(RETURN TO THE TITLE PAGE) 200 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. In the year 1870 Mr. Aughinbaugh was united in marriage to Miss Jennie Clark, who was born in Virginia, the daughter of William Clark, who removed thence to Champaign county, Ohio, in 1848. Our subject and his wife have no children. JOHN H. RUNYON. When it is stated that for more than ninety years the name of the subject of this memoir has been prominently identified with the history of Champaign county, the natural inference will come that he was a representative of one of its earliest pioneer families. He passed his entire life here, bearing and honoring an untarnished name, and his history forms a link between the primitive past and the modern days of prosperity and opulent privileges and improvement. He saw the county in the days when it seemed almost on the borders of civilization, —its land wild and uncultivated, its forests standing in their primeval strength, its log-cabin homes widely scattered, and evidences, of development few. In the work of progress, through which such marvelous changes have been wrought, he bore his part, as had his father before him, and he gained rank as one of the substantial and successful farmers of his native county, honored for his sterling integrity of purpose and for all those attributes that make for strong and noble manhood. Thus it becomes signally fitting that here be entered and perpetuated a memoir of his worthy life. John H. Runyon was born on the farm, in Union township, where his widow now maintains her home, the date Of his nativity having been December 10, 1817. His father, Richard Runyon, was a native of New Jersey, whence he emigrated to Champaign county in 1801, CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 203 the year prior to the admission of Ohi0 to the Union. He located in the forest wilds of Union township, being one of the earliest settlers in that section, and here he reclaimed a portion of his land and became one of the founders and builders of the Buckeye commonwealth. He continued to reside on his pioneer farm until his death, at the age of about three score years and ten. He married Betsy Sargent, who came to this county from Virginia, and they became the parents of eight children, of whom the subject of this memoir was the third in order of birth, his mother having passed away at the age of seventy-three-years. John H. Runyon was early inured to the arduous work involved in the clearing and otherwise improving of the old homestead, where he was reared to years of maturity, his educational advantages being such as were afforded by the primitive subscripti0n schools which were precariously maintained by the early pi0neers. His first presidential vote was cast on his home farm, in support of William Henry Harrison, his father having been justice of the peace at the time and a man of prominence in the community, his official position leading to the holding of the elections at his home, where, it may well be imagined, the facilities were few and the formalities slight, but no corruption or ballot-stuffing could ever be charged against those honest and sterling pioneers, whose lives were simple and their manhood exalted. Our subject early took a prominent part in political affairs of a local nature,. having been identified with the Whig party, and though his early advantages were most meager he had an alert mentality, and by reading and other personal application became a man of broad and exact information. He assisted in the organization of the Republican party in this county and was a prominent factor in its affairs, having been for sixteen years treasurer of Union township and for eight years county commissioner, while for a long period he was a school director of his district, ever taking an active interest in all matters touching the gen- 204 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. eral welfare and advancement of the community. His religious faith was that of the Presbyterian church and was a dominating factor in his life. He was one of those principally concerned in the erection of the Buck Creek church of this denomination, and for about a score of years held the office of deacon in the same, being one of its most zealous and devoted adherents. From, the time of casting his first vote for Harrison, in 1840, until his death, he supported every presidential candidate of the Whig, and later the Republican party, his last ballot having been given in support of the lamented President McKinley, in 1900. He passed his entire life on the old homestead on which his father located in the early days, and here he made the best of improvements and at the time of his death left a valuable landed estate of two hundred and fifty-five acres. He passed away on the 4th of March, 1901, in the fulness, of years and crowned with the honors which reward a life of usefulness and sterling integrity, his death being felt as a personal bereavement by the people of the community where he had lived and labored to such goodly ends. On the 6th of November, 1849, Mr. Runyon was united in marriage to Miss Mary H. Todd, who survives him and who maintains her abode in the home so hallowed by the memories and associations of the past. She was born in Dauphin county, Pennsylvania, on the 4th of October, 1822, being the daughter of Samuel and Nancy (Allen) Todd, both of whom were natives of that same county, where their marriage was solemnized. In 1840 they came to Champaign county, Ohio, and :located near Buck Creek church, in Union township, and here the father died at the age of forty-six years, being survived by his widow for many years, and having been in her sixty-ninth year at the time of her death. They became the parents of eight children, of whom, two survive, Mrs. Runyon having been the third in order of birth. She was about seventeen years of age when the family came to Champaign CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 205 county, and here she has ever since maintained her home, having the sincere esteem and friendship of the people of the community and being, a devoted member of the church with which her husband was so long and prominently identified. She became the mother of two sons and one daughter, of whom R. Heber and Nancy A. are deceased. The surviving son, John N., has control of the homestead farm and has remained a bachelor. JOHN J. ANDERSON. Champaign county, Ohio, contributed to the federal armies many a brave and valiant soldier during that greatest of internecine and fratricidal conflicts, the war of the Rebellion, and among the honored veterans who remain to recall the incidents of the struggles on many a sanguinary battle-field, yet holding at bay that one invincible foe, death, which is fast disintegrating the noble ranks of the Grand Army of the Republic, stands the subject of this sketch, who was loyal to his country in her hour of peril and who has remained her loyal supporter in the "piping times of peace," in which he has likewise won decisive victories. He is numbered among the representative business men of Urbana and his high standing in the community entitles him to distinctive representation in this compilation. Mr. Anderson is a native son of the Old Dominion state, having been born in Augusta county, Virginia, on the 9th of March, 1835, the son of John and Fannie (Clark) Anderson. John Anderson, Sr., was born in the same county, on the 12th of December, 1788, being a son of lames and Isabella (King) Anderson, the former of whom was born in the beautiful Shenandoah valley of Virginia, in 1749, while his wife was a native of Pennsylvania, where she was born in 1758. James Anderson was a son of James, who was of Scotch-Irish lineage, having 206 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. been born in Ireland, whither his parents had emigrated from Scotland in 1665. He emigrated to America in his youth and here married a Miss McLanehan. About the year 1725 he went from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to the Shenandoah valley, Virginia, as the organizer of an exploring. party. He returned to his home and later removed with his family to this famous valley, being one of the first to make permanent settlement there. He was an active participant in many of the Indian conflicts in the early days and he continued to reside in that section of Virginia until his death. His son James, grandfather of our subject, served with distinction as a soldier in the war of the Revolution. His wife, Isabella, nee King, was a daughter of John and Isabella (Christian) King, who were of Scotch-Irish lineage. Fannie (Clark) Anderson mother of the subject of this review, was born in Clarke county, Virginia, on the 4th of -August, 1804, the daughter of Joseph and Mary (Smith) Clark, both of whom were born in Maryland, the latter being a daughter of James Smith. John Reynolds, great-grandfather of our subject in the maternal line, was captain of the first company organized in Washington county, Maryland, at the inception of the war of the Revolution, in which he served as captain in the Sixth Maryland Regiment of Volunteers, and he met his death, at the hands of the Indians, in March, 1799, on the Ohio river. His father, John Reynolds, came to America from Ireland and the latter's father was born in England, the religious faith of the family being that of the Presbyterian church and of the rigid Scotch type. The wife of the last mentioned ancestor was of Scotch ancestry, was born in Ireland and was a member of the church of England. They were married in the Emerald Isle, in 1681, and came to America in 1714, locating in Pennsylvania. John and Fannie (Clark) Anderson became the parents of the following named children : Mary H., deceased ; James W., to whom individual reference is made on other pages of this work ; George D.; CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 207 Jane C.; Isabella A., deceased ; John J., subject of this sketch ; Norval \V., deceased; and Sarah M. Norval \V. was a Union soldier in the war of the Rebellion and was killed in the battle of Stone river, in 1863. The pa rents passed their entire lives in Virginia. John J. Anderson was reared and educated in his native state, where he remained until he had attained his legal majority-, when, on 1856, he came to Champaign county, Ohio, where he has ever since made his home. Here he devoted his attention to carpenter work until the outbreak of the war of the Rebellion, when his intrinsic loyalty and patriotism were quickened to definite action. On the 17th of April, 1861, he enlisted as a private in Company K, Second Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and at the expirations of his three months' term, he re-enlisted, becoming a member of Company G, Third Ohio Volunteer Cavalry, in which he served as a private until the close of the war, his service thus covering practically the entire period of this great civil conflict. Mr. Anderson participated in many of the most notable battles of the war, among which may be mentioned the following: Bull Run, Bowling Green, siege of Corinth, Munfordville, Beardstown, Lexington, Chickamauga, McMinnville, Shelbyville, Decatur, Moulton, Kenesaw Mountain, Vining Station, Peach Tree Creek, Lovejoy Station, Franklin (Tennessee), Selma (Alabama), Columbus and Macon (Georgia), besides many other skirmishes and minor engagements. With his command he performed arduous and faithful service in supporting the Union cause, and his military record is that of a gallant son of the Republic, for he always evinced the highest soldierly qualities, was ever found at the post of duty and bore uncomplainingly the hardships and vicissitudes which attended the progress of the most notable civil war in the annals of history. At the battle of Murfreesboro Mr. Anderson received a gun-shot wound in his left shoulder, and from the effects of the same he was confined for a brief interval in the field hospital, returning to his command at the end of four weeks, and 208 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. this being the only occasion on which he was incapacitated for duty during his long and faithful service. He received his honorable discharge at. Edgefield, Tennessee, on the 4th of August, 1865, victory having then crowned the Union arms. He retains a lively interest in his old comrades and this fraternal spirit finds definite manifestation in his identification with the Grand Army of the Republic. He is a prominent and popular member of W. A. Brand Post, No. 98, department of Ohio, and has held all the offices in this post. After the close of the war Mr. Anderson returned to Urbana, where he followed contracting and building until 1872, in which year he was elected city marshal of Urbana, an office which he retained consecutively for a period of twelve years, proving a capable and popular official. After his retirement from this position Mr. Anderson engaged in business, his enterprise being the handling of coal, lime, brick and building material, and in this line his efforts have been attended with gratifying success, the business having shown a continuous growth and being one of the important enterprises of the city. In politics he has ever given a stanch allegiance to the Republican party, and fraternally, aside from his membership in the Grand Army of the Republic, he is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He and his wife have been for many years zealous members of the First Methodist Episcopal church. At Urbana, on the 18th of September, 1868, Mr. Anderson was united in marriage to Miss Harriet E. Kimber, who was born in Miami county, Ohio, the daughter of Emor and Phoebe Kimber. Our subject and his wife have no children. HAMILTON MAGREW. Within the pages of this work will be found specific mention of many worthy and representative citizens who have passed their entire lives in Champaign county and whose memories link the present-day- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 211 prosperity and advanced position with the pioneer days when the work of development was in progress or in its initial stages. One of the native sons of the county is Mr. Magrew, who is honored as a member of one of the sterling pioneer families of the county as well as for his own worthiness in all the relations of life. His finely improved farmstead is located in section I1, Mad River township, where he has practically passed his entire life and where he has been notably successful as an agriculturist and stock-grower. Mr. Magrew was born in the house where he now lives, the date of his nativity having been January 31, 1834. His father, Archibald Ma-grew, was born in Adams county, Pennsylvania, in 1792, and at the age of eighteen years he accompanied his parents on their removal to Champaign county, Ohio, locating in Mad River township, where the grandfather of our subject, Archibald Magrew, Sr., took up a section of land (section 1), the entire tract being still covered with the native forest trees. He made a clearing and erected a log cabin, and that continued to be his home until his death, at the patriarchal age of ninety-two years. As he came to this county in the year 1810, it will at once be seen that he was numbered among the early settlers in this section of the state. He was of Irish descent, and the name was originally spelled McGrew. The father of our subject assisted in the reclamation of the pioneer farm, and in Salem township, this county, was solemnized his marriage, after which he began his career as an independent farmer. on the place now owned by his son, the subject of this review. Here he passed the residue of his life, making the best of improvements on his farm and placing the same under effective cultivation, while he became recognized as one of the able and influential citizens of the county. In addition to his farming enterprise he was interested in the mercantile business in Urbana, where he also built what is known as the Magrew warehouse, and was for many years one of the leading grain. dealers 11 212 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. in the county, buying and shipping extensively, while he also owned other valuable real estate in Urbana, including the building now utilized by Charles Ganson as a livery. In politics he was a Democrat and he served for a number of years as justice of the peace, while fraternally he was identified with the Masonic order. The maiden name of our subject's mother was Mary Taylor, and she was born in Virginia, whence, as a child, she accompanied her parents on their removal to Champaign county. Her father, John Taylor, was likewise a native of the Old Dominion state, and he became one of the early settlers in Champaign county, where he erected what was known as the Taylor mill, in what was then called Taylortown, in Salem township, the village now being known as Kingston. He carried on a successful gristmilling business there for many years and was succeeded by his son. The family is of German extraction. The father of our subject died at the age of sixty-eight years, his wife long surviving him and. passing away at the age of eighty-three years. They became the parents of five sons and five daughters, and six of the number grew to years of maturity, while only two of the family are now living,—Caroline, who is the widow of Milton Fithian and who now maintains her home in. Chicago, Illinois; and Hamilton. who was the youngest of the children and is the immediate subject of this sketch. Mr. Magrew was reared on the farm where he now resides, and his early educational privileges were such as were afforded in the primitive log school house of the pioneer epoch, the same being equipped with slab seats, while the desks utilized were of slabs supported by pins driven into the log walls. Later he supplemented this training by a course of study in the academy at Urbana. After his school days he returned to the old homestead and continued to assist his father in carrying en the work pertaining thereto, and after his marriage, in 1858. he still continued his residence in the house where lie was born and which he CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 213 still occupies, the same having been the home of four generations of the family, including his children. Here he has ever since continued to devote his attention to general farming and stock-raising, having made a specialty of the latter department of his industrial enterprise and having attained a high degree of success through his energetic efforts and marked business discrimination. He has made excellent improvements on his farm, which comprises one hundred and ninety-one acres, and has placed the major portion of the farm under a high state of cultivation. The old homestead has been consecutively in the possession of the family from the time when the grandfather secured the land from the government in the early pioneer days, and in the three generations the representatives of the Magrew family have worthily contributed to the w0rk of development and progress and have stood for the most sterling integrity of character, retaining the unqualified esteem of the community in which they have lived and labored to so goodly ends. Mr. Magrew is a stockholder in the Citizens' Nati0nal Bank of Urbana, and is also a member of its directorate. He at one time owned property in Fargo, North Dakota, and has traveled quite extensively through the northwest. In politics he has been an uncompromising Democrat from the time of attaining his legal majority, and for fifteen years served as trustee of Mad River township. Fraternally he is one of the most prominent members of Magrew Lodge, No. 433, Knights of Pythias, which was named in honor of himself and his brother, the late Lemuel Magrew, said lodge having its headquarters in the village of Westville. On the 1st of November, 1858, Mr. Magrew was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Snyder, who was born in this township April 16, 1838, being the daughter of Daniel and Anna (Kizer) Snyder, who were early settlers in the county, Mrs. Magrew's grandparents, on the paternal side, having located in Champaign county as early as 1806. 214 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. She received her educational training in the schools of Urbana and Springfield, this state, and is a woman of refinement and gracious presence. Our subject and his wife became the parents of three children,. namely : Luella, the wife of William F. Ring, a prominent attorney of Urbana and who is individually mentioned on another page of this work; Cyrus H. died at the age of fifteen years; and Elizabeth H. remains. at the parental home. The father of Mrs. Magrew died in Mad River township July 9, 1870, at sixty-two years of age and the mother of Mrs. Magrew died in the same township March 22, 1881, having been born in 1810. The father was born in Virginia, as was also the mother.. Daniel Snyder, Sr., the grandfather, was born in Virginia in 1785, and died in Mad River township in 1849. The grandmother was Barbara (Pence) Snyder, born in Virginia in 1788, and died in 1866 in this township. Her maternal grandfather, Philip Kizer, was born in Virginia, came to Ohio in 1805, was a soldier in the war of 1812, in which. he was a captain, and died in 1817. His wife lived until 1837. MILO G. WILLIAMS, A. M. Whatever the future may have in store for that noble educational institution maintained under the auspices of the New Church, Urbana University, at no point can there fail to be on the part of those who enjoy its privileges a deep and reverent appreciation of the devoted labors of the one who stood at its head in the formative period. Though Professor Williams, with that personal modesty so typical of the man, never consented to actually accept the title of president of the university, he was virtually and essentially the incumbent of this office from the time of the organization of the institution, more than a half century ago, until his final withdrawal from active participation in the educational CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 215 work, a score of years later. He was a distinct power in his chosen field of endeavor, and it is not too much to say that he distinguished himself by the fidelity with which his multifarious duties were discharged after he was placed at the head of the infant institution. The formation of his plans was marked by wisdom and their execution by unwearied labor and care, and as a scholar, an educator and a man he commanded the highest respect and confidence. The history of his life is an integral portion of the history of Urbana University, and it is demanded that in a work that touches those who have lived and wrought so nobly within the borders of Champaign county a memoir and tribute be paid to Professor Williams, though the limitations of the work will not permit the entering into manifold details as to the inception and growth of the institution he so dearly loved and for which he so zealously labored. The family of which the subject of this memoir was a representative was one which has long been identified with the annals of American history, as will presently be shown. Milo G. Williams was a native son of Ohio. having been born in the city of Cincinnati on the l0th of April, 1804, the son of Jacob and Eunice (Grummond) Williams. His father was born in the year 1775, in New Jersey. He was a son of Joshua and Sarah (Higgins) Williams, the former of whom was born in the ancient and picturesque old city of Elizabeth, New Jersey, being the son of Miles Williams, who, with his brothers John and Samuel, emigrated from their native land, Wales, to America in the colonial epoch. Records still extant show that Joshua Williams was a patriot soldier in the war of the Revolution, having been a member of the "minute men," who held themselves in readiness to respond to an alarm in the quickest possible time, thus gaining the name. He lived in New Jersey until his death, having there accumulated a large landed estate and becoming one of the influential citizens of the locality. He had inherited a large estate from his father, and his house, large mill and other property were destroyed by 216 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. fire during the Revolution, but after the close of the struggle he recouped his fortunes, having for a time maintained his home in New York city. His son Jacob, at the age of fourteen years, was sent to New York, where he held a clerkship in a mercantile establishment for one year, after which he went to Poughkeepsie to learn the blacksmith's trade. At the age of twenty, however, he became imbued with the "western fever," and finally made his way down the Ohio river and disembarked at Fort Washington (now the city of Cincinnati) in 1795 or 1796. There he was united in marriage to Eunice Grummond, daughter of David Grummond, who, like himself, was as pioneer of Cincinnati. Ile engaged in the work of his trade there and eventually built up an extensive business, operating a large machine shop, and there he died in the year 1840, his marriage having been blessed with thirteen children. Milo G. Williams was reared and educated in his native city and when sixteen years of age gave inception to his long and useful pedagogic career by engaging in teaching in district sch0ols. He thus began educational work in 1820 and did not withdraw from the same until 1870,—a full half-century later. At the age 0f nineteen years Mr. Williams established a private school in Cincinnati, and this proved a success, while in 1833 he accepted the general supervision of a manual training school established in Dayton. At the expiration of two years he withdrew from this position to accept the principalship of the Springfield high school, and in 1840 became principal of a Swedenborgian school in Cincinnati. In 1844 he effected a reorganization of Dayton Academy, at Dayton, and continued at its head until called upon to accept the presidency of Urbana University, in 1850, the charter of the institution bearing date of March 7th of that year, while Professor Williams was numbered among the incorporators, the university being in abs0lute embryo save for its charter, its organization and a plat of ground in CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 217 Urbana, the same having been donated by John H. James, of this city. We can not do better at this point than to quote from a historical narrative appearing in the Annual of Urbana University, published under the auspices of the Delta Sigma Literary Society, in June, 1901, to commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of the founding of the college: In the minds of its projectors the most urgent need of the university at this stage of its affairs was a suitable person to take charge of its educational interests, and the opinion was unanimous that Mr. Milo G. Williams possessed in an eminent degree the necessary qualifications. He was accordingly invited to accept the position. Mr. Williams was at that time conducting an academy in Dayton, Ohio, and his reputation as a teacher was already well established throughout the state. The plan of establishing a New Church university at Urbana: being submitted to him, and also the proposition that he should come and assume charge of the same, Mr. Williams took the matter into prayerful consideration. The records made in his private journal at this time fully testify to the weight and responsibility which he attached to the undertaking, and the serious thought which he gave the question of his acceptance of the position offered. In answer to the question, early submitted to him, of the practicability of the undertaking and the suitability of the location at Urbana, he says : "I expressed my belief that the time had arrrived when the New Church should adopt more efficient measures for the diffusion of the doctrines of the New Jerusalem, and that there were no better means for accomplishing the end proposed than the proper education and training of the young in the doctrines and life of the church, thus making them fair exponents of the truths of the New Church. As to the locality, there were no valid objections to it, but there were many good reasons in its favor." Mr. Williams decided to accept the task of taking charge of the educational work of the university, in spite of the fact that the "re- 218 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. sponsibility would be greater and the compensation less than those of his present work." His decision was a fortunate one for the interests of the university. He possessed the qualities of infinite patience and perfect self-control, combined with an extensive knowledge of human nature; he had early learned the lesson that the art of governing others consists in the ability to govern one's self, at all times and under all circumstances. Moreover, he was a born teacher, a member of that noble race of pedagogues, now nearly extinct, for whom the modern methods of teacher-making no longer find a place. In early life Mr. Williams had studied law, and afterward, not being willing, as he expressed it, to make a living out of other people's quarrels, he pursued an extensive course in medicine. His training in the latter afterward proved of great value to him when called upon to give instruction in the various branches of natural science, in which he became a highly successful teacher. Moreover his predilections were strongly in favor of the new field of work and the possibilities it seemed to offer for carrying out some long cherished ideas. He had long considered the desirability of combining literary and scientific education. with an inculcation of the doctrnes of the New Church, believing that education is worse than useless unless it elevates and purifies the affections and leads to a pure life. It was deemed best that Mr. Williams should close his academy at Dayton at once and begin the educational work at Urbana, as a preliminary to the organiztion of classes in the college. Accordingly he removed to Urbana in the summer of 1850 and engaged suitable rooms in the town for his school, as but little progress had yet been made in the construction of the university buildings. On the opening clay, early in September, 1850, the room was overcrowded with applicants for admission. This school was continued until the fail of 1853, when it was removed to the college buildings, now completed, and the classes merged into those of the university. In the year 1858 the Rev. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 219 Chauncey Giles was elected president of the university, holding the office nominally until 1870. Mr. Giles continued his ministerial work in Cincinnati, and was never charged with any teaching of classes. Up to the date of Mr. Giles' appointment Professor Milo G. Williams had filled the office 0f dean of the faculty and president of the board of trustees, having declined to accept the title of president of the college, which had been tendered him, modestly contending that he did not consider himself endowed with the qualifications which should be possessed by a college president. Professor Williams remained more or less actively connected with the college as an instructor in various departments of natural science until the year 1870, during this period, in addition to his class-room duties, he made many valuable contributions to science, more especially in the departments of botany, conchology and meteorology. The plants growing in the vicinity were thoroughly studied and a large herbarium was formed of the specimens collected, and placed in the college museum. His collection of the fresh-water mollusca of the Ohio river and its tributaries contains representatives of nearly all of the known species. For fifty years he made daily observations of the temperature, direction and force of the winds, humidity of the atmosphere and barometric pressure. Many of these observations were published in the Smithsonian Institution, at Washington, and constitute some of the earliest contributions to the science of meteorology, anticipating the present work of the signal-service bureau. At the time of Mr. Williams' death, which occurred at Urbana in the year 1880, the chief signal officer, General Meyer, showed his high appreciation of Mr. Williams' services to meteorology in a letter expressing the great value and importance of these services. Up to the time of his death Mr. Williams remained a trustee of the college and took an active interest in its affairs. 220 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. The above excerpt gives but little of the detail of Professor Williams' twenty years of active service in the university, but enough has been said to show how deep is the appreciation placed upon his life and labors. He was an able and liberal contributor to educational journals and his interest in the work of his chosen profession remained constant until his life's labors were closed in the gentle sleep of death. During the war of the Rebellion he was a member of the "Squirrel Hunters," and thus participated in the defense of Cincinnati. In politics he was an uncompromising advocate of the principles of the Republican party from the time of its organization, and he was one of the most influential and devoted members of New Church (Swedenborgian) in the state of Ohio. His life was one of consecration in all its relations and was ordered upon a .high plane. He entered into eternal rest on the 19th of April, 1880, and not only the community, the church and his former pupils felt a sense of deep personal loss, but all could not but rejoice in the benediction afforded by the life thus translated into a larger sphere of usefulness when the veil was lifted to gain the new glory of a noble and useful life. On the 20th of October, 1842, Professor Williams was united in marriage to Miss Mary Loring, who was born in Cincinnati, being the daughter of David and Maria (Lowey) Loring, who were early settlers of Cincinnati, whither they removed from the state of New York, the father being one of the prominent merchants of the city in the early clays and a man of influence and sterling worth. The Lorings are collaterally descended from Richard Warren, who was one of the pilgrims who came to America on the Mayflower on the occasion of her first voyage, in 1620. Mrs. Williams, now venerable in years, still resides in Urbana, and in the home so hallowed by the memories and associations of the past also abide her two children,—Mary Louise and Adelaide H. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 221 JOHN M. HUNTER. The stanch Irish type is one which has found many representatives in the New World and is one that has ever been found foremost in giving-impetus to the march of progress, in retaining a clear mental grasp and in directing affairs along safe and conservative lines. America owes much to the Irish and has h0n0red and been honored by noble men and women of this stock. In the agnatic line the subject of this sketch is of sturdy Irish extraction, being of the third generation of the family in the United States and in Champaign county, Ohio, where his grandfather,_ Nathaniel Hunter, took up his abode in 1811, locating in the sylvan wilds, as one of the sterling pioneers of the county and setting himself vigorously to the task of literally hewing out a farm in the virgin forest, the land which he thus reclaimed having been furrowed and refurrowed by the plowshare for many years and giving slight evidence of the toil involved in the early days. Nathaniel Hunter, the honored progenitor of the family in America, was born in the Emerald Isle, of fine old Celtic stock, and there he was reared and educated, his marriage being solemnized prior to his emigration to America. He left his native land in 1795, and came to the hospitable shores of the new world, locating in Greenbrier county, Virginia, where the family maintained their home until 1811, when they came to Ohio. Mr. Hunter settled on a tract of wild land in the northern part of what is now Salem township, Champaign county, where he cleared and improved a good farm and where he passed the residue of his honorable and useful life, which was devoted to the great basic art of agriculture. In the year 1820 he erected a stone house, an exceptional improvement in those days, when the usual domicile of the locality was the primitive log cabin, and this building is still standing and is in an excellent state of preservation, standing as a landmark of the early clays and as a monu- 222 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. ment to the energy and progressive spirit 0f this noble pioneer. In politics Grandfather Hunter gave his allegiance to the Whig party, and his religious faith was that of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he was a most devoted member, doing much to promote the cause of the Master in the community, while his house was a sort of religious center and a place where a genuine and cordial welcome was ever accorded to -the faithful circuit-riders of the church during the pioneer epoch. Samuel Hunter, son of the honored pioneer and father of the subject of this review, was born in Greenbrier county, Virginia, and was a lad of about six years at the time of the family removal to Champaign county. where he was reared to maturity and where he devoted his life to agricultural pursuits, becoming one of the prominent farmers and representative citizens of the county. He died at the old homestead, in Salem -township, in the year 1870, at the age of sixty-five years. He married Maria Miller, who was born in Clark county, Ohio, whither her parents came as pioneers from Kentucky. She passed away in 1885, at the age of seventy-four years, and like her husband was ever sustained and comforted by a deep Christian faith, being a zealous member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Samuel and Maria (Miller) Hunter became the parents of ten children, five sons and five daughters,—of whom cone son and one daughter are deceased. John M. Hunter, the immediate subject of this review and one of the representative citizens and business men of the city of Urbana, was horn on the old homestead, in the northern part of Salem township, on the 22d of March, 1838, and he has passed his entire life in his native -county, honoring the name he bears by his upright and useful career. Growing up under the invigorating discipline of the farm, he has ever retained the highest respect for the dignity of the noble vocation which figures as the bulwark of our national prosperity, and he continued to be identified with agricultural pursuits until he had attained the age of CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 223 forty years, his educational privileges in his youth being such as were afforded in the public schools of the locality and period. Upon leaving the farm Mr. Hunter located in the village of West Liberty, where for fourteen years he was successfully engaged in the agricultural implement business. At the expiration of the period noted he disposed of this business and came to Urbana, where he has since devoted his attention to the real-estate and insurance business, in which, by his honorable business methods and progressive and discriminating management, he has attained marked prestige and developed an enterprise of no inconsiderable scope and importance, his agency taking front rank and retaining a representative support. In politics Mr. Hunter exercises his franchise in support of the principles and policies of the Republican party, but has never sought the honors or emoluments of public office. Fraternally he is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and his religions faith is that in which he was reared, both he and his wife being active workers in the First Methodist Episcopal church, while our subject has been for thirty-five years prominent in the work of the Sunday-school, where is laid the foundation of true Christian faith and worthy manhood and womanhood. On the 19th of November, 1862, Mr. Bunter was united in marriage to Miss Sallie Baldwin, who was born in this county, the daughter of Richard Baldwin, one of the pioneer farmers of this section. Of this union have been born three children, namely : F. Edgar, who is now a resident of Chicago; Nellie M., the wife of Dr. Ben S. Leonard,. of West Liberty, this county; and Ralph Waldo E., who is associated with his father in business. Mrs. Hunter died April 9, 1902. WILLIAM M. ROCK. Biography should be written not less for the sake of perpetuating records which prove a portion of generic history than for the purpose. of inculcating valuable lessons, that those who read may place them-- 224 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. selves in contact with facts and affairs and be inspired to build themselves up to and into a life of excellence, not in any chance sphere of endeavor, but rather in their own rightful places, where they may keep and their individuality augment its power. With the history of Champaign county and the state of Ohio the name of Rock has been indissolubly linked from the early pioneer epoch, and has ever stood for the most exalted integrity of character and for individual usefulness and honor. Thus it becomes specially consistent that we enter a review of the career of William M. Rock, justice of the peace in the city of Urbana, which is his native city, and in which he is honored for his sterling character and also as a representative of worthy pioneer families. Mr. Rock was born in Urbana, Ohio, on the 16th of February, .1857, being the son of John D. and Mary (Merrill) Rock, both of whom were likewise born in Urbana, the former in the year 1830 and 'the latter in 1834. John D. Rock was a son of William and Alice (Glenn) Rock, the former of whom was born in Virginia, whence he came to Ohio as a young man and here married Miss Glenn, who was born in Champaign county, Ohio, the daughter of William Glenn, who was a pioneer of this county, whither he and his brother John removed from the state of Kentucky. The father of our subject passed practically his entire life in his native town, and here his death occurred in the year 1898. His wife still maintains her home in Urbana. Her father, Rev. David Merrill, was born in the old Green Mountain state of -Vermont and was one of the pioneer clergymen of the Presbyterian church of Urbana. He eventually returned to his native state in New England, and there passed the residue of his long and singularly noble and useful life. The old residents of Urbana yet recall to mind a stirring temperance sermon which he delivered during his pastorate here, and the same is almost invariably referred to as the "ox sermon," .apropos of the principal illustration used in the discourse, which was one of great fervor and power. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 225 John D. Rock was reared and educated in Urbana and in his youth became a clerk in the establishment of W. D. & C. McDonald, who were pioneer merchants of the town. In 1866 Mr. Rock became an interested principal in the business, the original firm being then succeeded by that of McDonald & Rock, who continued to conduct a general merchandise business for a number of years, but finally gave their attention to the handling of dry goods and carpets exclusively, Mr. Rock continuing to be actively identified with this important enterprise until the time of his death. In his political proclivities he was an uncompromising Republican, but was never an aspirant for official preferment, though he ever maintained the attitude of a public-spirited citizen, doing all in his power to further the general welfare of the community and being honored for his ability and sterling manhood. He was one of the zealous and devoted members of the First Presbyterian church, active in all good works, and for many years he served as an official of his church and was also incumbent of the position of superintendent of the Sunday-school. His widow still retains her active interest in the work of the church, and her gentle influence has been felt in the various departments. She is the mother of two children,--Alice G., who remains with her mother in the old home; and William M., the subject of this review. William M. Rock was reared and educated in Urbana, being graduated in the high school as a member of the class of 1874. For a decade after leaving school he was engaged as a clerk in the mercantile establishment of McDonald & Rock, eventually becoming manager of the carpet department. In 1885 Mr. Rock engaged in business on his own responsibility, entering into partnership with J. R. Hughes, Jr., and establishing a furniture business, under the firm name of Rock & Hughes, operations being continued by this firm for a period of ten years, at the expiration of which our subject closed out his interests in the enterprise. 226 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. In political matters Mr. Rock has ever been stanchly arrayed in support of the Republican party and its principles, and in 1896 was elected to the office of justice of the peace, while he was re-elected in 1899, and elected again in 1902 for a term of three years, having given a most discriminating and able administration of the affairs coming within his jurisdiction. Fraternally he is identified with the Knights of Pythias. On the 25th of June, 1886, Mr. Rock was. united in marriage to Miss Mary Noble, daughter of Orville Noble, a well known citizen of Urbana, and their pleasant home is a center of gener0us hospitality. WILLIAM H. MARVIN. Death often removes from our midst those whom we can ill afford to lose and when William H. Marvin was called from the scene of earthly activities Urbana felt that it had lost one of its most valued and honored citizens, for during his life he had accomplished much for himself and for his fellow men and for the community with which he was associated. As the day with its morning of hope and promise, its noontide of activity and its evening of accomplished effort, ending in the rest and quiet of the night, so was the life of this honored man. Mr. Marvin was born in Le Roy, Genesee county, New York, December 15, 1829, and when a small boy accompanied his father on his removal to Morrow county, Ohio, the former settling at Sparta. His business career commenced when he was fifteen years of age, at which time he began clerking for J. S. Trumble, of Mount Gilead, for whom he worked for three years. In that time by strict economy lie saved eighty dollars and then engaged in business for himself at Sparta, car- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 229 rying on operations there for several years. He then removed to Cardington, where he engaged in the dry goods business, which he conducted with great success. In 1876 he became an organizer of the First National Bank of Cardington, Ohio, and for ten years thereafter was engaged in the banking business, being interested in and a director of banks in Shelby, Galion and Columbus. He was also the president of the First. National Bank of Cardington, and his control of these financial institution's placed them upon a good paying basis and made them important elements in the business. life of the cities in which they are located.. In 1886 Mr. Marvin came to Urbana and in company with J. F. Brand established a wholesale grocery under the firm name of W. H. Marvin & Company, beginning business in 1887. This was attended with gratifying success, but in 1896 the firm discontinued the wholesale grocery trade on account of the large increase of the business which they had instituted in the meantime. About 1892 they began cleaning fruit and manufacturing mince meat, and this proved extremely profitable from the commencement. Currants were imported from Greece and cleaned by the process originated by the firm, after which they were packed in cartons and sent to all parts of the United States, from the Atlantic to the Pacific, for the excellent quality of the goods and the reliability of the house secured them a growing patronage, which made their business eventually one of mammoth importance. The firm also cleans and packs California raisins, and on an extensive scale manufactures condensed and wet mince meat. The firm was incorporated on the 13th of October, 1897, under the name of W. H. Marvin Company. The business has had a wonderful growth and the factory presents a scene of great activity, seventy-five employes being there found. Mr. Marvin was the central and controlling figure of this industry until his, death, serving as president of the company. September 10, 1855, occurred the marriage of William H. Marvin 12 230 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. and Miss Loretta F. Wolcott, a native of Oakville, Genesee county, New York, who died in 1892. In their family were the following children: Anna M., the wife of James N. Johnson, of Urbana; Clitus Harry and William B. Mr. Marvin gave his political support to the Republican party and always kept well informed on the issues of the day, although he never sought office. He was a Royal Arch Mason and a member of the Episcopal church. His death occurred May 11, 1898, and thus closed a useful and honorable career. His reputation was unassailable, for from the beginning of his connection with commercial interests he exemplified in his career the old adage that honesty is the best policy. He belonged also to that class of representative American citizens, who, while promoting individual success also advance the general welfare. The social qualities of his nature endeared him to many friends, and he was no less honored in business circles than esteemed and liked in private life. Clitus Harry Marvin, the elder son, was born in Cardington, Ohio, September II, 1860, and after pursuing his preliminary education in the public schools, entered Kenyon College. Later he became teller in the First National Bank at Cardington and afterward of the Morrow County Bank at Mount Gilead. With his father he came to Urbana in 1886 and has since been the secretary and treasurer of the W. H. Marvin Company. Although he entered upon a business already established he has proved his ability by carrying forward the work to still greater perfection and has manifested keen sagacity, resolution and enterprise, which have classed him among the representatives of industrial and commercial interests of his adopted city. He is president of the Urbana Telephone Company, one of the best systems in the state. He votes. with the Republican party and for three years served as a member of the school board. He and his wife are members of the Episcopal church. In 1888 he married Miss Amelia Talbott, a daughter of CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 231 J. G. Talbott, and they now have two interesting children : Clitus and Katherine. William B. Marvin, the younger son of William, H. Marvin, was born in Cardington, Ohio, May 30, 1865, and obtained a liberal education. He has made Urbana his home since 1886 and is now the president of the W. H. Marvin Company, also acting as manager of the manufacturing department. Both sons are men of good ability, who fear not the laborious attention to details which insures success. The ,straightforward business policy inaugurated by their father is maintained by them and the house has a reputation which is most creditable. AUGUST T. GROSS. Born among the peasantry of Wurtemberg, Germany, September 4, 1849, August T. Gross, son of Charles Frederick and Pauline (Reuther) Gross, has found in America a field of opportunity which, faithfully employed, has won for him a prominent place among the hotel men of Ohio. Although left an orphan when eight years of age Mr. Gross experienced some compensations in his childhood, one of which was more than ordinary educational advantages, culminating in a two years' course at the agricultural college of the principality. Equipped also with the inherited and fostered traits of thrift and economy, he migrated to America in 1865, and though but sixteen years of age hopefully and even enthusiastically viewed the future among the altogether strange surroundings. In Cincinnati; Ohio, he found employment in the New England Bakery, and after learning the trade during his two years of service repaired to Carlyle, Brown county, this state, where he worked for an uncle in his general merchandise store. Two years later found 232 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. him performing various duties on a farm in the neighborhood, and while thus engaged he met and married, in 1870, Elmina Hughes, who bore him five children, two sons and three daughters. After his marriage Mr. Gross moved and tenanted another farm until 1883, which year witnessed his ,initiation into the hotel business as manager of a • hotel at Jamestown. While in this town he became prominent in general affairs and especially in Republican politics, and not only served for six years as township clerk, but was for three years the municipal head of the city. Although convinced of his special aptitude for managing the traveling public, he yielded to one of those impulses ever afterward unaccountable, and for a time engaged in the show business with trained animals. This combination proved a losing venture, and after parting with alacrity from his well meaning but expensive brute friends he returned to his former occupation, and became manager of the hotel Portsmouth. A still later charge was the Hotel Sailor, at. Massillon, Ohio, where .he remained for nine months, and then went to Mount. Sterling in a similar capacity. At Mechanicsburg Mr. Gross managed the Hotel Taylor f0r four years, and during this time entered into partnership for a year and a half in the management of the Reese House,. at Kenton, Ohio. In October of 1899 he assumed control of the Douglass Inn, at -Urbana, and has since been with this popular and well kept hotel. He is well known in several avenues of activity in the town and county, and is fraternally prominent, being connected with the Knights of 'Pythias, the Chapter Masons and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. The particular forte of Mr. Gross lies in his ability to straighten out the affairs of temporarily disabled or run down hotels, whose particular-ailment he is quick to discern, and the reliable and warranted remedy is equally ready and forthcoming. Needless to say that he lays particular 'stress upon proper provision for the inner man; upon absolute. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 233 cleanliness in all departments of the hotels which he manages, and upon exactitude in the discharge of the innumerable little aids to success, known only to the manager who is born and not made. Personally Mr. Gross is aided by a thorough knowledge of migrating and stationary human nature ; by a tact which is unfailing in dealing with applicants swung from the accustomed moorings of their' own fireside, and by that rare attribute, memory of faces and names. FRANK B. PATRICK. In this age of colossal enterprise and marked intellectual energy the prominent and successful men are those whose abilities, persistence and courage lead them into large undertakings and assume the responsibilities and labors of leaders in their respective vocations. Success is methodical and consecutive, and however much we may indulge in fantastic theorizing as to its elements and causation in any isolated instance yet in the light of sober investigation we will find it to be but a result of the determined application of one's abilities and powers along the rigidly defined line of labor. America owes much of her progress and :advancement to a position foremost among the nations of the world to her newspapers, and in no line has the incidental broadening out of the sphere of usefulness been more marked than in this same line of journalism. The subject of this review has been closely and prominently associated with journalistic interests for many years and his influence in this regard has been of no restricted order. The younger son of William R. and Isabella (Given) Patrick, was born in Urbana, Ohio, March 12, 1869, He was reared in Urbana and when seventeen years of age was 234 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. graduated in the high school. He afterward spent two years in the Ohio Wesleyan University and after leaving college was engaged in teaching for two years. On the expiration of that period he went to Florida, where he remained for a year as stenograper for a well known lawt0irm in Bartt0. In 1891 heofficiald to the north to become the offiCial stenographer for the finance committee of the lower house of the Ohio state legistw0ure, a position which he held for two terms, and later was official stenographer in the Ohio state senate. For eight years he was identified with the Urb1900,itizen as city editor. In June, 190o, he became manager of the Urbana edition of the Springfield (Ohio) Press-Republic, which position he has since held with credit and success. He has had other newspaper experience, for during three years he was on the editorial staff of the Columbus Press and the Ohio State Journal. Mr. Patrick is an accomplished and capable newspaper man, having a genius for descriptive and humorous writing, as well as good business and executive ability. In 1895 was celebrated Miss Maymee of Frank B. Patrick and .MissMayme G. Craig, a daughter of .Harrison Craig, of Urbana. Their home is brightened by the presence of a little son, Robert Craig Patrick. Politically Mr. Patrick is a Republican, ardent and unfaltering in support of the principles of the party. Fraternally he is a member of Harmony Lodge, No. 8, F. Sz. A. M., of Urbana, and also of the Junior Order of American Mechanics. SHEPHERD B. GROVE. Champaign county, Ohio, is favored in having represented in the list of its officials and executives individuals whose endowments fully capacitate them for the discharge of the responsible duties which devolve CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 235 upon them, and in this connection we may now advert to the more salient points in the life history of Mr. Grove, who is incumbent of the office of county auditor, in which he has rendered most efficient service, and who has passed the greater portion of his life in this county, identified with various business enterprises and enjoying marked esteem and popularity in his home city of Urbana. Shepherd Brown Grove is a native of Fayette county, Pennsylvania, where he was born on the 16th of February, 1847, the son of John W. B. and Jane (Gettys) Grove, both of whom were natives of that same county in the old Keystone state and to whom nine children were born, all of whom are living. In the year 1855 the parents of our subject removed to Champaign county, he being a lad of about eight years at the time, and they located on a farm two and one-half miles west of Urbana, retaining their residence in this county until 1864, in which year they removed to Illinois, settling in Coles county, where they passed the residue of their lives, secure in the confidence and esteem of all who knew them. Our subject received his early educational discipline in the public schools of Urbana, and here resided for a number of years in the home of his paternal grandfather. In 1864 he made a trip through the middle west, locating in the same year in Charleston, Coles county, Illinois, where for four years he was engaged in clerking and then returned to Urbana, where he held the position of clerk and bookkeeper in the clothing establishment of Herman Fisher, remaining. about five years and then going to Evansville. Indiana, where he was employed about eighteen months in the mercantile establishment of M. Lyon. At the expiration of the period noted Mr. Grove returned to Urbana, where he associated himself with Joseph Fisher in the opening of a hat and men's furnishing-goods store, under the firm name of Fisher & Grove. At the expiration of one year our subject purchased his partner's interest in the enterprise, which he thereafter conducted 236 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. individually for a term of sixteen years, building up a large and representative business and being known as one of the progressive and reliable merchants of the city. After disposing of this business Mr. Grove was employed for three years as traveling salesman for A. G. Woodruff, manufacturer of hats, in New York city, and he then purchased a grocery business in Urbana, successfully continuing the same f0r three years and then selling out, shortly afterward, in 1899, being elected to his present responsible office as county auditor, giving so capable and satisfactory an administration that he was re-elected to the office in 1901. He accords a stanch allegiance to the Republican party, and has shown a lively interest in political affairs of a local nature. Fraternally he is one of the prominent and popular members 0f the time-honored order of Freemasons, in which he has rounded the circle of the York rite bodies, being identified with the lodge, chapter, council and commandery of Urbana, and having passed the official chairs in each. He was for several years consecutively incumbent of the office of captain general of his commandery of Knights Templar. He and his wife are members of the First Methodist Episcopal church 0f Urbana. In the year 1877 was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Grove to Miss, Kate West, the daughter of Enoch G. West, who was a well known .citizen of Champaign county, and of this union three children have been born,—Nellie, who is the wife of Frank A. Zimmer, 0f Urbana; and Angie and Marie, who remain at the parental home. CHARLES B. BLACK. This well known resident of Champaign county is one of Ohio's native sons, his birth having occurred in Wayne township on the l0th of March, 1868. His grandfather, Peter Black, was a native of Penn- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 239 sylvania, but became one of the early pioneers of Wayne township, Champaign county, where he spent the remainder of his life, passing away in death when his son Peter was but four years of age. The latter was born in this county on the 14th of May, 1828, and when twenty-two years of age moved to Henry county, Iowa, but later returned to this state and located on a farm in Wayne township. After a time he again made the journey to Iowa, but a second time returned to this state, and his death here occurred on the 26th of December, 1899. In political matters he was first a Whig and afterward a Republican, and his first vote was cast in favor of the free school system. As the years passed, prosperity abundantly rewarded his well directed efforts and he became the owner of one thousand acres of rich and fertile land. He started in life a poor boy, but steadily worked his way upward, gaining success and winning the public confidence. His wife bore the maiden name of Catherine Felgar, and she was a native of Pennsylvania, of 'German descent. She is still living in Wayne township, where she located in a very early day. Five sons and .three daughters blessed this union, namely: Samuel F.; Isaac F.; Henry E.; Granville P.; Lucretia, the wife of William Berry; Emma E., deceased; Charles B., of this review ; and Cora B., deceased. C. B. Black received his elementary education. in the common schools of Wayne township, and was afterward a student in the normal school at Urbana. After completing his education he engaged in farming and reading law with Judge Middleton, of Urbana, but on account of failing health was obliged to abandon the latter occupation, and since that time has given his entire time and attention to his farming operations. He is now the owner of one hundred and eighteen acres' of land adjoining the village of Cable, which is valued at one hundred dollars an acre, and this land is under an excellent state of cultivation and improved with commodious and substantial buildings. He has always taken an 240 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. active part in the public life of the county, and on the Republican ticket, of which he is a stanch supporter, he has been elected to many positions of trust and responsibility. At one time he was the candidate for the office of prosecuting attorney in a field with six candidates, and came within a few votes of winning the election. He has represented his district in all the county, state and judicial conventions of his party, and has served his second term as justice of the peace and member of the school board. His fraternal relations connect him with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Cable Lodge, No. 395, in which he has served as a delegate to many of its encampments. He passed through the chairs and is also a member of the Encampment. In 1887 Mr. Black was united in marriage to Minnie Guyton, and of their four children only one is now living, Zella, who is thirteen years of age and attending school. For his second wife he chose Myrtle Schertzer. She is of German descent, her grandfather having been born in that country, and her parents are Emanuel and Amanda (Spring) Schertzer. This union has been blessed with two children,— Dewey, born November 8, 1898, and Helen M., born March 30, 1901. Mr. Black has led a busy and useful life, and in addition to his valuable homestead he is a stockholder in many enterprises. By his progressive and honorable methods and capable management he has gained a place among the substantial citizens and most highly esteemed business men of his county. JUDGE WILLIAM PATRICK. Conspicuous among the pioneers who helped to lay the foundation upon which the prosperity and progress of Urbana now rests was Judge William Patrick, and no compendium such as is defined in the essential CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 241 limitations 0f this volume would he complete without mention of his career. He was born in New Jersey in 1796, and in 1806 removed' to Ohio with his father, Anthony Patrick. The father purchased a small tract of wild land in Brookfield township, two miles west of the boundary line of this state and Pennsylvania. During the years of 1806-7 and 8 the family endured many hardships, trials and discouragements. They needed teams with which to cultivate and clear the land, and farming implements in order to till the fields. Cows and oxen were used instead of horses and the family had little means to procure the flour and feed which could only be purchased at almost fabulous prices, and could be procured no nearer than Pittsburg. Spice-wood and sassafras were used for tea and rye for coffee. The family remained at Brookfield until the spring 0f 1811, when the father united with five neighbors in building a boat of sufficient capacity to contain their families and goods. They waited for a rise in the Chenango river and when it came the current carried them to the Big Beaver, where the crew disembarked and Were conveyed in wagons to the foot of the falls, where they renewed their journey to the confluence of the Ohio river, proceeding down that stream to Cincinnati, where the families dispersed. Anthony Patrick removed his family to Lebanon, Warren county, where he remained until August, 1811, at which time he took up his abode in Urbana. The same year William Patrick entered school, which was conducted on the subscription plan. As regularly as opportunity would afford he attended until the war of 1812, when his father was drafted for service and William offered to go as a substitute and was accepted. When his company was ordered to Fort Meigs he carried with him his English grammar, devoting every leisure moment to its study in order to complete his knowledge of that branch of learning. In May, 1813, he belonged to the corps that relieved the beleaguered 242 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. garrison of Fort Meigs, and at the close of the war he was the second in command 0f that fort. When hostilities had ceased Judge Patrick returned to Urbana, where he learned the trade of cabinet making, which was also his father's occupation and which he followed actively and successfully until 1857. In that year he retired from business and was succeeded by his two sons, Evan B. and William R., who were engaged in the furniture business until a few years ago, when the latter died and the business was closed out. Judge Patrick was an active factor in industrial circles, and his business ability was supplemented by integrity and straightforward dealing above question. The Judge was married, April 30, 1820, in Urbana, to Miss Rachel Kirkpatrick, a native of Pennsylvania, born in December, 1795. She died August 21, 1865. In their family were seven children. Well fitted for leadership, Judge Patrick was often called to positions of public trust, and during the greater part of his life was engaged in official service. He was appointed township clerk of Urbana township as early as 1819, and was elected to the same position for thirty-two consecutive years. From 1824 until 1830 he was commissioner of insolvents. In 1831 he was elected justice of the peace in Urbana township and was five times re-elected, holding that position until it was superseded in 1848 by the associate judgeship, in which capacity he served until 1852. In 1841 he was elected mayor of Urbana and after serving for one term declined re-election, but in 1859 was again chosen by popular suffrage for that office and for six consecutive terms was re-elected and at last declined to again become a candidate. In 1897, although not soliciting the honor, he was elected justice of the peace and was several times re-elected. He held minor offices, such as assessor and recorder, and for several years was a member of the city council. Over the record of his public career and his private life there falls no CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 243 shadow of wrong or suspicion of evil. His course was ever marked by the utmost fidelity t0 duty and he ever placed the national welfare before partisanship and the general good before self-aggrandizement. Largely through his efforts Oakdale cemetery was purchased in 1854, and in 1859 a strip of land comprising a half acre was purchased for a driveway to the cemetery and called Patrick avenue. This thoroughfare was laid out and trees were planted through his superintendency and the beautiful willow driveway on Patrick avenue is a living monument to his memory. Judge Patrick was an intimate friend of the historic Indian fighter, Simon Kenton, who spent many years of his life in Urbana, and it was largely through Judge Patrick's efforts that the body of the noted warrior was brought to Oak Dale cemetery, where a beautiful monument now stands to mark the last resting place of this sturdy pioneer. Judge Patrick was a talented and forceful writer. He-wrote the part of the first "History of Champaign and Logan Counties". relating to this county, and was the author of many interesting' sketches of the early hist0ry of the city which were published at intervals in the local papers during his long and honored life. He died in 1891,. at the age of ninety-five years. LEWIS C. LOUDENBACK. For many years Lewis C. Loudenback occupied a very conspicuous place among the leading business men of Champaign county. He was prominently connected with the industrial interests of the locality, and through the channels of trade contributed not alone to his individual prosperity but to the welfare of the county as well. His career was that of an honorable, enterprising and progressive business man, whose well 244 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. rounded character also enabled him to take an active interest in educational, social and moral affairs, and to keep well informed concerning the momentous questions affecting the welfare of the nation. In all life's relations he commanded the respect and confidence of those with whom he came in contact, and the memory of his upright life is an inspiration to the many friends who knew him well and were familiar with his virtues. Mr. Loudenback was born in Mad River township, Champaign county, September 15, 1843, the third child and second son of Allen and Elizabeth (Kiblinger) Loudenback and a grandson of Daniel Louden-back, one of the early pioneers of the county. In his family were four children, and the youngest had reached the age of fifty years ere the family circle was broken by the hand of death. Allen Loudenback, the father of our subject, was born in 1814, and lived to a good -old age. Lewis C. Loudenback, of this review, was reared and educated in his native locality, attending the common schools of the neighborhood during his youth, and remained under the parental roof until his marriage, when he was twenty-tw0 years of age. He then located with his bride on a farm in Concord township, Champaign county, where lie made a specialty of the raising of hogs and short horn cattle, which products annually returned to him handsome financial profits. As the years passed by and prosperity rewarded his well directed efforts he constantly enlarged his business, and at the time of his death was recognized as one of the leading farmers and stock-raisers of Champaign county, raising principally Short-horn cattle. He placed his fields under an excellent state of cultivation and in his pastures could be seen a fine grade of stock. His efforts, however, were not confined to the work of the farm, and he carried forward to successful completion whatever he undertook. For many years he was interested in the Citizens National Bank of Urbana, in which he held an important office, and was a director CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 245 of the Ohio Strawboard C0mpany. In his political views Mr. Louden-hack was a lifelong Democrat, and for a time served as the trustee of Mad River township, discharging his official duties to the satisfaction of all concerned. He was also a prominent member of the Nettle Creek Baptist church, in which he long served as a trustee. In 1866 occurred the marriage of Mr. Loudenback and Miss Sarah V. Nighswander. She is a native daughter of the county, her birth having occurred in Mad River township November 4, 1843. Her father, Levi Nighswander, was one of the early settlers to locate in this section of the county, coming here as early as 1830, where he followed the carpenter's trade, and many of the finest homes of the locality stand as monuments to his industry and ability: For his wife he chose Elizabeth Neff, and they became the parents of seven children, five daughters and two sons, namely James M., a resident of Idaho; F. M., a prominent contractor and builder of pikes and bridges in Oregon; Keziah Ann, at home; Lydia, wife of Lorain Hoak and a resident of the old homestead in Mad River township; Mrs. Loudenback; Malinda. Kiblinger, of Hardin county, Ohio ; and Louisa, who died in 1863. Mrs. Loudenback was reared in her native locality, and to the public schools of Mad River township and Urbana she is indebted for the educational privileges which she received in her youth. At the early age of fourteen years she began teaching, following that profession for about seven years or until her marriage. She now owns and carries on the work of two farms, one in Concord township which c0nsists of one hundred and fifty-nine acres, and the other, a fifty--two-acre tract, in Mad River township. She also has an interest in the Citizens National Bank, of Urbana, and in the Ohio Strawboard Company, and she was the only representative of her estate at the business meeting of the Ohio Strawboard Company in 1902, where she cast a vote for the directors. After her husband's death she purchased property in Westville, Champaign county, 246 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. where she now has a pleasant and attractive home. She is a prominent and worthy member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and in the social circles of her locality occupies a prominent place, as did also her husband during his life time. In business circles he was also respected and honored for his industry, energy, punctuality and honorable and systematic methods,—all of which contributed to a large success, which he richly deserved. His last days were spent at his beautiful country home, and there he closed his eyes in death July 9, 1900. The entire c0mmunity mourned his loss, f0r he was a man of worth to Champaign county. Mr. and Mrs. Loudenback had no children of their 0wn, but they have reared three,—Elijah Hazlett, Clyde Swisher and Grace Stover. MAJOR ALEXANDER F. VANCE, JR. Honored and respected by all,' there is no man in Urbana who oc cupies a more enviable position in commercial and financial circles than Major Alexander Franklin Vance. Not alone because of his splendid success, but also by reason of the straightforward, honorable course he has ever followed. He forms his plans readily, is determined in their execution and is notably prompt, energetic and reliable. His business ability has been an important factor in the successful conduct of more than one enterprise which has contributed to the general prosperity and welfare of Urbana and his career proves that success is not a matter of genius, but is the outcome of persistent and earnest effort guided by strong judgment. Major Vance is a native of Salem township, his birth having occurred on the 26th of January, 1840. He is descended from Revolutionary ancestors in both the paternal and maternal lines and has back CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 249 of him an ancestry honored and distinguished. For eighteen years his father served as judge of the probate court of Champaign county-, while his grandfather, Joseph Vance, represented this district in congress for twenty years and was the eleventh governor of Ohio. In the militia he advanced until he became major general and high political honors were conferred upon him. He served in the state militia in 1812, represented his district in congress from 1820 until 1836, and again was chosen to that office in 1843, while in the meantime he had been called to the highest office within the gift of the people of the state, serving for one term in the executive chair. In 1839 he was a member of the Ohio senate and in 1851 served in the constitutional convention. His death occurred in 1852 but he left the impress of his individuality upon the public life and policy of the state. The history of Judge Vance, the father of our subject, is given on another page of this work. Major Vance, whose name introduces this record, spent his youth as a farmer boy until eighteen years of age and after putting aside the work of field and meadow he accepted a clerkship in a dry goods store owned by Simeon Weaver, subsequently he became bookkeeper in connection with the Stoney Point Mills conducted by his uncle, and as an accountant served in that establishment until after the inauguration of the Civil war. No longer could he content himself to remain in the quiet pursuits of civil life when, the country needing the aid of her loyal sons, he assisted the government by becoming paymaster clerk in 1862. Toward the close of the time he was appointed paymaster with the rank of major of cavalry. Immediately afterward Major Vance went to New York City, where for five years he was engaged in the wholesale boot and shoe business and upon returning to Urbana he took up his abode on the old farm, devoting. his attention to agricultural pursuits, but his services were needed in other fields of labor and public enterprise sought his assistance.