300 - THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. made on the 2nd of February, 1892. Mr. Cregar was engaged as architect and prepared the plans. Father Sidley visited many prominent cities of Ohio and submitted the designs as seen to-day—a modern structure with one tower one hundred and eighty-four feet high and another one hundred and thirty-five feet high. The corner stone was laid by the Most Rev. William H. Elder, D. D., on the 25th of September, 1892, while on the 17th of July, 1898, the church was dedicated. This house of worship is one of the objects of public interest in Springfield, and non-Catholics, as well as members of the denomination, point with pride to the high tower, and from its lofty height a splendid view can be had of the city. The other tower contains the bell. The style of architecture is modified Gothic, with a ceiling fifty feet high, three graceful arches meeting in a beautiful drop, giving a clear space in the auditorium sixty by one hundred and seventy-five feet. It is all finished in quarter sawed oak, and the material used for the outer walls is Berea sandstone. The complete cost of the church was more than seventy-five thousand dollars. It has taken years of hard labor to accomplish all this. The first Catholic school was held in the basement of the church, instruction being given by Father Howard. In 1864 Father Thisse purchased a small frame house standing on the site of the present school building. In 1876 the old frame structure was sold, and the following year the present place was ready for occupancy, having been erected at a cost of nineteen thousand dollars. The course of instruction is the same as that given in the public schools, and the scholarship is of as high a grade as that found in the select institutions. The pupils who have left this school are found in all branches of business, in professional life, in educational work and in government positions. The first diploma was issued in 1882 to Miss Ella Maher, who died soon afterward. This school is conducted by the Sisters of Charity, and is the delight of Father Sidlev. Always zealous and self-sacrificing, the Sisters have given to the school their most fervent care and, cheerful and happy, they have contributed their happiness to others. Father Sidley devotes his entire attention to the church work and its various departments, and to the building and completing of the beautiful house of worship. and he has had the hearty support of his entire congregation, who hold him in the highest esteem and give him their entire confidence. The design for the church was laid out by him, including the beautiful entrance, which is one of the most attractive and modern in the west. Father Sidley is a public-spirited man, and in all enterprises that have for their object the general good and improvement of the city he is found as a co-operator. giving liberally to their support. He takes an active interest in public gatherings, and his council is widely sought. He has been the organizer and promoter of many worthy objects and his gifts of charity are without number. He is a thorough American in love with the institutions of the country, and his work has been carried along on progressive American lines. GEORGE W. BERRY. No one is more deserving of success than is the man who begins the battle of life empty handed and by honest toil continued THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 301 through a long period accumulates a competence. Such has been the life record of Mr. Berry, who is now well known as a substantial horticulturist and farmer of German township. his home being pleasantly situated a quarter of a mile west of Tremont. He was born in Mad River township, Champaign county, Ohio, April 22, 1857, his parents being Achory and Angeline (Kite) Berry. His father was born in Champaign county and throughout his entire life carried on agricultural pursuits. He located in Johnson township, of his native county, and purchased eighty acres of land, on which he carried on .general farming until about 1874. He then bought a farm at Westville and continued his agricultural pursuits until his life's labors were ended in death, in March. 1901, when he was sixty-eight years of age. As the years .passed he had accumulated a comfortable competence, and thus left his family in good financial circumstances. He was the father of five children, of whom the subject of this review is the eldest. The others are: Monroe E., a farmer residing in Champaign county, who is married and has three children ; Albert, who is also of Champaign county, and has two children : Minnie, the wife of Charles Straub, of Clark county, by whom she has three children Nina, who became the wife of Frank Wyant and died in German township. leaving one child. The father was a Democrat in his political affiliations, and was a member of the Myrtle Free Baptist church, in which he served as deacon for a number of years, filling that office up to the time of his death. George W. Berry of this review was a little lad when his parents removed to Johnson township. Champaign county, where he remained until seventeen years of age, when the family went to a farm near Westville. There he continued until he had attained his majority, giving his father the benefit of his services until he was twenty-one years of age, when he began to work by the month as a farm hand. He was thus employed for two years, after which he operated land on shares. On the 2nd of November, 1881, in Mad River township, Champaign county, he wedded Miss Laura B. Ward, a native of that township and a daughter of Joseph and Sarah J. (Wyant) Ward. They began their domestic life upon a rented farm, and after renting for about nine years Mr. Berry purchased property. He had come to Clark county a year after his marriage, and had lived on the Thackery place, thus getting his start in life. He found a warm friend in Mr. Thackery, who helped him to buy the sixty-eight acres of land upon which he is now living. Later Mr. Berry has purchased an additional tract, and now has ninety-two acres, which are well improved. He has remodeled the house and has added other equipments such as are found upon a model farm of the twentieth century. He had to incur an indebtedness of over four thousand dollars when he purchased the property, but Mr. Thackery told him that he would stand by him, and as the years have advanced the enterprising efforts of our subject have resulted in clearing away all incumbrances from the place. He planted fruit trees and also began raising garden vegetables, and by the sales of his products he was not only enabled to meet his financial obligations, but also to add to his farm, and in his work attained success. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Berry has been blessed with two daughters : Lula, 302 - THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. born in German township December 20, 1882, is the wife of William Aylshire and resides in German township; Ruth, born September 26, 1891, is at home. Mr. Berry holds membership with the Knights of the Maccabees at Tremont, and since his first presidential ballot was cast for Hancock he has been an advocate of the Democracy. Truly he has earned the title of a self-made man. He has overcome obstacles and difficulties in his path and by persistent and honest industry he has gained a competency and a position where he is highly respected by his acquaintances. DR. ALBERT E. COTES. Dr. Albert E. Cotes, who is successfully practicing medicine and surgery in Selma, was born in Bates county, Missouri, July 2, 1874, and is a son of Eliphalet and Julia (Hallenbeck) Cotes, the former a native of Jefferson county, New York, while the mother's birth also occurred in the Empire state. Upon a farm the father was reared, and when about twenty years of age made his way westward to Ohio, where he was first employed as a. clerk in a store. He afterward began teaching school, and followed that profession for about twenty years, being well known in educational circles. Removing to the west, he there engaged in teaching and in following farming, but after a time he returned to Ohio and for fourteen years was principal of a ward school in Springfield. He is now connected with journalistic interests as a member of the staff of the Morning Sun, of Springfield. The Doctor was only a year old when his people returned to the Buckeye state, and in the schools of Springfield he obtained his early education. while later he entered Antioch College at Yellow Springs. After three years spent in that institution he became a student in he State University at Columbus and was graduated in the class of 1897 with the degree of Bachelor of Science. He had determined to engage in the practice of medicine as a life work, and then took up the study of medicine in the Ohio Medical University, where he was graduated in 1900. For a. short time he practiced in Springfield, and in December, 1900, he came to Selma, where he has already secured a good patronage of a lucrative character. On the 30th of September, 1901, in this town, the Doctor wedded Miss Emma Yarnell, who was born here and is a daughter of David and Mary (Wise) Yarnell. She is a graduate of the high school of Selma of the class of 1893, and is one of the esteemed ladies of the place. The Doctor votes' with the Republican party, and the character of his life is indicated by the fact of his membership in the Methodist Episcopal church and in Clark Lodge, No. 166, I. O. O. F. at South Charleston. In his profession he is advancing, and his laudable ambition and earnest purpose gives promise of a bright future. He belongs to the Clark County Medical Society. WILLIAM W. WARNER. William W. Warner is assistant chief of police of Springfield, and in this city has made his home since 1878. Capability and worthiness led to his selection for his present office, for during the years of previous THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 303 connection with the police service he had ever shown himself to be a stalwart defender of law and order. He was born in North Lewisburg, Champaign county, Ohio, February 2, 1862. The family is of English lineage and was established in America at an early day when the William Penn colony was planted in Pennsylvania. His forefathers were members of the Society of Quakers or Friends. William Warner, the grandfather of our subject, removed to Clark county, Ohio, at a very early period in the development of this portion of the state. He had two children : Levi D. and Angeline Garwood, the latter a resident of North Lewisburg, Ohio. The former, the father of our subject, was born in Selma, this county. and became a blacksmith, learning the trade in early life. He was always an active, industrious man, very temperate and exemplary in his habits. In 1878 he removed with his family to Springfield, and here followed his trade for a number of years. He came of a family noted for longevity, but an accident terminated his career, he being killed by a train at South Charleston. He had served his country in the Civil war„ was a member of Mitchell Post, G. A. R., and also belonged to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, while both he and his wife held membership in the Methodist Episcopal church. Mrs. \Varner bore the maiden name of Lue Hurd, and they were married in Union county, Ohio. She was born in Clark county. Her great-grandfather and great-grandmother are buried in Harmony township, where her step-sister. Mrs. Marian Darrow, whose maiden name was Brooks, was born in 1818, while Charles Brooks, a half-brother, is a resident of North Lewisburg. Ohio. Mrs. Warner was one of three children born unto her parents, the others being James, of Kenton, and Thomas, who is living in Kansas. The Hurds were farming people, and were very early settlers of Union county, Ohio. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Warner were born five children, but two of the number died in early childhood. The others are: A. Woodrow, of this city ; Rilla, at home; and William W., of this review. The last named pursued his education in the common schools of North Lewisburg and spent the days of his boyhood and youth under the parental roof. He served his apprenticeship with his father and for a few years followed the blacksmith's trade, being employed as a journeyman from the time he was twenty years of age. He always sought employment in this city, and as he was a good workman he had little difficulty in obtaining situations in the various factories here. By the city council he was appointed a member of the police force, as guard of the chain gang, in 1885, while in 1887 he was promoted to a position on the regular force and has gradually worked his way upward through all the different offices, having served at various times on the different beats of the city. For five years he has been assistant chief of the police force, which he believes in keeping up to a high standard of discipline, and all such men stand as an able bulwark in times of excitement and danger or when the public safety is in any way menaced. Mr. Warner is known as a worthy representative of the official life of Springfield. In 1886, in this city, was celebrated the marriage of our subject and Miss Sadie C. Shoemaker, who was born in Pike township, Clark county, Ohio. a daughter of Samuel Shoemaker, a farmer of that township. Her mother is now deceased. Mrs. Warner 304 - THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. is one of five children, the others being Ida, the wife of Walter Calhoun, of Springfield; Carrie, the wife of Emory Zerkle, of Lawrenceville, Ohio, who follows farming; Mary, deceased; and Elwood, who died in 1902. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Warner was born one son, Edward W., whose birth occurred in 1887, and Who is now a student in the high school. The wife and mother died in December, 1887, and Mr. Warner then returned home with his son and they have since resided with his mother. Mr. Warner holds membership in Ephraim Lodge, No. 146, I. O. O. F., and also belongs to Mad River Encampment. For five years he was a member of the old Sev- enth Regiment of the Ohio National Guard, and during that time attended .six encampments. Public-spirited and progressive, he withholds his support from no enterprise or measure calculated to benefit the city. He has a wide acquaintance in Springfield, enjoys the confidence of a large circle of friends and has always proved an efficient officer, devoting his entire time to his duty. CHARLES BRIGGS: Charles Briggs is a well known farmer and stock-raiser of Madison township, Clark county, and was born on the farm where he now lives. He has here four hundred acres of valuable land and his realty possessions altogether aggregate eleven hundred acres lying in Clark, Madison and Greene counties and ten hundred and fifty acres in Jackson county, Ohio. As Mr. Briggs has a wide acquaintance in this portion of the state, his friends will receive his life record with interest and it is therefore with pleasure that we present his history to our readers. He was born September 25, 1832, and is a son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Hempleman) Briggs. The father came to Ohio from Virginia when but a boy, in company with his parents John and Catherine (Peterson) Briggs. The grandfather at that time settled near where the subject of this review now lives and became the owner of a large tract of land. He made his home in the county at a time when Indians were encamped near by and when primitive condition existed, all being wild and unimproved in this section of the state. He lived to be over ninety years of age. Samuel Briggs, then a boy, would frequently play and wrestle with the Indian boys. He was reared amid the wild scenes of frontier life, sharing with the family in the hardships and trials incident to frontier existence, and eventually he began farming on his own account, carrying on that pursuit throughout his active business career. The mother of our subject came to Ohio from Pennsylvania with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. George Hempleman. Her mother died when she was quite young and the father afterward married Miss Fletcher, and George Hempleman, now of Clark county, is her half-brother. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Briggs was celebrated in Clark County, May 10, 1821. The grandfather had given to each of his children a farm and Samuel Briggs became the owner of the tract upon which our subject now lives. His home was a hewed log cabin and therein he reared his family. Unto him and his wife were born seven children, six of whom reached years of maturity. Lucinda became the wife of John Selsor and died in Illinois. Mary became the wife of Martin Luther Carr and is now a widow living in White county, Indiana. She has four children. Matilda is the wife of Clement THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 309 Sheckley and is residing in Fayette county, Ohio. Amos died in Clark county. Charles is the next in the family. Elizabeth married Daniel McKillip and is 'living in Clark county. In his political affiliations the father of the subject of this review was a Democrat but was never an office seeker. In early life he belonged to the Baptist church but later changed his religious views and joined the Christian church. His life was ever upright and honorable and commended him to the confidence and good will of those with whom he came in contact. He passed away September 8, 1850, at the age of fifty-three years, his birth having occurred January 15. 1797. His wife, who was born October 8, 1803, long survived him, passing away on the 13th of January, 1889. Charles Briggs spent his boyhood days on the old home farm and pursued his education in a log schoolhouse, continuing his studies until about sixteen years of age. At that time his father died and the following year Charles Briggs began earning his own livelihood. He inherited about three hundred and fifteen acres of land from the estate, but had to meet some indebtedness left by his father. He engaged in raising sheep and found that a profitable industry, owing to his successfully conducted work and untiring enterprise. As his financial resources increased he kept adding to his land from time to time until he is now accounted one of the most extensive land owners of this portion of the state, having altogether two thousand. one hundred and seventy acres of land. Much of this is very rich and highly cultivated and returns to him a splendid income. For the past six years Mr. Briggs has been interested in coal mining and now owns about one hundred and fifty acres of - 16 - coal land in Jackson county, this state. After opening tip the mines, he has leased them, and they are now in shape to put out one hundred tons per day. They are conveniently located on the Baltimore & Ohio Southwestern railroad and give promise of being very profitable. On the 9th of December, 1867, Mr. Briggs was united in. marriage to Miss Sarah Woosley, of Clark county, where she was born and reared, her parents being Benjamin and Keturah Hunt) Woosley. Her father was also born in this county, while her paternal grandfather, James Woosley, was a native of Virginia and of English ancestry, being a descendant of: Lord Woosley. For a time he lived in Circleville, Ohio, and then located on a farm, near South Charleston. The mother of Mrs. Briggs was born in New jersey and when about three or four years of age came to Ohio with her parents, Isaiah and Rebecca (Sleeper) Hunt, who lived to an advanced age here. Her father died at the age of seventy-two, her mother when sixty-- three years of age. In their family were six, children, of whom Mrs. Briggs is the eldest.. The others are: Lavina. the wife of Jesse: Stroup; Isaiah, who died in infancy ; James,. who died at the age of sixteen years; Emma, the wife of Edward H. Florence; and William, who is living in Clark county. Four children graced the union of our subject and his wife, of whom the eldest died in infancy.. Francis M. married Florence Hopkins and died at the age of thirty years. leaving three children—Charles F.. Nellie. and Amos P. Mary. became the wife of E. Barton Shepherd and died in Greene county, Ohio. leaving one child. Merrill Briggs Shepherd. Laura. the youngest of the family. died in in fancy. 310 - THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Mr. Briggs is a stanch Democrat and never fails to cast his ballot for the men and measures of that party, but the honors and emoluments of office have had no attraction for him. His wife belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church and both are well known and highly respected people of the community. Although Mr. Briggs inherited some land, he did not sit down idly content with what he possessed. but with great energy and determination he entered upon his business career and 'has steadily advanced to a position of wealth and affluence. acquiring lands and property as the result of his industry and capable management. His life history shows what can be accomplished if one has the will to dare and to do, and his example should serve as a source of encouragement and inspiration to others. ALBERT K. HAHN. On the list of officers of Clark county appears the name of Albert K. Hahn. who is now serving as county auditor and makes his home in Springfield—his native city—where his birth occurred on Christmas day of 1855. His parents were Casper and Caroline ( Kastner) Hahn. both of whom were natives of Germany, the father having been born in Frankfort-on-the-Main. February 5. 1826. while the mother's birth occurred in Strasburg on the 1st of January, 1827. She came to America in her fifth year. but the father was twenty-one years of age when he crossed the Atlantic. For a long period he was a resident of Springfield. Ohio, and here he died in 1884, his remains being interred in the beautiful Ferncliff cemetery. His wife passed away in 1876. and she, too. was laid to rest there. The name of Casper Hahn figured prominently in connection with the mercantile interests of the city. At one time he conducted a merchant tailoring establishment and was afterward proprietor of a dry-goods store. which did an extensive and profitable business. Albert K. Hahn, whose name forms the caption of this review, was educated in the public schools of his native city, and after this preparing for college he became a student in Wittenberg College. where he remained a student for five years. pursuing a scientific course that has greatly broadened his mental ken and well fitted him for business life. He entered upon his business career in the capacity of a clerk in the employ of T. J. Casper and W. T. Smith. with whom. he remained for twelve years. No higher testimonial of the intelligent and faithful service of this gentleman could be given than the fact that he was so long retained in one employ. On the expiration of that period, in 1894, he was appointed deputy county auditor under L. F. Young, and in November. 1899, he was elected auditor of Clark county, assuming the duties of the office on the 15th of November, 1900, for a term of three years. He is methodical and systematic in conducting the work of the office and faithfully performs every duty devolving upon him in this position of public trust. In March. 1902, he was renominated. and was again elected to that office. He is a director, vice president and treasurer of the Fairview Floral Company. of which he was one of the incorporators. This company has an extensive trade. which extends from Maine to California. and from the Great Lakes to the Gulf of Mexico. In September. 1886. occurred the marriage of Mr. Hahn and Miss Emma Circle. THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 310 of Clark county, a daughter of Samuel and Hannah (Overholser) Circle, Two children grace this union, Esther and Justus A, The family attend and support St, Paul's Methodist Episcopal church, of which Mrs, Hahn is a member. For many years Mr. Hahn has been an active worker in the ranks of the Republican party and for five years was a member of the county central committee and of the executive committee for ten years, He is a member of the Commercial Club, which he joined on its organization. He is also connected through membership relations with Red Star Lodge, No. 205, K. P. Clark Lodge, No. l01, F, & A. M, ; Springfield Chapter, No. 48, R. A. NI.; Springfield Council, No. 17, R. & S, NI.; and Palestine Commandery, No, 33. K. T., while in the Scottish Rite he has attained the thirty-second degree, and is therefore a Consistory Mason, Mr. Hahn is a representative of our best type of American manhood ; in his business he has been diligent. enterprising and honorable. and in public affairs loyal and patriotic. so that he has justly attained to a position as a director of public thought and action in political circles. MICHAEL BAUER. Michael Bauer, who was formerly engaged in blacksmithing and now fellows farming in Harmony township, is one of the worthy citizens that Germany has furnished to Clark county. A native of Hesse Damstadt, he was born July 11, 1843, his parents being Michael and Barbara ( Winkler) Bauer. In the town where his birth occurred he was reared to manhood and at- tended school there until fourteen, years of age. when he began learning the blacksmith's trade, serving an apprenticeship of two years, Instead of receiving any pe- cuniary compensation for his service's, he had to pay his employer one hundred dollars for the privilege of learning the business. When his term of apprenticeship was ended he received about twelve cents a week for his services for a year. He was afterward paid one dollar a week, and later commanded two dollars a week for his labor. This was considered good wages in the fatherland. Hearing favorable reports of the business opportunities of the new world, Mr, Bauer believed that he might better his financial condition in America. and after attaining his majority he crossed the Atlantic, In the meantime, however, when he had reached the age of twenty-one years. he was called to serve in the army according to the Jaws of his native land, and was on military duty for three years. He was then granted a furlough. At the end of another year the war between Prussia and Austria broke out and he was again called to service. participating in the battle of Aschaffenburg, in Bavaria, in which his knapsack was pierced with bullets, but he was uninjured. He was also in the battle at Schaffhauser. The year 1868 witnessed the emigration of Mr. Bauer to the United States. He came in company with his parents, who located in Hancock county. Ohio. where they are still living, both having reached an advanced age, the father having been born in 1819, the mother in 1816. Mr. Bauer of this. review secured work at West Milton. in Miami county, Ohio. and there remained for about two years. after which he went to the vicinity of Xenia, where he conducted a shop of his own. After his marriage he 312 - THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD resided near Cedarville for a few years and then went to Clifton and there conducted a smithy. There he also bought twenty acres of land, and in connection with work at his trade he engaged in the cultivation of his fields. Removing to Harmony township, he purchased ninety acres of ',his present farni and has erected good buildings upon this pla.ce, developing an excellent property highly improved with modern equipments. On the 23d of March, 1871, Mr. Bauer was joined in wedlock in Stormtown, Greene county, Ohio, to Miss Lizzie German, who was born in Springfield township, Clark county, July 14, 1850. Her parents, Bals and Barbara (Hartmann) German, were both natives of the fatherland, and the former was about twenty-three years of age and the latter eighteen years of age when they came to America with their respective parents. They were married in Springfield September 5, 1849. and for some time thereafter Mr, German worked at his trade of shoemaking in order to provide for his family. Eventually, however, he abandoned that pursuit and purchased land in Green township. Clark county, where he died. October 8, 1900, Unto Mr, and Mrs. Bauer have been born three children : Anna, born in Greene county, January 17, 1872, is the wife of George Conrad, of Great Falls, Mon-tana, and they have three children—Daisy, Clarence and Frances: John, born in Greene county, July 7. 1874. was married in Great Falls. :Montana, to Nellie Tyler. and now lives in the state of Washington: and William born in Clifton, Greene county, November 12, 1879, is also living in Great Falls, Montana. Mr. Bauer votes with the Democracy, Both he and his wife were reared in the faith of the German Lutheran church and were confirmed therein at the age of fourteen years. All that he has acquired he owes to his awn industry and perseverance, He has been a faithful toiler in the field of business activity, and his good farm is the visible evidence of his enterprising life,   WILLIAM WILLMAN, More than a century ago George Washington said that "agriculture is the most useful and honorable occupation of man, and the truth of this statement stands to-day as it did then. Among, the representatives of farming interests in Madison township, Clark county. is William 'Wildman, who was. born near Selma, in what is now Cedarville township, Greene county, Ohio. his natal day being June 19, 1833. His parents were Edward and Hannah ( Thorn) Wildman. The father was born in Virginia in 1806 and was about seven years of age when his parents, John and Elizabeth (Bond) Wildman, came from Grayson, Virginia, to Ohio, locating upon the farm which is now the of our subject. Here the grandfather purchased land, comprising about one hun-dred acres, which had been improved to a slight extent. Upon the farm was a small log cabin, which is still standing as one of the landmarks of pioneer days. The grandfather was a native of Loudoun county, Virginia, and after coming to Ohio he spent his remaining days upon the old homestead farm here, it being his place of residence from 1814 until 1840, He soon added to his original purchase until he had three hundred and eighty acres. He also enlarged and improved the log house and occupied it as as he lived, Edward Wildman, the father of our sub- THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 313 ject, was reared to manhood amid the wild scenes of frontier life and was married in Greene county in 1831, There he resided until 1843, when he removed to the farm upon which William Wildman now resides, purchasing the interest of the other heirs in the old home property, Here he continued to. carry on agricultural pursuits throughout his remaining days. Four children were born unto him and his wife, all of whom reached maturity, although only two are now living. 'William and Rachel T.. the wife of Israel H. Hollingsworth, who lives near Richmond, Indiana, John. the second son, made his home in Greene county, where he died in 1878; and Marion, who was the third of the family, died in Richmond. Indiana, in January, 1901, leaving a widow and children. In his boyhood days William Wildman acquired a good common-school education and was trained to habits of industry, economy and honesty upon the home farm, gaining, to that practical experience of farm work that enabled him to successfully carry on agricultural pursuits on his own account after he had attained his majority. On the 19th of October, 1859, he married Miss Eliza Harrison, of Clark county, a daughter of John F. and Elizabeth (Paist) Harrison. Mr. and Mrs. Wildman began their domestic life upon a farm in Madison township, on which they lived for several years. When the father died in 1870 he left an estate of about one thousand acres, which was divided among his heirs, In the home farm Mr. Wildman has four hundred and eighty acres, and his landed possessions also comprise a farm of three hundred and twenty acres in Elk county, Kansas, and also three hundred and twenty acres in Wright county. Missouri. In 1878 Mr. Wildman became a partner in a mercantile enterprise in Selma, Ohio, with which he was connected until 1898. In 1894 the firm established the Exchange Bank, of which Mr. Wildman was president, doing a general banking business in Selma until 1898, when he removed to Cedarville and opened what is known as the Exchange Bank of Cedarville. He serves as president of the same, and his son, Walter J., as cashier. This bank has elegant quarters in the township building, although they own business property in Cedarville. Mr. Wildman's business interests have been of an extensive and important character and he deserves to be ranked among the captains of industry in this portion of Clark county. Unto Mr, and Mrs. Wildman have been six children. Bertha is now the widow of John Fremont Hickman and a resident of Wooster, Wayne county, Ohio. She has two children, Hilda L. and Roger A, Walter J,, who married Cora D. Atkins, by whom he has two children, Ernest A, and Gladys, is now cashier in the Exchange Bank of Cedarville. Alvin Edward, who manages the home farm, married Anna White, and they have five children, Edith E,, Edna E., William Wendell ,Walter E. and Winnifred. Louis H, married Myrtle Mandeville and died in Cedarville February 23. 1899, leaving one son, Louis M, He was the cashier of the bank at the time of his death. Rachel T. is the wife of Robert Elder, of Selma, and has two children, Robert Newell and Lois. William Ernest died in 1889 at the age of twelve years. At the time of the organization of the Republican party, when John C. Fremont became its first presidential candidate, William Wildman advocated its principles and for many years gave to it his support, but in recent years he has been identified with 314 - THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. the Prohibition party. He served for several years as a member of the board of education. He is a birthright member of the Green PIlain Society of Friends and his wife' ecame a member before her marriage. They have many friends in the community and are widely known here. Mr. Wildman has been energetic and resolute in business affairs and owes his success to. his ability to recognize a business opportunity and improve it. JOHN G. SADLIER. John G. Sadlier, deceased, was born in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. June 14, 1856, a son of John and Ann ( Graham) Sadlier, the latter a native of the Keystone state, while the former was born in Ireland and was a farmer by occupation. The subject of this review attended the common schools until thirteen years of age. and then began learning the molder's trade in the Cambria Iron Works, where he was employed for eight years, thoroughly mastering every branch of the business with which he was connected. He then went to Alliance, Ohio, entering the service of the Morgan Engineering Company in the capacity of assistant foreman, serving three years. At Sharon, Pennsylvania, he was for three years employed by D. J. Egan, in his iron and steel works, being for one year the foreman of the plant. He had been very much interested in steel work from. his boyhood and he made the first steel casting ever manufacured in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. Removing to Cleveland, Ohio, Mr. Sadlier entered the works of the Walker Manufacturing Company, now the Westinghouse Company, and after a short time was made assistant foreman of the foundry department, his duties being important and onerous. \\Then six years had passed in that way he gave up the position and came to the Springfield Company, at Springfield, Ohio, taking charge of the foundry, which was then a very small concern, but under his able guidance the business increased until an extensive plant was demanded in the conduct of the enterprise, and the works were enlarged until they became one of the leading industrial concerns of the city. Mr. Sadlier was after a short time made vice-president and manager. and to his practical knowledge of the foundry business, his unflagging industry and enterprise the splendid growth of the business was largely attributable. At the time of his death he was planning to place upon the market a dust-proof railer for cleaning. The model had been completed. but the machine had not been constructed when his life's labors were ended in death. He designed the drill made by the Fairbanks Machine Tool Company, secured the patent upon it and a vast number are now in use. In addition to acting as the vice president of the Springfield Foundry Company, he was the manager of the Fairbanks Tool Company and the Indianapolis Switch & Frog Company. and his connection with extensive and important mechanical interests made him known in trade circles of this kind throughout the country. Devices which are his inventions have proved of practical utility in the business world, and his life work was therefore of material benefit to his fellow men. In 1876 Mr. Sadlier was united in marriage to Miss Mary Luther a native of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, and unto them were born thirteen children, ten of whom are now living: John W., Mary G. Dan- THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 315 iel I., Thomas, Frances, Charles, Margaret, Rose, Laurence and Ruth. They also adopted a son, William; a nephew of Mrs, Sadlier. To his family Mr. Sadlier was denoted, putting forth every effort in his power to promote the happiness and welfare of his wife and children. Although Mr, Sadlier started out in the business world with little education to aid him, he broadened his knowledge by attending night school. also by reading. experience and observation, and became a well read man. He often wrote articles for publication upon subjects relating to foundry work. He was an honorary member of the Iron Moulders' Union, and in June, 1901. he was elected the president of the American Foundry Association, at Buffalo, and was filling that position. at the time of his death, In politics he was a Democrat who took an active interest in the growth of the party, and when in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania. he delivered many campaign addresses in. behalf of Hancock and was a delegate to the convention which nominated Patterson, In 1901 he was a candidate on the Democratic ticket for mayor of Springfield, He held membership in St. Joseph's church and in that faith died, passing away January 6. 1902. his remains being interred in St. John's cemetery, at Johnstown, Pennsylvania. He was an earnest Christian man, and perhaps no better estimate of his character can be given than the words of his pastor, who delivered the funeral sermon. and who said: "Early in life he learned to follow' the Savior's instruction—'Seek first the Kingdom of God and his justice and all things will be added unto you.' He has left a legacy more precious than jewels and gems—a legacy of faith, hope and charity, He has shown that a man could live. mingle and labor in the world and practice his faith every day." The transcendant goodness and purity of his life commanded uniform respect and the life record of John G. Sadlier is worthy to be cherished in the minds and hearts of his man friends as long as memory .endures. D. WALTER SPENCE, M. D. Since 1898 Dr. D. Walter Spence has engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery in Springfield, Professional advancement is proverbially slow, for the physician has to demonstrate his ability and skill, and time, which tests the merits of all things, then places its approval or disapproval upon his work, and thereby public patronage is gained or Jost. Dr. Spence, however, has continually advanced in public regard since he became a factor in the medical fraternity in Springfield, He was born in Moncton, New Brunswick, March 22, 1864. and is a son of David Spence, whose birth occurred in New Brunswick, in March, 1843, and who in early life was employed as a foundryman. He is now living at Dover, New Hampshire. and is the general manager of the Kidder Press Company. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Margaret MacClaren. was born at Charlottetown, on Prince Edward's Island, in 1844. and both were in the academic schools of Canada. They were married in New Brunswick, and afterward the father removed with his family to Nova Scotia, where he engaged in the foundry business at Annapolis, There he continued until 1878, when he went to Boston. Massachusetts, remaining for four years in that city, acting as superintendent of the Sturtevant Blower Works, Later he 316 - THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. was located at Williamsport, Pennsylvania, as superintendent of the Demorest sewing machine and bicycle factory, capably filling that position until 1894, From there he went to Dover, New Hampshire. He is a scientific melter and foundryman, fully acquainted with great mechanical principles and has always led an active, busy and useful life. In the family were two children, the Doctor and Florence E, The daughter died at Valatia, Columbia county, New York, at the age of twenty-one years. Dr. Spence of this review pursued an academical education and was fourteen years of age when he went to Boston, Massachusetts, with his parents. There he entered a drug store in the capacity of clerk and after some connection with mercantile life he determined to devote his time and energies to the important work of alleviating human suffering, and accordingly, in 1884, he entered the Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and was graduated in that institution in the class of 1888, with the degree of M. D. He afterward took a post-graduate course in the Bellevue Hospital Medical College of New York, and was graduated in 1889. After his graduation the Doctor located in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, where he continued in practice until 1898, when he came to Springfield. He has here made a specialty of surgery and of the diseases of women, and in these lines has progressed rapidly, for his skill and close attention to his professional work have made his labors of much value in the line of his chosen calling. He has built up a lucrative practice and is numbered among the representative surgeons of the city. He was vice president of the Springfield Academy of Medicine before it was merged into another organization, and in Williamsport he was a member of the Lycoming County Medical Society, He now belongs to the Clark County Medical Society, of which he is the treasurer. He is one who puts into practice modern methods of utility and value, and at the present time he is surgeon for the Detroit Southern railroad. is examiner for the Pacific Life Insurance Company of California, the Interstate Company of Cincinnati, and the Central Life Insurance Company of Pittsburg, in addition to performing the duties devolving upon him as a practitioner. The Doctor was married in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, in 1899 to Miss Blanche V. Fegley, who was born in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, in 1876. Her father, Alvin D. Fegley, was engaged in merchandising. She was one of two children, the other having died in infancy. The Doctor and his wife have one son, Walter Alvin, who was born in July, 1901. The Doctor belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of Williamsport, Pennsylvania, He is a Republican and is a citizen of worth, his efforts in behalf of the general good having been effective and far-reaching. His close and earnest study of the science of medicine has given him a comprehensive knowledge of the best methods of treating disease and Dr, Spence's reputation is by no means far behind that of many surgeons of twice his years. HON. CHARLES J. BOWLUS. One of Springfield's prominent and influential citizens is Hon. Charles J. Bowlus, ex-mayor of that city, who is now exten- THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 319 sively engaged in business as a wholesale dealer in fruit and produce and is a general commission merchant doing business under the name of the Bowlus Fruit Company, at No, 23 West High street and No. 20 North Market Place. It is in the county of his nativity that Mr. Bowlus has attained distinction, for he was born in Clark county upon a farm, December 17, 1866, his parents being George C, and Barbara (Grabill) Bowlus. The father was born in Maryland in 1841 and in his boyhood days came to this county with his father, Captain Samuel H. Bowlus, and settled on the old Urbana pike. The grandfather was a farmer by occupation and improved one. of the finest farms in Clark county. A man of forceful individuality, unwavering in support of his honest convictions and ever loyal to what he believed to be right, he commanded the respect and confidence of all who knew him. When, according to his political convictions, he had reason to change his position he became a Democrat, having previously been a stalwart Whig. However, with equal fervency he became devoted to the principles of the Democracy, affiliating with the latter party up to the time of his death, which occurred November 26, 1896, at Bowlusville. which is on the county line. He took a very active part in the Vallandingham campaign and gave a barbecue, which he conducted with great success, attracting thousands of people. His wife bore the maiden name of Lucinda Michael. She was a native of Maryland, and possessed many excellent qualities of heart and mind, She, too, passed away at Bowlusville in the year 1896. George C. Bowlus, the father of our subject, was reared to manhood on the old family homestead in this county, and the public schools afforded him his educational privileges. Throughout the period of his youth he also assisted his father in the work of the home farm, and after he put aside his text books he carried on agricultural pursuits on his own account for a number of years, He afterward removed to Springfield, where he has now made his home for some time and at present is serving as superintendent of the city prison. His wife is a native of Pennsylvania and a daughter of Joseph Crabill, who was also born in the Keystone state. Charles J. Bowlus of this review spent his early boyhood days in the usual manner of farmer lads of the period, performing tie duties of the school room, enjoying the pleasures of the playground and assisting in the work of the field and meadow during the periods of vacation. On leaving the farm he took up his abode in Springfield and has since been identified with its mercantile interests. He first secured a clerkship in a grocery store conducted by C. C. Funk, now deceased, with whom he remained for several years, and afterward he engaged in clerking for other parties, His enterprise and industry at length brought to him sufficient capital to enable him to begin business on his own account in 1888, and he established a wholesale fruit and produce store on High street, there carrying on a large and successful trade. In 1897 he entered into partnership with William: R. Hackett under the name of the Bowlus Fruit Company, doing a general commission business, dealing in wholesale specialties. They handle potatoes, cabbages, bananas, apples, strawberries and melons and their trade covers a radius of one hundred miles. They 320 - THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. receive their goods in car-load lots from all parts of the United States, from Maine to California, and from Canada to the Gulf, On the 31st of March, 1887, Mr, Bowlus was married to Miss Fanny Lee Duvall, of Springfield, a daughter of William H. and Sarah (Bingham) Duvall. By this union were born three sons: Roger C,. now a student in Kenyon Military Academy; William D.; and Charles J, They also lost an infant daughter named Thelma, In religious belief both Mr. and Mrs. Bowlus are Episcopalians, being members of the church of the Heavenly Rest, of which he is junior warden, and he is also a director of the Young Men's Christian Association, taking an active interest in that line of work, Fraternally he is connected with Red Star Lodge, K. P., and with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. He is also a member of the Commercial Club and is a director of the Board of Trade and of the Episcopal hospital in Cincinnati, Ohio, He has interested himself in matters pertaining to the history of Clark county and was a member of the committee on city government and its departments at the. centennial anniversary held in Springfield in 1901, In his political affiliations he has always been a Democrat and for two years following the election of April, 1899. be was mayor of Springfield, his administration being commendable because it was business-like, practical and progressive, many important movements and measures being executed during that time. His life has been one of exceptional activity and usefulness and has been characterized by the most unswerving integrity and honor. He began life as a poor boy and has made a success not only as a business man, but also as a respected resident of Springfield. JOHN S. GARD, M.D. By the death of this honorable and upright citizen Clark county sustained a great loss, for he was prominent in his professional life and in public circles and was widely regarded as a most highly respected citizen, As the day with its morning of hope and promise, its noontide of activity, its evening of completed and successful effort ending with the grateful rest and quiet of the night, so was the life of this honored man, Through many years he devoted his efforts and energies to the practice of medicine, his labors proving of great benefit to his fellow men, He remained to the end of his life a kindly, genial friend, one whom it was a pleasure to know and to meet under any circumstances and his influence was ever exerted in behalf of the true and the right. Dr. Gard was born in German township, Clark county, October 12, 1829, and died November 19, 1886, his remains being interred in Rector cemetery. The ancestral history of the family can be traced back to New Jersey. in which state Job Gard, the grandfather of the Doctor was born. He became one of the early settlers of Kentucky and subsequently removed to Ohio, settling first at Cincinnati and afterward at Dayton, whence he removed to 'Miami county, and finally, in 1805, he took up his abode in German township, Clark county, where he spent the greater part of his remaining days, He was one of the honored pioneer settlers here and assisted materially in the early development and improvement of this section of the state. His son. Gershon Gard, the father of the Doctor, was about thirteen years of age when the family was established in Clark county, and here he was reared in the pio- THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 321 neer home. All around grew the great forests, standing in their primeval strength. and Indians still roamed through the woods. The work of improvement and upbuilding had scarcely been begun, but the Gards resolutely bore their part in the labor which resulted in reclaiming this section of the state for the uses of the white man. Gershon Gard was reared upon a farm and after attaining his majority carried on both agricutural pursuits and milling, building and operating several mills on Mad river. He also served his country in the war of 1812 and led a very active and useful life, He was twice married and by the first union had thirteen children, while by the second marriage two children were born. He first wedded Mary Peacock. who died in 1849. The same year he married Maria Smith. His death occurred on the 1st of November, 1865. Dr. Gard of this review was trained to manual labor in his youth and until eighteen years of age he spent the winter months as a student in the district schools. Better educational privileges were then afforded him and he became a student in the Ohio Conference high school of Springfield. where he remained for two years. He was also a student for two years in the Wesleyan University of Delaware, after which he entered the R. S. Bacon commercial college of Cincinnati. All this mental training served but as a foundation upon which to rear the superstructure of professional knowledge. Determining to devote his life to the practice of medicine in order to lessen the sum of human suffering in the world, he entered the Starling Medical College of Columbus. from which he was graduated in the class of 1864. Dr. Gard had been previously married on the 11th of November, 1851, to Miss Emma E. Hurd. who was born near Bridgeport, Connecticut, August 10, 1831, a daughter of Edwards and Elizabeth (De Forest) Hurd. Her father was born .in Connecticut and was a son of Frederick and Susanna (Edwards) Hurd, his mother's maiden name being used as his Christian name, Mrs. Gard's mother was also born near Bridgeport, Connecticut, in the town of Stepney, and her parents were Philo and Nancy (Beach) De Forest. The De Forests were of French lineage. When Mrs. Gard was two months old her parents removed to Otsego county, New York, and lived there until she was seven years of age, when they went to Chenango county, that state, there spending six years, In December, 1846, they came to Ohio, locating in Cincinnati,. where her father worked at the carpenter's trade and she attended the Methodist Female College Institute, She afterward engaged in teaching school for a year and was then married. Her aunt, Miss Mary De Forest. who afterward became the wife of Rev. Dexter Witter, of Burton, Ohio,. engaged in teaching school for about twenty years. While she was in school Miss Lucy Webb, after Mrs, Rutherford B, Hayes, was a student there, and she and Mrs. Gard were warm friends, The latter now has her picture, which was given to Miss De Forest and afterward willed to Mrs. Gard. When Dr. Gard had completed his medical studies he entered the army as assistant. surgeon and was located at Madison, Indiana, where he remained until he was appointed demonstrator of anatomy in his alma mater, the Starling Medical College. He filled that position for three years and in 1867 he purchased the old homestead near Tremont. Ohio. Taking up his abode there. 322 - THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. he devoted his attention to the practice of his profession and secured a large and growing patronage, He had three farms, all of which he rented. In 1879, wishing to retire from professional life, he removed to one of his farms upon which his widow is now living, and there he spent the last years of his life in quiet retirement from the more arduous duties of the practice of his profession. Unto the Doctor and Mrs. Gard were born five children. Edward De Forest, who was born November 10, 1852, acquired a fair common-school education, but died at the early age of twenty-one years. He was a model young man, his life being actuated by noble and honorable principles, He died December 3, 1873, in full faith of the Christian hope and was laid to rest in the Rector burying ground. Horace Arthur, born May 15, 1854, is a resident of Pennsylvania. He married Elizabeth Fleming, whose home was in Leeksville, Virginia, and they have two children. He deals in fruit trees, carrying on an extensive business. Warren Emerson, born October 11, 1857, married Ida Wallace and they have two children, Carrie Iona and Nellie Eulalia, Mary Belle, born October 14, 1859, became the wife of Fred Cowley and died in California, leaving twin sons. Earl Gard and Glenn Bressee. Laura Alberta, born January 10, 1862, was married November 17, 1885, to George McMahon, and they became the parents of four children, but their first born (twins) died in infancy. The others are Glenn Arthur and Fred Carroll. Since the Doctor's death Mrs. Gard and her son have. administered the estate and she has never sold or mortgaged any of the property, but has been very successful in her control of her business interests. She is a most estimable lady and a devoted Christian woman, and her strong character and sterling worth, combined with her many acts of kindness and charity, have endeared her to all with whom she has come in contact, Perhaps no better estimate of the character and life work of Dr. Gard can be given than in quoting from the "In Memorium" which was written after his death : "John S, Gard, M, D., was born October 12, 1829: died November 19, 1886, aged fifty-seven years, one month and seven days, having been born and reared within a short distance of this place and with the exception of three years resided in this community all his life, His face was a familiar one to old and young and his sterling qualities as a true Christian and his integrity of principle is a fact that none can question. He was raised in the lap of Methodism by his now sainted mother. He was soundly converted in the winter of 1870 or 1871, under the ministration of Rev. John Black and joined this church, where he has been an acceptable member since. He sincerely loved the church of his choice, was always desirous to see its prosperity, ready and willing to give of his means to the support of the gospel and the advancement of the cause of Christianity. With a free and willing heart he cheerfully gave to aid in the construction and completion of this beautiful structure, this temple of God. For a quarter of a century Dr. Gard successfully practiced medicine here and brought comfort to many a household, as many can testify to his power to restore the sick, but as years and infirmity came upon him he retired and engaged in less arduous avocations, His last illness of five months' duration, was borne with the most perfect Christian fortitude and resignation, although his sufferings THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 323 at times were almost more than humanity could bear, vet he counted all the trials as nothing compared with the bliss he would enjoy when the toils and cares and sufferings of this short life were ended, knowing they would work out for him a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. Many times when talking with his family of the joys of Heaven and the bliss that awaited the faithful he became enraptured and shouted aloud praises to God, and his soul would be so overwhelmed with the magnitude of God's great love and mercy that he longed to depart to mingle his praises with that blessed throng who had washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. He was confined to his bed but three weeks and such was the nature of the disease that he was unable to partake of any nourishment or even a glass of water, until within fifteen hours of his departure. but like a patient lamb he quietly bore all these privations without a murmur or complaint, having constant communion with his blessed Master. ever rejoicing in the wondrous love of God that was giving him such complete victory over his last foe. A devoted, lovng husband, kind, affectionate father, and true friend has been called to his reward. A sorrowing \vice and four children survive him and a host of loving friends to mourn their loss, but there will be a happy reunion in the sweet bye and bye, beyond the swelling tide of Jordan where all tears shall he wiped away. No. more. separations shall be known or farewells spoken, there to Lask in the sunshine of God's love.- ALVARO S. KROTZ. Alvaro S. Krotz, whose inventive genius and mechanical skill has gained for him prominence in the business world, is an elec trical and mechanical engineer of marked ability and since 1890 he has resided in Springfield. He was born in Defiance county, Ohio, November 3, 1864. His father, Charles W. Krotz, was born in Germany and when a boy devoted all his time to farm. work. He became a resident of Ohio during his boyhood days, and from that time forward until his retirement from active life his energies were given to the work of field and meadow. His birth occurred in 1821, and he is. still living, a hale and hearty man, He is numbered among the honored pioneers of Defiance county who aided in clearing the land and preparing it for the purposes of civilization. He hunted all over that district when wild game was to be had in abundance, His first home was a log cabin, which he built upon his land, and later he erected a colonial mansion, for as the years passed he prospered in his undertakings. He has accumulated considerable land and today has a large farm, well stocked. In early manhood he wedded Elizabeth Brubaker, who was born in 1828 and died in 1871. She was a native of Pennsylvania and their marriage was celebrated in this state. Mr. Krotz has been twice marr ied and has had fifteen children, all of whom reached years of maturity, while twelve are vet living, His sons were: Fillmore Charles W,: Daniel F.: Alvaro S,: Linford E., who is an attorney : Walter, who was born of the second marriage: and three sons who are deceased, The six daughters were Sarah. Lovina, Elizabeth. Clara. Mary and Josephine. The last two were also children of the second marriage, the second wife of Mr. Krotz having borne the maiden name of Caroline Corwin, The sons are all enterprising business men and three of the daughters have married farmers. The father educated his children in the hest schools. 324 - THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. of the county, thus preparing them to meet the duties and responsibilities of life. They were reared upon the home farm until they reached the age of seventeen years, when he gave to each the sum of two hundred dollars in cash and told them they could then choose the mode of life which they preferred. The sons all went to the city of Defiance and became identified with business circles there. In politics the father has ever been a Democrat, but has never aspired to political offices, He is a liberal minded man. who believes in supporting all measures for the general good and has been a liberal contributor to church work and charitable institutions. A prominent man of the community, he enjoys in the highest degree the respect and good will of those with whom he has been associated and he well deserves mention among the honored pioneer settlers whose efforts have been of avail in improving the conditions of Defiance county from early days. Mr. Krotz, whose name introduces this record, spent his early childhood upon the old home farm and when seventeen years of age was given his portion and told to .choose a business which he desired to follow. For a year longer, however, he remained upon the home farm in his father's employ and then, believing that he would be better fitted for the 'business world by further educational training, he entered the Valparaiso Normal School of Valparaiso, Indiana, where be pursued special studies, spending two years in the college. On the expiration of that period he entered the employ of the Defiance Electric Light Company as an operative. When but fourteen years of age he built a small engine and put it on wheels. It was similar to the automobiles in use at the present time, He early gave evidence of mechanical ability and inventive genius, and, following out the natural trend of his life, he has won success and gained distinction, He remained with the electric light company for five years and in the meantime it was reorganized under the name of the Power, Light & Railway Company. The marked ability of Mr. Krotz gained him advancement until he was promoted to the very responsible position of general superintendent, and in that position he installed the electric railway system of Defiance, Ohio. He remained as superintendent for two years and in 1890 he removed to this city, for the company in which he worked had purchased the railroad system of Springfield. On removing here here he served as engineer and superintendent of construction, and he designed and installed the street car system which is now in use and which has been such an important factor in facilitating the business of the city by affording quick and sure transportation, thus shortening the time needed to bring the business men into the commercial sections of the place. Mr. Krotz continued in the employ of the company until 1895, after which he devoted his time and attention almost exclusively for two years to developing experiments of his own and in perfecting various inventions on which he had previously begun work. In 1897 he entered into business relations with the Kelly Rubber Tire Company, having charge of the mechanical work in their factory. In 1900 he was elected superintendent of the Grant Axle & Wheel Company, with which he remained until the fire, He was one of the stockholders and directors of this company. He still holds his position with the Kelly Rubber Tire Company and has made two trips to Europe in behalf of that company, but in the meantime the company has changed its name to the Consolidated Robber Tire Company. He has traveled THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 325 all over America in its interests, also in Germany, France and England. From 1895 to the present time he has labored on his own inventions and has developed many of value, which he has disposed of to good purpose to companies desiring to place his inventions upon the market. Under the firm name of the Krotz Manufacturing Company, Mr, Krotz is now engaged in the manufacture of automobiles and quite a number of electric automobiles have been built under his direction. In these he has carried out experiments which have proven of value in this new method of transportation and has various patents on appliances for automobiles. The company is meeting with success and has orders in advance of the finished vehicles. They are now building special machinery for European parties. Mr. Krotz's knowledge of the great mechanical principles, his skill of a superior order and his work have called to him the attention of the business world and gained him distinction by reason of the advanced steps he has taken in the line of mechanical and electrical construction. He is one of the organizers and constructors of the Springfield Railway Company installed the sixth electric railroad system in the state, and has done considerable designing for outside railway companies. He is a contributor to various technical journals throughout the country and his opinions are considered authority on various subjects connected with mechanical and electrical work. With a nature that could not content itself with mediocrity, with a mind keenly analytical and of an investigating turn, with pure mechanical skill and handicraft, he has gained distinction along lines of usefulness to the world. In Defiance, Ohio. in 1889 Mr. Krotz was united in marriage to Miss Grace P. Shirley, who was born in Indiana., but was educated in Defiance. Unto our subject and his wife have been born four children, namely : Faye E. ; Emma L. ; Alva S. ; and Roy, all of whom are students of the public schools of Springfield. Upon coming to Springfield Mr. Krotz purchased property and located in his present home at No, 272 Clifton avenue. He and his wife are members of the Baptist church and he is an officer in the Sunday-school. He devotes considerable time to missionary Sunday-school work, is superintendent of the same and his efforts in behalf of Christianity have been effective and far reaching: He belongs to Commercial Camp M, W. A,, also to the Tribe of Ben Hur. In politics he is a Republican, but has never sought or desired office. He is a member of the Young Men's Christian Association, takes a deep interest in the work, serving on several committees. Mr. Krotz is a man of broad capabilities, as his varied and extensive business interests indicate. He is at all times approachable and patiently listens to whatever a caller may have to say, always courteous and at all times a gentleman in the truest and best sense of the term. He cares not for notoriety, nor is there about him the least shadow of mock modesty. He is a gentleman of fine address and thorough culture, occupying a first place in society as well as in the business circles of Springfield. CHARLES HERMAN BIGLER. Prominent among the business men of Springfield whose enterprise and labors result in promoting the commercial prosperity 326 - THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD of the city and at the same time enhance individual prosperity is numbered Charles H, Bigler, who is the president of the Springfield Hardware Company, He was born in the city of Cincinnati April 23, 1868, his parents being Dr, George W, and Laura F. (Collins) Bigler. His father was a native of Pennsylvania and was there reared to manhood. He studied medicine in that state, was graduated and soon. afterward removed to Cincinnati, Ohio, where for a number of years he conducted a successful practice, being recognized as a distinguished physician of that place, There he died in the year 1870, His wife. who was a native of Cincinnati, still survives and is now a resident of Springfield, In the public schools of his native city Charles H. Bigler acquired his preliminary education, which was supplemented by study in Antioch College, remaining there as a student for several years On putting aside his text books in 1887 he 'went abroad and there added to his knowledge through travel and investigation, Many points of historic and modern interest were visited by him in Switzerland, Belgium. Germany and England, after which he returned to his native land. In the year 1893 he became identified with the electrical world of business of Chicago, where he was connected with the Columbian Exposition, After the close of the fair he removed to Indianapolis, Indiana, and there he entered the employ of the Kingen Company, pork packers, with whom he remained for six months. He then removed to Zanesville, Ohio, where for a short time he occupied the position of clerk in the St. Charles Hotel, and on the expiration of that period he came to Springfield, in 1896, and purchased an interest in the Springfield Hardware Company. He became assistant and soon afterward became the partner of H. C. Wisner, who was then at the head of the enterprise. Not long after this the business was incorporated and Mr, Bigler was chosen the president and Mr, Wisner secretary and treasurer, Their house is centrally located, being at No. 36-38 East Main street. The store building is fifty by one hundred and ten feet and the first floor and basement are occupied by their large stock of hardware. They carry a general line of both shelf goods and heavy hardware and a constantly increasing trade is indicative of their reliable business methods, their enterprise and the high reputation for business integrity sustained by the house. In connection with their retail trade in Springfield they sell to a considerable extent in smaller places, In the year 1896 Mr. Bigler was happily married to Miss Stella Pursell of Springfield, a daughter of L. H. Pursell. formerly of Pennsylvania. Mr. Bigler is a member of Clark Lodge, F, & A, M, As a citizen he is progressive, wide-awake, withholding his co-operation from no enterprise for the general good. In politics he has always supported the men and measures of the Republican party. He ranks high in commercial circles in Springfield and deserves the credit which is accorded to those who owe their business prosperity and prominence to their own enterprise and diligence, WILLIAM H, HUGHES William H. Hughes is the efficient superintendent of Clark County Infirmary, his incumbency in the position covering ten years, during which time his labors have resulted to the benefit of the institution by THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 329 the adoption of movements which have advanced sanitary conditions and thereby promoted the helpfulness of the place. He has likewise gradually improved the appearance of the infirmary by keeping everything in first class condition and improving the grounds in a way to add to their attractiveness. Mr. Hughes is a native of Wilmington, Clinton county, Ohio, born August 31, 1841, and is of English descent. The family was founded in this state at a very early day, Jesse Hughes, the grandfather of our subject, was one of the early settlers of Clinton county and a distinguished jurist of Ohio in pioneer times. He served for twenty-eight years as judge of the common pleas court and left the impress of his individuality upon the judicial history of this common, wealth. He was a man of broad learning in his profession and his decisions were strictly fair and impartial, his rulings being seldom reversed. He had come from Virginia to Ohio and was a well educated man, Indians were numerous in this state at the time he took up his abode here, and the work of improvement and development largely lay in the future, An active and prominent member of the Baptist church, he did much to promote the cause of religion here. His son, Jesse Hughes, Jr., succeeded his father upon the bench of common pleas. Judge Hughes lived to the advanced age of eighty-eight years and the county profited by his labors, by his mentality and by his efforts in advancing the general good. From the establishment of the family in Ohio representatives of the name have been leaders in public affairs, They have become well-to-do citizens, actively associated with the business interests as owners of a packing house, woolen mills, and as merchants. - 17 - Charles D. Hughes, the youngest son of Judge Jesse Hughes, was a farmer and merchant, who was born in Clinton county and made that locality his home throughout his entire life. During the greater part of his manhood he carried on general mercantile pursuits, meeting with good success in his undertakings. He was an excellent accountant and penman, and in his store was found to be an obliging salesman, putting forth every effort to please his customers. The cause of temperance and religion found in him a warm friend and he was an earnest Christian gentleman, doing everything in his power to uplift his fellow men and add to their usefulness in the world. As an active member of the Christian church, he served for many years as one of its officers and contributed liberally of his means to its support. In politics he was a Republican, but he never held or desired office, He married Mahala Jones, who was born in Hillsboro. Highland county, Ohio, and was of Welsh and German ancestry. Her father was a colonel in the war of 1812 and was also a distinguished citizen in civil life. He served as a state senator from Highland county, was treasurer of his county and was very prominent and influential in political circles. The father of our subject died in Clinton county at the age of seventy-one years. and his wife passed away near Wilmington at the age of fifty-one years. They were the parents of eleven children, of whom seven are living; as follows: John J., of Kansas City, Missouri, who is engaged in contracting and building ; Charles, a retired lumber merchant of Wilmington, Ohio; Emma. the widow of Colonel Elias Wright, of Buffalo, New York: William H., of this review Belle. the wife of Albert Stowell, the custodian of the Garfield Memorial, of 330 - THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD Cleveland, Ohio; and David, who is engaged in the insurance business in Allegheny City ; also Jasper S., who is a Christian preacher and lecturer of note, living in Chicago. Charles was a soldier of the Civil war, serving for about six months as leader of the band in the Fifty-ninth Ohio Infantry. The second child of the family died in infancy and the others who have passed away are Mrs. Elizabeth Neville, who resided at Great Falls. Montana; and Jennie, who died at the home of her brother in Dayton, Ohio, The members of the family were all born and reared in Clinton county, and the children received good public school advantages. William H. Hughes, whose name introduces this record, was a student in the common schools of Clinton county until seventeen years of age and remained at home with his father until 1863, when he enlisted in the Seventh Ohio Cavalry, as a body-guard and escort to President Lincoln, remaining in that service until the close of the war. He was on detached duty as usher in the White House for President Johnson for several months and was a non-commissioned officer, The company to which he belonged was made up by Governor Tod, of Ohio, and the majority of its members were all very large men, Mr, Hughes has many times assisted President Lincoln in mounting his horse when the chief executive wished to ride, as he always rode with him as an escort, At the time of the muster out of the vai ious companies he returned to the Seventh Cavalry and was discharged in September, 1865. Mr. Hughes at once returned to Clinton county, Ohio, and began carpentering in connection with his brother Charles. who was a contractor and lumber merchant, He learned his trade and followed it as a journeyman for a number of years. He was married in 1867 and then went with his wife to West Kansas City, Wyandotte county, Kansas, where he secured employment in the car shops of the Union Pacific Railroad at carpenter and repair work. In 1869, however, he returned to Yellow Springs, Ohio, and followed his chosen pursuit there, working on the Neff House and Antioch College. When two and one-half years had passed in that way he removed to Dayton and in the spring of 1873 he came to Springfield, where he was employed as a journeyman, and also spent a few years in the Whiteley and Mast shops. In the spring of 1880 he was appointed to the position of patrolman on the police force of the city and after four years spent in that capacity he was elected as city marshal for a term of two years, when on the expiration of this period, in 1886, the office was abolished by law. Mr. Hughes then returned to the police force, acting as patrolman for a year, after which he secured a situation as watchman with the P. P, Mast Company, being thus employed until January, 1892, when he was appointed superintendent of the county infirmary. having since had charge of the institution. There have been a good many changes made during the last decade, a new laundry having been added, with modern machinery, There are sixty-nine acres of land in connection with the home and twelve employes in addition to Mr. and Mrs. Hughes and upon the farm the work has been !kept up to a high standard and Mr, Hughes superintended many changes in the interior as well as on the exterior of the farm. and buildings. He has secured better sanitary conditions and has added many modern equipments. There are now one THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 331 hundred and twenty-six inmates of the infirmary and at times the number has reached as high as one hundred and seventy-three. He gives his personal attention to all the details of the institution, to the purchase of supplies and to the general supervision of the inmates and has received high commendation by reason of his efficient service. In 1867 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Hughes and Miss Cornelia King, of Yellow Springs, a daughter of William King, a nurseryman. He was very prominently identified with Antioch College, acted as one of its first trustees, and came from New York to Ohio to look after the erection of the college buildings. His sons and daughters were all educated in that institution. Sarah passed away in April, 1902 : Moses King is now in the department of seeds at Washington, D. C., and' formerly was a newspaper man, Celia resides at Yellow Springs, Ohio. Mrs, Hughes is the next of the family, Nathaniel was a soldier of the Civil war and died in a hospital. and Moses was also a soldier. Mrs. Hughes was, a student in Antioch College under President Horace Mann, a noted educator, and is a lady of culture and refinement. By her marriage she has become the mother of three children: Lavinia Belle, the wife of Irving Lawrence. of Lagonda, by whom she has three children, Harold, Edwin and Helen William K., born in 1876. is the steward and baker in the infirmary Albert N. Its a bookkeeper and stenographer in the state hospital at Toledo. The children attended the public schools and both sons have been students in a business college. As the years have passed Mr. Hughes has made investments in real estate and has erected four houses, He still retains the ownership of his home place, which is now known as the Golf Club House. He is connected with Mitchell Post, G. A. R.; Ephraim Lodge, I. O. O. F., and since 1880 has been a member of the Encampment. Since 1885 he has also been a member of Red Star Lodge, K. P., and he belongs to the Commercial Club. His wife is a member of the Christian church, and he contributes generously to its support. In his political views he is a Republican and served at one time as sanitary marshal of Springfield. His course in office has ever been commendable, being characterized by unfaltering performance of duty, and his loyal citizenship stands as an unquestioned fact in his career. WILLIAM F. PAYNE There is no man in Clark county who more deserves the confidence, respect and good will of his fellow men and citizens oT his community than does William F, Payne, of Springfield. His efforts toward advancing the material interests of the city are so widely recognized that they can be considered as being no secondary part of his career of signal usefulness. His public spirit, progressiveness and liberality have been of substantial aid to Springfield and at the present time he is serving as president of the board of education, the schools finding in him a warm friend who believes in introducing all advanced methods that will prepare the young for the practical duties of business life, Mr. Payne was born in Harmony township. Clark county, April 19, 1864, and is a son of Asa Payne, who was a farmer. born in Marietta, Ohio, in 1835, William Payne, the paternal grandfather of our sub- 332 - THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. ject, was one of the early settlers of Marietta, living in a block house when such buildings were necessary as a protection from. Indian attacks. His early life had been passed in Connecticut, and he came of an old New England family. He served his country in the Revolutionary war prior to coming to Ohio. As a pioneer he took up his abode in Marietta and afterward removed to a place in that vicinity known as Duck Creek. Like other early settlers, he secured land from the government and engaged in farming. During the 'fifties he came to Clark county and located in Harmony township, where he continued to engage in agricultural pursuits throughout his active business life. In his family were twelve children, eleven of whom reached years of maturity, and nine of the number are still living, Asa Payne, the father of our subject, was reared upon the old family homestead and after arriving at years of maturity wedded Catherine Farryman, who died in Clark county in 1872. They had three children: William F., of this review ; Samuel, of Catawba, Clark county ; and Arthur, of Marion, Ohio, Shortly after the death of his wife Mr, Payne removed to Marion, Ohio, where he followed farming. He was again married and by the second union had three children, who are yet living, being residents of Brighton, Ohio. Asa Payne is now in the employ of the United States government as a mail carrier, He. has always been a Republican, but has never taken an active part in political work. He belongs to the Christian church and his life has ever been in consistent harmony with its principles. He comes of a family noted for longevity. One of his aunts. Mrs, Hannah Messenger, died in Marion, Ohio, at the age of ninety-seven years, while his father died at the age of seventy-six years. William F. Payne, whose name forms the caption of this review, was educated in the common schools of Marion, Ohio, At the early age of eleven years he started out in life to earn his own living, and though difficulties and obstacles have barred his path to success, he has worked on with continued perseverance and has eventually gained a position of affluence, He first was employed at farm labor, working by the month as a farm hand until nineteen years of age, In 1883 he came to Springfield and entered the employ of an uncle, working at the painter's trade for four years. For some years he also engaged in teaming, and gradually his work developed into heavy contracting. He began business on his own account on a small scale, but kept increasing his facilities and is now one of the heaviest contractors of the city, He makes a specialty of excavations and street paving. laying out of new additions, and has laid out the Brain's, Frey's, Clark's and Rogers' additions. He uses all modern machinery, is well equipped for handling heavy contracts and his patronage has been such as to bring to him a very comfortable competence. He has enjoyed a good business since he started out on his own account in 1891. He now employs from fifty to one hundred and twenty-five men and a large number of teams in the prosecution of his work. He paved Union street in Springfield, and does all of the work of the Big Four Railroad Company here, Although he began with no capital, he haS gradually worked his way upward and has gained an enviable position as a contractor of Clark county, Perhaps one of the secrets of his success is his ability to THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 333 control men, as well as his fidelity to the terms of a contract. Mr. Payne was married in Springfield in 1885 to Hattie B. Rhoderick, a daughter of Henry B. Rhoderick, who was a cabinetmaker and carpenter by trade. She was educated in the public schools of this city, They now have two children, Mabel and H. Rhoderick, the former a student of the high school. Mr. Payne and his wife are members of the Third Presbyterian church, of which he is serving as trustee, and is also secretary of the Sunday-school. He exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the Democracy. He was appointed a member of the board of education in 1898, has been twice elected to that office, and in 1902 was chosen president of the board, in which capacity he is serving in a manner that has awakened commendation from Springfield's best citizens. He belongs to Red Star Lodge, K. P,, and the Commercial Camp of the Modern Woodmen of America. He purchased the interest of the heirs in the old Rhoderick home and there erected his present residence, He is also building a modern and attractive residence on North Limestone street. Mr. Payne deserves great credit for what he has accomplished. From early boyhood he never knew a mother's care or really had a home of his own until he was married. During his long and successful industrial career, characterized by enterprise, he has ever maintained an enviable reputation for the highest honor and principle and no unworthy deed or word has ever linked itself with his name. He has been particularly prompt in keeping his business engagements and expects the same consideration from others. Many of his associates testify in strong terms to his kindness of heart, finding in him not only a safe adviser, but also one whose counsel was not that of words alone. He has been the architect of his own fortunes and has builded wisely and well.   ROBERT J. BECK, Robert J. Beck was born in the shire of. Wigton, Scotland, October 9, 1832, and is a son of James and Elizabeth Beck, who in the year 1835 left the land of hills and heather to become residents of the new world. Taking passage on a westward bound sailing vessel, such as was used in ocean travel at that time, they eventually reached the harbor of New York, and proceeded thence to Buffalo, New York, by way of the Erie canal, and from there to Silver Creek, Chautauqua county, New York, where the parents spent their remaining days. In their family were nine children, of whom seven were born in Scotland and two in the United States. These were Mrs. Jane Dyer, a. resident of Red Wing, Minnesota ; Hugh, deceased ; Mrs. Margaret Gardner, of Albert Lea, Minnesota ; James, who was a sailor on Lake Erie and in a storm near Buffalo, New York, in 1844, the crew lost control of their Vessel and were blown in the Niagara river and over the falls, not a person being saved; Mrs. Elizabeth Morrison, deceased; Robert J,; John, who passed away ; Mrs. Lydia Wilder, who resides on the old family home-. stead at Silver Creek, Chautauqua county, New York ; and Isabella, the wife of J. J. McCrum, the mayor of Titusville. Pennsylvania. Robert J, Beck attended school at Silver Creek. New York, but his educational privileges were quite limited and in the school of 334 - THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. experience he has largely broadened his knowledge. At the age of fourteen he was bound out to learn the trade of carriage trimming and served a six years' apprenticeship. He afterward worked as a journeyman for two years at Cleveland. Ohio, and one year at Fort Wayne, Indiana, after which he located at Ravenna, Ohio, where he was employed as a foreman for four years, In 1859 he came to Springfield and entered the employ of E. & J. Driscoll as foreman, filling that responsible position in a most satisfactory manner for eleven years, while for fourteen years he was the foreman in the shops of David West, He has also worked for a number of other firms in this city and is still following his trade. His thorough understanding of the business, his reliability and his enterprise has made him a valued factor in the trade circles of this city, Mr. Beck was married in 1857 to Miss Elizabeth Allison, a native of Pennsylvania, and they now have two children : Cora B., who has been employed in the office of the Farm and Fireside for the past fourteen years: and Agnes May, the wife of C. C. Hayner, of Troy, Ohio. Mr. Beck has been honored with a number of positions of public trust and responsibility. He was one of the trustees of the Clark County Children's Home for fourteen years was a member of the school board for four years, and has been infirmary director for six years and was recently nominated for another term of three years. He was also an active member of the Rover fire department, an independent company, and long served as its treasurer. In politics he has always supported the men and measures of the Republican party and for many years was a member of the Republican central committee. He and his family are valued mem bers of the First Presbyterian church of this city, Mr. Beck purchased a. home at No. 228 South Center street, which he has remodeled into a fine property, and it has been his place of residence for the past thirty-six years. His success in life is not the result of any outside aid or influence, but has arisen from his earliest effort, unfaltering diligence and devotion to his business career, He merits the good will of his fellow men, and throughout the forty-three years of his residence in Springfield he has made many friends here. SAMUEL REEDER BATTIN, Among the prominent farmers and stock raisers of this section of the country is Samuel Reeder Battin, who since 1874, has been a resident of Clark county and has borne an important part in the development and progress of agricultural interests here. He traces his ancestry back to an early epoch in the history of this county, being descended from. Quaker forefathers. The traditions of the family state that the Battins were originally of Welsh extraction, and that the name was originally spelled Batten, The founder of the family in America crossed the Atlantic soon after the landing of William Penn. Our subject's great-grandparents, Richard and Elizabeth ( James) Battin, settled in the upper part of Philadelphia. county, Pennsylvania., and there followed agricultural pursuits, in peace with mankind, living in faithful accord with their religious views, as they were members of the Society of Friends. Their son. John Battin, was the grandfather of our subject, He was born near Wilmington, Delaware, on the 13th of THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 335 June, 1767, and in early life learned the cooper's trade. On reaching manhood's estate. he removed' to 'Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, and throughout life followed his trade in; connection with farming, finding coopering quite profitable at that time. From the Keystone state he removed to Stark county, Ohio, and later to Columbiana county, being one of its early settlers. There he died in 1847. He married Ann Raley and to them were born ten children. At the time of their death the combined ages of these children were seven hundred and seventy-seven years, making an average of seventy-seven years. They were thus noted for their longevity and well fitted to become the progenitors of such sturdy men and women as were required to take the work of the progress of this great country. And it is due to such a type of civilization that America stands today as she does— foremost among the nations of the world. It was the possession of such strong traits of character, courage to overcome and endure the hardships and trials of frontier life while this country was yet in, its undeveloped state, that has led to the establishment of the grand industrial institutions of which the United States may well be proud. The brave spirits who braved the dangers of the ocean voyage, which was then not the easy and comfortable one of to-day, brought this country the best elements of manhood and womanhood and well may we be grateful to them for the privileges and opportunities of this land of the free which we to-day enjoy as the result of their toil. David Battin, the father of our subject, was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania. June 8, 1803, and as a child accompanied his parents on their removal to Ohio. On reaching years of maturity he bought a tract of heavily timbered land in the midst of the forest, which he cleared and transformed into a good farm. As his two sons grew older they added to the farm, more than doubling the original number of acres. Throughout his active business life the father followed farming and stock-raising, and became quite a prominent breeder of fine sheep. In early manhood he married Sara Ann Reeder, a daughter of Samuel and Ann (Malone) Reeder, who were among the pioneers of this state, having come here in 1806 from near Westtown Boarding School, Chester county, Pennsylvania. They were also members of the Society of Friends. David Battin died in Columbiana county, Ohio, September 6, 1877, at the age of seventy-four years, and his wife, who survived him about six years, was eighty at the time of her death. Samuel R, Battin of this review was born in Columbiana county, March 3, 1829, and was there reared upon a farm, where in the summer seasons he became accustomed to the work of the field and meadow, while through the winter he acquired a good practical education in the common schools. When twenty years of age he 'began working on a farm at ten dollars per month, but later turned his attention to the sawmill business, purchasing a half interest in a. mill, for which he paid what he could and gave a note for the balance to his uncle, who had faith . in his honesty. Subsequently he was engaged in farming in Columbiana county until 1874, when he took up his abode in Dark county, purchasing one hundred' acres of land, to which he has since added, so that he now has one hundred and eighty-three acres. He has made most of the improvements upon the place, which is a rich and arable tract under a high state of cultivation. 336 - THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. A part of his farm is devoted to pasturage. for he is engaged in stock-raising. having for many years paid especial attention to the raising and breeding of fine wool sheep, He has also been interested in shorthorn cattle. and is quite widely known as a progressive agriculturist and breeder of fine stock. Mr. Battin was one of the charter members of the Clark County Farmers' Mutual Protection & Aid Association, of which he was adjuster for many years, and now holds the office of president. This company does an extensive buSiness in insuring farm property in Clark and adjoining counties, and now carries nearly one and a half million dollars of risks, its membership being over eight hundred. In 1853 Mr, Battin was united in marriage to Miss Lydda Ann Winder, also a native of Columbiana county, and a daughter of Joseph and Efphama (Yates) Winder, of Carroll county, Ohio. By this marriage were born four children : Efphama Ann married John Cole, of Fairfield county, and died, leaving one child, Harry Battin Cole. Dr. David Wilmot Battin, a resident of Clarksville, Iowa, married Jura Cubbison and they have one child, Edna Cubbison Bat-tin. Charles Sumner Battin, a florist and plumber of South Charleston, Ohio, wedded Mary Ann Mather and they have two children, Leonard Winslow and Jessie. Amanda died at the age of three years. The wife and mother died December 24, 1864, and Mr. Battin was again married, June 7, 1866, his second union being with Miss Emily Tomlinson, of Jefferson county, Ohio, a daughter of Samuel S. and Rachel (Street) Tomlinson. Four children blessed this marriage: Orlando T., who assists his father in farming and stock-raising, married Esther Matthews and they have one daughter, Edith W. Kersey Raley is now engaged in the building of electric railways. Martha Alma is at home. Mary Alice is the wife of Walter Sanders Boone, whose home is near Richmond, Indiana. Both Mr. and Mrs. Battin remain steadfast members of the Society of Friends. On coming to this county he was in debt four thousand dollars, but by perseverance and industry has steadily advanced to a high degree of prosperity, and is recognized 'by those who know him as a man of integrity and honesty, these qualities alone being worth a fortune to any man. In early life Mr. Battin was a Free-soiler, but in 1856 he cast his presidential vote for John C. Fremont and has since been a stanch supporter of the Republican party, although he has never been an office seeker. He has served on the board of education and the cause of education has ever found in him a warm friend. He is one of the highly respected citizens of Clark county and well does he deserve mention in this volume. He has been quite an extensive traveler, having visited many places of national and historic interest in this country, including the homesteads of his early ancestors. THE GARLOUGH FAMILY, Among the old and prominent families of Clark county, Ohio, none stand higher in public esteem than the Garlough family, who have been actively identified with the growth and development of this section of the state for almost a century. Its members have been noted for patriotism and loyalty to country and have participated in the wars in which the United States has THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 339 been engaged. John H. Garlough, the progenitor of the family in America, aided the colonies in their struggle for independence as a soldier of the Revolutionary war, and some of his sons took part in the war of 1812. He was a native of Germany and for some years made his home near Hagerstown, in Frederick county, Maryland, but his last days were passed in Clark county, Ohio, He was about eighty years of age when he came with his family to this state, and was the first man buried in the Garlough cemetery, He was a shoemaker by trade, bit had retired from that occupation before coimrig west. John Garlough, son of John H., was practically the founder of the family in this state, whither he removed from his old home rear Hagerstown, Maryland, in 1807. After spending one winter on Beaver creek, near Oldrown, Greene county, he came to Clark county in February, 1808, and located on a farm in Green township, which is still in possession of the family, Here he purchases one and a quarter sections of land, which was inherited by his children, and upon that tract he made his home throughout the remainder of his life. His remains were also interred in the Garlough burying ground. By occupation he was a farmer, His wife, who bore the maiden name of Margaret A. Eichelbarger, died in Clark co; mtv and was buried in the Garlough cemetery. John Garlough, Jr., was born near Hagerstown, Maryland, and was nineteen years of age when he took up his residence in Clark county. He engaged in business, bath as 2 farmer and millwright, and built mills all along Mad river, including Schmidt's, Snvdefs and many others, some of which are still standing. He was the owner of one hundred and forty-four acres of land, (ne hundred acres of which he had inherited from his father. In politics he was first a \ hig and later a Republican, and for several years he filled the office of justice of the peace, also serving as township trustee and assessor. He married Miss Ann Patton, and to them were born two children: Jane D,, the elder, married Sylvanus Tuttle, and they made their home in Harmony township, Clark county, where three of their children are still living, while another lives in Kansas. John Patton Garlough, son of John, Jr., was born on the farm in Green township, where he now resides, March 1, 1825, his birth occurring in a part of his present residence. In the common schools of the neighborhood he acquired a fair education. and on the old homestead grew to manhood. After his marriage he operated rented land until the death of his father, in 1858. when he and his sister inherited the farm, and he purchased her share in the property. being now the owner of the entire tract of one hundred and forty-four acres. The front hart of his house was erected by his father, and he built the remainder, On the :nth of December, 1845, he was united in marriage to Miss Tabitha Jane Tuttle, and to them were born seven children, five of whom are still living: George Edward, now deceased, married Annie E. McCaurtney, and they had four children. Their home was in the village of Pitchin. this county. James Harvey, formerly a wagon maker, but now a bookkeeper in a bank in Jeffersonville. Fayette county, Ohio, married Emma Boyer and has four children. Oliver, whose home is near Clifton, Greene county, wedded Mary B. Corry and has four children, He is a farmer and carpenter by occupation. 340 - THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD Anna died unmarried. John H. was married at Sandwich, Illinois, August 18, 1892, to Miss Anna M. Torrence, who was born in Xenia, Greene county, Ohio, and was left an orphan when quite young. She received a good high-school education and for two years taught in the schools of Enon, Clark county, and nine years in Clifton, By her marriage she became the mother of three children: John Patton, born May 3, 1894 ; William Torrence, December 6, 1897; and Willis Findley, September 4. 1901. All were born in the house where their grandfather still lives, as was also their father. Emma Jane, daughter of John P. Garlough, is the wife of George W. Rife, of Greene county, and has three children, Rhoda May is the wife of James R. Corry, of Greene county, and also has three children. The mother of these children died in 1862 and was buried in the Garlough cemetery, For his second wife Mr. Garlough married Miss Ann Elder, who died August 5, 1891, He took an active part in the Harrison campaign of 1840, but was not old enough to vote until 1848, when he supported Zachary Taylor for the presidency. He supported John C. Fremont in 1856 and has since been a stalwart Republican. Prominent in public affairs, he served as township trustee for fifteen years and as school director many years. For about thirty years he also filled the office of justice of the peace in a most commendable and satisfactory manner, though in the meantime he was out of office a little over one term. He only had two cases appealed to higher courts, and in these his decisions were not reversed. He married a number of couples and in one instance the wife afterward came back and wanted him to untie the matrimonial knot, Religiously he is a member of the Presbyterian church at Clifton, and is a man highly respected and esteemed by all who know him, Jacob Garlough, another son of John, the founder of the family in Clark county, was born near Hagerstown, Maryland, October 28, 1796, and in 1808 came with the family to. this county, Amid pioneer scenes he grew to manhood, early becoming familiar. with the arduous task of clearing and improving a new farm. Throughout lite he followed agricultural pursuits and to the property he inherited from his father he added several hundred acres, becoming a large land owner and quite well-to-do. On the 19th of January, 1826, he was united in marriage with Miss Nancy L, Luse, who was born in New Jersey, February 5, 1803, and was quite young when brought by her parents to this county, her father being Justus Luse. By his ballot Jacob Garlough supported the men and measures of the Republican party, but he never cared for the honors and emoluments of public office, He died when about eighty-three years of age and his wife departed this life seven years previous.- Thus passed away one of Clark county's honored pioneer couples, They were the parents of seven sons. William H. Garlough, the eldest of these, was born in Clark county October 16, 1826, and died on the 13th of September, 1898. He was married in Springfield, March 2, 1848, to Miss Phebe Dalrymple, who was born near South Charleston, Ohio, August 29, 1825, and still survives her husband. They began their domestic life upon the farm where she yet makes her home. Mr. Garlough having inherited a part of the place and purchased the remainder. It comprised one hundred and eighty-three acres. He supported the Republican party and was a member of the agricultural board of Clark THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 341 county, but was opposed to secret societies. An earnest and consistent Christian, he was a faithful member of the Presbyterian church: and being a good singer, he was a member of its choir for many years. He also taught vocal music to some extent, and was successful in that as well as in his farming operations. In his family were six children, namely : Nancy L. is now the wife of Asahel Johnson, a resident of Virginia, and they have six children: Mary E. died at the age of sixteen months ; Laura Jane is the wife of William Paden, of Greene county, Ohio, and they have one child: Edwin Austin, a resident of Colorado, married Ellen Mehan and has three children; Isalina D. is the widow of Sterling Sprague, and with her one child resides in New York state; Minnie E. is the wife of Frank A. Whitaker, mentioned below. Frank A. Whitaker, a well known farmer and dairyman of Green township, Clark county, was born on the 6th. of May, 1851, in Magoffin county, Kentucky, and is a son of Thomas P, and Evaline (Marshall) Whitaker, His paternal great-grandfather was a native of England and a pioneer of V irginia., where his death occurred. The family records unfortunately have been lost, but could the family history be traced they would show that Frank A. Whitaker is one of the heirs to millions in the Whitaker estate in England. His grandfather, Francis A. \Vhitaker, was born near Abingdon, Virginia, and from that state removed to Kentucky, where his last days were spent. Thomas P. Whitaker, the father of Frank A., died at Kingfisher. Oklahoma, in 1893, and his wife died at Arapahoe, Oklahoma, in 1899, When fourteen years of age Frank A, Whitaker removed with his parents to Douglas county, Kansas, and two years later went to Barber county, that state. While residing there he began herding cattle, which occupation he followed for fifteen years, traveling all over the west. In 1874 he joined the Kansas state militia and engaged in Indian warfare, taking part in several battles, including two engagements at Salt Fork river and near Medicine Lodge. Later he became interested in shipping horses to the east. On the 1st of August, 1852, he married Miss Minnie E. Garlough, who was born on the farm in Green- township, Clark county, Ohio, where they now reside. They have three children: Claude C,, 'who was born in Sun City, Kansas, April 24, 1884; Goldie May, born in the same place August 14, 1885; and Gladys Fern, born there August 25, 1890. John L. Garlough, the second, son of Jacob, wedded Mary Tuttle. Thomas F., the third son, was twice married, his first N‘ ife being Lottie Hawkins, and the second Margaret Ann Nave. During the Civil war he enlisted in Company F, Forty-fourth Ohio Infantry, was made lieutenant and afterward promoted to captain of his company. James T., the next of the family, is mentioned below. Edward R. married Eliza A. Williams and lives in. Hillsdale, Michigan. He has nine children. Benjamin F, married Mrs. Sarah J. Garlough, nee Littler, and has six children, He was also one of the boys in blue during the war of the Rebellion, enlisting ,September 2, 1861, in Company F, Forty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and in the spring of 1864 re-enlisted, this time becoming a member of Company F, Eighth Ohio Volunteer Cavalry. James Todd Garlough, the fifth son of Jacob, was born on the old homestead in Green township, June 3, 1834, and remained under the parental roof until he attained his 342 - THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. majority, receiving a fair common-school education and becoming familiar with all the duties which fall to the lot of the agriculturist. He was assisted by his father in purchasing the farm which he now occupies, and today has a well improved and valuable tract of one hundred and forty-seven and one-half acres. He was married March 6, 1856, to Miss Sarah Jane Hause, a native of West Virginia and a daughter of William and Sarah (Murphy) Hause, who brought their family to Ohio when Mrs, Garlough was three years old and settled in Green township, Clark county, but later removed to Madison township, where she was reared and educated, To James T, Garlough and wife have been born ten children, namely : Florence, who -died at the age of six years; Clara, wife of Charles F. Stewart, of Green township; Mary H., who died at the age of twenty-three years; Alva, who married Emma Crabill and lives in Springfield township ; Sheridan G., mentioned below ; Alice, who married 'Charles Otstot and died, leaving four children; Jesse Elmer, mentioned below ; Forest W., at home; Marguerite. who died at the age of eleven months ; and Robert C., who was born in 1876 in Green township, and is still at home. In his political affiliations James T, Garlough is a pronounced Republican, having supported that party since casting his first presidential vote for John C. Fremont in 1856. During the Civil war he became a member of what was known as the Squirrel Hunters and assisted in the protection of Cincinnati. As one of the prominent and influential men of his community he has been called upon to serve as trustee of his township for several years, and is still filling that office in a most acceptable manner. He has also served as township treasurer six years and always faithfully discharges any duty evolving upon him, whether public or private. He was a member of the county agricultural board for nine years, when he resigned. Sheridan G. Garlough, the fifth child of James T., is now a traveling salesman for the Mast Manufacturing Company. and makes his home with his father. He was born October 13, 1864, and was married September 4, 1889. to Miss Stella Hanes, by whom he has two children living—Ruth E., born September 7, 1891; and Harry Hanes, born March 30. 1893. Blanche. the first born, died at the age of two months and two days. Jesse Elmer Garlough, the seventh child of James T., was born in this county, a little south of the village of Pitchin. February 25, 1869, and grew to manhood on the home farm, At the age of twenty-one he began life for himself by working as a farm hand by the month, and was thus employed for five years, during which time he managed to save sufficient to start in life for himself, On the l0th of February, 1895, he married Miss Cora May Hess, a daughter of Thomas M. and Calista ( Stratton Hess, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this volume. He continued to live on his father's place until the spring 0f 1901, when he removed to his present farm of seventy-five acres in Green township, which he had purchased the previous fall. He has made many improvements upon the place, including the erection of a pleasant residence in 1901, Like the other members of the family, he supports the Republican party and its principles,. casting his first presidential ballot for Benjamin Harrison in 1892. He takes an active interest in educational affairs and has efficiently served as a member of the THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 343 school board. Both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Protestant church, in which he has served as steward and superintendent of the Sunday-school, and they are held in high regard by all who know them, Their children are Nellie Marie, born January 13, 1896; Robert Hess, born January 26, 1898; and Fern C,, born June 28, 1902.   William Forest Gariough, the eighth child of James T., was born July 27, 1871, and was married November 15, 1894., to Miss Maude May Jones, who was born in Madison township. this county, a daughter of Willard and Eliza (Oates) Jones. Her father was also a native of Clark county, and is now deceased, but her mother, who was born here December 25. 1855, is still living. Her maternal grandfather, Richard Oates, was a native of England and came to America when about eighteen years of age. William F, Garlough and wife have two children : Russell Pearl, born in Green township July 8, 1895 : and Mary E., born June 14, 1897, The father of these children is a charter member of the Junior Order of United American Mechanics, of Pitchin, Ohio, and, like the other members of the Garlough family, commands the respect and confidence of all who know him,   GEORGE C. LYNCH.   George C. Lynch. the subject of this review, is a self-made man, who, without any extraordinary family or pecuniary advantages at the commencement of life, has battled earnestly and energetically and by indomitable courage and integrity has achieved both character and position. By sheer force of will and untiring effort he has worked his way upward and is numbered among the leading business men of Springfield.   Mr. Lynch was born in Virginia and comes of an. old and well established family of that state. He pursued his education in the primary schools there, but was early thrown upon his own resources, beginning to make his own way in the world at the age of twelve years, at which time he entered a general store. Subsequently he was employed in a wholesale grocery house in Weston, Virginia, and in 1890 entered the employ of the Herb Medicinie Company as a bookkeeper, and in 1892, when the business was removed to Springfield, he also came to this city in the same capacity. In 1898 he was promoted to the office of general manager of the Herb Medicine Company, of this city. This business was established in 1888 by John Morrow, who conducted the enterprise for several years and then sold out to the present company, retiring in June, 1898. The capital stock of this company is largely owned by parties residing in Virginia, who have been connected with the business from the beginning, In fact, the business had its origin in the Old Dominion and thence was removed to Springfield. M, Lynch being connected therewith from the first. Under his control the concern has been put upon a substantial footing and is one which adds to the material prosperity of Springfield as well as to the individual success of the stockholders. The company now employs a large force of operatives in the factory and the plant is well equipped with the latest improved machinery. One among the leading proprietary medicines manufactured by the company is that called Lightning Hot Drops. These and other medicines are sold throughout the United States and   344 - THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.   the patronage of the house is continually increasing because of the excellence of its product.   In June, 1892, Mr. Lynch was united in marriage to Miss Cecilia Kitson, of West Virginia, a. daughter of William J. and Sarah Kitson, Mr. and Mrs. Lynch now have three children—Ruth and Rhea, both in school, and George C., at home. Our subject is well known in Masonic circles, belonging to Clark Lodge, No. 101, F. & A, M., also to Springfield Chapter, No. 48, R. A. M., and Palestine Commanders, No. 33, K, T. Among the leading representative business men of Springfield Mr. Lynch is justly numbered, where in an unostentatious way he is fulfilling his duties of citizenship as well as promoting the industry which adds to the development and financial prosperity of the community.   MICHAEL WILSON.   Mr. Wilson's residence in Springfield covers almost a third of a century, for he located here in 1870, He was born on a farm near Brighton, Ohio, March II, 1837, and is a son of Washington Wilson, who at an early day came to Ohio from Kentucky with his parents, the family settling in this state when the country was infested with Indians, The land was purchased from the government and farm work was continued for many years. The father of our subject died in Springfield when he had attained to an advanced age, and the older generation has all passed away. Washington Wilson was probably of Scotch-Irish ancestry and his wife of German origin, He was a well educated man for those days, was an apt pupil and readily retained what he read or heard. In early life he learned the blacksmith's trade and to some extent followed that pursuit, but afterward devoted his attention to farming and stock-raising. He was a large stock dealer, prospered in his undertakings, and though he had but little capital with which to start in life, by his good management and enterprise he prospered and thus accumulated over two thousand acres of land. He also invested in property in Springfield, and thus his realty holdings were the visible evidence of his life of industry and earnest toil. His honesty. too, was proverbial, for he was just in all his dealings with his fellow men, On leaving the farm he took up his abode in Springfield, where he lived for about thirty years, passing away at the age of seventy-five, He was president of the Harmony township board of education. and was interested in all that pertained to educational, moral„ as well as material advancement, of his community, Many of the landmarks of Harmony township stand today connected with his name and work, including the Wilson school, chapel and cemetery, He was a member of the Christian church of Plattsburg and aided largely in the moral advancement and development of the community, He prospered, too,.in his undertakings, adding from time to time to his land and extensively engaging in stock dealing. He would purchase stock in adjoining counties and feed and fatten for the market. He was one of the largest stock handlers in Clark county and this branch of his business added materially to his income.   Washington Wilson was united in marriage to Mary A, Foreman. who was born and married in Clark county, Her father, William Foreman, was for many years engaged in conducting a tannery. Mrs. Wil-   THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 345   son died at the age of sixty-five years. By her marriage she became the mother of ten children, one of whom died in infancy, while the others reached years of maturity. Mary became the wife of Dr. Strain of London. but is now deceased. Hattie married Fred Gillette, and died at the home of her sister, Mrs, Kay, Those still living are: Michael, who is the eldest of the family ; William J., a banker, stockman and manufacturer, and a leading resident of Gibson City, Illinois; George W,, who was a soldier in the Civil war and is an attorney at law, practicing in London, while at the same time he represents his district in congress ; Harrison, who was also a veteran of the Union army and is a retired farmer, now living in London, Ohio; John, who likewise aided in the preservation of the Union, is now living in Gibson City, Illinois ; Addison, who is engaged in the real-estate business in Springfield: Nancy, who is the widow of John Goodfellow, once county treasurer, and makes her home at the old family property at the corner of Factory and Washington streets; and Flora, the wife of Dr. Clarence Kay, of this city. The members of this family were all reared upon the old farm in Harmony township, and attended the township schools, George afterward pursued a college course in Antioch College, and Mrs, Kay was a student in a private seminary.   Michael Wilson, whose name introduces this record, was educated in the schools of his home district and in his youth assisted in farm work. He drove oxen to the plow and aided in breaking the land and cultivating the fields, When he had attained his majority his father gave him a tract of land upon which he followed farming on his own account and began building up a stock business, He continued farm work until he came to Springfield, in 1870, this removal being occasioned by his ill health. After coming to the city Mr. Wilson turned his attention to the grocery business under the firm name of Wilson & Son Company, at High and Market streets. After the death of the senior member, our subject removed to East High street and purchased an interest in the store of Mr. Goudy, This partnership was maintained for a few years, when Mr. Wilson became sole proprietor of the store and conducted a general grocery business. In his mercantile efforts he prospered as the years. passed by, and, having acquired a handsome competence, he sold out his store in 1885 and retired to private life, putting aside the more arduous business cares, He still owns one hundred and fifty acres of land which was a part of the old Wilson farm. He has also purchased a small farm near Plattsburg, and has made investments in real estate in the city, so that his property interests now return him a good income.   In the year 1850 Mr, Wilson was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Ann Prugh. She was born in Madison county and died in Springfield about 1883. There were three children born of the marriage: Luella, who died at the age of twenty years Carrie B., who passed away when about the same age; and George C., who resides upon a farm near Plattsburg. Mr, Wilson was again married in 1886, his second union being with Mrs. Lovina Marsh, the widow of John Marsh, They now reside at No, 200 West High street, where they have a very pleasant home, which was purchased by Mr. Wilson about 1895,   Mr. Wilson has served as trustee of the Children& Home, and for one term he was also a member of the school board of Spring-   346 - THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.   field. He has always been a warm friend of the cause of education and has been active in promoting good schools here. In early life his political support was given to the Whig party and upon its dissolution he joined the ranks of the Republican party, which he has since continued to endorse. He is a member of the Plum street Episcopal church and his influence and efforts have ever been given upon the side of advancement and of the right. His success in life is attributable entirely to his own efforts and his labors have been rewarded with the success which comes from earnest purpose, unfaltering industry and capable management, He is one of the honored and esteemed citizens of Springfield and Clark county, where his entire life has been passed, his fidelity to the principles of honorable manhood having gained him the good will and esteem of all with whom he has been associated,   PHRAORTES E. BANCROFT.   This gentleman has passed the eightieth milestone on life's journey, His entire life has been passed in Springfield and he is justly numbered among the honored pioneers and leading representatives who have been prominently identified with her business interests in connection with manufacturing affairs. His is an honorable record of a conscientious man, who by his upright life has won the confidence of all with whom he has come in contact, He has rounded the psalmist's span of three-score years and ten, and although the snows of several winters have whitened his hair, he has the vigor of a much younger man and in spirit and interests seems yet in his prime. Old age is not necessarily a synonym of weakness or inactivity. It need not suggest as a matter of course want of occupation or helplessness. There is an old age that is a benediction to all that comes in contact with it, that gives out of its rich stores of learning and experience and grows stronger intellectually and spiritually as the years pass. Such is the life of Mr, Bancroft, an encouragement to his associates and an example well worthy of emulation by the young,   Phraortes E, Bancroft was born in Springfield on the 28th of January, 1822, and is of English lineage, Three brothers of the name originally, came from England to America in the year 1632, and founded the various branches of the family now residing in the United States. John Bancroft, the paternal grandfather of our subject, was a native of Massachusetts, born in Reading, and at the time of the Revolutionary war he joined the Colonial army and served for seven complete years, holding the rank of first lieutenant. He was married September 17. 1777, to Ann Waters, and removing to the west spent his last days in Springfield, Ohio, where he died in 1834, His wife survived him until 1842 and departed this life in her eighty-ninth year. he could trace the ancestral line back through Moses, Thomas, Thomas, Thomas and Thomas Bancroft,   Louis Bancroft, the father of Phraortes E, Bancroft, was born near beautiful Lake Champlain, in the state of Vermont, in 1796, and during his early manhood was connected with educational work, teaching school during the winter months, while in the summer. seasons he worked upon the farm. He came to Springfield in 1812, after having taught for a year in Chautauqua,   THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 349   New York. He took a boat to Upper Sandusky and proceeded thence on horseback to Springfield, camping two nights on the way. He largely followed trails to this locality and he found here a hamlet containing a population of two or three hundred. He soon enlisted for service in the war of 1812, but was rejected on account of his health. urning his attention to general merchandising, he conducted a country store, following that business for many years with success. He also filled the position of deputy sheriff and later was appointed government inspector, there being many distilleries in this vicinity, He afterward engaged in the wholesale grocery and liquor business and was an extensive dealer and trader in real estate, his name appearing on many ab- stracts of the city, Thus his business interests were of a varied and important character and he was recognized as one of the leading residents of Springfield, He wedded Mary Christie, who was born October 11, 1792, and was reared upon a farm. Her father, Robert Christie. was one of the pioneers of Clark county, having come to the Buckeye state from Massachusetts at an early day, He was a contractor and builder and many of the leading business houses, homes and churches of the early day stood as monuments to his skill and enterprise, Not only did he attain success in business affairs, but he was also widely and favorably known for his many sterling traits of character. Mr. and Mrs, Louis Bancroft resided together as man and wife for sixty-five years, and then he laid her remains in Ferncliff cemetery, within a few rods of the home where they were married. the old farm being now used for cemetery purposes. She passed away at the age of eighty-four years, and Mr. Bancroft died in Springfield at the advanced age of ninety-two years. Their children were: Leonidas; Phraortes E.; LaFayette, who resides in Springfield; Oscar, who is living in California; Amanda M,, the wife of Benjamin Churchill, both deceased; and Ravilla G., the wife of William Kleiman, of Cincinnati, Ohio,   The subject of this review pursued his education in the private schools and in a little schoolhouse which stood on Market street. It is still one of the landmarks of the city and today may be seen on Fountain avenue. Later Mr. Bancroft attended the Springfield academy, which was then under the control of Milo G. Williams, a noted educator of his day. On putting aside his text books Mr. Bancroft assisted his father in the store, and so continued until his eighteenth year, when he was apprenticed to learn the hatter's trade under the direction of the firm of Coates & Lathrop. When he had completed his apprenticeship he was a journeyman for a time and in March, 1851, began business on his own account at No. 4 East Main street, as a hatter and furrier. He made all the hats which he handled by the hand process and began business on a small scale, His store was located in a frame structure, which he rented for a number of years, after which he bought the site upon which his present fine business block now stands. In 1882 he erected here a splendid four-story brick structure in connection with the Lagonda National Bank building, which was erected at the same time, the two constituting a very fine business block. Mr, Bancroft succeeded in building up a very extensive business and for many years was considered not only the leading hatter of Springfield, but also did an extensive trade in the line of fine furs, occupying the four floors of his building with goods   - 18-