(RETURN TO THE TITLE PAGE) 350 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. in remembrance, and the importance of those services acknowledged. His example, in whatever field his work may have been done, thus stands as an object lesson to those who come after him, and though dead he still speaks. Long after all recollection of his personality shall have faded from the minds of men, the less perishable record may tell the story of his life and commend his example for imitation. No man was ever more respected in Urbana or ever more fully enjoyed the confidence of the people than Samuel W. Hitt. For many years he was actively associated with mercantile interests in Urbana, and his efforts. contributed not alone to his own prosperity, but also to the welfare and commercial activity of his city. Mr. Hitt was born on a farm. about one mile north of the city of Urbana, in the year 1817, his parents being Rev. Samuel and Ann (Smith) Hitt. About the year 1814, two brothers, Martin and Samuel Hitt,- both Methodist ministers, came from Virginia and purchased a section of land, which they divided between them and most of which now lies within the present bounds of Urbana. Samuel Hitt was not only a pioneer settler of Champaign county, but also a pioneer 'Methodist minister in the county, and possessed many sterling qualities of heart and mind. His wife was a native of Maryland and was a woman of many graces. Samuel W. Hitt began his business career at the,age of fifteen years, by accepting a 'clerical position in the general store then operated by John Reynolds, a pioneer merchant of Urbana. By dint of industry, integrity and remarkable talent for mercantile affairs, he rose to a high position and in the year 1852 purchased an interest in the business. About 1840 P. B. Ross had purchased an interest in the business and the firm style became John Reynolds & Company, which was changed to Ross, Hitt & Company on the admission of Mr. Hitt to a partnership. Upon the death of Mr. Reynolds in 1857, the name was changed to Ross & Hitt and in 1866, upon the retirement of the senior CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 351 partner, Mr. Hitt became sole proprietor. For a time he was alone and then admitted his brother-in-law, Mr. White, and his son-in-law, Mr. Mitchell, to an interest in the business, under the name of Hitt, White & Company. The successors of this firm were Hitt & Mitchell. The next change made the firm style Hitt, Fuller & Rhoads, and this was followed by Hitt & Fuller. In 1888 George W. Hitt, the son of our subject, and James R. Fuller, his son-in-law, together with Edward Rhoads, succeeded to the business and on the retirement of Mr. Rhoads in 1892 the style of the firm became Hitt & Fuller, and was maintained even after the death of Mr. Fuller. Since his demise Mr. Hitt has been manager and owner of the business, maintaining the high standard which has ever characterized the house. This store is the oldest in Urbana, having been established by Mr. Reynolds about i8o6. Until after the war a general retail business was carried on. Butter, eggs, wool and country produce were purchased and a general line of merchandise was sold. However, a change was gradually made in the stock and for more than twenty years the store has been supplied only with a line of dry goods, notions, cloaks and carpets. Throughout the years of its existence, the management of the store has ever been along lines of conservatism, strict integrity and honesty. This system was inaugurated and strictly maintained by Samuel W. Hitt and has been continued by the present management. Samuel W. Hitt deserves more than passing notice in this connection. From the humble capacity of errand boy he gradually worked his way upward until he became a partner and then sole proprietor of the oldest and leading dry goods house of Urbana. His businesS methods were attended with gratifying success and moreover he enjoyed in an unqualified degree the highest confidence of his fellowmen, for his reputation in trade circles was unassailable. In the year 1843 Samuel W. Hitt was united in marriage to Miss Sarah B., daughter of Joseph and Rebecca White, who were early set- 352 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. tlers and highly respected people of this community. When the First Methodist Episcopal church endeavored to erect a building, Mr. White mortgaged his property in order to aid in the enterprise. He was a native of this state and his wife of Pennsylvania. In 1836 he removed to Urbana, becoming a pioneer shoe manufacturer and dealer of this city. His life was ever honorable and upright, in perfect harmony with his Christian principles and at his death he left to his family an untarnished name. His children were Mrs. John Young, Mrs. F. W. Winston, Mrs. Malinda Smith, Joseph, and Mrs. Hitt. The last named was horn near Glendale, in the vicinity of Cincinnati, April 9, 1834, and when only two years' old was brought by her parents to Urbana, where she has since made her home. By her marriage she became the mother of five children, namely : Joseph, who was killed while in action at Atlanta, as a soldier in the Sixty-sixth Ohio Volunteer 'Infantry; Anna R., the widow of John T. Mitchell; George W.; Lizzie, the widow of James R. Fuller ; and Mary, who married J. E. Burchard. Mr. Hitt died April 20, 1892, in his seventy-sixth year, leaving a widow and four children to mourn his loss. Mrs. Hitt is yet living in Urbana and is uniformly respected for her many sterling qualities and. Christian graces. She is identified through membership relations with the First Methodist Episcopal church, of which Mr. Hitt was a worthy-and honored member through many years, contributing liberally to its support, both of his time and money. For many years he served as chorister of the church and otherwise was an active Christian worker. He was generous and public spirited and aided largely in the upbuilding of Urbana. He is yet and for many years to come will be held in affectionate remembrance by his numerous friends, as well as by his immediate family. George W. Hitt, son of the late Samuel W. Hitt, was born in Urbana, January 14, 1850, and educated in the schools of the city. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 353 Early in life he entered the store of his father, under whom he received his business training. For more than ten years Mr. Hitt has been the active member of the dry goods firm of Hitt & Fuller, conducting the business with marked success and enterprise, and is to-day recognized as a leading and capable business man among merchants. He was married in 1878 to Miss Julia Van Meter and they have one son,—Joseph W. Mr. and Mrs. Hitt are members of the First Methodist Episcopal church and are prominent in social and Masonic circles. PETER E. COLWELL. From the age of thirteen years Peter E. Colwell depended entirely upon his own resources for a livelihood and well has he earned the proud American title of a self-made man. His diligence and persistency of purpose at length brought to him success, so that he is now enabled to live retired, enjoying the fruits of his former toil. He makes his home in Mechanicsburg and is one of the native sons of Champaign county, his birth having occurred in Rush township, February 24, 1826. His father, John Colwell, was a native of New Jersey, and the grandfather also bore the name of John Colwell and was of Scotch-Irish descent. In the state of his nativity the father was reared and married the lady of his choice, Electa Hand, who was born in New Jersey and lived to be about seventy-six years of age, while Mr. Colwell died about July 29, 1829, being killed by a falling tree. On leaving his native state he removed to Pennsylvania, thence to Hamilton county, Ohio, and afterward came to Champaign county, settling about ten miles east of Urbana in Rush township. On selling that farm he removed to a place two miles east in the same township, his home being one mile 354 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. and a half south of what is now the village of Woodstock. Unto John and Electa Colwell were born ten children, of whom two died in infancy : Abram, Hannah and Azel are also deceased. Benjamin L., born September II, 1815, now a resident near Wood River, Nebraska; Phebe, Mary and Charlotte have also passed away; John H., born July 29, 1824, is a prominent minister of the Methodist Episcopal church, now living in Champaign county, Illinois. Peter E. Colwell, the youngest member of the family, spent his youth on the old home farm. He was only three and a half years of age at the time of his father's death and when a youth of thirteen began earning his own living by working as a farm hand by the month. He attended school to a limited extent in the winter seasons, pursuing his studies in a little log building with greased paper windows and slab seats. The plow which he used in breaking the new ground had a wooden mould-board and the other farm implements were equally as primitive. He worked by the month until his marriage, which occurred in 1845, when he was twenty years of age. The lady of his choice was Lucinda J. Rutan, who was born in Goshen township, Champaign county, April 4, 1825, a daughter of Daniel and Mary (Riddle) Rutan, who were early settlers of Champaign county. Her father entered land from the government in Goshen township and upon that farm Mrs. Colwell was born. The young .couple began their domestic life upon a rented farm two miles north of Mechanicsburg, where they remained for a year. Later Mr. Colwell engaged in the operation of a farm one mile north of Mechanicsburg, making it his home for three years, when with the capital he had acquired through his own labors he bought a farm of one hundred and fifty acres four miles north of the town. When three years had passed, however, he sold that property and purchased another tract of land. He has been engaged in buying and selling farms, while the grocery, undertaking and furniture business CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 355 and other enterprises have also claimed his attention. In his various dealings he has so managed his affairs as to meet with creditable and gratifying success. He now owns seventy-five acres of good land near Mechanicsburg, and has been interested in the furniture and undertaking business, but of late years has retired from active connections. Mr. and Mrs. Colwell have no children of their own, but reared two children. The girl whom they adopted, however, died at the age of thirteen years. The boy is now D. W. Rutan, a well known citizen of Champaign county. Mr. Colwell is an earnest and pronounced Republican and cast his first presidential vote for John C. Fremont. He has belonged to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows since i866 and is a loyal and devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal church; in which he is steward, while for a quarter of a century he has been trustee. He began life a poor boy, but with the assistance of his admirable wife, who has indeed proved a helpmate to him, he has worked his way steadily upward from a humble financial position to one of affluence. C. A. BAKER. C. A. Baker, who is now living retired, has through his own unaided efforts acquired a most comfortable competence. He is one of the oldest residents of Mechanicsburg, his birth having occurred in Dayton, Montgomery county, on the 8th of October, 183o. The family is of Dutch origin and was founded in America at a very early date. The paternal grandfather was a large landed proprietor of Virginia, where he owned three thousand acres and was regarded as one of the prominent and wealthy residents of• his part of the state. Among his children was John Baker, the father of our subject. He was born in the 356 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. Old Dominion and was numbered among the pioneer residents of Dayton, Ohio. In 183o he came to Mechanicsburg, where he made his home until called to his final rest on the 13th of February, 1841. For many years he served as justice of the peace, and his rulings were so fair and impartial that he won the high commendation of all concerned. By occupation he was a grocer and his well conducted store brought to him a good financial return. He strongly endorsed temperance principles and labored to promote the non-use of alcoholic beverages. He gave his political support to the Whig party, voted for William Henry Harrison in 184o and was a warm admirer of Henry Clay. He was widely known as 'Squire Baker and was highly respected because of his genuine worth. In his religious views he was a Universalist and his life was so honorable and upright that he left to his family an untarnished name. He was twice married, his first union being with Miss Kirby, by whom he had a son and daughter, the latter being Charlotte, the wife of Dr. E. Owens, now deceased. She was eighty-two years of age in 19o1. The son of the first marriage has passed away. His second marriage was with Ann M. Henderson, a native of Virginia, born in 1807. Her father, Charles Henderson, was also born in Virginia, and followed the occupation of farming. Mrs. Baker was called to her final rest in July, 1885, having survived her husband many years. By her marriage she became the mother of seven children, of whom our subject was the second in order of birth and the eldest son. His brothers and sisters were: Margaret A., now deceased; Amelia J., the widow of Benjamin Taylow, Sarah J. Ewing, of Mechanicsburg; Robert B. H., also of Mechanicsburg; Joseph, who has passed away ; and one who died in infancy. C. A. Baker, of this review, was about two years old when brought to Champaign county by his parents. He was reared in Mechanicsburg and educated in the public schools and at the age of sixteen. years began CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 357 learning the tailor's trade, completing his apprenticeship in Piqua, Ohio, in 1848. He then returned to Mechanicsburg and continued his education for a year with Professor Henkle and Mr. Wilson. In 1849, however, he turned his attention to the grocery trade in. Mechanicsburg, following that pursuit for about a year. • In 185o he went to Milford, Center, where he engaged in the tailoring business for a year, on the expiration of that period returning to Mechanicsburg, where he again established a grocery and also conducted a clothing business in connection with J. P. Smith, now deceased. Hie was thus an active factor in, business circles in this place until about 1853, when he purchased two farms. comprising three hundred and forty acres. Locating upon his land he carried on agricultural pursuits for thirteen years and on the' expiration of that period sold out and in August, 1867, once more took up his abode in Mechanicsburg, which has been his home continuously since. For some years he engaged in buying and selling stock, but is-now living retired in the enjoyment of a well earned rest. On the 24th of April, 18;3, Mr. Baker .was united in marriage. to Miss Jane Fullington, a native of Union county, Ohio, whose father was a large land owner in both Union and Mason counties. Mrs. Baker is the eldest of four children and was reared in the county of her nativity. She reached the age of seventy-eight years on the 4th of January, 1901, but is now suffering from ill-health, having been stricken with paralysis November 23, 1901. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Baker have been born three children: Abbie, who became the wife of Charles Frary, of Chicago, and died, leaving one son, Herbert B., a resident of Cleveland, Ohio; Walter S., who first married Laura Kates and afterward wedded Lillian Stacy, by whom he has one daughter, Abbie J.; and Charles, who died when about one year old. In his political views Mr. Baker is a stanch Republican and has filled the office of justice of the peace, yet has never been a politician 358 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. in the sense of office-seeking. He is a prominent Mason, who has attained the Knight Templar degree, belonging to Raper Commandery, No. 19, at Urbana. He has been a lifelong member of the Methodist Episcopal church and he believes in the final salvation of all mankind. With one exception he is the oldest resident of Mechanicsburg. Through many years he has been a witness of the growth and development of this county and has ever taken a deep interest in its progress and improvement, his own efforts contributing in no small measure to that end. Throughout his long business career his course was ever one of honor and industry, perseverance and keen sagacity being numbered among his strong characteristics and proving potent elements in winning him success. ORVILLE NOBLE. The old Bay state of Massachusetts, Where was cradled so much of our national history, figures as the native place of this venerable and honored citizen of Urbana, where he has maintained his home for nearly half a century, having been actively identified with its business activities for many years, and finally retiring to that dignified repose and surcease of active labor which constitute the just reward of earnest and honest endeavor. As the shadows of his life lengthen he can look back with satisfaction upon the exertions of past years and rejoice in the prosperity which has attended his efforts and enabled him to crown his days with peace and restful calm, "far from the madding crowd's ignoble strife." Orville Noble was horn in the village of Russell, Hampden county, Massachusetts, on the 2d of January, 1821, being, in both the paternal :and maternal lines, a representative of old and honored families of this CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 361 colonial commonwealth. In the agnatic line the family is of English derivation, and the original American ancestor came from the "tight little isle" and settled in Massachusetts in the early colonial epoch. The parents of our subject were Reuben and Cynthia (Gowdy) Noble, and both were born in Massachusetts, where they passed their entire lives, becoming the parents of two sons and three daughters, all of whom are deceased with the exception of the subject of this review. Silas Noble, grandfather of our subject, was a man of prominence in his day and was one of the influential citizens of Hampden county, Massachusetts. He had five sons and two daughters and his descend-- ants are to be found in ,diverse sections of the Union. Our subject was reared to the age of six years in his native town and then the family removed to Granville, in the same county, and that place continued to be his home until his removal to Urbana, Ohio, in 1856. Having availed himself of such advantages as were afforded by the common schools of Granville, he supplemented this discipline by a course of study in an excellently conducted select school in Springfield, Massachusetts. That he duly profited by his scholastic advantages is evident from the fact that he qualified himself for pedagogic work, becoming a teacher at the age of twenty-one years and following this vocation with gratifying success for a period of eight years thereafter. In the town of Granville, Massachusetts, in the year 1846, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Noble to Miss Caroline A. Bates, a member of a prominent family of that state. She accompanied him on his removal to Urbana and here passed the residue of her life, proving a devoted companion and helpmeet to her husband, sharing in his joys and sorrows, aiding and encouraging him in his efforts and walking by his side down the checkered pathway of life for more than half a century, when the veil was lifted to gain the new glory of a gentle and noble life, death setting its seal upon her mortal lips on the 14th 362 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. of November, 1899. They became the parents of one child, Mary A., who is now the wife of William M. Rock, of Urbana, and who accords to her father the utmost filial solicitude. Upon his arrival in Urbana Mr. Noble engaged in the garden-seed business, in which he successfully continued for a period of thirteen years, while he also became interested in agricultural enterprises and other ventures which rendered him good returns, enabling him to secure a competency for the declin • ing years of his life. He is the owner of a good farm in Salem township and has an attractive residence property in the city of Urbana, where he continues to make his home, honored as one of the venerable and sterling citizens of the county and having the solace conferred by many and warm friendships. In politics Mr. Noble originally gave his support to the Whig party, but upon the organization of the Republican party transferred his support to the same, though he has never been active in political maneuvers and has never sought public office. He has long been a devoted member of the Presbyterian church, as was also his wife, whose life was in harmony with the faith which she professed. Fraternally our subject has long held membership in the Masonic order, being •A member of Harmony Lodge, F. & A. M.; R. A. M.; and Raper Commandery, No. 19, Knights Templar, of which he was recorder for nine years. FRED NEER. Fred Neer is one of the progressive, wide-awake and enterprising men of Mechanicsburg, where he is conducting a creamery. He was born in Clark county, Ohio, November 22, 1864, and is a brother of T. S. Neer. He was the fifth child in his father's family and like the CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 363 others of the household pursued his early education in the district schools, later continuing his studies in the high school of Mechanicsburg. He was only four years of age when brought by his parents to this county and remained with his father upon the old farm homestead until he had attained his majority, assisting in the labors of the field. When nineteen years of age he began teaching school, following that profession for ten years in Union and Champaign counties. For two years he was a teacher in the Milford Center high school and assistant principal at that place. In his educational work he displayed marked zeal and his own interest was an inspiration to his pupils. In 1894 he pursued a course in pharmacy in Ada, Ohio, and afterward engaged in clerking in a drug store at Milford Center, where he worked for about two years.. In 1896 he came to Mechanicsburg, where he engaged in the grocery business in partnership with J. E. Whittemore, there remaining three years. On the expiration of that period they dissolved partnership and Mr. Neer turned his attention to the creamery business in connection with D. McCreery & Son, who are now located in Urbana. He was associated with them while they were at Milford Center for a period of about one year and in 1898 embarked in the creamery business at Mechanicsburg, his enterprise being known as the Mechanicsburg Creamery. His plant cost about three thousand dollars and is one of the best in the state for the purpose. The capacity is about seven hundred pounds of butter per clay and the product is of such excellent quality that it finds a ready sale on the market. In 1886 Mr. Neer was united in marriage to Miss Sallie Wilson, a daughter of William and Minerva Wilson. Her father served for four and one-half years in the war of the Rebellion and died soon after hAs return from the army. In .his family were four children, two sons and two daughters, of whom Mrs. Neer was the eldest. She was born in Milford Center, Union county, and is a graduate of the high, school 364 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. of Mechanicsburg. For two years she engaged in teaching in Goshen township, Champaign county, and is a lady of culture and refinement. The marriage of our subject and his wife has been blessed with two children : Lois E., and Reed B. Mr. Neer exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the Republican party. He is president of the school board of Mechanicsburg and has always taken an active interest in educational matters; exercising his franchise prerogatives in support of all movements and measures that he believes will promote the intellectual advancement of his community. Socially he is identified with the Knight of Pythias order and has filled all of the chairs therein. He is a member of the Methodist Protestant church and is well known in business circles as a man of responsibility and energy, who has placed dependence not upon fortunate circumstances, but upon unremitting labor and sound judgment. ELIJAH HANNA. For many years Elijah Hanna was a prominent figure in the annals. of Champaign county, and aided materially in its development. By a life of uprightness, industry and honorable dealing,—a life devoted to the support of whatever was good and true,—he won the admiration and genuine regard of a large circle of acquaintances, who sincerely mourned his loss when he was called upon to lay aside the burdens, joys and sorrows which had fallen to his share, as to all, in the journey of life. Mr. Hanna was born on the 7th of May, 1824, in Nicholas county, West Virginia, of which locality his parents, Nathan and Alice (McCoy) Hanna, were also natives. The father was a farmer by occupation and both he and his wife died in the state of their birth. Their son Elijah, who. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 365 was the youngest son of their twelve children, six sons and six daughters, came to Champaign county, Ohio, in 1844, when about twenty years of age, and as he was without means began his career in this state as a farm laborer. He subsequently located on the farm on which his. widow now resides, purchasing the same from his father-in-law. Mr. Hanna was first married to Emily J. Haller, a daughter of William Haller, and of their three children, only one, William, who makes his home in Iowa, is now living. Mrs. Hanna passed to the home beyond on the 3d of July, 186o. For his second wife our subject chose Miss Mary Arrowsmith, who was born in Concord township, Champaign county, December 15, 1834. Her father, Mason Arrowsmith, was born in Mad River township, this county, January 16, 1806, on the farm on which Mrs. Hanna now resides, and was there reared to mature years, receiving his education in the primitive log school house of the neighborhood. In the township of his birth he was married to Miss Margaret Rock, who was born in Concord township in 1819, a daughter of Felix and Mary (Kelley) Rock, early pioneers of Champaign county. The paternal grandfather of Mrs. Hanna, Ezekiel Arrowsmith, was born in Maryland, but subsequently located in Mason county, Kentucky, where he was married to Elizabeth Kenton. In i8o1 they came to Champaign county, Ohio, locating on the farm on which Mrs. Hanna now resides, but at that time it was an unbroken forest. He erected one of the first cabins and was one of the first settlers in Champaign county, at that time there being no other white settlers nearer than Sandusky or Toledo on the north. Mr. and Mrs. Mason Arrowsmith became the parents of seven children, four still living,—Mary, Holly, George and Margaret. The last named is the wife of Aten Allen, of Los Angeles, California. The father of this family was first a Whig and later a Republican in his political views, and the mother was a member of the Methodist church. 19 366 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. Mrs. Hanna, the eldest daughter and second child in the above family, was educated in the district schools of Mad River township, the school house having been located on the dividing line between that and Concord townships. On the 25th of March, 1862, she gave her hand in marriage to Elijah Hanna, and they became the parents of four children,—Charles S., Frank M., Edgar B. and Laura L. The first born is now deceased, and the three surviving ones are still at home, With her children Mrs. Hanna resides on a fine farm of two hundred acres, the work of which is carried on by her sons. She is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and of that denomination her husband was also a worthy and valued member. In that faith he passed to his final reward on the 23rd of September, i9oi. He was a kind and loving husband and father, sympathetic and responsive to the needs of the poor and just and noble in all the relations of life. ABRAHAM P. LOUDENBACK. No citizen of Mad River township, Champaign county, is more widely known or highly regarded than Abraham P. Loudenback. Of a sterling pioneer family, of sturdy German ancestry, he and his relatives have been prominent in the development and maintenance of this county, always being safely counted upon to indorse and support to the extent of their ability every good work, movement and enterprise. Mr. Loudenback is a native of Mad River township, his birth having here occurred on the 9th of November, 1845. His grandfather, Daniel Loudenback, was a native of Virginia, and both the latter's paternal and maternal grandparents came to this country from Germany, taking up their abode in the Old Dominion. In a very early day Daniel CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 367 Loudenback came to Champaign county, Ohio, locating in the dense woods of Mad River township. He was a farmer and blacksmith by occupation and became one of the most prominent citizens of his locality. His life's labors were ended in death when he reached the age of eighty-nine years and seven months, passing away in the faith of the Baptist church, of which he was long a worthy and consistent member, having assisted in the organization of the church in Mad River township. During the war of 1812 he entered the ranks as a private and nobly served his country until the close of the struggle. Allen Louden-back, the father of our subject, was also a native son of Mad River township, and here he spent his entire life, his death having occurred at the age of sixty-nine years. Throughout his entire life he was prominently identified with the growth and development of the locality, and was a farmer, miller and merchant by occupation. His political support was given to the Democracy, and for a number of years he served as trustee of his township, and religiously he, too, was an active and valued member of the Baptist church, his membership being with the denomination at Nettle Creek. As a companion on the journey of life he chose Elizabeth Keplinger, a native of Clark county, Ohio, and a daughter of Daniel Keplinger, who claimed Virginia as the state of his nativity, but was numbered among the early pioneers of Clark county. He was also of German descent, and as a means of livelihood followed the tilling of the soil. Mrs. Loudenback was called to her final rest at the age of sixty years. Unto this worthy couple were born ten children, six sons and four daughters, of whom our subject was the third son in order of birth. Abraham P. Loudenback passed his boyhood days on his father's farm, and his early education was such as the district schools afforded. After his marriage he located' on the farm where he still resides, his place consisting of one hundred and sixty acres of well improved land, 368 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. where he is engaged in general farming and stock-raising, and has made a specialty of the latter industry. Numerous and substantial improvements have been instituted by the progressive owner, and by honest industry and careful management he has succeeded in winning a handsome competence for his declining years. A lifelong Democrat, he has ever given an active and intelligent support to the principles of that party, and for a number of years efficiently filled the office of school director. The marriage of Mr. Loudenback was celebrated in 1867, when Miss Sarah Chaple became his wife. She is a native of England, as were also her parents, William and Elizabeth Chaple. When she was but a year and a half old she was brought by her parents to America, the family loCating in Boston, Massachusetts, where she remained until six years of age, and was then brought to Urbana. Her father was a carpenter and cabinet-maker by occupation. Mr. and Mrs. Louden-back have four sons,—Arthur, Royal, Clifford and Paul, all at home. Mr. Loudenback is a member of the Baptist church of Urbana, and is active and enthusiastic in church work. He is loyal in his support of all measures calculated to benefit the community or the general public, and in the locality where his entire life has been passed he is honored and respected by all. MORTON M. SNODGRASS. From out a childhood heavy with responsibility, and brightened by few of the helpful and encouraging smiles of fortune, Morton M. Snodgrass, one of the well known grocers of Mechanicsburg, has evolved a thrifty business and good name and gained a fair competence.. In this town, which claims him as an honored citizen, he was born June 23, 1861„ CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 371 and the Civil war then thundering at the gates of peace brought desolation and loss into the humble home where there were four other sons and two daughters. The father, Henry Milton Snodgrass, left his native state of Virginia when a young man, and after settling in Champaign county married Amanda Shepherd, a native of this section and daughter of Joshua Shepherd, one of the early pioneers of Champaign county. The elder Snodgrass was a blacksmith by trade, and with his country's need of strong men exchanged his musical anvil for the deadly armament of war. As a soldier in Company I, Sixty-sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, he served until the memorable battle of Lookout Mountain, from which field of carnage he was conveyed wounded to a hospital in Philadelphia, where his death occurred in 1863. He was brought home for burial, and almost immediately want and deprivation settled over the hitherto happy home. With the other children in the family Morton M. Snodgrass was introduced to labor as soon as his growing strength permitted, and his opportunities for acquiring an education were hampered by the necessity of providing his share towards the family maintenance. Nevertheless, in his environment of work he gained much that the schools cannot give, and at the age of fourteen had a fund of common sense of invaluable use in his capacity as an employe in a hardware establishment in Mechanicsburg. At the end of six years he resolVed to try his luck in Wisconsin, where he remained for three years as a clerk for a large lumbering concern. Upon returning to this town he embarked in a small way in the grocery business, and his honest methods and fair treatment of the public have won a deserved patronage. His experience in his chosen occupation was acquired first as a clerk, and during the four years in this position lie learned the business from the bottom up. In 1883 Mr. Snodgrass married Anna Williams, and of this union there has been a sort and daughter, the latter of whom is deceased. Mr. 372 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. Snodgrass is a Republican in political affiliation, but has so devotedly attended to business that no thought of political honors have entered into his calculations. Fraternally he is associated with the Royal Arch Masons and with the Knights of Pythias. He is also a stockholder and director in the Central Bank. In April, 1902, he was elected president of the board of education after having served for three years as a member of the board. SAMUEL M. MOSGROVE, M. D. As a successful practitioner Dr. Samuel M. Mosgrove has gained advancement in the prosecution of his chosen profession and has a large clientage, which is an indication of his superior skill and ability. He was born in Urbana, Ohio, August 4, 1851, his parents being John A. and Elizabeth (Miller) Mosgrove, who were also natives of Urbana, the father's birth having occurred here in 1818. He was a son of Adam Mosgrove, a pioneer physician. of the city and thus through many years the family has been closely associated with this line of business, contributing to the general welfare. The father of our subject was a commission merchant, carrying on business here for a long period and in his undertakings he prospered, owing to his keen sagacity, marked enterprise and unflagging industry. He bought and handled grain on an extensive scale and also dealt largely in wool, becoming widely known as a prosperous and enterprising business man. His political support was given the Republican party, but he never sought the rewards of office in recogniton of party fealty. Prior to his marriage he spent several years in Illinois, Michigan and other western states, where he purchased cattle, driving them east to the Pittsburg markets. His business reputation was unassailable and it was known that his integrity made CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 373 his word as good as any bond that was ever solemnized by signature or seal. He wedded Elizabeth Miller, who was born in Urbana, July 30, 1825, and is still residing in this city, having here made her home not only through her entire married life, but also since her husband's death, which occurred in 1888. She was a daughter of Samuel Miller, a pioneer merchant of Urbana, and a most successful business man. He died, however, at a comparatively early age of about forty-seven. By her marriage Mrs. Mosgrove became the mother of six children, but three of the number died in childhood. Those still living are Mrs. Fannie Bacon, of Indianapolis; Samuel M.; and Emma, who resides with her mother. The Doctor was educated in the public schools and in the Swedenborgian College in Urbana and with a broad literary knowledge to serve as the foundation upon which to rear the superstructure of professional learning, he took up the study of medicine when eighteen years of age under the direction of Dr. James M. Mosgrove, his uncle, a practicing physician of Urbana. Later he entered the Miami Medical College o,f Cincinnati, in which he was graduated with the class of 1872 and after practicing for a few' months in Urbana, he matriculated in the Bellevue Hospital Medical College, of New York City, where he was graduated in 1873. Since then he has been actively connected with the profession here. He is a member of the Ohio State .Medical Society and the National American Medical Association. He has strict regard for the ethics of his profession and anything that tends, to bring to mind the key to that complex mystery which we call life elicits the deep interest and cooperation of Dr. Mosgrove. In his political views the Doctor is a Republican and has been honored with public offices, serving as health officer, also as county coroner for three terms, while for eight years he was a member of the pension board. Still higher official honors awaited him, for in 1893 he was elected 374 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. to the state senate, where he served for one term, representing Champaign, Clark and Madison counties. He is the author of Mosgrove's Medical Bill, requiring the registration of physicians. Socially he is a Mason and he also belongs to Mosgrove Lodge, I. O. 0. F., which was named in honor of his father. He served as surgeon of the Seventh Regiment, Ohio National Guards, and holds membership in the Episcopal church. In the year 1891 the Doctor was united in marriage to Miss Nannie Fisher, of Cincinnati, and they have two children, Louise and John. The Doctor is not so abnormally developed in' any direction as to be called a genius, but has manifested deep interest in the various departments of activity, which go to make up the sum of life. He is devoted to his family and friends and is a valued factor in fraternal circles. His political activity has reflected honor upon the party of his choice and in his profession he has won distinction. Honored and respected in every class of society he has for some time been a leader in thought and action on the public life of county and state and his career adds lustre to the history of this portion of Ohio. ROBERT SANDERS. It is with satisfaction that the biographer adverts to the life history of one who has attained the maximum of success in any vocation to which he has directed his thought and effort, whether it be one of calm but consecutive endeavor or of meteoric accomplishment, and such a life must ever offer both lesson and incentive. The subject of this review is a native of that fair land of hills and heather, bonnie Scotland, and that in his character abide those sterling traits which mark the individuality of the Scottish type is manifest when we come to consider the CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 377 more salient points in his life history, which has been one marked by constant application, invincible spirit, sturdy loyalty and unwavering honor,--attributes which have most naturally eventuated in securing to him a high place in the respect and esteem of his fellow men and in the attainment of a definite and worthy success in connection with the practical activities of life. He is known as one of the representative citizens and business men of the progressive city of Urbana, Champaign county, where he has maintained his home for nearly half a century and where he has been consecutively identified with an industrial enterprise of no secondary scope and importance. He has achieved success through his own efforts, and now, as the shadows of his life begin to lengthen, he rests secure in the confidence and good will of those who know him and in the tangible rewards of honest toil and endeavor protracted over the course of many years. Mr. Sanders is a native of Linlithgow, Scotland, where he was born on the 24th of January, 1826, being the son of Robert and Elizabeth (Forgie) Sanders, who passed their entire lives in Scotland. There the father of our subject followed the vocation of a glue manufacturer, and this fact had unmistakable influence in shaping the future career of his son and namesake, who learned the business in all its details, becoming identified with the same when but twelve years of age, so that it may be inferred that his early educational advantages were somewhat limited in scope. In 1849, at the age of twenty-three years, Mr. Sanders severed the ties which bound him to home and native land, and valiantly set forth to seek his fortunes in America. He first located in Chillicothe, Ohio, where he remained two years, having there built and supervised the operation of a glue factory, which was owned by Alexander Fraser. Thence he proceeded to the city of Columbus, where he was identified with the same line of enterprise about one and one-half years, and in 378 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 1853 he came to Urbana, which has since been his home and the field of his honorable and successful business operations. Here he became associated with Messrs. Moore and Mosgrove in the establishing of a glue factory, the three being thus concerned in the enterprise for a period of two years, at the expiration of which our subject became the sole proprietor, and thereafter continued the business until 19oo, when he ceased the manufacture of glue, but continued the production of soap, which had been made an important adjunct of the enterprise a score of years ago. The present factory, which is finely equipped was erected in 1884, and here Mr. Sanders continues to give his personal attention to the business, through the medium of which he has attained a competency, while the undertaking has been of signal benefit in connection with the industrial activities of the city. The enterprise had a modest inception, but correct methods of business and careful management have brought in their train a consecutive growth, and the attending results have been most gratifying from every standpoint. In 1885 Mr. Sanders completed the erection of his handsome brick residence in College Way, the same being one of the most attractive homes in the city. In his political allegiance Mr. Sanders is arrayed with the Republican party, but has never had time or inclination to enter the domain of public life in any official capacity. More than half a century ago, on the 26th of February, 1850, while still a resident of Scotland, Mr. Sanders became a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and he still retains his vital interest in the affairs of this fraternity, being an honored member of Urbana Lodge, No. 46, in Urbana. Mr. Sanders has been twice married. in 1853 Maria Andover became his wife, she having been born in America, of Scotch ancestry, and her death occurred in 1869, there having been no issue of this union. In 1871 Mr. Sanders was united in marriage to Miss Christina CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 379 McDonald, who was born in Scotland, whence she accompanied her parents on their emigration to America, the family locating in Chillicothe, Ohio. Our subject and his wife are both devoted members of the Presbyterian church, taking an active interest in its work. To them were born two daughters: Jessie, who died in infancy; and Olive May, who is the wife of Charles Ernest Affeld, of Chicago. JOSEPH K. MAST. From pioneer times down to the present. Joseph K. Mast has been a witness of the growth and improvement of his county, and has taken an active interest in everything pertaining to its welfare. He now resides in section 14, Salem township, and his birth occurred in a log cabin upon this farm on the 3oth of March, 1834, his parents being John and Elizabeth (Trago) Mast, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania. The paternal grandfather, Jacob Mast, was born in Switzerland and when a young man crossed the briny deep to the new world, taking up his abode in the Keystone state, where he followed the occupation of farming. John Mast, the father of our subject, was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, and after arriving at years of maturity was married there in 1832 to Miss Elizabeth Brook, whose birth also occurred in that state and who was of Pennsylvania German lineage. They came to Champaign county and upon a farm in Salem township Mr. Mast took up his abode. The land was then largely wild and unimproved, but by resolute purpose and determined will, together with unfaltering industry, he soon transformed his farm into a rich and arable tract. His political support was given the Whig party until the-organization of the new Republican party, when he joined its ranks and. 380 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. continued one of its supporters until his death. For many years he served as a member of the school board and the cause of education found in him a warm friend. He was also a helpful and consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church, doing all in his power to promote its growth and upbuilding and also working earnestly in the Sunday-school. He died in Salem township in the seventy-sixth year of his age. In his family were eight children, five sons and three daughters, all of whom reached mature years, while five are still living, Mr. Mast of this review being the third son and sixth child in order of birth. No event of special importance occurred to vary the routine of farm life for Mr. Mast in his youth. He was reared upon, the old farm where he yet resides and at the usual age entered the district schools, where he mastered the common branches cf learning, while later he spent two terms as a student in Delaware. Since old enough to handle the plow he began work in the fields and assisted in the work of the farm until his marriage, becoming familiar with all the labors which constitute agricultural life. He was married in November, 1856, the lady of his choice being Katherine Eichholtz, a native of Pennsylvania, whence she came to Champaign county during her early girlhood in company with her parents. Her death occurred in 1883. They were the parents of eight children, John, now deceased; Charlie, who married Mary Swisher; Frank, who married Malinda Instine; Emma, the wife of John Strasser; Elizabeth, the wife of Clark Mcleterff; Altha, at home; Clara, a teacher in the high school of Urbana; Cicero, at home; and Iva, who is pursuing her education in Delaware. At the time of his marriage Mr. Mast located upon the old home farm where he still resides. He has made excellent improvements upon the place, including the erection of his present large brick residence, which was built in 1877. He now owns one hundred acres of land and at one time was the owner of three hundred and fifty acres, but has to CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 381 some extent retired from business, and now rents his land. He has also carried on agricultural pursuits and owns an interest in the agricultural implement business in Springfield, Ohio. His trade relations have ever been characterized by strict integrity and fair dealing. He is a member of the Grace Methodist church, is serving as one of its trustees and is deeply interested in all measures that tend to uplift mankind and to develop upright character. He votes with the Prohibition party, having always been a strong temperance man. His entire life has been passed in Salem township and those who have known him from boyhood know that his career has been an upright and honorable one and worthy of the highest regard. G. R. KISER. G. R. Kiser was born in Shelby county, Ohio, December 10, 1829. His father, Nicholas Kiser, was a native of Tennessee and was there reared and educated. After his marriage he located in Shelby county, where he followed the blacksmith's trade. He was a lifelong Democrat, earnest and unflinching in his advocacy of the principles of that party. He died in the sixty-fourth year of his age. His wife, Margaret Kiser, was a native of Pennsylvania, and with her parents removed to Clark county, Ohio. She died in her eightieth year. Her father, John Kiser, was a native of the Keystone state and was one of the pioneer settlers of Clark county, Ohio. Unto the parents of our subject were born thirteen children, eight sons and five daughters, all of whom reached years of maturity but one, while ten of the number were married. G. R. Kiser was the seventh child and fourth son and in Shelby county was reared until sixteen years of age, when he started out to, 382 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. make his own way in the world. He had a poor suit of clothes and a dollar and a half in money. He worked about a month as a farm hand, receiving eight dollars for his first month's wages and nine dollars per month throughout the remainder of the summer. He afterward operated-a sawmill for several years in the employ of others and was thus engaged until about twenty-two years of age, when, with the capital he had acquired through his own labors, he bought a steam sawmill, conducting it until 1864. He was in Adams township, Champaign county, buying, selling and shipping stock. In 1855 he shipped the first hogs to New York ever sent from Saint Paris and was the first shipper to transport his stock on a railroad. In all his business undertakings he prospered, owing to his carefully directed efforts and unfaltering industry. In 1866 he removed to Saint Paris, where he remained for nine years, and in 1875 again took up his abode upon a farm, near Millerstown. Once more, however, he came to Saint Paris in the spring of 1886, and is now living a retired life, having in the meantime acquired a handsome competence. As his financial resources increased he has made judicious investments in real estate and now has about twelve hundred acres of land, two hundred of which lie in Shelby county. His property is divided into seven farms and all has been accumulated through his own efforts. In December, 1856, Mr. Kiser was united in marriage to Margaret McVay, who was born in Butler county, Ohio, a daughter of William and Susan (Stockton) McVay. The former was a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of New York. In their family were eight children, three sons and five daughters, Mrs. Kiser being the sixth child and third daughter. She was reared in Shelby county, going there with her parents during her early girlhood. By her marriage she has become the mother of two children: John William and Mary Belle, who are twins. John W., who went to Chicago in 1889, has been a leading CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 383 business man there since that time. He was first in the sewing machine business, then in the bicycle business and is now a member of the Phenix Horseshoe Company. He has made a fortune in Chicago. He married Theresa W. Furrow, and they have had two children : Riley C. and John F., who was accidentally killed April 29, 1902. Mr. Kiser has been a member of the city council for two terms. He has justly won the proud American title of self-made man and as the architect of his own fortunes has builded wisely and well. Starting out in life at the age of sixteen years he has depended entirely upon his own resources and his efforts have been directed along the lines of labor leading to prosperity. DR. A. B. PEARCE. Dr. A. B. Pearce, whose success as a medical practitioner is indicated by his large patronage, resides in section 15, Salem township, Champaign county. He was born in Goshen township, of this county, on the 8th of October, 1836. His father, Harvey C. Pearce, was the first white child born in Urbana, his natal day being January 2o, 1805. His father was Thomas Pearce, a native of Virginia, who came to Champaign county in pioneer days and aided in the early development and progress of the county. He owned a section of land adjoining Urbana, securing his farm from the government. His labors resulted in reclaiming the land for the purpose of civilization. As the years passed his fields became very productive. He lived to be more than eighty years of age. His son, Harvey C. Pearce, was reared in this county, pursuing his education in a log school house, such as were common at that day. After arriving at years of maturity he married Beulah Barrette, who was born in Union township, Champaign county, in 1807, and was 384 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. there reared. Her father, Abner Barrette, was born in Kentucky and came to this county at a very early period in its development. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Pearce located in Union township, where they remained until about 1863. The father died in his eighty-seventh. year and the mother passed away in her seventy-sixth year. In their family were seven children, six sons and one daughter, as follows: H. C., who is a practicing physician of Urbana; L. E., who was also a-member of the medical fraternity and died in Onarga, Illinois; A. B., of this review; John W., a business man of Chicago, Illinois; Richard S., of Urbana; Mary E., now deceased; and one who died in infancy. Dr. Pearce of this review is the third child and was reared in Union township, his early education being acquired. in the district schools near his home. Later he attended the Urbana high school, in which he was graduated when about twenty-two years of age. He afterward engaged in teaching school for four years and during the summer months devoted his time to the mastery of the principles of medical science. He then entered the Starling Medical College at Columbus, and was graduated in 1863, locating for practice at Kings Creek, where he remained for fourteen years. He was also engaged in practice for six years in Urbana, and spent a similar period in Vincennes, Indiana, whence he came. to his present home in Salem township in 181. Here he has remained continuously since and his attention is given to his professional duties,, which make heavy demands upon his time. On the 17th of September, 1867, Dr. Pearce was united in marriage to Miss Ella Sheperd, a native of Montgomery county, Ohio, whence she removed to Clark county. Her parents, Jacob and Elizabeth (Grimes) Sheperd, had a family of four daughters: Effie C., the wife of M. S. Seaton, of Salem township; Minnie :M., the wife of Rufus Detwiller, of Urbana; Mattie L., who is engaged in teaching in Nine-. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 385 ceheltcer; and Jessie, who is also a teacher. They also lost one son, who died in infancy. Dr. Pearce is a member of the Champaign County Medical Society and always keeps abreast with the progress of the times, especially along the line of his profession. Fraternally he is a Mason, belonging to Kings Creek Lodge, and is also identified with W. A. Brand Post, G. A. R., of Urbana, being entitled to membership therein because of his military service in the Civil war. In May, 1864, he enlisted for one hundred days, entering the army as a private, but being made surgeon of his regiment. In politics he is a stanch Republican, unswerving in his allegiance to the party and its principles and in religious faith is a Methodist, serving as trustee of the church to which he belongs and in the work of which he takes an active part. He is a valued representative of an honored pioneer family of Champaign county, which through an entire century has been represented in this portion of the state, its members taking a very active and creditable part in the work of improvement, progress and upbuilding. WILLIAM M. GEHMAN. The life record of William M. Gehman, is deserving of a promi¬nent place in the history of Champaign county. He has represented his county in the state legislature, has been actively connected with educational interests and is also known as a progressive farmer. His connection with all these important departments of life has made him a valued citizen and at all times he has commanded uniform confidence and respect by his loyalty to Public duty and his liberality in all life's relations. He resides in section 16, Salem township, and it was upon 20 386 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. this farm that he was born, October 22, .1852. His father, B. W. Gehman was a native of Pennsylvania, while the grandfather, Benjamin Gehman, was born in Hanover, Germany, where he spent the days of his boyhood and youth, coming to America when a young man. He then located near Reading, Pennsylvania, where he followed the occupation of farming. He lived to the advanced age of ninety-two years, while his wife reached the extreme old age of ninety-three. Among their children was B. NV. Gehman, who was reared in the Keystone state and in 1837 journeyed on horseback from Pennsylvania to Iowa. In the latter state he purchased the tract of land upon which the city of Des Moines now stands, buying it from the Indians. He then returned by the same method of travel to Pennsylvania and was there married. It was his intention to take up his abode upon his Iowa land and with his bride he started for the Mississippi valley, but on reaching Champaign county his wife became ill. They resolved to spend the winter there and during that period Mr. Gehman was persuaded to buy the old Walker homestead, the place upon which our subject now resides. Accordingly he gave up his anticipated western trip and the land eventually returned to the Indians or to the government. Throughout his remaining clays the father resided upon the farm which is now the home of our subject and there lived until called to his final rest at the age of sixty-three. He was a prominent Methodist and served as a local preacher, taking an active part in religious work in many ways. His life was so upright and honorable that his example was well worthy of emulation and his memory remains as a blessed benediction to all who knew him. In politics he was a Republican from the organization of the party and prior to that time gave his support to the Whig party. He married Elizabeth Morris, a native of Reading, Pennsylvania, and a daughter of William Morris, a merchant of that city. Her father removed to Morgantown, Pennsylvania, and was there engaged in mer- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 387 cantile pursuits for some time. He was of English descent. Mr. Gehman died in the sixty-third year of his age, while his wife passed away in her sixty-sixth year. They were the parents of four children, two sons and two daughters, all of whom reached adult age, namely : Ella M., a resident of Kansas; Anna M., now deceased; Benjamin F., a stock farmer of Hutchinson, Kansas; and William M. Mr. Gehman, of this review, is the youngest of the family, and was reared upon the home farm where he now resides, attending the district schools in his youth and later supplementing his early educational privileges by study in the academy at Lancaster, Ohio, and in the State University at Columbus. He was also a student in the high school at Urbana at one time and afterward engaged in teaching school in order. to earn the money for his more advanced education. This was indicative of the elemental strength of his character and gave promise that the future has fulfilled. He remained in the university for about three years and after leaving that institution engaged in teaching school for more than eleven years proving a most capable educator, imparting clearly and concisely to others the knowledge he had acquired. In 1880, however, he gave up school work and turned his attention to farming upon the old homestead where he is now living. On the 26th of October, 1882, Mr. Gehman led to the marriage altar Miss Hattie E. Chance, a native of Union township, Champaign county, and a daughter of William and Henrietta (Jones) Chance. Mrs. Gehman was engaged in teaching school for some years in Urbana un der the superintendence of Professor A. C. Duel, one of the leading educators of Ohio. Mrs. Gehman attended Professor Duel's schools and afterward engaged in teaching under him. She was also a student in the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware. By her marriage she has become the mother of four children: Morris, Walter, Ruth and Ralph. 388 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. Since age gave to him the right of franchise Mr. Gellman has been a stalwart Republican and his fellow townsmen, recognizing his fitness for leadership and his patriotic allegiance to the county, elected him as their representative in the state legislature in 1895. He served for one term, filling the position most acceptably. To every question which came up for settlement he gave his earliest consideration and left the impress of his individuality upon the legislation enacted during his term. He has also been trustee of Salem township for several years and has been president of the Kings Creek Farmers' Institute, which was organized in 1892. He assisted in its organization and filled the position of presiding officer for six years. He has always been on the side of improvement, reform and progress and has been especially helpful in political, educational and church circles. He belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church of Kings Creek; is an active worker in the church and Sunday-school and his wife is also a worthy helper in the latter. Mr. Gellman is a man of more than ordinary ability, is a gentleman of scholarly attainments and broad general knowledge and is well fitted for leadership, honored and respected by all, has much influence over public thought and feeling and is most untiring in his efforts in behalf of the general public. JOHN C. SCEVA. Mechanicsburg is fortunate in the possession of citizens who are themselves not only creditable acquisitions to their respective financial,. professional, industrial or commercial environment, but who have the added incentive of nativity, and are stimulated to precedents established by pioneer fathers who, with splendid zeal, worked out their destinies in the self-same surroundings. Such a one is John C. Sceva, president of the Farmers' Bank, and born in this city November 21, 1838. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 391 His parents, Nathaniel and Rosalin ( Woodard) Sceva, were born near New London, New Hampshire, the latter being a daughter of James and Dollie (Dale) Woodard. After the marriage of the parents they determined to seek the supposed larger opportunities in Ohio, and, .accompanied by the Woodards, settled on a farm in Goshen township, Champaign county, Where the latter lived for a few years, but passed their last days in Mechanicsburg. Nathaniel Sceva was a carpenter by trade, and was thus employed up to his fortieth year, thereafter turning his attention in various directions. He possessed marked executive ability, and was a man of progressive thought and action. As a stanch upholder of Democratic principles he left his impress upon several political offices, among them that of county commissioner, which he held for one term. During the presidential administration of Buchanan he served as postmaster of this city. He died in 1872, at the age of sixty-two years, and was survived by his wife until 1896, at the age of a little over eighty. Both were members of the Baptist church, and they were the parents of several children. One of the sons, Benjamin F., was a graduate of Union College, and served for four years in the Civil war as a soldier in the Tenth New York Cavalry, rising from the rank of private to that of colonel of his regiment. After the war he engaged in the practice of law in Washington, D. C., in which city he died in 1876. John C. is the second child in his father's family; James H. is a farmer of Madison county, Ohio; Jennie is the wife of Dr. A. L. Sidner, of Mechanicsburg; Horace M. is a resident of Mechanicsburg and is engaged in dairy farming; and Lewis C. is a lawyer of this town. After completing his education in the public schools of Mechanicsburg John C. Sceva spent two years at the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware, Ohio. His first business experience was acquired as a clerk in his father's general store, and later in a dry-goods store, after 392 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. which a partnership was formed with his brother-in-law, C. W. Williams, in a dry-goods business, which was amicably continued from 1865 until 1875. He was elected a director in the Farmers' Bank of Mechanicsburg, which position he held for some years. Mr. Sceva was made vice-president, and in 1901 succeeded to the presidency. Through his marriage, in 1865, with Ella J. Williams, who died in 1894. two children were born : Anna, wife of F. M. Clements, of Mechanicsburg; and Hattie, wife of E. A. Roberts, of Cleveland, Ohio. In 1899 Mr. Sceva married Mrs. Lida S. Hinkle, nee Sanford. Politically a Democrat, he is yet liberal enough to vote for the best man, but it cannot be said that he has to any extent identified himself with general political matters. He was postmaster under Cleveland's first administration and held the office nearly five years. Since 1857 he has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he is an official, and for eight years was superintendent of the Sunday-school. He was a member of the building committee of the church and has been treasurer of the church a number of years. Mr. Sceva is one of the substantial men of the city, and for his pronounced business ability and many fine personal attributes deserves and receives the appreciation of his community. PHILIP L. STICKLEY. One of the representative farmers of Mad River township is Mr. Stickley, whose fine homestead is located in section 18. He is a native of the Old Dominion state, having been born in Shenandoah county, Virginia, on the loth of October, 1844, being the son of Joseph Stickley, who was born in the same county, to which his father emigrated from Germany, his native land. The maiden name of our subject's mother CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 393 was Mary C. Setzer, who likewise was born in Shenandoah county, being of Irish lineage. Joseph and Mary C. Stickley became the parents of three sons and five daughters, all of whom are living with the exception of two of the daughters. Philip L., the subject of this sketch, is the eldest of the children ; Anna is the wife of Martin Lineburg; John H. is a successful farmer of Urbana township, this county ; Joseph B. resides near Pittsburg, Pennsylvania; Mollie is the wife of William Parker, of Virginia; Irena is the wife of Noah Minnch, of Westville, this county; and the other one of the eight children died in childhood. Philip L. Stickley was reared in his native county up to the age of about eighteen years, when the outbreak of the Civil war occurred and he tendered his services in support of the cause of the Confederacy, enlisting as a member of Chewfs battery, which was a part of Ashby's cavalry. He continued in active service until the close of the war, having participated in many of the most memorable battles, including the engagements at Antietam, Gettysburg, Richmond, Kernstown, Newmarket and the Wilderness. In the last mentioned battle he received a severe scalp wound from a piece of shell, while previously he had been wounded in the left arm. He served for a time as a non-commissioned officer and was ever to be found at the post of duty, earnestly battling for the cause of the south. After the close of the war Mr. Stickley returned to his home in Virginia, where he devoted his time to such work as he could find to do, the support of his parents devolving upon him to a very large extent. In 1868 he came to Champaign county, Ohio, and here secured employment by the month on the farm of S. K. Sowers, with whom he remained about nine months, while he was similarly employed for the following three years by Daniel Blose. After this a few months were passed in the employ of another farmer of this locality, and then Mr. Stickley began agricultural operations on his own responsibility. He was married in the year 1873, and forthwith located 394 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. on the farm which he now owns and which he has brought under the most effective cultivation, while he has attained independence and marked success entirely through his own well directed efforts, so that he is to be considered as essentially a type of the self-made man, while he has so directed his course as to ever retain the confidence and esteem of those with whom he has come in contact in the various relations of life. Mr. Stickley has added to his original purchase as prosperity attended his efforts until he now has a fine landed estate of two hundred acres in the home place and a good farm of sixty-four acres in Madison county. In politics our subject has ever given a zealous allegiance to the Democratic party, and served two terms in the office of township treasurer, giving an able administration of the fiscal affairs of Mad River township. Fraternally he is a member of the lodge, chapter and commandery of the Masonic order at Urbana and of the Knights of Pythias at Westville. On the 25th of February, 1873, Mr. Stickley was united in marriage to Miss Fannie Harr, the daughter of Newton H. Harr, one of the pioneers of this county. Of this union six children were born, namely : Ada V. (the wife of Elijah Stickley), Edgar H., Cara M., Bilair M., Omer B. and Smith F. The devoted wife and mother was summoned into eternal rest on the 3d of August, 1896, and on the 30th of August, 1898, our subject was united in marriage to Mrs. Elizabeth (Huffman) Caldwell, the widow of Thomas B. Caldwell. She was born near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the daughter of Samuel and Margaret (Elkins) Huffman, who removed to Champaign county, Ohio, when she was a child, and here she was reared and educated. Her father was born in Philadelphia but eventually removed to South Charleston, Clark county, Ohio, where he conducted a successful dairy business. Our subject has an attractive home, and the family enjoy marked popularity in the community, where Mr. Stickley is held in the CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 395 highest esteem by those who have witnessed his earnest endeavors which have been crowned with so high a degree of success. Mr. Stickley is a member of Raper Commandery, No. 19, Knights Templar, and Westville Lodge, No. 433, Knights of Pythias. SAMUEL COWGILL. The family of which Samuel Cowgill is L most honored representative is a pioneer one in Salem township, Champaign county. He has taken a patriotic part in everything bearing upon the upbuilding and progress of the community, and has aided in many enterprises which have greatly benefited his county and state. A native son of the township. his birth here occurred on. the 1st of July, 1831, and he is the eldest son of Henry and Anna Cowgill, whose history will be found on another page of this volume. When twenty-eight years of age their son Samuel left the home of his birth and removed to Nemaha county, Kansas, where he entered a section of land from the government, and there made his home until 1863. In 1860 he returned to Ohio, and was here married to Caroline Buffington, a native daughter of Champaign county, her father having located here some time in the '3os. Returning with his bride to his Kansas home, Mr. Cowgill there remained until just before the death of his wife, which occurred in 1863, when he again returned to the Buckeye state. In company with his sister, he now owns two hundred acres of rich and productive land in Salem township, and has prospered in his financial undertakings. As a citizen his course has been worthy of commendation, for he has given his means and influence to the maintenance of law, order and good government. Firm in his conviction that the principles of the Republican party have 396 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. brought to this country its present wonderful prosperity, he is never absent from the polls and manfully strives to promote its welfare. For a period of six years he served as the trustee of Salem township, for twenty years was the efficient school director and has served as trustee for several large estates. In 1865 Mr. Cowgill was united in marriage to Mary Linville, a native of Wayne township, Champaign county. He is a birth-right member of the Society of Friends and has always loved the church and labored for its growth and upbuilding. Mr. Cowgill is now and has been for three years president of the Champaign and Logan County Pioneer Association, which was organized about thirty-five years ago. RANDOLPH TRITT. Randolph Tritt is now living retired in King's Creek, Salem township, his rest coming as a reward of many years of faithful activity in agricultural circles. He was born in Frederick county, Maryland, January.29, 1829, and has therefore passed the seventy-third milestone on life's journey. The family is of German lineage and the parents of our subject spoke the German language. His father, Joseph Tritt. was also born in Frederick county, Maryland, and there remained until after his marriage, when with his family he came to Ohio about 1835. When thirty years had passed he left the Buckeye state and in 1865 took up his abode in Jasper county, Illinois, where he died at the age of seventy-four years. He was an active and helpful member in the Baptist church, and the Republican party received his earnest political support. He served as a trustee in Salem township and was also known in military circles, serving as a major in the war of 1812. Throughout Champaign CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 397 county he was known by the title of Major Tritt. By trade he was a. carpenter and erected many buildings in Champaign county and also in Greene county. He located in the latter when he came to Ohio, but in 1847 took up his abode in this county, which was his place of residence until his removal to Illinois in 1865, with the exception of a. short period passed in Greene county, Ohio. He married Elizabeth Arnold, also a native of Maryland, and her death occurred in that state at the age of forty-one years. She was a daughter of Daniel Arnold,. who was born in Maryland or Pennsylvania and was of German lineage. Joseph Tritt twice married and by the first union had five sons and a. daughter. After the death of his first wife he married Sarah Snyder. md they became the parents of two sons and two daughters. Randolph Tritt was the fifth in order of birth in the first family. Ile has but one surviving brother, Ezra, who resides in King's Creek.. Randolph Tritt spent the years of his boyhood in the place of his nativity until he attained the age of twelve, when he became a resident of Greene county, Ohio. When a youth of fifteen he began learning the carpenter's trade under the direction of his father and became quite expert. He was thus employed until 1851, having in the meantime. come to Champaign. county with his father in 1847. They erected many residences in this county and in 1847 built what is known as the Regular-Baptist church in King's Creek. This edifice is still one of the old landmarks of the community and is used by the people of the same denomination for which it was built. In the year 1851 Mr. Tritt, of this review, went west to Illinois, where he became connected with the operation of a sawmill, following that pursuit in Sangamon county. When two years had passed, however, he returned to Ohio and again took up his abode in Champaign county. On the 3d of October, 1853, Mr. Tritt was joined in wedlock to Sarah Jane Stewart, a daughter of Archibald and Elizabeth (Mason) 398 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. Stewart. She was born in Salem township, where her parents located in pioneer days. Her father was a captain in the war of 1812 and served as county commissioner for twelve years. He came to this state from Pennsylvania and was known as a prominent and influential citizen. He took an active and earnest part in the work of the Baptist church at King's Creek, to which his wife also belonged. His death occurred when he was about seventy-four years of age and his wife was eighty-one years old at the time of her death. Mr. and Mrs. Tritt began their domestic life in Urbana in 1853, our subject entering the employ of 'the firm of Brown, Willey & Patrick, proprietors of the flouring mill. In the spring of the succeeding year he removed to a farm in Salem township, renting the land for about three years. He then purchased what is known as the N. A. Adams farm and conducted it until 1865, when he sold that property and purchased what is known as the Henry Haganbauch farm in Salem township. This he still owns and to its cultivation and development he ,devoted his energies until 1884, when he removed to his present home at King's Creek. He has one hundred and seventy-one and one-half acres of land in Salem township, constituting a well improved farm, and he also owns sixty and one-half acres in Clark county, Ohio. He has been quite successful in stock-raising, as well as in the cultivation of the fields, and his business interests have brought to him very creditable success. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Tritt have been born two children : S. Elizabeth is the wife of Alfred Miller, of Columbus, Ohio, a real estate dealer, by whom she has two sons, Edward R. and James S. William A. married Ida A. Rule and resides in Springfield, Ohio, where he is engaged in manufacturing. They have three children : Harry R., Sarah E. and Merrel M. Mr. Tritt united with the Baptist church in Greene county, Ohio, in 1844, and has since taken an active part in its work. doing CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 399 his duty to promote its growth and extend its influence. In politics he is a stanch Republican, having cast his ballot for J. C. Fremont and Abe Lincoln and for each presidential candidate of the party since that time. He has twice been elected county infirmary director, receiving a unanimous nomination on the second occasion. He served in that capacity for six years and his record in office and his course in business are alike creditable. His diligence and unflagging enterprise have brought to him a handsome competence and he is living in retirement from labor. MARION TALBOT. As a representative of one of the sterling pioneer families of Champaign county and one that has figured prominently in its industrial life from the early clays when was inaugurated the work of reclaiming the forest wilds, there is particular propriety in according recognition to Mr. Talbot in this compilation, even were his personal prestige and honorable accomplishment less pronounced than they are. For nearly a decade he has been incumbent of the position of deputy county clerk, and in this office he has rendered signally able and discriminating service in the handling of the manifold and important details of this portion of the county government. Mr. Talbot was born on the ancestral homestead in Jackson town-Ship, Champaign county, Ohio, on the 28th of July, 1862, being the son of George W. Talbot, who is still engaged in agricultural pursuits on the old farm. The latter is a son of Harvey Talbot, who came to this county in the year 1802 with his father, Sampson Talbot, who was one of the first settlers of Concord township and for many years was a justice of the peace for that township. Harvey Talbot established his home in the sylvan wilds of Jackson township, where he cleared and