(RETURN TO THE TITLE PAGE) 700 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. probably born in Connecticut, and were named as follows : Jacob; Zalenda, who became the wife of James Miller ; Lorinda, who married Elba Burnham ; Orilla, who became the wife of Sumner Payne; Juliette, who was married to John Reed ; Lydia Ann, who was first married to Elias Hathaway and afterward to Samuel Woods ; and Nancy M., who never married. All are now deceased. Jacob Burnham, the eldest son in the above family, married Eliza Meachem, and afterward located on the old homestead farm with his brother Eliphas, where he remained until his death. The brothers carried on the work of the farm together during their life time. They were prominently and widely known throughout the county, and in business they sustained an enviable reputation, for in them were embraced the characteristics of unbending integrity, unabating energy and industry that never flagged. Unto Jacob and Eliza (Meachem) Burnham, were born four children,--Nicholas H.; Albert, deceased ; Hiram G., deceased; and Eliza A., widow of Simeon D. Fairchild. Jacob Burnham, who was born on the 27th of October, 1794, died on the 23d of April, 1866, while his wife survived until August 3o, 1886, passing away at the age of eighty-four years and three months. .Both were members of the Woodstock Universalist church, in which they were active workers, and they exemplified its helpful teachings in their everyday lives. The father Was a close Bible student, and during his life he read that sacred book through many times. He was a Whig in political matters until the formation of the Republican party, after which he gave a loyal support to its principles. Eliphas Burnham married Lydia Meachem, a sister of Mrs. Jacob Burnham, their wedding being celebrated on the 3d of July, 1820, and their union was blessed with eight children, as follows : Betsey, who became the wife of George Thomas ; Harvey ; Andrew ; Marcia, who married George Morse ; Ralph ; Dorcas ; Lucas ; and Jared. All are now de- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 701 ceased with the exception of Andrew and Marcia. Mr. and Mrs. Burnham were also exemplary members of the Universalist church. The mother, who was born on the 14th of June, 1796, was called to the home beyond April 8, 1867, and the father died April 14, 1881. The same roof sheltered these brothers throughout nearly their entire lives, and through the passing years they gained the unqualified confidence and respect of their fellow men. GEORGE A. WEAVER. George A. Weaver is a representative of one of the old and pioneer families of Champaign county. He is a son of Lemuel W., who was born eight miles from Urbana, July 17, 1808, and died in this city on the 27th of January, 1890. The family is of German lineage and Henry W., the grandfather of our subject, was born in Berkeley county, Virginia. Later he became a resident of Lexington, Kentucky, and then removed to Ohio in 1802. In the latter part of 1813 the family came to Urbana, the city having been founded eight years before. Here Henry Weaver engaged in the manufacture of boots and shoes until 1825, and then extended the field of his operations by dealing in general merchandise. He was tax collector for several years and was a prominent and influential man, whose efforts along commercial lines and in the up-building and progress of Urbana were most beneficial to the community. He died in 1872, after seventy years residence in Champaign county. His wife bore the maiden name of Nancy Chapman and was of English descent. She was born in New Jersey and was a daughter of William Chapman for whom Chapman's Creek in Champaign county was named, he having lived along that stream. When twelve years of age Lemuel Weaver was a student in the 702 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY school conducted by Calvin Fletcher, afterwards a prominent and wealthy citizen of Indianapolis, Indiana. The last school which he attended was taught by Aquila Bolton, who later joined the Quaker community near Lebanon. In his youth Mr. Weaver became a clerk in his father's store and when the father withdrew in 1843 Mr. Weaver and his brothers, Jason and Simeon, continued the business with which he was connected for many years. In 1855 the partnership was dissolved and the following year Lemuel Weaver entered into business relations with his brother Simeon as a general merchant. When three or four years had passed he went to Concord, New Hampshire, but at the expiration of two years returned to Urbana and opened a hardware store, however, disposing of his interests in this enterprise several years prior to his death. His political support was given to the Whig party in early life, while later he became a Republican. In 1832. he was a delegate to the Whig convention which met at Washington, D. C., and nominated Henry Clay as a candidate for the presidency. In 1840 he gave his support to William Henry Harrison: He took an active interest in everything pertaining to the improvement and progress of his community and at one time was secretary and treasurer of the Mad River & Lake Erie Railroad, which is now part of the Big Four railroad system. On the 21st of August, 1841, Lemuel Weaver married Elizabeth G. Hoyt, of Urbana, who was born in Maine, in the year 1816, and died on the 3rd of May, 1874. Both Mr. and Mrs. Weaver were members of the Presbyterian church and were people of the highest respectability. Their influence was marked as promoters of general progress along intellectual and moral lines and Mr. 'Weaver contributed in a large measure to the material up-building of his community. Of the five children born unto this worthy couple George A. Weaver of Urbana is the only one now living. His birth occurred in this city, May 22, 1842, and here he pursued his preliminary education, which was CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 703 supplemented by a course in Dartmouth College, in which he was graduated in 1863. He entered upon his business career in connection with his father, as a representative of merchandising interests, and afterward studied law, being admitted to the bar in 1869. He has not engaged in practice regularly, his attention being largely occupied by supervision of his real estate interests, which are extensive. He has also been identified with several extensive enterprises and is a man of resourceful business ability, who carries forward to successful completion whatever he undertakes. In 1875 Mr. Weaver married Miss Eleanor E. Thomas of New York, and they have two children, both of whom are in college. Mrs. Weaver is a leader in social circles and their attractive home is celebrated for its cordial hospitality. Mr. Weaver is a Presbyterian in religious faith and in politics he is a Republican. Notably prompt, energetic and reliable in business matters, he has had marked influence upon the commercial progress of Urbana. In manner he is modest and unassuming, but from his friends he receives the recognition which is ever accorded to sterling worth and honor. JOSEPH G. RUSSELL. In glancing at the more salient points in the genealogical history of this able young member of the bar of Champaign county, we find that in the agnatic line he is descended from stanch English stock and that representatives of the name became identified with the annals of American history in the early colonial epoch, the original ancestors locating in the colony of Massachusetts early in the seventeenth century, while the name later became prominently identified with the history of the states of Pennsylvania and Virginia, our subject tracing his lineage back to Robert 704 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. Russell, who located in the Old Dominion in the year 1776. The name has ever stood for strong intellectuality, marked probity and intrinsic patriotism, and it is a matter of record that several members of the family rendered yeoman service in the Continental line during the war of the Revolution. Joseph G. Russell, who is successfully engaged in the general practice of law in the city of Urbana, is a native of this place, where he was born on the 15th of September, 1875, the son of James M. and Elizabeth J. (McClellan) Russell. James M. Russell was born likewise in Champaign county, Ohio, the son of Aaron and Tamzon Russell, the former of whom was born in Culpeper county, Virginia, a son of William Russell, who also was a native of the Old Dominion and the son of James and Ann (Heath) Russell, the former- of whom was a son of the Robert Russell, who located in Virginia in 1776. There are records extant which indicate that the first representative of the family in America came hither from England, settling in Salem. Later several members of the family took up their abode in Concord, that colony, and in one of the old cemeteries there may be found ancient tombs on which may still be deciphered the names of lineal and collateral branches of the family of which our subject is a member. From Massachusetts went forth representatives of the family into New York City and Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, from which county Robert Russell removed to "Virginia, as has already been noted. Aaron Russell, the grandfather of our subject, came to Champaign county, Ohio, and settled in Concord township, where he devoted the remainder of his life to agricultural pursuits, developing a valuable farm and being recognized as one of the representative citizens of the county. His son James M. was reared on the homestead farm, and received his educational discipline in his native county. He was concerned in agriculture in his early manhood, but eventually took up his residence in Urbana, where he engaged in the dry-goods business, in which line he CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 705 continued operations for many years, being one of the leading merchants of the city and one of its most honored citizens. He is now living retired, after years of well directed and .prolific effort as a business man. He went forth in defense of the Union during the war of the Rebellion, serving three years, as a member of the One Hundred and Fifteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and having been lieutenant and adjutant in his company. He and his wife still maintain their home in Urbana, where their friends are in number as their acquaintances. Mrs. Russell was born in Reading, Pennsylvania, being the daughter of Joseph and Ann (Cunningham) McClellan, who removed from Reading to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, where they lived for many years. The McClellan family is of Scotch extraction and was founded in Pennsylvania prior to the war of the Revolution. The subject of this review is one of two children, his sister, Ruth, being the wife of Charles E. Kennedy, of Urbana. Joseph G. Russell was reared in his native city, and was graduated in the Urbana high school as a member of the class of 1893. He then began his technical reading of law, continuing his studies for one year in Urbana and then taking a course of one year in the law department of the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, following this by attending the Cincinnati Law School for an equal period. He was admitted to the bar in 1897, and was thereafter associated in practice with John J. Leedom, now deceased, for several years in Michigan. He has been engaged in practice at Urbana since his return and is known as one of the well qualified and successful young members of the bar of this section of the state. In politics Mr. Russell is a stalwart advocate of the principles of the Republican party, and he has been an active worker in its ranks. In December, 1900, he was elected president of the Young Men's Republican Club, of Urbana, and is still incumbent of this position. He is a member of no fraternal organizations, but is prominently identified 706 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. with the National Guard of Ohio, having been appointed sergeant-major of the Third Battalion of the Third Regiment, in April, 1901. He is a stockholder of the Urbana Baking Powder Company, of which he is vice-president. MAJOR THOMAS McCONNELL. All who have a just regard for the memory of those who have departed this life must cherish the details which go to make up the history of those whose careers have been marked by uprightedness and truth and whose lives have been filled with usefulness. In a work which has to do with those who have lived and wrought to goodly ends in Champaign county, it is incumbent that 'a memoir be entered to Major McConnell, who was a valiant and loyal soldier during the war of the Rebellion and who was known and honored as one of the representative business men of Urbana, where he maintained his home until his death, on the 30th of September, 19o1. When he thus passed to his reward the community mourned the loss of one of its noble-hearted, public-spirited and loyal citizens, for he was held in the highest regard by all who knew him, and his acquaintanceship was wide in this section of the state, where he had maintained his home for so many years. Major McConnell was born near Lebanon, Ohio, on the 18th of January, 1839, being a son of James McConnell, who was born in Berks county, Pennsylvania, being of stanch Scotch-Irish lineage. There he was married to Eleanor Murray, who was born in that county, being likewise of Scotch-Irish extraction, and they came to Ohio in an early day, locating in Warren coumty, and thence removing to Champaign county, where the father devoted the residue of his life to agricultural pursuits, passing away at the age of about seventy years, while his wife CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 707 was about sixty-eight at the time of her demise. Both were devoted member s of the Methodist Episcopal church and were folks of the most sterling character. They became the parents of five sons and three daughters, all of whom attained years of maturity, the subject of this re• view having been the second in order of birth and the eldest son. He was a lad of seven years at the time when his parents came to Champaign county, and his early educational privileges were such as were afforded in the district schools of the early days. He continued at the parental home until the dark cloud of civil war obscured the national horizon, when he was among the first to show his intrinsic patriotism and loyalty, by tendering his services in support of the Union. Upon the first call for troops, in 1861, Major McConnell enlisted as a private in Company K, Thirteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which he served until the close of his term of enlistment, when he veteranized, in 1862, promptly re-enlisting and becoming a private in Company A, Sixty-sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in which he was made a first lieutenant, later promoted to the office of captain and finally major of his regiment. He participated in many of the most notable battles of the war, having been in command of his regiment at the battle of Lookout Mountain and many other engagements, and having been identified with the entire Atlanta campaign. He was wounded at Chancellorsville, and for a time was confined in the hospitals at Lookout Mountain and Cincinnati, Ohio, and had it not been for the resultant disability he would have been made colonel of his regiment. Major McConnell served valiantly and honorably during practically the entire period of the war, and he received his honorable discharge on the 15th of July, 1865, after which he returned to Urbana, where he ever afterward maintained his home. In 1868 he was elected sheriff of Champaign county, and was incumbent of this office for a period of four years, at the expiration of which he engaged in the livery business in which he con- 38 708 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. tinued until his death, having built up a successful enterprise and having been one of the able business men of the city. In politics Major McConnell gave a stalwart support to the Republican party, in whose cause he was an active worker for many years, having been at one time a member of the state central committee. Fraternally he was one of the popular members of the Grand Army of the Republic, having held the various offices of his post, and he was also identified with the Loyal Legion, and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His religious faith was that of the Presbyterian church, and he was a member of the building committee which had control of the erection of the present church edifice in Urbana. He was very public-spirited and liberal and ever ready to give his aid and influence in support of all measures advanced for the general good of the community. He was a member of the soldiers' relief committee from the time of its organization, and knew every soldier in the county, his death being sincerely mourned by his old comrades. On the 28th of June, 1866, Major McConnell was united in marriage to Miss Margaret McDonald, who was born in Urbana, on the 26th of January, 1843, the daughter of Colin and Nancy (McColloch) McDonald, the former of whom was born in Ross county, Ohio, and the latter in Zanesfield, Logan county. Mr: McDonald came to Urbana in an early day and was here for many years engaged in the general merchandise business, being one of the influential citizens of the county. He and his wife became the parents of five daughters and five sons, and it is a rather singular fact that the five daughters were born in succession and then the five sons, Mrs. McConnell having been the fifth child and fifth (laughter. Three of her brothers and two of her sisters attained years of maturity, and of these all are still living save one. Mrs. McConnell was reared in Urbana, in whose public schools she received hei educational discipline, and here she has a wide circle of CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 709 friends many of whom she has known from her childhood days. She is a zealous worker in the Presbyterian church, of which she is a devoted member. By her marriage one son was horn, George, who is a native son of Urbana, where he was born on the 1st of January, 1875. He completed a course of study in the high school and then entered the Eastman Business College, at Poughkeepsie, New York, where he completed a commercial course. In July, 1898, he became secretary and superintendent of the Urbana water-works, and has served in this position for nearly four years, while he also has the management of his mother's business interests. In politics he is a Republican and fraternally he is identified with the Masonic order and the Loyal Legion, being one of the popular and able young business men of Urbana. In May, 1900, George McConnell was united in marriage to Miss Ida M. Stone, the daughter of S. L. P. and Julia (Geiger) Stone, of Urbana, where she was born, completing her education in the Urbana University. ISAAC B. HAPPERSETT. One of the representative citizens and capable officials of Champaign county is Isaac B. Happersett, who has been a resident of the county from his childhood days. Mr. Happersett is of stanch old Pennsylvania German stock and was the son of William and Elizabeth (Bruner) Happersett, who came from Lancaster county to Champaign county, Ohio, in the year 1836, locating in Urbana, where the father was a pioneer physician, here continuing in the successful practice of his profession until his death, which occurred in 1854. His widow is still living and maintains her home in Urbana. They became the parents of seven children. of whom only one is deceased. 710 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. Isaac B. Happersett secured his early educational training in the public schools of Urbana and here he learned the trade of carriage making, to which he devoted his attention for a period of about nine years, after which he entered into partnership with H. C. Hovey and was thereafter engaged in the grocery and meat business in this city for the long period of twenty-seven years, retiring from the same in the year 1887. He thereafter was in other business here for a short time and later devoted his attention to agricultural pursuits for a brief interval. Mr. Happersett has ever been a stanch and uncompromising advocate of the principles of the Republican party and has been an active and efficient worker in the cause. In September, 1898, he was elected to the office of county commissioner and re-elected at the expiration of his term. His religious faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal church, and he has been for many years a member of Grace church, in Urbana, of which Mrs. Happersett also is a member. Fraternally he is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. In the year 1835 Mr. Happersett was united in marriage to Miss Martha F. Sampson, daughter of William Sampson, one of the early, residents of Urbana. ORA FAIRCHILD. Among the loyal sons of Champaign county who went forth to battle for the Union in the war of the Rebellion was Ora Fairchild, and throughout his life lie has manifested in the discharge of his duties of citizenship the same zeal that he displayed when on southern battlefields he followed the stars and stripes to victory. He well deserves mention in this volume among the representative men of this section, and it is with pleasure we present his life record to our readers. Mr. Fairchild was born in Rush township, Champaign county. on CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 711 the 2d of July, 1834, and is a member of a prominent old Vermont family. His grandfather, Henry Fairchild, was horn in that commonwealth, but about 1814, in company with two brothers, he came to Champaign county, Ohio, where he was among the early pioneers. He improved a farm in this county, and here resided for about forty years, after which he removed to Linn county, Iowa. Oris Fairchild, his son and the father of our subject, was also a native of the Green Mountain state, but when only six years of age he was brought by his parents to Ohio, the family locating in Rush township, and in its primitive log school house he received his early educational advantages. He was here married to Sarah Fish, a native also of Vermont, and she was about fifteen years of age when she accompanied her parents on their removal to Champaign county. This worthy couple became the parents of eight children, two sons and six daughters, of whom our subject is the eldest in order of birth, and his only brother, Simeon, died at sea, while returning from France, whither he had gone to purchase horses. The daughters of the family were: Susan, the wife of C. L. Winget; Percis, deceased; Laura, the widow of Lewis Funk ; Elizabeth, the wife of S. Stickle; Cornelia, the wife of Dor Martin; and Fannie, who died at the age of sixteen years. The father of this family was called to the home beyond at the age of sixty-two years, but his wife survived until her eighty-second year. Ora Fairfield of this review spent the days of his boyhood and youth youth in the place of his nativity, and he soon became familiar with all the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. At the age of nineteen years he began work in a mill owned by his father, where he continued to labor for the following seven years. His labors, however, were interrupted at the outbreak of the Civil war, when he offered his services to his country. He became a member of Company H, Sixty-sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in which he served from October, 186i, until July 19, 1865, when he received an honorable discharge, but he im- 712 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. mediately re-enlisted in the same company and regiment and was pr.)- moted to the position of orderly sergeant. He was wounded in the back by a piece of shell at the battle of Chancellorsville in 1863. During his army career he participated in a number of important engagements, including the hard-fought battles of Port Republic, Cedar Mountain, Chancellorsville, Dumfries, Antietam and Gettysburg. At the last named engagement he fought for three days and nights, after which he was sent with his regiment to the defense of New York City, returning thence to Raccoon Ford and was next at Chattanooga. He was then sent with Sherman on his celebrated march to the sea, participating in the battle of Atlanta, and was at the grand review at Washington, at which time the starry banner floated over the capital of the southern confederacy and the preservation of the Union was an established fact. Throughout his entire service he was always found at his post of duty as a faithful defender of the Union cause. In 1876 Mr. Fairchild was united in marriage to Lazetta McDonald, a native of Rush township, Champaign county, and a daughter of John and Philomel (Miller) McDonald, prominent early settlers of this locality. Mr. and Mrs. Fairchild are now living in quiet retirement at their pleasant home in Woodstock, our subject having laid aside the active cares of a business life and is now living in the enjoyment of the fruits of former toil. He is an active member of Harry Davis Post, No. 612, G. A. R., and in an earlier day was a constant attendant at its reunions. In his political views he is a Republican, standing firmly on the platform of his party, whose banner he has loyally upheld since attaining his majority. His first presidential vote was cast for Fremont, and he has never since missed an opportunity to support the principles of this grand old party. He well merits the friendship which is so freely accorded him, and his name is found on the roll of Champaign county's representative citizens. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 713 MARCUS H. CRANE. The stove foundry owned and operated by Morris & Crane has for years contributed to the industrial well being of Urbana, and is appreciated not only because of the excellence of its wares, but because of its extensive opportunity as an employment resource. Marcus H. Crane, the partner longest identified with the concern, and one of the progressive men of the community, was born in Caldwell, New Jersey, October 10, 1842. The family of which he is a member has long been associated with New Jersey, in which state the first representatives settled after emigrating from England to America, and where the parents of Mr. Crane, Venus and Mary ( Harrison) Crane, were born, married, and where they spent their entire lives. As companions in his youth Mr. Crane had one brother and one sister, and the children were reared and educated in the public schools of Caldwell. During the progress of the Civil war. he left the familiar surroundings of New Jersey and settled in Urbana, at the time being about twenty years of age. Of an ambitious and capable nature, he soon made his influence felt in business circles, and in time was enabled to purchase the stove foundry which has since been his absorbing care. For the first two years the enterprise was conducted under the firm name of Moore & Crane, but since then the success of the business has been rightfully credited to M. H. Crane & Co., the present proprietors. The marriage of Mr. Crane and Effie Muzzy occurred in 1869, Mrs. Crane being a native of Springfield. Ohio. Of this union there have been born two children, Edgar M. and Frances, the former of whom is associated with his father in business, and is one of the promising young men of the town. Mr. Crane is politically a Republican, and has for eighteen years promoted the most intelligent educational projects, as a member of the school board. Fraternally he is associated with the Royal Arcanum, National Union, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and the Junior Order 714 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. Knights Templar. He is a member of the Presbyterian church. Mr. Crane enjoys to an exceptional degree the confidence and good-will of the community of which he is a notable acquisition, and his success is regarded as the natural result of well applied industry and fair dealing with the public. CHARLES F. ORGAN. Champaign county has been signally favored in the class of men who have been enlisted in her service in official capacity, and the subject of this sketch is one of the native sons of the county who is now incumbent of the position of clerk of the courts, in which he has handled the multifarious duties devolving upon him with signal ability and discrimination. As a representative of two of the pioneer families of the county, as well as by reason of his own standing as one of its honored citizens and officials, it is signally consistent that lie be accorded specific mention in a work of the province assigned to this publication. Charles F. Organ was born on a farm in Wayne township, this county, on the 12th of March, 1851, being a son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Baldwin) Organ, the former of whom was born in Muskingum county, Ohio, the son of William and Grace (McBride) Organ, who were pioneers of the state. Samuel Organ came to Champaign county in an early day, and here reclaimed a fine farm property in Wayne township, being known as one of the sterling citizens of this section and commanding unequivocal confidence and esteem in the community. He died on the old homestead after having attained the venerable age of seventy-nine years. His wife was born in Virginia, whence her parents came to Champaign county in an early day, and here she ended her days. Samuel and Elizabeth Organ became the parents of five children, our subject having been the youngest in the family. He was reared on the old homestead, and after availing himself of such advantages as were afforded in the public CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 715 schools he became a student in the National Normal School, at Lebanon, Ohio, where he completed his scholastic discipline. In the year 1886 Mr. Organ was united in marriage to Miss Mattie Weinman, who was born in this county, and he immediately afterward settled on a farm in Wayne township, where he devoted his attention to agricultural pursuits and stock raising until 1894, when he was compelled to give up active labors in this line as the result of an unfortunate accident. He was thrown from a horse and received injuries which necessitated the amputation of his right leg. In 1896, as the candidate of the Republican party, of which he is a stanch supporter, Mr. Organ was elected to the office of clerk of courts for Champaign county, and was chosen as his own successor in this office in 1899, for a second term of three years, so that he is still in tenure of the office and is certain to so continue in case efficient and faithful service signify anything and he consents to appear as a candidate in the next election. JOHN W. HITT. The passing of many intervening years has not obliterated the impression of worth and stability lent by the career of John W. Hitt, one of the pioneers of Champaign county, and extensively identified with its agricultural and milling interests. Of southern ancestry, he was born in Kentucky in 1801, and died in Urbana in 1877. His childhood was passed in a home atmosphere calculated to develop the best traits of his character, for industry and morality were among the watch-words of the humble Kentucky fireside. His father, Rev. Samuel Hitt, was also a native of the Bourbon state, and combined, during his active life, farming and preaching. Mr. Hitt studied in the schools of Kentucky and after removing to the vicinity of Urbana acquired large landed possessions, at one time 716 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. owning a thousand acres. About 1857 he embarked upon a milling business which proved a dire failure and swallowed up about all that lie had in the world, after which he ran a mill at the water-works station for several years, with much more gratifying results. This mill was subsequently traded for farm property near Washington, Indiana, and after a two years residence thereon he located in Urbana, where the remainder of his life was spent in comparative retirement. He married Elizabeth Clark. a native of either Virginia or Maryland, and who bore him the following children : William, Anna, Elizabeth, John W., Rebecca, Daniel. Thomas, and James B. Of these, William, Anna and John W. are deceased. Mr. Hitt was a Republican in political affiliations, and he was always interested in the spread of the teachings of the Methodist Episcopal church. In fact his zeal in that direction constituted one of his chief interests during his lifetime, his eloquence as a local preacher being both convincing and logical. He led a consistent life and one worthy of emulation from many standpoints. James B. Hitt the youngest of the children of John W., was born on the paternal farm, which is now in the city limits of Urbana, in 1848. His youth was uneventfully passed in performing his share of the home duties, and in attendance at the district schools. An opening into broader fields was presented during the presidential administration of Grant, at which time lie acted as deputy postmaster, his brother, Daniel, having been appointed postmaster. For a time also he was employed as Clerk for Hitt & Fuller, and in 1879 was again associated with his brother Daniel. this time in the tobacco business. This arrangement was amicably continued for many years, and in 1886 the business was carried on under the name of the Indian Cigar Company, with a branch at Indianapolis, Indiana. A liberal patronage rewarded the untiring efforts of the brothers, and an increasing demand for their wares warranted continual enlargements of their business. In 1901 Daniel Hitt removed permanently to Indianapolis to assume charge of the plant at that end of CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 717 the line, while James B. Hitt took as his partner William E. Kidder. The enterprise has assumed most gratifying proportions, and the firm here do a large manufacturing business, and sell to jobbers, dealing extensively in leaf tobacco and first-class cigars. In 1886 Mr. Hitt married Elizabeth Valentine, daughter of Joseph T. Valentine, of Reading, Pennsylvania. Of this union there are two children, Morris and Elenore. Mr. Hitt is a stanch Republican, and has done his best to advance the most liberal and praiseworthy tenets of his party. For two terms he served as city councilman, and has held other offices of trust and responsibility. Fraternally he is a Knight Templar, and a charter member of Champaign Lodge No. 3. MAJOR GEORGE W. HUPP. Of fine Old Dominion ancestry, Major George W. Hupp, whose rank was gained through connection with the Ohio state militia, and who for years has been one of the prime developers of Champaign county, was born near Newmarket, in the historic Shenandoah Valley, Virginia. February 22, 1833. When eighteen years of age, after the death of his father, he emigrated with his mother to Ohio and settled on Mad River in Champaign county, where the family engaged in farming for fifteen years. On the Maternal side of the house a remarkable strain of longevity has been evinced, for the mother lived to be one hundred and five years old, and Mr. Hupp himself bids fair to retain his health and mental vigor far beyond the allotted or even expected time. Upon leaving the well developed farm on Mad River Mr. Hupp learned the cabinet-makers trade in Urbana, having completed which ne located in Mechanicsburg as a possibly more desirable field for the exercise of his trade, and with the exception of a few years spent on his farm just west of the town, has made this his permanent abiding place. As a furniture manufacturer he worked up a large and remunerative 718 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. trade, and the work in that line accomplished under his capable supervision gained a reputation for strength, durability and all-around utility. Several years ago lie availed himself of a favorable opportunity to retire from active participation in business affairs, and at the time his son, Otway C., succeeded to the management of the substantially erected enterprise. Three years ago the elder man withdrew entirely and left his son in absolute control of the cabinet interests. May 21, 1835, Major Hupp married Margaret Millice, who died December 3o, 1843. July 15, 1844, he married Mary J. Guthridge, who died January 12, 1889. Of the first marriage there were two children, George W. and Abner C., and of the second marriage there were born five children, Llewellyn J., Albert G., Otwav C., Oscar B. and Nettie. Mr. Hupp is a Republican in national politics, and he has been connected with the Masonic fraternity for many years. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and during his long life has substantially contributed towards its charities and general support. Of unswerving integrity and great good sense, he has been an important factor in many avenue's of development, and the esteem created during the earlier part of his business career has increased in strength with the passing of years. Otway C. Hupp, successor to his father in the cabinet-making business, was born in Mechanicsburg, September 16, 1851, and was educated in the public schools, eventually graduating from the Marysville high-school. His earlier life was spent amid the practical surroundings of the paternal farm, and in 1881 he married Lulu, daughter of Ancel Bates, a native of Champaign county. Of this union there have been born two children, Walter F. and Rollie R. Mr. Hupp, like his forefathers, is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he is an official, and in the cause of which he is an earnest worker. Politically he is a Republican, and is fraternally connected with the Knights of Pythias and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 719 ROBERT B. DIBBLE. One of the younger business men of the city of North Lewisburg is Robert B. Dibble, whose energy, sagacity and industry enable him to fill a very important position, while his integrity of character commands the respect of all. As the mayor of the city he is also active in administering its affairs and is widely recognized as a Republican leader who has labored earnestly for the success of the party. In the early settlement of this country, before the Revolution, England had made several grants of land to parties, one of which was to William Penn, as history gives it, and these were recognized by the government when peace was declared and have never been taxable. 'William Penn in turn gave a deed of sixty acres of land to one of our subject's ancestors, who was the father of three sons, one of whom died unmarried and one of the remaining became the great-great-grandfather of our subject and heir to one-half of the sixty acre tract. This now lies in the heart of the city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and during the grandfather's. lifetime was valued at seventy million dollars. There has never been a legal deed of the property since the one issued by William Penn to the Richardson ancestors. The paternal great-great-grandfather of our subject was given the ancestral name of Levi, and he was killed in, the state of New York. While assisting in the building of an abutment for a bridge across a gulley a stone became unmanageable and fell upon him killing him instantly. His son and the grandfather of Robert B. also bore the name of Levi, and was born January 2, 1781, and his death occurred in November, 1855. By his first marriage he became the father of the following children: Lyman, Luman, Levi, Calvin, Alsina and Melissa. Alsina died when young, and after the death of the mother of these children the father married Elizabeth Hammon, by whom he had four children,—Julia, Bela, Am-son and Bosworth. 720 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. Bosworth Dibble, the father of our subject, was a native of Essex county, New York, born April 14, 1828, died June 22, two, but when two years of age, in 1830, was brought by his parents to Granville, Ohio. He married Vestalina Richardson, a sister of Dr. Richardson, of Summerville, Ohio. On the maternal side our subject traces his ancestry back to three brothers who cane from England to America on the Mayflower, one locating in New York, one in Virginia and one in Pennsylvania, and from the Pennsylvania branch he is descended. His great-grandfather Conent answered the general call for volunteers to defend the city of Buffalo against the English and Indians, who threatened its destruction. He was then an old, gray-haired man and with others of the same age they formed the company known as the "Silver Grays." The British and their allies, however, won the day, and Mr. Conent was taken as a prisoner into Canada, where he remained for three months, and during that time his family knew not whether he was dead or alive. During an engagement a rifle ball struck him about the center of the forehead, and, glancing over, made a severe scalp wound which never afterward healed. Our subject's great-grandfather, James Richardson, married Margaret Bell. The grandfather, Richard S. Richardson, was born on the 11th of May, 1794, and his death occurred .November 24, 1863. In 1813 he was united in marriage to Susan Conent, who was born October 2, 1798, and died on the 12th of February, 1871. They became the parents of eleven children, nine of whom grew to years of Maturity, namely : Robert B., William, John, Jackson A., R. Lafe, Margaret, Liza, Louisa and Vestalina, the last named being the mother of our subject. Richard S. Richardson served as a fifer during the war of 1812. Robert B. Dibble, the immediate subject of this review, is the sixth in order of birth of his parents.' seven children and was born where he is now located, in Ohio City, June 11, 1869. His elementary education was received in the common schools of Van Wert county, and CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 721 after completing his studies therein he was for a time engaged in the profession of teaching. Later he entered the Ohio Normal University, at Ada, in which he was graduated in the. pharmacy department on the of lay, 1892, and for two years thereafter was engaged in the drug business at Van Buren, Indiana, after which he returned to the Buckeye state. Since 1898 he has been engaged in the drug business at North Lewisburg, and in trade circles he is esteemed for his ability and genuine worth. He was recently appointed mayor of North Lewisburg, to fill a vacancy caused by the removal of Mayor Hawkins, and on the 7th of April, 1902, he was elected to that office. Every trust reposed in him, whether of a public or private nature, has been fully discharged and he has proved himself in all the relations of life an earnest, honest, upright man and a citizen of whom any community might be justly proud. On the 1st of January, 1893, Mr. Dibble was united in marriage to Mattie Mapes, one of the six daughters of S. R. Mapes, who, is now a resident of Ohio City, Ohio.. Two sons have been born unto this union,—Gallard R. and Dewey M. In his political relations Mr. Dibble is a member of the Knights of Pythias, and politically he is a stanch Republican. He has served as a member of the school board, and is active in all works for the betterment of his fellow men. GEORGE W. POLAND. George W. Poland has been a practitioner at the Champaign county bar since 1877, and makes his home in Urbana. He was born in Shelby county. Ohio, in 1852. His father, R. C. Poland, was a native of Virginia and of English lineage, and died when our subject was twelve or fourteen years of age. By profession he was an attorney and became 722 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. very successful, having a large clientage. He was also .prominent and active in public affairs and was a member of the Ohio legislature in 1850 and 1851, representing Shelby county. The mother of our subject was of Pennsylvania Dutch descent and bore the name of Eleanor McConnell. The subject of this review vas reared in Greene county, Ohio, and pursued his elementary education in the public schools and later attended Xenia College. His literary course having been completed, he then began preparation for the profession which he determined to make his life work, and matriculated in the law school of Ann Arbor University, in which he was graduated in the fall of 1876. The following year he was admitted to the Ohio bar and has since been engaged in general practice, opening an office in Urbana, where he has gradually advanced to a position prominent in the ranks of the legal fraternity. His mind is analytical and inductive, and in reasoning he is strong, in argument forceful and in the presentation of his cases shows a thorough mastery of the subject. Much important litigation has been entrusted to him and he has won a large majority of decisions favorable to his clients. Since 1898 he has served as referee in bankruptcy for the district of Champaign county, Ohio. Mr. Poland was united in marriage to Miss Carrie Purtlebaugh, a daughter of W. A. Purtlebaugh, an attorney, and they have three children: Will, who is a job printer; Sarah E., the wife of Howard B. Donaldson, of Sherin, Pennsylvania; and Bessie M. Mr. Poland gives his political support to the Republican party, being a stanch advocate of its principles. He is also connected with the Knights of Pythias fraternity and for twenty years has been master of exchequer. All of the offices of the lodge have been filled by him and he has been a representative to the grand lodge. He and his wife are members of the Presbyterian church, and the members of the family occupy an enviable position in social circles. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 723 JOSEPH COULSON. Joseph Coulson was for many years a distinguished and representative citizen of Urbana. He was born in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, December 25, 1817, and died in this city August 4, 1891. His parents were Patrick and Elizabeth (LeCompte) Coulson. The latter was of French descent, while the former was born in Ireland and served as an officer in the British army before coming to America. About 1822 Mr. and Mrs. Coulson removed to Ohio, settling in Greene county, and when their son was thirteen years of age they went to Fairfield county. There Joseph Coulson in his boyhood days formed the acquaintance of a maiden who later was to become his wife. Her name was Maria Compton and she was born in Fairfield, May 25, 1818, her parents being Aaron and Sarah (Casad) Compton, of New Jersey. The wedding was celebrated March 1, 1814, and for five years after their marriage they resided in Fairfield, coming thence to Urbana. Here Mr. Coulson engaged in carpentering for a short time, but in 1847 established a grocery store, which he conducted with signal success until 1884, being one of the leading, honored and prosperous merchants of the city. In late years he was president of the Perpetual Savings and Building Association. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Coulson were born the following children : Sarah Elizabeth, the wife of Albert Slagel, of Springfield, Ohio; Laura J., the wife of James Cheetham, of Urbana; Amanda C., who married Colin McDonald, of Urbana; and Carrie, who died at the age of thirty-four years. In his political views Mr. Couslon was first a Whig and on the dissolution of the party became a Republican. Eventually, however, he severed his allegiance with that political organization and became a Prohibitionist. He held membership in the Wesleyan Methodist church, 39 724 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. to which his wife also belongs. His life was busy, useful and honorable, and throughout his career he commanded the respect of his fellowmen by his firm allegiance to manly principles.