100 - THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. ment to the youth of the country that it is so. Prominent among the self-made men of Ohio was the subject of this sketch, a man honored, respected and esteemed wherever known and most of all where he was best known. Mr. Horr was born in Denmark, New York, August 9, 1818, and was a son of Jacob Horr, of Scotch descent. The schoolhouse which he attended was three miles from his home. He had limited opportunity for acquiring an education for his services were needed upon the home farm. He was the youngest in a family of nine children and with one exception all were sons. At the age of fourteen years he went to Mechanicsburg, Ohio, living with his brother, Dr. Obed Horr, until he went to Jeffersonville, where he engaged in the drygoods business for a time and then returned to Mechanicsburg, where he again became a dry-goods merchant in partnership with his brother, Dr. Horr. He came to Springfield to purchase the right of way for the Springfield, Mount Vernon & Pittsburg Railroad Company, of which he was the secretary and treasurer. His association with that company continued for a number of years and in its behalf he went to Europe, where he spent five months, purchasing 'railroad iron for the construction of the road. On the expiration of that period he returned to his native land in the month of March, 1861, but sold his interest in the road in the same year. The following year Mr. Horr became a member of the firm of Wright, Horr & Bacon, wholesale grocers, and continued in that business up to the time of his death, which occurred January 21, 1873. He was a very successful business man and conducted a number of enterprises. For years he devoted his entire time and concentrated all his energies toward the supervision of the active details of his business and his was the heart to resolve, the understanding to direct, and the hand to execute all its various transactions. He also became the owner of considerable city real estate. Mr. Horr was twice married. He first wedded Mazey Ann Owens and they became the parents of three children : Luvenia; Llewellyn, who is living in Oklahoma ; and Elijah, who died in childhood. On the I 11th of December, 1845, Mr. Horr was again married, his second union being with Miss Elizabeth Morgan, a most estimable lady, who was to .him a faithful companion and helpmate on life's journey and who still survives him. She was a native of the city of London and in 1832, when twelve years of age, was a passenger on a westward bound sailing vessel, which dropped anchor in the harbor of New York, after a voyage of seven weeks. She came with her parents, Thomas and Mary Morgan. Unto the second marriage five children were born : Louise, who is now the wife of L. C. Smith, of Saginaw, Michigan; Laura, who became the wife of Jonathan Harshman and now lives with her mother, her husband having died in 1874; Lucien, who is married and has five children, and lives in Ogden City. Utah ; Mary L., who was. at home; and Lillian, the widow of Edward C. Leffel. She also resides with her mother and has lost her only only son, James, who died at the age of eighteen years. Mr. Horr possessed many admirable qualities. His record was that of a. man who by his own unaided efforts worked his way upward to a position of affluence. His life was one of industry and perseverance and the honorable and systematic business methods which he followed won him the es- THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 101 teem and confidence of many. Without the aid of influence or wealth he rose to a leading position in Cark county and his native genius and unremitting diligence formed the stepping-stone on which he mounted. THOMAS G. FARR, M. D. Close study, careful preparation and an earnest desire to be of use to the world in alleviations of human suffering have made Dr. Thomas Gibson Farr one of the most capable and successful physicians of this portion of Ohio. He is practicing in South Charleston and has a very liberal patronage: The Doctor is a native of Crawfordsville, Indiana, born on the 24th of February, 1838, his parents being James Gibson and Asenath (Bennett) Farr. The father was a trader on the river and in 1840, when on his way to New Orleans with his cargo, a tornado overtook them at Natchez, Mississippi, destroyed both his boats and everything was lost. He was injured but returned as far as Evansville. Indiana. where he died of lockjaw, caused from the injuries which he had sustained. He had been buried two weeks before his widow learned of his death. She was left in very straitened financial circumstances and returned to Selma, Ohio. in which place she had been reared from the age of seven years. Mrs. Farr made her home in that town and the Doctor became a member of the household of his uncle in Wayne county, Illinois. until his mother married again, becoming the wife of Mordecai Taylor. The Doctor then returned to his mother, who was living upon a farm in Warren county, Ohio, and in that locality he was reared to manhood. acquiring his education in the common schools and in Springboro Academy. At the age of nineteen he began teaching in the country schools. of Warren county and during his leisure hours devoted his attention to the study of medicine. For three years he was a student in the office of Dr. Smith, of Springboro; after which he pursued a winter's. course of lectures in the Cincinnati College-of Medicine and Surgery during the scholastic year of 1861-2. Dr. Farr began practice at Bellbrook, Greene county, and entered upon a successful professional career. He remained there' for a year and then removed to Selma, where he was a practitioner for nineteen years, meeting with creditable and enviable success, but his health at length failed him and in 1882 he came to South Charleston. In the meantime he had fm ther perfected himself in his chosen calling as a student in the Starling Medical College at Columbus, in which he was graduated in the class of 1878. He has always read extensively in the line of his chosen work, thus continually broadening his knowledge and enlarging the field of his usefulness. The Doctor was married in Lebanon, Ohio, March 10, 1859, to Miss Helen Sweeny, a daughter of Colonel James and. Clarissa (Coffeen) Sweeny, who were early settlers of Warren county. Her mother. came of Revolutionary stock. Her maternal great-great-grandfather was Captain John Coffeen, who was a privateer during-the war for independence. His father, John Coffeen, Sr., was a student in a college of Dublin, Ireland. and he and some young-men went on board a vessel to view the ship and were fastened down in the hatch and taken to America, where they were sold to pay the passage. A pamphlet called the- 402 - THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Traditions of the Coffin or Coffeen family says: "John Coffeen was stolen or kidnaped, which at that period was a frequent occurrence. This was many years previous to the Revolutionary war and with thirteen other young men, who were students at a literary institution, he was brought to America and was sold or purchased for a sum which was equivalent to the passage charges. John Coffeen was indentured to a Boston merchant for a term of two years. Another version of the affairs is that he was impressed by a British man of war and when the vessel was at New Bedford he escaped and went to Boston, where he bound himself out to a merchant as an apprentice. At any rate he proved valuable to his master, rose in favor, married his master's daughter and became a partner in the business of his father-in-law. When John Coffeen was kid- •naped he had in his possession the genealogy of the family." This John Coffeen had three sons, Eleazer, Michael and John, the last named being the father of Amy Coffeen. who married Isaac 'Baldwin in Cavendish, Vermont, in 1791. They had eleven children, one of whom was Emma or Amy Baldwin, who was married July 10, 1804, to Joseph Parker, and their family consisted of seven children, Joseph, Lucy, Lydia,. Harvey, Florella, Lavina and Sarah. Eleazer took the family record and set out for his father's birthplace in order to recover the property which would fall to him there, but was never heard from afterward. Michael became an owner of large mill property at ox near the present site of Lowell, Massachusetts. It is said to be the first improvement of that great water power. He married a German lady by the name of Lake. Michael was lost in a great freshet in one of his mill streams. John was a man of great energy of character and possessed large means for the times. Through the depression in value of the continental money he lost more than sixty thousand dollars. He purchased a large portion of the town of Cavendish from a corporation of a New Hampshire grant, the first name on record in 1770. From the children of Jesse Read he also bought the land afterward sold to Thomas Baldwin, second from John Church of Charleston, under a New York title. This was just previous to the Revolutionary war. A dispute about the title of the Connecticut river and Lake Champlain lands, which were claimed under a, New Hampshire grant to Mason and afterward to the Duke of York and then the attempt to dispossess the soldiers of lands under the New Hampshire title by claiming them under the New York title, had nearly occasioned open hostilities between the two parties, but the breaking out of the Revolutionary war overwhelmed all minor considerations. John was a commissioner of the Revolutionary army. He married Susan Goldsmith, a Boston lady of ()food family. Her mother's maiden name was Gideon. John and Susannah Coffeen had fourteen children.. John was the first settler in Cavendish, Vermont, where he took up his abode in 1769. The first deed reported there was from Jesse Read, of Lurenburg, Massachusetts, to John Coffeen. March 21, 1781. He was a member of the convention which signed the revised declaration of independence of Vermont and which formed the constitution of that state. He was appointed a captain of militia in 1775 and was the representative of the town .in 1781-1785-1786. His wife, Susannah Goldsmith Coffeen. lived to be over ninety- THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 103 four years of age, at which time she was very active, being able to walk more than a half mile over the hills. She was very helpful to the soldiers during the war of the Revolution and was the original of the leading character in the Rangers Daughter, a historical novel. Her mother's mother had died at sea when on the way to America. It is from this ancestry that Mrs. Dr. Farr is descended. By her marriage she has become the mother of four children, but the first, a daughter, died at birth. Mordecai J. is now an undertaker of Franklin. Warren county, Ohio. He married Clara Null and has one son, Raymond Gibson. Otto H., who wedded Margaret Ferard, of South Charleston. is engaged in the jewelry business in Wabash, Indiana. Zella H died in Selma in 1880, at the age of fifteen years. It is said that with boyish enthusiasm Dr. Farr sang the song of Tippacanoe and Tyler, too, and shouted for the Whig candidate and principles. Since attaining his majority he has been a stanch Republican, casting his first presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln. He volunteered for service in the Civil war, but was rejected on account of physical disability. The Farr family came of Quaker' stock and although the father was a member of the church Dr. Farr became identified with the Hickites branch of the Quakers and holds membership in the Green Plain Meeting. His life has been an honorable and upright one, commanding the confidence and respect of all. He is the loved family physician in many a household in this county, having for many years practiced his profession here, his labors proving of great benefit as he has carried on the work of alleviating human suffering. Since 1882 he has resided in South Charleston and here and wherever known his influence has been given for the general good, while his personal characteristics form an example-well worthy of emulation. JOHN W. BURK. The name of John \V. Burk is well known in business circles of Springfield as. he is president and general manager of The Ansted & Burk Company, owners and opera-. tors of the Springfield Flouring Mill. He is a progressive, typical American business. man, energetic and resolute, and with due regard to his obligations in the business. world. Mr. Burk is a native of Canada, where he attended school prior to coming to the United States, though he was quite young when he took up his residence in Michigan. During his boyhood and youth he acquired. a good academical education, and after completing his literary course he began learning the miller's trade, since which time he has been connected with that line of industrial activity. In 1897 he became a member of The Ansted & Burk Company, owners of the Springfield Flouring Mill, which is among the oldest manufacturing institutions in the city, having been established in 1841 by Samuel J. Barnett. Later the mill was. owned and operated by the firm of Warder& Barnett until 1897, when it was purchased by The Ansted & Burk Company. Since that time the mill has been greatly improved, remodeled and equipped with the best roller system, including all modern improvements. The mill has a capacity of five hundred barrels in a day of twenty-four hours and enjoys a large local trade and also has an ex- 104 - THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. tensive patronage from New England, the southern states and Europe, as well as from the towns and cities adjacent to Springfield. Under the capable management of Mr. Burk the business is constantly increasing and the company are now the second largest shippers in Springfield. They are also largely interested in manufacturing enterprises in Indiana and extensive lumbering operations in Washington and Idaho. During the years of 190o and 1901 Mr. Burk was president of the board of trade of Springfield. He is well known in industrial and commercial circles for his enterprise, his reliability and his unfaltering perseverance. Fraternally he has been a member of the Masonic order for many years; has filled all the chairs in the blue lodge, chapter and commanders, and has also been an officer in the grand chapter of Michigan. He is married and has two daughters. His elder daughter, Miss Helen M., is a graduate of the Michigan State Normal College and also of the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor. His younger daughter, Miss Mabel, is a student at Wittenberg College. JAMES FOLEY. Prominent in the ranks of the Republican party, Mr. Foley has manifested his loyalty to the general good by capable service in office. He at one time served as sheriff of Clark county and stood as a stalwart defender of law and order. He is now engaged in auctioneering and is a real estate agent of Springfield. His birth occurred in Moorefield township, Clark county, August 30. 1838, his father being John Foley. The family is of Scotch-Irish descent, and William Foley, the great-grandfather of our subject. was a land surveyor of Virginia. He served his country as a soldier in the war of the Revolution and he reared a family of eighteen children, eleven of whom became residents of Ohio. James Foley, the grandfather of our subject. was born in Virginia in 1779 and was also a land surveyor. The year 1803 witnessed his arrival in Clark county, at which time he settled in what is now Moorefield township, which was a part of Champaign county. He made the journey westward on horseback and became the owner of government land which he entered at Cincinnati. In 1808, in Darby Plains, he wedded Mary Marsh, who was born in Virginia in 1784. He was one of the first county commissioners of Clark county, being elected to that office after the county was formed, in 1818. While he was serving on the board the first courthouse of the county was erected. He was also a captain in the war of 1812, and the sword which he carried in that struggle is in the possession of our subject. He was very prominent in political affairs and for two terms represented his district in the state legislature. In his business affairs he prospered, becoming the owner of twenty-eight hundred acres of land in Clark county and one hundred and sixty acres in Franklin county. Fraternally he was connected with the Masonic order. His death occurred in October, 1863, and his wife passed away in 1853, their remains being interred in Ferncliff cemetery of Springfield. They had four children, John, Catherine, James and Susan, all of whom were born and educated in Clark county and here died. They, too, now sleep in Ferncliff cemetery. John Foley, the father of our subject, THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 108 was born in Moorefield township in 1815, and died in 1841 at the early age of twenty-six years. He wedded Mary Dunlap, who was born in Champaign county in 1815 and died in this county in 1899. Their children were James and Amanda. The latter became the wife of Garrett Loomis and at her death was interred in Ferncliff cemetery. After the death of her first husband Mrs. John Foley became the wife of Theodore Stout and had one son, William, who was married and at his death left two sons, Harry and Charles, both of whom ate living in Springfield. In religious faith the Foleys were Presbyterians. James Foley of this review was only three years of age when his father died. In Moorefield township he was educated and went with his mother to Morgan county, Illinois, where her father was then living. After five years there passed he returned to Clark county to make his home with his grandfather and worked upon the farm here. He also attended school for a time in Springfield and for a short period engaged in clerking in a store here. He lived with his grandfather until 1862, at which time he was married. Just previously he had conducted a dry-goods store in Springfield, which he sold in 1861. He then returned to the farm in Moorefield township and carried on agricultural pursuits until 1873, when he came to the city and was identified with business affairs here until 1876, when he was appointed deputy sheriff under E. G.. Coffin. In 188o he was elected sheriff of the county and served for two terms of two years each. entering upon the duties of the office on the 1st of January, 1881. Since his retirement from office he has been engaged in auctioneering and in the real estate business, handling property on commission. In these enterprises he has met with gratifying success and is well known in the business world. Mr. Foley has always been a stalwart Republican, has attended the national conventions of his. party and has been a delegate to county and state conventions. He does all in his power to promote the growth and insure the success of the party and his efforts have been effective in its behalf. For six years he served as justice of the peace. of Moorefield township, was also township trustee and was largely instrumental in the building of the schoolhouse while acting on the board of education. For fifteen years he served on the board of equalization in Springfield and at all times has been loyal and true to public duties. The lady who bears the name of Mrs. Foley was in her maidenhood Miss Mary J. Marsh, who was born in Moorefield township, a daughter of John and Maria (Dye) Marsh. Her father was a farmer of Moorefield township but devoted most of his time to stock dealing, driving his stock to eastern markets for sale. He owns seven hundred acres of valuable land. Both he and his wife were natives of Virginia and came to Clark county on horseback. They were the parents of three children: Nathan, who is living in Champaign county ; Mary, the wife of our subject. and John, deceased. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Foley have been born five children : Mabel died in Springfield at the age of eighteen years. Frances W. is the wife of Carl K. Mower, a first lieutenant in the United States regular army, being connected with the heavy artillery at Fort 'Totten, New York. He served for one year at Porto Rico and for two years in the Philippines. Alice is .the wife of Edward M. Hurd. manager of the Albany 106 - THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Rubber Tire Company, of Albany, New York, and they have three sons—James Foley, Francis Casper and Dwight Harris. Marie is living with her parents. John Marsh Foley, the youngest child of our subject, is a clerk in the Lagonda National Bank. The children were all educated in Springfield, being students in the high school and seminary here. Mr. Foley is connected with the Knights of Honor and is a progressive and public-spirited citizen. Any matter or movement which tends to promote the general welfare receives his attention and if his judgment sanctions it he gives to it his hearty endorsement and active co-operation. His official career has been most enviable and over his public record there falls no shadow of wrong. HON. JOHN H. THOMAS. There are no rules for building characters ; there is no rule for achieving success: The man who can rise to a position of eminence is he who can see and utilize the opportunities that surround his path. The essential conditions of human life are ever the same, the surroundings of individuals differ but slightly, and when one man passes another on the highway to reach the goal of prosperity before others, who, perhaps, started out before him, it is because he has the power to use advantages which probably encompass the whole race. Among the citizens of this county who have won distinction, have been an honor and a help to the advancement and improvement of their community and left an honorable name to the city which mourns their loss, is the Hon. John H. Thomas. By the death of this honorable and upright citizen Springfield and Clark county lost one of their most prominent and highly respected citizens. As the day, with its morning of hope and promises, its noontide of activity, its evening of completed and successful efforts, ending with the grateful rest and quiet of the night, so was the life of this honored man. His career was a long, busy and useful one, and although he was earnest and active in business, he never allowed the pursuit of wealth to warp his kindly nature, being to the end of his life a kindly, genial friend, one whom it was a pleasure to know and meet, under any circumstances. By his friends and associates his loss is deemed irreparable and the community is deprived of the presence of one whom it had come to look upon as a guardian, benefactor and friend. Death often removes from our midst those whom we can ill afford to spare, whose lives have been all that is exemplary of the true, and thereby really great citizen. Such a citizen was Mr. Thomas, whose whole career, both business and social, served as a model to the young and an inspiration to the aged. He shed brightness around everything with which he came in contact. By his usefulness and general benevolence he created a memory whose perpetuation does not depend upon brick and stone but upon the spontaneous and free-will offering of a grateful and enlightened people. No citizen did more for Springfield than Mr. Thomas in the proud position it to-day occupies. It would therefore be incompatible with the purpose of a history in which are mentioned the leading men who have molded the destiny of this section of the state to omit the record of the Hon. John H. Thomas. He was born in Middletown, Frederick county, Maryland, on the 4th of October, 1826, coming of an old southern family of Pres- THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 109 byterian faith. His parents were Jacob and Sophia (Bowlus) Thomas. His surviving brothers and sisters are: Charles E., who is the vice president of the Thomas Manufacturing Company; Joseph W., of San Diego, California ; Mrs. Alfred Raffensperger and Josephine, who are residents of Springfield. Amid the refining influences of a good Christian home, John Henry Thomas was reared and early formed habits of life that made his career conspicuous for his determination and self-reliance, his perseverance and his honesty. His parents realized the value of an education and gave to him good opportunities in that direction. His preliminary mental training was supplemented by study in Marshall College, of Mercersburg, Pennsylvania, where he was graduated with the class of 1849. He chose the law for his profession and became a student in the office of the Hon. S. W. Andrews, of Columbus, Ohio. In 1831 he came to Springfield and entered the office of the brilliant attorney, William White, then one of the strongest and best known lawyers in the state. Mr. Thomas possessed keen foresight and sound judgment and he saw that an excellent business field was opening before the residents of Ohio in the manufacture of fuel. Many prominent business men were becoming connected with this line of commercial activity and Mr. Thomas, quick to note the possibilities for achieving success that lay before him, entered into the manufacturing world. He continued his law practice, however, for two years and was then chosen recorder of the county. This was a direct. recognition of his ability and personal popularity. for he had come to Springfield a comparative stranger. At the close of his term he became an active factor in the manufacturing life of this city, entering into partner- - 6 - ship with P. P. Mast in the business of manufacturing agricultural implements. The house began operations in the year 1837, when the entire country was involved in a financial panic that forced many of the strong, capable and apparently successful business men to suspend operations. The capital of the new firm was limited and the depression and other obstacles seemed to bar the path to success, but both Mr. Thomas and Mr. Mast possessed great energy,. strong purpose and splendid executive force,. managing not only to pass through the crisis. of the times, but to continue and enlarge their business until within a few years the sales of the firm reached one million dollars. annually. The business was carried on by the original partners until 1872, when Mtn. Thomas. having already accumulated a large fortune, decided to retire and dispose of his. interests. For two years he enjoyed a well merited rest, but comparative idleness was. utterly foreign to his nature and he determined to again become an active factor in manufacturing interests of his adopted city. Associating with him his two sons, William. S. and Findlay B. Thomas, he again engaged in the manufacture of agricultural implements, establishing the large plant which now stands on South Limestone street and is still conducted under the name of the Thomas Manufacturing Company. The firm, having gained a world wide reputation. was incorporated in 1887 and entered upon an area of prosperity which brought to the stockholders a splendid income and at the same time made the industry one of great value to the city by furnishing employment to hundreds of workmen. A large number of traveling men were also placed upon the road in order to introduce the prod-. uct of the house to the market. Year by 110 - THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. year the business grew. and the plant was enlarged to meet the growing demands of the trade, until to-day the Thomas Manufacturing Company is one of the largest manufactories of hay machinery, harrows and grain drills in the entire country. During the latter years of his life John H. Thomas, the father, was largely relieved of the business cares by the efforts of his son, W. S. Thomas, yet he still continued to take some part in the active management of the splendid house which he had established and even up to the day of his death was seen in the office superintending business affairs. As he prospered in his undertakings he made judicious and extensive investments in land. He owned many of the finest farms in Clark county and had thousands of acres in the west, including extensive tracts in Kansas. He possessed rare business judgment which was seldom at fault, and thus his capital was so placed as to yield a good -return. Prior to his death he divided his -property, leaving his wife. and children in excellent financial circumstances. Mr. Thomas was united in marriage in the year 1854 to Mary Bonser, the youngest daughter of the Hon. Jacob Bonser, of Chillicothe, Ohio, and entered upon a happy married life, Although his business and public interests were extensive, he was yet .a man of domestic tastes and accounted no personal effort or sacrifice too great that would enhance the welfare or happiness of wife and children. Two sons and two daughters were born of this union: W. S. and Findlay B., who became associated with their father in the manufacturing business. Mrs. Summers, the wife of Judge A. N, Summers; and Mabel, Mrs. L. P. Matthews. Mr. Thomas was a member of the Presbyterian church. There was no ostentation or display in his religion, but he lived a life of quiet Christianity and the teachings the lowly Nazarene were exemplified in his daily career as he went to and fro among his fellow men. In connection with Ross Mitchell, he gave to the city a home for the sick, popularly known as the Mitchell- Thomas Hospital. This was but one of his many benevolent acts, yet more numerous were his kindly deeds that were unknown to the public than those which found public recognition. The poor and needy indeed shared his friendship and his aid, and many a home vas made brighter because of his sympathy and his material assistance. Mr. Thomas figured prominently in public affairs and was long a recognized leader in public thought and action. Not only was he influential in the municipal life of Springfield, but his opinions bore weight in the councils of state and national politics. For many years he served as a member of the city council, where his ability as a financier was recognized and his labors proved of direct benefit to the city. He was a member of many of the municipal boards, including the board of public affairs, the board of equalization and the Snyder Park board, serving as a member of the latter at the time of his death. In 1868 he was nominated on the Democratic ticket for congress and won an excellent record, at the time he made the race for United States senator against Calvin S. Brice. Several times he was elected by large majorities as ; a trustee of the water works, his ability honesty and capability for the control of large affairs bringing him a commanding position, not only in Springfield, but throughout Ohio and the country. THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 111 It is probable that the end came to Mr. Thomas as he would have wished, for his activity in the world continued almost to the last moment of his rife. On the morning of the day on which his death occurred, January 23, 1901, he went to the office of the Thomas Manufacturing Company apparently in good health and spirits, meeting friends pleasantly and superintending some business affairs. At the dinner hour he was driven to his home in East High street, accompanied by his son. Hon. W. S. Thomas. The wives of the two gentlemen were dining out that day and the son, with his children, had decided to take their noon meal with the father and grandfather. It was a pleasant family circle and at the close of the dinner Mr. Thomas, accompanied by his son and grandchildren, went to the upper apartments of the house, where he sat down in his big arm chair to rest. Soon the children started to school, the son returned to his office and he was left alone. About half past one a servant of the family, passing through an adjoining room saw him apparently dozing in his chair. He probably saw her and attempted to reach her and speak to her, but instantly paralysis terminated his life and Springfield was called upon to mourn the loss of one whom it had ever known to honor and respect. He attained the age of seventy-four years, retaining to the last those qualities of the mind and heart which had endeared him to everyone throughout his life. THOMAS KIZER. The life record of Thomas, Kizerd covered three-fourths of a century. He was a native son of Clark county and thus at an early period in the development of the county he became a resident of this portion of the state and his work here was of a very important and valuable character. He was a surveyor of marked ability and skill in the line of his chosen profession and the work which he accomplished in this way proved of benefit to the community. He stood in the front ranks of the column which advanced the civilization of Clark county and led the way to its substantial development, progress and upbuilding. He lived here when little of the land had been reclaimed for purposes of cultivation but remained in the primitive condition in which it had come from the hand of nature. Mr. Kizer was born on the 18th of December, 1812, in. German township, a short distance northwest of the city of Springfield. His birth took place in a little log cabin built in an old fashioned pioneer style. His parents were David and Eva (Nawman) Kizer, who came from Virginia to this state after their marriage. The father, however, was a native of Pennsylvania. He arrived in Clark county about 1809, settling in German township, and was a leading and active factor in the substantial improvement and development of this portion of the county. He left the impress of his individuality upon the public life and was prominent in political, church and business circles. A minister of the United Brethren church, he many times preached the Gospel to the early settlers and his influence in behalf of the moral progress was widely felt. He also preached many of the early funeral sermons, speaking either in German or English as circumstances demanded. He was also the first recorder of Clark county, Ohio. Idle accumulated about four hundred acres of land and also had other capital. He was a true pioneer set- 112 - THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. tler, one of those men, who, claiming none, yet deserved the honor of having assisted in laying the foundation of the great west. He was appointed to the position of county recorder in 1818 and acted in that capacity for seven years. On his retirement from office he returned to the farm, where he remained until his death, there rearing a family of hearty and intelligent sons to cultivate the fields and carry on the work which he had begun. He passed away December 31, 1847, at the age of sixty-eight years and was buried in Greenmount cemetery, on East High street, in Springfield. Many years have passed since then and few of the settlers of Clark county can remember him, but his work yet remains and the part which he performed in aiding in the development of this county will endure to all time and will prove of benefit to coming generations. Thomas Kizer was the fourth in his father's family. He received but limited educational privileges. For a time he studied at home, studying by the fireside and later he pursued a course in an academy of which Professor Isaac H. Lancy was the professor. His training at farm work, .however, Was not meager and he early became familiar with the arduous task of clearing the land and developing the fields as well as continuing the work of cultivation. Mr. Kizer learned the trade of a millwright and while thus engaged decided to turn his attention to surveying. He began his work in the latter direction in 1836 and was afterward associated with the surveys of the United States public lands in various districts. In 1841 he was chosen county surveyor, to which office he was re-elected again and again until his incumbency had covered twenty-six years. He then retired from tile office, as he had entered it, with the confidence and good will of all concerned. He had early become familiar with the profession. He constantly increased his proficiency and in the exercise of his business duties he had acquired a comprehensive knowledge of all the obscure corners of this section of the state, "original errors," and other peculiarities which occurred in connection with the first survey. He was spoken of as a "mine of facts" pretaining to the later subdivisions of the lots of Clark county. He aided in making the surveys for the first railroad through Clark county and had more to do with the survey of the pike than all other surveyors together. Mr. Kizer was also a leader in military circles in the old days of the state militia. He held different offices, was promoted from time to time and finally rose to the rank of lieutenant colonel. Old training days occurred and became important events in the communities where muster was called. Colonel Kizer's soldierly bearing was long noticeable and he took great pride in maintaining the discipline and high standard of his men. He was also very active in organizing the Rover Fire Company, one of the first in Springfield, and was a member of the same. In 1844 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Kiser and Miss Mary A. Pattison, who was born in German township, this county, September 5, 182o, and is a daughter of Joseph and Ellen (Wones) Pattison, both natives of Yorkshire, England, where they were reared, though they came to this country prior to their marriage. Mr. Pattison was a farmer of German township. Into our subject and his wife were born eight children, but only two of that number THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 113 are now living : Mary E., who resides with her mother, and Emma, who is the wife of H. H. Prugh, a resident of Springfield. Thomas Kiser was a Whig in the early days and upon the dissolution of that party he joined the ranks of the new Republican party and continued to march under its banners until his death. He was a close and earnest student of the political issues of the day and was well informed on all matters pertaining to politics. After his retirement from the office of county surveyor he still maintained an independent office of his own and engaged in surveying until within a few years prior to his death. As he traveled over the country and saw opportunity to make judicious investments in property he would purchase land and thus became the owner of considerable land, consisting of farm property and city real estate, having, however, a greater majority of the latter. He prospered in his business undertakings, owing to his judicious expenditure of his capital, and thus he left his family in very comfortable financial circumstances. He passed away December. 20, 1887, and was laid to rest in Ferncliff cemetery. He had been a resident of Clark county for seventy-five years and had great love for this section of the state. It was endeared to him from his boyhood associations, as well as the associations of manhood. He had watched with interest its development from pioneer conditions as it merged to take its place among the leading counties of the commonwealth. He delighted in noting the growth of its business interests, its social, moral and intellectual development and he was known to co-operate heartily in many movements for the general good. In manner he was courteous and pleasant, winning friends by his disposition and honorable character. which commanded the respect of all. Public spirited in an eminent degree, throughout the period of his manhood he gave his support to whatever was calculated to advance the general progress. In all the relations of life, whether as a soldier, a public official or a private citizen he was ever faithful and true and in his life work no shadow of wrong or suspicion of evil darkens his honored pathway. FRANK McGREGOR. Prominent among the self-made men of Ohio is the subject of this sketch—a man honored, respected and esteemed wherever known,. and most of all where he is best known. Mr. McGregor is now extensively and successfully engaged in business as a florist and seedsman of Springfield, where he has made his home since 1876. He was born in Nottinghamshire. England, of Scotch parentage, June 19, 1838. His father was Peter McGregor and his grandfather Donald McGregor. The family is noted for longevity and the grandfather reached the age of one hundred and two years. The father was a graduate of the engineering department of Edinburgh University and became a civil engineer in the employ of the British government. He was sent wherever his services were needed he worked on the first tubular bridge in Wales and also the first one in this country. He came with his family to America in 185o, settling first in Cincinnati, and in later life he spent about six years in Springfield. He was always a hale and hearty man and died at the age of eighty-six. For sometime he followed civil engineering and 114 - THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. railroad construction in this country and then turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, to which he devoted his energies until his retirement from business life. In early manhood he married Christine Ross, who passed away at the age of seventy-six years, both she and her husband dying in the place now occupied by their son David. She was born and reared in Rosshire, Scotland, and there gave her hand in marriage to Peter McGregor. Unto them were born ten children of whom eight are yet living. One son and one daughter died in early childhood and one daughter in Cincinnati, Ohio. Those still living are : Thomas R., who was a soldier of the Civil war and is now a resident of Cincinnati; Frank, of this review ; David, who is associated with his brother in business; Isabelle, who is living in Springfield ; Margaret, also of Cincinnati; and Christine and Jessie, who are residents of the same place. Frank McGregor was educated in the north of Scotland, going there to make his home with his grandparents with whom he lived from his infancy until he had attained the age of thirteen years, when he came with his parents to this country, attending school in Cincinnati, Ohio. When the country became involved in Civil war, he offered his services to the government in 1862, becoming a member of Company E, Eighty-third Ohio Regiment. This was afterward consolidated with the Forty-eighth Regiment and Mr. McGregor became a member of Company H, of the latter command. He took part in eleven important battles and in numerous skirmishes, but was never wounded, although he carried a musket in defense of his country for three years. He was a noncommissioned officer, being mustered out with the rank of sergeant. His brother Thomas R. was in the Sixtieth Indiana Infantry and was twice promoted for bravery. They were in the same brigade in the southern campaign and our subject received an honorable discharge at Galveston. Texas, in 1865. Mr. McGregor then returned to his home and embarked in business. He was employed as shipping clerk for a firm when a mere boy and after his return from the war he became connected with the business of supplying seeds and plants to the retail trade, becoming connected with a nurseryman who had lost his sons in the service. These sons were personal friends of Mr. McGregor, who then joined their father in business under the firm name of S. S. Jackson & Company, a partnership that was maintained for ten years. He was offered a position in the pension department by Judge Spooner but did not accept it. When a decade had passed he severed his connection with Mr. Jackson and came to Springfield, where in partnership with his brother David, under the firm name of McGregor Brothers, they established greenhouses which have since been enlarged from time to time until they now have one hundred and twenty-five thousand square feet under glass. They do a general florist shipping business, both wholesale and retail, and give their personal attention to the enterprise, which has constantly grown in volume and importance until it has assumed extensive proportions. Ht has kept abreast of the times in his line and the plant is a modern one, equipped with all accessories for promoting efficiency in the work. Mr. McGregor is also connected with Brain & McGregor Real Estate Company and in this department of his business activity is also meeting with creditable prosperity. THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 115 Mr. McGregor was united in marriage in Cincinnati, June, i866, to Miss Susan Brown, who was born in 1843. They have seven children, namely : Olive, Grace, Bertha, Robert, Allan, Helen and Harold, the last two being twins. All are graduates of the public schools of this city. Robert is now married and has two sons. Mr. McGregor is a man of domestic tastes and finds his greatest happiness in the midst of his family and he counts no personal sacrifice on his part too great if it will enhance the happiness of his wife and chiidren. In politics he is a Republican and a member of the hoard of park commissioners of Springfield. A self-made and self-educated man he certainly deserves great credit for what he has accomplished. Mr. McGregor's actions have been such as to distinctively entitle him to a place in this publication, and although his career has not been filled with thrilling incidents. probably no biography published in this book can serve as a better illustration to young men of the power of honesty and integrity in insuring success. W. O. PADEN. W. O. Paden, who is now identified with farming interest of Clark county, was born on the 29th of November, 1848, in German township, five miles northwest of Springfield. His father, James Paden, was a native of Pennsylvania, and, removing to the west, located in Ohio, where he became the proprietor of the American Hotel in Springfield. His mother lived to become almost a centenarian and was a pensioner of the war of 1812. James Paden, however, reached only middle life, passing away during the boyhood of our subject. H is wife bore the maiden name of Catherine Whitmer, and is still living at the age of seventy-seven years. Her father, Jacob Whitmer, was born in German township, a mile and a half southwest of Tremont. After the death of her first husband Mrs. Paden married again. By the first union she had five children, namely : David W.; Jane and Squire, who died in childhood : W. O., of this review and Susan, who became the wife of James Barnes, and died on Christmas Day of 1901, leaving one son, Claude. W. O. Paden of this review started out in life for himself at the early age of thirteen years. Leaving home he worked by the month until seventeen years of age, after which he attended the Holbrook Normal. School for three years, making his own way through that institution. He thus gave evidence of the elemental strength of his character, for his determination to secure an education at the cost of his own labor indicated that he would accomplish whatever he undertook in life and was proof of his self-reliant, enterprising and progressive spirit. At the age of eighteen Mr. Paden began teaching and followed that pursuit for twelve years with much success, his services being highly satisfactory in the various localities where he was employed. He had the ability to impart with accuracy and clearness the knowledge which he had obtained and thus left an impress upon the minds of his pupils. On the 7th of January, 1873, W. O. Paden was united in marriage to Miss Laura J. Garlough, the wedding being celebrated by the Rev. Richard Morris, five miles southwest of Springfield, at the old Overpeck homestead. The lady is a daughter of W. H. and Phoebe C. (Dalrymple) Garlough. In the year 188o Mr. Paden removed to the 116 - THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. mountains of Kentucky for the benefit of his wife's health and remained in the south for twenty years engaged in the lumber business. In 1899, however, he returned to Clark county and located upon the farm which is now his home and which claims his time and energies. Unto him and his wife have been born two children but the son died in Kentucky, at the age of thirteen months. The daughter, Gertie, born in 1874, is now the wife of Irvin G. Hamma, by whom she has two children. Clarence and Thelma. Throughout his entire life Mr. Paden has given his political support to the Democracy and while residing in the south he frequently served as a delegate to county conventions and as a member of the central committee. He has never been a politician in the sense of office seeking nor has he desired the rewards of office in recognition of his party fealty. He is a member of the Presbyterian church and socially is connected with the Odd Fellows Society of .South Charleston and with Fielding Lodge, No. 192, F. & A. M., also of that place. He has truly won the title of a self-made man, for from the age of thirteen years he has been dependent upon his own resources, not only for his living but for his education and for his advancement in all walks of life. Faithfulness to duty and strict adherence to a fixed purpose, however, will do more to advance a man than wealth or advantageous circumstances. Mr. Paden has battled earnestly and energetically and by indomitable courage and integrity has achieved both. character and success. By sheer force of will and untiring effort he has worked his way upward and is now numbered among the leading agriculturist of his native 'county. ALEXANDER MacGREGOR, M. D. In the practice of medicine Alexander MacGregor has demonstrated his ability to successfully cope with the intricate questions which continually confront his position. He has been a close and earnest student of the science of medicine and his skill and ability are recognied in a liberal patronage. He came to Springfield in 1885 and from the beginning his business has constantly increased both in character and volume and today he is accounted one of the leading representatives of the profession in the county. Dr. MacGregor was born in Covington, Kentucky, in 1852, and is a son of Alexander and Rachel (Willoughby) MacGregor. the former a native of Edinborough, Scotland, and the latter of England. The father's birth occurred May 29, 1821, and he is still living, being an inspector in one of the large factories in Cincinnati, Ohio. He has always been an active man, of a sturdy and industrious nature. He was educated in Scotland and was married in England, coming to the United States between the ages of twenty and thirty years accompanied by his mother and his wife. For a tine he resided in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and then went to Kentucky, while at the present time he is living in Cincinnati, Ohio, although for a few years he was a resident of Springfield. He is a well educated man keeping abreast of the times reading and observation and in his business affairs he has prospered owing to his own enterprise and careful management. In the family were five sons and two daughters. The first died in infancy and Thomas was murdered in Louisiana, when about forty-four years of age. Those still living are THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 119 Roland, a resident of Cincinnati, Ohio; Alexander; Oliver, of Louisiana ; and Mrs. Adeline Salmon, of Dayton, Ohio. The children were all educated in the public schools of Kentucky and the Doctor is the only one who chose a professional career. After graduating in the high school of his native state he worked at wood-carving for a time and was also employed in a brass foundry. During this period he spent his evenings in study and at the same time did excellent work in the line of his employment. He carved the models for the Corinthian capital on the courthouse at St. Joseph, Missouri, about 1871, being a resident of that city at the time. He also worked in Dayton, Ohio, and Chicago. Illinois. and executed work for the exhibition of Joseph Lambert of Dayton. He possessed natural ability in this direction. and in order to supplement this he pursued a course in the MacMicken School of Designing at Cincinnati. He made rapid advancement in the work and later he became connected with the brass works in Dayton. Ohio, having charge of a foundry there. while later he became superintendent of a large foundry in Cincinnati. filling that reponsible position for five years. The Doctor then removed to Springfield and established business here and after two years he sold out and took up the study of medicine. He had refused very tempting offers from a number of brass founderies, having been offered the superintendency of the works but he had determined to devote his attention to the alleviation of human suffering and to this end he entered the Columbus Medical school and was graduated in 1892. He also attended the Ohio Medical College. Dr. MacGregor then returned to Springfield and opened an office in this city, where he has steadily advanced in a profession de manding keen intellectuality, strong discernment and comprehensive knowledge of the principles of science. He engages in general practice and surgery and is a close and discriminating student, who reads intelligently and is quick to adopt any new idea which he believes will prove of practical value in his professional work. Whatever he undertakes he masters as fully as lies within the human power. He has broad sympathy and patience and his labors in the sick room have gained for him many friends. The poor and needy find in him a friend and he has often tendered his services without thought or desire of remuneration. The Doctor was married in Dayton, Ohio, to Miss Alice Smith, who was born in Maryland and was a resident of Dayton at the time of her marriage. They have two children, Howard E. and Ethel, who an! graduates of the high school of Springfield. In his political views he is a Republican. Fraternally he is a member of Anthony Lodge. F. A. M.. and also of the Knights of Pythias fraternity. He is examiner for several of the old line insurance companies, is a member of the American Insurance Union and of the Foresters, and is medical examiner for both of these. The Doctor acquired his education through his own efforts and in the practice of medicine he has shown that his choice of a life work was a wise one. He is a member of the Springfield Medical Society and has advanced beyond mediocrity to a creditable position in professional circles. JAMES L. MAXWELL. In an analyzation of the character and life work of James L. Maxwell, we note many of the characteristics which have 120 - THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. marked the Scotch nation for many centuries ; the perseverance, reliability, energy and unconquerable determination to pursue a course that has been marked out. It is these sterling qualities which have gained for Mr. Maxwell success in life and made him one of the substantial :and valued citizens of Springfield. Mr. Maxwell is now a well known and prosperous florist of this city where he has carried on business on his own account since 1895, his residence in Springfield, however, dating from 1882. He was born in Kirkcudbright, Scotland, May I, 1854, and is a son of John Maxwell, who was also born in the same place. The father is a stone-mason by trade and long followed that occupation, but is now living retired. He pursued his education in the common schools of his' native country, was an apt pupil and has always been a wide reader of good literature. He married Agnes Lindsay, also a native of Kirkcudbright. He is now. a hale and hearty man of eighty-two years, while his wife has reached the age of seventy-six years. His mother attained the advanced age of eighty-nine years, while her sister reached the extreme old age of ninety-nine years. Unto John and Agnes Maxwell were born six children, of whom a son died in early childhood. The others are : Margaret, the wife of P. H. Murphy, of Springfield ; Isabelle, who is the widow of Robert Aitken and a resident of Port Augusta, Australia ; James L., of this review ; John, who is engaged as chief manager of an insurance company of Liverpool, England ; and Alexander, who is living in Springfield. The children all attended the public schools of Scotland and the last two had college educations. James L. Maxwell pursued his studies in the public schools until thirteen years of age when he began working in a private greenhouse belonging to General Ervin. There he learned the business with which he has since been connected, working for General Ervin until eighteen years of age. He was afterward associated with his father as a stone cutter for two years. In 1874 he left the land of hills and heather and came to America, remaining in Springfield for two years. On the expiration of that period he returned home to his native land and when two years had elapsed he once more crossed the Atlantic to the United States and took up his permanent abode in this city. He managed the florist business for his brother-in-law until he embarked in business on his account in 1895. He rented his first place for five years and in 1900 purchased four acres of land and erected thereon a modern residence with all up-to-date improvements. He also equipped a florist plant, has well arranged and large greenhouses and conducts a good business, selling to the local trade. He began operations on a small scale, but has constantly enlarged his facilities to meet the growing demands of his trade which he continues upon that basis, always keeping well stocked in order to supply his patrons. All that he possesses has been acquired through his own efforts and to-day he is a prominent and successful representative of business interests in Springfield. In the year 1895 Mr. Maxwell was united in marriage to Miss Rachel Kolb, who was born in Springfield in 1862, a daughter of Frederick Kolb, now deceased, who owned a shoe store at No. 9 West Main street, Springfield. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Maxwell have been born two sons : George L. and Frederick K. In his political views Mr. Maxwell is a Republican where questions of state and na- THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 121 tional importance are involved, but at local elections where there are no issues before the people he casts his ballot regardless of party ties, considering only the capability of the candidate. He is a member of the Presbyterian church, and also of Ingomar Lodge, K. P. While working with General Ervin in early youth he learned salmon fishing and became an adept at that art. He also attained superior proficiency as a marksman and hunter and in the handling of all kinds of fire arms. For three years he served in the Scotch army as a volunteer. In all manly sports he takes an active interest, and in church and charitable work he is found as a liberal contributor. Thirteen times he has crossed the Atlantic, making trips. to and from his home in his native country. He has found in the business advantages of the new world the opportunities which he sought, for here labor meets with its just reward and consecutive efforts and keen discernment in business have won for him a creditable place in thefinancial world. DWIGHT W. HOLLENBECK. In a history of the representative men who have been connected with the business development and substantial progress of Clark county, Dwight Wheeler Hollenbeck must be mentioned. He occupied a leading and honorable position in business circles here for a number of years and he left behind him an untarnished name. Moreover, his social qualities and genuine worth had gained for him the esteem, good will and confidence of many friends, who will gladly receive the record of his career. Mr. Hollenbeck was born at Great Barrington, Massachusetts, amid the Berkshire hills, on the 12th of April, 1844, and is a son of John Van Dusen Hollenbeck. He pursued his education at Great Barrington and Brooklyn, New York, continuing his studies until eighteen years of age, when he ran away in order to enlist for service in the Civil war with a regiment that had been formed in his native town, but because of his youth his father did not wish him to enter the army and went after him, causing him to return home. His military experience was therefore nipped in the bud but he ever manifested the same loyalty and patriotic spirit throughout his entire career, doing everything he could to promote the best interests of his city, his state and his nation. When his education was completed he entered into the wholesale flour and feed business owned by his father at Great Barrington, receiving his business training in that way. For two years he was associated with his father and then determined to seek a home in a western district, believing that he might have better business opportunities elsewhere. Coming to Ohio he located in Circleville, where he established a wholesale and retail clothing house, entering this business in connection with George Melvin, his father-in-law. He was thus engaged until 1886, meeting with creditable success in his undertaking there. In the year mentioned Mr. Hollenbeck came to Springfield, Ohio, where he made his home throughout his remaining days. Here he entered the insurance field, first representing the Union Central Insurance Company of Cincinnati. In this enterprise he was associated with Mir. Heffelfinger and subsequently he became connected with the John Hancock Insurance Company, of which, he was made general. manager for this dis- 122 - THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. trict, occupying the position continuously up to within a short time prior to his death. He possessed excellent business ability, strong executive force, keen insight and sound judgment and these qualifications made him a very valuable man in the office which he filled. He was, moreover, strictly honorable and straightforward in all his business transactions and he enjoyed the unqualified confidence of the company and of those with whom be became connected in business dealings. On the 1st of January, 1867, Mr. Hollenbeck was united in marriage to Miss Ada A. Melvin, a native of Circleville, Ohio, and a daughter of George Melvin, with whom Mr. Hollenbeck had been engaged in business. Their union was blessed with a family of seven children, of whom five are .yet living, namely : Anna. Marfield, Nelle Barrere, Clarence Melvin, Ralph 'Wheeler and Mina Griswold. In his political views Mr. Hollenbeck was a Republican and by reading and study of the questions of the day be was able to give his intelligent support to the party, yet he never sought or desired office for himself. He belonged to the Masonic fraternity and in his life he exemplified a beneficent spirit of the craft, which is based upon the principles of mutual helpfulness and brotherly kindness. His death occurred November 7, 1896, and he was laid to rest in Ferncliff cemetery. His life record covered nearly forty-two years, yet in that time he accomplished much. He was a successful business man, a progressive and public-spirited citizens, a faithful friend and a devoted husband and father. Through his business associations he gained a wide acquaintance and wherever known he commanded the respect and good will of his fellow men, while to those within the circle of his friendship he was endeared by all the ties of a close and lasting relation. OLIVER WARREN KELLY. The pioneers of a country, the founders of a business, the originators of any undertaking that will promote welfare or advance the educational, social and moral interests of a community deserve the gratitude of. the community. r The name Of Kelly is one that figures prominently on the pages of the industrial and commercial history of Springfield, and the family finds a worthy and honored representative in Oliver Warren Kelly, who is the vice-president of the O. S. Kelly Company, manufacturers of piano plates and road rollers. He is active in controlling a business of great magnitude and one which by furnishing employment to hundreds of men, is of great value to the city as well as to the individual stockholders. Mr. Kelly was born in Springfield December 11, 1851, and is the elder of the two sons of Oliver S. and Ruth Ann (Peck) Kelly. At the usual age he entered the public schools of his native city and after completing a course here determined to master the German language. With a desire of acquiring a practical and thorough knowledge of this he went abroad, sailing from New York on the 2d of September, 1869, when eighteen years, of age. He located first at Weinheim. Baden, where he continued his studies of the German language until he could speak and write sufficiently to enter upon the pursuit of a college course. After completing his studies there he went to Zurich, Switzerland, during the Easter THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 123. holidays of 1871, and continud in that city in the land of the Alps until the summer of 1872. He next went to Aix la Chapelle, where he remained until the autumn of 1873. At each of these places he pursued special studies and during his residence abroad he mastered mechanical engineering. He visited London, Paris and other of the leading cities on the continent, spending the months of vacation in viewing the scenes of historic and modern interest and in acquainting himself with the manners and customs of the people of foreign lands. He was in Germany at the beginning of the Franco-Prussian war, in 1872-3, and on the 4th of September, of the latter year, he sailed for his native land, returning after an absence of four years. Mr. Kelly now became connected with the firm of Whiteley, Fassler & Kelly, the third partner being his father. This company was engaged in the manufacture of the Champion reapers and mowers. Our subject continued with the house until 1881, and the following year he purchased the business of Rhinehart & Ballard, manufacturers of threshing machines, forming the Springfield Engine and Thresher Company. In 1890 the name was changed to the O. S. Kelly Company, and the capital stock increased from two hundred and fifty thousand to three hundred and fifty thousand dollars, with O. S. Kelly as president. J. B. Cartmell as secretary and treasurer, and Oliver W. Kelly as superintendent. In 1891 they began the manufacture of piano plates and their business entered upon an era of growth and prosperity which has made their industry one of the most important in the country. Their plates are sold extensively throughout this country to piano manufacturers. They also manufac ture all kinds of rollers in various sizes, weighing from eighteen hundred to thirty-five thousand pounds, and the export business which they do in this line is also mammoth. These rollers are propelled by steam and are being used largely in preparing the roadbeds for macadam and asphalt pavements. So extensive has the business become that employment is now furnished to between five hundred and five hundred and fifty men, and the various buildings constituting the plant cover a large area. The machinery used is of the latest and most improved pattern and skilled workmen are employed in the various departments. From the beginning Mr. Kelly, of this review, has. been active in the management and control. of this extensive enterprise, the success of which is attributable in no small degree to-his efforts. In 1877 Mr. Kelly was united' in marriage to Miss Katherine Fassler, of Springfield, a daughter of Jerome Fassler. They now .occupy one of the ..most beautiful residences on South Fountain avenue, this. being one of the fine boulevards of the city. They have three children : Armin Lee, Louisa and Katherine. The son is a graduate of Wittenberg College of the class of 1898, and is now secretary of the O. S. Kelly Company. Mr. Kelly is a prominent Mason, now holding membership in Clark Lodge, No. 101, F. & A. M.; Springfield Chapter, R. A. M.; Palestine Commandery, No. 33, K. T.; the Consistory of Cincinnati, and Syrian Temple of the Mystic Shrine. Mr. Kelly has made good use of his opportunities. He has prospered from year to year and has conducted all business matters carefully and successfully, and in all his acts. displays an aptitude for successful manage- 124 - THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. ment. He has not permitted the accumulation of a vast fortune to affect in any way his actions toward those less successful than he, and has always a cheerful word and pleasant smile for all with whom he comes in contact. ELMORE E. GRIM. Dr. Elmore E. Grim occupies a prominent position among professional men of Springfield, being one of the leading opticians of that city. While yet a young man he has already given evidence of the possession of ability of a superior order that places him above the ranks of mediocrity. He was born in the city which is still his home, his natal day being September 23, 1866. His father, W. S. Grim, was born in Pennsylvania on the 2d of February, 1830, and now has charge of the accounts of the Superior Drill Company. He was educated in college, became an expert accountant and is one of the best mathematicians in this section of Ohio. His has been an active and useful career, and he is a well read man, devoted to his home and family and to the best interests of citizenship. He came to Clark county in the latter part of the '50s, and since that time has been prominently identified with the interests of the city, supporting all measures for the general good. That he is patriotic and loyal is indicated by the fact that at the time of the Civil war he offered his services to the government and became colonel of the One Hundred and Tenth Regiment of Ohio Volunteers. He served for a time as commander .of the regiment, and then on account of disability, received an honorable discharge. He devotes much of his leisure time to study and is a man of broad general information which renders him an interesting and agreeable companion. Of the Methodist Episcopal church he is an active and earnest member and his influence has ever been on the side of the right, the true and the beautiful. Be was married in Pennsylvania to Henrietta Jacobs, who was born in that state and educated in the public schools. They now have three children : Horace, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1856 ; Elmore E.. of this review ; and William J., who was born in March, 1869, at Harper's Ferry, Virginia, where his parents were then visiting. Dr. Grim, whose name introduces this record, pursued a public school education and afterward spent three years as a student in Wittenberg College, but left that institution in his sophomore year in order to take up the study of medicine under the direction of Dr. Jay W. Morrison, of the firm of Morrison & Kerman, who were physicians to the county infirmary. Later he attended the Jeffereson Medical College at Philadelphia, during the winter of 1884-5, and then returned to Springfield, where he entered the office of Dr. L. E. Russell, who at that time was chief surgeon for the Indiana, Bloomington & Western Railroad, the Cincinnati, Sandusky & Cleveland Railroad and the Little Miami division of the Pittsburg, Cincinnati, Chicago & St. Louis Railroad. He was also surgeon to the police department and the Springfield Hospital. While connected with Dr. Russell, Dr. Grim became skilled as a surgeon and assisted in many complicated cases. In 1887 he went to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he entered the Eclectric Medical College and was graduated in 1890. He served for one year in the college as professor of the diseases of women THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 125 and children, and while performing a surgical operation he received a bad case of blood poisoning and for several months it was thought that he could not live. He was for a long time at various health resorts in the west and south and after suffering severely for fourteen long months he eventually recovered and once more resumed his studies. While in college he won over all competitors the Norris, Higgins, Harcourt and American testimonials. In 1892 he began making a special study of the diseases of the eye, spent two years in that way and the following two years in gaining desired optical training in order to become a practical and competent optician. The last two years were spent in a wholesale house, where he learned the technical points of manufacturing lenses. Dr. Grim then returned to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he remained for one year when, on account of the failing health of his parents, he came to Springfield in order to be near them, and opened his office at his present location in June, 1901. He is the only person in the city who manufactures or grinds lenses from scientific measurements. His knowledge of medicine and surgery, together with his proficiency and skill in his specialty have gained for him a prominent position among the professional men of this city. He has a large patronage, not only in Springfield, but many come to him from adjoining cities and his business is constantly increasing. His work room is fitted up with the most modern equipments known in lens work and he is thoroughly competent to fit any eye perfectly. His specialty is technical lens work. In this city, in 1902, Dr. Grim was united in marriage to Miss Lulu Cunningham, a native of Oberlin, Ohio. She was an only child and her parents died during her infancy, after which she resided in Springfield with an aunt, pursuing her education in the public schools here. The Doctor and his wife occupy a very enviable position in social circles, the hospitality of the best homes being extended to them. He votes with the Democracy and is a supporter of the Methodist Episcopal church. As a citizen he is public-spirited and is ever willing to put forth his best efforts to promote any enterprise that tends to the welfare and best interests of the people and of the community. He is a member of the Greek college fraternity, Phi Gamma Delta, of this city, and at present is sachem of Miami Tribe, No. 207, Improved Order of Red Men, Early in life he learned to be self-reliant and realized that there is no excellence without labor. and that there is no royal road to learning. He therefore did everything in his power to secure his own advancement along honorable lines. He has_ displayed thoroughness in the work he has undertaken and is yet an earnest student, realizing that he can by continued reading broaden his knowledge and augment his efficiency as an optician. His ability being widely recognized his position in the professional world is a most creditable and honorable one. H. OSBORN WHITAKER, M. D. H. Osborn Whitaker, who is engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery in South Charleston, was born in Mechanicsburg, Champaign county, Ohio. September 4, 1875, and, although a young man, in professional ranks he has gained a reputa- 126 - THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. tion which many an older practitioner might well envy. His parents were Newton and Mary Elizabeth (Osborn) Whitaker. The father was born in Clark county, Ohio, near Vienna, and has always carried on agricultural pursuits. He spent the first seventeen years of his life in his native county and then went to Clay county, Illinois, where he remained for about two years. His health failed him and he then returned to Ohio and has since resided in Champaign county. Our subject was reared upon the home farm and pursued his education in the country schools and in the Mechanicsburg high school, being graduated with a class of fifteen in 1892. He afterward returned to his father's farm and assisted in the work of field and meadow until the fall of 1897, when he took up the study of medicine in the Cleveland Homeopathic Medical College. There he was graduated in the class of 1901, completing the course on the loth of April, and on the 1st of May, of that year, he located in South Charleston, where he has already secured a good patronage that is indicative of the confidence reposed in his professional skill and ability. The Doctor was married in Mechanicsburg July 6, 1901, to Miss Nellie Rutan, who was a native of that city and a daughter of D. W. and Lucy (Kimball) Rutan, the former a farmer of Champaign county, Ohio. The Doctor is independent in political views, holding himself free to support men and measures without regard to party affiliations. He was reared in the faith of the Methodist Protestant church and held membership therein until his removal to South Charleston, when, as there was no church of that denomination here, he joined the Methodist Episcopal church. The Doc tor is also a member of Clark Lodge, No. 166, I. O. O. F., of South Charleston. While in college he became a member of the Ustian fraternity of Cleveland, and for the past two years has been its grand chaplain. He is a young man possessed of laudable ambition, strong determination and he has a bright outlook for the future because of the possession of qualities which always insure success in any avenue of honorable business. CHARLES S. KAY. The distinctive office of biography is not to give voice to a man's modest opinion of himself and his accomplishments, but rather to leave a proper record of his character derived from a concensus opinion on the part of his fellow men. That Mr. Kay occupies an enviable position in business circles of Springfield is a well known fact, and his career is one which excites the commendation and respect of his associates. He is to-day the treasurer of the Superior Drill Company and also the president of the board of trade of Springfield. His efforts have been of permanent benefit to the city, for he belongs to that class of representative American citizens who, while promoting individual success, also contribute in a large measure to the general welfare and prosperity. Charles S. Kay was born in Miamisburg, Montgomery county, Ohio, November 4, 1853, and is a son of Dr. Isaac and Clara M. (Deckert) Kay. His mother was a resident of Miamisburg and a daughter of Samuel Deckert, a prominent citizen of long residence there. Dr. Isaac Kay is one of the oldest physicians of Springfield and an honored member of his profession. THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 129 The son, Charles S. Kay, came to this city with his parents in infancy and acquired his preliminary education in the public schools. On putting aside his text books he entered upon his business career and for over ten years was connected editorially with newspapers in Cincinnati and Springfield. In 1883 he entered the Superior Drill Company, and has been for over fifteen years treasurer of that company. The plant owned by the company is an extensive one, equipped with the latest and most highly improved machinery connected with this line. Over four hundred men are employed in the different departments and the industry is one of the most important business concerns of Springfield. The Superior Drill Company was incorporated in November, 1883 and has a capital stock of two hundred and fifty thousand dollars an investment now having a value of over a million dollars. Various kinds of grain drills and agricultural implements are manufactured. The Superior Drill has attained a worldwide reputation and finds sale not only throughout the United States hut is exported to England, Germany, Russia and South American countries. Mr. Kay has contributed in no small degree to the up-building and growth of the business. The financial workings of this great plant have been capably directed by him. He is also a stockholder in the Citizens National Bank. In 1893 Mr. Kay was married to Miss Belle G. Gunn, of Lexington. Kentucky, a daughter of Captain John T. Gunn. She was born in the city of Lexington, where she spent her girlhood days. She was the first lady graduate of the State College of Kentucky, and is a lady possessed of many excellent qualities that well fit her for leadership in social circles, as well as to - 7 - preside over her hospitable home. Four children have been born of this union, three of whom survive, namely: Clarence M., Edith NV. and Claribel. The parents are members of the First Baptist church. For nine years Mr. Kay was director of the public library in Springfield and he is a prominent Mason, belonging to Clark Lodge, F. & A. M. ; Springfield Chapter, R. A. M.; and Palestine Commandery, K. T. While he possesses social qualities that render him a favorite, his attention has been chiefly given to his business affairs. Mr. Kay can be depended upon to further by his efforts and means, every movement looking toward municipal progress and philanthropic enterprise. He devotes considerable of his leisure time to literary pursuits, and has broadened his horizon by foreign travel. He possesses untiring energy, is quick of perception, forms his plans readily and is determined in their execution. His close application to business and his excellent management have brought to him the high degree of prosperity which to-day is his. ROBERT H. FOOS. A student of the history of Clark county can not carry his investigations far into its business records without noticing that the name of Foos figures conspicuously upon its pages. Robert H. Foos is the president of the Foos Manufacturing Company and is thus actively and closely associated with manufacturing interests, his operations being extensive and of an important character. He is one of Clark county's native sons. his birth having here occurred in 1850. His parents were Gustavus S. and 130 - THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD Elizabeth (Houston) Foos. His father was the founder of one of the leading industries of this city; a man of splendid business and executive force, and upon another page of this work his life history is given in detail. Robert H. Foos acquired a primary education in the schools of Springfield, where he prepared for college, and then entered the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware. being a graduate of that institution in 1872. After his graduation he spent two years abroad, visiting the city of London and the countries of France and Germany. He studied both the German and French languages and viewed with interest the places of modern and historical importance, at the same time acquainting himself with the manners and customs of the people of those lands and their methods of conducting business. Upon his return to his native country Mr. Foos accepted the position of teller in the Second National Bank of Springfield, and served in that capacity for five years, .after which he became identified with his father's manufacturing interests as a member of the Foos Manufacturing Company which was incorporated on the 1st of January, 1884, with. a capital stock of one hundred and fifteen thousand dollars. This company has since been engaged in the manufacture of special grinding machinery. scientific grinding mills, portable forges, farmers' tools, corn harvesters, corn shellers and other implements of a similar nature. His father was president of the company at the time of his death, on the 1 all of July, 1900. The son was immediately elected to the presidency on the death of his -honored father, and his brother, W. F. Foos. is vice-president and treasurer. The company employs two hundred men and the plant is equipped with machinery of the latest design made especially for this purpose. The business, having assumed mammoth. proportions, has become a very valuable enterprise in Springfield and the extensive output and large trade result in bringing an excellent financial return to the stockholders. Mr. Foos gives his political support to the Republican party, but the honors and emoluments of office have no attraction for him. He is one of the enterprising and progressive business men of this city. His efforts have been discerningly directed along well defined lines of labor and he seems to have realized at any point of progress the full measure of his possibilities for accomplishment at that point. A man of distinct and forceful individuality, of broad mentality and mature judgment, he has left and is leaving his impress upon the industrial world. THOMAS D. MILLS. Thomas D. Mills is a farmer and stock raiser of Green township, whose entire life has been passed in that portion of the county. He is therefore widely known to many of its citizens, and is held in the highest esteem. His birth occurred June 2, 1843. on the farm which is yet his home. It was then the property of his parents, James and Delilah (Moore) Mills. His father was born in Kentucky, and with his grandfather. Thomas Mills, came to Ohio when but three years of age. The grandfather settled upon the farm which is now occupied by John Mills. and in this county the father of our subject was reared to manhood and married. He inherited from his father's estate one hundred and thirty acres of land THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 131 and always gave his attention to agricultural pursuits. He was twice married. and by his first union had two children. The daughter, Nancy E., became the wife of Walter Cultice, but both are now deceased. They left nine children, eight of whom are still living. There were no children born to the father by his second marriage. Thomas D. Mills is therefore an only son. He and his sister inherited the farm. each securing sixty-five acres. In church work James Mills was prominent. He held membership with the Methodist Episcopal denomination and served as a class leader in the church, while in other ways he assisted in promoting the growth and extending the influence of the organization. His political support was given the Republican party. Upon the home farm Thomas D. Mills was reared, and in the common schools of the neighborhood he acquired a fair education. He entered upon an independent business career when about twenty-two years of age, and in August. 1862. he was found among the defenders of the Union. Donning the blue uniform he went to the front as a private of Company A. Ninety-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. being first sent to camp at Piqua, and thence ordered to Kentucky. He was first under fire at Tates Ford, in that state, a skirmish occurring during the night. The first regular battle in which he participated was at Perryville, and he was afterward at Stone River, Chattanooga. Chickamauga and other important engagements of the war. After the battle of Chickamauga he was transferred to the Veteran Reserve Corps of the United States Regulars. and was sent to Camp Douglas, in Chicago. Illinois. and did guard duty there. He had been ill in the hospital and was not able to again enter active field ser vice. Later he was sent to Cairo, Illinois, where he was honorably discharged. Although often in the thickest of the fight, where his comrades fell to each side of him, he was never wounded, and he was also fortunate in escaping capture. Not long after his return home, on the 19th of December, 1865, Mr. Mills was united in marriage to Miss Marinda Clark, of Pitchin. She was born in Warren county, a daughter of Benajah and Nancy (Morgan) Clark. They located in this county at the time of their marriage and here lived until 1875. when they removed to Champaign county. where Mr. Mills. purchased forty acres of land, making his home thereon until 1879. In that year he sold that property and took up his abode in Green township, and in 188o he came to his present home in the same township. Here he is carrying on general farming and stock raising, feeding a high grade of cattle in his pastures. His fields, too, are well cultivated and his rich harvests return to him a good income annually. Four children have been born unto Mr. and Mrs. Mills. but Herbert E., the eldest, died at the age of nineteen years. David Forrest, born on his father's farm May II, 187o, was married August 31, 1898, to Myrtle Craig. Pitchin. She was probably born near South Salem, Ohio, and when five Weeks old was adopted by Jasper Craig, who provided her with a good common school education, and also a musical education. and she has successfully taught music. She has one child, Nellie E.. born on the farm where our subject is now living June 23, 1899. Forrest is a member of the Junior Order of the American Mechanics. Lydia Fannie, the next member of the Mills family, is the wife 132 - THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. of Clifford Hess, of Greene county. Emery, born in Champaign county, July 20, 1877, is yet at home with his parents. r Mr. Mills and his estimable wife are consistent members of the Methodist Protestant church at Pitchin. and he is a member of Mitchell Post, G. A. R., of Springfield. While in the army he cast his first presidential vote for Lincoln in 1864 and has since been a stalwart Republican. ISAAC TUTTLE. Isaac Tuttle was born in Springfield township, Clark county, January 15, 184o; and is now accounted one of the enterprising farmers of Green township. His parents were John and Margaret (Prickett) Tuttle. The father was born in Virginia, and when a boy came to Ohio with his parents. The grandfather, Sylvanus Tuttle. became one of the first residents of Clark county, and was identified with its pioneer improvement and upbuilding. John Tuttle was horn February 18, 1794, and was reared amid pioneer conditions and surroundings in this county. On the 23d of February. 1815, he was united in marriage to Margaret Prickett, whose birth occurred January 19, 1798. He passed away June 7, 1849, and his widow, long surviving him, was called to her final rest in 1879. They were the parents of fifteen children, fourteen of whom reached manhood or womanhood, Isaac being the fourteenth in order of. birth. Alt who grew up reared families of their own, but the only ones now living are the subject of this review and his younger brother. Harvey. Isaac Tuttle spent his boyhood days upon the home farm, acquiring a fair common school education. When sixteen years of age he began to work for his brother at the carpenter's trade, but followed that pursuit for only a year, and in the second year resumed farming. He afterward began to operate his sister's land, and when a few years had passed he went to northern Indiana, where he lived for about a year. There he suffered from ague, and on that account returned to Ohio. Here, on the 6th of February, 1862, in Green township, Mr. Tuttle was united in marriage to Miss Fannie E. Eichelbarger, who was born in this township October 13, 1842, and is a daughter of Michael and Margaret (Todd) Eichelbarger. Her father was born in Washington county, Maryland, September 3. 1815. while the mother's birth occurred in Green township. Clark county, Ohio. November 2, 1819. She is still living, but Mr. Eichelbarger passed away January 7. 1867. After his marriage our subject and his wife lived in Indiana for about a year, and then he purchased his present farm, but in May, 1864. he put aside business cares and personal preferences in order to aid his country, joining the army as a member of Company D of the One Hundred and Forty-sixth Ohio Infantry, in defense of the Union. He did guard duty, remaining in the service for about four months, after which he returned to his home in Green township, where he .has resided continuously since. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Tuttle have been born four children : Ermina Belle, born December 29, 1862, married Herbert P. Stewart. of Green township, and they have four children—Ira Elton, Roy La Vaughn, Walter Nesbit and Elmer Arthur. Effie Augusta, born November 28, 1867, is th. THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 133 wife of Oliver E. Allen, a teacher in the public schools of Springfield, and they have three children--Otho Preston, Ollin Winfred and Harold Everett. Harry Edwin, born May 6, 1869, wedded Mary Belle McCullough, and they have three children—Howard, Guy and Homer. Elton J., born September 6, 1872, married Anna Elizabeth Walters, and they have one child—Mabel Adella. Mr. Tuttle cast his first presidential vote for Lincoln in 1864. and is now independent in politics, voting regardless of party ties. Throughout his entire business career he has carried on agricultural pursuits. and his work in this direction has brought to him a goods. Neither negligent nor dila- ton- in his labors. his business career has been characterized by diligence and enterprise. and all that he has acquired has come to him as the result of these qualities. J. O. TUTTLE. In Harmony township resides J. O. Tuttle. who is devoting his energies to farming and stock-raising with creditable success. He was born in Green township. October 26, 1847, on the farm where his maternal uncle. J. P. Garlough. is now living. He is a son of Sylvanus and Jane B. (Garlough) Tuttle. His father was born in Clark county and lived to be about fifty-nine years of age. passing away in Springfield township. John Tuttle, the paternal grandfather, died before our subject's recollection. For a few years after his marriage, Sylvanus Tuttle lived on the Garlough homestead, but when his son J. O. was a little lad of three summers he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land in Pleasant township, Clark county, and as his financial resources increased he added to his property until he became the owner of between three and four hundred acres of land. of which Mr. Tuttle of this review now has one hundred acres. The father 'was a Republican but never sought or desired office. In his family were six children, of whom four are living, namely : Margaret, who became the wife of Charles Holland and died at their home in Hardin county, leaving four children ; John, who died in infancy ; J. 0., of this review ; Marion, at home; Tabitha. the wife of John Blee, of Harmony township; and George H., who is living in Kansas. The boyhood days of J. O. Tuttle were spent on the home farm and he acquired his education in the common schools. The occupation to which he was reared he has made his life work. He assisted his father in caring for the fields and meadows of the home place until he had attained his majority, when he began operating a portion of his father's land on shares. As a companion and helpmate for life's journey he chose Miss Kate Todd, their marriage being celebrated in Green township November 6, 1870. She was born in Madison county and is a daughter of Samuel and Saloma ( Garlough) Todd. During her early girlhood her parents removed to Clark county, where she was reared and in the common schools she was educated. By her marriage she has become the mother of one child. Mabel J.. who is the wife of William Nave, and they reside with her father. In 1872 Mr. Tuttle came to the farm upon which he now lives. At his father's death he inherited one-fifth of the estate and he purchased one hundred acres upon which he is now living. His place is well 134 - THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. improved, having a good set of farm buildings and machinery, a high grade of stock and all modern equipments. From the time when he cast his first presidential vote for Grant, in 1868, Mr. Tuttle has been an earnest Republican, giving an unfaltering support to the principles of the party. In his work he is diligent, carefully performing the many tasks connected with agriculture, and he yearly finds hiS reward in the profitable sales of his crops. LEWIS M. WRIGHT. It is not only the pioneers who have been prominent in the upbuilding of Springfield. The city is constantly attracting to it men of enterprise, imbued with the spirit which has led to the rapid growth and development of the west. Among the more recent arrivals here is Lewis M. Wright, who has become a factor in the electrical world of trade as proprietor of a leading shoe house. He was born February 2, 1859. in the state of Virginia, and is a son of John P. and Sarah E. (•ivine) Wright, both of whom were natives of the Old Dominion, born in Loudoun county. The Wright family is of Scotch and English descent and the father of our subject is still living, his home being in Maryland. Lewis M. Wright belongs to a family of four children. In the public schools of Maryland he acquired his education and. ambitious to become a factor in business life and attain success for himself, in November, 1879, he embarked in merchandising in Maryland, where he resided until 1897. In January, of that year. he arrived in Springfield and purchased a half interest in the shoe firm of Routzahn & Company, which name was changed to Routzahn & Wright. This partnership 'still exists and the new firm, with L. M. Wright as its senior member, took on a new impetus. They are now carrying an extensive line of men's, women's and children's footwear, have gained favor with the public and are now looked upon as one of the leading shoe houses of the city, which accords to them a liberal and growing patronage. so that the business has become a paying one. In 1886 Mr. Wright was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Williard, a native of Maryland, and their union has been blessed with two children. Hazel and Willard. They have a pleasant home in Springfield and the hospitality of many of the best residences of the city has been extended to them. During the six years in which they have lived in Ohio, Mr. Wright and his estimable wife have gained many warm friends. He is a valued member of the Masonic fraternity and also holds membership relations in the Knights of Pythias fraternity. the Modern Woodmen of America and several other secret organizations. He is an ardent believer in religion and holds membership in St. Paul Methodist Episcopal church, where his active service is appreciated. His conservative business judgment has won him a seat on the official board, and his assistant superintendency Of the Sunday-school is not lacking in appreciativeness on the part of its members. ROBERT P. WALKER. The story of the suffering's and bravery of those who wore the blue and fought nobly for the preservation of the Union. now so great and glorious, as a direct result of THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 135 their heroism and devotion to principle and country, can not be told too often. It is especially NN ell that those of the younger generations should have impressed upon their minds that the liberty and happiness which they enjoy freely was purchased for them at an awful price and though naught but actual civil war can give the picture in its entirety, a faint idea may be gained in the perusal of the history of those who experienced the horrors of war in many of its worst phases. Mr. Walker was one of the loyal sons of the Union who donned the blue uniform and went to the front in defense of his country. He sacrificed health upon the altar of freedom, hut as long as possible he remained at the front, fighting the battles of the Union and performing all duty that was assigned to him. Mr. Walker was born in Ross township, Greene county. Ohio, May 8, 1845, a son of William H. and Mary P. ( McFarland) Walker. His paternal great-grandfather was a native of Ireland and became the founder of the family in the new world. He settled in Greene county. Ohio. in the early part of the nineteenth century. Zachariah Walker. the grandfather of our subject. owned a farm in Ross township, Greene county, and upon that farm both our subject and his father, William H. Walker. were born. The grandfather died in early manhood. William H. Walker was married at the age of nineteen years and our subject was born the following year, being the eldest of four sons. When he was about four years of age his parents removed to Cedarville township, Greene county. William H. Walker was a life long Democrat and through a long period he filled the office of justice of the peace. discharging his duties with promptness and fidelity. He be longed to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, to the Improved Order of Red Men, to the Order of American Mechanics and to the Methodist Episcopal church. He died in Cedarville December 1o, 1901, at the age of seventy-six years and one day. His sons are all Democrats with the exception of our subject. Deluna NV., resides in Washington. Indiana. and has three children. John W. is a farmer and school teacher of Madison township, Clark county, Ohio, and has four sons. Wilson is a mechanic and lives in Dayton. He, too, is married and has one daughter. In Cedarville our subject remained until after the inauguration of the Civil war, when, feeling that his duty was to his country, he enlisted on the 8th of August, 1862, being then a little more than seventeen years of age. He became a member of Company H. Ninety-fourth Regiment of Ohio Volunteers, under Captain James Kyle, and went into camp at Piqua. After two weeks he vas ordered to the front, proceeding to Newport Barracks, where the regiment was provided with uniforms. after which they proceeded to Lexington. Kentucky, and were then sent to re-enforce the troops at Malvern Hill. but before they reached their destination the Union forces had been defeated and the Ninety-fourth Ohio returned to Lexington, which had fallen into the hands of the Rebels and the regiment therefore had to surrender. They were marched into the town with guns reversed. They had permission to go to the hotel for food, but scouts reported an opening left for Illinois and Indiana regiments to come into the trap and through that the Ninety-fourth Ohio marched out, met the advancing regiments and thus saved them from being captured. They proceeded toward Louisville, and at 136 - THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Tates Ferry a skirmish occurred, Mr. Walker sustaining a flesh wound in the lower left leg. He bound up his wound, however, and marched on with his command for one hundred and fifty miles. At Louisville he did duty until taken ill. after which he went to Perryville and thence returned with the wounded and sick, being sent to the hospital. While there his father went to look for him and on account of his injuries Mr. Walker was discharged. For twelve years after his return home he was an invalid, being confined to the bed and after he was able to leave his bed he could not get around without crutches, which he still uses. He has never fully regained his health, which was laid down as a sacrifice upon the altar of his country. On the 5th of March, 1874, in Ross township, Greene county, Mr. Walker was united in marriage to Miss Margaret A. Heath, who was born in Clark county and was a (laughter of John and Sarah (Willing) Heath. They now have two daughters, Lillie May, who was born in Xenia, is the wife of Edwin H. Pierce, the foreman of the plating department for the National Cash Register, Company, at Dayton, Ohio. Anna Myrtle, the younger daughter, was borne in Ross township, Greene county. In his political views Mr. Walker has always been a Republican and six years he served as justice of the peace in Ross township. While thus serving he gave his aid and influence to securing compromises rather than to continue litigation in the courts and of the cases which finally came to trial his decisions were so fair and impartial that none were ever reversed. For eight years he served as pike superintendent in Ross township and for .five years he was a member of the township hoard of education there. While living in Cedarville he was also a member of the board of education for three years and served in a similar position in South Charleston for three years. He and his wife and daughters are members of the :Methodist Episcopal church and for four years he served as Sunday-school superintendent in Shiloh church, in Ross township, Greene county. He became a charter member of Curry Post, G. A. R., of Cedarville, served as its chaplain for a number of years and is now a member of McMillan Post, No. 122, G. A. R., in which he has long filled the position of adjutant. In matters of citizenship he is as true today to his country and her welfare as when he followed the nation's starry banner upon the battlefields of the south. WILLIAM J. IRWIN. William J. Irwin, now deceased, belonged to that class of men whom the world terms self-made and well did he deserve all of the praise and honor which the term implies. He was born in Randallstown, county Antrim, Ireland, in the year 1833 and with his parents he made the voyage across the briny deep to Canada when he was only about a year old. He remained in the British province in this land until eighteen years of age, at which time he became a resident of the United States, locating in Springfield. His educational privileges in youth were limited, but he was fond of study and always read extensively, so that he became well informed on the issues of the day and on all topics of general interest. While still in Canada he earned his own living, learning and following the molder's trade. For THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 139 a time after his arrival in Springfield he was in the employ of the firm of Mason, Cook & Blakeney, and subsequently he was employed in the Lagonda shops for a time. He was afterward foreman in the. molding department of the plant of Whiteley, Fassler & Kelly for twenty-two years. No higher proof of his capability, of his earnest application to business and of his fidelity to duty could be given than this statement. He had the entire confidence of those whom he served, the respect of those who worked under him and he commanded the good will of all with whom business relations brought him in contact. After severing his connection with that company he remained with William Whiteley until 1887, when he resigned his position because of ill health and for two years was retired from active business life. In 1889 he formed a partnership under the firm name of Wickham, Chapman & Company, he being the junior member, while an equal partner. He took charge of the molding department of the firm and acted in that capacity until his life's labors were ended in death. At the time of the Civil war Mr. Irwin had manifested his loyalty to his adopted country by enlisting at the first call for troops to serve for three months. He became a member of Company F, Second Ohio Infantry, and after the expiration of that 'term he re-enlisted for six months' service, as a member of the One Hundred and Twenty-ninth Infantry, becoming second lieutenant of Company C. His valor and meritorious conduct on the field of battle afterward won him promotion to the rank of first lieutenant. and he largely engaged in performing the duties of captain of the company because of the illness of his superior officer. Mr. Irwin was never wound ed while in the service, but contracted rheumatism, from which he suffered throughout his remaining life and which ultimately caused his death. He always maintained pleasant relations with his old army comrades through his membership in the Grand Army Post, of Springfield. In December, 1870, William Irwin was united in marriage to Miss Hulda E. White, a native of this city, and a daughter of Tames M. and Eliza ( Jolly) White. Her parents were natives of Highland and Ross counties, Ohio, respectively, and the father was a successful farmer, carrying on agricultural pursuits in a prosperous manner for many years. Mr. Irwin gave his political support to the Republican party, but he possessed a retiring disposition and would never accept office, not demanding official position as a reward for party fealty. In Masonry he became prominent, attaining to the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite. There was iii the life record of Mr. Irwin much that commanded the highest respect and admiration. He was a strictly temperance man in the best sense of the term. When a mere boy he was left an orphan and all that he possessed he accumulated by his own hard work. Not only was he an active factor in industrial circles of Springfield, but also became the owner of real estate here. His life history should serve to encourage others who have to start out empty handed as he did. His career proves that success is not a matter of genius or the result of fortunate environment or the aid of influential friends. He attained it by persistent purpose, by honorable dealing and by good judgment in business matters. His word was as good as any bond that was ever solemnized by signature or seal and his name was a syn- 140 - THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. onym for integrity. He passed away December 9. 1895, and was laid to rest with Masonic honors in Ferncliff cemetery. CHARLES W. UNGLAUB. Charles W. Unglaub is a successful young business man of Springfield and a well known florist. He established business here in 11888. and from the beginning his success has been uniform and rapid. He is one of the native sons of the city, born on the 11th of October. 1872. his parents being Casper and Sophia (Noelp) Unglaub, who now reside on Shaffer street. The father was born in Germany in 1850, and when a small child of three years was brought to America by his parents. the family locating in Baltimore. His mother died when he was but a young lad and he was bound out to learn a trade in the city of Baltimore. On leaving that place in the year 1870, he came to Springfield, Ohio, and here he was first employed as foreman in the grinding room of a knife and fork factory—the Whiteley Mill. There he remained for five years and was afterward shipping clerk for the firm of Robbins & Myers for ten years. Oh the expiration of that period he accepted a position as watchman and is now serving in that capacity. In the year 1870. in this city. Casper Unglaub was united in marriage to Sophia Noelp, and unto them have been born seven children, of whom one died in infancy. The others are: Charles. of this review Laura, who is a tailoress: Andrew, a molder: Emil, a press feeder: and Flora and Helen, who are vet in school. The children have all been educated in the German schools of this city. Charles W. Unglaub, like the others, attended school until about fourteen years of age, when he embarked in his present business on his own account. He began operations on a small scale, haying a capital of only six dollars. He commenced growing plants in a hot bed. and with strong purpose he worked against adversity, determined to achieve success. He always treated his customers with the utmost courtesy and fairness, and he soon won many friends who gave him their patronage and thus enabled him to build up a large business. He did all of his own building and plumbing. thereby saving expense in that way, and as the profits on his sales increased he kept adding to his greenhouses and buildings until he now has a large and well equipped plant. He erected and stocked his own houses, and he now has nine thousand square feet under glass. His trade has continually increased and he caters to the city patronage. In addition to his greenhouses he has a flower stand in the market place, where he serves all customers. He handles cut flowers and bedded plants, and has a thorough and practical knowledge of the business. which enables him to keep his plants in an excellent condition, and they find a ready sale upon the market. In 1898 Mr. Unglaub was united in marriage, in Greenfield, Ohio. to Miss Minnie Humes. who was born in Washington Court House, in this state, in 1872. They now have one son. Howard Clinton. who was born in October, 1900. Mrs. Unglaub pursued her education in the public schools and in Lebanon College. Our subject is largely a self-made and self-educated man, but is now an intelligent and well read citizen. He has gained a comprehensive knowledge concerning the' cultivation of flowers, for which he has always had a liking. He has THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 141 kept in touch with the most approved methods of cultivating plants at this time, and although not a member of any floral societies he is conversant with what is being done by leading florists throughout the country. His endorsement of political principles is seen in his ballot, which he casts in favor of the men and measures of the .Republica: party. He has never been an aspirant for office, however, preferring to devote his time and attention to his business affairs. He belongs to the German Lutheran church, and is deeply interested in every measure and movement for the general good. Starting out in life on his own account at an early age. Mr. Unglaub has steadily worked his way upward, placing his dependence upon the substantial qualities of self-reliance, perseverance and diligence, and to-day he is enjoying a well merited prosperity JACOB SEITZ. A deep feeling of sadness spread throughout .Springfield when it was announced that Jacob Seitz had passed from this life, but while those who knew him remain his memory will be cherished not so much on account of the splendid success he achieved in business, not because he contributed to the improvement of the city and promoted its commercial activity. although either would make him worthy to be long remembered, but because of his life of helpfulness, of good cheer, of broad sympathy and his deep interest in and labors for the benefit of his fellow men. His nature was so kindly and gentle that he won not merely regard but that deeper feeling which, call it friendship or love. hinds man in close re lation to his fellow man in ties which naught can sever. Thus it was that Springfield has seldom so widely and sincerely mourned One of her residents. But for thirty-seven-years he was closely associated with her history, and many of his friends, in thought have breathed the sentiment, "He was a man, take him for all in all. I shall not look upon his like again." Jacob Seitz was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, December 18, 1818, a son of Henry and Mary Seitz, who came to Clark county in 1831, settling near what is now Ferncliff cemetery, Springfield's beautiful city of the dead. Springfield was then but a mere hamlet, and the early settlers were at that time instituting the work of progress and improvement which was soon to make a vast change in the county and place it with the leading counties of this great commonwealth. Henry Seitz purchased a, farm about a mile and a .half from this village, and there he carried on agricultural pursuits until his death, which occurred a few years after his arrival here. He also conducted a still upon the river which ran by his farm. His children were: Andrew. Isaac, Elizabeth, Henry, Jacob and Catherine, all of whom were born in Pennsylvania and came to this county with their parents. Jacob Seitz was one of the self-made men of Clark county, for he began his business career working by the month as a farm hand, and these earnings proved the foundation upon which he built his later success. He attended school in Pennsylvania, but left his native state when twelve years of age. and came with his parents to Clark county. He was always fond of books, however. and in his youth studied at home by the side of the fire whenever he had the opportunity.. 142 - THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Throughout his entire life he read extensively and thus became a \well read man, conversant with all topics of general interest. In 1840 he turned his attention to the milling and distilling business, carrying on operations along these lines for a few years. He afterward went to Champaign county, Ohio, where, in connection with George Stineberger, he conducted a large flouring mill for ten years, meeting with success in this undertaking. When that decade had passed he sold his interest in the mill there and returned to Springfield, in 1855. making his home here continuously up to the time he was called to his final rest. For a. number of years he was engaged in the wholesale tobacco business in this city, vet he did not confine his efforts to any one line, and his wise council and sound judgment proved important factors in the successful conduct of a number of other business concerns. He was a director and stock holder in the Mad River Bank, of Springfield, was also a stockholder in the Lagonda Bank of that city and a stockholder in the bank at Urbana. He became quite an extensive land-owner, and had both farm and city property. In 1865 he purchased what is now the Miller House, and it is still in possession of the family. He erected a fine large residence of brick at No. 77 North Limestone street, and that he made his home until his death, and it is still the home of Mrs. Seitz. In the year 1846 our subject was united in marriage to Miss Mary A. Stineberger, a daughter of David Stineberger. She was born in Champaign county, Ohio. and by her marriage became the mother of three children, but Theodore H., the eldest, died in 1869 at the age of twenty-one years. Olive E. is the wife of Charles Anthony. a member of the firm of Black & Anthony, of this city, and they have five children : Frank, who is married and has two sons, Theodore and Robert, while the other members of the Anthony family are Theodore, Louise, Rachel and Howard B. Laura, the younger daughter of Mrs. Seitz, is the wife of M. Hedges. a resident! of Chattanooga, Tennessee, and they have two sons, James and Lawrence. It was in October, 1892, that Jacob Seitz was called to his final rest, his remains being interred in Ferncliff cemetery. He was a worthy representative of one of the honored pioneer families of the county. He came here at an early date. and for more than sixty years was a witness of the progress and development of this portion of the state and took an active part in the work of improvement and upbuilding. He was deeply interested in all that pertains to the general good and co-operated in many measures calculated to benefit the community along material, social, intellectual and moral lines. The poor and needy found in him a friend and no one ever went to him with a tale of distress that did not receive his sympathy and his more substantial assistance. He had a large circle of warm friends, and his friendship was mast prized by those who knew him best. His loss to the community was a severe one. but he left a name which is honored and respected. His wife and older daughter still reside in Springfield, where they have the high regard of many friends. HENRY H. SEYS. M. D. One of the most competent and successful medical practitioners of Springfield is Dr. H. H. Seys, who was born in Ogdens- THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 141 burg, St. Lawrence county. New York, October 13. 1830. He is a son of the Rev. John Seys and is descended from Welsh ancestry, that was estabished in the Netherlands in the fourteenth century, while representatives of the name afterward emigrated to the West Indies. The paternal grandparents of the Doctor were Jacobus and Catherine ( Runnels) Seys, and the Rev. John Seys, the father of our subject. was born in St. Croix, West Indies. March 30. 1799. He was a well educated man of scholarly attainments and broad general culture. He became a minister and missionary of the Methodist Episcopal church. He married Ann Osborn. a daughter of John and Mary Beaks (Laverock) Osborn. She was born July 1, 1804, in St. Bartholomew. of the West Indies, and they were married off Old Roads St. Christophers, September 28, 1821, and again at St. Eustatius, on the 12th of October. the double ceremony being necessary to conform to the law concerning the civil and religious marriage rite of that country. They lived at various places, Rev. Dr. Seys doing missionary work for some time among the Oneida Indians. He then went to Africa in 1834 and served as minister plenipotentiary on that continent. although the greater part of his time was devoted to missionary work. They traveled through many places on the face of the globe. Rev. Dr. Seys serving as United States agent at West Africa for recaptured slaves. He spent eighteen years on that continent. engaged in church and missionary work and as a United States official - consul minister plenipotentiary—and had charge of recaptured Africans. Both he and his wife died in Springfield. Ohio the former passing away February 9, 1872, while the latter died January 8. 1881. They were the parents of twelve children : Jacobus Osborn, born at St. Eustatius, West Indies, July 22. 1822. was drowned at Bassabar, West Africa. December 5, 1840, and was buried at Monrovia, Liberia. Mary Catherine Runnels, born November 17, 1824, at Point a Pierre, on the Island .of Trinidad, died in Middletown, Conecticut, April 24, 1839. George Dewint, born October 11, 1826, at St. George, Island of Granada, died on ship board October 4, 1828, and was buried in the ocean. John Charles, born on the Island of St. Martins on Friars' Bay, November 4, 1828, died at Monrovia, Liberia, October 3, 1835. Henry Hill, born October 13, 1830. in Ogdensburg, New York, is the subject of this review. Cornelius Dewint was born in September. 1832, at Canton. New York. Ann Osborn, born at Mission House in Vernon township, Oneida county, New York. April 30. 1834. died on 27th of October, the year following, at Fishkill Landing, New York. Maria Tellar, born January 23, 1836, at Monrovia. Africa, died in Baltimore. Maryland, January 15, 1854. John, born in Middletown, Connecticut, August 23. 1838, died October 27, 1839, at Monrovia, Africa. Wilmot Osborn, born in Monrovia. July 19, 1840. died there on the 27th of April, 1841. Ann Goheen was born March 18. 1843, at Wilkesbarre, Pennsylvania. Clement Tracy. born July 23, 1844. at Wilkesbarre, Pennsylvania, died in Springfield. Ohio. November S. 1886. Two brothers of our subject were soldiers of the Civil war, and one died from the effects of army life. Henry Hill Seys was educated in the private schools of Pennsylvania and New York, and during his boyhood days he spent three years in Monrovia. Africa. In 1850 he entered the University of Balti- 144 - THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. more, Maryland, and was graduated in 1853. with the degree of M. D. In May, of the same year, he came to Springfield and began practice here. but when the first call for troops came he put aside his business and personal considerations in order to aid his country in the struggle to preserve the Union. He went to the front as assistant surgeon of the Third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, enlisting on the 2nd of May. This was one of the first regiments in the field. and on the 1st of August, 1862. the Doctor was promoted to the rank of surgeon of the Fifteenth Ohio Regiment. He was made medical director in December. 1862, of the Third Division of the Fourteenth Army Corps. thus serving until March, 1863. when he became medical inspector of the army of the Cumberland on the staff of General Rosecrans and General Thomas, acting in that capacity until December, 1863. Dr. Seys was then detailed for surgical work at Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and acting medical director of the post, continuing to fill that position from December, 1863. until August, 1864, when he resigned and was honorably discharged after more than three years of service. His promotions came rapidly, in recognition of his ability in his profession and his patriotic loyalty to his country. He took part in many desperate engagements of the war and his service was of the greatest value to the Union. Owing to circumstances over which he had no control he resigned. but the country had already received at his hands valuable aid for more than three years. Dr. Seys then returned to Springfield and in the same year removed to Oil City, Pennsylvania, where he continued in active practice until the fall of 1873. when he again came, to Springfield, where he has since remained. He is the oldest practitioner belonging to the Clark Comity Medical Society. By hard work. close application and comprehensive knowledge he has met with success. He is careful and accurate in the diagnosis of a case and is ready to adopt any new idea which will aid him in reaching the best results. The Doctor was married in the fall of 1853 to Harriet Foote. in Williamstown. Massachusetts. and they have had one son and one daughter. but the son died while the Doctor was in Murfreesboro. Tennessee, at the age of seven years. The daughter, Mary. is the wife of Edwin Buss. of Bakersfield, California. and they have two daughters, Harriet Foote and Mabel Buell. Mrs. Seys died in 1876. and in 1877 the Doctor was married to Elizabeth Wickham, of Racine, Wisconsin. They have many friends here and the hospitality of the best homes is extended to them. The Doctor votes with the Republican party, of which he has been a stanch supporter since John C. Fremont became its first candidate. Prior to that time he was a Whig. He was appointed by the board of health to the position of health officer in 1888, and has continuously served in that capacity since. He belongs to Mitchell Post, G. A. R., is a member of the board of trade of the city and has served on various committees. Upon his return to Springfield he purchased his present home at No. 234 South Fountain avenue. This place was formerly the home of his parents, but he purchased it in 1872, prior to his mother's death. Mrs. Seys is a member of the Episcopal church and the Doctor contributes liberally to church and charitable work. In the line of his profession he is connected with the Clark County Medical Society. and THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 145 with the Ohio State Medical Society, and at various times has served as president of the former. He is to-day one of the distinguished and capable physicians of this section of Ohio, his knowledge being broad, comprehensive and accurate, and in his practice he has met with excellent success both from a professional and financial standpoint. The qualities of an upright manhood are his and have commended him to the confidence and regard of his fellow townsmen for many years. His worth is widely acknowledged, and he well deserves representation in this volume. JAMES FINNEY. James Finney is to-day one of the extensive farmers and stock-raisers of Clark county, owning and operating six hundred acres of valuable land in Green township. He was born near Cincinnati, Hamilton county, Ohio, on a farm which is now platted into town lots, his birth occurring December 19, 1820, and he is a son of Elijah and Nancy ( Stewart) Finney. The grandfather, James Finney, for whom Mr. Finney of this review is named. located at Pittsburg. Pennsylvania, and subsequently came to Ohio. floating down the Ohio river on a flat-boat. about 1810 or 1811, before the steamboat had been practically used. There were at that time twelve children in the family, and one was added after their arrival. Elijah Finney, the father of our subject. was born in Pennsylvania, while the mother was horn in one of the eastern states. Both removed to Ohio, the mother to Butler county and the father to Hamilton county. After their marriage they resided in Hamilton county, spending the remainder of their lives there. On the farm in Hamilton county James Finney was. reared to manhood, his boyhood and youth being there passed. He received but limited educational privileges. as his services were required in the work of field and meadow during the summer months, and he was able to attend the district school but thirty to forty days out of the year. He early became accustomed to the work of the farm and turned the furrow's of the soil when he could barely reach the plow handles. On the 22nd of December, 1847, he was united in marriage to Miss Eleanor S. Anderson, and six children have been born of this union : Elijah Stewart Finney married Lizzie Bonner, and is a resident of Pawnee county, Nebraska, and is a mechanic at that place. He has eight children. Isabelle F. married Alexander P. Clark, and the latter died on October 16, 1900. Agnes S. married Charles E. Oldham and died in Springfield in December, 'goo, leaving three children. Anderson T. is a farmer of Green township. Charles T. married Mary J. Ramsey and resides in Greene county. They have five daughters. James P. is at home with his parents. For some years after his marriage Mr. Finney resided in Green township. but in March, 1848, he removed to Clark county on a farm of one hundred acres, which had come to him through his mother, who in turn had inherited it from her father. Joseph Stewart, who purchased the land of the government, and it has never been out of the family possession since, Mr. Finney being the third owner. He has added to his farm from time to time until it has assumed its present large proportions, and is one of the best equipped as well as one of the most highly developed farms of Clark county. The rich -fields, being well cultivated, return 146 - THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. a rich harvest each season, rewarding generously the care and labor bestowed upon them. Mr. Finney may well be classed among the highly respected and leading citizens of Clark county, having been one of its pioneer settlers. Although he has long passed the Psalmist's span of three score years and ten, he is yet an active and healthy man, being able to take his share of the responsibilities of conducting a large and well improved farm. In early life he was a Whig, and voted for Henry Clay in 1844. On the dissolution of that party he joined the ranks of the new Republican party and voted for its first presidential candidate, John C. Fremont, in 1856, since which time he has remained firm in his advocacy of the prinicples of the party, although he has never desired office, preferring to devote his attention to the management of his farming interests. He and his children are faithful members of the -United Presbyterian church, of which he is a deacon. Mr. Finney has long been a resident of Clark county, and has witnessed much of its growth and progress. his memory going hack to the time when this portion of the country was but sparsely settled: As a pioneer settler and a progressive and influential business man of his community he is highly respected and honored. JOHN E. ADAMS. A country has but one chief ruler. be he king, emperor or president. Comparatively few men can attain to the highest offices in civil and military life, but commerce offers a broad and almost limitless freld in which one may exercise his powers unrestrained and gain a leadership as the head of a chosen calling. Drawing the lessons which we do from the life of Mr. Adams, we learn that the qualifications necessary for success are a high ambition and a resolute, honorable purpose to reach the exalted standard that has been set up. From an early age he has been dependent upon his own resources and has won the proud American title of a self-made man. Since March, 1880, he has made his home in Springfield. Mr. Adams is a native of Hamilton county, Ohio, his birth having occurred near the village of Sheartown on the l0th of October, 1853. his parents being William and Barbara (Hartman) Adams, both of whom were residents of Cincinnati from infancy and were educated in the public schools there. The father was a millwright by trade and in the early '50s removed to Hamilton county, where he followed farming throughout his remaining days. He died in 1872. at the age of sixty-four years, his birth having occurred in 1818. His wife, who was born in 1828. died in 1882, at the home of her son, John E., in Springfield. Unto this worthy couple were born ten children, of whom one died in infancy, while Samuel died at the age of twenty-four years, and Josephine passed away in Cincinnati. The surviving members of the family are : Margaret, who is the wife of George Metzger and resides near the old homestead : William, who makes his home in the same locality, his postoffice being Taylor Creek; Eliza, the wife of John Schafer, of the same neighborhood: Caroline, the wife of Andrew Schmidt of Cincinnati ; Louisa, the wife of Martin: Krwi). of Springfield : John E.. of this review and George. of Springfield. The two youngest were born upon the home farm in THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 149 Hamilton county and the others in Cincinnati and all were educated in the country and city schools and were reared upon the old home place. In politics the father was a Republican, but never had any aspirations for office. Both he and his wife held membership in the Lutheran church and were esteemed for their sterling worth. John E. Adams was educated in the district schools and remained upon the home farm. until he attained his majority, becoming familiar with all the duties that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. he was married in 1875 in Hamilton county, Ohio, to Amelia Schafer, who was born in that county March 4, 1854, and is a daughter of Leonard and Phoebe (Diehl) Schafer, both of whom are now deceased. In the family were nine children, but only three are yet. living, namely : Mrs. Adams ; and Charles and Louis, who are residents of Cincinnati. The educational privileges afforded them were those of the common schools and they remained at home until their marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Adams have reared one son, Harry. At the time of his marriage Mr. Adams located upon a farm and carried on agricultural pursuits until after his father died, when he came to Springfield, where his brother George had located some time be-. fore. They engaged in business together as grocers and market men, conducting their store for a few years. when John E. Adams sold out the grocery business and embarked in the butcher business on South Yellow Springs street. On the 1st of January, 1898, he became connected with another important industry of the city, organizing the Progress Furnace Stove Company, for the manufacture of stoves and furnaces. This enterprise was successfully conducted until February, 1902, when the plant was destroyed by fire, after which he again engaged in the meat business at his old stand. Mr. Adams is a Republican in his political views and has labored effectively and earnestly for the success of the party, but has never sought office as a reward for party fealty. He has served as a delegate to the city and county conventions and is now serving as ward committeeman. The only office he has ever filled was that of councilman of Springfield, to which he was first elected in 1897, and re-elected in 1899, continuing in the office until 1901. He belongs to Springfield Lodge, No. 33, I. O. O. F., and to Mad River Encampment ; is. a member of the Society of Ben Hur, an insurance organization; and both he and his wife hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal church. Few men are more widely known in the enterprising city of Springfield than Mr. Adams. He has been an important factor in business circles and his success and popularity are well deserved, as in him are embraced the characteristics of an unbending integrity, unabating energy. and industry that never flags. He is public-spirited and thoroughly interested in whatever tends to promote the moral, intellectual and material welfare of his community. JAMES H. RABBITTS. James H. Rabbitts, the oldest son of the late Charles Rabbitts and the present postmaster of Springfield, is a native of that city, his birth having occurred there on the 1st of April, 1853, and to its public school system he is indebted for his early education. This was supplemented by study in