150 - THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. the University of Wooster, at Wooster, Ohio, where he completed the course by graduation in 1874. He pursued the study of law in the office and under the direction of General J. Warren Keifer and Hon. Charles R. White. After his admission to the bar by the supreme court, in 1876, he formed a partnership with his preceptors, which continued until 1881, when Mr. Rabbitts was elected on the Republican ticket as clerk of the courts of Clark county. He served as chairman of the Republican central committee of Clark county for the years 1883 and 1884, and again in 1889. He was re-elected as clerk of the courts in 1884 and again in 1887, holding that position for eight years, or until his resignation on the 1st of January, 189o, when he assumed the duties of managing editor of the Daily Republic Times of Springfield, the leading Republican paper of the county. He continued in that capacity until April 1, 1898. when he resigned to enter upon the duties of postmaster the 1st of the following month, having been appointed to the office by President McKinley. In 1902 he was reappointed by President Roosevelt, and is the present incumbent. When he became connected with the office the annual gross receipts were about one hundred thousand dollars, but they have increased rapidly and now amount to one hundred and forty-two thousand dollars. Under the administration of Mr. Rabbitts large additions have been made to the force of employes and many additions to the facilities of the office. which now ranks sixteenth in the United States in respect to second class matter. Mr. Rabbitts was married, on the 7th of December, 1882, in Indianapolis. Indiana, to Miss Cornelia Burt, a daughter of Rev. Nathaniel C. Burt, D. D., former pas tor of the First Presbyterian church of Springfield. They have two living children : Burt and Frances. Like his father, Mr. Rabbitts is a public-spirited and progressive citizen, giving his active support to all *commendable public enterprises. He is a member of the board of directors of the Merchants and Mechanics Building and Loan Association, and for four years he has served as a member of the board. of directors of the Associated Charities of Springfield. Fraternally he is a member of Anthony Lodge, No. 455, F. & A. M., of Springfield ; Springfield Chapter, R. A. M. ; and Palestine Commandery, No. 33. K. T. He also holds membership relations with Red Star Lodge, K. P., and is a member of the Phi Kappa Psi' fraternity and The Literary Club. CHARLES RABBITTS. Charles Rabbitts. now deceased, was for many years one of Springfield's most progressive and public-spirited citizens, taking a prominent and active part in business affairs and also in the development of the city. He was a native of England, born near the village of Bath, in Wiltshire, September 7, 182o, and was twelve years of age on the emigration of his family to America. His father located on a farm near Cleveland, where Mr. Rabbitts continued to make his home until 1843. when he removed to Newark. Ohio, and engaged in the business of woolen. manufacturing. In 1846 Mr. Rabbitts came to Springfield to seek a location, and the following year leased a water right on Barnett's hydraulic. In partnership with his brother-in-law, L. THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 151 H. Olds, he built the woolen mill in Warder street, where he carried on business until 1875 and then retired. The machinery was brought here by wagons, Mr. Rabbitts driving one of the teams. During his active business life he was an extensive dealer in wool, and in that vocation was at various times associated with the late G. S. Foos, the late Marshfield Steele and John Foos, His woolen mills were extensively enlarged from time to time and the various brands of "Rabbitts jeans and yarns" were widely celebrated throughout the middle west. After retiring from the woolen manufacturing business Mr. Rabbitts, in connection with William S. Thompson and Amaziah Winger, purchased the old Rodgers home on South Limestone street and erected the Commercial building. and in 1869 he built the handsome residence at the corner of Limestone and North streets, now the property of Mrs. William. Black. These .were not the only monuments of his activity in the ownership and development of real estate, for he purchased the old Shaffer quarry in Sleepy Hollow, filled it to the level of Limestone street and platted the tract in his first addition to the city. He also platted as another addition a tract of four and one-half acres on Limestone street and Cooper avenue. He was one of the projectors of the Ferncliff Cemetery Association. and aided in selecting the site of the beautiful grounds now known throughout the country. At the time of his death he was one of the few surviving incorporators of the enterprise, and always took a justifiable pride in developing and beautifying the grounds. On the 3d of May, 1848, Mr. Rabbitts was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Robinson, of Wayne county, Ohio, and for over fifty years they traveled life's journey together, their golden wedding anniversary being happily celebrated in 1898 at their pleasant home in Sleepy Hollow, where they resided almost continuously after coming to Springfield. Mrs. Rabbitts still survives her husband, being now in her seventy-sixth year. Unto. them were born six children, four sons and two daughters, but the eldest, Horatio, died in infancy. The others are James H., the present postmaster of Springfield; W. S., cashier of the Springfield National Bank ; Charles, a traveling salesman; Mary, now deputy clerk of the county ; and Anna, at home. In his political views Mr. Rabbitts was first a Whig and later a Republican, and was unswerving in his allegiance to his party, though he never cared for official honors. His interest in educational affairs, however, led him to serve as a member of the school board for several terms, and he was trustee of the Mitchell Thomas hospital by appointment of ex-Mayor O. S. Kelly. He was one of the first beard of directors of the Second National Bank of Springfield, and was a leader in the movement for the erection of the Lagonda House. He was a member of the colony that left the First Presbyterian church to build the Second church, and was one of the most active of those in the establishment and erection of that edifice. After a useful and well spent life he passed away on the 16th of December. 1900, and in his death Springfield realized that she had lost one of her most valued and honored citizens. From one of the local papers we quote the following fitting tribute to his memory : "It was with sincere regret that the news of the death of the venerable Charles Rabbitts was received in this community. 152 - THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Hsimsis important part in the foundation of the industrial and commercial Springfield and his long and useful career of themselves entitled him to the high .and universal esteem in which he was held ; but more than these was his genial, lovable disposition, which made lasting friends of all with whom he came in contact. There was the light of human sympathy in his eyes, its ring in his voice, and its warmth in his handclasp. In truth may it be written of him "His life was gentle, And the elements so mixed in him That nature might stand up and say To all the world: 'This was a man.' " RICHARD E. O'BRIEN. Richard E. O'Brien is now serving as chief of police of Springfield, having been called to this responsible position by reason of his ability and his known loyalty to the interests of the city. He was born here January 7, 1860, and is a son of John O'Brien. who was a teamster and came to Springfield in the '50s. His birth occurred in Ireland, where he pursued his education, and when a young man he bade adieu to friends in the native land, sailing for the new world. He took up his abode in Cincinnati, where he attended school for a time, and was there united in marriage to Miss Dora McAvoy, who survives him and is now living in Springfield at the age of sixty years. Mr. O'Brien passed away in 1886. He was a Democrat in his political views and an active worker in the ranks of his party. He belonged to a family numbering eight children—seven sons and a daughter. The, surviving members of the family are Tames:. of Union county, Ohio; and Mrs. Eliza Hackett. One brother, Richard, now deceased, was a soldier of the Civil war. The marriage of John and Dora (McAvoy) O'Brien was blessed with seven children—four daughters and three sons : Mary is the wife of Adam Peifer, of Springfield, by whom she has three children; Eliza is the wife of William Moore, and has one son ; Richard E. is the next of the family ; Annie is the wife of P. Lawler, and they have one daughter ; Patrick is married and has a son and a daughter and is connected with the A. C. Evans Manufacturing Company ; Jennie is the wife of B. Sheveland and they have one daughter ; William resides at home with his mother and is employed as stationary engineer by the Evans Manufacturing Company. The children were all born in this city and pursued their education in the public schools. . Like the other members of the family Richard E. O'Brien entered the public schools when about six years of age. When a young man he learned the painter's trade and did job work as well as contracting. following that pursuit for eight years. In 1881 he entered into the saloon business. which occupation he followed until December, 1889. In May, 1890, he was made patrol driver of the police force. He acted in. that capacity for two years and was then promoted to patrolman and afterward to special officer and detective, serving thus for two years. In 1899 he was made chief of police and has since continued in this responsible position, being appointed by the police commission of Springfield. On the 16th of May, 1886. Mr. O'Brien was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Burns, who was born, reared and educated in this city and is a daughter of Edwin Burns, now deceased. Four daughters and THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 153 two sons have been born unto Mr. and Mrs. Burns, and the living are Mary. the widow of Charles Creager, who was an architect of Springfield; and Edwin, of this city. The children born unto Mr. and Mrs. O'Brien—two sons and two daughters—are as follows : Gretta, William E., Walter and Dora, who are students in the public schools here. In his political views our subject has always been a Democrat and has been a delegate to city and county conventions. He is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. His advancement in life came to him in recognition of his fidelity to duty. He has been most efficient as a public officer and his success as a detective was notable. These qualities therefore have led to his advancement to the position which he now occupies. Which he is filling in a most creditable and capable manner. SAMUEL H. CARR. Samuel H Carr. who is proprietor of a livery stable in South Charleston. was born near Jeffersonville, in Fayette county, Ohio, December 23, 1842, and is a son of Michael and Mary (Lohr) Carr. The father was also a native of Fayette county and there spent his entire life, passing away in 1870, when fifty-eight years of age. Samuel H. Carr spent his boyhood days on the home farm and acquired a fair common school education. working through the summer months in the fields and meadows and thus obtaining a practical knowledge of agricultural pursuits. He was a young man of eighteen years when his patriotic spirit was aroused by the attempt of the south to overthrow the Union and he enlisted in Company C, of the Nintieth Ohio Infantry, as a private. He participated in several battles, including the engagements at Perryville, Kentucky, Wild Cat Mountain, Nashville, Stone River, Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge and Kenesaw Mountain. At the last named he was wounded in the left arm by a minie-ball and was then sent to the field hospital. Later he was in the hospital at Big Shanty, at Chattanooga. at Nashville and at Louisville, and at the last named place the arm was amputated because gangrene had set in. The injury had been received on the l0th of June and it was on the 13th of July that the member was amputated. Mr. Carr then returned home on a furlough and again reported for duty at Columbus where he was honorably discharged in December, 1864, after two years of service, having enlisted in 1862. In 1868 Mr. Carr entered the livery business in Jeffersonville, Fayette county. Although his beginning was a small one, for he had but one horse and buggy. he soon enlarged his stock, however, carrying on a business there until 1872, at which he was the owner of five horses and buggies. Removing to South Charleston he here established a livery stable and after three years removed to his present location. At that time he also purchased a third interest in the Miami House and has since become sole owner. He had formerly been proprietor of the Ackly House and–livery stable for three years. He conducted the hotel business in the Miami House for twelve years, but has since given his whole time to the livery business, but still retains the ownership of both properties. Mr. Carr has been continuously in the livery business since 1868 and so far as is known the longest in that business of any man in Ohio. 154 - THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Mr. Carr was married in Jeffersonville, Ohio; in 1868, to Miss Ardiila A. McIntyre and unto them were born three children : Charles Lester, who died in Dayton, Ohio, at the age of twenty-four years; Mary M., who is the wife of John Brown and has two children; and Addie B., at home. The wife and mother died in April, 1886, and Mr. Carr has since been again married, his second union being with Miss Grace Mahoy, of Fayette county, by whom he has one son, Leon Harold. Mr. Carr votes with the Republican party but is not an active politician, though he has served as a member of the school board and township trustee. He has never missed a vote since his return from the war. At the age of fifteen years he became a member of the Christian church and, upon his removal to South Charleston, as there was no church of that denomination here, he joined the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he is a class leader, trustee and steward. He belongs to McMillan Post, G. A. R. Mr. Carr is well known among his fellow townsmen through the possession of many qualities of genuine worth. He is energetic and reliable in business and his influence is ever on the side of measures and movements for the public good. W. D. MYERS. Concentration of purpose and persistently applied energy rarely fail of success it the accomplishment of any task. Again and again it has been proven that these are the most sure foundations upon which to rear the superstructure of labor in the commercial world. It is therefore that Mr. Myers has made these the salient elements in his business career, which have carried him forward to the plane of affluence. He was born in Osborn, Ohio, September 11, 1862, and is a son of Christian R. and Serepta (Wood) Myers. His father was a native of Maryland and the mother's birth occurred in Ludlowville, New York. Both are now living in Springfield and through the years of his active business career the father engaged in contracting, but at the present time he is living retired in the enjoyment of a well earned rest. In the public schools of his native city the subject of this review pursued his early education and became familiar with the branches of English learning which fit one for the practical duties of business life. In 1882 he became associated with E. S. Kelly in the coal and ice trade and was afterward with the Champion Coal & Ice Company. which was re-incorporated under the name of the Springfield Coal & Ice Company. On the 1st of January, 1895. Mr. Myers began business on his own account as a partner of Addison Beckley, under the firm name of Beckley & Myers. dealers in coal and ice. Their firm has since maintained a continuous existence and is doing business at No. 120 South Limestone street. They have increased their yards and have lately extended the scope of their commercial transactions by dealing in Ohio pressed brick, which is manufactured in Zanesville. and hydraulic pressed brick, manufactured in Cleveland, Ohio. Their sales have now reached a large figure and their patronage in each community in which they deal has stadily increased, and they may well be classed among the wide-awake and enterprising merchants of the city. In 1886 Mr. Myers was united in marriage to Miss Matilda Holmes, of Hills- THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 155 boro, Ohio, and they now have one child, Maude M. Mr. Myers' social relations con- nect him with the Knights of Pythias and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. Public-spirited he responds to all reasonable demands upon his time, means and sympathy when his fellow men are to be benefited thereby. JONATHAN S. KITCHEN. Jonathan S. Kitchen is the owner of six hundred and twenty-five acres of the rich and valuable farming land in Clark and Logan counties, haying in previous years been actively identified with agricultural pursuits in this section of the state. He has also been prominent in political office and has been honored with various positions of trust and responsibility. He is now living retired at No. 300 South Limestone street in Springfield. His birth occurred in Green township, Clark county, November 7, 1831, his parents being Abraham and Martha Matilda ( Jones) Kitchen. His paternal great-grandfather was a native of England and in 1779 came to America, settling in Pennsylvania, where he married a Miss Vorhees, who was born in Sweden. In the Keystone state Stephen Kitchen, the grandfather of our subject, was born and in the year 1808 he came to Ohio. settling in 'Warren county, where Abraham Kitchen was soon afterward born. In the year 1818 the family was established in Clark county. After the death of his mother Abraham Kitchen was placed in a family by the name Of Hawkins. and was there reared until eighteen years of age. He was married in Greene county November 19. 1829, and fifty years later this worthy couple celebrated their golden wedding anniversary, on which occasion there were present five of their children, three sons-in-law, three daughters-in-law, twenty-eight grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, twelve other relatives and many friends, numbering altogether more than one hundred people. Abraham Kitchen was a very prosperous man in his business affairs and at one time owned about twelve hundred acres of land. He was likewise prominent and influential in his community and was fearless in defense of his honest convictions. Re was one of the three original abolitionists who started the movement in favor of freeing the slaves in Green township and prior to the Civil war his home was one of the stations on the famous underground railroad, whereby many a poor negro was assisted northward on his way to freedom. When the Republican party was formed to prevent the further extension of slavery he became one of its stalwart advocates. He was-also a member of the Freewill Baptist church and the first church of that denomination in this locality was built upon his farm at Pleasant Grove. He died June 28, 1888, having survived his wife for two months only, her death having occurred on the 28th of April. Jonathan S. Kitchen was reared to manhood on the home farm and acquired a fair common-school education, although his privileges were somewhat limited. He attended altogether for about twenty-eight months. including one term at Wittenberg College. He had never been inside a schoolroom as a student until twelve years of age and after that he attended only through the winter months and had to go two and one-half miles to the nearest schoolhouse. Experience and observation, together with 156 - THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. reading in later years, have made him a well informed man. He was twenty-two years. of age when he left the home farm and began earning his own living. About that time Mr. Kitchen was married, on the 10th of November, 1853, in Warren county, Ohio, to Miss Amelia Ridge, who was born in Waynesville, Warren county, a daughter of Simpson and Jemina (Hisey) Ridge. Two children have been horn unto them : Alsa J., who was educated in Hillsdale, Michigan; and J. Forrest, who married Minnie Neal and has one child, Louise. After leaving the public school he entered Wittenberg College, remaining three years and then went to Cincinnati, where he pursued a course of legal Study and is now a practicing attorney of Springfield. After his marriage Mr. Kitchen of this review began to operate his father's land in Green township and there he lived- until his removal to Springfield in 1879. About seven years after his marriage he found that he had saved enough to purchase two hundred and forty acres of land. Thus investing his money, he made good improvements upon his farm, where he continued to reside until he took up his abode in the city. He has since purchased and sold several farms and has realized good profits from these transactions. He is now. the owner of about six hundred and twenty-five acres, and he also owns some property in Springfield. He is a stockholder in the Citizens Bank of South Charleston and in the Citizens National Bank of Springfield, and is to-day accounted one of the substantial residents of this portion of the state. Mr. Kitchen lacked only one day of being old enough to vote in the year 1852, but this day denied him the right of fran chise and it was therefore that he cast his first presidential ballot for Fremont in 1856, since which time he has been a stalwart Republican. For about eight years he served as justice of the peace in Green township, during which time he tried many cases, and of those appealed only one was ever reversed. He also served as township trustee, and in 1881 he was chosen county commissioner and was again elected, so that he filled the office for two consecutive terms. During his incumbency some of the largest buildings of the county were erected. The courthouse, which had been started, was completed and other public improvements made. Mr. Kitchen was reared in the faith of the Freewill Baptist church and vet adheres to it. He has served as church clerk for several years and is a member of Clark Lodge, No. 101. F. & A. M. His life history is familiar to many residents of the county. for within its borders he has always resided and there has been nothing in his history that he has desired to conceal, for his has been an upright, honorable character and he has ever been found loyal to truth, duty and the right. WILLIAM S. THOMAS. Honored and respected by all, there is no man in Springfield who occupies a more enviable position than William S. Thomas in industrial and financial circles, not alone on account of the brilliant success he has achieved, but also on account of the honorable, straightforward business policy he has ever followed. He possesses energy, is quick of perception. forms his plans readily and is determined in their execution; and his close application to business and his ex- THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 159 cellent management have brought to him the high degree of prosperity which is to-day his. It is true that he became interested in a business already established, but in controlling and enlarging such an enterprise many a man of even considerable resolute purpose, courage and industry would have failed and he has demonstrated the truth of the saying that success is not the result of genius, but the outcome of a clear judgment and experience. He has also won distinguished honors in political circles and is recognized as one of the leaders of the Democratic party in Ohio. William S. Thomas was born in Springfield April 22, 1837, at the old family homestead at that time located on the present site of the St. Raphael school. He is a son of the Hon. John H. Thomas, who is represented on another page of this work. In the public schools he began his education and afterward continued his studies in a private school conducted by Chandler Roberts, Sr. Thus he prepared for college and later he received some military instruction and training. At the age of fourteen Years. in the fall of 1871, he matriculated in Wooster University and four years later was graduated with honors in that institution, being at that time and for many years thereafter the youngest graduate of that school. When his literary education was completed, William S. Thomas became an active factor in the business world, joining his father in the industry of manufacturing agricultural implements. The father, associated with his two sons, organized the Thomas Manufacturing Company, and for many years the subject of this review has been its secretary and treasurer. From the beginning the business grew in volume and importance until it had assumed mammoth proportions, its trade covering large sections of this country and of foreign lands as well. A large export business is carried on and the hay-rakes. tedders and loaders. also the disc and spring tooth harrows and grain drills manufactured by this company are sent to all parts of the civilized world. To-day the Thomas Manufacturing Company ranks among the most important business firms of Ohio and has been an integral factor in promoting the commercial activity and consequent prosperity of the city of Springfield. The plant is an extensive one, equipped with everything needed for the prosecution of the work, being supplied with the latest improved machinery, while a large number of workmen are constantly busy in the manufacture of the various implements which are sent out annually from this house. Mr. Thomas, of this review, has recently been elected president of the National Association of Agricultural Implements and Vehicle Manufacturers. In addition to his extensive industrial holdings he has farming interests. owning several hundred acres of rich farm. lands in Clark county, having thus made judicious investments in realty. On the 8th of December, 1887, was celebrated the marriage of William S. Thomas and :Hiss Fanny Senteny, of Louisville. Kentucky, the ceremony being performed by Dr. Ort. the president of Wittenberg College. Three children. two sons and a daughter, blessed this union, namely : John Henry, Wallace and Lucretia. While Mr. Thomas has led a very busy, useful and active life, his extensive industrial interests making heavy demands upon his time and attention. he has vet found ample opportunity to co-operate in many measures for the general good, and is a well-known factor in church. social and political 160 - THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. circles. He is a member of the board of directors of the 'Mad River National Bank, a member of the board of trade, of the Commercial Club and the Economic League. He is thus associated with organizations which have for their object the promotion of business affairs along lines of broad usefulness. He holds membership in the First Presbyterian church and is the president of its board of trustees. For a number of years he served as a member of the board of directors of the Young Men's Christian Association and was largely instrumental in securing the funds for the Association building and contributed quite liberally to this cause. It is said that not a church has been erected in this community during the past twenty years that has not received substantial assistance from Mr. Thomas. He is a gentleman of broad humanitarian principles without narrow bias, and every movement which has for its object the betterment of mankind receives his hearty endorsement and co-operation. He has been a member of the board of trustees of the Wooster University for a number of years and the cause of education indeed finds in him a friend. Mr. Thomas looks from a practical and patriotic standpoint at the political situation of the country and his close and earnest study of the questions of the day has led him to believe that Democracy embodies the best elements of good government. He has therefore allied his interests with the party and has been unswerving in his advocacy of its principles, although he is not bitterly partisan, nor has he been connected. with any of the factions which cause such disturbances in the great political questions. In the city he has been called to public office and served for one term as a member of the school board, one term in the city council board. While one of Springfield's aldermen and for two terms on the police and fire he acted as president of the council and so directed his influence and aid as to materially benefit the municipality. He has been a delegate to nearly all of the Democratic state conventions in recent years and has continuously been a member of the state central committee since 1895. He was twice elected chairman of that committee and was a delegate at large from Ohio to the national Democratic convention at Kansas City. From the time he attained his majority he took a deep and earnest interest in political questions and even before he had attained the right of franchise his Democratic friends in the Sixth ward had determined to make him the nominee for the city council in the spring following his twenty-first birthday. He is an untiring worker, vet he has never been allied with any of the factions which so often undermine the strength of a party and which arise merely from personal preferment for a known candidate or from opposition to any particular section of the plat. form. It is a well known fact that in several state conventions he has worked in opposition to probably the strongest Democratic faction in the state, and yet to-day in this very faction he numbers many of his warmest personal friends. He is a conservative Democrat, yet he has always been found in line with his party in state and national issues, including the memorable campaign of 1896. At local elections, where no particular issue is involved, he does not consider himself bound by party ties, regarding more than party affiliations the capability of the candidate to discharge the business affairs of town or county. He was the president and a most active worker in the celebrated Jefferson Club that from the year 1880 un- THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 161 til 1890 was a potent element in Democratic forces in the city, county and district. It gave annual banquets which were attended by many of the leading Democrats of the state and nation. He is a man of such known patriotism and such unswerving loyalty to the principles in which he believes, that he has commanded the respect and confidence of not only the men of his own party, but of the opposition as well. His course has ever been above suspicion, for the good of the nation he places above partisanship and the welfare of his constituents before personal aggrandizement. He commands the respect of the leaders of his party throughout Ohio, but at home---in the city of his adoption—where he is best known, he inspires personal friendships of unusual strength and all who know him have the highest admiration for his good qualities of heart and mind. DARIUS A. SPRAGUE. Darius A. Sprague is the proprietor of Maple Leaf farm of South Charleston and is one of the most noted horse raisers and dealers in this portion of the state. He has done much to improve the grade of horses raised in this section of Ohio, and his efforts have been of benefit to his fellow men, for by improving the grade of stock prices are advanced and all of the agricultural community are thereby benefited. Mr. Sprague is a native of Harmony township, Clark county, born January 31, 1849, and is a son of Darius and Sarah (Rice) Sprague. His boyhood days were spent upon his father's farm in his native township, and he acquired a good common school education, continuing at home until twenty-two years of age. After attaining his majority he worked for his father by the month for a year. On his twenty-second birthday Mr. Sprague was united in marriage to Miss Phebe E. Thorpe, a daughter of Robert and Mary (Homer) Thorpe. Mr. Sprague's father was a well-to-do farmer and of him our subject rented a tract of land. He had one horse and his wife's uncle gave them another, so that he had a team with which to break his land. He also traded his saddle and bridle to his father for a new plow and with characteristic energy he began the cultivation of his fields. For three years he rented his father's land, giving him half of all that was raised for several years. Afterward he rented at a cash rental and in this way he gained a start, acquiring sufficient capital to enable him to purchase eighty acres of land from his father. When that tract was about paid for he bought another eighty-acre tract, making his home thereon for thirteen years. On the expiration of that period he rented his property and bought where he now lives, near South Charleston, at first becoming the owner of thirty-one acres. As his financial resources increased he extended the boundaries of his farm until it comprised one hundred and twenty acres, but he has since sold forty acres, now retaining possession of eighty acres. When he disposed of his other property in this county he accepted residence property in Springfield, worth ten thousand dollars, as part payment, and this he still owns. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Sprague has been blessed with four children: Eva Blanche, after graduating from the South Charleston high school, attended college at Fairfax Hall, West Virginia, and for several years was a successful teacher in the 162 - THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. public schools. On the 12th of June, 1901, she married Roy Warner, and they now live in Kansas City, Missouri. Nellie Pearle, now at home, was also graduated from the South Charleston high school and later was a student at Oxford College, Oxford, Ohio. Zella Naomi also completed the high school course and attended Oxford College, and is now a successful teacher in the-schools of South Charleston. Flossie Hazel, the youngest of the family, has just entered high school. In his boyhood Mr. Sprague was always very fond of horses and began to trade in them to some extent, although his first venture in fine stock was in pure bred Berkshire swine. For many years he bred and raised fine hogs and was a prominent exhibitor at the fairs of Clark and adjoining counties with his herd of Berkshires. He then went back to his first love—the horse—and about 1894 he invested in trotting stock. In that year he purchased Bessie Bonehill, a two-year old, for which he paid two hundred and twenty-five dollars. This was the first horse he ever trained. He bred her, raising a colt in 1895. In 1896 she made a record of 2 :10 3/4 at Chillicothe. She next won a race at Columbus in three straight heats, and the following year he put her in the hands of John Dickerson, of Terre Haute, Indiana. She won several races, and in Terre Haute made the world's record for pacing mares in 1897-2:05 3/4. Mr. Sprague sold this horse in Chicago for fifteen hundred dollars. She was afterward sold to Fred Deitz, of New York. Mr. Sprague next bought Alatus, a stallion by Alcyone, with a record of 2 :27, sired by George Wilkes. Alatus had a record of 2 :25 1/2, which was the next year reduced to 2 :24 1/4, and the following year to 2:17 1/2. This horse is still owned by Mr. Sprague and has proved a wonderful successful sire, already having six performers. one with a record of 2:09 3/4. In 1895 he became the owner of Banner Belle. which he bought at Lexington, Kentucky. with a lot of brood mares, including a two-year-old, which made a record of 2 :30 and was sold in 1900. One of his mares, which cost him one hundred and fifty dollars. developed until she had a record of 2 :28. She was sold in Chicago in 1897 for six hundred dollars. He next bought Axius. 28396, by Axtell. the world's champion. with a three-year-old record of 2:12. and is the leading sire of the world of his age. Axius is one of the finest bred horses ever brought to Ohio. His clam, with a record of 2 :28. was sired by a full brother of Maud S. 2:08 3/4. His second clam has a record of 2:26 3/4, was sired by a son of Hambletonian 10, and his third clam was the great Green Mountain Maid the dam of nine performers. and also the dam of Electioneer. Individually Axius is a perfect type of the American trotter. standing sixteen hands and weighing twelve hundred pounds. While not used for track purposes he has shown 2:08 speed. Mr. Sprague bred and now has Colonel Coit. 34411, by Alatus, out of the great Arab Girl. dam of Bessie Bonehill. He is now a four year-old, with a pacing record of 2:24 1/4. Arab Girl now has twin fillies, foaled April 18, 1902, by Axius. Mr. Sprague also owns a three-year-old stallion. Tanforan. 32814. a trotter, by Expedition. 2 :15 3/4 out of Tanta Buona. 2:20 1/4. His draft stallion. Papillion 10180 (18296) weighing seventeen hundred pounds, is coal black and has mane four and one-half feet long. Mr. Sprague built his track, training and breeding barn in 1896. and in that year called his THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 163 place the Maple Leaf farm, under which name it has gained a wide reputation and is already credited with ten performers and many promising prospects. He is one of the leading stock breeders of this portion of Ohio. In his political affiliations Mr. Sprague is a Prohibitionist. He was reared in the Democratic party, but has never affiliated with that organization. In 1900 he cast his ballot for Major McKinley, the Republican candidate. He is a man of most temperate habits and never uses intoxicants or tobacco in any way. He belongs to the Baptist church and his life is in harmony with Christian principles. In business dealings he is always honorable and straightforward and in all life's relations true to duty, so that he has won the confidence of his fellow men. While not an aspirant for public office he has been deeply interested in educational and local affairs. He served as a member of the board of education of South Charleston for a number of years, holding the office of treasurer and president of the board. He was also a member of the town council for several years. JONATHAN MASON Jonathan Mason is a farmer and stock raiser of Green township. He was born in this township December 10, 1826, and is a on of James and Electa (Town) Mason. The mother was a native of Vermont, and when a child came to Ohio with her parents. but it is not known when the father arrived in this county. He died when his son Jonathan was very young, and at the early age of twelve years the subject of this review began earning his own livelihood, working as a farm hand at that time. He has depended entirely upon his own resources for a living and he has come off conqueror in the world of business. His educational privileges were necessarily limited, but reading and experience in later years have continually broadened his knowledge. For a few years he worked for the meager sum of five dollars per month and he had but little saved when he attained his majority. He continued to be employed by the month until about twenty-five years of age, when he was married, the lady of his choice being Miss Malinda Craig. They became the parents of three children : Emmaranda, now the wife of James Evans. a resident of Morton county, Kansas, by whom she has eight children ; Oscar, who married Elizabeth Galloway, of Noble county, Indiana, and has two children, Marjorie and Walter Scott ; and George, who married Edith Dugan and is the youngest of the family. At the time of his marriage Mr. Mason located upon rented land and after renting farms for a number Of years he finally purchased thirty acres of land, upon which Fred Wilson is now living. He never took up his abode upon that property, but selling it at an advance he purchased fifty-six acres where he now lives in Green township. To this he has since added until. he has a good farm here of seventy-three acres, and he also owns forty acres where his son. Oscar is now living. Throughout his entire life he has carried on agricultural pursuits and his home farm is under a high. state of cultivation and equipped with all accessories to a model country property. In 1863 Mr. Mason was called upon to mourn the loss of his first wife. who died on 164 - THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. the 22d of March. Later he wedded Mrs. Hannah McKinney, nee Skillings, and she died on the 17th of August, 1901. Mr. Mason was reared in the faith of the Whig party and voted for Taylor in 1848. When the new Republican party sprang into existence he cast his ballot for its first presidential candidate, John C. Fremont, and has since been a stanch Republican, but never an office seeker. He is a member of the Free Will Baptist church, belonging to the congregation of the Ridge. With this he has been identified since a young man, his entire life being in harmony with his Christian belief and principles. JAMES W. HALL The Emerald Isle has sent many representatives to this country who have become prominent in public and business life. They have an adaptability and prescience of business opportunities and unfaltering enterprise which in a large majority of cases win success. Such was the history of James W. Hall, who for eighteen years followed contracting and building and in the line of his chosen pursuit gained a good income. He was, moreover, a man whose personal characteristics made him popular with all with whom he came in contact and at his death he left behind him a large circle of warm friends, as well as his immediate family, to mourn his loss. Mr. Hall was born in County Monaghan, Ireland, on the 22d of May, 1835, and was fifteen years of age when he came to the new world, making the voyage with relatives who had formerly lived in America and had returned to Ireland on a visit. For a short time he remained in New York city and then came to Ohio, locating in Xenia. which was his place of residence for twelve years. He had attended school in his native land and also continued his studies after emigrating to America. He there acquired a good practical English education, and reading. experience and observation also added to his knowledge as the years passed by. Under the direction of Tobias Dreese, of Xenia, Mr. Hall learned the carpenter's trade, becoming a good workman, and for three years after his marriage he carried on business in Xenia as a contractor and builder, but on the 8th of November, 1864, he removed to Springfield, where he continued in the same line with good success until 1880, when he began dealing in builders' supplies on Main street and was engaged in that business up to the time of his death. Many important contracts were awarded him and a number of fine buildings of the city stand as monuments to his thrift and enterprise. He met with success in his undertakings and made judicious investments it real estate, becoming the owner of considerable property here. He was also one of the original stockholders of the Lagonda Bank. All that he possessed was acquired through his own efforts, for from the time he was fifteen years of age he was dependent upon his own resources for a livelihood, and his energies and labors br0ught to him richly merited success. November 15, 1860, in Springfield, Mr. Hall was married by Rev. Chandler Robbins to Miss Jane A. Johnson, who was born in County Tyrone. Ireland, February 10, 1839. a daughter of George and Sarah (Taggart) Johnson. Hier parents were also natives of the Emerald Isle. the father born in County Tyrone. and the mother in County Mon- THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 165 aghan. The year 1849 witnessed their emigration to America, and after a voyage of eight weeks and two days, in which they encountered some severe storms, they landed at Quebec, Canada, where they remained for a short time. There were also two brothers of Mrs. Hall in the party : William, who now resides in Springfield; and Robert T., who makes his home in Dayton, Ohio. Mr. Johnson. on leaving the Dominion of Canada. made his way to Berea, Ohio, twelve miles west of Cleveland; and there remained until 1850, when he came to Springfield. Here he spent his remaining days, passing away on the 25th of April, 1900, at the very advanced age of eighty-nine years and nine months. His wife had previously passed away, having been called to the home beyond in May, 1891, when eighty-five years of age. Both were Episcopalians in religious faith and were earnest Christian people. They were laid to rest in Ferncliff cemetery. The father was a contractor for work on streets and railroads of the city and county and aided in building several of the principal streets of Springfield. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hall were born four children : Sarah A., born September [9, 186r. was married on the 15th of November, 1883, to John Tyler Ricks, and they have one daughter, Sarah Elizabeth. William George. born December 24. 1864. married Charlotte Ohmer, of Dayton. Ohio, and now resides in Camden, this state. Oliver James, born January 17, 1868, is at home. Jane Florence, born March 29. 1876, is also at home. For thirty-six years the family residence has been at No. 131 South Limestone street. Mr. Hull was a Free Mason and attained the Knights Templar degree in that order. At an early clay he was identified with the Odd Fellows society and afterward became a member of the Knights of Pythias fraternity. His political support was given to the Democracy and he had firm faith in its principles. For some years he served as a member of the city council, representing the old third ward with credit to himself and satisfaction to his constituents. Both he and his wife were reared in the Episcopalian faith and were members of that church in early life, but they joined the Presbyterian church in Xenia and continued thereafter followers of that denomina-. tion. Mr. Hall was for a long period a trustee of the Second Presbyterian church, of Springfield. He died July 7, 1882, and was laid to rest in Ferncliff cemetery, the funeral services being conducted by Rev. William H. Webb and the Knights Templars. He was a charitable man, who aided many worthy and benevolent institutions, both of a public and private character, and in manner he was pleasant, genial and ever approachable. Steadily pursuing his way, undeterred by the obstacles and difficulties which one always encounters in a business career, he has achieved prosperity. His life was manly, his actions sincere, his manner unaffected and his example well worthy of emulation. CHARLES H. MERRITT. Clark county is happy to number among its representative farmers and stock-raisers Charles H. Merritt, a resident of Madison township, having his postoffice address at Springfield, Ohio. Mr. Merritt was born in Springfield township October 11, 1848, and is a son of Edward and Mary (Mullen) 166 - THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Merritt. The father. who is still living, is now about eighty years of age, while the mother who was born in 1815. passed away in 1885. Our subject spent the days of his boyhood upon the farm where he was born, attending the schools of the district and receiving a good common-school education. He remained upon the old homestead with his parents until twenty years of age, when he accompanied them on their removal to a farm near South Charleston in 1867. His common-school education was supplemented by one year at Taylor's Scientific and Classical Academy, at Wilmington, Delaware. He had taught one year previous to entering the academy. and after completing the course there he taught for two years more. In Madison township. January 20, 1886, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Merritt and Miss Alice Buffenbarger, who was born and reared in Madison township, on the banks of the Little Miami river, and a daughter of Peter and Elizabeth (Kizer) Buffenbarger. After his marriage he removed to his present farm. Here he proceeded to put the land under a desirable state of cultivation, and has three hundred acres of land, which is a very valuable and highly productive tract. He has been quite extensively engaged in stock-raising and his well tilled fields have yielded to him a gratifying source of income until he is to-day one of the well-to-do farmers of this part of the country. In 1890 he built a fine brick residence, of modern architecture. a comfortable and attractive home, well arranged for convenience and equipped with all the accessories which are necessary to the comfort and convenience of an American family of the twentieth century. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Merritt- have been born five children : Beulah E., born in November, 1886; Thomas Edward in 1888; Esther Alice, born in 1889; Mary Elizabeth, born in 1891; and Charles H., born in 1893. In politics Mr. Merritt is independent, v0ting for the men and measures that he thinks will conserve the public welfare. He has a birthright membership in the Society of Friends, of which his wife is now also a member. Mr. Merritt has witnessed much of the growth and development of his native county and has been no unimportant factor in the work of improvement and advancement which has here taken place in the last half century. The county owes its prosperity to the energetic efforts, the diligence and perseverance through difficulties of representative citizens of the calibre of Charles H. Merritt. CHARLES O. WILDASIN. M. D. Dr. Wildasin has not only attained distinction as a skilled representative of the medical profession, but is also one of the most prominent representatives of fraternal life in Ohio, having been the promoter of many organizations which have for their object the inculcation of the spirit of brotherly helpfulness, charity and kindness. He was born in Mad River township, Clark county, Ohio, October 8, 1859, and comes of German and Scotch ancestry on the paternal side, while on the maternal side he is of Holland lineage. In the grandfather's family Were six children : Henry. Charles, Polk, Elizabeth, John and Lee. all of whom are yet living. Of this number Polk and John were soldiers of the Civil war in the Union army and Henry attempted to enlist THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 169 but was rejected on account of his health. Henry F. Wildasin, the father of our subject, is also a physician, now engaged in practice in Plattsburg, but was the only member of the family who entered a professional life, the others following mercantile or agricultural pursuits. Dr. H. F. Wildasin was born near Bowlusville. Ohio, and was graduated in the Eclectic Medical Institute of Cincinnati in 1872. He also studied under Dr. Potter. and at the end of his graduation he was one of only three eclectic physicians in Clark county. In early life he followed farming. carpentering and wagon making, possessing much natural mechanical ability, but he determined to become a member of the medical profession and has had excellent success in treating diseases. He is now sixty-five years old and is a man of wonderful vitality. His political support is given the Democracy and he belongs to the Christian church. After arriving at years of maturity he wedded Mary IKaler. who was born in- December. 1837, being only about two months her husband's junior, for the Doctor's birth occurred in October of that year. They became the parents of ten children, of whom four are yet living : Charles O.. whose name introduces this record George, a resident of Plattsburg E. Homer, of Bellefontaine. Ohio and Pearl. who is a graduate of the high school of Springfield, and is now a public school teacher. Dr. Charles O. Wildasin pursued his education in the public schools of Clark county, after which he took a selected course in Antioch College and then entered the Eclectic Medical College at Cincinnati. where he was graduated in 1884. He had previously become connected with commercial interests but abandoned that line in order - 9 - to follow in his father's professional footsteps. He practiced in Dayton, Ohio, for a time and afterward in Plattsburg, largely succeeding his father, but in January, 1888., he sought a broader field of labor, coming to Springfield, where he has since built up a large and growing practice. In all of his affairs he has been very successful. He is deeply interested in any subject which tends to bring to mankind the key of that intricate problem which we call life, and he has carried his research and investigation far and wide in order to make his efforts of the greatest practical value in the healing art. The Doctor was married in Plattsburg in March, 1881, to Miss Sallie E. Loukes, a daughter of William Loukes, an old butcher of Springfield, now deceased. Her mother, Mrs. Harriet Loukes, is a resident of Plattsburg. Unto the Doctor and his wife have been born two children: Myrtle, who was born in 1883, and is a graduate of the public school of Springfield, and now a member of the sophomore class in Wittenberg College; and Fred, who was born in 1886. The Doctor is a member of the State Eclectic Medical Association, and aside from his profession he has some business interests, being a stockholder in the Oaxaca Association, of Chicago, owning rubber and coffee plantations in Mexico. He has been very prominent in fraternal circles, taking an active part in lodge work. He belongs to Ingomar Lodge. No. 610, K. P.. has served as a representative to the grand lodge of the state and is a candidate for grand outer guard. He belongs to Commany Six of the Uniformed Rank of the Knights of Pythias is past assistant surgeon of the Fourth Regiment of the Uniformed Rank and has the rank of captain. 170 - THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. He likewise belongs to Al Yembo Temple, No. 112, D. O. K. K. He is medical examiner and a member of the Independent Order of Foresters and of the Protected Home Circle. He became identified with the Knights of Pythias society in Miami lodge during his residence in the town of Dayton in 1882, and held the office of district deputy grand chancellor for two terms. H has also given his attention to the promotion of the interests of the order and has organized three lodges—Vienna Crossroads, Clifton lodge and Ingomar lodge, being a member of the last named. He is a representative of the State Lodge, a captain of the degree staff and is physician and surgeon to the Pythian Home of the city. serving without remuneration. He is also a member of the Spring-field Commercial Club. In politics he is a Democrat, and he and his family are members of the Presbyterian church. In his life Dr. Wildasin exemplifies the benevolent and helpful spirit of the fraternities with which he is connected, and his genuine worth and his social qualities, as well as his professional skill, have made him a popular and respected. as well as highly honored citizen of Springfield. PROFESSOR FRED W. WILLISS. Business conditions of the past half a century have become so complicated and so extensive that there has been a demand for superior skill in the control of all business affairs. in order to meet this demand schools of business training have sprung up throughout the country and one of the most creditable of these institutions is the Williss Business University. of which our subject was the founder and is now the principal. In educational circles he has performed an important work, training young men and young women for the practical and responsible duties of life, and the university is upon a par with the best schools of the kind throughout the entire land. Professor Willis was born in Madison township. Clark county. Ohio. June 18, 1858. He pursued his early education in the district schools and was reared to manhood upon his grandfather's farm. At the age of sixteen he became a student in South Charleston, Ohio. and was graduated there. He afterward began reading medicine with a local physician and proceeded as far as therapeutics, but did not complete his preparation for the medical profession. Corning to Springfield he then entered the law office of Keifer & White, and after a thorough and comprehensive course of reading he was admitted to the bar in 1880. At that time he entered the office of S. A. Bowman as an assistant, but in 1882 returned to the office of his former preceptors. with whom he continued until 1890. During this time Professor Williss organized the school of which he is now the head, beginning on a small scale and employing teachers to conduct the institution, which was established in 1881 as a school of shorthand and typewriting. When he came to this city he was the only one who earned a living through stenography in Springfield. Hie had completed its study under the direction of Benn Gaines. a nephew of Mr. Keifer. Many wanted to learn the art and prevailed upon Professor Willis' s to open a school. which he did. He served as private secretary to General Keifer and also to the latter's brother-in-law. Judge William White, and through these associations he became known THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 171 throughout the east. For twelve years he served as court stenographer in the common pleas court. He opened a school on a very small scale and it was advertised by his pupils and thus gradually grew. It was his pupils who gave the name of Williss Business University to the institution. So rapidly did the school gain in numerical strength that in 1890 Professor Williss was obliged to abandon his law work in order to give his entire time to the institution. A complete university course has been added. the branches of learning being under the charge of special teachers. There is also a complete business course and since 1900 there has been an advisory board connected with the school, composed of J. H. Rabbitts, General Keifer and J. L. Zimmerman From the beginning the school has met with desirable success and substantial growth. It is the oldest institution of the kind in Springfield and teachers are employed for all branches, with Professor Williss as superintendent of instruction. The school has been a financial success and its high rank is everywhere acknowledged. Since the erection of the Zimmerman building the Williss Business University has been located therein and our subject superintended the arrangement of the floor for his own use. On the walls of the schoolroom is a freehand pen drawing of the national capitol at Washington, D. C. This is eight by ten feet, being the largest picture of the kind in the country. The artist was Albert Reddy, who has pursued a course in the pen art in the Williss Business Uni- versity. The Hammond Typewriter Com- pany gives as prizes in this school, every six months, a one hundred dollar machine to the .best- operator who has studied here. Such a gift is not made to any other institution. The school has the hearty support of the intelligent citizens of Springfield and also of its numerous pupils. In 1881, in South Charleston, Clark county, was celebrated the marriage of Professor F. V. Williss to Miss Mattie H. Sands, who was born in Illinois, but was reared in Clark county, Ohio, from her infancy, her father being Israel Sands, now a resident of Winfield, Kansas. Mrs. Williss is a graduate of the public schools of South Charleston, and by her marriage she has become the mother of six children, but Fred W.., the fifth in order of birth, died in early childhood. The others are: Carl L., born in 1883; Frank S., horn in 1885; Warren K., born in 1887; Grace, born in 1889 ; and Leroy M., born in 1900. The four eldest compose the Williss quartette and are all graduates from the school of music, while Carl has had further advantages along musical lines in Cincinnati, Dayton and Cleveland, Ohio. They figure prominently in musical circles in the city, Carl being a violinist, while Frank plays the cello, Warren the cornet, and Grace the piano. The sons are now in the school with their father, and Grace is a student in the public schools. Professor Williss and his wife belong to St. Paul's Methodist Episcopal church and he is a member of the Ohio Commercial Teachers' Association, State Stenographers' Association and the International Stenographers' Association. In both he has certificates of the highest grade. He has been a representative to the conventions of these associations, is now a delegate to the national convention and is authority on many subjects. Professor Williss owes his advancement entirely to his own efforts and has worked his way through school, pursued a legal course, as the result of his de- 172 - THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. termination and business ability and has eventually established an institution of learning, which is of the greatest benefit to the community as well as a source of remunerative income to himself. His reading has been of a broad and comprehensive character and he is widely known as a man of strong intelligence, of keen discernment and of broad human sympathy. His life work has had an important bearing upon the intellectual development of this section of Ohio, and no history of Clark county would be complete without mention of Professor Whose efforts have aided in establishing the business career of so many of the young people of Springfield and surrounding districts. JASPER B. CRAIG. So great has been the improvement, so rapid the changes. so complete the transformation wrought in Clark county, that it is almost difficult to believe that during the boyhood days of jasper B. Craig pioneer conditions yet existed to a considerable extent, but the efforts of a progressive and enlightened people have been such as to make Clark county a leading agricultural and industrial section of Ohio. Mr. Craig was for many years identified with farm work, but is now living retired. He was born in Springfield township near his home on the 15th of October, 1833. His parents, Robert and Fannie (Barnett) Craig, were both natives of Brattleboro; Vermont, and with their respective parents came to Ohio in childhood, their marriage being probably celebrated in Clark county. The father was an agriculturist and owned the farm upon which our subject was born. having there two hundred and forty acres. which he cultivated successfully until his death, which occurred in 1850, when he was about fifty years of age. His widow survived him about twenty years, and then she. too, departed this life. They were the parents of nine children, of whom Jasper B. was the fourth in order of birth. Only three of the number are now living. John. the eldest, is a resident of northern Indiana. while Margaret is the widow of John Coulters, and lives in Indianapolis, Indiana. The father strongly endorsed the Whig party. but was never a politician in the sense of office seeking. On the home farm Jasper B. Craig spent the days of his childhood and youth, enjoying the pleasures in which boys of the period usually indulged, mastering the lessons assigned in the district schools and working in the fields during the summer months. He remained with his father until the latter's death, and with his mother, until 1856. when he made an overland trip to California. being attracted by the discovery of gold on the Pacific slope. He traveled with a party and was five and a half months upon the way. After reaching the Golden state he engaged in teaming in the northern part of California, making his home at Sacramento for a few years, after which he went to Carson City, Nevada. spending altogether fourteen years in the far west, during which time he was engaged in various enterprises. In 1870 he returned to Ohio and with the capital acquired during his western sojourn, he purchased land in Green township. which he owned for about twelve years. Mr. Craig was married in Harmony township on Christmas day of 1872 to Miss Rachel Hawkins, who was born in that THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 173 township and is a daughter of John and Jane (Pinneo) Hawkins. Their only child died in infancy. In the year 1885 Mr. Craig purchased his present farm in Harmony township, on which he has since lived. He has a quarter section of land, on which are excellent improvements, including an attractive residence, substantial outbuildings and modern accessories, which indicate his careful supervision. He is now practically living retired, leaving the care of his land to others, while he is enjoying a richly merited rest. In politics he is a Republican. He attained his majority in 1856, but could not vote that year because of his removal to California, and therefore he cast his first ballot in 1860 for Abraham Lincoln. In early life he became a member of Springfield Lodge, No. 101, F. & A. M., but has not been actively identified with the order since his residence in Carson City. His life has been quietly passed, in a measure, yet there is much in his history that is worthy of emulation because he has always been found true to his duties of citizenship and straightforward in his relations with his fellow men. JAMES JOHNSON. JR. The name of this gentleman figures prominently in the legal profession and in political circles of Springfield. Fortune. does not bestow its favors promiscuously, but gives its benefits as .a reward of earnest and persistent labor. In a profession where advancement depends entirely upon individual merit. James Johnson has attained distinction, being to-day classed as one of the leading attorneys of the city of his birth—Springfield, Ohio. His natal day was December 3, 186, and his father, James Johnson, Sr., was a native of Ireland, whence he came to the United States when a mere boy with his parents, who settled on a farm in Clark county. In this city the subject of this review acquired his primary education and after attending public and private schools here, he entered Wittenberg College, in which institution he was graduated with the class of 1877. The legal profession attracted him and he resolved that his energies should be directed along the line of maintaining justice at the bar. He read law with the firm of Bowman, Pringle & Scott, and was admitted to the bar in April, 1880, before the supreme court at Columbus, Ohio. Immediately afterward he entered upon the prosecution of his chosen profession in Springfield and became a partner of his former preceptor, Thomas J. Pringle, under the firm name of Pringle & Johnson. This became one of the strongest law firms in this city, maintaining a consecutive existence of seventeen years, at the end of which time it was dissolved by mutual consent. Mr. Johnson has since been alone in practice. He has had a distinctively representative clientage, connecting him with much of the most important litigation tried in the courts of this locality. He is a strong in argument, logical in his deductions, and in the presentation of a case displays a thorough mastery of the subject and of the law bearing upon it. In 1888 Mr. Johnson was married to Miss Blanche Obenshane, of White county, Indiana, a daughter of M. L. and Margaret (Armour) Obenshane. Three children graced this union: Martha, James Line and Porter B. James Line died when three years old. 174 - THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Mr. Johnson has long been recognized as a leader in Democratic circles in Springfield, and his devotion to party arises from a .firm belief in its principles and from a patriotic loyalty to his country and its welfare. He has not been a politician in the sence of office seeking, although he has been honored with political preferments. In 1886 he received his party's nomination for circuit judge in the second circuit of Ohio, and succeeded in reducing the majority to six hundred votes in a district which has always given a Republican majority of over four thosand. He carried his own county by nine hundred and fifty. At the biennial election for mayor, in 1893. our subject was chosen the chief executive of the city for a term of two years. and during his administration many of the substantial improvements of the city were made. One especially worthy of note was the gift of a tract of land of two hundred and sixty acres, which was donated by the late John D. L. Snyder as a park, and the securing of two hundred thousand dollars as an endowment for the maintenance of the park. The citizens of Springfield have every reason to be proud this beautiful park. The Snyders were relatives of Mr. Johnson —his mother's cousins. In 1897 he was elected president of the board of trade, and his efforts have been of signal usefulness to Springfield. Mr. Johnson was appointed by the common pleas court as advisory trustee of the endowment fund of two hundred thousand dollars for Snyder Park, and he is honored in the fact that in 1901 he was elected president of the Clark County Bar Association and re-elected in 1902, and as its chief officer he has won honor and respect. Fraternally he is connected with Anthony Lodge, No. 453, F. A. M. His is a well rounded character, in which he gives due attention to the social side of life, to his obligations of citizenship, to his home duties and to his business. The zeal with which he has devoted his attention. to his profession, the careful regard evinced for the interests of. his clients, and an assiduous and unrelaxing attention to all the details of his cases, have brought him a large business and made him very successful in its conduct. His arguments have elicited warm commendation, not only from his associates at the bar, but also from the bench. He is a very able writer; his briefs always show wide research, careful thought. and the best and strongest re .sons which can be urged for his contention, presented in logical and cogent form, and illustrated by a style unusually lucid and clear. H. A. COSLER, M. D. Dr. H. A. Cosler, a practicing physician and surgeon of the regular school of medicine, located at North Hampton, was born near Yellow Springs, Greene county, Ohio. May 4. 1873. He is a son of Abram B. and Susan V. (Stutsman) Cosler. The father was born on a farm near Alpha, Ohio, and there spent the days of his youth. In 1863 he responded to his country's call for aid in preserving the Union, enlisting as one of the boys in blue of Company D, One Hundred and Fifty-fourth Ohio Infantry, for one hundred days' service. He went to the front with the rank of sergeant. and while in Virginia he was captured, being held as a prisoner of war for six months in Salisbury. On the expiration of that period he was released and returned home, but he THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 175 never regained his health. his constitution having been undermined by the hardships of prison life. On the 26th of November, 1868, he was united in marriage, near Yellow Springs, to Miss Susan V. Stutsman, and they became the parents of two children. Samuel S.. who wedded Mary McKnight, of Spring Valley, Ohio, was for one year an assistant in Nelson's Business College, of which he was a graduate. Later he removed to Xenia, where he was employed as an accountant in the Xenia National Bank for a time and subsequently was appointed deputy treasurer of Greene county, in which capacity he was serving at the time of his death, which occurred on the 19th of August. 1897. The father died March 8, 1873, a few weeks before the birth of our subject. When the Doctor was three years old the mother removed with her two sons to Yellow Springs. and there he was educated, being graduated from the high school with the class of 1880, when only sixteen years of age. He afterward spent one year in Antioch College, and then engaged in clerking in a store for one year. Subsequently he secured a position as a school teacher in Byron. Ohio, where he remained for a year, when he removed to Delaware. this state, and entered the Ohio Wesleyan University. While pursuing his studies there he also acted as tutor in mathematics in the college, thus helping to pay his way through the institution. He was graduated there in the class of 1897. At the outbreak of the Spanish-American war, in the spring of the following year, he enlisted for service as a member of Company K. Fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. and was made a sergeant. He was sent to camp at Columbus, and thence to Chicka mauga. and sailed from Newport News to Porto Rico, where he remained from the 1st of August until the 6th of November, 1898, during which time he participated in three engagements, those of Guyama, Cayey Heights and a skirmish at Aibonito Pass. He .has several valuable souvenirs of the campaign. While upon the march he sprained his knee and has never recovered from the accident. After his return to his native country Dr. Cosler received an honorable discharge and then entered the Ohio Medical University, of Columbus, Ohio, from which he was graduated with the class of 1902. He at once went to West Carrollton. and in June of the same year he came to North. Hampton. where he opened an office. Although he has been here but a brief period he is well established in his profession, and is recognized by the public and by the members of the medical fraternity as a young man of good ability in the line of his chosen work. When he was graduated at Ohio Wesleyan University the degree of Bachelor of Science was conferred upon him, and in 1902 his Alma. Mater conferred upon him the degree of Master of Arts. While studying medicine in Columbus he was appointed to the office of secretary of the Children's Home Society. He has made his own way through college, thus proving the strength of his character, his self-reliance and his genuine worth. While in the military service he acted as clerical sergeant for two months under Brigadier -General Compton. The Doctor is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Fraternally he is connected with Humboldt Lodge, No. 476, F. & A. M., of Columbus, the Knights of the Golden Eagle and the Junior Order of American Mechanics. of North Hampton, and he 176 - THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. also belongs to the Sigma-Chi fraternity. which he joined at Delaware, Ohio. He is a young man of strong mentality, imbued with the spirit of advancement so characteristic of the times, and his laudable ambition and unfaltering enterprise will doubtless win for him a very creditable position in the ranks of the medical fraternity. HON. WILLIAM R. BURNETT. A list of the leading citizens of Clark county contains the name of William Riley Burnett, one of the representative and honored residents of Springfield. He is one to whom has been entrusted important public service and over whose record there falls no shadow of wrong or suspicion of evil. His unbending integrity of character. his fearlessness in the discharge of his duties, and his appreciation of the responsibilities that, have rested upon him, have been such as to make him a most acceptable incumbent in office, and his worth is and has been widely acknowledged. He is now serving as a member of the board of public affairs in Springfield and is a recognized leader in Democratic circles. Mr. Burnett is a native of Clark county, having been born on.a farm west of Springfield, August 17, 1846. His father, John Burnett, was born also near Springfield in 1824 and was a son of Richard Burnett. one of the honored pioneer settlers of Clark county. The grandfather married a Miss Nolan, who was a native of Kentucky, and among their children was John Burnett. The latter became a millwright by trade and followed that business for a number of years. When he had arrived at years of maturity he wedded Mary Tones, who was born in Randolph county, Virginia, in 1826, a daughter of Wesley Jones, who was a native of Virginia and a ship carpenter by trade. The father of our subject is now deceased, but the mother is living in Springfield. William R. Burnett entered the public schools at the usual age and therein pursued his studies until his fourteenth year, when he started out to make his own way in the world by obtaining a position in the shop of Whiteley. Fassler & Kelly. where he learned the machinist's trade, and continued in their employ as a machinist for Twenty-one years. with the exception of the time spent in the army. In 1863, when a youth of seventeen, he responded to his country's call for aid to crush out the rebellion, and enlisted in Company A, Fourth Battalion Independent Ohio Cavalry. After being mustered in he was ordered to Kentucky. where for a time he was in the dangerous service of scouting and hunting bushwhackers. He served faithfully until the close of the war, receiving an honorable discharge in 1865. Mr. Burnett then returned to Clark county and after visiting his parents for a time he resumed work in the shop of Whiteley. Fassler & Kelly. On leaving their employ he embarked in the grocery business on East Main street, Springfield. and there conducted a store for ten years with signal success. In October. 1865, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Burnett and Miss Mary C. Monahan. of Springfield, a daughter of John Monahan, and two children have been born to them : Theodore A., a veterinary surgeon. graduate of the American Veterinary College, New York and Levi Herr. The latter is now a rising attorney of Pitts- THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 179 burg, Pennsylvania, and assistant attorney for the United States Steel Trust. For four years Mr. Burnett was a member of the school board and for two years was a member of the city council, representing the first ward. Since that time he has been almost continuously in public office. In 1889 he was elected mayor of the city and his administration was so practical, progressive and business-like that he was reelected in 1891, continuing as the chief executive officer of the city for four years. During that time many improvements were made in the streets and the city building was erected in 1890, a structure of which his fellow townsmen have every reason to be proud. He was the first mayor to occupy the new building and on the expiration of his term of service in that office was appointed a member of the police and fire board by Mayor John M. Good, and was afterward appointed by Mayor Bowlus, a member of the board of public affairs. His next appointment can from Mayor M. L. Milligan and was a tribute to his personal ability and official worth because Mr. Milligan a strong Republican, recognized the fitness of Mr. Burnett, a Democrat, for the office. As a member of the board Mr. Burnett has been most faithful, prompt and energetic in the discharge of his duties, and his official career is indeed commendable. Socially he is a member of Clark Lodge. No: F. & A. M., and also belongs to Red Star Lodge, No. 205, K. P., and to Company No. 44, of the Uniformed Rank of Knights of Pythias ; and Springfield Lodge, No. 33, I. O. O. F. He is a valued representative of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and he maintains pleasant re. lations with his old army comrades through his membership in Mitchell Post, G. A. R.. and also the Union Veterans Union. He is justly accorded a place among the prominent and representative citizens of Springfield, for he belongs to that class of men whose enterprising spirit is used not alone for their own benefit. He is one whose courtesy is unfailing and whose integrity is above question. and few men are more widely and favorably known in Springfield than William R. Burnett. FOSTER J. KYLE Foster J. Kyle is a representative of an honored and prominent family of this section of Ohio, and is now engaged in the practice of veterinary surgery at Springfield. He was born in Yellow Springs February 6, 1864. and is a son of Roland Kyle, whose birth occurred in Cedarville, Ohio. in 1837, and who is still a resident of that place. He has followed farming throughout his entire life. His grandfather, Judge Samuel Kyle was upon the bench of Greene county for more than thirty years. He was one of the first settlers of that locality, removing frcm Kentucky to Ohio. and he was of Scotch ancestry. He not only left the impress of his individuality upon the judicial district of that county but took an active part in public progress and improvement along many lines. He died at the ripe old age of eighty years. respected and honored by all who knew him. In his family were fifteen sons and six daughters. and Roland Kyle was the shortest of the sons—and he measured six feet and two inches. All were educated in Greene county. Thomas is the father of the late Senator Kyle. of South Dakota, and is now living in Urbana, Illinois. He is a civil engineer by 180 - THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. profession, which he followed in Greene county for many years. but is now living retired. The average length of life of the members of the family is eighty years. Roland Kyle carries on farming and stock raising and is a representative agriculturist of his community. He votes with the Republican party and has held some minor offices, but has never been a politician in the sense of office seeking. He married Anna Dunlap. who was born in 1842 in Cincinnati and died in 1894. They were the parents of nine children of whom one died in early childhood. The others are : Agnes, who is engaged in the millinery business in Cincinnati : Foster J. : Grace, the wife of Ross Tanehill, of Clifton; T. Dales, who has been connected with the Citizens Bank of Xenia since 1890; Ormond, of Knoxville, Tennessee: Irvin, a farmer of Cedarville, Ohio; Carl, of Dayton, this state: and Rolanna, at home. Foster J. Kyle of this review acquired his education in the public schools, which he attended until about the time he attained his majority. He also assisted in 'the work of the home farm! in field and meadow throughout the summer months. He was engaged in farming near Dayton, Ohio, for one year and then entered the commercial college at Ada, this state, where he completed a regular course. Subsequently he went to Canada and entered the Toronto (Ontario) Veterinary College, in 1889, being graduated in that institution in 1891, after completing a full course. His strong love for horses induced him to enter the profession in which he has been extremely successful. After his graduation he located in Xenia and there built up a, large practice in Greene county, where he made his home until 1899, when, believing that there were broader business opportunities in Springfield and the surrounding country districts, he came to this city. He has built up a large practice in Clark county, where his ability has been again and again demonstrated, and by reason of his skill this large patronage has been gained. He has an accurate and comprehensive knowledge of the profession. conducts his business on business methods and treats all with fairness and courtesy. In Iberia, Ohio, in 1893. Mr. Kyle was united in marriage to Miss Anna G. McClarren, who was born in that place in 1865. She pursued a college course there and afterward engaged in teaching school tor several years. Her parents were Robert and Jeanette (Richardson) McClarren, the former now deceased, while the latter, is a resident of Iberia. Mrs. Kyle was the sixth in order of birth in a. family of seven children, and by her marriage she has become the mother of five children, but Helen died at the age of three years. The others are : Anna Janet, Florence Louise, Roland M. and Mildred. Dr. Kyle exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the Republican party. He was appointed a member of the board of Humane Society of Springfield in 1902, and few are better qualified for such a position. for his love for animals makes all cruelty abhorrent to him and he is therefore desirous of putting forth every effort to prevent this. He belongs to the United Presbyterian church and is a member of the State Veterinary Association of Ohio. He is a lover of fine horses and to-day is the owner of two of the finest bred stallions in southern Ohio, one being the fast pacer Temperas, and the other Edwin Simmons, by Simmons, by THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 181 George Wilkes, his clam being the dam of J. M. K., whose record is 2 :16 1/4, and Bessick, whose record is 2 :17 1/4. Edwin Simmons is considered' by experts to be the finest horse in this section of the state. The Doctor has his office in the C. E. Todd: livery stable at 22 North Limestone street. He is devoted to his profession. in which he has met with creditable success. and thus in business affairs he has prospered. CHARLES A. BAUER. Charles A. Bauer attained a distinguished position in the industrial circles of Ohio, while his reputation as an expert and authority in mechanical affairs was national. Thrown at an early age upon his own resources his life is a striking example of what may be accomplished by genius, energy and ability. He was born in Wurtemberg. Germany, August 16, 1846, and was a son of Frederick Bauer, a prominent bridge builder and draughtsman of that country. In 1852 Frederick Bauer came to America with his family, but three months after his arrival was stricken with yellow fever and died in New Orleans. The mother then determined to seek a home farther north and in the same year took up her residence in Cincinnati, where she remained until her death, which occurred on the 2d of February, 1900. The subject of this review was only six years of age at the time of the emigration of the family. His educational privileges were limited and from an early age he was dependent upon his own- resources. At the age of twelve he obtained employment in the Pyrotechnical Manufactory owned by H. P. Diehl, of Cincinnati, and in 1861 he became an apprentice to the gunsmith's trade. Three years later he entered. the shops of Miles, Greenwood & Company as, a practical -machinist, devoting his leisure hours! to the study of mechanics and applied mechanics. So rapidly did he progress in this line that in 1878 he was called to the Ohio Mechanics Institute as a teacher of mechanical drawing and applied mechanics. During his connection with the institute the progress of these departments was very remarkable. In 1871 he accepted the position of superintendent of the great Niles Tool Works at Hamilton, Ohio, and continued in that capacity until his resignation in 1873, when he assumed the duties of consulting engineer for the firm of Lane & Bodley, of Cincinnati, Ohio. During all this time he retained his position as instructor of mechanics and applied mechanics in the Ohio Mechanics Institute. In 1875 he was tendered the position of assistant superintendent of the works of the Champion Bar & Knife Company at Springfield, Ohio, and in 1878 was made superintendent of the same concern. In 1883 he became general manager of the mower and reaper works owned by the firm of Warder, Bushnell & Glessner at Springfield, and in 1886, when the business was incorporated, he became one of the partners and stockholders, retaining his position as general manager of the extensive enterprise. His career was remarkably successful, chiefly by reason of his natural ability and his thorough insight into the business in which as a young man he embarked. He •had a most comprehensive and thorough knowledge of the great mechanical principles underlying -his chosen pursuit, and reading and investigation along such lines 182 - THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. continually broadened his knowledge and added to the efficacy of his work. Again and again promotion came to him in recognition of his superior ability in this line. His strict integrity, business conservatism and judgment were uniformly rec0gnized and he enjoyed public confidence to an enviable degree. This naturally brought to him. success. Although preferring home life to active connection with public affairs, Mr. Bauer yet gave much of his valuable time to works of public importance. For nine years he served as a member of the board of water works trustees of Springfield and was instrumental in having installed a fine water works system, which is to-day the pride of the city. At his death he was chairman of the Ohio State House Commission, having been appointed to that position by Governor Asa S. Bushnell. This commission was to have charge of the remodeling of the state house at Columbus and the appointment was a splendid acknowledgement of Mr. Bauer's marked ability. He was one of the vice-presidents of the National Founders Association and refused to accept the presidency of that organization at the last meeting which was held just before his death. He was also a member of the fifth district committee of the National Founders' Association, was one of the vice-presidents of the American Feundrymen's Association and took a great interest in the American Society of .Mechanical Engineers, of which he was one of the charter members, his avocation bearing date May 14, 1880. He was elected one of the managers of this society in 1894 and served for four successive years. Because of his broad and comprehensive knowledge of everything in the line of mechanics and mechanical construction, be cause of his familiarity with great mechanical principles and also because of a charm of manner which made him popular, Mr. Bauer was thus honored again and again but he never sought notoriety along such lines. In manner he was entirely free fr0m ostentation and display. He possessed, however, broad sympathy and a genial. kindly nature, and these qualities won for him the esteem of all with whom he came in contact. and the regard in which he was held was in the great majority of instances deepened into strong friendship. He always received the respect of the men whose efforts he superintended in business and the relations between employer and employe were largely of an ideal character. The men recognized in him one whose ability was superior to their own. and, moreover, his justness gained for him their unqualified regard. An estimate of his ability could only be gained by visiting the factories of which he had charge and closely inspecting the methods and original ideas which he had inaugurated. Mr. Bauer was married in 1868 to Miss Louise Haeseler, who came to America with her parents from St. Goar, Prussia, in 1851. Three children were born to them: Charles L., who is now the general superintendent of the Warder. Bushnell & Glessner Company : William A.. who is employed in the office of the same company: and Louis E., who is in the chemical department there. The home of the Bauer family is located on East High street. Mr. Bauer passed away in June, 1899. and was laid to rest in Ferncliff cemetery. In Masonic circles he was prominent, belonging to Anthony Lodge, No. 455, F. & A. M., while in the Scottish Rite he had attained the thirty-second degree. He was THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 183 also connected with the Knights of Pythias. Mr. Bauer was a self-made man in the best sense of that oft misused term. From early life he depended upon his own resources. He realized fully that advancement is largely due to enterprise and keen discernment, supplementing untiring diligence, and it was along those lines that he won success and gained promotion to a very prominent position in the ranks of the representatives of mechanical interests of the country. That his death was universally regretted is proven by the large number of letters and telegrams which came to his family from all parts of this country and Europe, breathing words of condolence and consolation: but, while his success was marked and his capability was of a high order, it was the man who won the friends. Throughout his entire career he was always the same genial, courteous gentleman, whose ways were those of refinement and whose word no man could question. CARL ULTES. M. D. There is no element which has entered into our composite national fabric that has been of more practical strength. value and utility than that furnished by the sturdy, persevering and honorable sons of Germany, and in the progress of our Union this element has played an important part. Intensely practical and ever having a clear comprehension of the ethics of life. the German contingent has wielded a powerful 'influence, and this service can not be held in light estimation by those who appreciate true civilization and true advancement. The subject of this review comes from stanch German stock and was born in Rhen ish Bavaria, Germany, July I, 1848. His father, Jacob Ultes, was a native of the same locality and the Doctor had one brother and one sister, who are still living in. Germany, these being Friederich, who is proprietor of a large printing establishment at Stuttgart ; and Helen, who is living in Westphalia. Dr. Ultes of this review pursued his education in the primary schools of Heidelberg, in Baden, later attending the medical department of the university at the same place. In the year of 1869 he bade adieu to the father land and sailed for the new world, having just reached his majority. In 1873 he entered the medical department of the University of Michigan and was graduated in that institution in 1875 with. the degree of M. D. For six months thereafter he acted as assistant to Professor Frotheringham, of Ann Arbor, who held the chair of opthalmology and otology, and on leaving that city he settled in Manchester, 'Michigan, 'where he continued in general practice for three years. In 1877 he entered the Bellevue Medical Hospital College at New York city, in which he was graduated in March, 1878, again winning the degree of M. D. After his graduation he took a spring course in ophthalmology and otology-under the direction of Professor Herman Knapp, of New York. He studied operative surgery with Professor Alexander Mott and physical diagnosis with Professor Edward Janeway. In 1878 he left that city and returned to Manchester, Michigan, but in September of the same year again went to New York and continued his studies concerning the diseases of the eye and the ear under Professor Herman Knapp. Subsequently Dr. Ultes again took up his residence in Michigan., this time settling „at Chelsea. where he remained until 1884 184 - THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. in the successful practice of his profession and then went to Lansing, where he remained an active practitioner until 1890. That year witnessed his arrival in Springfield, Ohio, and here he began practice. entering on what has proven a very successful career as a member of the medical fraternity of Clark county. He has a large general practice but is also giving much attention to the specialties for which he prepared. He has met with merited and creditable success in treating contagious diseases, especially diphtheria and spinal meningitis. He makes a specialty of the diseases of the heart, stomach, kidney and intestines and has effected some remarkable cures. His knowledge is broad and comprehensive and he is seldom at fault, not even in the slightest degree in diagnosing a case. He is particularly apt in recognizing the remedial agency which will prove of the most value and his work has been of a most important and valuable character to mankind. The Doctor was married in 1878 in Manchester, Michigan, to Miss Bertha Werheim, who was born in Wisconsin and died in 1901, at the age of forty-three years. She was a sister of Rev. Werheim of this city. By that marriage two sons were born. William P., born in 1879, is a graduate of Wittenberg College and is now studying medicine in the University of Michigan. Carl, born in 1881, is also a student in Wittenberg College and will graduate in 1903. He was graduated with honor in the public schools of this city and William is a graduate of the Springfield School of Music. The Doctor has social qualities which endear him to many friends outside of the profession. He is known throughout this section of the state as one of the most prominent members of the profession here and his opinions are largely recognized as authority on many subjects. In a profession where advancement depends upon individual merit and ability he has steadily progressed and his prominence has come as the result of superior skill and knowledge. CHARLES MATTINSON. Charles Mattinson, whose home is in. Madison township. Clark county, three miles west of South Charleston, where he has two hundred acres of land, has resided here about nine years. He is one of Ohio's native sons, his birth having occurred near his present home on the 25th of November, 1844. His parents were Matthew and Margaret (Evans) Mattinson. The father was born in Westmoreland county, England. .and was a son of Thomas Mattinson, whose wife died in England and who afterward came to America, bringing with him his family, consisting of four sons and three daughters. He had some means. which he invested in Clark county land, purchasing four hundred acres, to which he added as his financialresources increased until, at the time of his death, he was one of the extensive land owners of the county. He lived to be a very old man, reaching the ripe old age of ninety years. He always remained true to the memory of his wife, never marrying a second time. Matthew Mattinson had attained his majority when he came with his father to the new world, but it was after his emigration that he was married. His wife was born in Wales and came to America with her mother, her father having died in the old country. When they crossed the briny deep they THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 135 made their way to Ohio, settling in Clark county. Mr. Mattison inherited' about two hundred acres of land from his father's estate, but he did not content himself with this property and through his well directed efforts and energy he continually added to his possessions until he had about one thousand acres of land. He engaged in general farming and cattle dealing, becoming a recognized leader of this branch of business activity in his section of Ohio. Unto him and his wife were born six children, all of whom are yet living, namely : Charles, of this review ; Ruth, who makes her home at South Charleston ; Thomas, who resides near the old homestead; Mary, the wife of Darwin Pierce, who is living in Madison township: Evan, who married Minnie Wilson and is living in Ford county, Illinois ; and Minnie, also a resident of South Charleston. The father voted with the Republican party but the honors and emolulents of office had no attraction for him. He was reared in the Episcopalian church, but there was no organization of that denomination near his home in Ohio and he was therefore not connected with any church after his removal here. Charles Mattinson spent his boyhood days on the old home farm and in the winter months attended school, while in the summer season he worked in field and meadow early gaining practical experience that has proved of value to him in his later years. At the age of twenty years he responded to his country's call for men, enlisting in Company I. One Hundred and Forty-sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, as a private, for one hundred days' service. He was on duty in West Virginia, but the regiment was never under fire. In 1866.. he went to Ford county, Illinois, and there purchased land and carried on farming. He afterward went to Champaign county and conducted a farm for his father. While in the west Mr. Mattinson was married on the 24th of November, 1878, to Miss Ida Drossel, who was born in Sheboygan county, Wisconsin, a daughter of Martin and -Christina (Hyzer) Drossel, both of whom are natives of Germany, the father born in Hanover and the mother in Leipsic, Saxony. Both had about reached adult age when they came to America with their respective parents. While on the voyage they became acquainted. They started from Germany in May and arrived in New York on the 4th of July, following. The Drossel family settled in Fairfield county, Ohio, and the mother's people in Sheboygan county, Wisconsin. The two young people, who had formed an acquaintance on board the vessel, kept up a correspondence and in due course of time were married. They lived for a time in Columbus, Ohio, where Mr. Drossel was employed as bookkeeper, and subsequently they removed to Wisconsin, where he engaged in business on his own account. He died in that state when Mrs.- Mattinson was quite young. Her mother afterwards married again, becoming the wife of August Zimball, and they are now living in Shebooygan, Wisconsin. Mrs. Mattinson was born August 8, 1837, and by her marriage she has become the mother of three children, Minnie and Esther, who were born in Champaign county, Illinois ; and Lee. who was born on the farm in Ohio, where our subject now resides. Mr. Mattinson continued to make his home in Illinois until 1893. when he returned to Ohio and began farming on the place where he vet lives. He has a good tract of 186 - THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. land here. and in the cultivation of the fields is meeting with good success, annually garnering rich harvests, which return to him a good income. In politics he is a Republican and he belongs to McMillan Post, G. A. R. While residing in Illinois he was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows Lodge at Fisher and of the Knights of Pythias Lodge there, but has not continued his connection with these organizations. In his farm work he is progressive and practical and the neat and thrifty appearance of his place indicates his careful supervision. BENJAMIN F. KEIFER. Benjamin Franklin Keifer is one of the early scalers of Clark county. Ohio. His parents were Joseph and Mary (Smith) Keifer. The father came to this county in the year 1812 and settled in Bethel township, near Tecumseh Park. where he engaged in farming. In 1815 he was united in marriage to Mary Smith and they became the parents of fourteen children, three of whom are now living, namely : Sarah, of Logan county, Ohio. who married Lewis James, and after his death married Richard Youngman, who has also passed away ; Benjamin F.. of this review ; and Joseph Warren, a distinguished citizen of Springfield, whose sketch appears on another page of this volume. Benjamin Franklin Keifer. of this review, was born upon his father's farm in 1821 and was reared amid the wild scenes of pioneer life. All around stretched the green forests, the trees having been uncut and the land uncleared for purposes of civilization. Everything was wild and unim proved and the work of progress was largely yet to be performed by the pioneer settlers. Mr. Keifer, of this review, pursued his education in a log schoolhouse such as was common at that time. There was little instruction given beyond that of writing. reading and arithmetic. His 'training at farm labor, however, was not limited, for, from the time of early spring planting until late in the fall, he worked in the fields, doing his part in the farm work. He was thus engaged until he purchased a farm of his 'own. On the 12th day of September. 1854. he bought the land upon which he now resides, becoming the owner of one hundred acres six miles from Springfield on the Fairfield road. To this he has since added, however, until he is now the owner of a very valuable tract of two hundred and ninety acres of land. Here he is now engaged in general farming and he keeps on hand about forty head of stock. Mr. Keifer was married in 1846 to Emeline F. Henkle, a daughter of Silas Henkle, one of the old settlers of Springfield. coming to Clark county from Virginia. Six children have been born of this union : Cyrus H., at home; Joseph. deceased; Mary and Frank Irwin, at home ; Montgomery, who has passed away ; and Benjamin W., who married Ethel Christ. a daughter of Martin Christ, of Mad River township. They have one child, Wilbur. Mr. Keifer is a member of the Methodist church and has lived an upright, honorable life in consistent harmony with his professions. He has now passed the eightieth milestone on life's journey, but is vet a hale and hearty old man and gives his personal supervision to the management of his farm. He is, indeed, a worthy representative of an honored pioneer family, the name of Keifer THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 189 having long been associated with the work of progress. development and improvement here. THE JOHN PERRIN FAMILY. No history of Clark county would he complete without mention of the John Perrin family, one of the oldest of this portion of the state, its representatives having been identified with the growth and upbuilding and with the agricultural, intellectual and moral welfare of the city and county from 1806 down to the present time. The days of chivalry and knighthood in Europe can not furnish more interesting tales than our own pioneer history. Into the wild regions of the unexplored west went brave men whose courage was often called forth not only to meet the conditions of the land as yet uncultivated and of the forests uncut, but also to meet the hostile savages. The land was rich in all natural resources and simply awaited the demands of the white race to yield up its treasures ; but the mountains separated Ohio from the older east ; its forests were difficult to penetrate, so densely grew the magnificent trees. The establishment of homes in this beautiful region therefore meant sacrifices and hardships, but there were some men brave enough to undertake the task of reclaiming the district for purposes of civilization and to make this one of the productive sections of the country. Taking an active part in this work the representatives of the Perrin family therefore interwove their name inseparably with the history of this region. The Perrin family is doubtless of French origin, although the immediate ancestors of John Perrin, the first of the name in Ohio, - 10 - came from England. It is supposed that those who lived in France were driven out of that country at the time of the Catholic persecution ; that they came to America and eventually returned to the old world, but did not again go to their native land, locating, instead, in England, whence at an early day representatives of the name sailed for the new world and the family was then established in Maryland, where they purchased land in 1740. John Perrin, the first to locate in Clark county, Ohio, was born in Washington county, Maryland. November 12, 1778, and there married Amelia Ingram, who was born in the same county September 26, 1778. He was a son of Joseph and Rachel Perrin, who he side by side in an old burying ground in Hagerstown, Washington: county, Maryland. In 1804 he made a trip to the west, going as far as Fort Wayne. Indiana. and at that time he returned to Maryland, and it was not until 1806 that he took up his permanent abode in Clark county. bringing his family to this new and wild region They journeyed to what is now the beautiful. site of Springfield. Ohio, and settled on section 3, in Springfield township, Mr. Perrin purchasing the entire section. For miles: around them stretched the dense forests ; the uncultivated tracts of valley land. The work of progress and improvement seemed scarcely begun, and it remained to such brave men and women. as those of the Perrin family, to establish homes here upon the frontier and utilize the natural recources, thus reclaiming the land and making it one of the most attractive sections of this great commonwealth. The family of John and Amelia In- gram Perrin consisted of six children : 190 - THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Edward, Joseph. John. William. Minerva and Emery. The first child, Edward. was born in Maryland, and the others were added to the family after the removal of the parents to Ohio. When John Perrin purchased his section of land in Springfield township. there had been only a small clearing made, but 1w incessant effort and unremitting industry he cleared a large portion of this tract and placed it under cultivation. so that the fields returned to him good crops. He also added to his real estate holdings until at his death he owned more than twelve hundred acres of land. He continued the work of cultivating his land until his death. which occurred December 16, 1848. He survived his wife only a short period, for she had died on the 8th of June, 1847. Here upon the land which he had purchased was established a burial ground, called the Perrin cemetery where John Perrin and his family were buried and but few others outside of the family have been laid to rest in this city of the dead. William Perrin, a son of John and Amelia (Ingram) Perrin. was born in the little log cabin, which was the family home in Springfield township. the date of his birth being January 22, 1815. He was reared upon a farm amid the wild scenes of pioneer life, but while the early settlers were deprived of some of the advantages of the older east, they also enjoyed privileges and pleasures which were unknown to the more thickly settled districts. He had little opportunity to attend school, but he gained much knowledge in the school of experience. Throughout his entire life he followed the occupation of farming and his work was continued in such a manner that he won splendid success. He always followed progressive methods of farming and everything about his place was neat and attractive in appearance and indicated his careful supervision. He was married March 25. 1849, to Miss Dorothy Sturgeon. a daughter of Jeremiah and Phoebe ( Andrews) Sturgeon, both of whom were natives of the north of Ireland, and were of Scotch descent. Mrs. Perrin was also born on the Emerald Isle and came to America when she was about twenty years of age. By her marriage she became the mother of but one child. John E. Perrin. She was a very devoted Christian woman, who held mem bership in the United Presbyterian church. and her religious faith permeated her entire life. In harmony with her belief she was kind and helpful to friends and neighbors, loving and devoted to her family and at all times strictly adhered to the rule of upright conduct. Mr. and Mrs. Perrin lived in the little cabin in which he was born until 1849, when they removed into the home where he died. having erected a good brick residence, which was one of the fine homes of the county, and one of the largest brick structures erected here. William Perrin was the owner of five hundred acres of land at the time of his death and his farming interests were capably conducted, bringing to him a satisfactory financial return. As a citizen he was public spirited and progressive. and gave a generous co-operation to all movements and measures which he believed would prove of good to the majority of the people in his district. He became a supporter of the Republican party upon its organization and when the country became involved in Civil war. he stood as one of the stanch advocates of the 'Union cause. He was one of the well known citizens of the county, honest THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 191 and upright in all his dealings with his fellow men, an obliging neighbor and a man of domestic tastes, who found his greatest happiness in providing for his family. All who knew him respected him for his genuine worth, and when called to the home beyond, both he and his wife were deeply mourned by many who had known them. Mrs. Perrin died on the 27th of October, 1878. and Mr. Perrin departed this life March 30, 1890. being laid to rest in Ferncliff cemetery. John E. Perrin, their only son, and a. grandson of John Perrin who founded the family in Clark county, was born in Springfield October 1850. He always lived upon the old home farm in a brick house, which was one of the first of the kind built in Springfield township. Although erected many years ago it has been remodeled and is a fine, large. modern home. John E. Perrin obtained his early education in the district schools and later supplemented his knowledge gained in boyhood, by a course of study in a commercial college in Springfield. Ohio, whereby he was well equipped for the practical and responsible duties of life. His natural taste and his early training led him to adopt the life of an agriculturist, and his occupaticn was ever that of a farmer. He ranked, however, among the best. He was quick to utilize any new idea of machinery that would facilitate his work or make it of greater value ; he used the latest improved machinery and he always kept everything about his place in good repair. He planted the grains best adapted to the soil and climate, and his fields annually returned to him golden harvests. His business methods were above suspicion or reproach he was honorable and reliable in all his dealings and no man had aught to say against him. He was without ostentation or display, yet his genuine worth, of character commanded for him the high regard of all with whom he came in contact. Through his business interests he accumulated a handsome fortune, which was indicative of his life of industry and usefulness. His death occurred July 2, 1902, and he was laid to rest in Ferncliff cemetery. He was a life-long Mason, very prominent in the fraternity, and in his life he exemplified its beneficent teachings. He enjoyed the highest esteem of his brethren of the order and when he was called to rest, on the 2d of July, 1902, his remains were interred with Masonic honors. This, in brief, is the history of a family which has through almost a century been a prominent one in Clark county. Its members have ever commanded the warm regard of a large number of friends and at the same time their efforts have been of material benefit in promoting the progress and improvement of this portion of the state. JOHN PERRIN. The members of the Perrin family have ever been worthy of respect and regard, and John Perrin possessed a character that commanded the esteem and good will of all with whom he came in contact and for many years was classed among the valued and representative citizens of his community. He was born in Springfield township, Clark county, April 1812, on the farm now occupied by his family, and was a son of John-Perrin, whose sketch is given above. He was reared upon the home farm, pursuing his education in a log schoolhouse. and he remained with his parents until their death, 192 - THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. when he inherited the old homestead. He continued to reside upon that place until his death, which occurred June 27. 1888. In the meantime he had erected a fine brick residence, had built good outbuildings and had greatly improved his farm, making it one of the valued and attractive country seats of the locality. His birth occurred in a log house which stood upon the site of the present home of the family. The latter was erected in 1870 and is the fourth house which had occupied the same site on the Perrin farm. The Perrin homestead comprised twelve hundred acres of land, owned by his father, John Perrin. The first house built here was of rough logs and after a time it was replaced by a more substantial and comfortable residence, built of hewed logs. The third house was built of brick. In 1870 John Perrin, of this review, remodeled the building and improved it as we see it to-day. At the time of his death he owned over six hundred acres of land. He was a representative and energetic farmer. and everything about the place was kept in good condition. He used the latest improved machinery in operating his land and was untiring in his work, so that he was enabled to provide his family with a good living. On the 9th of March, 1853, Mr. Perrin was united in marriage to Miss Mary Dunn Roush, who was born in Berkeley county, West Virginia. on the 2d of February, 1825, her parents being Martin and Margaret (Patton) Roush. Her paternal grandparents were natives of Germany and on leaving that country crossed. the Atlantic to America. The grandfather was quite well-to-do and became the owner of a good plantation and a number of slaves in Virginia. It is thought that Martin Roush was born at the old family home in that state. He, too was a planter and slave-holder, and he continued to conduct his plantation until 1847, when he sold out and came to Ohio, residing in Madison county for about twelve months. On the expiration of that period he removed to Springfield purchasing a farm near the town, now known as the Slaughter farm. Upon that property he spent his remaining days passing away in 1877, when eighty-six years of age. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Margaret Patton. was born in Greencastle, Franklin county, Pennsylvania. She. too, passed away and was laid to rest by the side of her husband in Ferncliff cemetery. Unto Mr. and Mrs. John Perrin were born seven children : Margaret Amelia Ellen Nora, the wife of Dr. James E. Studebaker, a resident of Springfield : John Martin ; Mary Belle : Ida Lavina, who died November 28, 1897 and was buried in Ferncliff cemetery; Minerva Cooper : and Catherine McKee, who died December 23, 1864, at the age of seven years and five months. Mr. Perrin, the father, was interred in the old family cemetery, within two hundred yards of where he was born, but on the 12th of October, 1898. his remains were removed to Ferncliff cemetery. While he led a quiet life. his attention being given to his farm, he was a man who possessed many sterling traits of character. He was prompt and honest in all of his business dealings, was energetic in carving on his work, was true to his duties of citizenship and devoted to his family. JOSEPH INGRAM PERRIN. The Perrin family has been so closely and prominently connected with the history of Clark county and its development that its THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 193 members well deserve specific mention in this volume and we are glad to present to our readers the life record of Joseph Ingram Perrin, whose circle of friends was almost co-extensive with the circle of his acquaintances. He was born on the old Perrin homestead in 1813, a son of John and Amelia Perrin. A complete history of the family is given on another page of this work. During his boyhood days Joseph I. Perrin remained at home and assisted his father in the work of the farm. He early learned what it was to care for the stock and cultivate the fields and his early experience enabled him to successfully carry on farm work for himself in later years. He continued under the parental roof until his marriage. He wedded Miss Elizabeth Abigail Bailey, a native of New Hampshire, and they became the parents of two children, of whom one died in infancy. the other being Emily Amanda, who is the wife of John E. Driscoll, a native of Springfield, and a son of Elias Driscoll, a member of an old pioneer family. After the death of his first wife Mr. Perrin married Eliza Jane Hamilton. who is vet living, and they had one child. Joseph Ingram, Jr., who now resides in Springfield township. After his first marriage Mr. Perrin removed to a farm not far from the old homestead and there spent his remaining days. He was a successful agriculturist in every sense of the term. He knew how best to manage his property so that it would yield to him good returns and from his fields he annually gathered rich harvests. His stock dealing was also a profitable source of income to him and whatever he undertook he carried forward to successful completion. He owned about three hundred and fifty acres of land, but part of this has since been subdivided into city lots and forms what is known as the Melrose addition to Springfield. In his political views he was a Republican, and voted conscientiously because he believed in the principles of the party. However, he never sought office, but was content to give his time and attention to his business affairs in order that he might provide well for his family. His death occurred December 30, 1865, and he was buried in the Perrin cemetery, but after a period of thirty-seven years his remains were removed to Ferncliff cemetery, September 18, 1902. His surviving daughter, Emily Amanda, became. as above stated, the wife of John E. Driscoll. Mr. Driscoll was educated in Springfield and learned the trade of a carriage trimmer, but after his marriage he suffered greatly from ill health, which prevented him from continuing work along his chosen line. Accordingly he removed to the farm belonging to his affianced wife's father and throughout his remaining days he carried on agricultural pursuits, finding in the outdoor life of field and meadow much that proved to him beneficial in restoring his health. He was a successful agriculturist, carving on his work with skill, energy and determination. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Driscoll were born tea children, of whom two died in infancy, while eight are yet living, namely : Julia, the wife of Albert Rebert. Edward E., who married Grace Swonger, and lives with his mother upon the home farm, which he operates. By his marriage he has four children-—Harry. Nora, Clara and Helen. Nancy is the wife of Joseph McDonnell. and they have one child, Mary. John married Miss Izora Hedrick and with their daughter. Nellie, they reside in De Graff, Ohio. 194 - THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD Elisha married Miss Carrie Long and they have two children, Lamar and an infant not named. Emma, Catherine and Rachel are all at home. With the exception of John, all the children reside in Clark county. The father of this family died July 15, 1895, and was buried in Ferncliff cemetery, and since his death his widow, by the aid of her children, has carried on the home farm. Mr. Driscoll was a man who made friends wherever he went. because he was honest, true and faithful. Those qualities characterized his citizenship as well as his business relations and his private life, and when he was called to his final rest many friends, as well as his immediate family, mourned his loss. Mrs. Driscoll and her children have a wide acquaintance in the community and are highly esteemed for their genuine worth. JAMES HATFIELD. A record of those agriculturists who have promoted the improvement and development of Clark county, causing the fields to yield abundantly for their well directed efforts. must necessarily include the name of James Hatfield, who is successfully engaged in farming and stock raising and the breeding of Poland-China hogs, in Green township. Mr. Hatfield was born in Springfield township April 12, 1844, and is a son of James and Margaret (Kitchen) Hatfield. The father was born in 1803 and came to Clark county with his parents, Nathaniel and Nancy ( Judy) Hatfield. in 1808, when he was about five years of age. The grandparents were among the first settlers of Clark county, having taken up their abode about one and one-half miles northeast of Pitching in Springfield township, where Nathaniel Hatfield became the owner of three or four hundred acres of land. He was not an old man at the time of his death, his demise being caused by milk sickness. James Hatfield, the father of the subject of this review, was also called to his final rest at a comparatively early age, dying when his son James was but eleven years of age. The mother was a native of Pennsylvania and had come to Clark county, Ohio, with her parents when a girl. By her marriage she became the mother of fourteen children, of whom the subject of this record is the tenth in order of birth. Of these, eleven grew to maturity. but only four are yet living. At the time of the death of his father, Mr. Hatfield, whose name introduces this review, was bound out to a brother-in-law, to remain with him until eighteen years of age. He performed such labor in repayment for his board and clothing as he was able. attending school during four months in winter, but at the age of fifteen he began to work by the month for himself. For one year he continued in this way and, at the age of sixteen, went to Hillsdale, Michigan, where he attended Hillsdale College for two years. About this time the Civil war was inaugurated and, roused by a spirit of patriotism and the desire to serve his country in her time of need, he returned home and enlisted, in the spring of 1862. as a private, under Howard D. Johns, in Company B, Eighty-sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He was stationed at Camp Chase, thence going to Clarksburg, West Virginia, remaining there for about four months. His enlistment had been for three months, and his term haying therefore expired, he re-en- THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 195 listed as a member of Company D, Eighth Ohio Volunteer Cavalry. With his regiment he went to the Shenandoah valley and was with the gallant "Little Phil" Sheridan in several engagements. At Beverly, Virginia, he was captured, but regained his freedom in about fifteen minutes. Having served his country faithfully and well, and his efforts, combined with those of the other brave boys in blue. had .resulted in quelling the Rebellion, at the close of the "war in 1863, he was honorably discharged, and returned to his old home in Clark county. Before his enlistment he had taught school for a short time in Liberty township, Clark county. After remaining a short time in Clark county, in 1863. upon his return from service in the army, he went to Logan county, Illinois, and there engaged in teaching. There he also purchased one hundred and fifty acres of land, which at the present time is worth one hundred dollars per acre. He remained in Logan county for about one year. when he returned to Clark county, Ohio, and there on the 12th of April, 1866, was united in marriage to Miss Harriet J. Stewart a daughter of Captain Perry and Rhoda A. (Wheeler) Stewart. With his bride he returned to Logan county. Illinois, but in 1867 sold his farm in that county and returned to Clark county. Ohio, and for a few years rented and then purchased one hundred and twenty-five acres of land. which forms part of his present farm. This purchase was made in 1872. He has placed his land under a high state of cultivation, having made all the improvements thereon, which are of the latest and most modern kind. The well tilled fields and neat and attractive appearance of the farm indicate the practical business methods of the owner, who, in his varied experiences in life has witnessed many vicissitudes, but through them all his brave and indomitable spirit has conquered, and in his private life, as: on the field of battle, he has turned many a threatened defeat into a glorious victory. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Hatfield has been blessed with three children, as follows : Charles Stewart, born in Logan county, Illinois, May 27, 1867, resides at home with his parents. Jessie R., born in Clark county, Ohio, also lived at home until she became the wife of Alonzo Strecher, a resident of Green township. They have two children—Edwin and Robert. Julia M. married Clarence Anderson, and also resides in Green township. In his political affiliations Mr. Hatfield is a Republican, having first cast his ballot for Abraham Lincoln in 1864 while in the army. His fellow citizens, recognizing his integrity, have called him to positions of public trust and he served at treasurer of Green township. In 1932 he canvassed the county for county commissioner, and his popularity is shown by the fact that of six candidates he was the second highest. He and his wife are earliest and consistent members of the High street Christian church, and in their quiet way perform many acts of kindliness and charity, thus doing what they can for the benefit of their fellow men. Mr. Hatfield is a charter member of James A. Elder Post, G. A. R., and has filled all the chairs connected therewith. He has attended most of the national reunions and attended the World's Fair in Chicago in 1893. Faithful in one thing—faithful in all : such is the record. As a brave soldier and a public-spirited citizen, Mr. Hatfield has performed his duties well and faithfully, aiding his country in times of war, and in times of peace contributing to the substan- 196 - THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. tial growth of his community and state. His measure of prosperity has been meted to him with liberal hand, because he has never been sparing of his efforts for the welfare of his country. THOMAS C. ACKERSON. Honored and respected by all, Thomas C. Ackerson occupied an enviable position in business circles not only on account of the success he achieved, but also because of hi: honorable, straightforward business policy which he ever followed. His success in his undertakings was so marked that his methods were of interest to the commercial world. He based his business principles and actions on strict adherence to the rules which govern industry, economy and strict, unswerving integrity, and although he had few advantages in early life, he steadily progressed and commanded the respect and confidence of all with whom he was associated. He served his country in the Civil war and was ever a loyal and patriotic citizen. He was also a faithful friend and one in whose career were many elements that are worthy of emulation. In his death the community in which he lived lost one of its valued citizens. He belonged to that public-spirited class who, while advancing individual prosperity, also labor earnestly for the general good. Mr. Ackerson was born June 5, 1829, in Monmouth county, New Jersey. his parents being John and Eliza (Hayward) Acker-son, who were also natives of that state. The Ackerson family is of German lineage and the grandfather, Thomas Ackerson, came to America in colonial days and when the country resolved to throw off the yoke of oppression he joined the American army and fought for the independence of the nation. The Hayward family is. of English origin and was founded in this country by .Abraham Hayward. the maternal grandfather of our subject. John Ackerson was a stone mason, brick layer and builder, haying mastered all of those trades during his residence in New Jersey. About 1847 he removed to and became identified with the agricultural interests of Clark county, as a farmer of Springfield township. There he made his home until his death. which occurred in 1853. His wife survived him for a number of years and was then called to her final rest. This worthy couple were the parents of eight children, five sons and three daughters. Thomas C. Ackerson, the fourth in order of birth, remained with his parents until he was eleven years of age and then went to live with his uncle. Dr. J. S. English. of Monmouth county, New jersey. While there he attended school and assisted the Doctor until he was seventeen years of age when he was apprenticed to learn the blacksmith's trade. At the close of his term of service, during which time he acquired a good knowledge of the business, he came to Ohio, locating in Harmony township. Clark county, where he established a shop and there conducted successfully a growing business for a period of seven years. He then came to Springfield and here entered into partnership with James Neily in the conduct of a smithy. Again his excellent workmanship and honorable business methods won him a large patronage and he continued business until after the breaking out of the Civil war when, feeling that his THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 199 first duty was to his country, he put aside all business and personal considerations, joining an independent company of light artillery. which was assigned to the Sixteenth Ohio Regiment, and with that command he went to St. Louis, Missouri, where he joined the troops under General Fremont. Three months later he was made wagon-master of the train and later was appointed quartermaster of the battery, acting continuously in that capacity until he was mustered out at Columbus. Ohio, on the expiration of his three years' term of service, in 1864. At the close of his army life. Thomas C. Ackerson returned to Springfield. Ohio, and then went to his native state of New Jersey. where he remained for three years. devoting his energies to farming. On the expiration of that period he again came to Springfield. where he entered into business with his brother. David Ackerson, with whom he was associated for a time. when David sold out to their younger brother, E. H. Ackerson, and the business was continued under the firm name of T. C. and E. H. Ackerson. Almost from the beginning this firm enjoyed a very liberal patronage. doing an extensive business in slate roofing materials. Their trade constantly grew in volume and importance and their sales became extensive. shipments being made to various places. They furnished employment to a large number of workmen and in business relations they sustained an unassailable reputation. Mr. Ackerson was watchful of all the details of his business and of all indications pointing toward prosperity, and from the beginning had an abiding faith in the ultimate success of his enterprise. He possessed untiring energy, formed his plans readily and executed them with precision and determination. His close application to business and his excellent management brought to him a high degree of prosperity which he enjoyed. In 1872 Mr. Ackerson was united in marriage to Miss M. Jennie Huffman. a daughter of Lewis C. and Eliza Huffman. They became the parents of two children—Lydia H„ the wife of Charles R. Ried, of Springfield. by whom she has one child. Thomas: and Bessie H., who resides with her mother. Fond of his home and his family, Mr. Ackerson took great delight in ministering to the happiness of his wife and children and he counted no personal sacrifice on his part too great if it would enhance the welfare of those clear to him. He was a member of the High Street Methodist Episcopal church. In his political views Mr. Ackerson was a stanch Republican. but the honors and emoluments of office had no attraction for him. as he preferred to give his attention to his business pursuits. He was a member of Mitchell Post, No. 45. G. A. R.. and enjoyed the esteem of his old army comrades. He died May 23, 1896, and was laid to rest in Ferncliff cemetery. Starting out in llfe for himself at an early age. dependent entirely upon his own resources, he steadily worked his way upward. In thought and action he was always independent, carrying out his honest views without fear or favor. In private life he gained that warm personal regard which arises from true nobility of character, deference to the opinions of others. kindliness and geniality. Thus. honest and honored in business, faithful in friendship, and loyal to home ties, Thomas C. Ackerson commanded the respect of all with whom he was associated.