HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY - 621
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES
URBANA TOWNSHIP.
JAMES ALLISON, merchant tailor, of the firm of Ellis, Weaver & Allison; is a native of Scotland, and was born in 1840 ; he was put to learn the trade of a tailor when 11 years old; and has followed that business ever since. He came to America in 1858, and located in Urbana in 1864, and in 1878 became a member of the above firm. Mr. Allison's mother, an aged Scotch lady, now resides with him. He married, in 1868, Belle, daughter of William Sampson; she is a sister of Mrs. I. B. Happersett, whose biography appears in this work. They have two children-James M. and Bertha. Mr Allison has had years of practical experience as a salesman and cutter, and is a worthy citizen. Mr. Allison is a member of the Order of Red Men, also of the Masonic Order and I. O. O. F.
JAMES W. ANDERSON, druggist; was born in Virginia in 1828, and came to this State in 1848, becoming a resident of Urbana; in 1856, he engaged in the drug business with Dr. J. S. Carter, Jr., whose biography also appears in this book ; he had been associated in the business with various persons until 1879, since which time he has conducted the business alone at the old stand, corner of Scioto street and Monument square, where he now keeps a full and complete line of drugs, paints, etc. His reputation is already well established, and his continual success is a deserved compliment to his business ability. He was married, in 1872, to Caroline, daughter of S. V. Baldwin, a former prominent citizen of Urbana. Mr. Anderson is a member of the First Methodist Episcopal Church, and also of the Masonic Fraternity, and is an active and worthy citizen.
J. J. ANDERSON, City Marshal ; was born in Augusta Co., Va., March 9, 1835, where he was raised and educated; his time was devoted to farming until the age of 21 years; his father having died, the mother and family emigrated to Champaign County, Ohio, where J. J., in April, 1856, commenced the carpenter trade, to which he applied himself until the out-break of the rebellion, when he enlisted for ninety days, going into service in April, 1861, in Co. K, 2d O. V. I. At the expiration of his enlisted time he re-enlisted in Co. G. 3d O. V. C., for three years. At the expiration of this term he re-enlisted, remaining until the close of the great struggle, participating in the battles of Stone River, Kenesaw Mountain; Atlanta, Selma, Nashville, Chickamauga and Mission Ridge. He was one of the few who returned home with but one slight flesh wound. He then took up his trade, which he followed until the spring of 1873, when the citizens of Urbana chose him as City Marshal; re-elections have since followed; the office has been acceptably filled. His marriage with Miss Harriet E. Kimber was celebrated in 1868; she was born in Piqua, Miami Co., Ohio, in 1837.
ANDERSON & VALIQUETTE, proprietors of the Buckeye Foundry and Machine Shop. Urbana, like all cities of its size, is represented by nearly all branches of business. The above firm located here in the Spring of 1880 ; do all kinds of jobbing, machine-molding, and supply castings for the U. S. R. S. Company, of Urbana, furnish house castings and many other things which properly belong on their business card, found elsewhere in this volume. Though their time of opening business is of recent date, they, through correct business habits, have already become favorably known in the city and vicinity. Mr. Anderson was bore in Miamisburg, Ohio, in 1844, where he was educated, and at the age of 16 years entered the foundry of that place. He was
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afterward in the employ of J. R. Johnson, of Dayton, Ohio, where he was foreman for seven years, hence is well experienced in this line. Mr. Valiquette was born in Montreal, Canada, March 4, 1844, but since the age of 5 years has been a resident of the United States, first settling in Buffalo, N. Y. He served his apprenticeship in the shops of Mast & Co., in Springfield, Ohio, since which he has been engaged in the best shops in the State. The combined experience of these two gentlemen has enabled them to conduct a successful business.
MILLER P. ARROWSMITH, manufacturer of scroll work, Urbana. Our subject is a descendant of the famous "Kenton family," tracing his genealogy back to 1701, which will be shown in the collateral relations on his mother's side. He is a native of Ohio, born in Champaign Co., Dec. 27, 1831. On the 22d day of May, 18110, he married Elizabeth Vance, who was born in Champaign Co., Sept. 24, 1835, being the eldest daughter of David C. and Nancy Vance. Six children have been born to them, viz. Charles Elmer, born Sept. 28, 1862; William Grant, Aug. 7, 1864; Ids May, Jan. 1, 1867 ; Emma Jane, March 29, 1868 ; Anna M and, Dec. 13, 1871; Mary Elizabeth, Feb. 18, 1874, died June 22, 1875, buried in Oakdale Cemetery, Urbana. Wesley, the father of Miller P., was born in Mason Co., Ky., Jan. 20, 1800. He married Susannah Pence April 8, 1824. She was born in Fauquier Co., Va., November; 1804, and died in Champaign Co., Ohio, Aug. 19, 1868. Wesley died in the same State and county July 31, 1844. They had six children, viz. : John W., born Jan. 1, 1825; he married Harriet Caraway Aug. 10, 1844 ; she died July 6, 1880. Mary J., born July 8, 1826; married James Emery Oct. 14, 1869. Miller P.'s record beads this sketch. Martin born July 12, 1836, died June 6, 1837. Sarah E., born Dec. 10, 1840; married Samuel J. McCullough Dec. 7, 1869. Isaac I., born Feb. 6, 1844; married Amanda J. Powell Nov. 3, 1868. Ezekiel, the father of Wesley and grandfather of Miller P., was born near Baltimore, Md., March 24, 1771. He married Elizabeth Kenton April 6, 1797. She was born in Virginia March 26, 1778, died April 19, 1867, having lived sixty-five years on the same farm. Ezekiel died May 1, 1849. Ten children were born to them, viz. : John, born in Kentucky April 15, 1798 ; married Lucy R. Potter April 15, 1828; she was born in New York Sept. 4, 1809; he died in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, May 30, 1869. Wesley's record is given. Sarah, born Oct 26, 1801; married William Haller March 31, 1825; died in Champaign Co. Aug. 3, 1835. Ann, born in Champaign Co. Dec. 30, 1803; married Joseph Bayles Jan. 12, 1826; died in Iowa Jan. 11, 1862. Mason, born in Champaign Co. Jan. 16, 1806; married Margaret Rock Oct. 25, 1832 ; his second marriage occurred with Mary Pool, May 21, 1840; be died April 9, 1880. Miller, born March 14,1808; married Celinda Caraway July 1, 1832. Cassandra, born July 12, 1810; married Jessie Haller Dec. 22, 1830. Jane, born Sept. 12, 1812; married William Hailer June 15, 1836; she died Aug. 24, 1851. Samuel, born March 11, 1815, died May 30,1818. William K., born Feb. 22, 1817; married Jemima McCoy June 11, 1840; decease not known.
AN OUTLINE OF THE EXPERIENCE OF ONE WHO HAS PASSED FROM A STATE OF SIN TO A STATE OF GRACE.
Through devious ways my erring feet
In mazes dark have trod;
With eager step I hastened on
And wandered far from God.
Then mercy with a pitying eye
Beheld my wretched state,
And called me back from ruin's brink
Ere death had been my fate.
Before the Great and Right
My sins rose up so high t
Their flagrance barred me from all hope
I stood condemned to die.
* Our Judge.
t January 1, 1825.
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I then, with dread, my sins confessed,
'Twas all that I could do;
It seemed unjust for me to ask
That He should mercy show.
But when I saw the sword was stayed,
And justice lingered still,
I ventured more on mercy's side
To learn for good or ill.
My weary, heavy-laden soul
With guilt was sorely pressed;
I daily prayed that I might find
A place wherein to rest.
Now so profound had darkness spread
Its shadows o'er my mind,
The way of life was so obscured,
That way I failed to find.
So, like a stricken, panting hart,
Would seek some cooling brook,
Thus did my wounded, contrite heart
Yearn for a gracious look.
But all my best-concerted plans
Would but dissolve like smoke;
When brought to bear a solemn test
Would crumble at a stroke.
Thus, ev'ry shift of mine had failed,
I sought Him then to save,
Whose blood alone, the only plea
That sinners ere will have.
My last resort was kindly met,
'Twas in the crucified;
By faith, to whom committed all,
I then was justified.*
With accents mild, in love He spoke,
Thy sins are all forgiven;
An heir of glory thou shalt be,
To share the bliss of heaven.
O sacred hour, O joy supreme,
How sweet the mem'ry still,
Redeeming grace, so grand the theme,
All heaven and earth shall fill.
Family record of John and Lucy R. (Potter) Arrowsmith's children : Eunice E., born Sept. 28, 1830 ; Calista P., Nov. 1, 1833; married Levi Stuard Oct. 25, 1855, died July 23, 1867 ; Finette A., born Oct. 8, 1840, married Charles Patterson May 18, 1871. William W., born Feb. 11, 1843, died Sept. 9, 1867. Almeda A., born June 11, 1856.
Record of William and Sarah (Arrowsmith) Haller's children: John F., born March 26, 1826 ; married Ellen Bassett Feb. 11, 1851. Benjamin L., born Jan. 4, 18'28; married Angeline Brewer. Emily J., born May 16, 1833; married Elijah Hanna Aug. 10, 1851 ; died July 3, 1861. William, the subject of this record, married his second wife, Jane Arrowsmith, June 15, 1836; she died Aug. 24, 1851. By this union they had two children-Sarah Ann, born Jan. 3, 1843; married William Mayse, Sept. 27, 1866. Lovinia, born June 14, 1846 ; married Frank Phillips March 12, 1872. William Haller married his third wife, Myrtilla W. Bishop, in Champaign Co., Jan. 18, 1855; she was the daughter of Aquilla Bishop and grand-daughter of John Winn. One child by this union- William Aquilla, born June 27, 1860.
* January 2, 1826.
624 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES
Family record of Joseph Bayles: He was the son of David Bayles, and was born Dec. 20, 1799. He married Ann, second daughter of Ezekiel and Elizabeth Arrow smith, Jan. 12, 1826; in Champaign Co. He died in Lee Co., Iowa, Feb. 29, 1876. Ann died in the same place Jan. 11, 1862. They had seven children-Celenira, born Dec. 30, 1826; married Joseph Hixon Aug. 10, 1848. Sarah Ann, born Feb. 11, 1828; married James Micklewait March 7, 1852, all of Lee Co., Iowa. John M., born in Champaign Co. Oct. 10, 1829; married Sylvia Waterman, in Champaign Co., May 2, 1858; she died in Todd's Valley, Cal., March 10, 1859. David A., born in Champaign Co. May 27, 1831; married Sarah Mendenhall, in Lee Co., Iowa, May 3, 1853. Elizabeth, born in Champaign Co., June 11, 1836; married James W. Turner, in Glenwood, Iowa, Nov. 28, 1869. Mason, born in Champaign Co., Sept. 24, 1833 ; married Margaret Corkhill, in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, June 23, 1859; she was a daughter of William Corkhill. Jesse Wise, born in Champaign Co. Sept.. 23, 1838; married in California-name not known.
Family record of Mason Arrowsmith : He was the third son of Ezekiel and Elizabeth Arrowsmith. He married Margaret Rock, in Champaign Co., Oct. 25, 1832 ; he died April 9. 1880, at 7 o'clock A. M. Margaret was a daughter of Felix and Mary Rock; born Aug. 29, 1809; died in Champaign Co. June 6, 1836. Their children were-William R., born in Champaign Co. Sept. 29, 1833 ; he served as a private soldier in the great rebellion, being a member of the 45th Regiment O. V. I.; was taken prisoner at Knoxville, Tenn., Nov. 15, 1863; was taken to Crews Prison, Richmond, then to Belle Isle, and on the 4th day of March, 1864, was taken to Andersonville Prison, where he died April 27, 1864. Mary, born Dec. 15, 1834; married Elijah Hanna in Champaign Co. March 25, 1862. Mason, the subject of this record; married for his second wife Mary Pool, in Shelby Co., Ohio, May 21, 1840; she was a daughter of George and Mercy Pool; born Sept. 17, 1815; their children were Holly, born in Champaign Co. July 20, 1841: married V. Leonora Crutcher July 18, 1867. Margaret, born in Champaign Co. Aug. 15, 1845 ; married Aaron Aten Oct. 6, 187 0. George Pool, born in Champaign Co. July 19, 1849; married Mrs. Mary Kizer March 6, 1878. Minerva and Maria (twins) were born June 15, 1853 ; Minerva died July 18, 1853, aged 33 days; Maria died July 20, 1853, aged 35 days.
Family record of Miller Arrowsmith : He was the fourth son of Ezekiel and Elizabeth Arrowsmith. He married Celinda Caraway in Champaign Co. July 1,1832 ; she was born April 22, 1813; died in Defiance Co., Ohio, Aug. 10, 1840. Names of their children-John C., born April 22, 1833; married Mary A. Evans Dec. 12, 1861 died in Defiance Co. March 22, 1864. Warren, born in Defiance Co. Nov. 28, 183S; died in Champaign Co. July 31, 1842. Emily Marilla, born in Defiance Co. Jan. 31, 1840; married Alfred Ridenour.
Family record of Jesse Haller, son of John and Mary Haller : Born March 21, 1805 ; married Cassandra, third daughter of Ezekiel and Elizabeth Arrowsmith, Dec. 2'2, 1830. Their children were William M., born Sept. 30, 1831 ; married Amanda Price in Defiance Co. July 4. 1858. Amanda L., born Sept. 22, 1834; died in Defi ance Co. Sept. 22, 1846. Mary E., born Dec. 23, 1836; married Frank Horton in Defiance Co. March 6, 1856.
Family record of William K. Arrowsmith, sixth son of Ezekiel and Elizabeth He married Jemima McCoy; date of birth and death not known. Their children were Samuel, born in Champaign Co. Aug. 1, 1841; died in Bement, Ill. Sarah, born in the same county June 16, 1842; married Benton McGill in Bement, Ill., Dec. 12, 1875. Elizabeth, born in same county May 3, 1844; married Seymore Yoakum ; died in Bement, Ill., Jan. 4, 1877. John W., born in the same county Feb. 5, 1847 ; no further record given.
Family record of John Wesley and Harriet (Caraway) Arrowsmith : He was the eldest son of Wesley and Susannah. Names of their children-Charles Wesley, Martha Jane, Sarah E., Susannah ; dates of births not known.
Family record of James Emery and Mary Jane (Arrowsmith) Emery: They were married in Champaign Co. Oct. 14, 1869. He was born in Chester Co., Penn.,
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PAGE 626 - BLANK
URBANA TOWNSHIP. - 627
March 1, 1818; she was born in Champaign Co., Ohio, July 8, 1826. No further record known.
Family record of Miller P. and Elizabeth (Vance) Arrowsmith: He is the second son of Wesley and Susannah Arrowsmith. She was born Sept. 24, 1835, being the eldest daughter of David C. and Nancy Vance. They were married May 22, 1860. Names and births of their children-Charles Elmer, born Sept. 28, 1862; William Grant, born Aug. 7, 1864 ; Ids May, born Jan. 1, 1867 ; Emma Jane, born March 29, 1868; Anna Maud, born Dec. 13, 1871; Mary Elizabeth, born Feb. 18, 1874, died June 22, 1875, was interred in Oakdale Cemetery, Urbana, Ohio.
Family record of Samuel J. and Sarah Elizabeth (Arrowsmith) McCullough : She is the youngest daughter of Wesley and Susannah Arrowsmith. Samuel J. was born in Pennsylvania Feb. 3, 1841. They were married in Champaign Co. Dec. 7, 1869. Names and births of their children-Mary Elizabeth, born March 10, 1871 ; Anna Bell, born Jan. 26, 1874; Frances Charlotte, born March 6, 1876 ; Amanda Jane, born June 6, 1878.
Family record of Isaac Irvin Arrowsmith, youngest son of Wesley and Susannah Arrowsmith : He married Amanda J. Powell, in Champaign Co., Nov. 3, 1868. She was born Oct. 16, 1848, being the second daughter of James D. and Minerva Hill Powell.
Family record of Elijah J. Hanna: He married Emily Jane Haller Aug. 10, 1851. She was a daughter of William and Sarah Haller. On the 3d day of July, 1861, the angel of death called her away. Names and births of their children-Sarah Jane, born Jan. 19, 1853, died April 5, 1859; William Lewis, born Oct. 25, 1856; John Fletcher, born March 20, 1860, died April 5, 1867.E. J. Hanna married, for his second wife, Mary Arrowsmith March 25, 1862. She was a daughter of Mason and Mary P. Arrowsmith. Names and births of their ebildren-Charles Simmons, born Jan 31, 1863; Frank Mitchell, born Feb. 13, 1866; Edgar Victor, born Jan. 7, 1868; Laura L., born Dec. 7, 1876. All of these children born in Champaign Co., Ohio.
Family record of Holly Arrowsmith : Son of Mason and Mary P. He married Vatura Leonora Crutcher, July 18, 1867. She is a daughter of Nathan and Diadama Crutcher, born Jan. 28, 1848. Names and births of their children-Mary May, born May 3, 1868; Addie Estelle, born Nov. 4, 1869; William Nathan, born May 15, 1872-all born in Champaign Co.
Family record of Aaron Aten, who was born in Ashland Co., Ohio, May 24,1839. He married Margaret, daughter of Mason and Mary P. Arrowsmith; in Champaign Co., Oct. 6, 1870. Names and births of their children-Samuel Sedgwick, born in Nevada, Ohio, Nov. 12, 1871; Ruth, born Aug. 17, 1879.
Family record of George P. Arrowsmith : He is the second son of Mason and Mary P. He married Mrs. Mary Kizer, whose maiden name was Austin. She was born May 2, 1855. Names and births of their children-Walter, born May 22, 1879 ; infant daughter, born Sept. 12, 1880.
Family record of Levi and Calista P. (Arrowsmith) Stuart: She was the second daughter of John and Lucy R. Arrowsmith. They were married near Glasgow, Iowa, Oct. 25, 1855. She died July 23, 1867. Names and births of their children-Lucy Elizabeth, born Sept. 29, 1856, married James Phillips, near Glasgow, Iowa; Mary Amelia, born April 29, 1858 ; Victoria Jane, date of birth not known; John R., date of birth not known; F. Estelle, date of birth not known; died near Glasgow, Iowa.
Family record of Charles T. Patterson : He married F. Ann Arrowsmith in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, May, 1871. She is the third daughter of John and Lucy R. Arrowsmith. Names and births of their children-Laura Almeda, born in Burlington, Iowa, Aug. 23, 1874.
Family record of William Mayse : He was born June 15, 1836; married Sarah Ann Haller, daughter of William and Jane Haller, in Kingston, Champaign Co., Sept. 27, 1866. Mr. Mayse was appointed as a Clerk in the Pension Office at Washington
628 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
City, D. C., July 1, 1865, which position he holds at present. Names and births of their children-Lizzie M., born in Washington City, D. C., Nov. 28, 1867.
Family record of Elisha Harbour: Is a son of Joel and Sarah Harbour; was born in Patrick Co., Va., May 3, 1782 ; married Catharine Arrowsmith, in Champaign Co., March 1, 1804. She was a daughter of Samuel and Mary Arrowsmith. She died in Champaign Co., Dec. 9, 1862. He died near Indianapolis, Ind., Nov. 26, 1867. Names and births of their children-Elizabeth, born Jan 28, 1805; she married James Wilson, who is now dead. Richard, born May 30, 1806; died from the effects of a burn, Oct. 17, 1810. Joel, born Nov. 22, 1807; married Martha Church; died in Davis Co., Iowa, from the effects of a limb falling on him, Aug. 25, 1859, Maria, born Nov. 2, 1809; married James Hill. Exeoney, born Oct. 10, 1811; married Samuel McGinas; died Nov. 7, 1854, Cyrus, born May 19, 1813, and died Sept. 9, 1835 ; William, born Oct. 1, 1815, married Elizabeth Berry; Sarah, born Aug. 8, 1819, married Hamilton Pence; Ezekiel A., born June 28, 1821, married Nancy Jane Kirkpatrick-dead-date not known; Elijah, born Aug. 18, 1823, married Frances Ann Waller; Elisha, born Aug. 18, 1823, married-name not known died in Indiana, April 15, 1855 ; Ann, born Aug. 23, 1825, and died Jan. 14, 1840 ; Mary, born March 14, 1828, married a Mr. Cuner. Mr. Harbour was married twice, his second wife being Mrs. Elizabeth Kirkpatrick. No further record is known.
Family record of William Harbour, son of Joel and Sarah: He was born Jan. 28, 1785; married Ann, daughter of Samuel and Mary Arrowsmith, in 'Ross Co., Ohio, October, 1806; she was born in Champaign Co., Oct. 17, 1788, and died in Champaign Co., Nov. 9, 1833; William died in Champaign Co., May 26, 1856. Names and births of their children-Sarah, born Oct. 18, 1807 ; married William L. McGinness, Feb. 8, 1831; died in Bement, Ill., Oct. 11, 1875. Elizabeth, born March 9, 1809; dead-date not known. Samuel, born April 15, 1811; married his first wife in Illinois; dead-date of marriage and death not known; second wife, Miss Fuston-date not known. Penninah, born May 23, 1813 ; married James Neer-date not known ; she died September, 1880. Abner, born May 4,1815 ; married, first wife dead; name, date of marriage and death not known; married his second wife in Iowa, name and date not known. Mary, born Feb. 24, 1817 ; married Robert McCoy, October, 1839 ; died in March, 1880. Hannah, born Sept. 10, 1820; married Lewis Stew art. Rachel, born July 31, 1824; married Andrew Hanna; he died May 20, 1874. William, the subject of this record, married his second wife, Mrs. Mary Stewart, (maiden name Miller); she was born February, 1798; their children were Jane Ann, born April 6, 1836; married John Joseph Shriver. William, born April 29, 1837; married Mary E. Sweet. Amanda Louisa, born April 14, 1840. All born in Champaign County.
Family record of Henry Anno, who was born Oct. 28, 1775: Married Elizabeth, daughter of Samuel and Mary Arrowsmith, Jan. 8, 1798; she was born Aug. 28,1777. Names and births of their children-Thomas, born in Mason Co., Ky., Dec. 4. 1798; married Sarah Bunn Feb. 2, 1824. Richard, born Oct. 18, 1799. Nancy, born Oct. 18, 1799. Richard and Nancy were twins.
Family record of Thomas Anno, son of Henry and Elizabeth: He married Sarah Bann. Names and births of their children-Henry, Jr., born Aug. 14,1824 ; married Mary Sutton Sept. 14, 1846; he died in the hospital at Vicksburg, Miss., Sept. 26, 1863. Elizabeth, born Aug. 26, 1826; married Horatio Lation, Sept. 21, 1849. Mary, born Sept. 27, 1828; married Hiram Austin Aug. 16, 1847. John, born Oct. 7, 1830; married Laura Ann Bartram Jan. 29, 1857; he fell a victim to rebel bullets near Atlanta, Ga., July 19, 1864. Nancy, born Oct. 13, 1832; married Levi John. son Aug. 6, 1864. Nelson, born March 16, 1835; Levi S., born Dec. 31, 1837 ; married Nancy Ann Hopkins Sept. 16, 1854.
Family record of Samuel Arrowsmith, Jr., son of Samuel and Mary :Born Aug. 6, 1779; married Elizabeth, daughter of John Ritter; he died Jan. 3, 1843, in McLean Co., Ill. Names and births of their children-John Wesley, born Oct. 31, 1805; Hannah, born Aug. 22, 1807. died March 9, 1833; Elijah, born Aug. 22,
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1809, died Sept. 25, 1809; Elijah B., born Aug. 26, 1810, died Oct. 20, 1810; Ezekiel, born Oct. 31, 1811 ; Sarah, born Oct. 22, 1813, died Dec. 15, 1815; Henry R., born Jao. 10, 1815; Elenor B., born April 16, 1818; Margaret A.; born Feb. 24, 1820; Eliza J., born Feb. 6, 1823, died June 25, 1861; Mary A. R., born March 28, 1828; married Thompson ; died Aug. 8, 1860.
Samuel Arrowsmith, father of Ezekiel and son of Samuel and Elizabeth, was born Dec. 28, 1743; married Mary Millard. Samuel Arrowsmith, Sr., came from England about 1740; married Elizabeth Fishpaw, in Maryland, where he died in 1742.
We are able to trace the Kenton side of the Arrowsmith family back to 1701. Mark Kenton, Sr., was born in Ireland March 21, 1701, died March 16, 1783, in Pennylvania. William Kenton, Sr., father of Elizabeth Arrowsmith, was born Sept. 20, 1837 ; married Mary Cleland, in Virginia, Dec. 15, 1763, died in this county May 21, 1822 ; she died in Mercer Co., Ky., April 14, 1788. Benjamin was a soldier in the Revolution ; died in Philadelphia. Mark, Jr., was born Nov. 26, 1749; died Aug. 10, 1785. Simon was born April 3, 1752 or 1753, died in Logan County April 30, 1836 ; John, the youngest brother, died in Mercer Co. Ky.
Family record of William and Mary (Cleland) Kenton : Their children were Phillip C., born Dec. 5, 1765, died in Kentucky Nov. 2, 1855. William, born Dec. 7, 1767, died in 177 3. Thomas, born Aug. 23, 1770, died in this county Nov. 10, 185 1. Jane, born Jan. 21, 1773, died in Champaign County June 12, 1812. Mary, born July 22, 1776, died in this county Oct. 12, 1815. Elizabeth, born March 26, 1778 ; married Ezekiel Arrowsmith, in Kentucky, April 6, 1797, died April 19, 1867. Sarah, born Jan. 30, 1781, died February, 1796. William, born March 26, 1785, died Oct. 6, 1823. Mark, born Dec. 25, 1787, died May 6, 1851.
Family record of Phillip C., son of William and Mary Kenton : When Phillip C. was quite old, he went to Kentucky to live with his son Thomas. At Cincinnati announcement was made that Gen. Kenton was in the city. At a banquet that evening, at the Burnett House, to which place he had been escorted, being called upon to make a speech, he replied, "I can't make a speech, but can say I always hated snakes and loved the women." Their children were William, date of birth and death not known. Thomas, born April 11, 1792. Elizabeth, born Oct. 26, 1793, died Jan. 8, 1821; her husband, Robert McFarland, died Dec. 28, 1863. Mark died in Indiana. John died in Indiana, Dec. 28, 1879. Edmond died in Indiana. Sarah died in Iowa in 1879. Benjamin died in Kentucky. Phillip C., birth and death not given.
Family record of Thomas, third son of William and Mary Kenton, born in Virginia Married Keziah D. Cruchfield. Their children were Mary, born March 19. 17 94, died Jan. 31, 1851. James, born 1796, was killed by accident Nov. 27, 1862. Sarah, born March 18, 1798, died Jan. 25, 1838. John, born Feb. 12, 1800, died July 8, 1850. Thomas, Jr., born Jan. 9, 180'2, died in Iowa May 4, 1854. Elizabeth; born in 1804. Matilda, born April 19, 1806. Jane, born Dec. 15, 1809. Susannah, born March 1, 1811. William C., born Jan. 9, 1813. Richard D., born Feb. 12, 1815, died Aug. 7, 1835.
Family record of William and Rebecca (Anderson) Kenton : Their children were Lewis, Nancy, John A. and Cynthia.
Family record of Mark and Susannah (Custar) Kenton : Their children were Gabriel, born Oct. 1, 1815; Mary A., born Feb. 16, 1815; Jonathan, born Aug. 4, 1817, died July 12,1840; Mary, born Nov. 28, 1819, died in March, 1875; Harvy, born Aug. 8. 1823; William 11., born March 8, 1825, died in Illinois, June 8, 1875 ; Sarah, born Oct. 5, 1827, and Samuel, born Dec. 15, 1830.
Family of Alexander and Mary (Kenton) Pence: Their children-Gabriel, born March 21, 1842 ; Catharine, born Sept. 5, 1845.
Family record of William M., fourth son of Mark and Susannah Kenton. He married Mrs. Mary Foley, in Clark County. Their children-Harvy, Catharine and Ida Elizabeth ; dates of birth not known.
Family record of Samuel and Mary (Scott ) Kenton : Removed to Edgar Co., Iowa. 'their children-John and Susannah. Susannah married S. T. Thayers in 1878.
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Family record of Charles T. and Sarah Jane (Kenton) Caraway: He was born Dec. 14, 1821. Their children-Susannah, John H., Mary Celinda, Emma and Minnie ; dates of birth not known.
Family record of Thomas Cleland, who is a native of Ireland: He married Jane Smith. They were residents of Virginia. Their children-Jane, married a Mr. Myers ; Cassandra married Thomas Hayman ; they lived and died in the East. Nancy, married, name not known. Susannah married William McGinness, father of William L. McGinness, of Mad River Township, Champaign County. Sally married Thomas Dowden, the grandfather of the late Dr. Asel Owens of Illinois. Mary married William Kenton Dec. 15, 1763, in Virginia.
William and Mary Kenton were the parents of Elizabeth Kenton, who married Ezekiel Arrowsmith.
Elizabeth Cleland married Stephen Jarboe, who was the grandfather of the late William Talbott, of Illinois, son of Sampson Talbott. Their children-Thomas, married, now dead ; dates and names not known. Phillip, married Elizabeth Richards ; they were the parents of the late Rev. Thomas Cleland, a prominent minister in the Presbyterian Church ; he resides in Kentucky, and is the father of two sons who are ministers -P. S. Cleland, of Topeka, Kan., and F. H. Cleland, of Lebanon, Ky. Thomas was also the father of Anna Wilson, mother of James Wilson, who married Elizabeth, daughter of Elisha and Catharine Harbour. Catharine Harbour was a sister of Ezekiel Arrowsmith.
Family record of Sampson Talbott, who was born Nov. 21, 1767: He married Cassandra Jarboe; she is dead, date not known. One son by this union-William, born Nov. 24, 1793, died in Illinois, Dec. 25, 1845. Sampson married his second wife, who was Jane Kenton, eldest daughter of William and Mary, in 1798. She died in Champaign County June 20, 1812. Their children-Harvy, born Aug. 7, 1799, married Mrs. Comer; her maiden name was Fitch ; he died in Champaign County, Feb. 28, 1880. Sarah, born May 5, 1801, married Andrew Sears; she died Jan. 12, 1878. Celia, born Aug. 25, 1804, married Micajah Phillips; he is dead; she married the second time-Joseph Russell; he is also dead. Benjamin, born Aug. 12, 1807, married Cynthia Johnson ; he died in Hancock Co., Ill., Dec 2'l., 1876. D., born May 30, 1810, married Sarah Snider; she is dead. Samuel, born May 30, 1810 ; D. and Samuel were twins. Sampson married the third time-Mary Kenton, Nov. 12, 1812 ; she died in Champaign County, Oct. 12, 1815. Their children-Pres. ley, born Aug. 8, 1813; married Mary Ann Markley, Oct. 27, 1342 ; she died May 6, 1861. Elizabeth, born May 5, 1815 ; married Samuel Stuart. Sampson, married the fourth time-Mrs. Ann Fitch ; her maiden name was Oliver. Their children-Jane, married William Harrison McFarland,
J. H. AYERS, M. D., Urbana; is a native of New York State, and was born in Warren Co. in 1832. His father, Joseph Ayers, is a minister of the ; M. E. Church; removed with his family to Ohio in 1853. He is now one of the oldest active Methodist Episcopal ministers in the State, and resides at Ottawa. The subject of this sketch attended the Troy Conference Academy at Poultney, Vt., and attended medical lectures and graduated from Castleton Medical College, of the same State, in 1851. He immediately began practicing at Glens Falls, N. Y., but removed to West Liberty, Logan Co., Ohio, in the fall of 1852, where he practiced until 1862, when he entered the U. S. service as Surgeon of the 34th 0. V. L, and served until February, 1865. After his return he removed to Urbana, and has continued here ever since, enjoying a very satisfactory practice. He is now also Superintendent and Treasurer of the Urbana Water Works Co., and Trustee of the Central Lunatic Asylum. He has also been a member of the School Board a number of years, and is identified with the interests of Urbana generally. He is a member of the M. E. Church, and, while encouraging all Christian efforts, gives to that denomination his active sympathy and support. As a physician he enjoys the confidence of the community and their respect as a citizen. He married, in 1863, Miss Mary, daughter of James McDonald. They have five children
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living, three dauhters and two sons, viz., Fannie, now Mrs. George Murphy, of Springfield, Ohio; Julia, Gertrude, Flora Ava and Duncan McDonald (twins) and Joseph.
EDWIN BAILEY, saw-miller and cooper, Urbana; was born Sept. 12, 1828, in Harford Co., Md., and is a son of Josias and Catherine (Vandegrift) Bailey. Josias was born in the same county (Harford) in February, 1795, and followed coopering and farming nearly half a century. When Edwin was about 11 years old, the parents removed to Guernsey Co., Ohio; four years later to Licking Co., Ohio, where the father still resides. Edwin served his father faithfully at the cooper trade until 21 years of age, though soon after started in life for himself, working two years in Roscoe, in which time he saved $1,000, an event of which he prides himself, and one which should commend itself to every young man. At the end of this period he made a short visit to his parents; thence came to Urbana, where he was in the employ of Guinn Bros. a short time. He then, in company with his brother George, devoted some time to traveling, and, after visiting the World's Fair, returned to Logan Co., Ohio, in September, 1853, and engaged in business for himself, but, nine years later, removed to Urbana, where we now find him. While residing in Logan Co., July 5, 1855, he married Dorcas M. Crane ; two children have been born to them-Edwin B., who died at the age of 5 years and 7 months, and Nettie, who is still the light of their home. Mrs. B. is a daughter of Capt. Zenas C. and Elizabeth P. (Spear) Crane, and was born in Pine Brook, Essex Co., N. J. At the age of 11 years she removed with her parents to Licking Co., Ohio, where she lived until her marriage with Mr. B., who, since living in Urbana, has been engaged in coopering and saw-milling. When a young man and working at his trade, he would make from twelve to eighteen barrels per day. The following is taken from the Coshocton Democrat, of Dec. 3, 1850
"PREMIUM WORKING .-Edwin Bailey, a cooper in the employ of A. Medbury, Esq., of Roscoe, made, from Monday morning to Saturday evening of last week, 105 flour barrels, the actual working time being 98 hours, the last barrel being taken from the rough and completed in 35 minutes. The three preceding weeks be made respectively 70, 80 and 95 barrels. This is rapid working."
Mr. B. has not only been successful in business, but has always enjoyed the fruits of his labor by traveling, giving to the poor and needy, and looking after the comfort of his family, and many hands who have been in his employ speak in a praiseworthy style of him. He was elected as a member of the City Council in 1865, which office he filled with credit and honor. He has in his possession a staff made from the mast of Commodore Perry's ship, which he prizes very highly.
GEORGE E. BECHTOLT, proprietor of the Excelsior Cast Steel Plow Works Urbana ; among the manufactories of Urbana, it is necessary to mention the Excelsior Cast Steel Plow Works, which were re-opened by Mr. Bechtolt in 1878; it is now one of the leading manufactories of the county, in which are annually made 500 plows, and, in connection with this, manufactures tile machines and executes all kinds of job work. The enterprise is one of old standing, but had gone down considerably ; the present proprietor has, since re-opening, redeemed the original trade, and now is favorably known throughout the county, the western part of the State, and in Indiana. Mr. Bechtolt was born in Germantown. Montgomery Co., Ohio, in 1848, where he was raised to farm life and received his education. At the age of 18 years, he commenced the plow work, which trade he completed in the Dayton Anghe Plow Works. In 1872 and 1873, he was head workman in the plow works at Fort Wayne, Ind.; one year later, located in Urbana, and, in 1878, became proprietor of these works; since a resident of Urbana, has been identified in the interest of the city, and at present is President of the Council. His marriage was celebrated with Miss Mary A. Shank in April, 1877; she was born in Germantown, Montgomery Co., Ohio, in 1855; they have one child.
EDWIN M. BENNETT, brain dealer, Urbana. Mr. Bennett is a native of Vermont; born at Woodstock in 1831; he came West as an engineer in 1851, and for five years was engaged as a civil en engineer or. the railroads cf Ohio and Indiana; in 1856, he married Martha Marsh, also a native of Vermont, daughter of Rev. Joseph D.
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Marsh, then a resident of Woodstock; after his marriage he settled at Woodstock and engaged in buying grain and stock until 1869, when he removed to Urbana, and, in connection with P. B. Ross and H. P. Espy, built the Urbana Elevator. Mr. Bennett has been engaged in the grain business here since, and is now sole owner and operator of the elevator, and the leading grain dealer of Urbana. He handles about three hundred thousand bushels of grain in one season, his sales being made largely to millers and dealers at interior points between here and New York. He has served three terms as County Commissioner, during which the present system of gravel roads was inaugurated, and to his engineering skill and business tact is largely due the success of these enterprises; he has two sons-Charles M. (City Engineer), and Edwin M., Jr., who assists his father in the grain business.
T. H. BERRY (deceased), as we well know, change is constant and general ; generations are rising and passing unmarked away; for the gratification of the family, we here inscribe a true sketch of T. H. Berry, who was born Jan. 5, 1820, and was a son of Judge E. C. Berry ; he spent his entire life in Urbana, except a period of three years in Chicago and Danville, Ill.; his business career in Urbana was devoted to the grocery trade; as a child, he was obedient and tractable ; as a man, upright and honest; as a husband, loving, kind and affectionate; in his parental duties, gentle, yet decided in his requirements of his children; as a business man, no one ever doubted his capacity and sterling integrity, as the result of his successful enterprise fully warrants; lastly, as a public officer, he leaves no stain of crookedness behind him, as the records will readily exhibit; to show the public estimation of his worth, it is only necessary to say that, at his death, Nov, 9, 1879, he had consecutively held the office of Treasurer of Urbana nineteen years; a member of the Board of Education sixteen years in the city district, and no one had cause to complain ; his loss to the family, community and church, was deeply felt, as he was a member of the Presbyterian Church nearly thirty years, during which time his daily walk evinced all of his true Christian life. He married, May 1, 1846, Miss Luxima Hughes, daughter of the late Dr. James R. Hughes, of Oxford, Ohio, where she was born June 8, 1826; there she was raised and educated ; she now bears the name of her departed husband, with seven loving and affectionate children, of whom the eldest is a. daughter.
SAMUEL C. BOSLER, County Sheriff, Urbana; was born in Lancaster Co., Penn., in 1839, and is the last child of a family of thirteen children, of John and Rosanna (Pancake) Bosler, both natives of Pennsylvania, where they were raised and married. After a companionship of many years, John died in the fall of 1874, at the age of 83. Rosanna still survives, at the age of 84, bearing the name of her departed husband. Our subject was raised in his native State, where he acquired the principal part of his education. In May, 1S54, he came West as far as Champaign Co., of which he has since been a resident, save three years and three months which were spent in the late war. In April, 1861, the evening after Fort Sumter was fired on, he enlisted in Co, C, 13th O. V. I., under Capt. Don Piatt, of Logan Co., Ohio. While in service he participated in many of the hard-fought battles, among which we mention Shiloh, Perryville, Stone River, Mission Ridgre, and the campaign to Altoona Ridge. In June, 1864, he was honorably discharged at Chattanooga, and returned home, but soon after went to Tennessee, engaging in the cotton trade until June, 1865. In the meantime, be married Mildred S. Miller. In the fall of 1865, he located in Concord Township, engaging in farming and stock-raising. He continued his farm pursuits till the fall of 1876, when he was honorably elected to his present office, and re-elected in 1878. Mr. and Mrs. Bosler are the parents of two children.
WILLIAM O. BOW LES, Principal of the Colored Schools, Urbana, was born in Xenia, Ohio. June 20, 1851, and is the second of a family of seven boys, viz., Arthur T., William O., John H., George S., Charles M. (deceased ), Oscar T. and James O., and is the son of Rev. John R and Sarah J. (Bryant ) Bowles. Rev. John was burn in Lynchburg, Va., June 12, 1826. and departed this life Sept. 3, 1874. He was an eminent Baptist minister and late Chaplain of the 55th Mass. V I. In 1865, after
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returning from the war, he was elected Principal of Albany Enterprise Academy, located in Athens Co., Ohio. He held said position until 1870, when he resigned to take charge of a church. During his administration as Principal, the academy rose to honor and distinction. Sarah, his wife, was born in Northampton Co., N. C., Oct. 1, 1828, and was one of those thoughtful, affectionate and exemplary mothers who essayed to make no vain outward show, but whose highest aim was to perform faithfully the ex alted duties of a wife and mother. As a woman of sterling industry, skillful economy, wise counsel and affectionate piety, she ranks with the good and queenly women of earth, and now resides in Columbus, Ohio. Soon after the birth of our subject, the family moved to Chillicothe, where this promising young boy was put in school and remained there for several years. When he was 14 years of age, his father placed him in the academy, where he remained one year, and then took charge of his first school, at Pine Grove. His success was so marked with this school that he was solicited by different boards of education to take charge of their schools, but was chosen assistant teacher in the academy, teaching there, and in the schools near by, a period of seven years. At the expiration of this time he came to Urbana, teaching in the South U Urbana District two years; was then elected Principal of the colored schools of the city, which position he now holds, being in his eighth successive year. He is a member of the St. Paul A. M. E. Church, and Secretary of the same. He was received into full communion in May, 1876. His marriage with Mattie Adams was celebrated Nov. 12, 1874. The issue of this union is three children-William O., Jr., George A. C. and Henry R. His wife is a daughter of Rev. Henry and Margaret (Lyons) Adams, and was born Jan. 17, 1855, in Circleville, Ohio.
WILLIAM F. BOYD, ice dealer, Urbana; was born in Urbana, Ohio, Aug. 8, 1838, and is a son of Alfred and Rosanna (Reyno) Boyd; Alfred was born in Virginia, and Rosanna in Urbana ; William F. lived with his parents until 28 years of age, devoting his time to their interest, except one year he and his father conducted a farm in partnership; at the time he left home he married Maria Waters, born in Virginia Oct. 15, 1840, and, when 13 years old, she, with her parents, came to Urbana, Ohio; William and Maria have had three children-Clarrie, William W. and Elmer; after William F. commenced work for himself he worked by the day several years, and during a part of the time had three teams at work, employing men to drive them; his employers advanced him $20, to which he added $30, which his wife had saved by economy and industry; he purchased his first horse, and, by working; extra at night, was enabled to buy a wagon; by the profit of this team and his own exertions was enabled to buy other teams, and, in 1867, commenced in the ice trade, which he has conducted successfully since; by his own and wife's industry, they added little by little until they have procured a good home and other property; they are now reaping the reward of their labors; though his ice trade was small at first, it has grown until it amounts to nearly $3,000 annually: in 1879, he was elected as a member of the City Council of Urbana.
WILLIAM A. BRAND (deceased). William A. Brand was born in Union Township, Champaign Co., Ohio, July 9, 1837, and died in Urbana May 14,1879; he was a son of Joseph C. Brand, the present Mayor of Urbana ; at an early age he removed with his parents to Urbana, where he continued his residence to the time of his death; he was educated at the public schools and the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware; he studied law with Hon. John H. James, and graduated from the Cincinnati Law School in 1858; soon after he formed a partnership with the late Hon. Moses B. Corwin, which continued until the latter retired from practice on account of advanced age. He was married, July 12, 1859, to Miss Frances R. Saxton, daughter of Joshua Saxton, the founder of the Citizen and Gazette, of Urbana, who still survives him; he continued in the practice of his profession until September, 1861, when he enlisted in the 66th O. V. I., and, in January, 1862, accompanied his regiment to the field, and served in every campaign with his regiment until the close of the war, resigning his commission as Regimental Quartermaster only after the declaration of peace, and, while the army was at Washington awaiting ciders for muster out; his record as a soldier and
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officer is unblemished, and it was for many years a gratification, as well as a source of pride to him, that he had done what he could to sustain his imperiled Government; during the war, he was a regular correspondent of a home paper over the nom de plume of "D. N. Arbaw," giving truthful and graphic descriptions of the most important campaigns and battles of the war, which attracted much attention, and were much copied in the press of that time; the experience then derived, in a great measure prepared him for his labors in making up a history of some of the more prominent campaigns, only a portion of which had been published when death laid its hand upon him ; in 1865, he purchased a half-interest in the Citizen and Gazette, continuing his connection therewith until February, 1879; in this connection he soon made his mark, being a forcible and sagacious writer, carrying conviction with his arguments, and doing much for the improvement of the city and county, as well as rendering valuable services to his party; being a Republican by conviction, and feeling that through that party only could be preserved the results of the severe struggles of our armies from 1861 to 1865, he put his whole soul into his political work, though never descending to abuse or personalities; be devoted himself assiduously to his business, and saw it develop day by day, with new improvements constantly added, and finally had the satisfaction of seeing issued from his presses work of the highest grade and finish, and the reputation of his job department extended throughout the State. Hoping, by a change of business, to restore his failing health, he accepted, in January, 1878, the position of Postmaster of Urbana, the first civil office he ever sought or held, he having, though often solicited to become a candidate for office, always expressed a dislike for the duties of a public servant, except as they were self-imposed, feeling that his duties as an editor were higher and more imperative than could be imposed by any other call. He was an active member of a number of the secret orders, taking high rank in all; in the Improved Order of Red Men he held the position of Past Sachem, Great Senior Sagamore and Great Sachem, the highest position in the State, and for several years was State Representative in the Great Council of the United States; he had passed all the chairs in the Subordinate Lodge and Encampment of Odd Fellows, and had represented his district in the Grand Lodge of Ohio; he was a Past Commander in the Knights of Pythias and Past Master in the U. O. A. M.; his ability was especially displayed in connection with these orders, in all of which he was a recognized leader. As a man, he was chivalrous, generous, charitable and high-minded; a friend to the poor and oppressed, he never denied an application for charity, preferring to give sometimes to the unworthy, lest, perchance, he might miss an occasion for relieving actual want.
HON. JOSEPH C. BRAND. Among the old residents of Urbana who have been prominently identified with the public affairs of Champaign Co., few have retained the confidence of its citizens to such an extent as the present popular Mayor of this city. His grandfather, Dr. James Brand, was a native of Scotland, who, graduating from the Edinburgh Medical University about 1756, came to the American Colonies and settled in Frederick City, Md., where he practiced his profession for many years. From there he moved to Ringgold's Manor, and then to Augusta Co., Va., where he died at the age of 96. He left a family of several children, Thomas Brand, the father of Joseph C., being one of the number. He was born in Maryland and moved with his parents to Virginia, and in 1808, he removed to Bourbon Co., Ky., where he was married to Miss Fanny Carter, a native of Maryland, who came to Kentucky in childhood. Of this union eight children were born, Joseph C. being the eldest; his parents residing in Bourbon Co. until death. On the 5th day of January, 1810, in the above-mentioned county, Joseph C. Brand "first saw the light," and there his youthful days were passed acquiring a good education, afterward following school teaching as an occupation. In 1830, he came to Urbana, and engaged in business with his uncle, Dr. Joseph S. Carter, in a drug store. In 1832, he began merchandising, at Mechanicsburg, with Dr. Obed Horr, where he remained until 1837, when he bought a farm on Buck Creek, on which he settled and followed farming until 1850, when be again moved to Urbana, where he has since lived, with the exception of his army serv-
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ice and Consulship in Germany. He was married in 1832, to Miss Lavinia Talbott, of Weston, W. Va. They have had nine children, as follows: Thomas T., a Captain in the regular army, retired on account of wounds received at Chickamauga ; Joseph C., now Deputy Collector and Chief Clerk in the United States Revenue office at Bellefontaine, Ohio; William A., deceased, who was for many years co-editor with Joshua Saxton of the Citizen and Gazette, of Urbana, and was Postmaster of Urbana at the time of his death; Belle, the wife of William R. Ross; Mary, the wife of the Rev. E. D. Whitlock, the Pastor of the William Street Methodist Episcopal Church, at Delaware, Ohio; John F., of the firm of Fulwider & Brand, grocers; Ella, the wife of Charles A. Ross, of Urbana, and two daughters, Ellen and Irva, who died in young womanhood. Mr. Brand has filled several county offices, and was Clerk of the Common Pleas and District Courts at the time of the adoption of the new State Constitution, which abolished the old courts and clerkships. He has represented his county and district in both branches of the State Legislature, serving as chairman of standing committees, in which capacity he was always ready and efficient. When the tocsin of war resounded throughout the land, and treason lifted the cover from off its hidden purposes by firing on defenseless Fort Sumter, Mr. Brand was one of the first men in Urbana to declare publicly that the time had come to fight, and that he was in favor of whipping rebels into subjection. He was active in obtaining the order for raising the gallant 66th 0. V. I., assisting in recruiting and organizing that regiment; served as its Quartermaster, from 1861 till 1864, when he was promoted by President Lincoln, and made '` a Captain and Commissary of Subsistence of Volunteers," which office he filled until the war closed. He was on active duty three years and ten months, and all the time in the field; in the Valley of Virginia, on the Potomac, Rapidan and Rappahannock Rivers, in Maryland, Pennsylvania, New York, Tennessee, Georgia, around Richmond and Petersburg, Va., and was present and witnessed Lee's surrender at Appomattox, closing up his service in the city of Richmond, where he was discharged, and mustered out of the service. He voluntarily went into the battle of Port Republic, and he and Adjt. Gwynne took an active part in repulsing the charge of Dick Taylor with his °` Louisiana Tigers " upon Col. Daum's battery, which, after an hour's contest, was accomplished. In this close fight the battery changed hands three times, the horses and gunners being nearly all killed in the contest, but, with the aid of the 5th and 7th Ohio Regiments, the 66th charged bayonets and drove the rebels across the field into the woods, the loss being heavy on both sides. The victory, however, was of short duration; a fresh corps of rebels arriving on the field, the Union forces were compelled to retreat in confusion. In this side fight Col. Charles Candy was in command, and Lieut. Col. Powell was also on the line. When the war ended, Mr. Brand made a full settlement with the Government as Quartermaster and Commissary of Subsistence, and for "distinguished services during the war " was breveted Major. During Gen. Grant's administration, he accepted a Consulship at Nuremberg, in the kingdom of Bavaria, Germany, and with his wife and two daughters remained abroad nearly three years. In 1857, Mr. Brand took a prominent part in a noted event which occurred in that year, and which is known as the "Green County Rescue Case," the trouble commencing over a fugitive slave named Addison White, and culminating in the arrest, by the United States Marshal, of a number of Champaign County's citizens, who had expressed sympathy for the runaway slave, and who were rescued from the Marshal while they were passing through Greene County, en route for Cincinnati. Mr. Brand, with other leading citizens of Champaign County, were leaders in this rescue, and after considerable lawing, the case was finally settled by the purchase of the slave from his master. This incident demonstrates the position Mr. Brand and the average citizen of Champaign County occupied on those questions growing out of slavery, which finally ended in war, and the freedom of the negro. In his business days, Mr. Brand took an active part in securing and the construction of the Atlantic & Great Western Railroad, being a stockholder, and an active Director in the company for five years. He has been elected three times as Mayor of Urbana, which position he is now filling, and the city has never had a more capable or efficient Mayor its organization. He is a man or varied experi-
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ence, with an extensive knowledge of past events, and his official career has been pure and upright, which has made him popular with all classes of good citizens. Politically, he is a stanch Republican, and he and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and now, in their declining years, are living at the "old homestead," on Reynolds street, which is a rallying point for their children and grandchildren, who find there the sunshine and happiness of parental love. Mr. Brand is one of the most generous and accommodating gentlemen which it has been our fortune to have met with in many years, and the purity and unimpeachable integrity of his private life is as strongly marked as that of his public career; his kindly disposition, his warm, friendly greeting, his evident desire and willingness to confer favors, and the absence of all levity or coarseness from his conversation, mark him as a man of pure, strong, manly character, who fortunately possesses the attributes of true manhood. In his old age he still retains those active business habits that have characterized him in the past, and he is one of the few who have won and retained the respect and confidence of every one with whom he has come in contact.
MAJ. T. T. BRAND, U. S. A., Urbana ; was born in Mechanicsburg, Champaign Co., Ohio, Jan. 28, 1835, and is a son of Joseph C. Brand, whose biography appears above. Maj. Brand was raised and educated in this county. At the age of 21, he engaged in the mercantile trade, which he successfully conducted five years. At the close of this period, the war of the late rebellion was showing brilliant signs of a terrible struggle. He entered the service as 1st Lieutenant in the 2d 0. V. I. on April 17, 1861. On June 2, following, he accepted an appointment as 1st Lieutenant in the 18th Infantry, U. S. A., and was promoted Captain Sept. 11, 1863. Eight days later, he was badly wounded in the battle of Chickamauga, from which he suffered severely, but Providence and medical skill brought relief. In February, 1864, after a partial recovery, he was assigned to duty as mustering and disbursing officer. During a part of 1866 and 1867, he was Chief Mustering and Disbursing Officer of Indiana, and the following year of Ohio and West Virginia, having his headquarters at Columbus, Ohio. He participated in many of the most severely fought battles, and, on March 5, 1865, was breveted Major for gallant and meritorious services in the battles of Stone River and Chickamauga. He remained on duty as mustering and disbursing officer until 1869, when he returned to Urbana, since which time he has been engaged in commercial pursuits. His nuptials were celebrated Dec. 28, 1864, with Miss E. C., daughter of Rev. David Warnock. The issue of this union is two sons-Frank W. and Thomas T., Jr. Mrs. Brand was born in Bellefontaine, Ohio, June 7, 1843:
JOSEPH C. BROWN, M. D. The medical profession of Champaign Co., Ohio, contains many members who rank among its leading citizens, and in the practice of medical science few towns of the size of Urbana can boast of a greater number of good physicians and talented surgeons. Among this class of professional men, Dr. J. C. Brown is recognized as a physician of ability, who by his own unaided efforts has gained a fair standing in his profession. He was born in the "Old Dominion " Feb. 14, 1814, and is the son of James W. and Margaret (Clark) Brown, natives of that State, who came to Champaign Co. Ohio, in 1822, settling on Nettle Creek, in Mad River Township. About three years afterward, they removed to Urbana Township, where they resided until about 1849, when they went to West Liberty, Logan Co., Ohio, where the Doctor's father died in 1851. His mother returned to Urbana and resided at his home until her death' in 1866. Both were members of the M. E. Church, and died firm adherents of that faith. Dr. Brown grew to manhood during the pioneer days of Champaign Co., receiving such education as the occasional attendance at the primitive subscription schools afforded. After attaining his majority, he, by close application, educated himself and became a teacher, which occupation he followed in Urbana for eight years. During this time he applied himself assiduously to the study of medicine, using all his spare time for that purpose. In 1844 and 1845, he attended lectures at the Ohio Medical College, and- graduated in the latter year, immediately commencing practice at West Liberty, Logan Co., Ohio. There he continued practicing until 1852, when he
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removed to Urbana, where he has since been engaged in the study and practice of his chosen profession. He was married in June, 1846, to Marietta B. Skeen, daughter of David Skeen, a native of Pennsylvania, who came to this county in 1840. Mrs. Brown is a native of the Keystone State, and has had four children, only one of whom is living, the wife of A. C. Wilson, a druggist of Piqua, Ohio. Dr. Brown and wife have been members of the M. E. Church since childhood, and have always taken a deep interest in everything that tended to build up public morals and benefit their adopted county. The Doctor belongs the Masonic and Odd Fellow fraternities. Politically, he is a Republican, and a man of strongly molded views in favor of temperance. He has been a member of the American Medical Association since 1848; is a member of the Ohio Medical Association, of which he has been a Vice President, and has belonged to the Champaign Co. :Medical Society since 1852, and was its Treasurer for several years. In-December, 1875, he was appointed as the U. S. Examining Surgeon for this county, which position he yet holds. He is to-day the oldest regular practicing physician in Urbana, has a good practice, is a pleasant, agreeable gentleman, and is trusted and respected by a large circle of Champaign's leading citizens.
J. H. BROWN, Agent of the P., C. & St. L. R. R., Urbana; was born December, 1832, in Clark Co., Ohio. His minor days were mostly spent in Indiana, and from 11 to 18 years of age he was on the farm, and enjoyed the usual common-school privileges. At the last age mentioned, he engaged in the erection of the Columbus, Piqua & Indiana Railroad. Notwithstanding the changes on the road, he still holds a good position, which was obtained through his own merits. This official duty he has had charge of for twenty-two years. During the year 1868, he became connected in the boot and shoe trade in this city; though the firm has undergone several changes, he still retains his interest, but has never given personal attention to its sales. The firm is now known as Brown & Wilson, No. 39 Monument Square, where a full line of goods is carried, and handled by ready clerks.
J. W. BYLER, attorney at law, of the firm of Byler & Richards, Urbana, was born in Smithville, near Wooster, Ohio, Jan. 5, 1856, and is a son of Henry and Rebecca (Kuntz) Byler. Henry is a grandson of Henry Byler, Sr., who was born in Switzerland, came to America early in the eighteenth century and located in what is now Berks Co., Penn., though Henry was born in Lancaster Co., of that State, in 1816. At the age of 11 years, his parents located in Stark Co., Ohio, where he matured; thence located on a farm in Fairfield Co., Ohio. Several years later, engaged as General Agent to the Massillon Machine Co., in which he successfully operated until 1855, when he married ; his wife was born in Wayne Co., Ohio, in 1836. Soon after his marriage, he settled on his farm, previously purchased; this he cultivated until 1860, since which have been a few changes, and at present he owns 14'3 acres in Salem Township, Champaign Co., Ohio, which he superintends. Six children have been born to this union - J. W., Mary (deceased), David K., Susan (deceased), Joseph M. and Henry, Jr. Our subject being the eldest,.he was mostly raised in Wayne Co., Ohio, where he acquired his primary education. Since the age of 16, he has been in attendance at the Wadsworth College, National Normal, at Lebanon, Ohio, and others. Has devoted three years to the profession of teaching, and, in the meantime, has acquired a fair knowledge of medicine, under the tutorship of Dr. J. H. Ayers, afterward taking up the study of law, under the preceptorship of Warnock & Eicbelberger, to which he closely applied himself, and was admitted to the bar by the Supreme Court of the State in March, 1880, and is now located in Urbana, among many old attorneys, to build up a practice. His nuptials were celebrated Jan. 1, 1879, with Miss Alice C., daughter of Lemuel and Ann Pence. She was an accomplished young lady, born October, 1860, and died of consumption five months after her marriage.
JAMES G. CALDWELL, farmer; P. O. Urbana. John Winn, the grandfather of Mr. Caldwell, entered the land known as the " Pretty Prairie," in 1805, and James still owns the original tract, that to this day never had a mortgage or other incumbrance on it. John Winn was a Virginian by birth, and came to Fleming Co.; Ky., in
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1796. He came to Kentucky from Virginia in an ox-cart, with no property save one negro boy and his cattle. He was well educated, and commenced teaching school in the neighborhood. Mrs. Winn's maiden name was Minor, and she had inherited twenty negroes from her father's estate. John freed all the negroes when he left Kentucky, and gave his name as security for their good behavior. They had seven children-Jane, Susan, Charles, Douglas, Richard, Martilla and John. He was converted under the ministrations of Rev. John Smith, of the Baptist Church. When the meeting was over, Brother Smith announced that Brother Winn would be baptized next Sabbath, and that he hoped there would be a good attendance. "God bless you, Brother Smith," said John, "life is too uncertain to wait, and I want to be baptized at once." It was accordingly attended to by candlelight. After the conversion of John, he came to the conclusion that all the world was to be saved, and embraced the Universalist faith. Saying that God had done much for him, and he would do something for God at his own expense, he erected the church at Springfield. This will ever be a monument to his memory. John G. Caldwell married Jane Winn about 1810. Their bridal trip, was made on horseback from Kentucky to this State, and their first settlement made on the farm of our subject, where they both lived and died. Their children were named John, Charles, Robert, Mary, Martha and Susannah ; only Robert and our subject still survive. His marriage to Miss Emma McBeth was celebrated in 1859. Mrs. Caldwell represents one of the oldest families in the county, her father, James McBeth, being a very prominent man. The children are five in number-Eva, Annie, Fern, John and Joseph Hooker. They also have five children buried in Oakdale Cemetery. James G. Caldwell was born March 22, 1830, when the Presbyterian Church at Urbana was demolished by a storm, and the Methodist Church also sustained much injury. Mrs. Caldwell was born in 1841, and bears her age lightly. Mr. C. proposes to spend his days on the farm rendered doubly dear to him by the first settlement of his grandfather and the birth of his own family. He is a Republican of the stanch order, and has just cause to feel pride in his preferences.
WILLIAM CARSON, farmer; P. O. Urbana. The parents of our subject, Hugh and Elizabeth Carson, were natives of Lancaster Co., Penn., emigrating to Ross Co., Ohio, in 1810, where they continued to reside during the remainder of their lives. Their children-Eliza, Isabel, William (our subject), John, Annie, Jane, Hugh and Ebenezer, Margaret, Mary and Prudence-were born in that county. Of this number, John, Hugh, Margaret and Prudence are dead. Those living are now scattered over different States, none residing in this county except William. The parents are both dead, the wife and mother dying in 1842, and the father in 1847. He was drafted during the war of 1812, but hired a substitute. William was married to Miss Martha Bradford in 1850, and came to Champaign Co. in 1859, since which time be has engaged in agriculture, and is the owner of an elegant farm near Urbana. He is one of our most enterprising men, and has ever enjoyed the reputation of being a man of correct business habits. As a local politician he is a leader, in his vicinity, of the Republican party, of whose time-honored principles he has always been an earnest advocate. He has been connected with the public schools in his district, and has made an excellent official in that capacity. Mr. and Mrs. Carson are the parents of William J., Robert B., James H. and Annie M. Carson. All have finished their education. Two sons have a great liking for the agricultural business, and will probably follow in the footsteps of their father. Robert is living in Indiana, the others at the elegant home of their parents. Mr. Carson has always been among the foremost in his endeavors to promote the public good, and his record as a man will be a valuable heirloom of which his children may ever feel proud. His farm of 161 acres is as neatly tilled, perhaps, as any in the county.
JOSEPH S. CARTER, JR., M. D., General Manager of the Western Mutual Insurance Company, Urbana; among the prominent families who have long been connected with the history of Urbana is that of Dr. Carter. Dr. Joseph S. Carter, Sr., was a native of Bourbon County, Ky. ; he was educated at Lexington, and a graduate
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of the medical department of the University of Pennsylvania; in the war of 1812, he was appointed Surgeon of a regiment which was recruited and commanded by Gov. Shelby in the vicinity of Urbana; Dr. Carter became so pleased with this region that he resigned his commission, returned to Kentucky, and removed his family to Urbana, where he remained and became a quite noted physician and highly esteemed citizen; so decided were his talents that, soon after settling here, a committee, in behalf of the citizens of Columbus, visited him for the purpose of inducing him to come to the capital, but he was wedded to his new home and remained; he was an associate and intimate with Profs. Eberly, Drake and Massey, and, by reason of their estimate of his abilities, was appointed a Trustee of the Ohio Medical College; he was a man of fine character and remarkably generous disposition, enthusiastically devoted to his profession; his students can be found in many different States, and among them are some eminent physicians; he did a large business and made a great amount of money, but, while he always lived well and left a nice property, he was not rich, from the fact that he never prized money and would spend it freely, and often gave away his means with reckless indifference; his son received, after his father's death, $100 from an unknown person, which proved to be a legacy given him by the brother of a competing physician. who was unfortunate, and whom Dr. Carter, Sr., had supported and cared for in the early days of Champaign County history. The wife of Dr. Carter, Sr., was a daughter of M. W. Fisher, who was a prominent pioneer of Springfield; they had eight children, four of whom are now living, of whom the subject of this sketch is one; Dr. J. S. Carter, Jr., was born in Urbana in 1825, and received the benefit of his father's instructions in addition to a scholastic training, graduated from the Ohio Medical College in 1850, and succeeded his father, who died in 1852, and afterward engaged in the drug trade here in connection with his practice; he was Examiner of Pensioners for this county,-and had a large and successful practice here until, by reason of ill-health, he retired in 1870, and became the General Manager of the Western Mutual Fire Insurance Company, a history of which is given in connection with that of Urbana; the success of this company is proof of the wisdom and energy of the management; he is a member of the M. E. Church, and a liberal-hearted, public-spirited citizen. He married, in 1858, Miss Mary J. Miner, of La Fayette, Ind. ; they have three daughters living Henrietta, Pauline and Gertrude they also had one daughter who died in infancy.
FRANK CHANCE, attorney at law, Urbana ; is the eldest son of Thomas and Susan Chance, and was born near Westville, Champaign Co., Ohio, May 17, 1842; received his education in the local schools in his neighborhood, the high schools of Urbana, and Miami University at Oxford, Ohio. In the fall and winter of 1860-61, he studied law under the preceptorship of John H. Young, Esq., of Urbana, Ohio. On the 17th of April, 1861, under the first call of President Lincoln for troops to aid in the suppression of the rebellion, he volunteered as a private in Co. D, 13th 0. V. L; and served until his enlisted term had expired; was mustered out Aug. 22 of the same year; he then resumed the study of law, in which he continued until May 27, 1863, when he again entered the United States army in Co. H, 86th O. V. I. June 10, following, he rose to First Lieutenant of his company, with which he remained throughout its campaign in Western Virginia except a short time; he was then detached from his regiment and assigned to duty as Post Adjutant under the commandant of the military post at Clarksburg, W. Va., and was mustered out of service with his regiment at Camp Delaware Sept. 25,1862. The following fall and winter was spent at the Cincinnati law school and in the office of Tilden & Caldwell ; May 4, 1863, at the April term of the District Court of Hamilton County, Ohio, he was admitted to the bar, and, Nov. 3 of the following fall, he was appointed by Gov. David Tod Adjutant of the 4th 0. V. I., commanded by Col. J. P. Armstrong; but, on the 23d of the same month, entered the United States naval service as Acting Master's Mate, and was assigned to duty on the United States steamship Gazelle, tender to flagship of Rear Admiral Porter, and was with his vessel on Red River, La., at the time the 4th 0. V. I. was
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called into active service, but was unable to accompany the regiment into the field. He remained with the Gazelle throughout the disastrous Red River campaign, and participated in many of the naval engagements in which the fleet under Admiral Porter was engaged during that expedition. On June 25; 1864, he resigned, and, Oct. 4 of the same year, married Frances S., eldest daughter of John H. and Elizabeth Young, of Urbana, Ohio. Since his marriage he has been actively engaged in the practice of law, and has for a number of years been a partner of his early legal preceptor, John H. Young, and, at the writing of this article, Solicitor of the Pittsburgh, Cincinnati & St. Louis Railroad Company. He was unanimously nominated by the Democratic Congressional Convention of the Eighth Congressional District that met at Urbana, Ohio, Aug. 12, 1880, as its candidate for Congress, and accepted the nomination, though he well knew that he could not hope to overcome the large Republican majority against him in that district.
J. M. CLARK, proprietor of the American Hotel, Springfield, Ohio, which is one of the homelike houses of the city. The paternal grandfather was a resident of old Virginia at the time of the Revolutionary war, in which he was a patriot, serv ing through that struggle. After his marriage he settled in Virginia, where be died, leaving two sons, of which John, the father of our subject, was the eldest, and was born about the time of the above-mentioned war, living in his native State until maturity. He came to the Northwest Territory, of which Champaign County was a small part, in 1778, where he married Phebe Minturn, who was born in New Jersey, in 1780, and came with her parents to the territory of Champaign County, at a very early day. John and Phebe soon after marriage settled in the dense forest of the Northwest, where they cleared up a farm and endured many privations and hardships. Frequent visits were paid them by the red men, who have long since disappeared and have been driven to the far West. After a useful life of for over two-score years, he passed away, leaving his wife and eight children. His wife died in 1864. Of the children, three now survive, of whom J. M. is the youngest; he was born April 6, 1823, in Champaign Co., Ohio; was raised to farm life and suffered many of the early-day privations. At the age of 17, he took charge of the home farm, and, while conducting the same, in 1845, married Miss Mary J. Hudson. Three years later, he engaged in teaming, and in 1850, commenced work on the C., S. & C. R. R. One year later, removed to Indiana, but in 1854 returned to Urbana, where he resided until his removal to Springfield, in 1874, where he and one son are proprietors of the American Hotel, on West Main street. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Clark were five in number, of whom four are now living, Mrs. Clark was born in Indianapolis, Ind., Oct. 5, 1826.
REV. W. M. CLAYBAUGH, minister of the Buck Creek Presbyterian Church ; was born in Chillicothe, Ohio, Jan. 9, 1837, and is a son of the Rev. Joseph Claybaugh, D. D., born in Frederick City, Md., in 1803. His parents soon after settled in Chillicothe, Ohio, where he was educated by the Presbyterian Church; after graduating, he served the congregation for years, at Chillicothe. About 1840, when the Theological Seminary of the Associate Reformed Presbyterians was organized at Oxford, Ohio, he was removed there by Synod and elected its President, very much to the dissatisfaction of the church in which he was laboring and had been educated. He remained in this institution until his death, which occurred Sept. 9, 1855, having served long and faithfully in the ministerial profession. His wife, Margaret (daughter of David Bonner, a patriot of the war of 1812), was born in Chillicothe, Ohio; was partly educated in the seminary at Hamilton, Ohio ; she is now residing with her children. She had eleven children, of which Rev. W. M. is the sixth. At the death of his father, he was thrown upon his own resources; leaving Oxford when ready to enter the Junior year. He went to Pittsburgh, Penn., where, for two years, he pursued his studies under the care of the Presbyterian Theological Seminary, and under the instructions of the venerable John T. Pressel, D. D., and David Kerr; thence to Xenia, Ohio, and continued his studies two years longer. In the winter of 1860 (January), was licensed to
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preach the Gospel by the Presbytery of Cincinnati. During that summer, by appoint. ment and special invitation, he visited and preached in Pennsylvania, east of the mountains, Pittsburgh and vicinity, and Iowa City, Iowa. Spending one month at the latter place, was urged to accept a call to become Pastor of the First Church. Having one year to attend the seminary at Xenia, returned and graduated in the spring of 1861. March 12, of the same year, he married Miss Mary E. Herritt, of Xenia, and immediately moved to Iowa City and took charge of the church which waited for him his last collegiate year. The late war breaking out affected the western churches very much, hence he gave up this charge and preached, by invitation, four months in Rochester, N. Y.; thence was called to Hartford, Conn.; two years later, was called to Boston, Mass.; remained there about three years, when he gave up his charge. He then entered the f formerly United Presbyterian, preaching at Lima, Ohio, one year, and two and one-half years in Van Overt, Ohio, holding calls, but not seeing his way clear to settle until his removal to Champaign Co., Ohio, about Dec. 20, 1871, when a unanimous call was tendered him by the Buck Creek Presbyterian Church, near Urbana, where for the last nine years he has labored faithfully, and is yet their Pastor. He is a wise administrator and true counselor.
ROBERT R. COLWELL, Urbana; retired merchant; is another native and old resident of Urbana. He is a son of Peter R. Colwell, who came from New Jersey in the fall of 1815, and settled in Urbana, where he remained until his decease, in 1847. He was a chair-maker by trade, and carried on that business in a small way during his residence here, and was known as a man of sterling integrity. Robert's mother was Lavina, daughter of Nathan Fitch. She came with her parents to this county from Kentucky, in 1806, she then being but 6 years of age. She survived her husband, and died in 1866. The subject of this sketch was born in Urbana in 1819. He remembers seeing the Indians coming to Urbana in squads on trading expeditions. He attended the subscription school in his youth, and early learned the chairmaker's trade, and with his father had a little chair and furniture establishment, which gradually increased. In 1855, he purchased an interest in the flouring-mill, and this, with the lumber trade in connection, gradually increased from about 1860 to 1878, when he sold out and retired from active business. Thus, from an unpretending mechanic, he succeeded to the proprietorship of one of the most extensive, successful private enterprises ever established in Urbana. His residence is a pleasant property on the southwest corner of High and Court streets. He married, in 1867, Mrs. Mary Ann Stansbury, widow of Alfred Stansbury, deceased, and daughter of Emor Kimber. They have one child-Annie Laura.
CALVIN F. COLWELL, Urbana; lumber dealer. Mr. Colwell is a native of Urbana, and a life resident. He was born in 1831, and is a son of Peter R. and Lavina (Fitch) Colwell. He was a native of New Jersey, and came to Urbana in 1815. She came from Kentucky with her parents about 1806. Mr. Fitch was at one time proprietor of the hotel here. The subject of this sketch became connected with the establishment of which he is now one of the proprietors, as a workman, in 1854; in 1862 he became a partner, and has since continued in that relation. Since the decease of Mr. Stayman, Mr. Colwell has been the senior member of the firm of Colwell & O'Neal ; he is master of all the details of the business, and his long experience enables him to understand the wants of the people, and the business of the firm has assumed large proportions. Mr. Colwell is a member of the M. E. Church, and a highly respected citizen. He. married, in 1855, Maliuda M., daughter of Joseph McComsey ; they have one daughter living-Max.
JOHN COONEY, farmer; P. O. Urbana. Mr. Cooney has been a resident of this county for the past twenty-eight years, being formerly a resident of Ireland, in which country he was reared an agriculturist. His mother, Mary Cooney, came with her two children-our subject and his sister Hannah-determined to make a living in America, where all had equal rights, and the poor man could rise in the world, provided he had the energy. They settled in Urbana, and John went to v work on the railroad; he fol-
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lowed this business a year, and in 1858 he commenced farming for himself, haviug saved money enough to buy his team. He was wedded to Miss Margaret Lyons, in 1857, and life commenced in earnest; the young couple having nothing but strong arms and willing hearts. Their prosperity seemed assured from the commencement, and day by day their stock increased, until his first purchase of land was made in 1861, in Mad River Township; this was sold in 1868, and he rented for a few years, all the time accumulating money, until he purchased the fine farm of 83 1/2 acres, upon which he now resides. This is one of the most elegant locations on the Hickory Grove pike, and well bespeaks the adaptation of Mr. Cooney to caring for a farm, and making it profitable. He is well liked by his neighbors, and through all his business life he has kept a record equaled by few for correct business habits. Their children are named Mary, Julia A., Patrick H., Annie, Maggie, John and James F. William died in childhood. They live in a country where their education can be completed, and there is no doubt but they will dobonor to their parents, who have ever been ranked among the worthy citizens of the county. There are five children now in different States that came from Ireland previous to the time Mrs. Cooney emigrated. All these are energetic people and are doing well. All are married and have families except one.
THOMAS DENTON CROW, attorney at law, Urbana. Thomas Denton Crow was born in Harrison Township, Champaign Co., Oct. 21, 1821. His father, Joseph Crow, was born in Virginia Oct. 1, 1790, and came of German stock. His mother, Martha (Hull) Crow, was born Jan. 4,1796, and was of New England descent. They were married April 9, 1813, and immediately took up their residence on a quarter-section of land on the head-waters of Glady's Creek, which Joseph had purchased of his father, Thomas Crow, March 29, 1811. Joseph was a man of more than ordinary education and intelligence, and was a Methodist " Class-leader and exhorter." He died in February, 1825, leaving to the care of his . widow one daughter and four sons. Being thus left on a new farm, she was induced to marry, in 1826, Joseph Longfellow, an old settler of Concord Township, and by this marriage became the mother of 'six sons, five of whom are still living. She was truly a pioneer woman, and, after a life of toil and exemplary piety, died Aug. 2, 1864. Her second marriage did not result as she had hoped with reference to her first husband's children. One son was sent away at once, and two others soon afterward. Thomas D. became a bound boy on the old Thomas Hines farm when 8 years of age. After five years of hardship, during which the school privilege stipulated was not allowed him, he was released, and ever afterward was his own master, and was self-sustaining henceforth, his share in his father's estate having been mostly taken by his step-father. He immediately began to plan and look forward to an education. At 14, he began working in Urbana at tailoring, and followed that trade several years. At 18, he taught his first school, and at 19 entered the Ohio Conference High School at Springfield. By teaching during vacation, serving as janitor and performing other services during the odd hours of his school days, with the practice of the most rigid economy, living on brown bread and water a good portion of the time, he succeeded after four years and a half, in passing through the preparatory examination, and, although somewhat in debt, entered Augusta College, where he graduated in 1846; out of debt, and having $400 due him from his alma mater for salary as Principal of the Preparatory Department. At one time in college, he taught from six to ten classes, carried on four to five studies and did duty in a literary society, besides being Superintendent of a Sabbath school in the town and doing other official church service. On his return to Urbana, the Ohio Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church being in session at Piqua, he was received as a member, and subsequently filled important charges. He was a member of the Faculty of the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware, Ohio, two years. Owing to domestic difficulties, in 1860, he turned his attention to law. He graduated at the Cincinnati Law School in April, 1861. He then entered into a partnership with a brother-in-law at Monticello, Ind., and practiced there a little more than two years, meanwhile was active in raising troops for the Union army, and, but for his three motherless little children, would have himself enlisted. In 1864, he
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returned to Urbana and opened a law office. From 1865 to 1866, he had charge of the public schools of Urbana, and was County School Examiner several years. He was Chief Clerk and Acting State Commissioner of Schools from 1869 to 1872, during which time he resided in Columbus. In the summer of 1872, he resumed law practice in Urbana, and has since resided here, and, by his taste, means and labor, has done much to improve his native county, especially its chief town. He married first, in 1847, Miss Henrietta Downs. Her parents, William and Elizabeth Downs, were Quakers of Scotch descent, and early settlers of Urbana. Of this marriage there were born four sons and a daughter. Two sons and the daughter are yet living, the latter being the wife of a prominent attorney of Cleveland. The two sons are both practicing law in Urbana. His wife died in Cincinnati in 1858. The neat year, he contracted what proved to be an unfortunate marriage, from which he was compelled to seek divorce, the only good as yet apparent coming of this union being a daughter, now a teacher in the schools of Cincinnati. After six years of single life, he married, May 7, 1868, Mrs. Eliza M. Crabill, of Clark Co. She was a daughter of Seaton Hedges, who came from Virginia and settled in Champaign Co. in 1817. Her mother was a daughter of Robert Miller, who came from Kentucky and settled at Moorefield, Clark Co., in 1810. Mr. Crow has been a Republican from the organization of the party, with strong convictions favoring prohibition. His life has been one of peculiar toil and misfortune, but he has always bravely made his way against all obstacles, and, by his native talent and perseverance and indomitable will, has compelled success, secured a varied and correct scholarship, and established a character above reproach. He now holds the office of U. S. Commissioner for the Southern District of Ohio, and enjoys a lucrative practice in his profession.
HERMAN D. CROW, lawyer, Urbana ; was born in Delaware Co., Ohio, April 15, 1851. When about 10 years of age, he came to Urbana, lived with some relatives, and here received his primary education. In September, 1868, he entered the Sophomore Class at the Ohio Wesleyan University, at Delaware, Ohio, from which institution he graduated in June, 1871. In the meantime he devoted two winters to teaching in Champaign Co. In the fall of 1871, he was chosen as Principal of the schools of Plain City, Madison Co., Ohio. The following spring he commenced the reading of law under T. D. Crow and Gen. J. H. Young; was admitted to the bar in December, 1873, at Columbus. In the summer of 1874, ill health necessitated him to seek another climate, going to Texas, where he partially recovered, and in the fall of 1874 was elected as instructor of Latin and Higher Mathematics in the Sherman Institute, in Sherman, Texas, where he continued until the close of the year. He returned home in June, 1875, since which time he has devoted his attention to his profession in Urbana. In the spring of 1876, he was elected City Solicitor, and is now on the third successive term. Since Jan. 1, 1879, he has been associated with his brother Horace M., who is also a practical attorney. They are now located on South Main street, and are doing a reasonable business. H. D. was married Oct. 24, 1877, to Miss Florence Mendenhall, of Delaware, Ohio, a graduate of that college. The issue of this union is one son, Denton M.
GEORGE H. CUNNINGHAM, retired farmer; P. O. Urbana. For nearly a half-century Mr. Cunningham has been one of the active business men of our county, and has, in that time, from a nucleus of a few dollars, amassed a competency sufficient to carry him the remainder of his life at high tide. He still resides on his farm five miles southeast of Urbana, which gives evidence of superior cultivation and cannot fail of bringing large returns. He came to this county in 1833, being born and reared in Berkeley Co., Va., and, at the age of 22, was married to Miss Angeline Hedges, of that State. They settled first where Samuel Robinson now lives, at the head of "Pretty Prairie." Here James W., Sarah J. and Mary E. were born, and the first. experience in married life of the young couple commenced. In 1844, this farm was sold to James D. Hedges, and he purchased the southwest quarter of Sec. 18. Martha A., Samuel N. and Charity A. were born on this farm. m. Mrs. Cuuningham died in 185`?, since which
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time Mr. C.'s daughters have been his housekeepers until the marriage of his youngest daughter, Nancy, now the wife of William H. Wohlater. Only two of the children are now living, Mrs. Wohlater and Mrs. Mary E. Swimley, both the wives of prosperous men. There were only a few houses with shingle roofs when Mr. Cunningham first came to Ohio, and many of the handsome fields of to-day were then covered with heavy timber. His father. Samuel Cunningham, was a soldier in the war of 1812. His death occurred in Berkeley Co., Va., in 1824, and his wife, Charity Shields, died in 1836. They were parents of five sons and two daughters, of whom Jane, Samuel S. and our subject survive. Mr. Cunningham has lived a long and useful life, beloved by hisneighbors and trusted in every particular. He was born in 1811, Aug. 5. He now lives at his ease, in his pleasant home, having no tbought of care, being near his children and owner of 662 acres of land, the equal of any in the county. He is a gentleman in every sense, and enjoys the highest reputation for honor and fair dealing in a business capacity.
W. M. DE VOE, portrait painter and photographer, Urbana; born in 1846 in Greene Co., Ohio; is a son of Joseph De Voe, who was born and raised in Virginia; emigrated to Ohio about 1817, locating in Greene County, where he married for his second wife Judith Faulkner, a native of that county ; they principally resided in Clinton County, where Joseph died in 1864; he was the father of eight children, of whom W. M. is the seventh; he was mostly raised in Clinton Co., Ohio; there received his primary education; after taking a course at the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware, Ohio, be taught a few years, then devoted several years to the art of penmanship; in this he was engaged until 1869, when he took up the study of artistry, to which he applied himself closely, and became a fine portrait painter; in 1878, combined it with photography, and now is doing a fine business; is located at No. 18 Monument Square, and carries all articles kept in an establishment of its kind. His marriage was celebrated in 1869 with Miss Mary Buchanan, a native of Miami Co., Ohio, where she was raised and educated; she is an accomplished lady and artist, applying her skill in the gallery with her husband.
WILLIAM DUNLAP, retired farmer; P. O. Urbana ; is one of the prominent men of Urbana Township; his reputation among business men is too well known to need comment, and his reputation has ever been that of an honest and upright man, both at home and abroad ; he has retired from the active life necessitated by farm work, and now lives at his ease, his son managing the farm, which is artistically divided into fields that bear abundant crops; we presume there is no more genial bost in the country than our subject; neighbor and stranger are alike welcome beneath his roof; his children are married and living near him, and now represent the oldest families in the land; he was united in marriage to Elizabeth Skiles in November, 1840 ; they were both natives of Pennsylvania, and for sixteen years after their marriage lived on a farm in that State; the children were all born in Pennsylvania but the youngest-Rebecca E., Margaretta W., John S., William E., Joseph M., Mary C. and Nancy E.; two children, Jane I. and Thomas M., are deceased. In the spring of 1856, Mr. Dunlap came with his family to this neighborhood, where a purchase had been previously made; this was at that time a poorly improved farm, but, under his skillful supervision, it to-day presents an equally attractive appearance with any of the farms in the neighborhood. We cannot close this sketch without referring to the long Christian life of Mr. Dunlap and his wife; both 'have been devout members of the United Presbyterian Church for thirty-seven years, and, as they journey down the hillside of life hand in hand, loving, cheering and trusting each other, they still rejoice in the hope that " passeth all understanding." Their record is such as their children may well feel proud of, and which will no doubt be emulated by them.
GEORGE M. EICHELBERGER, attorney at law, Urbana; is a native of Montgomery County; born Dec. 16,1843; his parents removed to Miami County when he was a youth; he received a rudimentary education at the local schools, and subsequently attended the high school at Piqua, and also at Cincinnati, and was in attend-
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ance at the University at Delaware; he enlisted for three months in the 86th O. V. I.; after the expiration of this service, he returned to his studies at Delaware, and, in May, 1864, having passed the necessary examinations to enable him to receive his diploma, his patriotism could no longer be restrained, and he enlisted and became a member of the 147th O. N. G. ; he entered the college as Freshman, and was behind in Greek, but, in four years, completed a five years' course, notwithstanding his absence in the army ; in January, 1867, he received the Master of Arts degree ; at the expiration of his latter term of service, his parents having removed to Urbana, he came here and completed his law studies which had been begun while in the University; he was admitted to the bar in 1866, and immediately began the practice of his profession in partnership with William R. Warnock. Mr. Eichelberger is an active Republican, and somewhat prominent in politics; he was elected Prosecutor in 1871, and prominently talked of as a candidate from this district for Congressman in the present campaign, but refused to allow his friends to present his name to the convention. He married, in 1872, Miss Emma, daughter of Dr. Hamilton Ring, and they have four children.
GRIFFITH ELLIS, County Treasurer, Urbana. Mr. Ellis is a native of Wales, where he was born in 1830. When 1 year old, he came to America with his grandmother and an uncle. He came to Urbana when 16 years of age, and passed from store-boy to sales man; and in 1854 became a partner in the firm of Gwynnes, Ellis & Co., then operating a general merchandise store. Mr. Ellis had charge of the clothing department, and continued that line of business until August, 1878. He married, in 1857, Jane H., daughter of Robert M. Woods, and sister of the wife of J. W. Ogden. They have six children. Mr. Ellis has been an active business man and somewhat prominent in public affairs. He was Director of the State Prison from 1876 to 1878, and was employed in the United States Treasury Department during six months of the past year. He is a member of the Masonic Order, and also the I. O. O. F. Mr. Ellis, by years of busy life, has established a deserved reputation, and is now the Treasurer-elect of Champaign County.
ROBERT ELLIS, merchant tailor, Urbana; is a native of Wales, where he was born in 1840. When 10 years of age, he came with his parents to America, locating in Pennsylvania. After his father's death, which occurred in 1858, Robert came to Urbana, and went to work with the firm of which his brother, Griffith, was a partner, where be continued until the formation of the present firm of Ellis, Weaver & Allison. Mr. Ellis has the experience of years of practical application to his business, and is a thorough, business man, a worthy citizen and a member of the Masonic and I. O. O. F. orders,' being Secretary of the latter and Scribe of the Encampment. He married, in 1866, Sarah E. Weakley, of New Carlisle, Clark Co., Ohio.
I. FISLER, of the firm of Fisler & Chance, Urbana, druggists. Among the leading druggists of Urbana, we mention the firm of Fisler & Chance, who are located at No. 15 North Main street, where they carry a full line of drugs and druggists' sundries. They have been associated since 1867, and have been favorably known. The subject of this memoir was born in 1820, at Chester, Penn.; when but a boy, he attended school in Philadelphia ; thence took up the study of medicine under Dr. George, the father of Gen. McClellan, and graduated from the University of Pennsylvania, in the spring of 1846; came directly West, and located in Champaign Co., Ohio, in what is known as the " Mingo Valley." He was engaged in the practice of his profession until the breaking-out of the late war, when he became Examining Surgeon of the Board of Enrollment of the Fourth District of Ohio. Soon after the war, he engaged in his present pursuit with Dr. J. H. Ayers, who has since sold to Dr. Chance. Dr. Fisler married, in 1848, Miss Margaret Read, a native of Champaign Co., Ohio, born in 1825. Their children are Laura, wife of John O'Connor; Leah and Annie.
JOHN M. FITZPATRICK, Auditor. The present efficient and popular Auditor of Champaign Co. comes of pure Celtic stock his ancestors having come from Ire--
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land, and settled in the State of Virginia, where were born his great-grandfather and grandfather, Daniel and John Fitzpatrick, the latter marrying Phoebe Largeant, of that State. In 1808, they came to this county, and lived for a short time in Urbana Township, and in 1819, John entered 160 acres of land in Jackson Township, where all remained until death; they were members of the M. E. Church, and were among the organizers of what is now known as Grafton Chapel, the first Methodist Church in that neighborhood, having been erected on John Fitzpatrick's farm. This old pioneer, who has long years ago been laid beneath the sod, was a soldier in the war of 1812, and helped to defeat that unrelenting foe of liberty who for centuries has kept the land of his ancestors in a slavery as cruel and degrading as the serfdom of Russia. To John and Phoebe Fitzpatrick were born seven children; John, the father of the Auditor, being the youngest in the family ; he was born in Champaign Co., and here married to Jane Allison, a native of the county, and daughter of John and Sarah (Wood) Allison, he a native of Pennsylvania, and his wife of Virginia, who were married in the latter State, and came to this county in 1816, settling in Mad River Township. To John and Jane Fitzpatrick three children were born ; the subject of this sketch being the eldest, his birth occurring in Champaign County, May 22, 1843; his father died in 1849, a faithful member of the M. E. Church, and his mother is still residing in the county, and belongs to the same denomination. John M. grew up on a farm, receiving a good common-school education, and taught school one term before his 18th year. In the summer of 1861, he was attending the normal school at Urbana, and in the month of August, while prosecuting his peaceful studies, young Fitzpatrick patriotically responded to the call of President Lincoln for volunteers, enlisting in Co. A, 2d O. V. I. for the three years' service ; he took part in the battles of Perryville and Stone River, as well as every skirmish, march, etc., of his regiment, up to and including the fatal Chickamauga; at the latter battle he lost his left arm, which was shattered by a fragment of a shell; in January, 1864, having recovered from his wounds, he returned to Urbana, where he attended school for a short period, then went to Nashville, Tenn., and entered the Quartermaster's department as clerk, under Capt. S. C. Brown, remaining in that capacity until May, 1866, when he again came home. In the winter of 1867-68, he was Assistant Revenue Assessor for Champaign Co., and in October of the latter year was elected on the Republican ticket Auditor of Champaign Co., and has been re-elected five times consecutively, which position he now occupies. He was married in this county, Jan. 2, 1865, to Miss Sarah C. Grafton, daughter of Thomas J. and Margaret Grafton, natives of Virginia, who were early settlers of Jackson Township ; the former is dead, but his widow still resides on the old homestead. Mrs. Fitzpatrick was born in this county, and has the following children: Grafton B., Edgar and Eva. Both she and husband adhere to the M. E. Church, and he is a member of the I. O. O. F. Mr. Fitzpatrick is one of the enterprising representative young men of Champaign Co., honest and upright ; he possesses the confidence of all classes, and in his official capacity is one of the most obliging and competent Auditors the county has ever possessed.
WILLIAM FRANK, farmer; P. O. Bowlesville. We are glad to see a representative of this name in the history, and the pioneers of this county will remember the names of Martin and Sally Frank. They were among the early settlers of Mad River Township, and he entered a tract of land in 1813. They were both natives of Virginia. and were married in that State about 1808. One child was born in Virginia (Harvey, who was well known in this county, but died in 1861. The other children. David, William. Jonathan. Sarah, Catharine and Martin, were all born in Mad River Township. Martin was one of the most enterprising men, and brought all his children up to work. and they are. without. exception, worthy of their name. He built a log cabin and went to work clearing up the land. and his efforts were eminently successful. for he prospered greatly, and during his lifetime built a large brick residence which was afterward I remodeled b, by our subject and is still :n ornament to the township. He was drafted during the War of 1812 going through without receiving a wound. His wife died in 1848 and his second marriage was celebrated in 1851 with Mrs Nancy
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Maggard. His death occurred June 19, 1866. He left a name for honor and uprightness that will ever be a credit to his children. William was married in 1846, and was the father of five children, of whom William, M. and Sarah E. Frank are living. Monroe is an enterprising business man, and is engaged in the sale of machinery. Mr. Frank looks after the farm, and is endowed with the characteristics of his father in regard to business matters. He owns a splendid farm of 166 acres, and is a popular man in Urbana Township.
THOMAS FRENCH, JR., Professor of Physics and Mathematics in Urbana University ; was born Jan. 15, 1848, in Clifton, Hamilton Co., Ohio, and acquired his early education in the schools of Avondale and Cincinnati. He went thence to Harvard College, where he graduated in 1872. After graduation, he set sail at once for Europe, where he devoted the greater part of four years to the pursuit of physical science and mathematics. In the Spring of 1876, he received the degrees of Doctor of Philosophy and Master of Arts from the University of Heidelberg. In the Fall of the same year, he returned to America, and accepted a position as Instructor in Physics in the University of Pennsylvania, at Philadelphia, and two years later came to Urbana, Ohio, where he has since been assiduously occupied in the class-room and on the platform as a lecturer on popular science. During the winter and spring of 1879-80, Prof. French delivered a series of experimental lectures on sound, in Urbana and Cincinnati. The papers of both cities contained flattering accounts of these lectures, which were illustrated by a great variety of experiments. It is worthy of note that the apparatus used for this purpose had just been purchased from the best makers in Europe and America, at a cost of $650. The entire proceeds of the lectures were donated to this object, the balance being raised by contributions from friends of Prof. French and from the University to which he belongs. The Professor is an easy and fluent speaker, of genteel and courteous address, and is highly esteemed by all who know him.
JAMES W. FULTON, retired farmer; P. O. Urbana. Men who have lived thirty-eight years in a county surely may be classed among the pioneers, and especially when their record for good citizenship is excelled by none. Such a man is Mr. Fulton, who was born in Virginia, and before he reached manhood came to this county. His parents, David P. and Jane Fulton, came in the fall of 1842 and purchased the farm now owned by our subject. It was tolerably well improved at that time, although the large buildings that now add so much to its beauty were afterward added by David. Eight children came with them to Ohio-James W., Robert C., David C., Charles E., Sarah M., Jennie E., Joseph and Henry P. Charles, David and Henry are not living. Robert is now engaged in the practice of law in Columbus. Charles and Henry were both admitted to the bar prior to their death. The father, David Fulton, died in 1865, his widow making her home among her children. She has now reached the ripe old age of 76 years, and still enjoys fair health, with an unimpaired mind. James was born in 1822, and, in 1849, was married to Miss Annie Flick, of Clark Co. Her parents, Jacob and Catharine Flick, have been residents of that county for more than half a century, and their family sketch will be found in the history of Clark Co. James and his wife are the parents of three children. Two only are living-Catharine J. and Mary N. Catharine is the wife of Charles Laycock, and Mary wedded M. G. McWilliams. Mr. Laycock resides near his father-in-law, and takes charge of the farm, and Mr. McWilliams also lives near. Mr. Fulton takes life easy, having plenty to keep himself and wife, and lives in a style characteristic of his purse. He has always enjoyed a good reputation among his neighbors, and has been ever ready to assist in promoting the interests of society. We are pleased to give him a place among the many splendid men of his township who are so well represented in the history, and whose memory can thus be perpetuated while time shall last. Fanny E. Fulton was born March 17, 1853, and was a cultured lady, enjoying in society a high position, beloved by her classmates, and possessed of those characteristics that win friends everywhere. She died in her 17th year, leaving behind a wealth of love and affection.
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LEVI GEIGER, attorney at law, Urbana; is a son of Henry and Julia A. (Rhenbush) Geiger. He was born A. D. 1797 in Montgomery Co., Penn., and was the grandson of one of three brothers who emigrated from Germany about 1700. He was a volunteer in the war of 1812, participating in the battle of Lundy's Lane. At the close of the struggle, he returned home and married, at Greencastle, Franklin Co., Penn. His wife was born in 1805, at Mercersburg, Penn. She wag a woman of feeble and delicate body and possessed extraordinary energy and mind. In 1832, they and family emigrated to Columbiana Co., Ohio; thence to Champaign Co., where Julia A. died, and Henry afterward, at Dayton. Their remains lie in the cemetery at Springfield, Clark Co., Ohio. Levi was born March 14, 1824, in Greencastle, Franklin Co., Penn., and is the fifth son of a family of eleven boys, of whom nine reached maturity. He spent his early life in his native State and Eastern Ohio, and studied law at Millersburg under W. S. Taneyhill. He was admitted to the bar in May, 1850, at Canton. Ohio. In April of the following year, he came to Urbana, where he was elected Prosecuting Attorney, and, in 1859, declined a re-election. In 1854, he was a delegate to the State Convention that organized the Republican party, in which he took an active part. Two years later, he was elected as a delegate to the first National Convention of the Republican party that convened at Philadelphia, and nominated John C. Fremont for President of the United States. In the summer of 1860, he represented the Eighth Congressional District in the National Convention that met at Chicago, Ill., and nominated Abraham Lincoln for Chief Magistrate of our country. Mr. Geiger was one of six delegates from Ohio who voted on first and all other ballots for Lincoln, and was active throughout the entire convention. He was admitted to the practice of law by the Supreme Court of the United States, at Washington, D. C., March 7, 1861, on motion of Hon. Thomas Ewing, Sr. During the late war, he was active in its support for the suppression of the rebellion, and one of a committee of three who distributed the bounty funds to the families of the soldiers of Urbana City and Champaign Co. He afterward was nominated by the Republican party for Judge of the Common Pleas Court of the counties of Champaign, Miami and Darke. The addition to the city of Urbana, known as the " Geiger & Russell Addition," is due to their purchase (the Ryan place) and laying out. Since May, 1841, Mr. Geiger has been a member of the M. E. Church, and for over thirty years has filled official positions in the same. He married Rosalinda Gleason, March 28, 1844, at Millersburg, Ohio. The issue of this union is two sons and four daughters, all of whom are now living. Mr. G. is the grandfather of ten children, and has seven brothers, all save one professional men. Three are ministers of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, and one of them is also a Professor of Mathematics in the Wittenberg College at Springfield, Ohio; the oldest is a practicing physician in Dayton, another is District Judge at Springfield, Mo., and the last an attorney at law in the Southern part of the last-named State.
GEORGE GIVEN., farmer; P. O. Urbana. The parents of Mr. Given came to Ohio in 1837. Their names were Tatty and Mary N. Given. They were born in Pennsylvania. Mary, Sarah and Elizabeth were born in Ohio; William, Margaret, James, Ann and George were born in Pennsylvania. Samuel died in Pennsylvania previous to their removal. They commenced farming after coming to Ohio, on the McBeth farm, and continued in the agricultural business until his death, which occurred in 1855. Mrs. Given died in 1846. Six of the children are living; all are married and live in the county, except Isabel, who lives in Sandusky. The marriage of our subject to Miss Sarah Pence was celebrated April 1, 1862. She represents one of our oldest families. They are the parents of Margaret, William, Olive and Jerome. Mr. Given is entitled to great credit for his success in life, as he started in business for himself without capital, and has, by industry and economy, become the owner of a fine farm, and is ranked among the prominent men of the locality in which be lives. Men who have thus prospered, and have the reputation for fair dealing possessed by Mr. Given, should certainly be classed among our self-made men. His children should ever feel proud
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of their ancestry, as on both sides they were classed among the best families in the land, enjoying the confidence of all who knew them.
ABRAHAM M. and CHAUNCY F. GLESSNER, retired. The paternal grandparents of these twin brothers were both born in Germany, where they grew to maturity and married. They emigrated to America about the middle of the eighteenth century, locating in what is now the Keystone State of our nation; there they lived through the war of Independence, and died at advanced ages. The maternal grandparents, George and Margaret Young, emigrated to the American Continent about the time the freedom-of our country was obtained. They located in Maryland, where George devoted his time to ministerial labor in behalf of the German Reformed Church. He was a man of fine education, honorable and generous in his actions, hence, highly esteemed. His death occurred in Hagerstown, Md., leaving his second wife to mourn the loss of a devoted husband. His first wife departed this life in 1786. Jacob Glessner, the father of our subject, was born in Pennsylvania, in 1775, where he was raised and educated. At a suitable age he engaged in the cabinet trade, which he followed until within twenty-five years of his death. At the age of 27 years he married Margaret, daughter of Rev. George Young (above mentioned), and settled in the town of Somerset, Somerset Co., Penn. Margaret was born in Hagerstown, Md., in 1783. They had born to them thirteen-children,. among whom were two pairs of twins. In 1839, they and family emigrated to Ohio, locating in Norwich, Muskingum County, where Jacob continued his trade a short time, then retired from active business, spending his time in treasuring up knowledge until his death, which occurred in April, 1865, severing a union that had trod the path of life for three-score years. He was a man of fine intellect, well informed and of good repute. Possessing a remarkable constitution, strong and vigorous mind, although not engaged in literary pursuits, he was a great reader, and always had his table filled with the choicest books, and each day brought about its regular hours which were devoted to searching out the interesting facts contained on the pages of those volumes. His associates were of the professional and cultivated class, who resorted daily to his place for reading and social converse. He was a consistent member of the Presbyterian Church for more than half a century, and a Ruling Elder the greater part of that time. Margaret, his wife, died in 1866 ; she, also, was a devoted member of the same church. Our subjects, Abraham M. and Chauncey F., were born in the town of Somerset, Somerset Co., Penn., June 1, 1827, and, from 12 years of age, grew to maturity in Muskingum Co., Ohio. There they were educated, learned the trade of their father and conducted the business one year; then jointly engaged in mercantile pursuits, in Cambridge, Guernsey Co., Ohio, where they successfully continued for several years. Being out of business from 1864 to 1868, when they opened in Champaign City, Champaign Co., Ill., but one year later brought their stock to Norwich, Muskingum Co., Ohio, and continued until 1871, since which they have been engaged in real estate transactions. In 1867, they purchased property in Urbana, Champaign Co., Ohio, where they located in the summer of 1875. They have neat and comfortable residences of like architecture, well situated in the Second Ward of Urbana. A. M. was married, in 1851, to Mary A. McCloud, who was born in Muskingum Co., Ohio. After a united path of life for nine years, she was called hence. His second and present wife was Miss Clara, daughter of the late J. W. Simons, of Cambridge, Guernsey Co., Ohio, who was for a quarter of a century proprietor of the Cambridge foundry, and a descendant of Com. Perry; was born in Zanesville, Muskingum Co., Ohio, Oct. 21, 1843, and married to A. M. Glessner Sept. 29, 1864. By this union three children were born-Harry S., who died at the age of 18 months; Augustus M., now 9 years of age, and Clara Louisa, who died in 1878, aged 4 years. C. F. (one of the subjects) married, Nov. 11, 1856, Elizabeth Maxfield, born March 23, 1836, in Norwich, Muskingum Co., Ohio, and died April 1, 1865, leaving her husband and three children. The latter are respectively-Lee M., now a medical student at Cleveland, Ohio; Charles C., a graduate of the Urbana High School, and Edward E., who died in
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infancy. The second wife of C. F. was Miss Elizabeth J. Hadden, born in Norwich, Muskingum Co., Ohio, and married March 30, 1869. The children by this union are Carry G. and Louis Y. These twin brothers have been for years devoted members of the Presbyterian Church, accompanied by their families. They have ever jointly pursued the same business. They now live retired and are men of good moral, social and financial standing.
I. W. GODDARD, M. D., physician, Urbana. Dr. Goddard was born in Urbana in 1823, and is the son of John Goddard, who came from Kentucky and settled in Urbana about 1812, and was a grocer here for many years, but he removed to Iowa in 1840, where he died. Dr. Goddard received a rudimentary education in the subscription schools of the early days; he read medicine with Drs. Carter and Fyffe, and afterward graduated from Starling; Medical College; he began practice at Westville in 1854, and, in 1861, removed to Urbana, where he has continued ever since, having been a practitioner in this county for more than a quarter of a century; he has confined himself strictly to his profession, leaving others to look after politics and public affairs. He married, in 1854, Miss Sarah Virginia Russell, a native of the State of Virginia; they have one child-William Malan. The Doctor is a member of the M. E. Church, and highly respected, both as a citizen and as a physician.
JAMES C. GOOLD, farmer; P. O. Urbana. Mr. Goold is a native of New York State, and is, withal, one of our prominent young men, who merits a place in the history of Champaign Co. by reason of his position, and also by marriage into one of the old families. This will form an important factor in the compilation of consequent histories of the county during the neat century, when those who are here represented will be classed among the pioneers of the county; as their grandchildren nestle around their knees and listen to the tales told by their silvery-haired grandsires of the country, then a part of the great West, will their minds be refreshed by the perusal of the biographies of their kindred. Mr. Goold came to Ohio in 1875, having married Miss Fanny Osborne, in Clay Co., Ill., in 1874; she was born and reared on the farm now their residence, and represents the family of James and Jane Osborne ; James was born on the farm where James Rawlings now lives, in 1824; his father, John Osborne, came to this county in 1810 ; James and his wife had no son to perpetuate their name, but their grandchildren will have enough of the Osborne blood in their veins to remember, with pride, their ancestry. Mr. and Mrs. Goold have five children-Frank, Jessie, Arthur, Helena and Ruby; the social advantages under which they are reared will give them ample opportunities for development, both mentally and socially. We take pleasure in giving this family a place in this history, as the biographical sketches of their relatives form an important part of this work.
JOHN F. GOWEY, attorney at law, Urbana; of the firm of Young, Chance & Gowey. In mentioning the members of the bar of this city, the name of J. F. Gowey deserves a proper space; he was born Dec. 7, 1846, in North Lewisburg, where he received his primary education, after which he took a two-years course in the Wesleyan University at Delaware, Ohio; he then engaged in the study of law with Gen. Young, with whom he is now a partner in that profession; on May 10, 1869, he was admitted to the bar; after a practice of three years, he became a member of the Sixtieth General Assembly of the State Legislature ; in 1873, he was elected a member of the Sixty-first General Assembly of the same body-thus having filled positions of honor that inspired confidence in the citizens of his native county, where be was elected as Prosecuting Attorney in 1875, and, two years later, a re-election followed; in June, 1880, he was a delegate to the National Convention that convened at Chicago and nominated Gen. James A. Garfield for President of the United States, in which meeting he was active throughout. He is one of the promising young attorneys of this city.
M. M. HANCE, merchant, Urbana. Mr. Hance was born in Miami Co., Ohio, in 1851, and grew to manhood on a farm, receiving a rudimentary education in the dis trict school, and a commercial course. He became connected with the dry goods trade
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as a clerk, in Urbana, in 1871, being in the employ of Russell Bros., where he continued until 1879, when he purchased the stock and became the successor of Hoyt & Frederich. His store is located at No. 15 Monument Square, where he keeps a full line of staple and fancy dry goods, and also a millinery department, which latter is presided over by an experienced milliner. Mr. Hance is a young but promising business man; a member of the Baptist Church, and an active, useful member of society. He married, in 1875, Miss Sallie, daughter of Thomas Bell.
ISAAC B. HAPPERSETT, grocer, Urbana. Mr. Happersett was born in Pennsylvania in 1830; he is the son of William and Elizabeth (Brunner) Happersett, who came from Pennsylvania about 1838, and resided in Urbana until his decease, in 1852; she still resides there with her son. Isaac B. learned the trade of carriagemaker and worked at it several years. He clerked in a grocery one year, and in 1859 formed a partnership with Mr. H. C. Hovey, whose biography appears in this work. Their firm has been in operation without change longer than any other in Urbana. Mr. Happersett has been identified largely with the general, as well as the business, interests of Urbana, having been a member of the Council, and its President in 1879. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. He married, in 1855, Martha F., daughter of William Sampson; they are both members of the Grace Methodist Episcopal Church, formerly Second Methodist Episcopal Church, he having been chorister for twenty-five years, and Superintendent of the Sabbath school from 1858 to 1878. She has also, been a member of the choir from the beginning of choir singing in the Second Church, as it was then called.
J. C. HAPPERSETT, of the firm of Happersett & Bro., boot and shoe dealers, Urbana. Urbana; like all cities of its size, is represented with nearly all classes of business, and the above, which is an old and reliable shoe firm, should have proper mention. In March, 1871, the business was opened by "Robert R. Young & Co.," the Co. being Happersett brothers, who became sole proprietors in March, 1874, since which they have built up a healthy patronage, and are now among the leading boot and shoe dealers in the city, located at No. 3 North Main street. J. C. was born in Columbia, Lancaster Co., Penn., Sept. 9, 1835, and at the age of 13 months, his parents brought him to Urbana, where he was raised, and educated in the Union Schools to a good business degree. In May, 1871, he married Miss Maggie C. Dye, a native of Mechanicsburg, Champaign Co., Ohio, but at the date of her marriage was a resident of Madison County, Ohio. They have had four children-Alice L., Clara, Jusephine, and the fourth, James Dye., a bright boy of 6 years 2 months and 18 days, died April 18, 1880.
EMORY HEDGES, farmer; P. O. Urbana. The father of Emory Hedges, Jonas Hedges, was born in Berkeley Co., Va., in 1789. His marriage to Miss Elizabeth Robinson, of that county, was celebrated in 1811. They had three children, born in that State-Joseph, Mary and Ann. In 1818, they emigrated to this township, and their entire business life has been connected with its interests. Jonas was a remarkably successful business man, and his first purchase of 160 acres was added to until he was owner of 900 acres prior to his death. He served in the war of 1812, and was a pensioner at the time of his death. He built the first house on Sec. 11, Urbana Township, and this tract is still in possession of our subject. They were the parents of twelve children, five of whom are living Elizabeth Hamilton, Hamilton J., Samuel R., James R. and Emory. All but James live in the county, and will be represented in this history. The wife and mother died in 1834, and Jonas, her husband, in 1864, at the ripe old age of 74. He lived long enough to see the county interlaced with railroads, and the forests disappear, and in their stead appear beautiful fields of waving grain. The best years of their lives had been given to the development of this county, and too much honor cannot be given to the pioneers who reared families of noble sons and daughters to perpetuate their names, who are possessed of the same spirit of enterprise that characterized their ancestry. Emory was married, in :858, to Nancy J. Gainer, of this township.
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They have six children living-Jonas H., Rebecca E., Wilber R., Marlay, Mary E. and Annie. The children are being well educated, and Jonas has been engaged in teaching, but as yet has chosen no profession. Their parents are both able and willing to give them all an academic education. The family history of the Hedges will form a very important part of the biographical series of Urbana Township. Mr. Hedges was a volunteer during the war of the rebellion, and served in Co. G, 134th Ohio V. I. He served in front of Petersburg, and was principally engaged in doing guard duty on the Appomattox and James Rivers.
ALEXANDER R. HEDGES, deceased. This worthy representative of the name died Dec. 29, 1873, and his wife, Ellen (Morris) Hedges, in February of the same year. They left a family of children, nine in number; their names are, respectively, Elizabeth A., Pearl I., Edward O., Rebecca C., Franklin J., Mary A., Deborah E., Martha E. and Frederick M.; they all reside in the county except one-Pearl I. Hedges-who is in the drug business at Piqua. There are seven living on the old homestead. Three are married at this time. The father, Alexander, was quite a prominent man in his day, being Justice of the Peace, and for many years was a member of the school board. He was one of the originators of the agricultural society at Urbana, and from its organization until his death was one of its Directors. He was a member of the National Guards, and a devout member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for many years, being one of the most prominent officials. He reared his children in the faith of his fathers, and the example set by him has done much to give them that straightforward business character for which the Hedges family are noted. At the time of his death, he owned 185 acres of land.
HAMILTON HEDGES, farmer; P. O. Urbana. The subject of this sketch is the eldest son of Jonas Hedges, who is spoken of in the biography of his son Emory. Jonas was a prominent local politician in his day, and was one of the first to espouse the principles of the Republican party in this county. He was one of the originators of the "Know-Nothing " party, and was the third enrolling his name on their roster. He was largely engaged in the settling of estates, in which he gave universal satisfaction. He was a remarkable mathematician, although not having a collegiate education, and was largely endowed with a spirit of enterprise, being foremost in anything looking toward moral and social advancement. Having a cool head and being a close observer of matters pertaining to the business interests of the neighborhood, his judgment could always be relied on, and he seldom made a mistake. His death was greatly felt in the locality in which he lived so long. James and his two sisters, Mary and Elizabeth, were given a collegiate education, the others attending only the common schools. All, however, received a good English education, which has done much to make them the practical business men and women that so ably represent the name. The marriage of Hamilton and Miss Ruth E. Gearard was celebrated Dec. 15, 1847. She was born in Winchester, Va., June 1, 1826. Their children are five in number, three sons and two daughters. Emily J. wedded Thomas Fuller; Jonas A. was married to Miss Carrie Laughlin, of Columbus; James, Nannie E. and George R. live with their parents. There were three other children who died in infancy. Mr. Hedges has been Assessor of this township for sixteen years, and during all this time no complaints have been made. He has always been a leading man in his neighborhood in political matters, and during the war of the rebellion was an active worker in the organization of troops, being himself a' member of Co. G, 134th Ohio V. I. Previous to entering upon his term of service; Mr. Hedges was unfortunate enough to lose an arm by accident, which necessitated his discharge. He has always been an exemplary man, and his record as such will ever live in the history of the county, and his descendants for all time may take a pride in their ancestry, who have, from their earliest connection with the county's interests, been foremost among those who have been honest, upright, and faithful to their trusts. Elizabeth Hamilton is the eldest daughter of Jonas Hedges, and her marriage to Nelson Miller was celebrated in 1836. One son (Robert M.) was born to them,
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who is now Deputy Sheriff of Champaign Co. The death of Nelson, his father, occurred in 1837. The marriage of Mrs. Miller to Joseph C. Hamilton occurred in 1840, to whom were born four children, all dying in infancy, except Virginia, who became the wife of D. W. Todd, of Urbana. The death of Mr. Hamilton occurred May 27, 1872. His widow resides on the farm which has been her home for many years. Her brother James married Miss Mary L. Hamilton, daughter of Joseph Hamilton, and their residence is in New York. They have only one son living-Merklin McLain, who resides in Springfield, Clark Co. Mrs. Hedges died in July, 1862, and in 1866 he married Miss Lydia Huffman, of Dayton, Ohio. They have no children.
JOHN M. HELMICK, Urbana; dealer in stoves and house furnishings, is another native and old resident of Champaign Co., born in Urbana May 21, 1818. He is a son of David and Mary (Miller) Helmick, who came from Hamilton Co., where his father settled in 1802. David was a cabinet-maker, and in those early days was a prominent manufacturer, widely and favorably known. The subject of this sketch was born in an old-style log cabin on Water street. A two-story brick, built by his father, now stands on the site of his birthplace. He learned the tinner's trade in his youth with the late Stephen L. Miller, an uncle. In 1843, he married Miss Roxaline Miller, of Clark Co., and, in 1847, removed to Clark Co., where his wife died in 1848. In 1850, he returned to Champaign Co., and was a prominent dealer in stoves and housekeeper's furnishings until 1859; when he returned to Urbana, and has since conducted the same business here. He is now located at No. 13 N. Main street. Mr. Helmick has been identified with the business and other interests of Champaign Co. from his early manhood, and probably, with the exception of Mr. Hitt, is the oldest native resident merchant now actively engaged in merchandising in the city. He married, October, 1849, Miss Sarah W. Baker, who was also a resident of Clark Co., and sister of his first wife. Their parents came from New Jersey, and settled in Clark Co. in 1802. From this marriage have resulted four children-Samuel, William, Osman and Annie. Samuel is married, and all are grown and residents of this county.
D. C. HITT, Postmaster, Urbana ; a son of Rev. John W. Hitt, was born in Bourbon Co., Ky., May 25, 1801. He came to Warren Co., Ohio, a year or two later, and in 1813 came to Champaign Co., residing in and near Urbana until his death, which occurred Oct. 3, 1877, at the advanced age of 76 years. He spent a long life among the people of Urbana, and at its close, it was said of him, " He was a good man." He joined the Methodist Episcopal. Church at an early age ; was always an ardent supporter of the church through faith, having been a local minister for fifty years, ever active and zealous in good works. Though born in the South, he espoused the cause of freedom, and was for many years an operator in the " underground railroad," and never hesitated to assist a black man seeking his freedom. At one time he owned considerable property, and was classed as one of the wealthy men of this county, but, through misfortune and too great confidence in others, was stripped of his possessions and almost reduced to poverty in, his last days. He labored for his support, yet was never know to complain or give expression to bitterness of spirit, but, even to the end, rested his hope on the things of the world to come. Thus ended the earthly career of one of the noble citizens of Urbana. Our subject was born on a farm, now in the corporation of Urbana, Feb. 25, 1844. He was raised to farm life and educated in the schools of the city. In Aug., 1861, he enlisted in Company A, 2d O. V. I., being in service until Nov. 8, of the same fall, when he lost his left eye by a rifle-ball in the battle of Ivy Mountain, in East Kentucky. He was discharged April, 1863, and returned home. In March, 1868, he married Laura McDermott-born in Baltimore, Md., Dec. 29, 1842; died Aug. 16, 1873, leaving two daughters, Mary and Laura. On Sept. 22, 1875, he married Miss Fannie J. Rhoades, a native of Virginia, where the nuptials were celebrated. Two children, Florence and John W., have been born to them. Mr. Hitt continued farm pursuits until July 1, 1869, when he was appointed Postmaster. Capt. W. A. Brand was the former Postmaster, and Mr. Hitt was the assistant
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until the death of Capt. Brand, when he was appointed to fill the vacancy, and still holds it with honor and respect.
SAMUEL W. HITT, merchant. Among the present prominent business men of Urbana, Mr. Hitt deserves more than a passing notice. 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. Our subject is the son of Samuel Hitt, and the only male representative of these families now residing in this county. He was born in 1817, and has always resided here. At the age of 15, he entered the store of Judge John Reynolds, and, by dint of industry, integrity and remarkable business talent, passed successively through the stages of apprentice and clerk, and in 1852 became a partner in the firm of Ross, Hitt & Co. After the decease of Mr. Reynolds, in 1857, the firm was Ross & Hitt. In 1866, Mr. Ross retired, and the business was conducted solely by Mr. Hitt. Thus had he risen from store-boy to partner and proprietor of the leading and oldest dry goods house of Urbana (it having been establisbed by Mr. Reynolds about 1806). Mr. Hitt's success is the best compliment that can be given to his energy and business management. He has always been a generous, public-spirited citizen, and has done more, perhaps, than any other one person in Urbana for the support of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he is an honored and worthy member. He was married, in 1843, to Miss Sallie B., daughter of Joseph White. They have had five children-Joseph, killed in action, as a soldier in the 66th O. V. I.; Anna, now Mrs. John T. Mitchell; George, now in charge of the branch store at Bellefontaine; Lizzie and Mary. The present style of the firm is Hitt, White & Mitchell, and their place of business is located on the corner of Main street and Monument Square.
WILLIAM M. HOUSTON, physician, Urbana; is a native of Ohio; his father was a native of Kentucky, but removed to Lebanon, Warren Co., Ohio, where he married Lydia Truitt. The subject of this sketch was born in Lebanon in 1821 ; studied medicine in Piqua, and graduated at the Ohio Medical College, in 1850, and commenced the practice of his profession in Piqua the same year. In December, 1852, he removed to Urbana, where he soon secured a remunerative practice, in which he is now assisted by his son Henry C. Mr. H. was a Surgeon in the war of the rebellion ; was appointed Assistant Surgeon of the 122d O. V. I. in September, 1862; was promoted to Surgeon in 1863, and became Surgeon-in-Chief of the 2d Brigade, 3d Division, 6th Army Corps, in January, 1864, and at the close of the war was Surgeon-in-Chief of the same; was taken prisoner with a large part of Gen. Millway's force, near Winchester, Va., in 1863, and confined in "Libby" five months. He married, in 1846, Miss Henrietta, daughter of Dr. Henry Chapeze, who was from Kentucky; he was a medical officer in the war of 1812, and settled in Piqua soon after the close of that struggle. Henry C. was born in Piqua in 1847. He commenced reading medicine there quite young, and graduated at the Cleveland Homeopathic Hospital College in 1876, and has since assisted his father in practice. He is a member of the Baptist Church, and active in the different departments of church-work, especially the Sunday school, in which he organized a young men's class, denominated No. 8, which now numbers thirty-two members, and forms an important factor in the school.
FRANK HOUSTON, grocer, Urbana; was born in County Tyrone, Ireland, April 22, 1833,.and is descended from a long line of Scotch Presbyterians. His father, William Houston, was a farmer who had five sons, three of whom came to Ohio. Frank, with his brother Christopher, left the home of their boyhood in May, 1850, to seek a home in a far-away land, among strangers. On the 5th of July of that year, he landed in Columbus, Ohio, a rosy-cheeked, merry-hearted lad of 17 years. The faithful teachings of his humble home were with him, and the habits of industry and economy were linked with principles of truth and honesty. He soon found employment in the grocery of J. & W. B. Brooks, where he remained four years. In the summer of 1854, he came to Urbana with a small sum he had saved from his wages and
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opened a very unpretending grocery in an old house on South Main street, on the site of which he has since erected a fine building, opposite the Odd Fellows' Hall. In April, 1864, he married Nancy Tappan, of Steubenville, Ohio, grand-daughter of Hon. Benjamin Tappan, and niece of Hon. E. M. Stanton. They have had three sons and four daughters, all of whom are yet living, except one daughter. Mr. and Mrs. Houston are members of the First Presbyterian Church, and useful, respected members of society.
OBED HORR, City Clerk and Deputy County Clerk, Urbana ; is a native of Champaign County, and a grandson of the pioneer Dr. Obed Horr, of Mechanicsburg. The subject of this sketch was born in Mechanicsburg Oct. 5, 1856 ; he attended the local school in his early youth, and later, attended the Urbana University, but his father being unable to attend to the duties of County Clerk, he left school when in the senior class, and has since been employed in fiduciary duties, having occupied the position of Deputy County Clerk the past five years, and was recently elected Clerk of Urbana City.
HENRY CLAY HOVEY, grocer, Urbana; is another native and life resident of Urbana, and was born Dec. 29, 1827, within thirty-five yards of where he now resides, and has never removed. He is a son of Edward and Elizabeth (Hartsom) Hovey ; they came from Willimantic, Conn., and settled near Milford Center, this county, about 1818, and soon after removed to Urbana. His father became connected with the woolen factory, the history of which appears in the history of Urbana. Henry, when 14 years of age, began work at brickmaking with his father and older brother, and fol lowed this together with building for several years. He burned the brick and laid the walls of the building in which he now does business, as well as many other of the older brick structures of the city. In 1859, the firm of Happersett & Hovey was formed, and opened a meat-market and grocery establishment on the south side of the public square, where they have continued the business ever since with success. Mr. Hovey married, in 1855, Miss Susan Happersett, a sister of his partner, Isaac B. Happersett, he having been previously married in 1850, to Susan Gregory, who died about four months after their marriage. They have two children-Edmund, now assistant in the store; and Bertha, aged 11 years. His residence is on Kenton street, and occupies nearly a square between Factory and Water streets.
G. H. HUMPHREYS, undertaker, Urbana. G. H. Humphreys has been located on North Main street since 1873, and his establishment is supplied with everything needed in the successful business which he superintends. He was born in Clark Co., Ohio, in 1842, where he was raised and partly educated at the Wittenberg College, Springfield. On Aug. 1, 1861, he enlisted in the 16th Ohio Battery for two years; at the expiration of this period he still saw the need of the suppression of the war, and re-enlisted, serving until the close of the great struggle, when he was honorably discharged at Columbus, Ohio; he participated in the battles of Port Gibson, siege of Vicksburg, Champion Hills, Jackson, Miss., and others, but returned home uninjured, only having suffered for want of food and endured long and tiresome marches. Upon Dec. 27, 1869, he married Miss Ida Miller, born in Clark Co., Ohio, in 1847. The issue of this union is two sons-R. Earl and Harry F.
REV. A. J. IMHOFF, Urbana, Pastor of the English Evangelical Lutheran Church; was born July 8, 1823, in Westmoreland Co., Penn. Ten years later his parents located near Ashland, Ohio, where he worked on a farm and received his primary education in the common school and Ashland Academy, which at that time was an important school. He graduated from the Wittenberg College, at Springfield, Ohio, in 1851. The following year he was Superintendent of and taught in the preparatory department. By close application while a student and teacher in college, he acquired a partial knowledge of theology under Dr. Sprecher, the theological professor and, at the time, President of the college. In the fall of 1852, was licensed by the Lutheran Synod to preach, and located at Tarlton, in Pickaway Co., Ohio. The same year, Sept. 9, married Miss Margaret A. Ruhl, to whom five children have peen born, of whom two, Mary
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R. and C. Edward survive at a mature age. In 1855, he removed to Findlay, Ohio, and for ten years preached there and at other points, which are now divided into four pastoral charges. In 1865, was induced to organize a female college at Ottawa, Ohio, which enterprise did not prove a successful one ; though he continued teaching eighteen months, at which time he was re-called to the Findlay charge, but declined the call. He was then appointed, by the Board of Home Mission, to the churches of Urbana and St. Paris. After a servitude of six years, be received and accepted a call to Leipsic and Arcadia Churches, which congregations he had served while residing in Findlay, In 1876, through request at Urbana, returned, though very reluctantly, and not with the consent of the Leipsic Church. In a literary way, he never sought much except his preparation for the pulpit; though the Board of Directors of the Wittenberg College conferred upon him the degree of Doctor of Divinity, for which he does not claim responsibility and never sought the honor, but accepted it as the only way of manifesting a decent respect for the judgment of others. In 1876, he published the " Life of Officer," a book of 464 pages, which was well received ; presenting, in an interesting way, the leading facts of an extraordinary man. In 1879, he accepted the position as assistant editor of the Lutheran Evangelist. This position he still holds, in connection with the pastoral work of the Urbana Church.
CHARLES T. JAMIESON. This gentleman was born at Batavia, Clermont Co., Ohio. May 2, 1855, and is the son of M. and Maria T. Jamieson, the former a native of Ohio, of Scotch descent, and the latter of New York, and descended from Quaker stock. His father is one of the most prominent business men of Clermont Co., and reared his son in the Presbyterian faith, of which denomination be and wife have been life-long members. Surrounded by the influences of a Christian home, and under the watchful care of his practical Christian parents, Charley T. passed his boyhood days and began molding the character which is to be his guiding star through life. He attended the city schools of Batavia in childhood, and in 1870 entered Hanover College, which is located in Jefferson Co., Ind., where he remained two years, afterward entering Wooster University, of Ohio, from where he graduated in June, 1875. He returned home and began studying law, and in October, 1877, was admitted to the bar. During his law studies, and until coming to Urbana, he was Superintendent of the Cincinnati & Eastern Telegraph Co., and paymaster on the Cincinnati & Eastern R. R. In January, 1879, he purchased the interest of W. A. Brand in the Citizen and Gazette, and in December of the same year bought the remaining half of Joshua Saxton, becoming sole proprietor of the most valuable newspaper property of Champaign Co. In October, 1877, Mr. Jamieson was made a Mason, and is now C. G. of Raper Commandery of Knights Templar. Since coming to Urbana, Mr. Jamieson has identified himself thoroughly with the interests of Champaign Co., and has never ceased to advocate and uphold every measure which he believed would add to the wealth, enterprise or prosperity of its citizens. He is as outspoken in condemning wrong through the columns of his paper as in upholding right, and this demonstrates that he possesses the proper qualities of a successful editor, and insures the continued prosperity of the Citizen and Gazette which it has enjoyed in the past. Mr. Jamieson has been actively identified with the welfare of the Presbyterian Church since locating here, and, although an ardent Republican, has won many friends, irrespective of party, and enjoys the confidence of all who know him.
A. C. JENNINGS, farmer and stock-raiser; P. O. Urbana. Among the prominent and distinguished farmers of Champaign Co., we mention the name of A. C. Jennings, who was born in Clark Co., Ohio, in February, 1815. There he enjoyed the usual common-school advantages until the age of 15 years, at which time he engaged in the harness trade, which he followed until 1844. In the meantime he carried on business for himself in Marysville, Ohio. At this time he went to New York City, where he was in the employ of J. L. Cochran for a period of two years, then associated with T. B. Read, forming the firm of Jennings, Read & Co., carrying a wholesale stock of
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hats, caps, straw and fancy millinery goods. This they, conducted successfully several years, but A. C. becoming tired of business, retired in 1859, and returned to Champaign Co., locating on his farm, which he had three years previously purchased. He brought with him a number of fine horses to put on the farm, which he superintends, and it still receives his daily attention, though not residing on it. It is located in Salem Township, adjoining the incorporated city of Urbana, and known as the " Nutwood Farm," which is one of the finest farm in the county. This farm, through the taste and enterprise of the proprietor, is unusually well improved, the architecture of his barn being unequaled in the history of the State. Its dimensions are 100 feet in diameter, and the immense circular brick walls stand twenty-four feet high, and fifty-one feet higher is a large circular observatory, which is reached by a circular or winding stairway from the base to the top, where a grand view is afforded. This was erected in 1861 and 1862, at a cost of nearly $23,000, and, as he dealt in fine and fast horses, he had an excellent place to keep them, though now he has but few fine horses, but handles fine cattle. For ten years he had a full mile track on his farm, which was in first-class condition. His farm consists of 450 acres, which, in quality and improvements, is far superior to any in the vicinity or State. From the year 1874 to 1877, he conducted a dry goods trade in Springfield, Ohio, though residing on his farm, since which he has not resided on the farm, and freed from all business cares except those of his stock and farm. His nuptials were celebrated in 1839, with Miss Julia A. McNay, of West Liberty, Logan Co., Ohio, born in 1819. She is a daughter of John and Aroda McNay.
MICHAEL A. JORDAN, County Recorder, Urbana. Mr. Jordan is a native of Virginia, born in Botetourt Co. in 1832. His father, William Jordan, who was a man of great physical strength, removed with his family from Virginia to Gallia Co., Ohio, in 1837. He died soon after settling in this State, and his widow, who was a Miss Mary Gish, a native of Pennsylvania, afterward married John Stevens, a local Methodist preacher, and a descendant of the famous Boone family. They removed to Champaign Co. in 1845. Here the subject of our sketch grew to manhood. He began teaching at 19 years of age, and continued, with some interruptions, until 1866, having taught 132 months in all-two terms being a union school, and one term a select school-and also doing service as local preacher, and serving in the army from 1863 to the close of the war. He was a member of the 66th O. V. I. He entered the eervice with a crippled hand which would have excused him from military duties. He took part in six severe engagements, was once taken prisoner and confined in the notorious Libby Prison two or three months, and was severely wounded at the battle of Ringgold, Ga. After his return from the army, he engaged in farming, and now has a nice farm of eighty odd acres in Johnston Township. He married, in 1866, Miss Rebecca J., daughter of John Looker, who was the nephew of Prov. Gov. Looker. They have a family of seven children. Mr. Jordan is emphatically a self-made man. His father was well off, and his mother from a wealthy family, but, unfortunately, before his decease his father indorsed heavily for a slave-speculator of Virginia, whose debts swept away all his and his wife's means, and left her penniless, with a family of seven children, when Michael A. was but 5 years of age. Mr. Stevens was a poor but kind hearted man, and in spite of the adverse circumstances, Michael M. received such education as enabled him to teach, and notwithstanding he has given largely of his time and talents for public service, he has gradually risen as a man and citizen, filled several local offices of trust, and, in 1878, was elected Recorder, carrying his own precinct, although reliably Democratic, by forty-five majority, and is now administering the duties of the Recorder's office with credit to himself and satisfaction to the people of the county.
JOHN KANAGA, retired, Urbana, is a son of Joseph and Margaret (Shively) Kanaga, both born and raised in Pennsylvania, where they married early in the nineteenth century. In 1811, they and two children moved near Frederick City, Md., where they buried two children and had two born to them. In 1828, they located in Berks Co., Penn. Eight years later they emigrated to Champaign Co., Ohio, locating
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in Urbana. Here Joseph purchased a farm, but never settled on it, residing in Urbana until his death, Sept. 18, 1846. Our subject was born in Cumberland Co., Penn., April 10, 1809, partly raised there and partly in Maryland, but married in his native State, Jan. 10, 1832, Fannie Bruner, and, in 1836, they, with his parents and only sister, came to Ohio, and John located on the farm which his father had bought for him, and, Dec. 9, 1862, his mother died at his residence, having been, as well as her husband, an attentive member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. She prophesied at 6 A. M. the day of her death that at 12 o'clock following she would die, notwithstanding the usual good health she at that moment enjoyed. John has for many years been an identified farmer in the vicinity, labored hard and long, but now lives retired on East Scioto street, Urbana, and, besides liberally dividing with his children, owns 220 acres of fine land. His children were eight in number, of whom five survive. He is one among the representative men of the Methodist Episcopal Church, to which he has belonged since 1827, and his wife. too for many years.
T. G. KELLER, Secretary Agricultural Association, Urbana, is a son of William C. Keller, who was born in Adams Co., Penn., in 1801, where he was raised and educated. His marriage was celebrated at Middletown, Frederick Co., Md., with Mary Grove, a native of that place, born in 1798. In 1828, they and three children emigrated West, temporarily locating in Dayton, Ohio, but one year later removed to Urbana, Champaign Co., where he (though never an office-seeker) became prominently identified with the interests of the same. He died in 1857, a much-respected citizen, leaving a widow (who is still living), six children and many warm friends. Our subject was born in Urbana, Ohio, April 12, 1833, where he was raised and educated. Commenced teaching in 1849, and three years later commenced reading law under Gen. John H. Young. He was admitted to the bar in 1855, but never practiced his profession. In the fall of 1861, he enlisted in Co. H, 66th O. V. I., serving until May, 1865. On going out was a private, but rose through all the degrees to Captain of the same regi ment, of which he had command at the surrender of Gen. Johnson. He participated in many of the most severe-fought battles, hence has filled an important place in the suppression of the late rebellion. Was one among the few fortunate ones who returned home without a wound or being lodged in the rebel prisons. Since his return, he has been engaged in teaching, in which he is favorably known. In January, 1880, he was elected Secretary of the Champaign County Agricultural Association, and still enjoys single blessedness.
CHARLES C. KIEFER, Secretary Urbana Gas Company, Urbana. Mr. Kiefer is a native of Maryland, born in Washington Co. in 1826. His parents removed to Dayton, Ohio, in 1832, where he grew to manhood and engaged in the hardware trade until 1876, at which time he purchased the property and rights of the Urbana Gaslight and Coke Co., and has since resided in Urbana. He married, in 1850, Miss Sarah E. Engle, of Dayton, Ohio. They have two sons-John D., who is associated with his father in the coal business in Urbana, and Charles. Mr. Kiefer was made a Mason in St. John's Lodge, No. 13, Dayton, Ohio, and presided over that lodge as Master for a number of years. Was High Priest of Unity Chapter, No. 16, R. A. M., some years ; E. C. of Reed Commandery, No. 6, two years; has presided over the Grand Council of Royal and Select Masons. the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, and the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Ohio, and is now Deputy Grand Master of the Grand Lodge, A., F. & A. M., of Ohio. In the year 1867, he received the thirty-third and last degree of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, and is now the presiding officer of Dayton Chapter of the A. & A. S. Rite.
WILLIAM D. KNIGHT, retired farmer; P. O. Urbana. This gentleman is a native of Ohio, and was born and reared in Hamilton Co. His father, Jonathan, and Catharine, his wife, were married in Ohio, Jonathan being a native of Pennsylvania. The grandparents were Pennsylvanians, and lived a number of years in Gerard's Fort, on the Little Miami. His grandmother's half-sister, Delilah Corbly, was one who was
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so foully murdered and scalped by the Indians many years ago. His grandparents were among the earliest settlers in Ohio, living on the frontier in Pennsylvania a num ber of years previous to coming here. Jonathan died in Hamilton Co., and his wife and children-William, Stephen, Paul, Mary A., Elizabeth, Priscilla and - Corbly moved to Miami Co., near Casstown, on a tract of land owned by her husband. William was the eldest son, and, with the help of neighbors, erected a log cabin, having one door and a window with six lights, which was a pretty good house in those times. The clearing progressed slowly, as the children were young, but the energetic spirits of those who had undertaken to make a home in the West was equal to their needs, and, as the forests melted away, and growing crops took their place, the hopes of our family increased in proportion. Paul was married in 1835 or 1836 to Charlotte Enseminger. Soon after, Mary A. wedded John Green, and William was married the 13th of March, 1837, to Elizabeth Palmer. The outlook was bright for the young people, and prosperity came in many ways. Elizabeth married Isaac Cline, now the County Commissioner of Elizabeth Township, Miami Co. George Cloyd married Priscilla. Corbly married Catharine Babb. All of these lived in Miami Co. William sold his land in that county in 1853, and purchased land in Champaign Co. He has been eminently successful in life, and has amassed a competency. He is the father of seven children ; five are living-John, Catharine, Sidney, Wilford and Stephen. The latter is a rising young lawyer of Chicago, Ill. The mother of Mr. Knight died in Miami Co. in her 80th year. The family sketch will probably appear in the history of that county. Mr. Knight still superintends his farm, but this season is the first one in more than a half century that he has sown no wheat. His income is sufficient to meet every want, and his family are well settled in life. He was Director of the Infirmary a few years ago, and from the organization of the party has been an ardent Republican. He was one of the five that cast the first vote in the township in support of its principles.
CHARLES KULENCAMP, confectioner and baker; Urbana. Among the business men of the city the name of Charles Kulencamp deserves mention in this work. He was born in Germany May 25, 1828, and lost his father when but a child. In 184'3, he, the only child, with his mother and her brother; boarded a vessel and came to America, locating in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he grew to maturity and received his education through his own exertions. 'In 1862, when the late war was raging, he enlisted in Co. C, 108th O. V. I., serving till the close of his enlisted term, participating in the battles of Hartsville, Tenn., Tomkinsville, Ky., and Resaca, where he was wounded and placed on detached service. Returned to Cincinnati in 1864. One year later, he located in La Fayette, Ind., in the employ of Rugar & Roger, confectioners, and afterward for Hamlin, in the same city. In 1875, he removed to Urbana, Ohio, purchased a stand, and opened a similar business to that which he is now conducting. He did a very favorable business for two years, when the devouring flames swept away the building and its entire contents. In a short time, he had another room fitted for business, and is now conducting it with favorable success. He carries all articles kept in a first class confectionery. His business is located opposite the Weaver House, on Miami street. His nuptials were celebrated in 1849 with Catharine Cook, born in Germany in 1830. The issue of this union is four children-two sons and two daughters. His mother now resides with him at an advanced age.
JOHN S. LEEDOM. Among the offispring of the hardy pioneers of the Western wilds, we find notable examples of men of vigorous thought and forcible character men who have been competent of filling the highest stations with honor and distinction. The subject of this sketch is a fair representative of this class of men, who, without the aid of advantageous circumstances, such as fortune or influential friends, has risen from the humble walks of life to be classed as the leading attorney at the bar of Champaign County. John S. Leedom was born in Bucks Co., Penn., Aug. 1, 1826, and is the son of Thomas G. and Ann (Stockton) Leedom, natives of the Keystone State, of English and Irish ancestry. In 1831, his parents came to Miami Co., Ohio, and, about. 1835,
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removed to Champaign Co., settling in Johnson Township, where his father resided until his death, and where his mother is now living, at St. Paris, in her 87th year. John S. was raised on a farm, receiving a good common-school education, and, in early manhood, taught school for the purpose of getting money to prosecute his studies. He attended the Springfield Academy three full school terms, running over a period of three years, which completed his literary education. In 1849, he entered the law office of John H. Young, and afterward the Law Department of the Indiana State University, located at Bloomington, Ind., from which he graduated Feb. 26, 1851, and in the spring of the latter year was admitted to the bar at Cincinnati. He immediately located at Urbana, where he entered into partnership with John H. Young, which continued until 1865, since which time he has been associated with James Taylor. He was married in Miami Co., Ohio, Oct. 26, 1852, to Miss Louisa J. Furrow, daughter of Jacob G. Furrow, deceased. Mrs. Leedom is a native of Piqua, Ohio, is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and has had four children, only two of whom are living-Loui and Lizzie. Politically, Mr. Leedom has always been one of the leaders of the Democracy in Champaign Co., is popular and capable as a party leader, and has ever lent a powerful influence toward making politics honorable and reputable. His political opponents have always held him in high esteem, and give him credit for fair dealing and entertaining honest convictions in his political conduct. They find him a high-souled gentleman, who fights party battles on party principles. In his early legal career, he was Prosecutor for Champaign Co. for six years, and, in 1868, he was nominated by the Democracy as their Congressional candidate for his district, made a vigorous canvass, but, . owing to the district being largely Republican, was defeated. As a lawyer, John S. Leedom is ready, versatile and well informed, and has no superior at the bar of Champaign Co. He is apt, terse and forcible in argument, ready and confident in debate, and always faithfully identifies himself with the interests of his clients. He is quick to seize upon the solution of the legal problem presented to him., and to discover the salient points of an argument, as well as to grasp and combine the guiding principles underlying the mass of legal rubbish of a case that is sometimes heaped up by crafty counsel. Mr. Leedom is not an orator in the popular acceptation of that term, but as a speaker he is clear, analytical, impassioned and convincing, making effective use of all favorable points, no matter how insignificant they may appear to others, and skillfully turning or ignoring unfavorable ones. Thoroughly conversant with the law, careful and judicious in preparation, ready and trenchant in debate, an expert in the analysis of human motives and passions, he has peculiar qualifications for a successful advocate, and his ability to sway jurors renders him a dangerous foe in a legal conflict. He is at all times courteous in his bearing, and, with the above eminent qualifications as a lawyer added to his well-known character for integrity and energy, he can safely be placed among the leading attorneys of this portion of Ohio.
BENJAMIN F. LEONARD, Urbana ; foreman United States Rolling Stock Company. Mr. Leonard is a native of the State of New York, born at Tarrytown, Westchester Co., in 1828. On attaining his majority, he went to New York City and was employed in a sash, door and blind factory, where he continued several years. In 1856, he came West and entered the employ of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Rail road at their shops in Aurora, Ill., where he remained until the fall of 1876. The master mechanic of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad becoming connected with the United States Rolling-Stock Company, Mr. Leonard was induced to take a position under him as foreman of the wood-working department. He first went to Mansfield, where he superintended the repairing of a large number of cars, and, in 1877, came to Urbana in charge of the extensive works here, a description of which will be found in the chapters relating to Urbana. While at Aurora, he enlisted in the 72d Ill. V. I., mustered into the service in August, 1862. He received a severe wound, being shot in both thighs, at the charge on Vicksburg, May 22, 1863, after which he was discharged for disability, his life being almost despaired of. He was married, in 1857, to Angeline Smith, of New York. She died in 1859. In 1861. he married Mrs. Mary Neville, widow of
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Harry Neville, and sister of his first wife. They have one child-Anna W. He is a member of the First Methodist Episcopal Church, and is prominent in the Masonic fraternity.
JOHN G. LOGAN, farmer; P. O. Urbana. We are pleased to give a place in the front rank of pioneers to the honorable name of Logan, representing, as it dues, a family ever noted for their courtesy and correct business principles. The original stock came from Kentucky in 1812. Samuel Logan and his wife, Phoebe Richards, were born in Mason Co., Ky., and their two sons, Elijah R. and Benjamin Logan, were also born in that State. Samuel entered a large tract, a part of which is now the farm of our subject. There were also four daughters-Ruth, Elizabeth, Ann and Phoebe. Samuel died in 1813, the next year after coming to this county. Elijah was married to Miss Roxaline Powell, by whom he had eleven children; only five survive-Benjamin F., John G., Samuel P., Fanny A. and Sarah Adella. Benjamin, Sr., went to Illinois, and afterward married, reared a family and died in that State. Ruth married Henry Powell and became the mother of nine daughters-Martha, Nancy, Melinda, Electa, Catharine, Sarah, Fanny, Pbebe and Amanda. Elizabeth married Jacob Claypole; they afterward moved to Hardin Co. Their children were named Samuel, Jonathan, Jesse, William, Isabel and Martha. Ann was the wife of Henry Staymate. They had several children-La Fayette, Benjamin, Bonaparte and one other son and several daughters. Phoebe married Matthias McComsey. Their children living are named Eliza, Davidson, Harrison and Cvrus, and live in the county. Of Elijah's family, Benjamin has no children; Samuel wedded Elizabeth Richards, of Illinois; Fanny is the wife of A. P. Rohrer; Adella lives with her brothers, and John G. Logan, our subject, married Miss Mary A. Rohrer March 19, 1862. Mr. Logan has purchased the interest of all the heirs in the old farm, and now has one of the nicest homes in the county. He is a man of much energy and enterprise, and their home is a model of neatness and comfort. Their children are two daughters and two sons-Emma E., Edna E., Ethelbert R. and John Earle. They will never know the privations of their ancestry while their home is made with their parents. Music, books and works of art are highly appreciated, and their parents lavish a wealth of love and care upon them.
THOMAS McCONNELL, farmer and livery; P. O. Urbana; was born in Warren Co., Ohio, Jan. 18, 1839 ; is a son of James and Eleanor (Murray) McConnell; he is a native of Pennsylvania and she of Ireland, emigrating to this country with her parents when about 8 years of age. The grandfather, David McConnell, was also a native of Ireland. James and family became residents of Ohio in quite an early day, locating in Warren Co., where they resided for several years ; but over thirty years ago he removed with his family to Champaign Co., where they have since resided on a farm about two and one-half miles southeast of Urbana, on "Pretty Prairie."Of an issue of eight children, seven now survive-Harriet A., Eliza J., Thomas, John W., David T., Henry C. and Smith. The father is now quite old and feeble, being about 75 years of age. Our subject remained with his father until about 10 years of ace, when, on the breaking-out of the rebellion, in April, 1861, he enlisted in the 13th O. V. I., in which he served through the three months' service; thence enlisted in the 66th O. V. I., in which he entered as a private; was elected First Lieutenant at the organization of the regiment, and, in June following, was promoted to Captain, and, on August 1, 1863, to Major to date of July, 1863, and served till Oct. 22, 1864, when he resigned on account of ill health and returned home. He was in some twenty or more hard-fought battles. In the history of the war, the 66th Regiment has the record of performing some of the most active service, and were placed in some of the most critical positions, and suffered as great hardships and losses as any regiment in the army. Mr. McConnell was married, June 28, 1866, to Margaret, daughter of Colin and Nancy McDonald, natives of Ohio ; issue, two children, one surviving-George. After his marriage, he located in Urbana, and entered upon the lumber trade, which he followed about one year; thence was elected Sheriff of the county, serving four years; thence
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bought and located upon his present farm, situated about one and one-half miles south of Urbana, consisting of 120 acres, all in a high state of cultivation, with good buildings and improvements, constituting a pleasant farmer's residence. Mr. McConnell, in connection with his farming, is also engaged in the livery business in Urbana, having, in 1872, formed a partnership with C. H. Ganson, which firm and business have been continued to the present time, and they have had a very flourishing and prosperous business from the start, and stand to-day as one of the first firms in this line of business in Urbana.
DUNCAN McDONALD, Jr., Urbana. This gentleman, the prosecuting attorney of Champaign Co., was born at West Liberty, Logan Co. He was a pupil in the union school of that village, under the tuition of those accomplished scholars and efficient educators, Luther Smith, Esq., and Rev. John Fulton. He graduated at Miami University, Oxford, Ohio, and was one among the youngest students who have ever graduated from that institution. During the war of the rebellion, he served as a clerk in the Subsistence Department for his father, Capt. James McDonald, during the time be was Commissary of Subsistence for the 1st Division, 21st Army Corps, then commanded by Gen. Thomas J. Wood, and afterward had charge and control of the office business in the Subsistence Department at the important depot at Kelly's Ferry, on the Tennessee River, during the winter following the battle of Mission Ridge, when the whole army at Chattanooga was supplied from that point; and at Alworth, Ga., in the field on the Atlanta campaign, during the time that the 14th, 20th and part of the 23d Army Corps and Gens. Stoneman's and McCook's cavalry divisions were supplied from that depot, and afterward at Marietta, Ga., when Sherman's whole army were supplied from that depot, and afterward at Eastport, Miss., where the cavalry command of Maj. Gen. J. H. Wilson and the infantry command of Maj. Gen. A. J. Smith were supplied from that point. He also was Chief Clerk in the Subsistence Department during the time his father was Chief Commissary of the Department of Georgia, which included the State of Georgia, and, after Johnston's surrender, assisted in the work of closing up the commissary depots in that State, and mustering out the officers on duty in the Subsistence Department in that State. He was principal of the High School Department of the West Liberty Union Schools, for two years. Having been engaged in the study of the law for some time, and a favorable opportunity for entering upon the practice of his profession in Kansas offering itself, he removed to that State, and in April, 1871, was admitted to the bar by the District Court of Morris County, and was afterward, by the Supreme Court of the State, admitted to practice in that court. In May, 1872, he was appointed by Hon. William H. Canfield Judge of the Eighth Judicial District of Kansas, County Attorney for Morris County to fill a vacancy occasioned by the death of the incumbent of that office, and was afterward, although the county was almost evenly divided in political sentiment, elected County Attorney for a full term without opposition. Returning to Ohio, in 1877, he entered into partnership in the practice of law with Col. D. W. Todd, now Probate Judge of the county, and, in 1879, was elected Prosecuting Attorney of the county.
HUGH McDONALD, retired, Urbana ; was born at Chillicothe, the seat of government of the Northwest Territory, October 29, 1800. There he spent his early life and received his education. In April, 1819, be engaged in surveying the district of country now known as Northwestern Ohio, which occupation he followed three years. Afterward he was engaged in flat-boating produce to New Orleans, and then engaged in the agricultural trade, associating with Gen. McArthur, in Pickaway Co., Ohio, continued in business until 1831, and in the meantime, April, 1829, married Sarah, daughter of Hon. James Smith, of Urbana. The same year be went out of business, came to Champaign Co., located on his farm, where he resided and cultivated the same for years. Early in the year 1863, his wife died, having had born to her eight children, of whom three daughters now survive and one (the only) son, a Presbyterian minister. Mr. McDonald married for his second wife, Mrs. Elizabeth (Wolfley) Lutz,
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a native of Pennsylvania. Their companionship continued until 1877, when death seized her, severed the union, and she was consigned to the silent tomb. Mr. McDonald has been for many years a consistent member of the Presbyterian Church, and raised his family accordingly. He now lives retired on East Scioto street, Urbana, with his daughter.
EDMOND B. McGARRY, farmer and County Commissioner; P. O. Urbana. One of the important personages in Urbana Township is the genial gentleman who is the subject of our sketch. He was reared on the farm, and has from boyhood been one of the popular men of the neighborhood. He is the youngest of his father's family, and has, since doing business for himself, made a specialty of agriculture. J. R. McGarry, the elder brother, chose law as a profession, and is now living in Cincinnati. Edmond was married in 1862, to Miss Eugenia L. McCreary, of Clark Co. Their children, David H. and Mary B., were born m Champaign Co., on the home farm of his father, William McGarry. In 1869, Edmond was elected Justice of the Peace, and was re-elected in 1872, but declined the position. In 1876, he was elected Infirmary Director, and, in 1877, County Commissioner. He resigned the office of Director of the Infirmary soon after. He is also a leading local politician, true to the principles of the Republican party, with whom he has always voted. The whole family have been enterprising people, and, having received good educations, they have turned them to advantage. J. R. McGarry was elected Mayor of Springfield in 1869, where he was then engaged in the practice of law. His wife was Miss Mary Pearson, to whom he was married in 1863. They have two children, Amy and William. J. R. McGarry enlisted in Co. F, 2d O. V. I., and was engaged in the battle of Bull Run. His collegiate course was finished in 1862, and he graduated with honor. The family have always enjoyed a high degree of prosperity. The father of our subject, William McGarry, had seven children, the daughter acting as housekeeper since her mother's death. Mr. McGarry has been a resident of this township more than forty years, and is greatly endeared to all who know him by his many kindly acts and Christian virtues. His wife, Catharine, died March 28, 1870, aged 69 years.
JOSEPH M. MAITLAND, County Clerk, Urbana; is a native of Champaign County, born in 1838, and a son of James M. and Anna (Mast) Maitland, who removed from Pennsylvania to this county about 1836; they settled in Salem Township. His father was a man of excellent education, having been a teacher, and at one. time represented this county in the Legislature. He died in 1864, a highly respected citizen and a Christian man. Joseph M. received a liberal education, and began teaching when 16 years of age, working at farm labor during the summer. He enlisted in 1863, in the 95th O. V. I., and served a term of three years. On returning from the army he resided with his mother, following the occupation of a farmer and teacher. He served seven years as Township Clerk of Salem Township. In October, 1878, he was elected Clerk of the Courts of this county, and has since filled that office with great credit, and with satisfaction to the people. He married, in 1856, Arabella, daughter of William Wharton, who is a native of England and a resident of Urbana Township. They have two children-Earl W. and Rena Grace. Mr. and Mrs. Maitland and their son are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and Mr. M. is also connected with the Masonic Order.
CHARLES W. MARSHALL, State agent of Home Insurance Company of New York, Urbana; is a native of Massachusetts, and was born in Belchertown in 1823. He has been engaged in insurance the past twenty-five years. In 1865, he was proffered and accepted his present position, he then being a resident of Columbus, and superintends the business in this State for that company, having his residence and office in Urbana since 1866. He has 120 agencies under his supervision, and not a dollar bas been lost by the company in cousequence of either the defalcation or death of one of these agents during the fifteen years in which he has had charge. Mr. M. made himself very popular in Champaign County as an insurance agent by his prompt,
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and generous action after the "Chicago fire." That disaster carried down sixty companies, two of whom were represented by Mr. M. who immediately re-insured all his policy-holders in other companies, at an expense to himself of over $600. From the tax reports, it appears his office received three-fourths of all the money received in Urbana for insurance in 1879. Mr. M. is a member of the Grace Methodist Episcopal Church, and also of the Knights of Pythias and the Masonic Fraternity. He married, in 1849, Miss Loruhamah Simpson, of New York State. They have one daughter - Mrs. J. R. McDonald.
CHRISTOPHER METT, farmer; P. O. Urbana. The parents of this gentleman came to this county in 1833 from Page Co., Va. His father, David Mett, died eight days after landing in Mad River Township. The maiden name of Mrs. Mett was Catharine Ayleshire, and she was left a widow at an early age. Three children Christopher (our subject), Gideon and Margaret-were born in Page Co. Mrs. Mett was left alone with her three small children, in a new country, without friends, and the day seemed dark for her. Being a good weaver, she picked up a few dollars, and managed to provide for her children for a time. Christopher was an industrious lad, and worked at any kind of a job that offered, until he was 13 or 14 years old. His mother, about that time, received $300 from her father's estate. She gave Christopher $30 of this, to be invested in clothes. Instead of doing this, he purchased a colt, and again went to work for another horse. Before this was paid for, it died, and this left him again behind. Nothing daunted, he continued working, and in two or three years he found himself the owner of two horses and a wagon. He commenced farming, and in a year or two he had four horses, and was farming extensively. In 1853, he had $1,000 in cash and a span of horses. This was judiciously invested in land, and in a few years he found himself with a fine farm, all paid for, earned by his own industry, and in 1865 he sold his farm in Mad River Township for $8,000, and purchased his present farm at $10,500. He has ever been one of the most successful business men, and has honestly earned every dollar he is worth. His marriage to Mrs. Sarah Smith was cel ebrated in 1847. They had no children, and her death occurred in 1850. Mr. Mett has reared two girls, one of whom, Miss Pernette Mett, married John Enilsizer, and they keep house for him. Mr. Mett is one of our best citizens, and has worked hard all his life, but today he can see the fruits of his labors in his large bank account and comfortable home.
JOHN P. MILLER, retired, Urbana; is a son of John, Sr., and Elizabeth (Pierson) Miller, both supposed to be natives of New Jersey, where they matured, but married in Pennsylvania, where they settled. John, Sr., died in 1803, in Washington Co., Penn., leaving a wife and six children, who, in the spring of 1804, emigrated to Warren Co., Ohio. Elizabeth, after becoming a resident of Ohio, married twice. While residing with her third husband at Enon, Clark Co., she was seized by death. Our subject was born at Washington Co., Penn., Aug. 14, 1799, and since a child has been a resident of Champaign Co., Ohio. One among, if not the oldest in the county, he has endured many privations and hardships in the early days of Champaign Co. Considerable is due him for the progress and general improvement of the county. He was raised to farm life, but, in the spring of 1815, came to Urbana, where he engaged at the trade of cabinet-making, which be followed in connection with house carpentering nearly half a century, with honored success. After abandoning the trade, be engaged in farming, which he followed until the fall of 1868, since which time he has been retired on Scioto street, Urbana. The gentleman is a man now fourscore years and five; has been identified in many of the public interests of the county, and a much respected citizen. He married, in the fall of 1822, Miss Eliza Cora, to whom ten children have been born, of whom one, Samuel W., has a biography in this history. Five of the number are now living. Mrs. Miller was born in Clark Co., Ohio, Jan. 30, 1804, where she was raised, and endured many of the now unknown pioneer duties, a few of which we think here proper to record. She assisted in raising their own flax,
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which was pulled, broke, scutched, spun and wove; also took the wool from the sheep's back to the state of cloth at home. She is the daughter of Elnathan and Hannah (Jennings) Cora. Elnathan was a native of Pennsylvania, and Hannah of New Jersey. They both came in single life to Ohio, and in 1800 married near Cincinnati. Soon after, he settled in the territory of which Clark Co. now is composed. On Aug. 30, 1832, Hannah was stricken down with cholera, from which, of course, she never recovered. Elnathan died at Marion, Ohio, July 8, 1844. Their children were ten in number, of whom seven reached maturity, and four now survive. Mr. Miller, the subject of our memoir, is the only survivor to relate the untold history of the Miller family, which is here recorded, and will perpetuate throughout all time. He and wife have trod the happy path of life for nearly three-score years, during which time each added to the other's pleasure.
SAM W. MILLER, wood and coal dealer, Urbana; of the firm of Miller & Thomas. Among the leading men engaged in this pursuit we mention the above firm, who located here in 1878, on Russell street, opposite the railroad depot, and are now conducting a favorable business; Mr. Miller is also connected with the firm of Miller, Thomas & Co., sole manufacturers of Stewart's patent dumping wagon. The subject of this memoir is a son of J. P. Miller, whose biography appears in this volume; he was born in Salem Township, Champaign Co., Ohio, Feb. 3, 1846; was raised to farm life, and acquired a medium education ; at the age of 18 years, he rented his father's farm, which he conducted until the spring of 1868, at which time he went West, to Topeka, Kan.; the following fall, he returned to Cincinnati, Ohio. He married, Nov. 3, Miss C. Helena Stokes, of that city; she was born Nov. 3, 1846; in 1870, they went to Butler Co., Kan., spending one year on their farm; thence returned to Ohio; he engaged as traveling salesman for the Domestic Sewing Machine Company, and, in 1874, engaged to Kelly & Co., nurserymen, Dayton, Ohio, continuing in their employ until entering his present business, which bids fair for future success. Mr. and Mrs. Miller have had five children, viz., Hannah Ethelyn (deceased), Eliza C., Willie S. (deceased), Helena Ray (deceased) and Sam W., Jr.
JOHN T. MITCHELL, merchant, Urbana, of the firm of Hitt, White & Mitchell, dry goods merchants of Urbana. He was born in Mt. Morris, Ill., in 1843, and when but 1 year old, the family located in Cincinnati, Ohio ; eight years later, in Urbana, where they remained until 1859; here he acquired his elementary education ; thence in the schools of Cincinnati, having until October, 1861, reached the Woodward High School, which he left and enlisted in Co. A, 66th O. V. I. ; at the organization of Co. A, was elected 1st Sergeant; in the summer of 1862, was commissioned 2d Lieutenant; while engaged in the battle of Cedar Mountain, Aug. 9 of the same year, he was severely wounded by a rifle ball passing through his body; it was supposed to be a mortal wound, but in ninety days he rejoined his regiment; early in the year of 1863, he was commissioned 1st Lieutenant, subsequently to Captain of the same company ; afterward promoted to Major, Lieutenant Colonel and Colonel of the same regiment, serving until the close of the war, when he was mustered out, brought to Columbus, Ohio, where he was honorably discharged, and participated in the grand review at Washington with Sherman's army. Soon after his return, he associated with Mr. Hitt, one of the present partners ; in this firm he now fills an important place, as his time is devoted mostly to the buying of stock and management of the same; he also has general charge of the branch store at Bellefontaine, Ohio. In addition, he is editor and publisher of the Urbana Monthly Visitor, which has been in progress for eight years. His nuptials were celebrated Aug 14, 1866, with Miss Annie R., daughter of S. W. Hitt. They have three children, viz., Nellie, Sallie H. and John. Rev. John T. Mitchell, Sr., the father of our subject., was born Aug. 20, 1810, near Salem, Va. His parents soon after settled in Illinois, and in 1829 located near Belleville. He was converted and united with the M. E Church, and in 1830 commenced teaching two years later was admitted into the Illinois Conference. He was a close student, and acquired a general knowledae of science,
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as well of Latin and Greek languages. He filled various important charges, in circuits, stations, and in a district among which he was as a pioneer minister in Wisconsin, and at Chicago, when the first brick M. E. Church was erected. In 1844, he moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he was elected as assistant book agent ; at the close of his term, was transferred to Ohio Conference, and stationed for a number of years in Cincinnati and its vicinity. In the same year that he located in Cincinnati, he was a delegate to the General Assembly from the Rock River Conference, and in 1856, from the Cincinnati Conference. During his ministerial life, served the first M. E. Church of Urbana two years, when ill-health befell him. He was then appointed Presiding Elder of this district, and returned to Cincinnati the fall of 1859, serving different churches, and finally was appointed as Presiding Elder of the Cincinnati Conference, and from its organization in 1851, he was annually chosen as Secretary, which official duty he performed until his death, May, 1863. He was an earnest and useful minister, a careful and able administrator and wise counselor. His wife, Catharine Rice, was a native of Maryland, and died in Cincinnati, Ohio, February, 1863. Their only daughter, Nellie, was buried the same day, and about the same hour that our subject was wounded in the late war. The surviving members of the family are the ones to whom this sketch is dedicated, and one brother, Rev. Frank G. Mitchell, of the Cincinnati Conference.
GEORGE MOORE, deceased. He was born in Enniskillen, County Tyrone, Ireland, Oct. 12, 1793; was a son of William Moore, of Irish birth, but Scotch-English descent. He married Mary Nevelle, of North England. They lived and died in Ireland. Of their family, George was the youngest. He grew to the age of 16 years and acquired his education in his country. In 1849, he departed his native land, leaving father, mother and family, and emigrated to America, being on the vessel a period of ninety days. When reaching Philadelphia, he engaged to learn the shoemaker's trade, but saw by the expiration of his three years' apprenticeship that that was not the place for a man without capital, hence pressed on Westward; pedestrian-like, came to Harrisburg, Penn., which at that time was very small. There he was drafted in the war of 1812, but, owing to the defective organs of hearing, was exempted. Soon after was requested by a brother of his, who had previously come to America and located in Steubenville, Ohio, to come there. This request was fulfilled, walking alone from Harrisburg. Not being favorably impressed with Steubenville, he remained but a short time, when he came to Circleville, Ohio, and, in 1817, at the request of his cousin, Henry Nevelle, came to Urbana, being one of the early pioneer shoemakers of Champaign Co., Ohio. Here be, April 22 of the same year, married Jossey Luce. Three years later she died, having had two children. One died in infancy and the other, now Eliza White, resides at Terre Haute, Ind. George, Sept. 27. 1821, married Christina Bennett, born in Virginia, Oct. 13, 1797. When but a child her parents emigrated to Ohio, locating in Warren Co. On their way, they saw but one white person from Chillicothe to their destination, that being a lady taking her dead husband, in a one-horse wagon, from Harrison, Hamilton Co., where he had died, back to Virginia. The Bennett family pressed on to their destination. After a stay of four years in Warren Co., Cbristina's father died, leav ing a widow with twelve children. They soon after removed to Clark Co., near where Catawba now is located. While residing there, the widow married William Hendricks, after which the children matured on his farm in Union Township, Champaign Co. At the age of 11 years, Christina came to Urbana and resided with Daniel Harr, where she married as 'above given. After the marriage of George and Christina, they journeyed the path of life many years, he devoting several years to his trade, when ill health necessitated him to flee from the bench. Soon after, he engaged in the grocery trade, which he conducted successfully until within three years of his death, Nov. 24, 1866; his wife died Nov. 14, 1876. Their children were seven in number, of whom two only are now living, viz., William B., now Chief Clerk in the Fourth Auditor's office in Washington, D. C., and George N., who was born in Urbana Oct. 11, 1828. Here he was raised, educated and assisted his father in the grocery ; is now conducting
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a business for himself on Miami street. His family consists of wife and one child, now Ellen Fischel, born Sept. 13, 1855.
THOMAS F. MOSES, Professor of Natural Science in the Urbana University, Urbana. Was born at Bath, Maine, June 8, 1836. His early education was completed in the public schools of that city. He entered Bowdoin College, at Brunswick; Me., in the year 1853, and was graduated with honor in 1857. The following year, began the study of medicine with Dr. A. J. Fuller, at Bath, and pursued his studies in the medical schools of New York and Philadelphia; received his diploma from the Jefferson Medical School of Philadelphia in the spring of 1861. Spent the following year in the clinic schools and hospitals of Paris and London. On returning, he entered the Hospital Department at Washington, D. C., as Surgeon, and was engaged in hospital and transport duty until the summer of 1864. During this summer, he was engaged in the transportation of wounded men from the battle-fields of Eastern Virginia, in Gen. Grant's campaign with the Army of the Potomac, and as executive officer of the hospital steamer Connecticut; superintended the removal of 14,000 wounded men to the hospitals at Washington and Alexandria during a period of six weeks. The severe labor and exposure attending this work having brought on entire nervous prostration, he left the service and, on recovery, settled as a practitioner in Hamilton Co., Ohio, in the year 1866.In the following year, was married to Hannah Appleton Cranch, daughter of John and Charlotte (Appleton) Cranch, and grand-daughter of Judge William Cranch, of Washington, D. C. In the year 1870, while still engaged in the successful practice of medicine, he was elected to the Professorship of Natural Science in the Urbana University. In 1874, with Rev. Theo. N. Glover, he was one of the founders of the "Ohio Scientific Association." His published works are an essay on the "Spiritual Nature of Force," a translation from the French of Emile Saigey's " Unity of Natural Phenomena," with notes, and a number of scientific papers in the proceeding of the Central Ohio Scientific Association.
DR. ADAM MOSGROVE (deceased). The progress, growth, development and present prosperity of Champaign County are unquestionably due to the enterprise, energy and foresight of her pioneers, Ad few of this class are more kindly remembered than the old physician whose name stands at the head of this sketch. He was born at Enniskillen, in the County Tyrone, Ireland, Aug. 12, 1790, and at a proper age was entrusted to a private tutor, who gave him a good English education, and prepared him to attend a regular course of studies in the medical college at Edinburgh, Scotland, from whence he entered the Royal College of Surgeons at Dublin, Ireland, graduating on the 7th day of April, 1814, and was immediately commissioned as a Surgeon in the British navy. While in his native land he passed the various degrees of Masonry, and at 26 years of age had attained the rank of Royal Arch Mason ; throughout his life he was an active, devoted and consistent member of this fraternity, and held high rank in the order; he left his home in Ireland on Easter Monday, 1816, being Surgeon on board the ship Charlotte, which sailed for the United States; when off the American coast the Charlotte became disabled in a storm and put into the Philadelphia harbor for repairs, but, a dispute having arisen between the ship's officers and the British Government, the officers resigned their commissions and left the vessel in the harbor, where it remained until decay gave it completely to destruction. Dr. Mosgrove was then in a strange land, one that was new, rough and semi-barbarous; but, with a fortune of seventy guineas, which was premium money given him at the beginning of the cruise, he started West to begin the battle of life; he first located at Lancaster, Penn., removing thence to Elizabethtown, in the same State, in both of which he practiced medicine. In 1817, he was married at the latter place to Mary Miller, a sister of the late Lawrence Miller, of Urbana, Ohio. In some way, Dr. Mosgrove heard of George Moore, formerly a well-known citizen of Urbana, now deceased, who was born in the Doctor's native town, and had settled in this county at an early day. The ties of nativity were sufficiently strong to attract. Dr. Mosgove to the home of his old friend, and in 1818,
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he packed his possessions in a wagon, and, with his wife, trudged away to the far West, arriving at Urbana in the latter part of June. There are, perhaps, not a half-dozen persons now living in Urbana who were here at that time, and but two who were then over 18 years of age, the balance having long since been laid in their last earthly home; and in a few short years at most all will have passed away, leaving none to tell of the trials and hardships cheerfully endured that their posterity might reap the blessings which they now enjoy. Soon after arriving at Urbana, Dr. Mosgrove invested the few hundred dollars which then constituted his wealth, in land, and this was the nucleus around which the fortune possessed at the time of his death was slowly accumulated. The little old frame house still standing west of the Weaver House was purchased, with the tier of lots west to Walnut and south to Market streets; that small frame was his residence and office until the new residence was built on the northwest corner of the same property where he resided until his death. Politically, he was a strict Democrat all his life, and was nominated by his party several times for Congress and State Senate, but, the opposition having an overwhelming majority in the township, county and district, it was never anticipated that an election was possible. The only political office he ever held was Deputy United States Marshal in 1830, in which year he took the census of Champaign County. His wife died in March, 1833, and, in 1834, he was married to Frances A. Foley, a daughter of John Foley, a prominent citizen of Clark County, Ohio. Of his children now living are John A. Mosgrove, the eldest son, and Dr. James M. Mosgrove, the youngest son, the latter a leading physician of Urbana; Col. W. F. Mosgrove, the second son, died here in 1869, and all were the children of his first wife. Dr. Mosgrove was well known in a circuit of 100 miles in diameter, while his professional services were frequently demanded beyond that limit. For a number of years he practiced alone, but afterward became associated with Dr. J. S. Carter, Sr., who died in 1852, and their extensive practice was continued for many years.- In those early days, physicians made their calls on horseback, and the Doctor, being noted as a splendid horseman, rather enjoyed the long, rough trips over the country, and sometimes he would hitch his horse in the woods at night rather than unduly tire his favored animal, taking his own needed sleep on the ground. Strong and robust, a picture of perfect health, and possessed of a kind, affectionate disposition, his coming was hailed with delight by the sick, who confided in his professional ability, and by those in health, to whom he imparted a share of his own good humor. He was temperate in all things, and never given to the drinking of ardent spirits even at a day when custom almost demanded it. Indomitable courage and industry were remarkable traits of his character, and whatever he undertook to accomplish be perseveringly pursued with all the energy of a strong nature, and he was generally successful in his undertakings; no storm, no event, nothing, ever prevented his regular visitation of patients, and no obstacle could successfully intervene between him and his professional duty. His charity to the afflicted poor is well known throughout the county, as he was ever ready and willing to do as much for his poorest patient, where there could be no expectation of pay for his services, as for the wealthiest patient in his circuit, and this noble generosity in his profession endeared him to the poorer classes, and won him hosts of the warmest friends, who still kindly cherish his memory. A strongly defined sense of honor and the excellencies of old-style manners were features of character that marked him clearly as a courteous gentleman, a hearty friend and boon companion. Dr. Mosgrove was a hale, hearty and well-preserved old gentleman, and looked much younger than his actual age, until some ten years previous to his death, at which time he met with an accident, by which one of his limbs was broken, and from that day he began to decline. He lived an active, steady and consistent life, and died quietly and peacefully at his home Wednesday, March 10, 1875, in his 85th year, his wife surviving him and dying September 1, 1879, aged 60. Dr. Mosgrove had long been a worthy member of the Episcopal Church, and the funeral sermon was delivered by the Pastor of that denomination in this city, the Rev. J. B. Britton, the interment being conducted by Raper Commandery, Knights Templar, in the presence of a large concourse of people who had
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assembled to pay the last tribute of respect to their old and worthy friend and physician. In the death of Dr. Adam Mosgrove, the medical profession of Champaign ' Cowy lost one of its oldest and most energetic members, having been actively engaged in the duties of his profession for more than half a century. As a physician, he was kind and sympathetic, diligent in his attention to the sick and solicitous for their recovery, inspiring them with hope, and a confidence in his ability to effect a speedy cure. He enjoyed the unlimited confidence and respect of a large patronage; and, as a man and citizen, was without reproach in all the relations of life. In reviewing the life and character of Dr. Mosgrove, we find in his constant devotion to his profession, in his high-toned morality, sterling integrity and unpretending simplicity, a bright example for the imitation of those who survive him. We feel that not only did the profession lose an old and useful member, but the community a worthy citizen, the poor a kind and generous friend, and the family an affectionate and loving protector.
JAMES M. MOSGROVE, physician, Urbana. Dr. Mosgrove was born in Urbana in 1825, and is a son of Adam Mosgrove, M. D. He received his early training in the common schools of that day, and subsequently read medicine with his father and gradu ated from the Ohio Medical College in the spring of 1846. He immediately commenced the practice of his profession with his father, and has ever since been actively engaged in practice here in Urbana, where be has secured a deserved reputation and extensive practice; has never been married; is a member of the Masonic Order, a popular physician and esteemed citizen.
SAMUEL M. MOSGROVE, M. D., physician, Urbana. Dr. Mosgrove is one of the young professional men of Urbana. His ancestors were among the early settlers of this county, and the family have been identified with the interests of this county since 1818. He is the son of John A. Mosgrove, and was born in Urbana Aug. 4, 1851 ; he was educated at the Urbana school, and when 18 years of age he commenced reading medicine with his uncle and grandfather, and subsequently graduated at the Miami Medical College of Cincinnati, and also graduated at Bellevue Hospital Medical College. He commenced the practice of his profession in Urbana, in 1873, and has already earned a reputation as a first-class physician. He is Coroner of Champaign County and Surgeon of the 7th O. N. G. He is a member of the Masonic Order and also of the Independent Order of Red Men.
CHARLES H. MURPHEY, nurseryman and florist, Urbana ; was born in Kirkcudbrightshire, Scotland, Jan. 12, 1818, and is a son of Peter and Ellen (Harris) Murphey; both died in Scotland, he in the year 1870, and she in 1875. Charles grew to manhood in his native land, and received some education. When about 20 years of age, he went to England ; after spending one year, took passage for the "Western Continent," landing in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he remained nearly ten years, when he removed to Urbana, where he still resides. Charles and his brother Roger came to America to start in life among strangers and in a strange land, and the one to whom this sketch is dedicated has by economy and close application to hard labor saved suf ficient means to purchase his present beautiful home. When he arrived in Cincinnati, he was compelled to pawn his watch in order to pay his board until employment was obtained. He therefore started from the bottom of the ladder and feels that there is a chance for all who make the attempt, to rise above want. His dealings have been such as to gain the confidence of the people, and now does a favorable business. His marriage was celebrated March 24, 1852, with Sophia B., daughter of George C. and Eve Lang, who was born Dec. 13, 1832, in Germany, and came to America with her parents in 1844. Their children were five boys and one daughter.
JAMES R. NELSON, deceased. As we well know, generations are rising and passing unmarked away. We here place upon record the following of James R. Nelson He was born in Baltimore, Md., Aug. 8, 1815, where he was raised and educated to the age of 14 years, when he entered the drug store of his uncle, Jarob Kauffmar, at Canto, Ohio. There he applied himself closely in business and soon understood what
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duties rested upon him, and how to fill them successfully. In 1836, he and his uncle located in Urbana and associated in business, starting the second drug store in the place ; this soon became the standard one, and during the late war erected the block on the northeast corner of Public Square and Main street, opening out their complete stock of drugs and druggists' sundries. Through their upright and honest business habits they enjoyed a liberal patronage throughout their business career. Jacob Kauffman died in April, 1874; his interest was then purchased by W. H. Colwell, the firm being Nelson & Colwell, who conducted the business until the death of Mr. Nelson, May 13, 1879. He was a man, as well as his partner, identified in many of the public interests of the city, and died a much-respected citizen; leaving a wife, one child (a son) and many warm friends. His marriage was celebrated Dec. 31, 1857, with Miss Mary B. Sisson, a native of Columbus, Ohio.
JAMES K. NEWCOMER, the present enterprising editor and proprietor of the Champaign Democrat, was born in Fayette Co., Penn., Aug. 10, 1833, and, in 1837, his parents moved to Ohio, locating in Holmes Co., where they remained until the spring of 1844, when they removed to the western part of Lucas, now Fulton. Co., Ohio, and there James K. aided in clearing up a farm, where the present county seat, Wauseon, was afterward located. With only such advantages as a primitive common school afforded, young Newcomer, at the age of 18, apprenticed himself to the printing business in the office of the Fulton Democrat, then published at Delta, Ohio; he subsequently published the Delta Independent, and, in 1857, was elected Recorder of Fulton Co. by a majority of seventeen, while the opposition had a majority on their State ticket of about three hundred. After the expiration of his official term, he purchased the Ottawa Democrat, of Port Clinton, Ohio, which he conducted until the fall of 1864, when he returned to Fulton Co. and engaged in the dry-goods trade at Wauseon, in the meantime joining his father in making an addition to that town. In 1863, he was nominated by the Democratic State Convention for the office of Comptroller of the Treasury, but, with the balance of the ticket, except Hon. William Allen for Governor, was defeated; in 1864, be was appointed by Gov. Allen a Trustee of the Girls' Industrial Home. In 1867, Mr. Newcomer was a candidate for a seat in the State Legislature, but was unsuccessful at the election ; he was one of the Clerks of the Ohio Senate in the sessions of 1868 and 1869, and, at a special election to fill a vacancy in the Senate of that legislative term, was nominated for State Senator in the Toledo District. In the summer of 1869, Mr. Newcomer purchased the Constitution, at Elyria, Ohio, which he published until October, 1870, when he bought the Democratic Mirror, of Marion, Ohio, and built up a good business, and made it a popular paper; he continued the publication of that paper until the fall of 1878, and, the following spring, came to Urbana and purchased the office of the Democratic sheet of this city, and is now engaged in publishing the Champaign Democrat. He was married in 1858; his wife died in 1864, leaving two daughters, and, in 1871, he was again married, of which union two children have been born, one of whom is living. On reaching his majority, Mr. Newcomer was made a Mason, and has ever since been an ardent member of that order; politically, he is widely known as one of the most uncompromising Democrats in Ohio, and has always been bitterly opposed to every law or measure which he believed to be contrary to the Constitution and the spirit of Democracy, and therefore baneful to the interests and welfare of the nation. In the time of political excitements, be will always be found wherever the fight is the hottest and his services are most needed ; he is a man of stability of character and well-formed views on most subjects; an agreeable and pleasant companion, who has won many stanch friends among the citizens of "Old Champaign " since locating in Urbana.
ORVILLE NOBLE, retired, Urbana; was born Jan. 2, 1821, in Hampden Co., Mass., where he was raised and educated. On Nov. 25, 1848, he married Miss Caroline A. Bates; remaining in his native county, where he continued the profession of teaching a few years. In 1856, they located where we now write (Urbana). In this
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city they have since resided, and his first engagement was the cultivation of garden seeds of all descriptions, which he circulated from the "great northern lakes," south to Alabama. This business he conducted successfully for a period of thirteen years, then engaged in the brokerage business, conducting the same more or less since. Having become favorably known by the citizens of Champaign Co., be was elected to his present office, Director of County Infirmary, in 1877 ; one year later he was elected Director of the Citizens' National Bank of Urbana, of which he is a stockholder. He is located on South Main street, possessing everything that constitutes a neat and comfortable home, which is kept in good style. He has one daughter, Mary B., who is an accomplished young lady. Mrs. Noble was- born in Hampshire Co., Mass., in 1821; was mostly raised in Hampden County, where she was educated.
BARTON O'NEAL, of the firm of Colwell & O'Neal, dealers in lumber, shingles, lath, etc., Urbane. He was born Jan. 5, 1827, in Ross Co., Ohio, and is a son of Samuel and Martha (Cowgill) O'Neal, both natives of Ross Co., Ohio, where they grew up to maturity and married. In 1851, they moved to Hardin Co., Ohio, and three years later they became residents of McLean Co., Ill., where Martha died, in 1860, and Samuel in 1864. Our subject is the second of a family of eight children; he was raised to farm life, and in 1846, married Miss Elizabeth Moots. In 1852, they located in West Liberty. Logan Co., Ohio, and December, 1861, in Urbana, where Mrs. O'Neal died, in 1863. She was a native of Ross Co., Ohio; and left five children and a husband; the latter married Emma E. Strayer, a native of Logan Co., Ohio. After settling in Urbana, he was engaged in saw-milling and lumber dealing until 1867, when he purchased a mill, and since has had a pecuniary interest in the business. In March, 1877, he sold his mill and formed the partnership of Sayman, Colwell & O'Neal, which association conducted business until the death of Mr. Sayman, Sept. 23, 1879, since which the firm has been as already indicated. Mention is made of this firm in the sketch of C. F. Colwell, in this history.
J. S. PARKER, hardware clerk, Urbana ; is a son of Thomas Parker, who was born in New Jersey in 1800, where he grew to manhood and learned the blacksmith trade ; served as apprentice seven years, and in 1820, walked through to this county, where he set up shop at what is now Kingston. He married Miss Margaret Stephenson, a native of Virginia, born in 1802, who came to Ohio with her parents about 1813. Thomas and wife spent most of their life in this county ; a few years were passed in Hardin County, where he died, in 1868. His wife now survives, at nearly four-score years of age. Their children were ten in number, of whom J. S. is one of the only two survivors. He was born in Champaign County Oct. 7, 1835 ; was brought up and educated in this county; where he resided until the late rebellion, when he enlisted in Co. B, 118th O. V. I., August, 1862, serving three years; passing through all the promotions to Captain of the company in which he enlisted, participating in the battles of Resaca, Lost Mountain, Kenesaw Mountain, Atlanta, Franklin, Nashville and others; was one among a few fortunate ones who returned home uninjured. He married Mrs. John W. Taylor, of Champaign Co., Ohio, in 1866. Soon after engaged in the hardware store of Lemuel Weaver, where he is now engaged, and has a reputation as a reliable and attentive salesman.
J. HARRIS PATRICK, retired merchant, and President of the Western Mutual Fire Insurance Co., Urbana. Mr. Patrick is a native of Urbana, and one of the most prominent of its old residents. The Patricks were among the early residents of the county seat, and have been identified with its growth and progress since 1811. The subject of this sketch is the son of Anthony Patrick, who emigrated to this State from Salem, N. J., about 1806. He first settled at Brookfield, Trumbull Co.; subsequently resided and worked at his trade, cabinet-making, at Cincinnati and elsewhere, until 1811, when he settled at Urbana, and remained until his decease. His wife, nee Mary Briggs, was horn at Mount Holly, N. J., her family being of Welsh descent. In consequence of the then new condition of this county, they could give their children
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but little means of education. J. Harris was "bound out" to Dr. Carter for eleven years when 10 years of age, one condition of the indenture being that he should be edu cated for the medical profession. Having no taste for the practice of medicine, he obtained a release from Dr. Carter when 16 years of age, and subsequently learned the saddler's trade. After working as a journeyman a few years, be became a partner with John Hamilton, his former employer. In 1848, he, with a brother since deceased, opened a hardware store, and he continued as a merchant in that line until 1872, having in the meantime several different partners, most of whom were his own sons or sons in-law. and all of whom retired from the business in prosperous circumstances. In 1863, Mr. Patrick was elected to the presidency of the Western Mutual Insurance Co., and is now also Vice President of the Ohio Mutual Relief Association; he is also a stockholder and Director of the Champaign National Bank. Originally a Whig, he became a firm friend of the Republican party, and was a supporter of the war measures ; lost a son in one of the battles for the Union. A descendant of a family of Baptists, be is a member of that communion, and a main stay of that church in his native city. Having always taken an interest in local improvements, he is justly regarded as a useful, public-spirited citizen, and has been often called to fill public positions of trust and responsibility. Without capital, education or influential friends, he has worked his way to competence and influence by strict attention to business and unswerving integrity. Nov. 12, 1833, he married Miss Maria Atchison, of Madison Co., this State. From this union nine children have been born, only three of whom are now living, viz., Mary Ellen (wife of John S. Kirby), Emily (wife of Joseph C. Vance, grandson of ex-Gov. Vance, deceased, resident of Chattanooga, Tenn.), and Walter K., an office employe of the Ohio Relief Association.
HON. WILLIAM PATRICK.-There are few of Champaign's pioneers who have not long since been laid to rest with their fathers, but on the streets of Urbana may be often seen the venerable form of Judge William Patrick bending under the weight of years, a living link connecting the pioneer days of the county with its present wealth and prosperity. The family are of Irish origin, the great-grandfather of William, viz., John Fitzpatrick, being a native of Ireland, who carne to the American colonies about the middle of the seventeenth century, settling in New Jersey, where the grandfather of William, viz., Samuel Fitzpatrick, was born, and in whose generation the Norman Celtic prefix of "Fitz" was dropped from the name, much against the wishes and protest of his father. To Samuel was born a numerous family, Anthony Patrick, the father of the subject of this sketch, being one of the number. Samuel and one of his sons served in the Revolutionary war, risking their lives that freedom might live, and exhibiting that same devotion for liberty that has characterized the Irish race in every age and clime. Anthony Patrick was born and grew up to manhood in New Jersey, and there married Mary Briggs, to whom were born seven children, William being the eldest in the family. He was born in New Jersey Sept. 23, 1796, and, in 1806, his parents moved with the family to Trumbull Co., Ohio, where they remained about five years, removing to Champaign Co. Aug. 9, 1811, locating at Urbana, which was then a frontier village, and here his parents remained until death, dying as they had lived, firm adherents of the Baptist faith. Shortly after coming to Urbana, William attained his 15th year, and, on the breaking out of the war of 1812, although but a lad, he volunteered in defense of his country to fight the same old foe of liberty which his ancestors had been battling against for centuries. In May, 1813, he belonged to the corps that relieved the beleaguered garrison of Ft. Meigs, and at the close of the war was second in command in charge of that fort. His father being a cabinet-maker, William learned that trade and went into business with his father, which occupation he followed actively and successfully until 1857, at which time he retired from active business in favor of his sons, who still continue to carry on the furniture trade in Urbana. His advantages for an education in his boyhood days were very limited, but those that existed he readily embraced, attending the common subscription school a, much as circumstances would permit, thereby obtaining a fair English education. He was married April 30, 1820,
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in Urbana, to Rachel Kirkpatrick, a native of Pennsylvania, born in December, 1795. Seven children were the fruits of this union, four of whom are yet living, viz., three sons-E. B., W. R. and Alexander-and one daughter-Mary Ames, who is the wife of John B. Happersett, the boot and shoe merchant of Urbana. For the space of nearly half a century, Judge Patrick enjoyed the companionship of his faithful wife, but on the 21st day of August, 1865, death claimed her as its victim, leaving a void in the household and heart of her companion that has never been filled. Mrs. Patrick was a faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and died with a strong and abiding faith in a blissful immortality. Judge Patrick has been in official position nearly all his life, and as early as 1819 was appointed Township Clerk of Urbana Township, and was re-elected to the same position thirty-two consecutive years. From 1824 to 1830, he was Commissioner of Insolvents ; in 1831, was elected Justice of the Peace for Urbana Township, and re-elected five times, holding that office until it was superseded by the Associate Judgeship in 1848, which he occupied until 1852. In 1841, he was elected Mayor of Urbana ; served one year, and declined a re-election. In 1859, he was again elected Mayor, and re-elected six times consecutively, at last declining to be a candidate for the office. During his mayoralty, he was also Justice of the Peace, which position he held for two years after his term as Mayor expired. In 1875, although not soliciting the honor, he was again elected Justice of the Peace, and re-elected in 1878, which position he now holds. Besides those mentioned, he has held many minor offices, such as Assessor, Recorder, etc., and was a member of the Council one year. Of his father's family, but three are now living, viz., himself, John B. and J. H. Patrick. Judge Patrick has been a life-long member of the Baptist Church, and in his younger days was a Whig and afterward a Republican, but was always independent in his views on political subjects, and never a partisan. During the rebellion, he was an outspoken Unionist, and advocated the vigorous prosecution of the war. We are glad to be able to place before our readers the record of a man who, in every capacity, has exhibited such unswerving rectitude and integrity of character as this old pioneer in his long years of usefulness, and few men of Champaign Co. are more widely known or more universally respected for the many traits of heart and mind which it is his fortune to possess.
H. C. PEARCE, JR., M. D., Urbana. Dr. Pearce was born in Champaign Co., in Union Township, in 1833, and is the son of H. C. Pearce, Sr. He received a common-school education, and then read medicine, first with Dr. Carter, and afterward with Prof. Dawson, and graduated at Starling Medical College in 1857. He commenced practice at Mutual, in this county, but removed to Urbana in 1863, where he has since remained, and has practiced in this county nearly a quarter of a century. He was Professor of Physiology and Histology in Starling Medical College for eight years, and is now, and has been for the past five years' a member of the Faculty of the Columbus Medical College, of which he is one of the founders and Trustees. He has been for many years a member of the Urbana School Board. He was married in 1853, to Sarah J. Morgan, of Mt. Vernon; she died April 22, 1872. On the 17th of June, 1873, he married Binnie A., daughter of William Keller, an old resident of Urbana, a Justice of the Peace and Mayor of the city. He had four children by his first marriage Mrs. George E. Lee, of Piqua. Miss Laura Etta, Charles and Henry, and by his second marriage two sons-Willie and Frank.
JACOB PENCE, farmer; P. O. Urbana. Jacob Pence, Sr., was married to Miss Maria Coffman, in Shenandoah Co., Va., and came to the farm where our subject now lives, in 1805. This was afterward entered by him, and considerably improved. He built the first cabin near Mad River, and had many Indian neighbors. Jacob, Jr., had for playmates the young Indians, with whom he frequently went hunting. Life was of the free and easy sort, money was scarce, and so was food. The Indians made a great many baskets of ash wood, which was considered legal tender for anything to eat. Corn was frequently sold for 6 1/4 cents per bushel, on nine months' time. Money was almost
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impossible to get, and the pioneers had to help each other raise their cabins, cut and roll their logs, and assist in many other things. The Indians were friendly, but if when visiting the settlers they saw anything they wanted, they would give a grunt or two, quietly appropriate it, and walk away. Perhaps in a few days the Indian would come walking in with a fine piece of venison, which would be deposited with the same kind of a grant. The children of Jacob and Maria were nine in number, only two of whom are now living; our subject and his sister, Ann Albin, who lives in Tremont, Clark Co. The most wonderful thing connected with the Pence family was, that the parents of Jacob, Sr., Henry and Mary Pence, had seventeen children, all of whom lived to adult age, and all but two came to this county. Jacob, Sr., died in June, 1828, and his wife in February, 1815. The rand was left to the four children, which was afterward purchased by Jacob, Jr. He was married to Miss Sarah Dugan Sept. 15, 1833. They were parents of two sons and nine daughters. The sons, John and Clay, enlisted during the war of the rebellion, and their lives were both offered at their country's shrine. They never again saw their loved home, and the sad hearts of the parents can never feel at ease when thinking of their untimely end. Six of the daughters are married. and live in Ohio. Mr. Pence is a very prosperous farmer, and has a splendid home-like place, with a model housekeeper for a wife. He is cue of the quiet. unassuming men, who think deeply and act correctly. The children living are named Diary A., Elizabeth J., Eliza A., Sarah J., Nancy M., Maggie, Emma, Ida and Lucinda.
JOSEPH PENCE, farmer; P. O. Urbana The Pence family are largely represented, as the remote ancestry came to this county at an early date, and their descendants have been connected with its interests from its earliest history ; the primeval forests have been converted into well-tilled fields, and the log cabins have given way to the modern farmhouses, during the last half century; this has all been accomplished during the time of the second generation, and still some of the pioneers live to see the wondrous works their hands have wrought. The father of Joseph Pence, Jr., was one of the first pioneers who came to the wild woods of Ohio; he settled here in 1802; he entered a section of land, the homestead being that now owned by Joseph; his first cabin was erected in the yard south of the substantial brick residence now gracing the farm; he returned to his native State, Virginia, for his wife, Miss Magdalena Coffman, to whom he was married in 1803; their wedding trip was the journey from her father's house to the forest home, that was still the abode of wild animals and the Indian; his nearest neighbor was a man by the name of Sherry; their nearest trading-point was Upper Sandusky, where they went for their scant supplies of coffee, sugar, etc.; they toiled early and late, clearing up the land and living on meager fare until the breaking out of the Indian war of 1812, when Joseph was drafted, and served under Gen. Harrison a short time; he hired a substitute, war not being congenial to his nature. Their life was full of hardships, and their children (nine in number) all learned to work, and were of great assistance in clearing up the land; five of these children are now living-Maria Fleming, Eliza Newell, Matilda Bell, Jane Bull and our subject. The Pence family were an enterprising people, and to this day they enjoy a reputation equal to any in the country; he gave each of his children a good farm, and left behind an honorable record as a gentleman and upright business man; his death occurred in July, 1855, and his wife's in January, 1874. Joseph, Jr., wedded Miss Jane Sifers in 1858 ; she was a native of Ohio; her parents also represent early settlers, but they are long since dead. Joseph and his wife have been parents of five children, of whom Effie and Harry are living; the old home is still graced by their presence, and a happy family are within its walls. Mr. Pence is a jolly host, and his wife is a fit companion for such a man; their name will live in the history of this county, as long as time shall last, as being not only pioneers, but reputable and worthy citizens as well.
PHILANDER R. POWELL. farmer; P. O. Urbana. Among the prominent families in this township may be mentioned the Powells, whose arrival dates back early in the history of the county, while an almost unbroken wilderness, when nothing but
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log cabins;-with their wooden chimneys, were to be seen, and wild game was plentiful; the parents of our subject settled near where he now lives, about 1808 ; they were full of enterprise, and worked with a will to make a home in the new Northwest-and well did they succeed; little did they dream of seeing this country developed as it is to-day, with our beautiful fields stretching far away in the distance, covered with immense harvests, that was then only a dense forest. Abram Powell and Mary Osborne were married Oct. 14, 1818, and had eleven children; only four sons are now living;-Samuel, James M., Abraham C. and Philander R.; Abram was Wagonmaster during the war of 1812, and did efficient service; he was born March 2, 1789, and is still living, at the ripe old age of 91, and has, until latterly, been characterized by great activity and industry; his wife died in 1872, aged 73 years; the old gentleman makes his home with his son, Abram C., within sight of the place where he has toiled so many years. Philander was married, Feb. 26, 1861, to Miss Minerva S., daughter of Demovil and Sarah (Snider) Talbert; Mr;. Talbert was carried on horseback all the way from Virginia, when only 6 months old; Demovil was born in Concord Township, and always lived in this county, with the exception of a few months spent in Iowa; they had nine children, five of whom are living-Joseph, Elizabeth, Minerva, Eliza and William B. The husband of Minerva, Philander R. Powell, is one of our prosperous farmers living near Urbana; one of the coziest homes in the county is the elegant farm residence so ably presided over by Mrs Minerva Powell, who is a model hostess, and her courtesy well defines the Kenton blood that flows through her veins. They have no children, but are happy in each other's love.
SAMUEL S. POWELL, farmer; P. O. Urbana. The entire family bearing the name of Powell are represented in this history, and none, perhaps, in the county can show a better record for honor and gentility than the three sons named. Samuel was born in this township July 4, 1819, and during his long life has lived near his present home. His father was a wonderfully energetic man, and kept his boys at work to the neglect of their education. Correct habits were inculcated, forming the basis of substantial characters, which show prominently in those who now represent the pioneers. Samuel remembers well when the little clearings were tilled with wooden plows, and when there was no market for what little produce was raised. His stories of early times are characteristic of the way in which families who had no money could get along. Pewter dishes were used, to prevent breakage, and the food was of the plainest sort. There were only two stores in Urbana when Samuel was a boy, and the goods were carted from Cincinnati, talking nine days to make the trip. He remembers when wheat was sold for 30 cents per bushel. Threshing was done in a very primitive manner ; tramping it out on the ground, and afterward cleaning it on a sheet. Improvements were introduced, until now we have our harvesting and threshing done by machinery. Wages were very low, and it is surprising to think how the early settlers, with families, could work at wages ranging from 10 to 25 cents per day, and support a family and then save money enough to buy a farm, even at the low price of 82 to $4 per acre. Samuel was married Oct. 22, 1846, and, in the following month, moved to this farm. His wife's maiden name was Eliza A. Showers. Their children were fifteen in number, o1 whom six are now living, four sons and two daughters, named, respectively, George, W., James A., Lincoln; Charles F., Fanny A. and Amanda J. The three oldest sons are married. Mrs. Powell died Sept. 15, 1878, after living a long and useful life. She was the comforter and an earnest helper in every trial and enterprise, a loving mother and a wife of whom any man could feel proud. In 1880, May 14, Mr. Powell was again married to Mrs. Elizabeth Houtz, of Urbana. She was the mother of seven children. Of the reputation of Mr. Powell, nothing need be said. His record left to his children will be such as they will feel proud of, and the world will be the better for his having lived in it. His industry has made him wealthy, and he has a model farm.
ABRAHAM C. POWELL, farmer ; P. O. Urbana. We have given in the sketch of Philander h. Powell a brief notice of his father's life and early settlement in this
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county. Being now far advanced in years, he has retired from active business, and is passing the remainder of his days in quietness at the home of his son, whose name heads this sketch. His boyhood was passed on the farm, and his education was obtained at the common schools. The other children have been spoken of in connection with Philander R. Powell's biography. Abraham, Jr., was wedded to Miss Elizabeth A. Goodrich May 8, 1861. She was a native of Virginia. Her parents, James Goodrich and Elizabeth Ogle, were married Jan. 26, 1815. He was born in 1782; she in 1792. James was a soldier during the war of 1812, and endured great hardships during his term of service. He was under command of Gen. Harrison at Ft. Meigs, and his accouterments are still in possession of the family. Mr. and Mrs. Powell are parents of two children-William Osborne and Albert Goodrich. Albert has a great liking for the farm, and will, no doubt, follow in the footsteps of his father. William was killed by accident in his 11th year. The farm that was settled upon first by his father, in 1808, is now the property of our subject. He was in the battle in which Tecumseh was killed, being near him when he fell. His home is made happy and pleasant by his children, who do all for his comfort that is possible. Our old pioneers are nearly all gone, but we are pleased to still take by the hand a few who have done so much to make this beautiful country what it is. Abram Powell, Jr., was born Nov. 4, 1830; his wife, Elizabeth A. Goodrich, Dec. 29, 1833.
THOMAS B. PRICE, farmer; P. O. Urbana. Among the leading farmers of Urbana Township we mention the name of Thomas B. Price, who is a son of Joel and Elizabeth (Brown) Price, both born in Pennsylvania, he in 1791, and she one year previous. They married in their native State, where they lived their entire life. He died in 1864, and she in 1876. Joel was a prominent farmer, and the father of eight children, of whom six are now living, our subject being the fourth, and was born in Fayette Co., Penn., in 1824. There he grew to manhood on the farm, assisting his father, received his education, and, in the year 1850, married Margaret A Craft. The same year, he moved to Ohio, locating on the farm he now owns in Urbana Township, Champaign Co. At that time it belonged to his father. Of this farm it can be truly said it is a good location, fine land, well improved and conducted by an enterprising farmer, who is a genial and Christian father. His wife died in the spring of 1854, leaving two children-Mary and George the latter now deceased. Mr. Price married for his second wife, in 1856, Amanda E. Talbot; the issue of this union is four- children-Charles, Jennie, S. Ella and John T., the eldest now deceased. The parents of his first wife were George and Eliza (Workman) Craft, both natives of Pennsylvania, where they remained until quite old; then located in Knox Co., Ohio, where they both died, he having been a patriot in the war of 1812, and had been prominently identified is all the public interests of his native county in Pennsylvania. The parents of the second wife were John and Lucy (Bowen) Talbot, both natives of Virginia, but came to Greene Co., Ohio, about 1840, where they both died at an advanced age. Thomas B. and family have for many years been consistent members of the First M. E. Church of Urbana.
JAMES RAWLINGS, retired farmer, Urbana. For more than a half-century Mr. Rawlings has been identified with the business interests of this county, and has been one of those whose labors have been crowned with financial success. His life has ever been characterized by an earnestness in his business that makes a success of life in its many phases. His parents, Thomas and Marv Triby, were married in Loudoun Co., Va., from which State they emigrated to Fleming Co., Ky., as early as 1795. Their children were named Elizabeth, William S., Barbara, Melinda, James, Sarah, Austin and John E. Five of these came to Ohio and settled in this county. William came in advance of the others, settling on the land adjoining that which is now the home farm of our subject. His arrival dates back to 1814. James came in 182'3, and the others at later dates, all being unmarried when first. coming. The marriage of James to Miss Susannah I. McRoberts was celebrated in 1829, and soon after his first.
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purchase of land was made. The farms in this neighborhood skirted the tract known as Pretty Prairie, and were at an early day overrun with brush, instead of the heavy woodlands that covered most of the county. Mr. Rawlings has made nearly all the improvements on the farm. Ile is one of the self-made men of this county, having commenced life with a very small capital, but economy, backed by judicious investments, has brought its reward, and for the past thirty years he has been a prominent money loaner, having disposed of most of his land, and he has for a number of years made his home with his son-in-law, J. P. Knight. The children of Mr. Rawlings are six in number-William J. W., Mary M., Jane E., Thomas, James H. and Douglas W. William is the husband of Miss Elsetta Mumper ; Mary M. wedded Thomas M. Todd ; Jane E. is the wife of John P. Knight; Thomas married Emily Humes; James H. married Laura Townley, and Douglas W. married her sister, Alice Townley. All are living near the old home, and are numbered among the successful business men of Champaign County. There is surely no more pleasant part of Ohio than the immediate neighborhood in which Mr. Rawlings resides, and the fine improvements made by the energetic farmers present a strange contrast to the wild woods and log cabins of those who first settled the country, of whom numerous descendants are left that represent their name. Mrs. Rawlings died May 2, 1849, leaving behind a record of a pure and stainless life. In 1864 Mr. Rawlings was again married, to Mrs. Jane Osborne. whose death occurred February 25, 1865. The father of our subject, Thomas Rawlings, was born in 1758, and died in 1839. James was born in 1803, and his wife, Susannah, in 1810. The record made by Mr. Rawlings should ever be a source of pride to his children, and his memory cherished as a sacred gift. James H. and D. W. Rawlings were both soldiers in the war of the rebellion, and served with honor in Co. "G," 134th O.V.I.
James H. Rawlings is the third son of our subject, and is in every way worthy of having a biography follow the history of his father's family. He is a substantial farmer, living near the farm upon which be was born and raised, and inherits his father's enterprise and industry. His wedding was celebrated in May, 1865, he leading to the marriage altar Miss Laura Townley, of Wyandot County. She represents the Hedge family, one of the pioneers in the county, her father, Gilbert C. Townley, being a Methodist minister, belonging to the Cincinnati Conference. James and his wife have five children-Frank T., Irby E., Emily H., Edmund B. and Gilbert. The father of Mrs. Rawlings was a native of New York ; his death occurred in November, 1854. Her mother resides with her daughter Alice, the wife of D. W. Rawlings, of Clark County. Mrs. Laura Rawlings was born April 12, 1846.
William J. W. Rawlings is also a farmer, and in completing the family history we incorporate the sketch of Mr. and Mrs. Rawlings with that of his father and brother, James H., which, with that of other members of the family, makes their genealogy almost complete to date from their grandfather's time. William is the eldest son, and was married in 1863, to Miss Elsetta Mumper. Their children are six in number Annie L., James D., Thomas C., Ralph and Ruelle (twins), and Warren. Mr. Rawlings is also a prominent farmer, and has inherited much of the sagacity of his father in business ventures. His home is one of the neatest in his neighborhood, and the well-tilled farm is a source of much revenue. Politically, the family are all Republicans, but are somewhat divided theologically. We are proud of such a record as this family possesses.
Thomas Rawlings is also engaged in agriculture. The sons all live near enough their father's home to hear his dinner r bell, and, without flattery, we can truly say, that their superiors for courtesy and hospitality cannot. be f' and in the county. Thomas Rawlings and Miss Emily Humes were married March 6, 1864. They have no children. Mrs. Rawlings' parents, Samuel and Mary A. Humes, are both natives of Virginia; they have lived for more than a half century in Union Township, and reared a family of ten children, of whom Sydney E., John S,. Nannie M., Samuel R., Emily, William A., Mary E. and Edwin K. survive. Then mother died in 1867. Mr . Emily
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Rawlings is an elegant lady, and is eminently fitted by birth and education to preside in the household of her husband.
JOSEPH A. REYNOLDS, retired, Urbana; is a native of Virginia, and was born in 1802. His father, Judge John Reynolds, removed with his family to Champaign County about the year 1807, and settled first in Mad River Township, but afterward became a resident of Urbana, and the most extensive merchant and stock-dealer of his day. He was a man of wonderful business capacity, remarkable for a strict sense of honor and integrity. Judge Reynolds was married, Nov. 9, 1797, to Jane Leman, and they had a family of eight children, of whom Joseph A. is the only surviving member. His ancestors were originally from Wales and Ireland, and at an early day settled in Pennsylvania, removing later to Maryland, on the Potomac near the now famous Antietam. Judge Reynolds died Dec. 21, 1855, and his wife followed him March 5, 1857. The subject of this sketch received rudimentary education in the common schools, and afterward attended college at Cincinnati. On the 12th of July, 1825, he married Mary P. Tiffin, a most excellent lady, and daughter of Edward Tiffin, the first Governor of Ohio. Mr. Reynolds was trained to mercantile business, but afterward turned his attention to agriculture. He at one time lived in Chillicothe, but for a number of years has been a retired citizen of Urbana. His amiable wife died July 1; 1862. They had but one child, also deceased. Mr. Reynolds still resides at the southwest corner of High and Reynolds streets.
WILLIAM RICHARDS, retired farmer ; P. O. Urbana. Very few men who arrive at the age of Mr. Richards can say they were born, reared and still live on the old homestead of their father. Mr. Richards is in his 69th year, and but for a slight attack of paralysis a short time ago, would still be as sprightly as many men at 40 years of age. His parents, Andrew Richards and Elizabeth Carter, were married in 1809, and were closely identified with the birth, growth and development of Champaign County. Andrew was a native of Virginia, afterward going to Kentucky, and subsequently coming to this county, where the three brothers, Andrew, Elijah and Josiah, were located on 400 acres in one body. They came here as early as 1806, when the forests swarmed with game, and the Mad River Valley was the Indian's favorite hunting ground. The first child beta to Andrew and his wife was a daughter, Melinda ; William was born March 1, 1812, and his father was a teamster during the Indian war commencing that year. The Indians often came to their house, but always seemed friendly, being great traders and always wanting to swap for something to eat. There were five children, of whom William is probably the only one living. His mother died first and Andrew, his father, in 1839. The marriage of William and Martha Powell was celebrated June 25, 1839, Rev. John C. Pearson officiating. They commenced housekeeping in the old home of his father. Sons and daughters, twelve in number, were born to them, but six only are living-Melinda, Ruth, Mary, Phoebe, Sarah P. and Emma G. They are all well settled in life; Emma, the youngest, being the only one unmarried. The family residence is a cozy, home-like place, neatly furnished. Peace and a sufficiency of everything that makes life desirable are to be found in this happy home. Mr. Richards has always been a successful business man, and during his long and useful life has retained the confidence and esteem of all with whom he has done business. His children should ever revere the memory of their parents who have done so much for them and provided so many comforts and luxuries for their benefit.
ROBERT E. ROBISON, farmer; P. O. Bowlesville. This gentleman is a native of Ohio, and was born in Warren Co. in 1821. His parents, Robert Robison and Elizabeth McMeen, were both natives of Pennsylvania, and were married in Lancaster Co., Ohio, about 1803. They were early settlers of Ohio, and their children, with the exception of Maria N., were born in Warren Co. They were nine in number-Jane T., John M., Grizella E., William P., Nancy D., Elizabeth H., Robert E. and James T. Three of these are living the two youngest sons and Maria. The parents died long ago. Robert has been a resident of Champaign Co. for thirty-four years, and has, since
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coming here, become one of the wealthy men of the neighborhood. He was married to Miss Nancy A. Todd, of Champaign Co., in 1844. Her parents came to Ohio from Pennsylvania in 1840, and settled on Buck Creek, where the Union Mills are located, Robert Robison, the father of our subject, was in the war of 1812. Robert E. also has a war record, being a volunteer in Co. G, 134th 0. V. I., serving as Captain of the company. He has three farms in this neighborhood, one of which is in Clark Co. Their children are eight in number, they having lost two. Those now living are named, respectively, Samuel T., Robert C., William A., Thomas C., Annie M., Nancy E., John E. and Carrie S. The three eldest sons are married, Samuel wedding Miss Clara Miller, Robert married Miss Matilda Rogers, and William Miss Mary, daughter of Newton and Elizabeth Hedges. Mr. Robison has an elegant farm residence, with a commanding view of the country on the south. He still manages the farm, which is highly cultivated and brings him a good income. He has made the greater portion of his money by his own industry, and his neighbors all speak of him in universal praise. .
JOHN D. ROCK, dry goods, Urbana. Mr. Rock is a native of Champaign Co., born in Urbana in 1831. He was trained to business in his youth, and, in 1850, entered the dry goods store of W. D. & C. McDonald, and continued in the same store with the different firms who succeeded one another until he became a partner with H. D. McDonald, with whom he is now associated. Their stock is complete and their business a continuance of the success which has attended their predecessors who have at different times owned and operated this old-established and reliable dry goods house. Thus it will be seen Mr. Rock is emphatically a self-made man, having, by close attention to business, passed up through all the stages from " store-boy " to proprietor of one of the principal business houses of Urbana. He is a member of the First Presbyterian Church, in which he is an Elder and active worker, and is now, and has been for the past fifteen years, Superintendent of the Sunday school connected with that church. He married, in 1854, Miss Mary N., daughter of Rev. David Merrill, who, at an early day, was for a number of years Pastor of the Presbyterian Church here. Mrs. Rock is also a native of this county and an esteemed member of the church. The issue of this union has been two children-Alice G. and William M.
DR. B. A. ROSE, dentist, Urbana. Among the leading dentists of the city of Urbana, we record the name of Dr. Rose, who was born in Guernsey Co., Ohio, in 1826. There he resided until about 16 years of age, and acquired his primary education, after which he located in Wheeling, W. Va., where be matured, and, in 1849-50, was employed as Superintendent of the bridge-work of the B. & O. Railroad across the North Branch of the Potomac River, which he conducted. Removed thence to Cumberland, where he commenced the study of dentistry under Dr. J. D. Davis, a well known and worthy dentist. He completed his studies, returned to his native county and formed a partnership with Dr. Burlin, and, in 1852, started on travels, which he continued until his location in Urbana, in 1856, where he has since been favorably known. He is located in the northeast corner of the public square, second floor. He has been twice married the first time in 1854 and the second time in 1865; to Miss Isabelle Fielding, of Lancaster, Ohio. One child was born by the first union and two by the second. All now survive.
GEORGE M. RUSSELL, of the firm of Russell Bros., dry goods, Urbana. Mr. Russell is a native of Virginia, born in Loudoun Co. in 1830; his parents, Aaron and Tamzon (Underwood) Russell, removed from Virginia to Ohio in 1833, and settled in Concord Township, this county, where the subject of this sketch grew to manhood. In the spring of 1854, he entered the store of A. Brown & Co. as clerk, and, one year later, he purchased an interest, and the firm became Brown & Russell ; in the fall of 1856, he went to Sidney, where, in connection with his brother, James M., be did business about eight years; he returned to Urbana in the spring of 1865, and became a partner with 0. T. Cundiff, who had established a store in 1S30, on the site of Russell Bros.' present establishment; this partnership lasted until 1871, 71, when Mr. Cundiff re-
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tired, and the present firm, composed of George M., James M. and William M. Russell, was formed; the success of this firm is noteworthy, as all were country boys, who began as clerks. George M. is the senior member, and a business man of energy, wisdom and experience, and the firm now ranks with the best in Urbana. Mr. Russell is a member of the First M. E. Church, of which he has been Treasurer and Secretary several years; he is also a member of the Masonic fraternity, and one of Urbana's most respected citizens. He married, in 1855, Miss Eliza J., daughter of O. T. Cundiff; their children are Fanny V. (now Mrs. T. J. Price), Clifford M., Floy B. and George C.
HON. JOHN RUSSELL, deceased; the subject of this memoir, was born in Concord Township, Champaign Co., Ohio, Sept. 22, 1827. He was the fourth son of Robert and Mary Russell, who emigrated to this county from Loudoun Co., Va., about the year 1818, and settled near the farm where John was born. During boyhood, John Russell worked on his father's firm, assisting his parents, to whom he was very much attached, with his older brothers. When quite young, he exhibited a breadth of intellect and of good common sense which marked him for future usefulness. He acquired a common-school education at the district school near his home. After arriving at sufficient age, he taught school in winter time, and, by industry and economy, saved means, so that, in the fall of 1849, he was enabled to enter the Ohio Wesleyan University, at Delaware, where he remained for two years, graduating in the scientific course ; then returned to his home, and soon after married Margaret M. Russell (who survives him), the daughter of Aaron and Tamzon Russell, and sister to Messrs. George M., James M. and William M. Russell, now prominent merchants of Urbana, and John M. Russell, attorney, and a prominent business man of that city. The two families, though of the same name, were not related. John Russell was a Christian boy, and at an early age united with the . Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he remained an efficient and worthy member until his death, exemplifying all the Christian graces in an eminent degree in all his relations of life. In 1854, without his solicitation, he was nominated and elected Clerk of the Court in his native county by the largest majority ever given to any candidate in the county. His ability, courtesy and integrity so commended him to the court, the bar and the people, that he was continued in this office for nine years. Soon after the expiration of his last term as Clerk, he was appointed Chief Clerk to the Secretary of State, and, upon the resignation of Hon. William Henry Smith as Secretary of State, Gov. Hayes appointed Mr. Russell to fill the vacancy. At the expiration of his term of office, he returned to Urbana, and was occupied in the office of W. W. Wilson, Esq., Collector of Internal Revenue for that district. In the fall of 1869, he was nominated by acclamation and elected Senator for the district, composed of the counties of Champaign, Clark and Madison, but before the meeting of the Legislature he was suddenly cut down by a stroke of paralysis, and died on the 16th of December, 1869, in the 43d year of his age. Mr. Russell was a man of the most abstemious habits. He was active in the support of the Government in the prosecution of the war to suppress the rebellion, and in him many a wounded soldier found a sympathizing friend and a liberal heart and hand. He was active and diligent in every good word and work. His rare capacity, unbounded integrity, uniform courtesy, coupled with his firm convictions of duty and his adherence to the right, caused him to be beloved in an eminent degree by all who knew him. At his death, the whole community joined in mourning his loss, and all the officers of the State met at Columbus and passed resolutions of deepest regret and highest eulogy upon his life and character, at which meeting Gov. Hayes, now President of the United States, presided. The officers of the State attended his funeral in a body, with Gov. Hayes at their head, who, on that occasion, united with the ministers of all the Christian Churches in giving his testimony to the many virtues and rare character of John Russell. Champaign County has produced many men of talent and distinction, but it has produced but few who equaled and none who excelled, in all the qualities of a truly useful Christian gentleman, the lamented subject of this brief sketch. His aged. mother and his esteemed widow are yet livings at and near Urbana, his mother being now
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over :10 years of age, having for a long life impressed her Christian character and noble womanhood upon her entire family and the neighborhood in which she lived.
JOHN M. RUSSELL, lawyer, son of Aaron and Tamzon Russell; was born in Concord Township, Champaign Co., Ohio, on the 31st day of October, A. D. 1839. Attended the schools in the neighborhood until the year 1856, when he entered the Urbana High School, where he remained about two years. In the month of September, A. D. 1858, he entered the Ohio Wesleyan University, at Delaware, Ohio. He remained at college about two years. During the years 1861 and 1862, he was employed as teacher in the Urbana Union Schools, and, while thus engaged; be commenced the study of the law with Levi Gerger, Esq. On the 27th day of May, 1862, he resigned his position as teacher and volunteered as a private in Company H, 86th O.V.I. Was appointed Orderly Sergeant of his company, and accompanied his regiment into Western Virginia about the 1st of June; 1862, where he shared the exposures, privations and hardships incident to the life of a soldier, until Sept. 15, 1862, when the regiment was ordered back to Delaware, Ohio, where the entire command was mustered out by reason of the expiration of the term of service. He then returned to Urbana and resumed the study of the law until Nov. 26, 1863, when he was appointed an acting Master's Mate in the United States Navy, and assigned to duty on board the United States steamer Gazelle, attached to the Mississippi squadron, under command of Admiral Porter. He participated in several naval engagements on the Lower Mississippi, and accompanied the naval expedition up Red River, in the spring of 1864. On the 27th day of January, A. D. 1865, he resigned his position in the navy and returned to Urbana, and continued the study of the law until the 24th day of March, 1865, when he was admitted to practice law in the Supreme Court of Ohio. On the 24th day of October, 1867, at Urbana, Ohio, he was married to Frances M. Cramer, granddaughter of the late Joel Read, of Champaign Co., being at that time engaged in the book trade, which he continued until the year 1872, when he sold out his mercantile interest and entered upon the practice of the law, which he has continued to the present time. He has an interesting family of four children-Josephine, aged 12 years; Grace, aged 9 years; Pauline Matilda, aged 6, and John Weldin, aged 3 years, respectively.
RUSSELL BROTHERS, Urbana, Champaign Co. The dry goods house of Russell Brothers dates its origin back to January, 1871, at which time it succeeded to the business of Cundiff & Russell, Oliver T. Cundiff, of the latter firm, having founded the mercantile business on the present site more than fifty years since. The legitimate outgrowth of the trade then begun is the popular and enterprising firm of Russell Bros. By careful, prudent and thoughtful attention to the best interests of their trade, it has risen gradually to the most gratifying proportions, and now occupies a conspicuous place among the attractions of Urbana. The history of a firm like this, which from a small trade has grown into a large and prosperous business, is both interesting and instructive. It shows our young business men what energy, perseverance and pluck will accomplish in the world. George M. Russell, the senior member of the above firm, embarked in the dry goods trade in 1854. Two years subsequently went to Sidney, Ohio, accompanied by his brother, James M., and continued in the same business for eight years, returning to Urbana in 1865, where he has resided ever since. James M. Russell, of the above firm, in the year 1862, entered the 118th O. V. I. as a private soldier, enduring all the hardships and privations incidental to an active and aggressive campaign, his regiment accompanying Sherman to the sea. In September, 1862, he was appointed Sergeant Major of his regiment, and, on the 3d of January, 1863, he was commissioned 2d Lieutenant, and was promoted to 1st Lieutenant April 24, 1873, and made Adjutant of the regiment. Commissioned Captain in October, 1864, retaining that position until he resigned. The rapid promotion conferred upon him indicating his efficiency and competency in war as well as in peace. William M. Russell, junior member of the firm, was appointed, in 1865, United States Internal Revenue Inspector, and was sent to an important post, where the most trusty y men were needed in those days of fraud and
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corruption. Later, he was connected with the United States mail service, on the Pittsburgh, Cincinnati & St. Louis Railroad, which positions afforded him an excellent opportunity for development in the rapid and accurate transaction of business, and enabling him to act efficiently and promptly, and especially fitting him for a business that brings him in contact with the masses. It is a rare thing to find a trio of men possessing more business experience, and better calculated to conduct a large and profitable business.
JOSHUA SAXTON, editor and real estate dealer, Piqua. Mr. Saxton is a native of Pennsylvania, bore in Huntingdon, Dec. 11, 1807; his father was a hand manufacturer of nails; he assisted his father until 1822, when his mother died, and he came West, to Canton, Ohio, where John Saxton, an elder brother, was editor and proprietor of t! e Canton Repositor; after serving a six-years apprenticeship there, he was a "devil " in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Columbus and other points, and returned to Canton in 1830, and, in 1831, became a partner in the proprietorship of the Repositor, in which he continued until 1838. In 1830, Mr. Saxton made the first composition roller used in Canton, and, it is believed, the first used in the State. Mr. Saxton came to Urbana in the spring of 1838, by the solicitation of the leading Whig citizens, to take charge of a paper, and purchased the office and established the Western Citizen, now Urbana Citizen, and Gazette, with which be has been connected until recently: he is now retired from the paper and editorial labor, being in his 73d year, and the oldest continuous editor in the State, having been engaged in editorial work since 1831. Mr. Saxton is emphatically a self-made man, for, in his youth, he received but the bare, rudimentary education obtained at the subscription schools of that day, and afterward educated himself while apprentice-" devil "-and editor; he began the issue of his paper in Urbana with a list of 300 subscribers (the citizens had promised him 500); he retires with a list of 1,500, and it was as high as 2,000 during the credit times Mr. Saxton has been a worthy and active member of the M. E. Church for upward of fifty years. He married, in 1834, Miss Margaret A. Hemphill, a native of Pennsylvania and a childhood acquaintance, who visited friends at Canton, and thus the friendship of childhood grew into wedlock; they have had five children-John L., who died at 7 years of age; Frances R. widow of the late W. A. Brand; Emma, now Mrs. J. M. Knight; Sarah P., now Mrs. Edwin S. Hedges, of Springfield; Kate R., now Mrs. Frank M. Wood, also of Springfield.
MOSES M. SAYRE, attorney. Moses M. Sayre, son of Martin Sayre and Jane C. Sayre, daughter of the late Moses McIlvain, of Salem Township, was born Nov. 21, 1849, in Harrison Township, Champaign Co., Ohio. He was brought up on the farm, working and going to school in the country until March 5, 1869, when he entered the Preparatory Department of Oberlin College, in which he remained until the fall of 1870, when he entered the college department. He passed successively through the Freshman and Sophomore years and the first and second terms of the junior year, when he applied to the Faculty for a dismissal from the college, which was granted May 11, 18 7 3. He at once applied for admission to the senior class of Yale College, and, after several days of scathing examination in all the studies which the class had pursued, he entered the senior class unconditionally-a thing rarely accomplished. He graduated June 25, 1874, with distinguished honor in a class of one hundred and twenty-three members. Although the roll was called four or five times every day, he never failed in a single in. stance in either college to respond to his name. He also holds an honorary degree, which the Trustees of Oberlin College presented him Aug. 8, 1874, on account of his scholarship, punctuality and general conduct while a member of the college. After graduating, the profession of teaching engaged his attention six months, but, not being satisfied with the occupation, he abandoned it. He has since been tendered several good situations, but has declined all offers to teach. He next read law with Judge William Lawrence, of Bellefontaine. Ohio, and was admitted to the bar May 12. 1877, by the Supreme Court of Ohio. He began practicing his chosen profession Jan. 15, 1878,
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in Urbana, Ohio, where he now remains, doing a successful business. He is a prominent politician and an enthusiastic Republican. He does considerable business in negotiating loans. He also gives close attention to his farming interests, having 205 acres of land, well watered with Mad River and Glady's Creek. He keeps his farms in good condition and well stocked with select stock, mainly cattle, in which he deals quite extensively.
FRANK SEWALL, A. M., Professor and Minister. The Rev. Frank Sewall, A. M., President of the Urbana University, Professor of Intellectual and Moral Science in the same institution, and minister of the New Church, in Urbana, since 1870, was born in Bath, Me., in the year 1837, and is the son of Wm. D. Sewall, of that city. He was educated in the public schools, and, at the age of 16 years, entered Bowdoin College, at Brunswick, Me., where he was graduated in the degree B. A. at the age of 20. The same year, 1858, he went abroad ; spent a winter in Rome and other parts of Italy; the following summer, went to Germany, where he was matriculated a student in the university of Tubingen in Wuertemberg and pursued his studies in theology, philosophy and literature under the direction of the learned scholar and eminent Swedenborgian, the late Dr. Frederick Immanuel Tafel, then professor of Philosophy and Librarian of the university. From Tubingen he went to pursue his studies at the university of Berlin, where he attended lectures under the eminent Orientalist, Bopp, the historian Ranke, the theologians Hengstenberg, Nitzch and others. He also traveled extensively in Germany, Switzerland and France, passing considerable time in Paris attending lectures s at the Sorbonne, and subsequently making a sojourn at St. Amand, in Cher, enjoying the intimate society of the eminent French New Churchman, the late M. Le Boys des Guays. Returning to America after three years' absence, he received from Bowdoin College the degree of Master of Arts, and he then entered upon his preparation for the ministry of the New Church, in which faith be had been nurtured by his parents, studying under the direction of the Rev. Samuel F. Dike, his Pastor, and the ordaining minister of the Maine Association of the New Church. In 1862, he received license to preach, and accepted a call to the parish of the New Church in Glendale, Ohio. In the following year, at the request of his parish, he was ordained to the ministry of the New Church by the Rev. Samuel F. Dike, the ordination taking place at Gardiner, Me., at the meetinof the Maine Association there. In 1869, be married Thedia R. Gilchrist, daughter of William Gilchrist of N. Y. City. He continued in the pastorate of the church of the New Jerusalem in Glendale, until the year 1870, when, being elected President of the Urbana University, he removed with his family to Urbana, and took up his permanent residence in this city. His duties embrace the pastorate care and religious instruction of the students of the college, and also the teaching of the several branches of study assigned to his department of intellectual and moral science. The society of the New Church in Urbana, uniting their public worship with the college, came also under his ministry. He bas, meanwhile, in 1865, made a second visit to Europe, enjoying an extensive tour, and meeting especially in England, a number of prominent members of the New Church. On this tour, he held services of Divine worship in the various cities of the continent where he and his friends would be passing the Lord's Day, and for a number of Sundays conducted worship and preached in Rome, where a considerable number of New Churchmen and others assembled to worship together. In 1862, Mr. Sewall was elected a member of the Committee on Foreign Correspondence of the General Convention of the New Church in America, and was some years ago made chairman of that committee, a position which he still holds. He was Clerk of the Ohio Association of the New Church for the four years 1866-70, and was President of that body for the years 1870-71, and is at present and for a number of years past, the Chairman of the Board of Missions. Mr. Sewall is the author of the following works: -The Christian Hymnal," "Hymns with Tunes for the Services of the Church," published by J. B. Lippincott & Co., in 1867; " The Prayer Book and Hymnal for the use of the New Church," 1868 ; "The Pillow of Stone:, Divine Allegories from the Old Testament, 1876 ;
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"The Hem of His Garment; Spiritual Lessons from the Life of Our Lord," 1876. Also the following stories for youth: "Moody Mike; or, The Power of Love : a Christmas Story," 1869; " Angelo, The Circus Boy," 1879. The above are all published by J. B. Lippincott & Co., Philadelphia. In 1878, Mr. Sewall had published by Appleton & Co., of New York, his new aid in learning Latin by the "natural method." "The Latin Speaker, Easy Dialogues and Selections for Memorizing and Declaiming in the Latin Language."Mr. Sewall is also the author of a widely circulated pamphlet entitled " A Talk about Swedenborg," containing familiar explanations and defense of the doctrines of the New Church, and is a frequent contributor to the periodical literature of that religious body.
JOHN M. SHAUL, merchant. Among the business firms of Urbana who deserve more than a passing notice is Shaul & Co., dealers in stoves, tinware, queensware, glassware and house-furnishing goods. Their store is located at No. 9 South Main street. Mr. Shaul, the senior member of the firm, is a native of Ohio, born in Clark Co. in 1831, and son of Jeremiah Shaul, a resident of Wayne Township. Before engaging in business for himself, he was with a large jobbing house some two years, and commenced in the retail trade at Cable in 1860, where he continued in business until September, 1879, when he removed to Urbana. Here he formed a partnership with John Mayse, and the firm of Shaul & Co. has become one of the important business firms of Urbana. Mr. Shaul married, in 1860, Miss Almira Bentley, of Franklin Co., Ohio. They have five children-George, Hattie, Charles, Allie and Bessie. Nettie died in childhood. Mr. Shan! began business without capital, and, by economy and careful management, has increased it to goodly proportions, his being the first establishment exclusively of this kind in Urbana. His residence is at No. 79 North Main street.
JOHN SHOWERS, retired; P. O . Urbana. His paternal grandparents were of German extraction, born and raised in Pennsylvania. They moved to Berkeley Co., Va., in an early day, where they died. His maternal grandparents were natives of Maryland, where they were raised, married, reared a family and died. Abraham, the father of our subject, was born and raised in Virginia. Furnished a substitute in the war of 1812, and, early in the nineteenth century, married Elizabeth Miller, born in Maryland. After their marriage they settled in their native State, where they remained until after the close of the struggle of 1812. Having followed blacksmithing until about 1814, he then engaged in farming in Virginia. This was ever after his occupation. In October, 1834, he, wife and eleven children located in Champaign Co., where he purchased a farm. His death occurred in 1847; his wife died in ,1858. Five of their children were born in Maryland, but John, the sixth, was born in Virginia, March, 1820; was partly raised in his native State and matured in Ohio. Here he, in 1846, married Martha A. Osborn. ' Six years later, death seized her and she was consigned to the silent tomb. One child was born to her, which preceded her. Mr. Showers married, for his second wife, Elizabeth Heflebower, a native of Ohio, born in 1831. She had born to her four children, of whom two are deceased. When a young man, Mr. Showers engaged in the carpenter trade, which he followed until after his first marriage, when he commenced farming, in which he was active, live and practical. Three years since, he removed to Urbana, where his wife died, in March, 1878.
J. F. SHUMATE, Secretary of Ohio Mutual Relief Association, Urbana. He was born, 1842. in West Liberty, Logan Co., Ohio, and is a son of B. E. and Elizabeth A. Shumate ; he is the last of a family of nine children, of whom one died in infancy. J. F. was raised in his native county, and obtained his education in his boyhood days. He engaged in the shoemaker's trade, which he followed until 186'3, at which time he enlisted in Company I, 96th O. V. I., going in service and remained until the close of the great struggle. In the meantime, be participated in the battles of Chickasaw Bluffs, icksburg, Ft. Morgan, Ft. Gaines, Mobile and others. e was one of the few who returned home uninjured; be was discharged at Camp Chase, then returned home, where he soon engaged with Griffith Ellis, of Urbana, in merchant tailoring, but after-
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ward was in the insurance business. In 1868, he married S. Isabelle Parckchus, of this city. In 1872, when the association of which he is Secretary was organized, he was elected to his present official department, and annual re-elections have since followed. The association is the oldest of its kind in the State; is favorably known far and wide, with a large membership, which has been steady and firm from its start. Mr. and Mrs. Shumate have had three children.
CHARLES G. SMITH.* Chicago is a great city, but her greatness consists not nearly so much in the area inclosed by her municipal boundaries, or the numerical aggregate of her population, as in the fact that she is the focus of the Northwest-the receiving and distributing point where centralize the energies and wants of the millions of people who live beyond. The men who have so successfully labored through a long course of years to bring about this result are the true benefactors of Chicago. To bring hither the products of the whole world, outside of the Northwest, to show to the people that they could be served here with as good material, as varied selections, as new styles, and at as moderate prices, as at the East, saving the cost and the risk of carriage, and the time and expense of journeys thither, was to do a great part of the work of building up our city. The trade in drugs is immense. Within a few years, it has risen from nothing to the prominence it now occupies. The wholesale drug merchants of Chicago now supply the physic and perfumery of the great West, and subserve a large portion of many other wants. This fact is largely due to the exertions of one man, who is noted as having done more than most others to extend the business of the city, by showing to the people of the surrounding country that they could rely on the integrity of Chicago merchants to serve them with whatever they required, and on their enterprise for offering better facilities than could be found elsewhere.
This man is Charles G. Smith, who was born in the town of Nelson, Madison Co., N. Y., July 23, 1831. His father, George Smith, was a native of Orange Co., N. Y., his grandfather having emigrated from Scotland to that county in early manhood, and there married into a highly respectable family. H is mother was a daughter of Judge Ebenezer Lyon, of Nelson; one of the first Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of Madison Co., his term of office being in the years 1806, 1807, 1808 and 1809. He was also Supervisor for fifteen years. The American ancestors of Mr. Smith were all farmers, and both of his grandfathers served with honor in the Revolutionary war. They were among the most highly respected members of the community in which they lived, and were men of the strictest integrity of character.
When Mr. Smith was 5 years of age, his father died, leaving him, the youngest of seven children; to struggle through the v; world without the advantage of paternal aid or counsel. The widow's work was no ordinary one, but she undertook it bravely. She sold the farm and removed to Cazenovia, that she might secure to her children better advantages of education than were possible at their birthplace. After a stay of rather more than a year there, she, by the advice of friends, removed to the western part of the State of New York-Rushfield, Allegany Co. and there the greater portion of Mr. Smith's early life was spent.
Those early years were spent to good purpose. His only educational advantages were those offered in the village schools of that early day, but the existing lack was more than supplied by an insatiable thirst for knowledge and a determination to acquire everything that lay within his mental reach. Every spare moment was devoted to reading and writing, his object being especially to perfect himself in business qualifications. Multitudinous scraps of paper, covered with business forms and penmanship studies, attested his attention. His whole boyish ambition was centered on this one goal, and, while other boys played or slept, he was engaged in preparing himself to step out into the busy world and take. his place as one able to compete for the prize of business success.
His eldest brother had removed to Chicago, and, in the summer of 1849, procured for him a clerkship in the drug store of Mr. L. M. Royce; before Mr. Smith arrived
* This sketch is copied from the history of prominent business men of Chicago, published in 1869, with additions since that date,
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in Chicago, Mr. Boyce died of cholera, and the establishment was bought by the firm of Sears & Bay. Mr. Smith commenced big apprenticeship to the drug business under them, his advent in Chicago being made in October, 1849. At this time, the entire jobbing drug trade of the city did not amount to more than $100,000 per year, but, as the population of the country increased, and the means of communication with the great West beyond were extended, this branch of business grew with corresponding rapidity. Six years thereafter, in 1855, it had increased tenfold, amounting to at least $1,000,000. Mr. Smith very soon acquired a knowledge of the business, and gained the confidence of his employees by his strict attention to business, and big unremitting regard for their interests. On the retirement of Mr. Bay from the firm in the year 1852, he was advanced to the position of bead clerk. During this time he attended Bell's Commercial College. On the 1st of January, 1854, he became a partner in the firm, assuming the place made vacant by Mr. Bay. The business was henceforth conducted under the firm name of Sears & Smith, they occupying the same store as previously, No. 113 Lake street.
During the first year of the partnership the business doubled, and, the opportunity for trade extension appearing to be good, they, in February, 1855, took into the firm Mr. Edwin Burnham, now the senior partner in the firm of Burnham & Van Schaack. This partnership, under the name of Sears, Smith & Co., continued for two years, when Mr. Sears retired, and the business was continued by the remaining partners, under the firm name of Burnham & Smith, a removal being effected to No. 23 Lake street. This place was held for three years, when the growing demands of the business imperatively called for more room. A removal was made to No. 16 Lake Street, which place was held until March, 1864, when the firm was dissolved, and Mr. Smith established himself alone, at No. 259 South Water street, pending the erection of the spacious edifice he now occupies, for the building of which he had contracted with the Hon. J. Y. Scammon.
January 1, 1866, Messrs. C. Henry Cutler and Henry T. West became his partners. The business, now conducted under the firm name of Smith, Cutler & Cu., bag attained to mammoth proportions. As a continuation of one of the oldest wholesale houses in the city, and a pioneer in its branch of trade, the firm occupies a really commanding position among its fellows, transacting the lion's share of the exclusively wholesale drug trade of our city, which, for the year 1866, amounted to between $5,000,000 and 86,000,000, and now extends over twelve different States and Territories. Mr. Smith's business motto has always been "Deal honorably with all." He has always endeavored to prevent the introduction into the trade of inferior qualities of goods, and has uniformly exercised the utmost care to : secure the purity of drugs purchased by him. He has aimed, all through big business life, to merit the confidence of his patrons, and so to deal with them that they shall at least be satisfied that they cannot do better elsewhere. Among all those whose strict business integrity has won so honorable a name for the merchants of Chicago, none has done more than Mr. Smith. This conscientious business trait is but the legitimate sequel to the youthful manifestations of his character in the family of his mother. He was always thoughtful and amiable, kind and considerate, as he has been in the family that have been raised around him in his mature years.
Shortly after his arrival in Chicago, Mr. Smith's attention was directed to the subject of his religious duties. His mother being a Baptist, he joined the First Baptist Church of this city, and for two years the greater Part of his time not devoted to big business was occupied in the study of theology. He, however, became dissatisfied with the Baptist faith, being persuaded that it was too indefinite for him. His partner, Mr. John Sears, was a member of the New Jerusalem Church, and conversation with him and the reading of "New Church" books enabled him to solve many doubts that he had previously entertained on doctrinal points. A thorough investigation of the teachings of the New Church resulted in convincing him of their truth, and, in the year 1853, he became a member of the Church of the New Jerusalem, worshiping in
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the temple on Adams street, near the lake, with which he is still in communion. The writings of Swedenborg, in particular, made a profound impression on his mind, and were very influential in molding his character. Mr. Smith is one of our most highly respected citizens. He has never tried to make a noise in the world, being simple and unobtrusive in his manner, but he has wielded an influence which has been very widely felt, in this part, and is now as potent as ever. His business abilities are universally recognized as of the highest order, and his judgment, although he is yet a young man, is regarded as almost infallible in all matters to which he has directed his attention. He is a man of strong will, but mild in expression, and invariably true to his friends.
Mr Smith was married January 7, 1855, to Annie E. Cooper, a daughter of Alexander Cooper, of Peoria, Ill. She died January 17, 1861, leaving two daughters, aged respectively 2 and 4 years. On the 16th of August, 1866, Mr. Smith married his present wife, Eliza L. White, only daughter of Moses White, of Cincinnati, Ohio, and for many years a prominent merchant in that city. By his present wife he has seven children-four sons and three daughters.
In the year 1868, Mr. Smith retired from the drug business in Chicago, and removed to a country seat at Wilmington, Ill., where for one year he resided, but at the end of that time removed to Urbana, Ohio, for the purpose of educating his children at the New Church school located in that city. He retired from active business in Chicago, principally on account of failing health, but soon after locating in Urbana he regained his health, and his life-long business habits soon compelled him to again enter an active business career. He purchased an interest in the tannery on the corner of Main and Water streets, with the intention of increasing and developing the leather manufacturing interests of Urbana to a greater extent, but in 1871, the great fire of Chicago having destroyed Mr. Smith's property in that city, and being able to collect only a small amount of the insurance, on account of the failure of the insurance companies, he was compelled to use the money intended fbr the development of his new business in the erection of business houses in Chicago, which, with his usual energy and promptness, he immediately carried into effect.
In 1874, having, to some extent, recovered from his losses in Chicago, he purchased the balance of the tannery, becoming sole proprietor, since which time he has rebuilt, added and extended the buildings and increased the business to more than fourfold what it was when he first took hold of it, thus demonstrating that he still possesses those same eminent business qualifications and characteristic energies that won for him a leading place among the foremost merchants of the great metropolis of the West. He manufactures an extra fine duality of oak leather, which is in large demand by wholesale dealers in many leading cities throughout the United States, the demand being greater than he can readily supply.
Politically, he is an earnest Republican, believing that the interests of the country demand the continuation of that party in power. He has taken a deep and active interest in the growth and progress of the New Church college of Urbana, and is one of the Trustees and Treasurer of that institution. He is also connected with several other institutions, in which he exerts his influence for good. He has now the leading manufacturing establishment in Urbana, and his position among the business men of this city is one in which he and his descendants may feel a just pride.
DAVID W. SOWLES, capitalist and proprietor Exchange Hotel, Urbana. Mr. Sowles is a native of New York State, born in Schoharie Co. in 1811. He started West in 1833, and arrived in Urbana in December, when, by reason of sickness, he was compelled to remain until May, 1834, at which time, out of funds and indebted $50 for the expenses of his sickness, he went to Springfield and engaged as clerk in a hotel. The following September he returned to Urbana. and became clerk in charge of the Exchange Hotel. While so engaged; he began a career which proved a financial success. Gen. Jackson having ordered that all lands should be paid for in specie, and the Urbana Bank not being compelled to exchange for other than their own issue, refused specie on all other bills. Mr. Sowles conceived the idea of picking up bills on the Urbana Bank and
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selling them at a premium to those who had not provided themselves with specie. In this way he got his debts paid and something ahead. He married Polly Ann Hite in 1835 , she died in 1839, leaving one son, Royal J., now a business man of Delhi, Texas. During the financial pressure of 1840 to 1843, Mr. Sowles operated extensively in the money market, clearing a handsome profit on his transactions, forming the foundation of a fortune, which he has managed so successfully that he now ranks as one of the solid men of Urbana. In 1845 he married Miss Sallie Hunter, daughter of George Hunter, deceased, whose widow was proprietor of the hotel when be was a clerk, in 1835. He purchased the interests of the respective heirs, and, in 1860, took charge of the house. He afterward purchased the property adjoining on the east, and united the two buildings, and added thereto until the present Exchange Hotel is the result. The success of Mr. and Mrs. Sowles, as host and hostess, is attested in strongest terms of compliment by a grateful traveling community. They have had five children, viz.: George H., now in Texas; Della, wife of John R. DeCamp, banker of Cincinnati; Frank B., a graduate of the law school at Ann Arbor, lately engaged in the lumber business in Cincinnati ; Charles W., proprietor of the Urbana Soap Factory; and Willie, a promising lad of 16, and an adept on the piano-forte. Mrs. Hunter was a Fitch, descended from the Randolph family of Virginia, and related to Maj. Oliver, of Ft. Meigs fame.
STONE BROS., hardware merchants, Urbana. S. L. P. Stone, the senior member of the firm, was born July 24, 1838, in Virginia, where he was raised in his father's grist-mill and received instructions in the business from his father. In 1858, he came to Champaign ('o. and took charge of the Vance & Crane Mill, on Buck Creek. There he remained four years with good success. He then engaged in the grocery trade in Urbana, with D. O'Connor, in the Glen Building. Some time after, he purchased his partner's interest and became sole proprietor. Eight years later he sold it and formed the p partnership indicated at the opening of this sketch. F. F. Stone, the junior member of the firm, was born April 2, 1841, in Hampshire Co., Va., where he grew to the age of 17. In the meantime, he acquired a fair education in Emmetsburg College, Md., and engaged as clerk in a store. In. 1858, be came to this city, and soon after became employed in the hardware store of William M. Young, a prominent merchant of Urbana at that period. From 1863 to 1868 he was engaged in the hardware trade in Colorado and Montana. In the fall of 1869, he married Miss Agnes Lee, of Urbana, who came from New York State in 1858. Soon after, he moved to Mansfield and carried on the hardware trade until the association with his brother was formed, in May, 1872. They bought the stock of J. H. Patrick, on N. Main street, in the building they now occupy, and have added to their stock and now carry, in connection with it, all articles found in a first-class hardware store, pumps and bent work. Since in business here, S. L. P. has been identified with nearly all the public interests of the city. Stone Bros. are thorough going business and sociable men. S. L. P. married, Sept. 23, 1871, Miss Julia, daughter of Levi Geiger, whose biography appears in this history. She was born in 1843. The issue of this union are Ids Maude and (twin sons) F. F., Jr., and L. G. The children of F. F., the junior member of the firm, are Montana and F. L., a son.
W. J. SULLIVAN, physician, Urbana; born July 7, 1824, in Greene Co., Ohio, and when but a child his parents brought him to Logan Co., Ohio, where he matured and received his primary education. He read medicine in East Liberty under Dr. J. W. Hamilton, and graduated from the Starling Medical College of Columbus, Ohio, in the spring of 1853: He immediately located in West Middlebury, Logan Co., and commenced practice, but ten years later removed to Bellefontaine, where be remained until 1866, since which time he has been a resident of Champaign Co., and two years ago located in this city, corner of Main and Court streets. He has passed through twenty-seven years' practice, enjoyed a favorable patronage, and has been very successful. As a military man, he was Assistant Surgeon of the 96th O. V. I. for eight months, when ill health caused him to resign and return home, where he remained until 1864, when he enlisted as Surgeon of the 132d 0. N. G. for one hundred days, serving
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until the close of the term. He married Sarah J. Allen April 17, 1859. One son - Edward N.-was born to them March 4, 1862. Mrs. Sullivan is a native of Logan Co., Ohio, born in West Middlebury Nov. 21,1837.
JOSIAH G. TALBOT, hats and caps. Mr. Talbot belongs to one of the old families of Urbana. He is the son of Josiah G. Talbot, who was a native of Maryland, and served as a Lieutenant in the war of 1812. He was a hatter and furrier, and removed from Xenia to Urbana, in 1823, for the purpose of getting nearer the fur supply, and continued in business here until his decease, in 1854. His wife was a daughter of Capt. Forsythe, of Canada. She could speak the French, English and Indian tongues. She once dined with Tecumseh an Little Turtle at Ft. Wayne, and was present at Hull's surrender, the Captain who was then in command having married her only sis ter. She afterward came to Dayton, where she met Lieut. Talbot. The subject of this sketch was born April 26, 1828, while his mother, with other members of the family, was visiting her people at Thames, Canada. He has been occupied in merchandising since 1851, with the exception of six years spent in farming. He engaged in the hat and cap business in 1877, which business descended from his father through the hands of several members of the family. The store is located at No. 35 Monument Square, and is the only exclusively hat and cap establishment in the city. He married, in 1860, Mrs. Lavina Lapham, by whom he has three children, one son and two daughters. Ila is a member of the Grace Methodist Episcopal Church, and was the organizer of the Howard-Weaver Mission in 1866, and has had charge of it since. Mr. Talbot is an earnest Christian worker and an estimable and worthy citizen.
C. W. L. TAYLOR, deceased. The stroke of the mallet chisels the firm marble into a shaft of beauty, and artistic skill fashions the letters that tell of the birth, years and death, but time covers the monument with mosses and defaces the inscription. As we well know, change is constant and general. Generations are rising and passing unmarked away. As it is a duty to the child and a present gratification to the parent, we here place on record a true sketch of C. W. L. Taylor and a brief outline of his parents. His father, William S., was born in Jefferson Co., Va., where he was raised, and married Mary Hickman, of Shepherdstown, Va., in the spring of 1831, and immediately emigrated West, locating in Union Township, Champaign Co., Ohio, where he soon became prominently identified in the interests of the county, and was known as a Christian and a true and honest man. About 1854, he sold his farm and located in . Urbana, and in the fall of the same year was elected as County Surveyor, which office he filled until within a short time of his death, in the fall of 1856. His wife, too, passed away, in October, 1871. She was of noble talent and good spirit. C. W. L., the subject of this sketch, was born in Union Township, Champaign Co., Ohio, Dec. 9, 1831. He was raised and mostly educated in his native county, though he enjoyed a course of engineering and surveying at the Wittenberg College, Springfield, Ohio. In the summer of 1856, he was his father's deputy, and after the death of his father he was appointed to fill the vacancy, the same fall being elected to the office, which he filled by re-elections until his death, except a short period; during which time he was his successor's deputy. In the midst of the term, the successor enlisted in the late war, and he filled the unexpired term. Thus has he been identified as a county official for nearly a quarter of a century, and at his death, April 19, 1880, his only son, W. H. L., who is of competent ability, was chosen to fill the vacancy. He is a bright and promising young man. Thus has the office passed down through three generations. C. W. L. Taylor married, Dec. 11, 1856, Elizabeth C. Detwiler, a native of Champaign Co., Ohio.
JAMES TAYLOR; attorney, Urbana. Mr. Taylor is another of the life residents of Champaign County; he is a son of John Taylor, who was a son of John Taylor, Sr., who emigrated from Virginia and settled in Mad River Township, in 1806, where John, Jr. grew up, married and resided a long time. Subsequently he resided in Concord Township, where his family was mostly raised. He was an active, intelligent
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citizen, and at one time edited the Western Dominion, the first Democratic paper issued in this county. In 1848, be received the appointment of Register of the Land Office, and removed to Defiance, where his wife, daughter of Ezekiel McAllister (also a pioneer of Mad River), died, in 1873. The father still resides in Defiance, being in his 84th year. The subject of this sketch was born in Mad River Township, in 1823, and has always resided in this county; when his father removed to Defiance, he was Postmaster, which prevented him from accompanying the family. He remained on the farm during his youth, and also taught school. When he became of age he had saved money enough to attend the Springfield High School, under the tutorship of Chandler Robbins. He read law with Gen. J. H. Young, and was admitted to practice in 1854 ; subsequently he was elected Sheriff. He was again Postmaster during the administrations of Pierce and Buchanan, and did not commence the practice of his profession until 1862. In 1863, he was a candidate for Probate Judge, and was also a candidate for Presidential Elector from this district in 1876. In January, 1863, Mr. John S. Leedom became a partner with him in the practice of law, a relation which has since continued. He, as were his ancestors; is a Democrat, and has always taken a prominent part in p public affairs. Since 1863, he has been Chairman of the Democratic Central Committee, and was at one time a candidate for State Senator from this district; but being opposed by a popular candidate and a standing Republican majority, was defeated. He married, in 1855, Miss Frances G. Ralston, who resided near Philadelphia, Penn. She is a member of the First Presbyterian Church, and be is a member of the Masonic fraternity.
REV. H. H. THOMPSON, D. D., Urbana. Rev. H. H. Thompson, D. D., minister of the United Presbyterian Church, was born October 13, 1819, in Belmont Co., Ohio. He was reared on a farm, and in early life only enjoyed the advantages common to such a lot, and the country schools of that day. In the Fall of 1837, he entered Franklin College, Ohio, where he spent two and a half years. The remainder of his collegiate training was received at Madison College, Guernsey Co., Ohio. Having completed his collegiate course in the fall of 1842, he entered the Associate Reformed Theological Seminary of Allegheny, Penn. After passing through the usual course of instruction, he was licensed to preach the Gospel, on the 23d day of April; 1845. During the following summer he was engaged as a missionary among the hills of Northwestern Virginia. The succeeding winter was again spent at the seminary. His second summer was spent in preaching to the vacancies in Southeastern Ohio ; he was then transferred to Northwestern Pennsylvania; here was called to take charge of a congregation at Cochranton, Crawford Co., Penn. He was ordained and installed as Pastor of this congregation Sept. 9, 1847. Here he spent the prime and vigor of his days, laboring with zeal and earnestness till the 11th of February, 1865, at which time he was released from the pastoral care of the congregation. During the period of his pastorate at this place he also served the congregation of Sandy Creek, in Venango County, for one-third of his time, during a period of eight years. He was then released from this congregation, and the same portion of his time given to the congregation at Meadville, for a period of four years. The remaining years spent in Pennsylvania his labors were given to the congregation of Cochranton. On the 1st of April, 1865, he removed to Urbana, Ohio, and took charge of the United Presbyterian congregation of that place, where he continued to labor as their Pastor till April, 1878, a period of thirteen years. 'At this time his health became so impaired that he was compelled to surrender his pastoral charge, and cease for a time the active service of the ministry. He still continues to reside in Urbana, and, his health being restored, is again actively engaged in his Master's service.
D. W. TODD, Probate Judge, Urbana. Mr. Todd is a native of Pennsylvania, and was born in Dauphin County Dec. 31, 1835. His father, David Todd, came with his family, consisting of wife and ten children, to Ohio, in 1846. Leaving his family with a brother, in Warren County. be prospected, and in the following year settled in
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Pretty Prairie, near Urbana, where his decease occurred in 1868, and where his widow, who was Miss Sarah McCormick, still resides, being in the 84th year of her age. The subject of this sketch remained on the farm until about 19 years of age, receiving such rudimentary training as the district schools afforded; he then entered the Miami University, at Oxford, from which he graduated in 1860, after which he read law in the office of Shellabarger & Goode, of Springfield ; served about one year in the army, and was admitted to the bar in January, 1863, and in the following month opened an office in Urbana. In the fall of the same year he was elected Prosecutor, and re-elected in 1865. From 1873 to 1875, he was Superintendent of the Urbana Machine Works a losing venture. In October, 1878, he was elected Probate Judge, which office he now administers creditably and satisfactorily. His residence is situated on Scioto street. He married, in 1863, Virginia H. Hamilton. He was again married, in 1870, to Ellen W., daughter of David H. Hovey. By his first wife he had two sons-Lee H. and Robert M. By his second wife he has three children-Nanny H., Frank W. and William McC.
JOHN E. TODD, farmer; P. O. Urbana. Among the many beautiful farms skirting the Pretty Prairie is the elegant one of Mr. Todd. There is perhaps no finer landscape presented to the view from any residence in the township, and the taste displayed in the grounds and buildings are of that exquisite kind seldom seen outside of the larger cities. The parents of Mr. Todd were natives of Pennsylvania and emigrated from that State to Warren Co., Ohio, in the spring of 1846. Their children, ten in number, came with them, and eight are still living. Their names are given in the biography of T. M. Todd, of this township. David Todd was one of those quiet, unassuming men who loved his home, his wife and his children more than anything else on earth. He was an ardent temperance men and taught his children the beauties of truth and honor by a life-long example that has shown its fruits in those who now represent him. The date of his death is named in the sketch of Thomas M. Todd. He died as he had lived, trusting in that promise made to those who live humbly and walk uprightly. John E. Todd and Miss Jennie M. Mumper were married in 1859. They have eight children -Winfield Scott, Clarence M., Sadie, John H., Annie, Marion R., Percy C. and Jennie. They were all born on the beautiful homestead of their grandfather, that is now rendered dear to their parents by the associations surrounding them. Mr. Todd was one of the Ohio National Guards, 134th Regiment, but saw no active service. He is rather an active local politician, and is an acknowledged leader of the Republican party in his neighborhood. His life thus far has been a quiet one, he having no desire for official honors. His farm was the drill-ground and his house the armory of the company of National Guards during their organization.
THOMAS M. TODD, farmer; P. O. Urbana. Mr. Todd takes a place in history among the prominent men of this township, as his family is one that has been foremost in advancing the business interests of the county, and noted alike for energy and honor. The parents of Thomas M., David and Sarah Todd came to Urbana Township in 1847. They were natives of Pennsylvania, and their children, twelve in number, were born there. Two died in Pennsylvania, and ten came with them to Ohio-Jane, Mary, Eliza, Henry M., Thomas M., John E., Sarah M., David W., Rebecca N. and James S. The old gentleman was a soldier during the war of 1812, and his brother, James, was Captain of the company. The death of David Todd occurred in 1867. His wife still survives and makes her home with her son John. Three children still remain in this county-Thomas M., John and David W., who is Probate Judge of this county. The sons have all the energetic characteristics of their sire, and three of them engage in agriculture ; John lives on the old homestead ; James S. is a Presbyterian minister and resides in California. Thomas M. Todd was married in 1857, to Miss Mary M. Rawlings, a daughter of one of our pioneers. Their children are named David S., James R., Alma, William H., Thomas R. and Pearl. Mr. Todd has been Infirmary Director for the past eight years, and has been Clerk of the school board several terms,
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All his official duties have been discharged with credit, and his reputation as a business man is of that high order that engages the confidence of every one.
S. S. TWICHELL, Superintendent of Infirmary, Urbana. The gentleman whose name heads this sketch occupies a very important position in this county, having in charge its paupers and the management of the large farm and business interests of the establishment. In this he has shown an aptitude for the business that has never been equaled perhaps in the history of the Infirmary. He is now filling the second term as Superintendent, and his re-engagement is sufficient evidence of his appreciation by the Board of Directors. This farm comprises 173 acres of choice land, situated two miles from Urbana, and is admirably adapted to the purpose for which it is' employed. At present, there are forty-four inmates-twenty-three males and twenty-one females. The building is large and admirably arranged, and has a capacity for accommodating one hundred patients. Under the skillful supervision of Mr. and Mrs. Twichell, it presents an air of neatness and comfort rarely seen in institutions of like character. The capacity for insane persons amounts to thirty beds, but since the new asylum was built at Columbus, more of that class are admitted. Everything is raised on the farm that is necessary to supply the table, and in this respect the farm is self supporting. Clothing, groceries, etc., are supplied by the county, there not being surplus enough to sell to supply this need. The baking is done in a large oven that contains ninety loaves at one time. The sleeping-rooms are neat, and the dining-rooms are divided into two compartments, in which the sexes are separated. The women occupy the rooms over the main building ; the men the hall attached to a building termed Gents' Sitting-room. The family history of Mr. Twichell will be given, as he is especially deserving of mention. He is a native of New Jersey, coming to Ohio in 1871. He married Miss Virginia Hedges in 1868. They are parents of two sons-Clayton and Foster. Mr. Twichell resided fourteen years in Minnesota, with the exception of three years, which he spent as a soldier in Co. K, 8th Minn. V. I. The first two years was spent on the frontier, where he participated in two of the hardest-fought Indian battles of the war. He engaged in the battles of Murfreesboro and The Pines, and was with Sherman's army when Johnston surrendered. He was also under Gen. Sully when his army crossed the plains in 1864, and was in every engagement, escaping without a wound. He took charge of the Champaign Co. Infirmary in 1879, and has filled the position with great credit.
M. J. & J. E. VALENTINE, farmers; P. O. Urbana. These gentlemen are numbered among the prominent farmers of Champaign Co., and, although not long residents, are, without doubt, permanently settled, and are a valuable acquisition to the society in which they live. Being natives of Pennsylvania, they came to this county in 1861, and purchased their present farm in the fall of 1863. One of the most. commanding brick residences in the township adorns this fine farm, which has been put under a high state of cultivation under their ownership. Morris Valentine was married in Pennsylvania, in 1850, to Miss Elizabeth Climenson, of that State. Her parents, John and Ann Climenson, were natives of England, and came to America about 18'30. There were four children (three sons and one daughter), in the family of George Valentine, Alice A., Morris J. and John E., our subjects, and Joseph T., who still lives in Pennsylvania. The daughter, Alice, and her mother reside in Urbana. Morris and his wife have five living children-Joseph D., Frank E., Charles W., Gustavus L. and William M. Those deceased were named Annie C., John and George S. John E. Valentine was a volunteer in Co. A, 134th O. V. I., during the war of the rebellion, and was honorably discharged at the expiration of his term of service. Those of the children who are old enough have acquired a good education. Frank is engaged in the drug business in Urbana. John E. makes his home with his brother Morris. They farm together. They are very prosperous, social gentlemen, and have the entire confidence of their acquaintances as being men of undoubted integrity and correct business habits.
A. F. VANCE, JR., Assistant Cashier Third National Bank of Urbana, Ohio, was born in Salem Township, Champaign Co., January 26, 1940 ; he was raised on his
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father's farm and enjoyed the benefit of the common schools. During the greater part of the late war he was clerk of Maj. George Pomeroy, Paymaster, U. S. A., and later he was promoted to the position himself, which he held until the close of the great struggle; then he engaged in the boot and shoe trade in New York City, where he remained until the fall of 1869, when he settled on his farm, a short distance south of Urbana ; this he has since cultivated and superintended. In June, 1875, he was elected to his present position, which he has filled with respect and honor. His father, Judge Alexander F. Vance, Sr., is a. son of Gov. Vance. His grandfather, Joseph C. Vance, was one of the first two men who became residents of what is now Urbana, and sur veyed the town in 1804. They afterward became " Directors." and were intimately connected with the early settlement and formation of the town. He had a family of nine children-two daughters and seven sons, of whom George Vance was the third eon. His decease occurred in 1809. At that date Governor Vance was a young married man, with the advantages of being brought up in one of the first families of Urbana ; he had married Mary Lemon, a native of Virginia. During the war of 1812, he was Captain of a company of riflemen, and built a block-house at Quincy, on the Miami, and connected with the Quartermaster's department. He several times drove hoes and cattle to Fort Meigs (Perrysburg) for the supplies of the army. He became a member of the State Legislature in 1815, and a member of Congress from 1830 to 1836 afterward was called to the Governor's chair, and in 1845 and 1846 was again in Congress, and a member of the Constitutional Convention in 1851. On his way home from Cincinnati he suffered a severe stroke of paralysis, at Springfield, from which he never recovered. His death occurred in 1852, in the 67th year of his age. He had a family of twelve children-three daughters and nine sons-of whom the Judge is now the only survivor. He was born in 1811, and the second son grew to manhood in the early days of log-rollings, husking bees and quiltings, attended with horse races, and ending with an evening frolic. He was a pupil in a high school at Columbus, in 18'2'3, under the tutorship of Rev. Russell Bigelow, a pioneer Methodist minister of considerable ability. From 1827 to 1830, he was in attendance at the Miami University, henceforward was on a farm until 1859, when he located in Urbana. Two years later, he was elected Probate Judge, and re-elections have since followed, to 1878. During all his proceedings he had but one decision overruled. He married, Aug. 6, 1835, Mary R. Ward; grand-daughter of the original proprietor of Urbana; six sons and seven daughters have been born to them, of whom A. F., Jr., the subject of this sketch, on Feb. 18, 1868, married Mary G. Jamison, a native of this city, born Sept. 5, 1848, and daughter of William Jamison, a deceased merchant of Urbana. They have one daughter-Louisa J., born in July, 1872.
S. H. WALLACE, school teacher, Urbana. S. H. Wallace was born in Champaign Co., Ohio, Feb. 28, 1825, of Scotch parentage on the paternal and German on the maternal side. He received a very limited education at the pay and district schools of that. early day, which were none of the best. In the year 1840, he was indentured to W. H. McFarland, of Westville, Ohio, and served a period of ;ix years' apprenticeship to the saddle, harness and collar making trade. July 5, 1846, he married Mary, eldest daughter of the Hon. John Taylor, of Defiance Co., Ohio. Mrs. Wallace was born in this county June 15, 1827. Seven children blessed this union, viz., Anna, Mary (died young), Emma G., John T., Ida May, Edward L. and Charles L. Mr. Wallace, while serving his term of apprenticeship, did not neglect every favorable opportunity of improving his mind, and, at the close of his term of service, was considered a fair scholar. Commenced teaching in the fall of 18-17, and has followed that profession almost uninterruptedly for a period of thirty-three years. Having been his own teacher, and actuated by a laudable ambition to stand at the head of the profession, he has, by hard study, risen step by step from the little log schoolhouse in the woods to occupy a responsible position in the people's college-the Urbana High School-and it is universally admitted that he possesses three important elements to successful teaching, in an eminent degree, viz., educational qualification, power, to govern, and the ability to secure the love and l respect of his pupil.
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Mr. Wallace was appointed and served as Postmaster at Tremont a number of years. Was one of the census-takers in 1860 ; also, during his residence in Urbana, from the year 1854 to 1860, was a student of medicine, and took a full and thorough course of reading with Dr. Edward P. Fyffe as preceptor. In conclusion, Mr. Wallace's physical culture was remarkable. He succeeded, by constant practice at athletic sports and feats of strength, in lifting the enormous weight of one thousand one hundred and twenty pounds ; could hold at arm's length sixty pounds, and could straighten his arm above his head holding in his hand one hundred pounds, and now, at the age of 56, turns hand-springs, runs foot-races, and says that he has no knowledge of what it means to be old.
HON. W. R. WARNOCK, Judge of the Court of Common Pleas, is a native of Urbana, and belongs to one of the pioneer families of the city. He is the son of Rev. David and Sarah A. Warnock, and the grandson of Rev. Samuel Hitt, who, in the year 1809, settled on a farm which is now within the corporate limits of Urbana. Judge Warnock was born at Urbana, Aug. 29, 1838. By teaching and other employments, be secured an education at the Ohio Wesleyan University, Delaware, Ohio, where he graduated in July, 1861. He then commenced the study of law with Judge Ichabod Corwin, and continued in his office a few months, when, feeling the claims of his country to be supreme, he recruited a company, and was commissioned as Captain it) July, 1862, and assigned to the 95th O. V. I. After one year's service he was made Major of the regiment, and, for gallant and meritorious services at the battle of Nashville, in December, 1864, he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, and assigned to duty as Chief of Staff for the Eastern District of the Mississippi, in which position he served until August, 1865, when he was mustered out of the service. During his army service he was slightly wounded in the right ear, and, at another time, while making a charge with his regiment on a rebel battery, he had a horse killed under him. During the three pears and two months of his service, he was never absent from his regiment, except on one short leave of twenty days, and participated in every march, skirmish and battle in which his regiment was engaged. At the close of the war he returned to Urbana and resumed his law studies with Judge Corwin, and was admitted to the bar in May, 1866. He opened an office and began the practice of law in Urbana, forming a partnership with George M. Eichelberger, Esq. They soon built up a large and profitable practice, and continued as partners until Mr. Warnock was elected Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in 1879. He held the office of Prosecuting Attorney from 1868 to 1872, during which time there were an unusually large number of very important criminal cases, in all of which he successfully and acceptably represented the State. In the fill of 1875, he was elected to represent this district in the Ohio Senate and served in that body during the years 1876 and 1877. While there, he was a member of the two most important committees-those on the Judiciary and Corporations-and took an active part in molding and shaping the legislation of those two years. When Gov. Hayes was about to leave Columbus to go to Washington to be inaugurated as President of the United States, the General Assembly of Ohio tendered the President elect a farewell reception, and to Mr. Warnock was unanimously accorded the high honor of making the farewell address on that occasion, on behalf of the Senate. He married, Aug. 20, 1868, Miss Kate Murray, of Clark Co. They have three children. Mr. and Mrs. Warnock are both members of the M. E. Church. Mr. Warnock was a delegate from the Cincinnati Conference to the General Conference of the M. E. Church held at Baltimore in 1876. Judge Warnock is a Republican, and previous to his being on the bench, was an active and influential politician. He is regarded as an able lawyer, well versed in the intricacies of the law, and, as a jury advocate, is one of the most successful members of the Urbana bar. Being a man of fine presence and an earnest, clear, fluent and logical speaker, he has great weight with a jury, carrying conviction to the minds of his hearers, and convincing them that his conclusions are correct and unassailable. He is at all times courteous in debate, cogent and logical in argument, and always fearless and faithful in the trial of a case. Since
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donning the judicial ermine, he has demonstrated that he is a wise and impartial jurist, and his decisions have given general satisfaction, being always founded on the law, and the evidence in each case is carefully weighed, and his deductions logically arrived at, making his charge to the jury plain and easily understood. He is well liked by the bar of his circuit, and when off the bench is an affable gentleman whom to know is to admire, and he is respected wherever known.
REV. DAVID WARNOCK, of Urbana, was born Feb. 14, 1810, in Ireland, and came to the United States when 18 years of age; he was educated at the Strongville Academy, near Cleveland. and became a member of the Ohio Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in 1832. At that time Ohio was comparatively a new State, and he shared, with others, the privations and hardships which are incident to the life of a pioneer Methodist minister. During his active ministry, be has supplied many important charges, among which were Urbana, Bellefontaine, Sidney, Delaware, Circleville, Zanesville, Columbus and Cincinnati. He has resided in Urbana for the past twenty-five years, having been Presiding Elder of the district, and having served two different terms as Pastor of the First Methodist Episcopal Church, remaining each time the full period allowed by the rules of the church. He is now much sought after to hold special meetings, and, although he has retired from the active ministry, be is seldom without an appointment on the Sabbath. He is remarkably active and vigorous for one of his age, and is spending a peaceful and happy old age, surrounded by his family and a host of friends. He was married in October, 1837, to Miss Sarah A. Hitt, sister of Samuel Hitt, a woman well qualified by natural and acquired abilities to fill the difficult position of a minister's wife. They have had nine children, of whom eight are still living.
WILLIAM WARREN, manufacturer, Urbana. Mr. Warren is a native of England, where he was born, in 1828, and came to America when a lad, living in New York State until 1853. In the spring of 1854, he came to this county, in company with Mr. Gaumer, with whom he had been associated in trade, and they engaged in the manufacture of carriages. They first rented property in the east part of town ; about 1860, they purchased the ground on Court street which they now occupy, and have since built their commodious shops. The long experience and reputation they have established, secured a large trade, as their work is favorably known throughout this region. They employ about twenty-five hands constantly, and their salesroom presents a creditable display of carriages and light spring wagons. Mr. Warren, the senior member of the firm, is a bachelor, a thorough and competent mechanic, and, withal, a very genial and pleasant gentleman.
LEMUEL WEAVER, capitalist, Urbana. The Weaver family have been prominently identified with the history of Urbana from its earliest days. Henry Weaver was a native of Virginia, born in 17 1788, and a son of Christopher Weaver, a soldier in the Revolution. Henry early removed to Lexington, Ky., and from there to Champaign County, in 1802, settling in Mad River Township. His wife was Nancy, a daughter of William Chapman, also a pioneer, residing in the same township. They raised a family of four children, three of whom survived the lather. Samuel is the eldest son, and only member of the family now living ; he was born on the old farm, in Mad River Township, in 18118 ; his father removed, in 1813, to Urbana, and conducted a boot and shoe store, and was a prominent and successful business man. He died, March 3, 17'2, leaving a very large estate. Lemuel was trained to business, and subsequently, with his two brothers, succeeded his father in the business of general merchandise. About 1855, the brothers divided the stock, Lemuel taking the hardware and groceries, and continued that business a few years, then sold out, and, retiring until 1860, when he again purchased the hardware stock, and became established at the old corner, and has ever since continued business there, in addition dealing largely in real estate and money investments. He married Eliza G. Hoit. in 1841, who was a native of Belfast, Me. They have had. four children of whom George A. is the only one
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now living. George A. studied law and practiced his profession a short time, but for several years has been associated with his father. He married, in 1875, Eleanor E. Thomas, at Newburg, N. Y. They have one child-Beatrice. The Weaver House, the principal hotel of Urbana, was rebuilt by Mr. Lemuel Weaver, in 1870, but has since been greatly improved. He is probably the wealthiest and most extensive business man in Champaign County.
W. H. WHARTON, teacher, Urbana; is a son of William (deceased) and Margaret Wharton ; was born Oct. 2, 1846, in Powhatan, Champaign Co., Ohio. Ile lived at home until 21 years of age, working in the woolen-factory during the summers, and in winters attending the district schools. When 17 years old, he served with the 100-day men in the late war ; also in the State service four years, holding honorable discharges from both. In 1867, he commenced teaching, in which profession he is still engaged, having taught in different district schools, and, the winter of 1879-80, taught in the high school of Urbana. His nuptials were celebrated Sept. 25, 1872, with Miss Emma, daughter of Stephen V. and Mary A. Barr. Stephen was killed in the battle of Kenesaw Mountain, and Mary A. died March 12, 1873. Mr. and Mrs. Wharton have one child, Frank B., born in Mechanicsburg, this county, Aug. 1, 1876.
J. H. WHITE, of the firm of Hitt, White & Mitchell, dry goods merchants, Urbana ; is a son of Joseph and Rebecca (Smith) White. They were married in 1812; she was a native of Pennsylvania and he of Hamilton Co.. Ohio. After a companionship of nearly half a century, the silent messenger of death called Joseph hence, Nov. 23, 1855, aged 66 years. Twelve years later, Nov. 30, Rebecca, too, was called hence, aged 7 7 years. The gentleman whose name heads this sketch was born July 17, 1834, in Urbana, and is the youngest of a family of eight children. He was raised in his native place, and enjoyed the schools of the town. In the year 1852, he engaged as a clerk with Ross, Hitt & Co., in the house where he now has an interest. After a clerkship of seven years, he engaged in the boot and shoe trade ; thus he continued until 1872, when he and Mitchell associated with Hitt, and formed the present firm. They at present, as well as in the past, enjoy a fine patronage and carry a full line of the best dry and fancy goods, and conduct it on a systemized plan. In the business, Mr. White has charge of the financial department and detail matters. His membership with the First M. E. Church has passed over :e period of twenty years. His marriage was solemnized with Miss Anna Hitt, Oct. 15, 1858. She is a native of this city and two years his junior. They have two children-Lin C. and Fannie W.
WILLIAM WILEY, capitalist, Urbana, He was born in Mad River Township, Champaign Co., in 1807. His father, John Wiley, was a native of New Jersey, but removed with a colony to Kentucky at an early day, and there married Hattie Rouse. They came to Champaign Co. in 1804, and settled in Mad River Township. In 1811, they removed to Urbana Towrship, and owned the farm upon which the County Infirmary now stands. They had a family of five daughters and three sons, all of whom, except one son, are still living. William was the third child and second son. He had but little opportunity for education, and most of his time, when old enough, was spent working as a carpenter with his father, which he continued until 1837. He then began operating as a broker, and, from 1849 to 1872, was engaged in pork-packing and grain-dealing. He was one of the stockholders and directors in the Citizens' Bank, organized in 1864, but sold his interest in 1872. Since then he has been a stockholder and Director in the Third National Bank. He married, in 1829, Margaret, daughter of William Glenn, a prominent citizen of Urbana. Her family was also from Kentucky. They have three children-Nancy G., now the widow of W. F. Mosgrove ; E. G., Cashier of the Third National Bank ; one son who died in infancy.
E. G. WILEY, Cashier Third National Bank, Urbana; is the son of William Wiley ; he was born Sept. 11, 1832, in this city, where he was raised and had the benefit of the schools, and two years in Springfield under Rev. Chandler Robbins' instruction. In 1351, when the old Champaign County Bank was organized, he was employed
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as teller of the same a period of ten years ; then engaged as Cashier in the Armstrong Bank until 1866, when the Citizens' National Bank was organized, in which he was elected as Cashier. There he continued until the organization of the Third National Bank in 1873, and was elected to the position he now holds. He has a life-long experience in the banking business, accompanied with honorable credits. His marriage with Miss L. Magrew was celebrated March 13, 1856. Mrs. Wiley was a native of Urbana, born in 1837, and died in April, 1878, leaving two daughters-Maggie and Nannie.
THOMAS F. WOODS, Deputy County Recorder; St. Paris. Among the old residents of this county who deserve a more than passing notice, is Mr. Woods. He is a son of Joseph H. and Sarah H. (Heaverine) Woods. Joseph H. was a native of North Carolina ; his father, who was a soldier with Marion in the Revolution, removed , to Kentucky while Joseph was a boy, and afterward removed to the vicinity of Chillicothe, Ohio, but soon returned to Kentucky. He was a Dunkard preacher and a man of more than ordinary education and talent. Joseph H. came to Urbana in 1813, with William Dunlap, with whom he worked and learned the trade of millwright. After remaining here about three years and establishing himself in business as a manufacturer of spinning-wheels. he returned to Kentucky and married Sarah Heaverine. In 1819, he returned to Champaign Co. and settled on a tract of land in Jackson Township, where be followed his business of spinning wheel -maker for many years, and where, in 1871, both he and his wife died within three days of each other. They had a family of five children, all of whom are still living. Thomas F. was the second child and first son, and is now the only member of the family residing in this county. He was born in Jackson Township in 1822, and grew to manhood there in the days of subscription schools and limited facilities. He attended the first school taught in their neighborhood; James West was teacher, followed, the neat summer, by Miss Eliza McCrea. Mr. Woods learned wheel-making of his father, but, as that business gave out about the time he attained his majority, he turned his attention to farming. He married, in 1844, Anna, daughter of John Merritt, Jr., who, with his father, John Merritt, Sr., were very early residents of Jackson Township. Soon after his marriage, he built a cabin on 80 acres of forest land which his father had given him, and which he subsequently cleared and improved, and to which he added 20 acres. He taught seven terms of district school in his younger days, and was Township Clerk twenty-eight years. In 1861, the Auditor being sick, he was appointed Deputy Auditor, and discharged the duties of the office for two years with great satisfaction. In 1865, he was elected Commissioner, and was re-elected in 1868. In 1873, he was again called to the Commissioner's office, and was re-elected in 1876. In 1877, he purchased a residence in St. Paris, to which he removed, leaving his farm to the care of his son, Van Orlando. Mr. Woods is now Deputy Recorder. He has been a member of the M. E. Church since 1843, and is a useful, respected Christian citizen. He has had six children, four of whom died in youth, and two survive-Samuel M. and Van Orlando.
JOHN H. YOUNG. Few men have the good fortune to win the honest regard and kindly sympathy of the community in which they live as has John H. Young among the people of Champaign Co. He was born at Franklin, Warren Co., Ohio, Sept. 15, 1813. His father was Gen. Robert Young, a native of Dauphin Co., Penn., who settled in what is now Warren Co., Ohio, in 1796. He was an officer in the American army in the war of 1812, and, subsequently, an early resident, prominent citizen and attorney of Piqua, Miami Co., Ohio, filling many important public trusts, among others that of State Senator. John H., when about 15 years of age, began life in a printing office, but afterward received a collegiate course, completing his studies at Oxford, in 1835. He read law in Urbana, with Gen. Israel Hamilton, and was admitted to the bar in 1837, since which time he his continued in the successful practice of his profession. He was married in 1838, to Elizabeth J., daughter of Joseph White, a pioneer of the Miami Valley, and afterward a resident of Urbana. They have three children living, viz.: Frances, the wife of Frank Chance, a leading
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attorney of Urbana ; Carrie, the wife of M. E. Barber, of New Haven, Conn., and Robert, who resides in Urbana. In July, 1844, he was admitted to practice in the United States Courts for Ohio, and, the same fall, was the Democratic candidate for Congress in this district, his opponent being Ex-Gov. Joseph Vance. Some years afterward he was again a candidate for Congress, Moses B. Corwin being his opponent. The popularity of Mr. Young can be judged from the fact that he always ran far ahead of his party ticket. He was a member of the Ohio Constitutional Convention of 1873, and bore a prominent and important part in its debates and deliberations, being a member of the three most important committees, and Chairman of the Committee on Amendments. He has been a Presidential Elector several times, and has filled many local offices devolving on men of known character and ability. During the rebellion, he was an active supporter of the Government, and favored all measures for the vigorous prosecution of the war. He has been the honored and trusted President of the Third National Bank since its organization. Mr. Young is a member of the Presbyterian Church, but, while giving his active support and sympathy to that denomination, is a generous supporter of all organizations and efforts for advancing the public welfare. He is a man of modest, unassuming character, urbane and pleasant in his social relations, slow to arrive at a conclusion, but firm as a rock in adhering to the result of his deliberations. As a lawyer, he stands deservedly high, and, being well versed in legal lore, his law points are always well taken, and his advice can be safely relied upon by his clients. He is an impressive speaker, a successful advocate and safe counselor, and has a well-merited reputation for skill and integrity in his profession.