

John P. P. Peck was educated in the common school's and at Mayville Academy, Mayville, New York. He began the study of medicine in Mayville, in 1838, and attended the Geneva Medical College, at Geneva, New York, securing his diploma in 1841, in March. He is full of self-denial and perseverance, and was obliged to earn the money to get his education. He was clerk in a drug-store in the Summers, to help pay his board and tuition, and he taught school in the Winters. He had a taste for commercial business from his boyhood, and was diverted from that course by his desire to get an education. He began practice in Warren County, Pennsylvania, in 1841, and removed to Sharon, Ohio, in 1843, where he followed his profession for ten years longer, having succeeded so well as to be able to begin dealing in real estate and money loaning. His success continued, and in 1856 he removed to the city of Hamilton, and opened a private bank, which he successfully carried on till 1862, when he organized, in connection with its present- cashier, J. B. Corn-ell, and S. D. Fitton, assistant cashier, and other prominent and wealthy gentlemen, the First National Bank of Hamilton, and was elected one of the directors and its first cashier. While in the business of banking he purchased the West Hamilton Flouring Mills, and carried on the manufacture of flour. He also had some transactions in real estate, and in 1861 he purchased and controlled the Hamilton Telegraph, a weekly newspaper, for a brief period, turning it to the support of the war for the Union.

In 1864 he quitted the business of banking and went into the country, spending two years in farming, stock- raising, and manufacturing timber. This not being successful, he set about organizing and putting into operation the Union Central Life Insurance Company of Cincinnati, which was organized in February, 1867. Dr. Peck was elected a director and vice-president. This position he held for nine years, and as general agent secured to the company a very large amount of insurance and nearly five hundred thousand dollars' worth of cash premiums, putting his company on a safe footing as a

400 - HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

solid and successful institution. He was also for many years a director and treasurer of the Butler Fire Insurance Company of Hamilton. In 1876 he abandoned the insurance business, purchasing largely of real estate in Butler County and elsewhere, and began transactions again in real estate in Butler County, and in lending money, which is still successfully carried on. He has made two additions to the town of Hamilton. South Hamilton, with itt two additions, numbering about fifteen hundred lots, was laid out by him. More than fifty houses have been put up, and twenty more are in process of building the present season. In 1871 he began the planting and cultivation of the black locust fir timber purposes, having two farms near Cincinnati exclusively occupied with them, comprising about a hundred and fifty thousand trees. They are thrifty and will, it is anticipated, be worth $100,000 within five years.

Dr. Peck enlisted in 1864 in the hundred days' volunteers, and served for that time by proxy, and now holds a certificate of honorable discharge. He became a Mason in 1858, at Hamilton, taking the degrees of chapter and council. He visited Europe in 1871, traveling in England, France, Belgium, Germany, Italy, and Switzerland, and went there again in 1876, and again in 1881. He united with the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1845, and has acted as a steward in its society ever since. He was married in 1843 to Miss Dorothea Reick, in 1855 to Mrs. Eliza Alston Marshall, and in 1858 to his present wife, Frances Fitton, having three sons by the first marriage and three sons by the last. His life has been one of activity, and enterprise.

Lucius B. Potter was born in Licking County, Ohio, August 17, 1843, being the oldest son of Dr. S. H. and Augusta S. Potter. He was educated in the public schools of Hamilton, and had just graduated at the high school in June, 1861, when he enlisted in Company C, Thirty-fifth Ohio, in August. He participated in all its battles and engagements, and in October, 1862, was appointed sergeant-major of the regiment. At the battle of Chickamauga lie had a horse shot under him. He served out his time, and was mustered out with the regiment at Chattanooga in September, 1864. Returning to civil life, he took a course at a commercial college in Cincinnati, and then entered the employment of J. W. Davis as book-keeper till Mr. Davis retired from business. He was then with Giffen Brothers, and afterwards with the Woodsdale Paper Company. He began as bookkeeper for Louis Snider & Sons in 1880. He was married in 1868 to Miss Mary Bachman, and is the father of one daughter, Lizzie A., born in 1869. He is a member of the Royal Arcanum and the Grand Army of the Republic.

Charles Richter was born in Trenton, July 4, 1835, being a younger son of Frederick and Catherine (Long) Richter, and was educated in the common schools. When he was eighteen he commenced to learn the trade of blacksmithing, serving a three years' apprenticeship. After acquiring the art he worked in various places till 1862, when he enlisted in the Fifth Ohio Cavalry, Company I. He was with that regiment during all its campaigns, participating in the affairs at Shiloh and Corinth, and numerous raids and skirmishes. He made the march to the sea under Sherman. The term ofi'i the regiment having expired, it was blustered out at Sisters' Ferry, Georgia, February, 1865. He returned to Hamilton, and worked as a journeyman till about 1872, when he began horse-shoeing for himself, conducting the place known as the City Horse-shoeing Shop, on Third Street.

Mr. Richter was married, in March, 1866, to Martha A. Dillon. They are the parents of one son and two daughters. Frank P. was born June 4, 1867 ; Bessie, May 15, 1872 ; and Jessie Ermina, March 11, 1875. Mrs. Richter is a member of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Richter is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, Knights of honor, Knights of the Golden Rule, and of the Ancient Order of United Workmen.

John Sortman was born in this county, June 18, 1836, and is the younger son of Daniel and Elizal eth (McCloskey) Sortman. He was educated in the common schools and was employed at farming until he became of age. He served an apprenticeship bf seven years at the carpenter's trade, beginning in 1856. He worked as a journeyman for some years. In connection with his father and brother he engaged in the grocery trade in the First Ward for some years. In 1876, in connection with William Murphy, under the firm name of Murphy & Sortman, he built the Globe Mills. The firm existed until May, 1881, when Mr. Sortman took the entire charge of the business, which is now extensive.

Mr. Sortman has been twice married, first in 1860 to Miss Rebecca Gibson. To that union were born two children, Mary E. and Daniel. Mrs. Sortman died in 1865. His present wife, to whom he was married in 1868, was Miss Lucinda Hauk. They have one son, John Richard. Mr. Sortman is a member of the Odd Fellows and of the Knights of Honor, and Mrs. Sortman is a member of the Knights and Ladies of Honor.

Dr. J. J. Strecker was born in Wirtemberg, Germany, October 19, 1830, attending school there. When he was sixteen years of age he came to America, the family locating in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, where they remained one year, then going to Marietta, Ohio, where the doctor continued to read medicine. In 1861 he began to practice his profession at Marietta, and continued there until 1878. He then entered the Columbus Medical College, taking a full course in 1878 and 1879, and another in 1879 and 1880. He was graduated from that institution in 1880, and came to Hamilton in March of that year and soon succeeded in getting a good practice. Dr. Strecker was married in 1853 to Miss Salome Kieffer, and is the father of nine children, six of whom, four sons and two daughters, are living. He is a member

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of the Royal Arcanum, the Butler County Medical Society, and also of the District Union Medical Society.

W. C. Shepherd was born in Monroe, Lemon Township, July 3, 1855, being the son of George B. and Sarah H. Shepherd. He was educated in Middletown, and with his parents came to Hamilton in 1864, soon after removing to Liberty. He was brought up to farming, but went to the common schools until his seventeenth year, then entering the National Normal School at Lebanon in the Fall of 1874, where he continued till the Fall of 1875. He then taught for two Winters to acquire means to prepare himself for the study of law. In August, 1877, he entered the office of McKemy & Andrews, and remained with them until admitted to the bar in the Spring of 1879. In the Spring of 1882 he was admitted to practice in the United States Courts. He is a member of the Odd Fellows, and also of the Knights of Pythias. Of the former he is an advanced member, having passed through to the grand lodge, representing his society in that body for two terms. Mr. Shepherd is a rising and promising young member of the Butler County bar, and has gained his present position without any start in life.

Henry Schlosser was born in Darmstadt, Germany, July 16, 1832, being the oldest son of George and Maria (Schmidt) Schlosser. He was brought up to farming until he was fifteen, coming to America in 1849. In 1851 he began an apprenticeship of three years at the trade oflmiller. He came to Hamilton in 1854, in the employment of Tapscott & Russell, in the People's Mills, staying with them one year. He then rented a mill at Collinsville, continuing there four years. He returned to Hamilton, and entered the employment of Jacob Shaffer, in the Hamilton Hydraulic Mills. He was with Tanquary & Anderson as foreman, in their Hamilton mills, remaining till '1863, when he purchased one-third interest in the Hamilton Hydraulic Mills, being there for two years. He sold out to Coone & Parmelee. He owned and conducted a mill at Connersville from 1865 to 1870, during which time he also did business in Cincinnati as a commission merchant, selling at Connersville. He then began in 1869 the malt business, which he still conducts in Hamilton, doing an excellent business in a capacious building, erected especially for the purpose by himself. He employs from eight to ten hands constantly. Mr. Schlosser was married in 1855 to Miss Henrietta Bauersocks, and is the father of one daughter and two sons. They are Carrie E., William 0., and Carl George. He and his wife are members of the Zion Lutheran Church. Mr. Schlosser used his means and influence to support the government during the Rebellion. He is president of the Edmonds Manufacturing Co., organized in 1882 for the purpose of manufacturing grain separators, mill machinery, etc.

James Reed Sites was born at Millville, Butler County, August 5, 1842. His parents were Jacob and Lydia Sites, who now live in Franklin County, Indiana. Both his grandfathers, John Sites and Robert Reed, were in the War of 1812. John Sites came with his family from Virginia in the year 1839, and settled in Milton vine. He died in the Winter of 1867. Robert Reed came from Pennsylvania at a very early day and settled near Monroe. Mr. James R. Sites graduated at Brookville College, Brookville, Indiana, on the 26th of June, 1867, coming to this city and beginning the practice of law in 1870.

He was married December 31, 1867, to Almira Fowler, who was born in Springfield, Indiana, in May, 1848. Her parents were Jeremiah Fowler and Elizabeth Floyd. Mr. and Mrs. Sites have had six children, Edmund M., Martha Alice, William Elmer, Jacob J., George, and John Wesley. Jacob J. and George are dead. On his father's side Mr. \Sites's ancestry were Germans, his great grandfather being the first of the family that came to America. On his mother's side they are Welsh.

Joseph Stimpson was born in Massachusetts, February 2, 1802, being the son of Joseph and Sally (Brown) Stimpson, both natives of the old Bay State, and removing to this county in 1812, first settling in Ross Township. His mother's father served in the Revolution, fighting at Bunker Hill Mr. Stimpson was brought up on Indian Creek, and has a clear recollection of seeing Captain Ramsey march out to the war with England, and being brought back dead, being killed by Indians. He also saw Col. Richard M. Johnson when he left with his detachment.

Mr. Stimpson was married in Montgomery County, April 28, 1828, to Elizabeth Parkes, daughter of Robert and Isabel Parkes. She was born November 29, 1811. Her father was out in the war of 1812, and was several times in the hands of the Indians. Mr. and Mrs. Stimpson have had four children. Robert P. was born February 6, 1829, Isabel Louise, January 8, 1831, John H., September 20, 1833, and Joseph F., July 13, 1835.

Asa Shuler, a leading manufacturer of this city, is a native of Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, where he was born on the 15th of August, 1823. His father, Samuel Shuler, came to this county in 1835, but is now dead. His mother, whose name before marriage was Susan White, is still living in Pennsylvania, aged ninety years. Mr. Schuler as he grew up learned the carpenter's trade, and followed that as his vocation a few years. He is now, and has been for many years, in conjunction with his late partner, Mr. Benninghofen, engaged in the manufacture of all kinds of woolen goods, particularly paper maker's felts and yarns. This is under the firm name of Shuler & Benninghofen. Their trade extends to every part of the United States and the Canadas. Their factory is situated at the corner of Heaton and Laurel Streets. At the time of the discovery of gold in California, Mr. Shuler went out to the Pacific coast, return-

402 - HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

ing in 1852, after a sojourn of three years. With this exception, he has been here continuously since 1845.

He was married December 26, 1852, at Seven-Mile, to Miss Mary Ann Sorver, daughter. of Jonathan and Lydia Sorver. The father is still living. Mr. and Mrs. Shuler have had seven children. Angeline was born February 10, 1854; Julia V., August 2, 1856, dying September 18, 1857; Charles A., June 23, 1858; William B., August 5, 1860; Albert, August 7, 1862, dying February 5, 1870; Ella, November 2, 1866; May, September 9, 1873. Mr. Shuler has been a member of the school board for four years, from 1877 till 1880, and part of 1881. His brother Silas was a member of the One Hundred and Seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry, dying from disease contracted in the army.

Caspar Schorr was born in Obersteinbach, Bavaria, March 19, 1807, and came to this county at the same time with his parents, Frederick Schorr and Appolonia Kachelries, in 1837. Ten years afterwards, in March, 1847, he was married to Margaret Christina Gugel, a native of Hrefen, Bavaria, where she was born, December 23, 1815. She was the daughter of Frederick Gugel. Mr. and Mrs. Schorr have had five children-John, Charles, William, Frederick, and Annie Mary. Mr. Schorr had but two dollars in his pocket when he came to Hamilton, but by dint of industry and frugality has now a comfortable maintenance for his old age.

Christian Adam Schuler, son of Asa and Mary (Sorber) Shuler, was born in this county in 1858. His parents came to this county in 1852 from Pennsylvania. Mr. Sorber is engaged in the nursery business, and has now sixty-three acres laid out for that purpose.

Joseph Straub was born in the kingdom of Wirtemberg, Germany, in 1828, and came here with his father in 1836. His parents were Thaddeus and Brisca Straub, both now dead. His occupation is that of a dealer in coal and wood. He was married in Hamilton, in the year 1858, to Rebecca Ann Riley, daughter of Henry and Mary Riley, who came here in 1820. Mrs. Straub's grandfather, James Riley, was in the Revolutionary War, and his oldest son, Joshua Riley, was at Hull's surrender in 1812. James Riley lost a thumb during one of the engagements in our war of independence. Two of her brothers were in the war of 1861, both having died since its conclusion. Mr. and Mrs. Straub have eight children. Mary B. was born June 19, 1859; Sarah S., October 12, 1861; Adeline, February 4, 1862 ; Felix Joseph, January 4, 1865 ; George Riley, February 8, 1867 ; Thaddeus, January 16, 1870; Anna Jane, February 24, 1872; and Cleophas, December 2, 1874. Anna Jane is dead.

John Schelley, a very prominent maltster, was born on the river Rhine, in the province of Rhenish Hesse, Germany, 12th March, 1812. His parents were Philip and Barbara Schelly, whose maiden name was Arnold. At the age of four he was left an orphan, and went to live with his uncle, John Arnold, until he had reached the age of fourteen, when he commenced the struggles of life for himself. Believing that America afforded better advantages for those who were willing to work, he determined to try his fortune there, and when he had reached the age of twenty-two he landed in Baltimore. He was not at first successful in obtaining employment, although he was ready to put his hand to almost any thing. He visited Pittsburg, Louisville, New Orleans, and, in 1835, when he had been in this country only a few months, he arrived in Hamilton. Having a fair knowledge of the wagon business, he found employment at his trade, and was so engaged for several years.

In 1848, in partnership with Mr. Deinze r he erected the Washington Brewery, a building now occupied and known as the Deuscher Malt House. This he sold out or exchanged for a grocery to M. D. Dingfelder soon thereafter, and one year later disposed of his grocery and built a part of his present large and commodious malt house. He has from year to year gradually increased his facilities and enlarged his premises until he has one of the largest malt houses in the county. In November, 1879, he leased his property to Reutti & Mason. Mr. Schelley has a fine water-power at Elkhart, Indiana, which he rents to good advantage.

He is a member of the Lutheran Church, and in politics is a Republican. He spends much of his time on his farm of one hundred and eighty acres, closely adjoining the city limits. He was married to Miss Elizabeth Schneider, daughter of Jacob Schneider, t now deceased, in September of the year 1840. She is also a native of the province of Bavaria, Germany. Ten children have been born to them, two only surviving now, a son and daughter, Frederick and Mary.

John C. Skinner, paper manufacturer, was born November 9, 1816, near Lebanon, Warren County. His father, Daniel Skinner, was a native of Pennsylvania, afterwards coming to Ohio, and settling on Mill Creek about 1815. He soon after removed to Warren County, where he carried on the weaving business. The boy assisted in winding the bobbins, and otherwise helping the father. His mother's maiden name was Abigail Whittaker. She was a native of New Jersey, and her father was a sergeant in the war of 1812. John C. Skinner was the oldest child in a family of five, and was brought up to steady and persistent labor. He paid his way through school by sweeping the school-hole, and afterwards earned sufficient money to take him to Hanover College, where he remained three years. On holidays and after recitation hours, he worked in the printing-office, setting type on a newspaper known as the Presbyterian Standard, of which Joseph G. Monfort, now the Rev. Joseph G. Monfort, of Cincinnati, was the foreman. He also was employed at book binding.

While at school he made a specialty of mathematics and engineering, and on leaving he became an assistant engineer on the Whitewater Canal, where he was em-

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ployed about two years. Then he laid out several turnpikes and helped in locating the Cincinnati and Eaton Railroad, which engaged his attention for three years. During this time he was also the city engineer of Hamilton. In the year 1842 he was the engineer of the Hamilton, and Rossville Hydraulic Works, which were completed' the following year.

In 1848 he engaged in the grocery and hardware business, and the year following, was appointed deputy sheriff. He held this position two years, and during this time was also a member of the city council.. He continued in the mercantile business until 1858, when he sold out. In 1861 he purchased the Hamilton paper mill, and has since been engaged in that business. He manufactures all grades of wrapping papers, and has earned a high reputation for the excellence of his products. When he began manufacturing, the paper business in the West was in its infancy; now there is only one part of the United States that produces more paper than the Miami region of Ohio. During the war he was strenuous in upholding the honor of our flag.

He was married on the 3d of May, 1842, to Miss Jane H. Gregg, daughter of Captain Israel Gregg. Mr. Skinner has had ten children, five of whom survive: Alfred N.; George C., a practicing physician of Hamilton; Frank E., who is in business with his father; Walter M., who is attending school; and Sarah M., now the wife of Daniel Kennedy, commission merchant, and also running a line of canal boats to Cincinnati. In 1855 he became a member of the Presbyterian Church of Hamilton, where he has been an elder for about ten years. He has held all the degrees in the order of Odd Fellows, and has been a delegate to the Grand Lodge.

John Barton Scott, M. D., son of Wilson and Anna (Woodward) Scott. was born in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, January 10, 1849. His great-grandfather, Thomas C. Scott, was a patriot of the War of the Revolution. His brother, Crawford Harrison Scott, creditably served as a soldier in the Union cause during the ROellion of 1861-1865, being a member of Company I, Eighty-Fifth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. He was severely wounded in the left lung at the battle of Deep Bottom, August 14, 1864, for which he now receives a justly deserved pension from the government.

Dr. Scott in his boyhood attended the district schools of his native county, and at the age of eleven years entered the Fayette County, Pennsylvania, Normal School, where, at the end of three years, he graduated. After teaching school for two years, he commenced the study of medicine under Dr. Hazlette, and continued with him two years. After attending a course of lectures at Philadelphia, he became dissatisfied with the "old school," and began the study of the Physio-Medical system with Dr. George W. Newcomer, at Connelsville, Fayette County, Pennsylvania, where he remained three years, attending during the same time two courses of lectures at the Physio-Medical Institute, Cincinnati, Ohio. After one year's practice of his profession with Dr. Newcomer, he removed to New Salem, in the same county, where he remained until 1874, when he selected Hamilton as his future home. Here he has an extensive practice, devoting himself specially to chronic diseases.

Dr. Scott was married, at Cincinnati, Ohio, April 9, 1878, to Miss Addle M. Brady, daughter of Christian and Lydia (Sortman) Brady, who located in Butler County in 1815, where they still reside.

John H. Stephans is a native of Hanover, Germany, where he was born in 1832. His parents ere John Henry Stephans and Margaret Stephans, who came to this country in 1837, and are both now dead. Mr. Stephans came to this county in 1850, and in March, 1856, he was married to Hannah Louisa Wolanweber, daughter of Daniel Wolanweber. His children are Emma C., Mary, William H., Amelia, Louis, Sophia Henrietta, Leonard Edward, John Herman, Charles, Ernest Ludwig, and Augusta. Mr. Stephans is a councilman of the city of Hamilton, and was elected in April, 1880, for two years. His brother Herman served in the war of the Rebellion in the Union army for four years, twice enlisting from the State of Kentucky. He was in the First Kentucky Cavalry, Colonel Woolford. He carries on a business, comprising stock and building, to the amount of thirty thousand dollars. It is under the firm name of Deinzer Stephans. They manufacture hubs, spokes, felloes, and shafts, and bent work of every description. Mr. Stephans has been hard at work ever since he was a boy, and at twelve years of age he started to help his father build his mill.

John G. Sallee was born in Madison Township, Butler County, March 8, 1808. His parents were Daniel Sallee and Sarah Gray, the former of whom came from New Jersey in 1800, and died about thirty-five years ago. Daniel Sallee was in the War of 1812, and was under General Hull. He afterwards rose, to be a colonel of militia. He was married April 14, 1831, in Madison Township, to Ann Chase, also born in 1808. She was the daughter of John Chase and Rose Nancy Fox. They had ten children. Daniel Sallee was born August 21, 1832; Catherine, August 2, 1834; Caroline, April 12, 1838; Adeline, September 18, 1840; Susannah, October 3, 1842 ; J. K. Polk, December 28, 1844; Johnson F., April 10, 1848; Nancy J., September 14, 1849; Robert D., February 10, 1851; Ernest M., December 28, 1854. His son Daniel was a member of Colonel McCook's regiment in the late war under General McClellan.

Mr. Sallee helped to construct the canal from Middletown to Dayton. After its completion he built a boat called the General Lafayette, and ran it for ten years. He also helped to construct the Ohio Canal. In boyhood he worked on the farm, but after his maturity he turned his attention to boating, jobbing, and contracting,

404 - HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

and followed these pursuits until a few years since. His death occurred a year ago.

Frank Holmes Shaffer is the son of William Shaffer and Susan A. Shaffer, who came to this county and settled in Fairfield Township in 1836. He was born in Cincinnati, March 31, 1857. After obtaining sufficient elementary instruction he entered Yale College, at New Haven, Connecticut, and was graduated at the end of his four years' course. He then 'attended the regular course at the Ann Arbor law school, where he also was graduated. After this be returned to Hamilton and began the practice of law, in conjunction with Mr. Slayback, in which he has obtained gratifying success. He is now city solicitor, being the only Republican holding office in the city of Hamilton, and was elected on the independent ticket.

Michael Schellenbach was born in Lorraine, France, August 1, 1837. He is the son of Michael and Anna (Spad) Schellenbach, and was educated in schools in France, coming with his parents to America in 1853, and directing his course to Hamilton. In 1858 he began an apprenticeship to Long, Black & Alstetter, which lasted three years, and then worked as a journeyman for some eight or ten years. In 1872 the firm of Schellenbach & Brain-layer was formed in the grocery trade, at his present location. Business was begun in a modest way, but soon increased. The firm existed until the death of Mr. Brillmayer, in 1877, when Mr. Schellenbach purchased from the heirs his partner's interest, and has since carried on the business alone. He deals in family groceries, fresh and salt meats, crockery, glass, and queensware, wines, liquors, and tobacco. He was married in 1864 to Miss Elizabeth Allstetter, and they are the parents of six children, of whom are living Annie, Edward, Ferdinand, Robert, and Louis Alexander. They are members of St. Stephen's Roman Catholic Church. He has served as township trustee for one term, and has been a member of the fire department for eighteen years.

Edward Scheurer was born in Cincinnati, July 15, 1844, and is the son of John A. and Magdalena (Snider) Scheurer. The father was a native of Germany; coming to America in 1836, and settling in Cincinnati. He came to Hamilton in 1852, afterward carrying on a mercantile business. He raised a family of four children to maturity, all being now alive. In business he was successful. He died in 1857, and his wife in 1870. Edward Scheurer was educated in the public schools in Cincinnati and Hamilton, graduating from the high school in this place in 1857. He was employed in various stores in Hamilton until 1861, and in May of that year enlisted in the Ninth Ohio Regiment, participating with it in the battle at Carnifex Ferry, and in all the conflicts and trials of that organization, including Chickamauga. He was placed on detached duty with the topographical engineers of the Army of the Cumberland, under command of Captain W. C. Margedant, and remained there until his term of service had expired. He was mustered out at Camp Dennison, in May, 1864. He then resumed his former occupation as salesman with T. V. Howell and others. In 1871 Mr. Scheurer began in mercantile business for himself, and continued in it for some five years. In 1879 he entered the employment of Henry Frechtling & Sons, with whom he still remains. Mr. Scheurer was married, in 1872, to Miss Justine Eisle, mod is the father of four children, two of whom are living—William E. and Leonora Mary. He is a member of St. John's Church and of the Grand Army of the Republic.

John Seward was born in Hamilton, May 16, 1847, being the.son of George and Mary A. Seward. He was educated in the public schools of Hamilton, and completed his education in a commercial college in this place. When twenty years old he became assistant bookkeeper for ̊wefts, Lane & Dyer, continuing in that occupation for ten years. He then became a member of the firm of Seward & Slonneger, in general insurance and real estate. They are doing an increasing and prosperous business. Mr. Slonneger was married in October, 1871, to Miss Etta W., daughter of William N. and Esther W. Hunter. Their children are Martin A. and Marietta. Mr. Seward is a Methodist, and is steward of his Church. Mrs. Seward is a Presbyterian.

Jacob Stahl was born in Bavaria, Germany, March 30, 1826, and is the oldest son of Henry and Margaret Stahl. He came with his parents to America in 1833, settling in Hamilton, where the boy attended the common schools. In company with Charles Hepp he made a trip to Grey- town, Nicaragua, in Central America, being in the employment of Commodore Vanderbilt. He was interested in the Rossville Brewery, in the firm of Beck, Stahl & Kenninger, in 1855. He continued his connection with that brewery till about 1870, doing a successful business. In 1875 he organized the firm of Stahl & Stephans, admitting John Boose in 1880, and now carrying on business under the firm name of Stahl & Boose. Mr. Stahl was married in 1855, to Miss Philopena Schalk, daughter of John Schalk. They are the parents of two daughters, Kate and Annie, the latter being the wife of Christian Benninghofen. They are members of the St. John's Lutheran Church. Mr. Stahl is a member of the Odd Fellows and of the Knights of Honor.

John L. Smith was born in this county, January 1, 1842. His parents are John L. Smith, born in Germany, March 9, 1811, and Lena Smith, also born in Germany, November 17, 1818. They came to this county in 1823. John L. Smith, the younger, is married to Wilhelmina Sipp, daughter of William Sipp and Katharine Rarr. They have six children. Wilhelmina Louise was born April 7, 1866; John William, May 26, 1868; Jacob C., March 24, 1870; John George, September 4, 1871; Annie K. Lizzie, September 3, 1874; and Voldine, December 25, 1878.

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George C. Smith was born in Indianapolis, October 4, 1852. He is the younger son of Job.n and Mary E. Smith. He was a pupil in the public schools in that city, and after reaching the proper age was engaged in clerking for some three years. In 1869 he entered the employment of the Junction Railroad, in which he continued some three years. In January, 1A73, he came to Hamilton as cashier in the freight office. In April, 1881, he was promoted to be freight agent of the Cincinnati, Hamilton and Dayton Railroad, at Hamilton. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and an active and esteemed citizen. Since the construction of the Cincinnati, Hamilton and Dayton Railroad he is the fifth to occupy the position of freight agent.

Joseph C. Symmes was born in Fairfield Township, February 23, 1840, being the son of Celadon Symmes and Catherine (Blackburn) Symmes. He was educated in the common schools in Fairfield, and brought up to farming. In 1863, he was married to Martha Smith, daughter of Nathaniel Smith, of Hamilton County. They are the parents of one daughter and one son. They are Hattie S., born May 12, 1870, and Eugene P., born May 2, 1879. After his marriage Mr. Symmes continued to reside on the home place, conducting it till 1880, when he came to Hamilton, where he has since resided. He engaged in the grain and commission business at the Two-Mile bridge, doing an extensive business, shipping to Cincinnati ten thousand bushels in July last. He is a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen.

James Stead was born in West Yorkshiw, England, June 22, 1827, being the oldest child of Ephraim and Rachel Stead. He had limited educational opportunities in his youth, and when seventeen began an apprenticeship of seven years at the trade of dyer, with his uncle. Upon completing his trade, he assumed the management of his uncle's business. He held this position until he came to America, in 1852, locating in Philadelphia as a journeyman, and also acting as foreman, until coming to Hamilton, in 1866. He entered the employment of Shuler & Benninghofen, and remained with them until June, 1882, as foreman in the dye-works. He then retired from business.

Mr. Stead was married, in April, 1853, to Miss Lydia Hoyle. They were the parents of six children, three of whom are living-Mary A., Sidney, and James Henry. Sidney occupies the position vacated by his father, and James Henry is a machinist by trade. Mr. Stead attends the Presbyterian Church. In 1879 he made a trip to England and the Continent, visiting his old home. He was absent three months.

Christian K. Slonneger was born in Milford Township, Butler County, December 23, 1838. Ile is the oldest son of Jacob and Elizabeth King. Jacob Slonneger was born in the canton of Berne, in Switzerland, May 22, 1813, and emigrated to America in June, 1824, first living in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. He came out to Butler County in August, 1825, and was married to Miss Elizabeth King in 1837. They had eleven children, six boys and five girls, of whom two boys and one girl are dead. Mrs. Slonneger died in September, 1858. He was married to Lydia Shindler in 1862, and had five children by her, three boys and two girls, one of the latter being dead. Mr. Slonneger remained in Milford Township the greater part of his life. He visited Europe in 1860, and was gtne a year. He was a member of the Mennonite Church. His death occurred in June, 1879.

Christian K. Slonneger received rather a limited education in his youth, but self-study has improved him. He was brought up to farming till of age, when he became a clerk in a grocery store, and began for himself in 1867. He continued that for some time, but about 1874 he began the insurance business in Hamilton, which he continued till entering into partnership with Mr. Seward, in 1878. Mr. Slonneger was married in 1875, to Miss Emma Mitchell, daughter of Theodore Mitchell, formerly of Preble County. They are the parents of two daughters, Dora Bertha and Helen. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church and of the Odd Fellows.

Meyer Strauss was born April 18, 1836, at Unter Riedenberg, the county seat of Briickenau, in the Kingdom of Bavaria. He is the son of Philip and Jetta Strauss, who are now both dead. He received a common school education, and emigrated to America in the year 1851. He was in the clothing business in Yellow Springs, Greene County, Ohio, in 1860 and 1861, and moved to Ripley, Brown County, in 1862. He stayed till 1864, then going to Cincinnati. There he carried on business on the south-west corner of Fifth and Main, and also No. 20 West Fifth Street. He was there when the government condemned it, needing the space for public buildings, and moved to Hamilton in 1874. He is a member of the Masonic order, B'nai B'rith, Knights of Honor, and Knights and Ladies of Honor. He is an Israelite. He was married on the 3d of October, 1861, in the city of Philadelphia, to Elisa Klapfer.

Mrs. A. M. Scudder was born in Trenton, New Jersey, May 27, 1833, and was the daughter of Elias and Ann S. Drake. They came to Ohio in 1836, settling at Springdale, Hamilton County. She received a public school education, and later in life, by self-study and reading, has improved herself much. Her parents came to Liberty Township in 1850, where her father spent the best of his days on a farm, which is still in his family. He had two daughters and three sons, all living at present. He died in 1867. She remained at home until her marriage in 1862 to Daniel C. Scudder, a native of Liberty Township. TIe was the son of Stephen Scudder, one of the pioneers of Butler County, and was born April 2, 1833. He was a farmer by occupation, but in later years was a shipper and buyer of live stock. They are the ents of one daughter and one son, Lutie

406 - HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

Opal, born October 16, 1867, and Kenneth Lester, born April 10, 1870. Mr. Scudder was a successful business man. His death occurred December 26, 1872, in Minnesota, whither he had gone for the benefit of his health. In June, 1873, Mrs. Scudder removed to Hamilton, locating on Seventh Street, where she still resides.

Valentine Seifert was born in Bavaria, Germany, May 4, 1823, being the younger son of Michael and Elizabeth Seifert, coming with his parents to America in 1828. He located in Cincinnati, where he attended school for a brief space of time. His opportunities, however, were limited. When he was sixteen he began an apprenticeship of seven years at the baker's trade, in all its various branches. He then worked as a journeyman in the New England Bakery, on Fifth Street, Cincinnati, acting as foreman for three years, and being in Oxford for one year.

He came to Hamilton about 1852, beginning the baking business. After eight years he went to Lee, Fayette County, Indiana, becoming a partner in a paper- mill for three years. Owing to some misadventures, he was obliged to work for others, and was employed in Connersville, 'Indiana, some three years, his family residing in Hamilton. He entered the employment of Carr & Brown about 1879, and remained with them until 1881, when he purchased the business, and has since conducted it. He employs six hands, and has doubled the business since taking charge.

Mr. Seifert was married July 7, 1844, to Mary De- villa, and they have been the parents of fourteen children, nine daughters and five sons. The family are members of the Roman Catholic Church.

Albert H. Thompson was born in Princeton, Gibson County, Indiana, November 11, 1856, and is the adopted son of C. B. and Mary A. Thompson. C. B. Thompson was born in Warren County, Ohio, and settled in Hamilton at an early day, where he conducted a farm near Jones's Station. Soon after coming to Hamilton he began the livery business, carrying that on for the remainder of his life. In 1871 Albert H. Thompson took an interest in the concern, and on March 2, 1877, the entire business passed into his hands. When five years old Albert H. Thompson came to Hamilton, entering the family of C. B. Thompson, and was educated in the public and select schools. He was a pupil at Beck's Commercial College, where he completed his education, upon which he began his active duties in the livery stable. Since the death of C. B. Thompson he has conducted the business in a most successful manner, and is a prominent young business man. He is a member of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Mr. C. B. Thompson was an active Democrat in politics, and a millwright by trade. This occupation he followed before beginning the livery business, which he bought of Spear & Stout in 1859. His father was Benjamin Thompson.

Marcellus Thomas, late sheriff of Butler County, was born August 1, 1841, in Fairfield Township, Butler County, being the second son of Squire L. and Lorain (Eurat) Thomas, natives of the same place, though of New Jersey parentage. The paternal grandfather of Mr. Thomas came from that State to Ohio, settling in Fairfield Township as early as 1802, where he engaged in farming. Squire L. Thomas was employed all his life in farming and stock-raising. His death took place in 1863, at the age of fifty, while his widow survived him eight years, dying in 1871, at the age of fifty-eight. Marcellus Thomas from boyhood was engaged in the duties incident to farm work. He remained at home assisting his father until he reached his majority in 1863, the year of his father's death. He is now engaged in farming independently, though leasing lands in Fairfield for that purpose, carrying it on till 1871.

For several years prior to this, Mr. Thomas had taken an active part in political affairs, and had gained prominence and popularity as a politician and political worker. In that year he was appointed deputy sheriff, which he creditably filled for two successive terms, till 1876. In 1875 he was nominated by the Democrats for sheriff, and was elected, and again in 1877, serving with credit to himself and satisfaction to the county for four years. He retired from office in 1880, leaving a record of efficiency as an officer and integrity as a man, and was well liked by the people.

In 1878 Mr. Thomas bought a farm in Fairfield Township, though his residence has been in Hamilton since 1872. In the Fall of 1879 he, in company with four others, engaged in the ice business, under the name of the " Miami Ice Company." Mr. Thomas was made general manager of the enterprise, and conducted the business of the company. They constructed a pond of nine acres about three miles from Hamilton, near the canal, from which it is filled. Four buildings are also erected with a capacity of ten thousand tons. Their ice is wholesaled at Cincinnati, to which it is shipped exclusively by canal.

Upon the organization of the fifth ward in Hamilton, Mr. Thomas was elected a member of the school board. Although the ward was Republican, Mr. Thomas's popularity won him the election over his Republican opponent. He was for several years a member of the Democratic Central Committee of this county, and rendered valuable service in sustaining.the supremacy of his party. He has frequently been sent as a delegate to State Democratic conventions.

Mr. Thomas was married December 22, 1864, to Miss Ellen F. Sheley, daughter of Roderick R. and Sidney Sheley, of Fairfield Township. Mrs. Thomas was born and raised on the farm now owned by her husband. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas have two children living. The oldest, Marcellus B., was born August 8, 1871, and the youngest, William F., was born on the 14th of February, 1874.

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He has been a prominent Odd Fellow since April, 1872. He has also been a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen since 1875, a Knight of Honor since 1878, and a member of the Royal Arcanum since 1880.

Henry Tabler Was born in Hamilton,. Butler County, February 20, 1841. He is the son of Henry and Mary A. (von Benken) Tabler. Henry Tabler, Sen., was born in Hanover, Germany, in 1800, and came to America in 1836, making his residence in Hamilton. He raised a family of three children to maturity, of whom Henry and Catherine, the wife of Charles Beck, Jr., are survivors. The father died in 1872. He was an active member of the Catholic Church.

Henry Tabler, Jr., was educated in the parochial schools in Hamilton, and also later in life was in a commercial College at Cincinnati for one year. When he was fourteen he began an apprenticeship at carriage painting, at which he worked until 1870, in various cities. In 1870 he began in the dry goods and tailoring business at Cincinnati, continuing in it till 1874, when he entered into partnership with his brother-in-law, Charles Beck, Jr., till 1877, when the interest of the latter was pur ha Fed by his father. The firm is now Beck & Tabler. They are 'extensive dealers in boots and shoes, and also have a good run of custom work.

Mr. Tabler was married in 1866, to Miss Josephine Tieben. They have had eight children, of whom seven are living, three daughters and four sons. The?are Elizabeth, Charles H., Herman A., Eleanora, George T., Albert J., and Adeline J. They are members of the Catholic Church.

Mr. Tabler enlisted April 17, 1861, being one of those that responded to the first call of seventy-five thousand men, in the First Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He went to Washington, participated in numerous skirmishes, and also in the first battle of Bull Run. He served out his term of enlistment, and with his regiment was mustered out at Columbus, Ohio. Mr. Tabler is an esteemed, prosperous, and respected citizen. Mrs. Tabler is a daughter of H. A. Tieben, a well-known manufacturer of Covington, Kentucky, where she was born, in 1848.

William Tweedale was born in Scotland, April 27, 1832, being the only son of John Tweedale and Catherine St. Clair. He attended the schools in Scotland, but when twelve commenced an apprenticeship of four years at the trade of millwright. He emigrated with his parents to America in 1848, the family first locating in Norwich, Connecticut, and being there one year. He came to Hamilton in 1849, where John Tweedale entered the employment of Beckett, Martin & Rigdon. He was a paper-maker by trade, and reared a family of three children to maturity. Catherine is the wife of Adam Laurie, and Elizabeth was the wife of Thomas Borch, a resident in Cincinnati. John Tweedale died about 1872, but his wife, Mrs. Catherine Tweedale, is living, in her ninety-first year, being vigorous in mind and body.

William Tweedale entered the employment of John L. Martin, as millwright, in the construction of Beckett & Laurie's mill. This relation lasted until 1871, when he entered into partnership with Mr. Skinner, as J. C. Skinner & Co. Mr. Tweedale was married, in 1861, to Miss Mary, daughter of Adam Laurie. They are parents of three children, of whom but one son survives, Walter S., who is employed in the paper mill. They are members of the United Presbyterian Church, and are highly respected in the community.

John C. Weaver, county surveyor, was born in Butler County, December 9, 1838. He is the son of William and Elizabeth (Clark) Weaver, and was educated in the common schools, in Madison Township. Until he reached the age of twenty-two he followed farming, teaching school, and clerking. About 1860 he entered an engineer's office, in Cincinnati, for one year, and then, returning to his father's house, engaged in the profession of surveying. He was assistant to Mason S. Hamilton for three years, and in the Fall of 1873 was elected county surveyor, a position he has since filled with ability. He was elected city surveyor in the Spring of 1877. Mr. Weaver was married, January 21, 1875, to. Miss Belle Hart. They are the parents of two daughters, Bessie H. and Lou Ettie. Mr. Weaver is a member of the Methodist Church. He is a self-made man, popular and esteemed.

Israel Williams, lawyer, and for many years a prominent citizen of Hamilton, was born August 24, 1827, in Montgomery County, Ohio. He was the oldest in a family of nine children, whose parents were William and Mary (Marker) 'Williams. His father was a native of Bedford County, Pennsylvania, and was of Welsh extraction. William -Williams moved to Ohio in 1816, and settled with his parents in Montgomery County. Here about 1825 he married Mary Marker, daughter of George and Margaret Marker, who were natives of Middletown Valley, Frederick County, Maryland, and were of German parentage. Israel Williams was educated primarily in the common schools of Champaign County, where his parents removed in 1830, and then at the Ohio Conference High School, at Springfield. Afterwards he attended Granville College, now Dennison University, and finally was graduated from Farmers' College, at College Hill, Ohio, in 1853. He paid his way through school and college by teaching.

After graduating at college he became a student in the law office of Gunckel & Strong, at Dayton. He was graduated from the Cincinnati Law School in 1855. Upon the completion of his course of study he received an invitation from Miller & Brown, prominent lawyers of Hamilton, who had also an office in Washington City, to go to the latter place and aid them in the transaction of their business. He accepted this offer, went to Washington, and remained there during the Summer months, but spending the Winter at Des Moines, Iowa. In the

408 - HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

Spring of 1856 he became a partner in the firm of Miller & Brown, in Hamilton. He shortly afterwards purchased the interests of his two partners, and since that date he has practiced alone. In the beginning of his labors in Hamilton a large portion was the collection of debts, and afterwards he became largely interested in real estate matters. He has occupied the same office for twenty-five years.

Mr. Williams was a Democrat previous to the war, but with the firing on Fort Sumter his party adheision was changed, and he gave a hearty support to the government of Mr. Lincoln. To strengthen the Union cause he purchased, in conjunction with Mr. Egry, the Telegraph, the Democratic organ of this county, on the 24th of October, 1861, and shortly afterwards merged it into the Intelligencer, the Republican journal, which they had also bought. During their management the paper gave no uncertain sound. It upheld the Union and the prosecution of the war, and denounced traitors without mincing its words. On the 12th of March, 1863, Mr. Williams disposed of his interest in this enterprise to Captain John C. Lewis and retired. But at this time, and before and after, he was rendering the government great aid as the secretary of the Citizens' Military Committee of Butler County, an advisory body instituted very early in the war. Noah C. McFarland was chairman, and the other members were Judge Hume, Major Millikin, and Henry Beardsley. It was their duty to aid the State and national administrations with all their power, and they did so. They discovered that the opponents of the war were instituting a secret order hostile to further proceedings against the South, and transmitted the intelligence of the organizations to Governors Brough of Ohio, and Morton of Indiana. They watched the public pulse, recommended officers for promotion, helped to raise money, looked after those who had been left behind without`support, and acted as a focus around which citizens could gather. The services of the committee were entirely gratuitous.

Mr. Williams was married January 9, 1860, to Miss Maggie Wakefield, a native of Butler County, and a daughter of John and Mary Wakefield, who were early settlers of this county. They have four children : Mary, Stella, Nina, and John Wakefield. During his long residence in this city Mr. Williams has earned the respect and esteem of his fellow-citizens. An ardent Republican, he has never sought office.

Nelson Williams was born in Champaign County, Ohio, on the 23d of March, 1853, being the oldest child of George and Margaret Williams. He went to the common schools until he was sixteen years of age, when he entered Piqua High School, there remaining two years. He then taught school until he was twenty-one. He had previously been reading law, and at that age entered the office of Israel Williams, in Hamilton. He was admitted to the bar in April, 1876, and continued with Israel Williams, engaged in practice, until July, 1881. He was married in 1880 to Miss Susie, daughter of Dr. Henry Mallory, an old and well-established physician of the West Side. Mr. Williams is an active and rising member of the Butler County bar, and has already attained much success.

William Yeakle was born in Butler County, October 29, 1834,:and is the oldest son of Jacob and Margaret (Sortmanj Yeakle. The former was a native of Pennsylvania, and came to Ohio in the early years of the present century, and married a daughter of Bernhard Sortman, raising a family of six children to maturity. He died in 1844. Mrs. Margaret Yeakle, now the widow of Christopher Doner, is still living and in vigorous health. William Yeakle was educated in the common schools of Butler County. When sixteen he commenced an apprenticeship at the cabinet trade, which lasted for three years. He continued as a journeyman three years. He entered the employment of Stephen Hughes, in the manufacture of bran dusters in 1855, and continued with him till 1869, when the firm of Stephen Hughes & Co. was formed, consisting of Mr. Hughes and Mr. Yeakle. It is now known as the Stephen Hughes Manufacturing Company, and of this Mr. Yeakle is vice-president. It was incorporated in February, 1882. Their bran duster takes the lead of anything manufactured, having a large sale. They employ a number of hands.

Mr. Yeakle was married October 16, 1860, to Elizabeth, daughter of Jacob Galloway. They are the parents of eight children, six now living. They are Lurella, Sarah Elva, Maggie, William Stephen, Wilson G., and Robert R. Mr. Yeakle is a member of the Odd Fellows.

Charles H. Zwick was born in Williamsburg, New York, December 14, 1849, being the younger son of Christian and Mary Zwick. He came with his parents to Ohio in 1858, locating in Hamilton, where he attended the public schools. He received a limited education, having improved his opportunities by study and reading since. He entered a mercantile establishment at Portsmouth, Ohio, a few years after, where he remained for some seven years as salesman. In 1872 or 1873 he returned to Hamilton, and entered the employment of Fitton. Bros., where he remained for a year and a half. In September, 1873, Mr. Zwick commenced business in his present location, in a comparatively small way, in millinery and fancy dry goods. His trade has increased to a large extent, and he has added to his assortment dry goods and carpets. Mr. Zwick was married in 1872 to Miss R. B. Ruoff. They are the parents of one son, Carl, born February 27, 1880. They are members of the German Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Zwick is of the firm of Charles H. Zwick & Co., which is engaged in the manufacture of woolen hosiery and mittens, employing from eighty to one hundred hands. This was an industry established in 1880.