THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 751 Friermood, a daughter of Reuben and Mary (Kibbinger) Friermood. their marriage being celebrated in Champaign county on the 12th of February, 1880. Unto them have been born four children : Mary Etta : Della. who died at the age of nineteen months : Nellie Blanche and Russell. Mr. and Mrs. Spence have a very pleasant home in Pike township not far from North Hampton, and their place is noted for its hospitality. The farm comprises six hundred and seventeen acres (::f valuable land. and of this he has purchased almost two. hundred acres since his father's death. In 1890 his barn was destroyed by fire. Immediately he rebuilt, putting up a very fine barn, fifty by one hundred feet. His home was erected partially by his grandfather. and to, this additions were made by the father and also by our subject, so that the residence is a commodious and pleasing one. In addition to the cultivation of the fields Mr. Spence is engaged extensively in the raising of thoroughbred Chester white hogs. and iris ;gained a wide reputation in this regard of the other stock upon the place is of a high grade and his farm in its various equipments indicates that the owner keeps in touch with the advanced methods of the day. Mr. Spence is a stanch Republican in his political views and his first presidential vote was cast for Hayes in 1876. He is a member of the Grange and also belongs to the Knights of Pythias fraternity and the Junior Order of United American Mechanics at North Hampton. In both of these he is serving as a trustee. Having spent his entire life in Pike township. Mr. Spence has a wide acquaintance in the locality and has witnessed much of its growth and development. He represents an honored pioneer and, like those who have preceded him. he has been loyal to the best interests of citizenship and helpful in matters pertaining to the general good. EDWARD W. WILLIAMS. Edward W. Williams is one of the Younger representatives of journalistic interests in Clark county. The New Carlisle Sun. of which he is the editor and proprietor, has entered upon the second year of its existence under favorable circumstances owing to the business ability and enterprise of the owner. Mr. Williams was born in 1877 within two miles of New Carlisle, on a farm that was purchased from the government by his grandfather. Henry H. Williams. The latter came from Brier Creek, West Virginia, about 1182.8, and located on the farm which is now the property of the father of our subject. In the family of Henry H. Williams were five children: Elihu S., T. C., Walter, H. H., and Elizabeth. Of these Walter and Elizabeth are now deceased. J. C. Villiams. the father of our subject, spent his boyhood days on the old homestead and attended the public schools, acquiring there his education. Throughout his entire life he has followed the occupation to which he was reared and is regarded as one of the wide-awake and progressive farmers of Bethel township. When he had reached man's estate he was married to Miss Emma Rupp. a daughter of Samuel Rupp. who was a tanner by trade and came from Pennsylvania. to Ohio, locating three miles south of New Carlisle. The home of Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Williams was blessed with six children. Clara. the eldest. is new the wife of W. T. - 40 - 752 - THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Slanker, a resident of Miami county, Ohio, and unto them have been born six children —Ross, Walter, Roy. Emma, Ruth and Lawrence. Annie, the second of the family, died at the age of eight years. Lizzie, who died in January, 1889, was the wife of E. E. Mitchell and had three children—Blanche, Cora and Florence. Harry married Effie Hardacre. John is assisting his father on the home farm. Edward W. Williams, the voungest member of the family, spent his boyhood days tinder the parental roof, working in the fields through the months of summer. while in the winter seasons he attended the public schools. He graduated from Olive Branch high school in the spring of 1894, and in the fall of the same vear he entered Wittenberg College, of Springfield. Ohio, from which institution he graduated upon a classical course in the spring of 1898. Not desiring to make farming his life work, he viewed the business world in order to select a location and vocation. and determined to devote his attention to journalism. On the 22nd of March. 1901. he issued his first edition of the New Carlisle Sun. which he has since published. being editor and proprietor of this enterprising little journal which now has a circulation of about seven hundred. It is a good advertising medium and is a well edited country paper. devoted to general news and to items of local interest. It is neat in appearance, presents fairly all questions of public interest and well merits the patronage which is accorded it. Mr. Williams was united in marriage to Miss Viola C. Funderburg, of New Carlisle, and the hospitality of the best homes in the town is extended to them. They have a little daughter. who was born August 26. 1902. and christened Martha Louise. Socially Mr. Williams is identified with the Odd Fellows Society, and his religious faith is indicated by membership in the Lutheran church. A Republican in politics. he edits his paper in the interest of that party and does all in his power to promote the growth and secure the adoption of Republican principles. WILLIAM S. KIDDER. William S. Kidder is the proprietor of the White Star Laundry of Springfield. and his business qualifications and energy have gained for him a desirable success. He was born in the city which is still his home. his natal day being the 9th of January. 1858. His father, Joseph L. Kidder, comes of English and Irish ancestry and is now a resident of Lima. Ohio. He was born in Akron. this state, in 1828. and was formerly engaged in the manufacture of cigars and fine-cut tobacco. Later he conducted a restaurant. but is now engaged in the laundry business. He came to Clark county in 1853. and remained a factor in business circles in this locality until his removal to Lima. He married Matilda Steele, who was born in New York in 1828 and died Tune 1895. Her parents were Marshfield S. and Mary Steele. both of whom died in Springfield, the former at the age of seventy years, while the latter passed away in 1898, when about ninety-eight years of age, her birth having occurred in 1800. They had long been residents of Clark county. In their family were five daughters who are yet living. but only one is a resident of Springfield—Phoebe, the wife of John Ingram, of East High street. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Joseph L. Kidder were born three children, but one died in infancy. THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 753 The others are : William S. and Carrie M. The latter was born in Muscatine, Iowa, and is now the wife of C. B. Stauffer, of Chicago. Both were educated in the public schools in Springfield, in a seminary and in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Mrs. Stauffer was married in Springfield and thence removed to Chicago. She now has three children. In his political views Joseph L. Kidder, the father of our sub iect. was a Republican, took an active interest in the growth and welfare of his party and for several years he served as a member of the city council. He also belonged to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. passing all of the chairs in the organization. William S. Kidder. whose name introduces this record, pursued his education in the public schools and also took a special course in Wittenberg College. He was employed at various places for a time and afterward entered into partnership with his father. in 1887. in the establishment and control of the laundry. He has since given his time and attention to this line of business. They established the Peerless Laundry, which they conducted for ten years, and in 1897 they purchased the White Star' Laundry, combining the two. Employment is now furnished to forty operatives, and two wagons are upom the road, collecting and delivering Goods. Mr. Kidder has various branch offices in the city and also in other districts of the state having established agencies throughout Ohio. He is carrying on a wholesale business with a main office at No. 43 South Fountain avenue, and the works are at the corner of Limestone and Pleasant streets. The business has been built up from a very small beginning and has reached large proportions. The plant is equipped with all modern machinery for facilitating the work and everything is conducted in a first-class manner, so that the White Star Laundry receives a very liberal and growing patronage. In 1899 Mr. Kidder was united in marriage to Miss Eleanor G. Steen, of Bellefontaine, Ohio, a daughter of Milton and Mattie B. (Bigham) Steen. Her father, who is now deceased, was a prominent attorney and banker of Bellefontaine. Mrs. Steen now resides in Dayton, Ohio. Mr. Kidder holds membership in the Presbyterian church and is a supporter of all church and charitable work, being a gentleman of broad and humanitarian principles. He is a member of Anthony Lodge, F. C. A. M. : Springfield Chapter, R. A. M.; Springfield Council, R. & S. M. ; Palestine Commadery, K. T.; and Antioch Temple of the Mystic Shrine, of Dayton. He belongs to Ingomar Lodge, K. P.; to the Lagonda Club; the Commercial Club; and the Springfield Golf Club. He has never had titre or desire for political preferment, but votes the Republican ticket where great issues are involved and casts his ballot independently at local elections. He possesses the true western spirit of progress and enterprise, and his business ability has been demonstrated by his successful control of the extensive interests which have grown up under his supervision. JOHN A. SHIPMAN. John Ambler Shipman was well known in Springfield. He was associated for many years with mercantile and industrial interests and was also prominent in public affairs. He served for four years as the postmaster of the city and was a most creditable official, his administration of the affairs of the office winning him high commendation. There 754 - THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. were in his life record many elements worthy of emulation. and among those who have been prominent in Springfield's affairs John Ambler Shipman deserves to be numbered. He was born in this county August 11, 1829. It was then a mere hamlet, giving little promise of the bright future before it. His father, Clark Shipman. was one of the pioneer settlers (.sf Kentucky. and then again became identified with early progress and improvement by his removal to Clark county. A wide-awake man. well fitted for leaderpship in public thought and action. he held the rank of brigadier general in the state militia. His death occurred in His wife survived him for more than a half century, passing away in 1884, at the advanced age of eighty-four vears. s. Shipman bore the maiden name of Ruth Ambler and was a daughter of John Ambler. one of the most active and prominent pioneers of the caunty. He came from New Jersey to Springfield in 1808, and from that time forward until his death was a leading factor in the events which have formed the history of city and county. His life was an honor to his family and to the entire community because of his devotion to the general good and because of what he accomplished in behalf of the public welfare. Soon after his arrival in the county he purchased a farm in Mad River township and not finding agricultural pursuits congenial he sold that property and removed to Springfreld, buying a large tract of land which is now within the city limits. He then turned his attention to merchandising in the early days of the city and also conducted a hotel. He thus led a busy life. yet he found time to devote to public affairs and to assist materially in the improvement and substantial upbuilding of his community. His ability and enterprise, his practical judgment and his large public spirit were moving powers in many a scheme for the advancement of the city and county, and he was always ready with hand and purse to do whatever he could for the embryo metropolis. He donated the land upon which was built the First Presbyterian church of the city and contributed largely toward the erection of the house of worship. When the county seat was removed to Springfield he was elected county treasurer, his kitchen serving as his office. A brickmaker iv trade. He built the first brick house in Springfield and this property is now owned his grand son. E. H. Shipman. at No. 150, West Main street. Ruth Ambler was born October 30. 1799 and on the 24th of August, 1817, gave her hand in marriage to Clark Shipman. Unto them were born three children : John Warren and Annie, all of whom are now deceased. John Ambler Shipman was but a vear old when his father died. He remained with his mother through. the period of his Youth and attended school until fifteem years of age, when he was apprenticed to learn the cabinet-makers trade. Subsequently he established himself in the furniture business n Main street, and one year later he bought a building at the corner of Main. and Center streets. His business increase so rapidly that after a year he erected a more commodious place on South Main avenue. between Main and High streets, aud there continued in trade with excellent success for some time. his patronage steadily growing and bringing to him a very gratifying income. Later, however. he disposed of his business and accepted the superintendency of the Fees Mulligan Furniture Company. which position he held until 1877. when, upon the recommendation of General J. THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 755 Warren Keifer and Senator Sherman, he was appointed postmaster of Springfield by President Grant. and vas reappointed by President Haves. so that he continued in the office for eight years. or until 1885. He left the position as he had entered it—with the confidence and good will of all concerned. He was business-like and he instituted systems and methods that promoted promptness and accuracy in all departments of the office and in the distribution of mails. After leaving the office he lived in retirement throughout his remaining days. He had made judicious investments in real estate. and among other property he owned a fine brick residence on South Yellow Springs street. which was his 11 me until he was called to his final rest. In 1859 Mr. Shipman was united in marriage to Miss Fannie Grant. also a native of Springfield. and a daughter of William and Nancy (McCormick) Grant. They became the parents of three children : T. Warren. who resides in this city : Annie, who is living in the old home on South Yellow Springs street : and Earl M. The mother was called to his final rest in 1896. and Mr. Shipman died on the 2nd of June 1901,at the age of seventy-seven years. He was a most courteous gentleman of the old school. well liked because of his deference for others. because of his dignity and genuine worth. He belonged to Springfield Lodge. No. 33. I. O. O. F.: to Lagonda Lodge. No. 61, I. O. R. M.: and in his political views he was an earnest Republican. He represented the second ward in the city council and served as chairman of the finance committee. Progress and patriotism seemed to be the key-note of his character. He was deeply interested in everything pertaining to the general good and co-operated in every every movement for the welfare of his community along social, intellectual and moral lines. Both he and his wife were consistent and active members of the First Presbyterian church. They left behind them the memory of upright lives to serve as a blessed benediction to all who knew them. The name of Mr. Shipman, because of the active part which he took in public affairs, was inseparably interwoven with the history of his native city. where his residence overed a period of more than seventy-one years. Earl M. Shipman was born March 29, 1874, and at the usual age entered the public school. Later he pursued a course in Nelson's Business College. and for three Years he was employed in the office of the Big Four Railroad Company. In 1892. terminating his connection with the railroad company, he entered into partnership with his brother, J. Warren, in the transfer business, which they continued with success until 1901 when they sold out, and Earl Shipman is now living retired. He was married May 24. 1898, to Miss Neva Hartsock. a daughter of William and Georgiana Hartsock. and a native of Waynesville, Ohio, although both her parents are now residing in Springfield. The union of this couple has been blessed with one daughter, who has been given her mother's name. Both Mr. and Mrs. Shipman are members of the Episcopalian church and the former is identified with the Republican party. PROFESSOR DANIEL EBERSOLE. Professor Daniel Ebersole has since 1894 been connected with educational work in Springfield. and since September, 1900, has been the principal of the Southern school. 756 - THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. He was born in Bethel township, Clark county, September 25, 1851, and is a son of Peter Ebersole, whose birth occurred in the same township in 1824. The Ebersoles came to this country from Holland and settled in Pennsylvania. When the colonies could no longer endure the joke of British oppression and resolyed to sever all allegiance to the British crown Jacob Ebersole. a great-grandfather, joined the colonial army and was a member of a Pennsylvania battery, while his brother. Christian Ebersole, served as a member of Washington's staff. Another great-grandfather of our subject, John Keller, likewise became a pioneer settler of Pennsylvania and was a member of the Pennsylvania Infantry in the war of the Revolution. He was buried in Bethel township, while Jacob Ebersole was laid to rest in Pike township, Clark county. Abram Ebersole, a son of the .great-grandfather settled on Mill creek. near Cincinnati. John, another son. settled in Pike township, this county, and Polly. their sister, was one of the pioneer teachers of this county. Jacob Ebersole, the grandfather of our subject, was born near Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and when a young man went to Virginia. but on account of the slavery system of that state he removed to Ohio about 1809 and built a cabin in Springfield township, where Peter Sintz formerly resided. He was a well educated man for his day, and was one of the first school teachers of this county. He likewise engaged in preaching the gospel as a minister of the Dunkard faith. Purchasing. land from the government he began its development and for many years carried on farming. He died at the age of seventy years, while his wife, who bore the maiden name of Salome Keller, lived to be eighty-one years of age. She came to this county from Virginia, having been married there. Thev had four sons and five daughters, of whom two are yet living: Joel, of German township. who is now eighty-one years of age; and John, who resides upon a part of the original homestead in Bethel township, at the age of seventy-seven. Peter Ebersole. the father of our subject, was born upon his father's farm, acquired his education in the district schools near his home and was early trained to habits of industry ad economy upon the old homestead. He married Hannah Frantz. who was born in Bethel township in 1828. She came of German ancestry, the line being traced to Michael Frantz. who. on leaving the fatherland in 1727. became a resident of Pennsylvania. Daniel Frantz. the great-grandfather of our subject, was a pioneer settler of Bethel township ant: a representative agriculturist there. The ancestors of the Keller, the Frantz and the Ebersole families were all early settlers of Pennsylvania and were of pure German and Holland extraction Peter Ebersole and Hannah Frantz were married in Bethel township in March, 1849 and there began their domestic life on the farm which was the birthplace of the father of our subject, and on which he died in the year 1900. His widow still survives him and is yet living in Bethel township. Unto them were born nine children, four sons and four daughters who are yet living, and one son that died at she age of three years. Those who still survive are: Phoebe, the wife of Jacob Snell, of Indiana Daniel, of this review Salome, the wife of J. A. Keplinger, of German township; Sophia, the wife of Marion Garst, of German township: John P., a resident farmer of North Dakota ; Eliza, the wife of Ira Garst, of Iowa : Jacob S.. a Baptist THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 757 preacher at Coshocton. Ohio; and Willis, a resident farmer of North Dakota. The parents afforded their children the opportunity of attending the common schools of Bethel township. The father and mother were identified with the German Baptist or Dunkard church, and the father was a stalwart Republican in his political views. He held several minor local offices in the township and was a respected and worthy citizen. Professor Ebersole came of honored pioneer families, whose connection with Clark county has proven of benefit to the substantial development of this part of the state. "10 was reared upon the old family homestead until he had attained his majority, when, desirous of acquiring more advanced education than he could secure in the district schools which he had attended. he pursued a scientific course in Lebanon N. N. U. At the age of twenty he began teaching in the district schools. and with the money earned in this wav he met the expenses of a college course covering two and one-half years. He afterward engaged in teaching for twenty years in Bethel and adjoining townships, and then came to Springfield in 1894. He first had charge of the North Street school, and has been gradually advanced until he has reached the important position of principal of the Southern school. On August 20, 1878. in Lebanon, Ohio, Professor Ebersole Was united in marriage to Agnes Hathaway, who was born in Warren county. this state. in 1851 and comes of old English stock, her ancestors having been pioneer settlers of Warren county. Unto the Professor and his wife has been born one daughter, Mildred, whose birth occurred in 1884. She is a graduate of the high school of this city and is now a sophomore in Wittenberg College. Professor Ebersole has been a member of the executive committee, having in charge the 'Clark county institute work. He is also an active member of the School Masters' Club and has a deep and abiding interest in his work, his own zeal and enthusiasm inspiring the teachers who serve under him. He has, too, the faculty of commanding the respect and eliciting the co-operation of the students, and as a factor in educational circles he has left his impress upon the mental development of this city and county. Fraternally he is connected with the Tribe of Ben Hur and both he and his wife are members of the St. Paul's Methodist Episcopal church, in which he is serving as a member of the official board, while for several years he was superintendent of the Sunday school. He cast his first presidential vote for U. S. Grant, and in his political affiliations has since been a Republican. Professor Ebersole is widely known in Clark county, and his career has added luster to an untarnished family name. He is not so abnormally developed in any one direction as to become a genius, but his is a \veil rounded character, resulting from due attention given to the social side of life, to moral obligations and to the duties of citizenship as well as those of a professional career. THOMAS WOOSLEY. One of the most prominent and honored pioneer families of Clark county is that of which Thomas Woosley was a representative. He became an early settler of this locality and through the days when this region was upon the frontier he took an active part in the work of progress and improvement. his labors not only resulting in benefit 758 - THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD to the people of his own generation, but to all posterity as well, for he was among those who laid the foundation for the present and the future prosperity and upbuilding of the county. His birth occurred on Honey creek, in Ross county, July 25, 1810. His parents were James and Elizabeth Woosley. both of whom were natives of Virginia and had become residents of Ross county about 1806. In 1814 they came to Clark county, settling at South Charleston. The father was of Welsh descent and the mother was of German lineage. In order to provide for his family James Woosley carried on agricultural pursuits. being a farmer in moderate circumstances. By his marriage he became the father of eight children, of whom Thomas was the second in order of birth. The eldest, Sarah, became the wife of Kendall Truitt. Benjamin. the third in order of birth, is represented elsewhere in this volume. Joshua. who was a farmer. went west to Missouri, and there died, leaving a son. Charles Woosley. David was also a farmer. Margaret became the wife of David Vance, and was the youngest of the family. Thomas Woosley of this review was reared to manhood on the old homestead amid the wild scenes of frontier life. He came with his parents to the county in 1814, when the Indians in their motley garb still roamed through the forest and many kinds of wild animals also had their haunts in the green woods of this section of the state. The land was in the condition in which it came from the hand of nature and everything was new and wild. Thomas Woosley assisted in the arduous task of developing a new farm and for many Years carried on agricultural pursuits. He married Margaret Truitt, and unto them were born five children, two of whom reside in the west. while Mrs. Mary Pringle is living in Madison township and two are now deceased. In 1861 the father was again married, his second marriage with Sarah Davisson, Madison township, who was born near Mc chanicsburg. Mr. Woosley owned a farm near South Charleston and there lived for a number of years. after which he removed to the town. He was a Republican in his political affiliations, but never sought office. He held membership in the Methodist Episcopal church, was class leader for many years, and also steward. He died in the faith of the church December 7, 18S7. when he had reached the advanced age of seventy-seven Years. He was a man of the highest espectability whose life was in with his Christian faith and teachings, and who in his relations with his fellow men was always straightforward and honorable. He well deserves mention among the prominent pioneer settlers of the coumty, for he here an active and helpful part in reclaiming this portion of the state for the uses of the white man. David Woosley, the brother of Thomas. was a child when the family came to Clark county. He had been born in Ross county January 12, 1813. He, too. shared in the hardships and trials incident to frontier life and assisted in the difficult task of hewing out a farm in the midst of the forest. He first married a Miss Painter. who lived. however, for only a few weeks after their marriage. Later he wedded Mrs. Nancy Sham). nee Moss. She had two children by her first marriage; Le Roy and Emmett. the former now residing near Sydney, Ohio, and the latter in Paris. Illinois. Five children were born of the second union : Thomas. Elizabeth. Benjamin. David and Henry. THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 759 Benjamin Woosley. the third member of the older generation was born October 30, 18 r5, in Madison township, Clark county, and was here reared. On the all of December, 1838. he was united in marriage to Miss Keturah S. Hunt, who was born December 10. 1817. and died October 10, 1881. For his second wife he chose Miss Margaret A. R. Burchnell, this wedding being celebrated April 6. 1886. Of this marriage there were born a son and a daughter. twins, but both died in infancy. The father died May 20, 1887. He had started out in life a poor man, but had become quite wealthy, having about one hundred and fifty thousand dollars in money and stocks in addition to twelve hundred acres of land which he owned. In the settlement of his property his widow received twenty-five thousand dollars. Mr. Voosley was laid to rest in South Charleston. .Although not a member of any church. he was most generous in his support or churches. and each year gave one hundred dollars to the work. In all movements and measures pertaining to the general good he was deeply interested and his co-operation was active and earnest. WILLIAM J. BAIRD. William J. Baird is living in Pleasant township. Clark county. He owns and operates a farm near Vienna Crossroads and is numbered among the native sons of this locality. his birth haying occurred east of the village of Harmony, on the 27th of March. 1826. His father. Peter C. Baird. was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, in 1792. and his father was a Revolutionary soldier and acted as a guard for the captured Hessians. It is understood that he allowed prisoners to escape, having overheard them saying that they would never go back to Germany but would become citizens of America. He this added to the number of loyal adherents to the colonial cause. Peter C. Baird, the father of our subject, was one of a family of six children: Mrs. Hester Smith ; Elizabeth, the wife of John Wilson; Mary. the wife of John Hodge; Peter, the father of our subject ; John, who wedded Miss Kirkpatrick : and William, who married Miss Sarah Hodge. After arriving at years of maturity. Peter C. Baird was united in marriage to Frances Wilson. They became the parents of eight children, of whom the subject of this review is the eldest. The others are : Clarissa, the wife of John Mills: Dorothea. deceased; Caroline, the wife of Joseph Dietrich : Willis, who was twice married Louis. who married Sallie Patton; Robert. who was killed in the Civil war when a young man : Susan : and Mary Ann, who died when about twenty years of age. William J. Baird resided with his father until thirty years of age. He was then married. on the Toth of March. 1857. to Mary E. Hayward. and they became the parents of three children : John Oscar. who was born February 20, 1858. and married Susie Slagle: Margaret, who was born March 10. 1860, and married George Everhart : and Louis R.. who was born April 10. 1863. The first wife of Mr. Baird died October 9. 1864, and he was again married February 19. 1867. his second union being with Nancy Jane Kimball, who was born August 5, 1840. Her father was Giles K. Kimball. and her mother bore the maiden name of Eveline Turner. Both parents came from Maryland to Ohio and in their family were twelve children. Madison married Ruth Laughlin and for his second wife he chose 760 - THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Leona (Austin) Crawford. Samuel died in childhood. William died unmarried. Francis married Mary Flack.    Alfred wedded Lizzie Markley. Lizzie became the wife of Charles Hodge. Alzina became the wife of Charles Mitch. Aaron wedded Mary Moody. Ella married Tom Everhart. Amanda became the wife of Grant McCartney. Andrew wedded Edith Crawford. By the second wife our subject has five children, all of whom are now living : Clara Elizabeth is the wife of Frank C. Tones, by whom she has four children : Milton T.. who resides in Pleasant township. married Flog Neer, and they haye one child : Nellie Alzina is the wife of Clark E. Tones Eva Albina is the next of the family : Laura Ellen is the wife of Miner Slagle. and they have one child. All these children were born on the home place in Pleasant township and are still liying. At the time of his marriage Mr. Baird of this reyiew took up his abode upon a farm. He has always carried on agricultural pursuits and is known as an enterprising. wide-awake farmer. He has also giyen considerable attention to the raising of stock, including hogs. cattle, sheep and horses. He is an excellent judge of all kinds of domestic animals, and thus his purchases and sales have been judiciously made. He has placed all of the improvements upon his farm, for when it came into his possession it was a tract of woodland. It is called the Sugar Grove farm because of the large maple orchard upon it. Indians worked the sugar grove at a very early day and the tomahawks which they used in chopping the trees are still occasionally found in the grove. Everything about the place is neat and thrifty in appearance. and from the time of the early sugar-making in the spring until crops are gathered in the late autumn Mr. Baird is found busy about his work, carefully superintending everything that is carried on in connection with the improvement of the land and his stock dealing interests. His memory goes hack to an early epoch in the development of this portion of the state. He can remember when there were nothing but corduroy roads here and when the forests stood in their primeval strength, the land being all uncleared. Old stage coaches. too, made tries from town to town during his boyhood days. There was a general muster held twice a year. and this was made a festal occasion for large districts. Everybody that possibly could attended the muster, and it was a period of sociability and much generous hospitality. In his religious yiews Mr. Baird is a Presbyterian, and his wife belongs to the Christian church. Formerly he was connected with the Supreme Order of the Star Spangled Banner or Know-Nothing party. In early life he gave his political support to the Whig party, and upon its dissolution he joined the ranks of the Republican party, of which he is now an earnest advocate. He has served as township trustee, filling the office years ago for several terms. A self-made man, all that he possesses has come to him as the result of hard work. As one of the pioneer settlers of Clark county he well deserves representation in this volume. THOMAS F. NAVE. Thomas F. Nave. who is filling the position of township trustee of Springfield township, and makes his home in the city of Springfield, was born on a farm in Green township. this county, February 7, 1849. His father, Jacob Nave, was born in 1811, THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 761 in a log cabin which stood on the same farm where the birth of our subject occurred. The mother, who bore the maiden name of Mary Knable, was a native of Fayette county, Pennsylvania, born in the year 1816. After their marriage they settled on the old homestead in Green township. Clark county, Ohio. The Nave family had been established in this county in 1803 by Jacob Naye. the grandfather of our subject, who took up his abode here when this section of the state was a part of Greene county. He seryed his country as a soldier in the war of 1812. Of Virginian birth, he had remoyed from the Old Dominion to Pennsylyania and thence came to Ohio. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Katherine Garlough, was also a native of Virginia. The maternal grandfather of our subject was John Knable, who married a Miss Eichelbarger, a native of Pennsylvania. Unto the parents of our subject were born the following children: John G., Katherine, Margaret, Jacob H., Enoch K., William O., Thomas F., Harriet R., Eliza P., Ezra L. and Irvin E. Thomas F. Nave spent his boyhood days on the home farm and pursued his education in the district schools. He remained under the parental roof until fifteen years of age, when he accepted his first business position, working by the month. He continued farming. working first for others and then for himself in the operation of rented land. being thus engaged until the spring of 1883. He then remoyed to Springfield, where he spent part of the time during the years 1886 and 1887 in connection with the flour and feed business. At length, however, he closed out his business in that line and afterward gave much of his attention to carpentry work. Prior to 1886 he was also upon the road as a traveling salesman for Whiteley,. Fassler & Kelly, and later for himself, widely selling agricultural implements. He stilt continues carpentry work and for several years he has carried on contracting. In the spring of 1900, however, he was elected township trustee for Springfield township, and the duties of this position have since claimed much of his time and attention. He has always been an active Republican, firm and unfaltering in support of the party. On the 26th of November, 1879, Mr. Nave was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Laybourn, a daughter of James and Mary (Skillings) Laybourn, of Green township, Clark county, where Mrs. Nave was born and reared, her father having one of the early farmers of the locality. Two children have come to bless this union: Jennie L. and Mary C., both at home. The parents are members of the Pleasant Hill Free Will Baptist church, although they now attend the services of the High Street Methodist Episcopal church, of which their daughters are members. Socially Mr. Nave is connected with Red Star Lodge, K. P., of which he is a charter member and has passed through all of its chairs. He is likewise connected with Company 44 of the Uniformed Rank. He has always lived in this portion of the state and has gained many friends among the large circle of acquaintances which he has made during his connection with this part of Ohio. JOHANN CHRISTIAN ACKERMANN. Johann Christian Ackermann, who resides in Pleasant township. Clark county, where he is successfully carrying on agricultural pursuits, was born in Hesse-Cassel, 766 - THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. of our subject, always carried on agricultural pursuits up to the time of the Ciyil war. when he put aside business and personal considerations in order to aid in the preservatiom of the Union ad went to the front as quartermaster in the Forty-fourth Ohio Regiment. On the old home place Cassius W. Minnich spent the days of his boyhood and vouth. he worked in the field, performed the tasks assigned him in the schoolroom and enjoyed the pleasures of the playground in much the manner of farmer lads of the period. The occupation to which he was reared he has made his life work and yet lives on the old family homestead, where he has a weil cultivated tract of land, the yields being fertile and productive and annually yielding to him good haryests. He was married to Miss Ida Higgins, a daughter of Levi Higgins, a farmer of Bethel township. In 1885. however, Mr. Minnick was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who died leaying three children : Carl, Kenneth and Alice. all yet with their father. Mr. Minnich is a Mason in his social relations and is true to the teachings of the craft. In his political views he is a Republican. His fells; townsmen. recognizing his worth and ability. haye called him to public office and for three terms he has capably seryed as township trustee. discharging his duties with promptness and fidelity. JOHN W. JENKINS. Perhaps every civilized country on the face of the globe has furnished its quota of citizens to Springfield. In the cosmopolitan citizenship here there is no more important or valued element than that which comes from Wales. The national characteristics of determination ad perseverance are found exemplified in the life of John W. Jenkins, who was born in Wales. in 1855, and is a son of William and Ann ( Lewis) Jenkins who were likewise natives of the same country. In the year 1860 the father emigrated to America and established a home in Youngstown. Ohio, after which he sent for his wife and children who joined him a year later. Both the parents of our subject are now deceased, the father having passed away about twelve years ago, while the mother's death occurred three years ago. They reared nine children : who married Lucy Rosser and is now living near Pittsburg. Pennsylyania John W.: Mary Ann. deceased ; James. who wedded Lizzie Moran and is living in Marion, Ohio : Benjamin. who wedded Edith Morgan, of Perry county. Ohio, by whom he had two children. William and Benjamin. Jr.: Benjamin. who was killed on a railroad at Dennison. Ohio. in 1892: Edwin. of Marion. Ohio. who married Eva Scoville, of that place by whom he has three children, Mary, Abigail, deceased and an infant : William George, of Newark, Ohio, who married Mary Moran and has one child, Norbert : David, who is living in Marion, Ohio, and wedded Ella Moran. by whom he has one child : and Thomas, who married Ruth McCarder and is living in Marion with their one child. John W. Jenkins was only six years of age u. hen he came with his mother to the United States, joining his father im Youngstown, Ohio. He obtarned his education in the schools of this state and has here lived since he became an American citizen. He is now engaged in the operation of a stone quarry and the manufacture of lime. His THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 767 quarry is located about three and one-half miles from Springfield. There he has gradually developed a business which has now reached large proportions and yields him a good profit annually as a return for his investments and for his labor. He has three kilns which are used in the manufacture of lime and he regularly employs fifteen men in making this commodity and in quarrying stone. His products find a ready sale upon the market and his trade is growing. In August, 1875. Mr. Jenkins was united in marriage to Rachel Evans, a daughter of John and Gwenlliann ( Jones) Eyans, who came from South Wales to the United States in the year 1862. In their family were six children : Margaret, who was married in Wales to David W. Davis and is living in Perry county, Ohio: Daniel, who was married in Wales to Sarah Jones and is living in Marion. Ohio Thomas. who wedded Mary Ann Williams. of Wales, their home being now in Marion : John, who was married in Marion, where he now lives, to Mary Jane Owen. who was born in this country : Mary, the wife of John R. Roberts, of Murry City, Ohio: and Mrs. Jenkins. The last named was born. in Wales and has become the mother of five children : William John, now twenty-eight years of age. married Ettie Elliott and is liying in Medway, Ohio : Rachel Mary, living in Mansfield, Illinois, is the wife of Walter Thomas. a railroad agent : Gwenlliann, who is living at home with her parents Dayid Harrison. who is fifteen years of age and Edna Marguerite. who died in March. 1808. The fraternal, political asd church relations of Mr. Jenkins indicate his upright character. He is a Knight of Pythias. a Republican and a Presbyterian. - 41 - He is true in every trust reposed in him, to duties of citizenship and of private life and is a worthy son of his adopted country and of his native land. TIMOTHY D. BEACH, M. D. Dr. Timothy D. Beach, who is engaged in the practice of medicine in Catawba, has resided here since 1875 and during the twenty-seven years which have since passed he has steadily advanced in public affairs because of his capability as a member of the medical fraternity and the sterling qualities of his manhood. He was born in Brown township, Franklin county, Ohio, January 17, 1848, and comes of a family whose ancestry is traced back to England, although representatives of the name came to America in early colonial days. His great-grandfather, Obel Beach, was one of the heroes of the Revolutionary war, while Uri Beach, Sr., the grandfather, was a large land owner and manufacturer in connection with other business interests, becoming well-to-do. His death, however, occurred in 1832, when he was in the prime of life. His son, Uri Beach, Jr., the father of our subject. was born in Madison county, Ohio, January 13, 1826, and grew to manhood in Amity. From early boyhood he followed farming. He was the fifth in order of birth in a family of seven children. there being four sisters older and two brothers younger than himself. His two brothers were surgeons in the army during the Civil war. Only. one of the sisters is now living, Mrs. Maloney Kilgore, of Bloomington. Illinois. who is eighty-three years of age at this writing. 768 - THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD When only nineteen years of age, Uri Beach, Jr., was married to Eleanor Downing, who was born in Franklin -county,a daughter of Timothy Downing, one of the old settlers of that part of the state and a representative of an old family of English ancestry. Her birth occurred November 22, 1823, and when a young lady she engaged in teaching in the district schools. As Uri Beach was the eldest son in his father's family and the fourth child, when he was young he had only limited educational privileges, but he obtained a good, practical education in the school of experience and by reading kept well informed on the questions of the day. In his business affairs he prospered and is now one of the largest stock dealers of Ohio. He began shipping stock in 1854 and has continually increased his operations in this line of business, raising, feeding and shipping stock on a very extensive scale, so that he is to-day one of the most prominent representatives of this industry in the state. He owns a farm in Franklin county and well merits his prosperity which is the direct result of his own labor. Quite prominent in public affairs he has been elected and served for nineteen consecutive years as assessor of his township. His political support is given the Republican party. Both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and take an active part in its work and upbuilding. Economical, helpful and energetic, Mrs. Beach has proved of great assistance to her husband and together they have worked on until now all the comforts and many of the luxuries of life are enjoyed by them as the result of their earnest labor in former years. Their union was blessed with seven children, but three are now deceased, John having died in infancy, in 1861, while Eva Noble, who was born in 1854, and graduated in 1876 at Ohio Wesleyan University and became the wife of Rev. J. D. Simms, died in 1882. Etta, born in 1862, was a graduate of Delaware College and died in 1890. Four of the family are still liying : Timothy D., of this review ; Isaac W., who was born in 185o, and is living retired in Plains City ; Elizabeth, who was born in 1854 and is the wife of H. B. Converse, a farmer and stockman residing in Plains City ; and Uri, who was born in 1868 and is living on the home farm, being actively interested in the stock business as a member of the firm of Beach & Son. The father provided his children with liberal educational adyantages, all haying attended college and under the parental roof each remained until attaining mature years. Dr. Beach, like the other members of the family, spent his boyhood days in his parents' home. He began his education in the district schools and afterward attended the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware. Be entered that university at the age of nineteen, pursuing an elective course. By teaching in the common schools of Ohio, he worked his way through college and also prepared to enter upon preparation for the practice of medicine. In 1870 he matriculated in Starling. Medical College of Columbus, Ohio, where he pursued a medical course and was graduated with the degree of M. D. He then went to Alton, Ohio, where he remained for eighteen months when, desiring to further perfect himself in his chosen vocation, in 18.74 he entered Bellevue Medical College of New York city, winning his degree in 1875. He then came direct to Catawba, where he has since remained. He located here as a stranger with no capital and began the slow and difficult task of winning the public-con- THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 769 fidence and of gaining public patronage. His successful conduct of several difficult cases, however, established him in public regard and he has never lost the position which he thus won as a capable and leading member of the medical fraternity. He acquired a lucrative practice and also won a wide circle of friends. On the 28th of November, 1876, in Madison county, the Doctor was married to Miss Talitha Bales, who was born in that county, January 17, 1855, and was educated in the district school and at Delaware, Ohio. Her father, Thomas Bales, was a farmer by occupation. Unto the Doctor and his wife have been born five children : Le Roy, who was born April 20, 1878, married Nellie B. Funk, of Springfield, and follows the machinist's trade in Springfield, Ohio; Alta, who was born December 29, 1879, and is the wife of Edward Fitz Gibbon, a prosperous farmer of Champaign county, by whom she has a daughter, Grace; Ada, born April 10, 1886; Downing, born October 7, 1888; and Darwin, born January 3, 1894. Mrs. Beach owns a valuable farm of six hundred acres in Madison county, Ohio. The family home is in Catawba, where the Doctor and his wife have many warm friends. The Doctor enjoys a very large practice which makes heavy demands upon his time and it is well that he is interested in his chosen life-work, for it leaves him little opportunity for active participation in other affairs of life. When twenty-one years of age he was made a Mason and belongs to Madison Lodge, No. 221, F. & A. M., of West Jefferson. He is the only examiner in his township for many of the old life insurance companies, including the Mutual Benefit, the Life Assurance Company of New York; the Equitable Life Assurance Society, of New York; the Northwestern, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; the Central, of Cincinnati; and others. Dr. Beach made his own way through college and the self-reliance and determination which he then displayed proved that he possessed a strong character that would overcome all obstacles and difficulties and steadily advance toward success. Opposition and hindrances have seemed to serve only as an impetus for renewed effort on his part and by close study and broad reading he has continually promoted his usefulness until he has had no difficulty in maintaining a position in the foremost ranks of the medical fraternity in this part of the state. SAMUEL ARTHUR. Samuel Arthur, a farmer of Clark county, owning and operating a good tract of land in Mad River township, was born October 20, 1853, on the place known as the Dillahunt farm, which was then owned by his father, Joseph Glasgow Arthur, who was born in Franklin county, Pennsylvania, October 23, 1812. He was a son of Joseph Arthur, Sr., a native of Pennsylvania, who came to Clark county, Ohio, in 1829, and died here in 1843. He was a son of a man who came from the north of Ireland to America and is of Scotch-Irish descent. Joseph Arthur wedded Mary McLaughlin, and she, too, was of Scotch-Irish descent. Her mother was a Miss Glasgow in her maidenhood and came from Scotland, and hence it was that the name of Joseph Glasgow was given to the father of our subject. In 1829 Joseph G. Arthur accompanied his parents to Ohio and after arriving at years 770 - THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD of maturity he wedded Nancy Ann Albin, a daughter of George and Martha (Layton) Albin. She was born July 20, 1819, in Clark county, Ohio. Her grandfather, Joseph Layton, was one of the three original presiding justices of Clark county at the time of its organization. His people were among the early settlers of the state, coming to Ohio, when it was yet a territory. In the family were several children and the settlement was made southwest of Springfield. Both John Albin and his wife were buried in the Ebenezer cemetery in Green township in the year 1820. He was a soldier of the Revolutionary war and both the maternal and paternal grandfathers of our subject served through the war of 1812. Joseph G. Arthur died in September, 1887. In his family were eleven children. of whom five are living. The family record is as follows: Martha, the deceased wife of Jacob Haynes, by whom she had five children; George, a lawyer of Springfield ; Joseph, who served in the Civil war ; jasper. deceased ; Margaret, who became the wife of Ezra D. Miller and has two children; Lemuel. who has passed away ; John, a farmer of Clark county ; Samuel, also an agriculturist ; Charles, Franklin and Andrew Jackson, all deceased. In November, 1875, Samuel Arthur was united in marriage to Miss Rosabella McClure, who was of Scotch-Irish descent and a daughter of George and Harriet (Dory) McClure. The mother's people were from England. In the family were twelye children : David Dory, a gardener ; Rosabella., the wife of Mr. Arthur ; Charles Jefferson, ranchman, of Colorado; Harriet Ann, who is a bookkeeper ; John, who followed farming but is now deceased; William. who was also a farmer ; George Robert, a farmer now deceased ; Elizabeth, who passed away Seth. a machinist ; Thomas, a gardener and florist Mary, the wife of Elmer Kahl ; and James Edward. a grocer of Springfield. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur has been blessed with three children: Dora Belle, born August 14, 1876; Alice Carey, born September 17, 1878 ; and Margaret, born October 11, 1884. Dora Belle is the wife of Edward Brantner, a teacher of Clark county. Alice Carey is the wife of Claude Arthur Layton, of Green township, this county, and they haye two children : Arthur Barnes and Lois Angeline. Throughout his entire business career Mr. Arthur has followed farming and has a valuable tract of land which is well improyed. He belongs to the First Congregational church of Springfield, with which his family are connected, his membership therewith dating from 1892. He was a member of the Clark County Grange at Tremont, but his membership is now with the Grange at Enon. He has always been a Democrat, following in the political footsteps of his father and grandfather in this respect. He has been township trustee for three years and for two terms was a member of the board of education, while frequently he has served as a delegate to the county convention of his party. CHARLES E. BRENING. Charles E. Brening, whose skill as a draftsman and machinist has qualified him for important positions. is now serving as superintendent of the E. W. Ross Company and is a member of the firm of Brening Brothers. He was born in the Empire state, THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 771 his birth having occurred in Oswego county, New York, June 16, 1859. His father, Charles A. Brening, was a native of Germany and when only four years old came to the United States and settled in Onondaga county, New York. where he was reared to manhood, devoting his time to the work of the field. After arriving at years of maturity he wedded Christina Earhardt, who was born in Germany. His father was a machinist and devoted the best years of his life to his trade, serving as superintendent of different factories, including a large one in Syracuse, New York. He was well qualified for the onerous and important duties which devolved upon him, but now he is living retired in the enjoyment of a well earned rest. Charles E. Brening acquired his early education in the public schools and after completing his studies there he entered the Fulton Seminary at Fulton, New York, where he diligently devoted his energies to the mastering of learning therein taught. On putting aside his text books to learn the more difficult lessons in the schools of experience he sought employment in the line of a machinist, learning the trade with the E. W. Ross Company, which at that time was engaged in the manufacture of water wheels and mill work. Later on he was instructed in the line of his chosen calling by Professor Sweet, who was a skilled mechanic and practical workman, who for several years after that period was professor in Cornell University. After completing his trade Mr. Brening entered the employ of the firm of Heild & Morris, having a situation in their engine works at Baldwinsyille. New York. There he remained for some time, after which he entered the seryices of the Thompson & Kingsford Engine Boiler works. in which he worked on fine machinery. He became a draftsman, designer and maker of patterns and acquired a high degree of proficiency in this line. Later he returned to the E. W. Ross Company, then at Fulton, New York, as foreman of their machine works, the company being at that time manufacturers of water wheels and feed cutters. In 1886 the E. W. Ross Company removed its works from Fulton, New York, to Springfield, Ohio, and continued their line of manufactures here. Mr. Brening accompanied them to their more westerly location. The company made large additions to the plant, constructing new buildings and putting in modern machinery. In the winter of 1900 the works were destroyed by fire, and all of the machinery was ruined and nearly all of the patterns were thus swept away. At that time there were many orders in the house to be filled, but as the patterns were burned it was a serious question as to what was to be done. The company at once began the erection of new buildings while Mr. Brening, as draftsman, undertook the work of again making the patterns. He possessed an excellent memory and added to this was his executive force and mechanical skill. With a large force of workmen he began reproducing the patterns and at the time the buildings were completed he was ready with these, a fact which indicates his capability in coping with an emergency. On the 23d of October, 1886, Mr. Brening was united in marriage to Miss Cora M. Howard, of Fulton, New York, a daughter of Joseph H. Howard. Socially he is identified with Springfield Lodge, No. 33, I. O. O. F. His long connection with the house of which he is now a representative, covering almost the entire period of his manhood, indicates in an unmistakable manner that he 772 - THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD enjoys in the highest degree the confidence of those whom he represents. He has long since left the ranks of the many to stand among the successful few because of his comprehensive knowledge of mechanical principles, his precision, care and promptness in execution and his honorable relations in all trade matters. CHARLES T. RIDGELY. Charles T. Ridgely, of the Ridgely Decorative Company, being secretary and treasurer of the firm, was born at the corner of Columbia and Yellow Springs streets in Springfield on the 15th of February, 1856. Among his friends are many who have known him from boyhood and this is indicative of an honorable career, worthy of the respect and confidence of his fellowmen. He is the eldest son of J. T. Ridgely and in the Western school building he pursued his education until thirteen years of age, when he began to earn his own living. He has since depended upon his own exertions, and, although he has encountered difficulties and obstacles in his path, he has steadily advanced until he to-day occupies a very creditable position among the business men of the city. He began learning the trades of painting and paper-hanging under the direction of his father. At the age of nineteen, however, he was forced to abandon the former, which proved detrimental to his health. In 1875 he entered the wall paper department of the store of C. H. Pierce & Company and for seventeen years represented that house as a paperhanger, being particularly skilled in that line of artisanship. In 1892 he accepted the position of manager of the wall paper department of the business of E. H. Wrens. with whom he remained for one year and on the expiration of that period he began business for himself. It was on the 1st of Noyember, 1893. when the Ridgely Decorative Company was formed with T. T. Ridgely as president, H. G. Ridgely as vice president. and C. T. Ridgely as secretary and treasurer. Our subject had the management of the business until 1899. when he began manufacturing the Ridgely trimmer on an extensive scale. He invented and developed the C. T. Ridgely wall paper cutter in September, 1888, made valuable improvements in July, 1889, and has since devoted considerable attention tos the manufacturing of these devices and placing them upon the mrrket. The first year over two hundred machines were sold. It was then put into the hands of jobbers and the output for the season of 1902 was over eight thousand. In 1895 he patented, an entirely new machine and made improvements from year to year. In 1898 he produced another new machine and in 1892 he patented an adjustable straight-edge cutter. The machines and cutters have been manufactured in Springfield since 1899 and Mr. Ridgely is giving his entire attention to this branch of the business. He finds sale for his goods throughout the civilized world and he advertises to a considerable extent in foreign journals. This business has been developed practically since 1895 and he has met with desirable success in the enterprise. While engaged in the wall paper business he saw the need of a device for trimming wall paper without. danger of cutting fingers, as formerly a straight knife had been used. He then conceived the idea of a rotary cutter and later developed and patented the machine which he has improved and perfected from THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 773 time to time and which, because of its excellence and utility, finds a ready and extensive sale throughout the world. Mr. Ridgely was married January 6, 1877, to Maggie Hearn. of Yellow Springs, Ohio, who was born there and died in August, 1877. In 1879 he was again married, his second union being with Miss Ada Sharp, who was born and reared in Troy, Ohio, her natal day being in December, 1866. She is a daughter of William Sharp, who died in November, 190o. His wife was a Miss Baird, and was of Scotch ancestry. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Ridgely have been born three children : Baird, who died at the age of fifteen months; Charles Verrey, born August 14, 1886; and Roderick Lea, born in September, 1889. The sons have been educated in the Springfield public schools and are now students of the violin under Robert Brain at the Conservatory of Music in this city. They may well be termed musical prodigies, having remarkable skill and talent. They have studied music for about six years and have given many concerts of a very high order. The parents may well be proud of the marked ability of the sons in this direction. for their talent has long since advanced them beyond mediocrity as performers on the violin. The family home is at No. 508 West Mulberry street, and here hospitality reigns supreme. Mr. Ridgelv purchased the lot and built the house in 1890. He is a valued member of Red Star Lodge, K. P., and of Division No. 44. of the Uniformed Rank. He is also connected with Al Yembo Temple, D. O. K. K.. and with the local lodge of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He is a charter member of the Modern Woodmen camp here, belongs to the Commercial Club and is the vice-president and director of the Matinee Gentlemen's Driving Club of this city. Mr. Ridgely deserves great credit for the success which he has accomplished in business and for giving to the world devices of much practical utility and value in industrial circles. The story of his achievements, showing that he has overcome obstacles and difficulties and by perseverance has gained success, should inspire many young men to increased diligence and perseverance. JOHN B. SPARROW. In a biographical history of any county it is interesting to note the large number of agriculturists who form an important part in such a record, and as the prosperity of a state is usually indicated by the successful business men living within its borders, Ohio may well be proud of her representative citizens who till the soil and cultivate the fields. Among this class of substantial business men was numbered John Sparrow, who for sixty-four years made his home upon the farm where he died in Green township, Clark county. He was born in Springfield township, July 3, 1829, and was a son of John and Mahala (Kelley) Sparrow. His father was a native of Maryland and was but seven years of age when brought by his parents to Ohio. His parents were Joseph and Mary (Dudley) Sparrow. The former was a farmer by occupation and on coming to Ohio settled upon the farm which is now at the intersection of 'the Selma and Clifton pikes. He cleared this land for Mr. Perrin, whose heirs still own the place, and spent his remaining days upon the farm, living to be an old man. His 774 - THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. son, John Sparrow, the father of the subject of this review, also followed the occupation of farming and lived to 'be seventy-three years of age. Coming to Ohio at an early period, he witnessed many changes and improvements in the state and did his share toward the general progress and development of his community. His wife, Mahala (Kelley) Sparrow, was born near Flemingsburg, Kentucky, and was about a year old when her father, Joseph Kelley, became a soldier in the war of 1812. She came to Ohio with her grandfather, James Kelley, who settled in Springfield township, on the Clifton road. Here he became the owner of a large tract of land, partly in Springfield and partly in Green townships. Her father served for about one and a half years in the war under General Harrison. The maternal grandmother of Mrs. Sparrow was Mary Detrow. The Kelleys were a very large .family and the members were quite well-to-do. A little history of the family was gotten out a few years ago, \Olen there were five hundred and fifty-seven descendants of Joseph Kelley. John and Mahala (Kelley) Sparrow became the parents of ten children, of whom Mr. Sparrow of this review was the second in order of birth ; Absalom married Adeline Copes, was a private in the Union army, a member of the One Hundred and Tenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and being taken sick and sent to the hospital, he was there given the wrong medicine and died soon afterward, and was buried near Petersburg; John B. was the next in the family ; Joseph married Mary Hatheway and now resides in Greene county ; Charlotte married James Finley. who died in the Union army ; Mary Jane became the wife of William Dellinger and resides in Darke county ; Sarah married Avery Griffith, who was killed by the last gun that was fired at Petersburg. where he lies buried ; Elias married Margaret Berg and resides in Greene county Richard. who married Lavina Wike, was a member of the One Hundred and Tenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry and was wounded in 1864. which closed his military career; William married Sarah McClusky, and resides in Clifton : the last were twins, who died in infancy. John B. Sparrow was nine years of age when his father removed to Green township, settling upon the present home farm, belonging at that time to the Marquart estate. This farm he and his father cleared and improved, making it a comfortable home, and here Mr. Sparrow spent the remainder of his life. In the common schools of his district he pursued his education, and in the vacation seasons he assisted his father upon the home place, remaining with him until he was twenty-one years of age. For a year or two he engaged in chopping wood and making rails and then began to buy and raise stock and became an extensive dealer in the same, shipping to Cincinnati and Buffalo. In this enterprise he was very successful. On March 1, 1855, was celebrated the marriage of John B. Sparrow and Miss Anna Johnson, a native of Highgate. England. Her parents were Mark and Esther (Firth) Johnson, and on coming to America they located for a time in Rensselaer.county, New York. From there they removed to Clark county in 1854 and bought property in Springfield. Her father died in 1864, at the age of forty-two years, while the mother died in Springfield in November, 1902. at the age of eighty-eight years. Mrs. Sparrow was nearly ten years cf age when with her parents she crossed the Atlantic to the new THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 775 world, and the most of her life has been spent in Clark county. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Sparrow lived upon the farm where she now resides, with the exception of the first year. Mr. Sparrow, at the time of his death, owned two hundred acres of land, which is cultivated and improved, being well adapted for general farming and the raising of 'stock, in which he was extensively and successfully engaged. Ten children graced the union of Mr. and Mrs. Sparrow : Clarinda married Fisher Littleton and resides. in Yellow Springs, and five children have been born of this union ; Rosetta married Charles Dudley and resides in Springfield ; Sanford married Minnie Forbeck, of Mad River township, and they have one child ; George, who is a resident farmer of Green township, married Lenora Easton, and they have four girls ; Oscar married Emma Hurst and they reside on the home farm; John Burgess, who resides near the home place, married Nettie Wheeler, and in his family are three children ; Mary, v ho married William Huston, is the mother of two children and resides in Greene county, Ohio; Lillie married Ford Kershner, has four children and is also a resident of Greene county ; Oliver married Alberta Horn ad liyes at home; and Warren completes the family. Mr. Sparrow was reared a supporter of Democratic principles, and while firm in. his advocacy of the party and its interests, he never sought or desired office. He and his wife, together with most of the members of the family were earnest workers in the Methodist Episcopal church, in which Mr. Sparrow was for thirty years a class leader and for twenty-five years superintendent of the Sunday-school. For thirty-five years, also he was a member of the Inde pendent Order of Odd Fellows. Throughout his long residence in Green township Mr. Sparrow was ever regarded as a substantial and prominent citizen, ever exerting his influence on the side of right and for the general welfare of his community, and by all he was known to be a man of sterling integrity and a good Christian gentleman. He died August 18, 1902, on the home place and was buried at Emery Chapel, Springfield township, this county. T. J. CREAGER. Life is meaningless unless it is universal and coherent. It is in the helpful spirit of the times that we recognize the best signs of the future. There is in cooperation a recognition of the strength of unity; a realization of the fact that the greatest good can be accomplished through concerted effort of the individuals in behalf of the whole. We are led to this train of thought by reflecting upon the life record of Mr. Creager, who is now filling the important position of secretary of the Trades and Labor Assembly of Springfield, and whose efforts in behalf of various labor organizations have gained for him more than a local reputation. Mr. Creager, who has been a resident of Springfield since 1873, was born in Hagerstown, Maryland, July 9; 1861, a son of George D. and Nancy (Giles) Creager, both of whom are living in this city and are natives of Maryland. The father was born in March, 1838. and died September 17, 1902. The mother is sixty-four years of age. They were educated in the public schools of their native state and both were 776 - THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD respected citizens of their community. In Maryland the father followed the occupation of an upholsterer, and in 1873 he came to this city and was employed in the paint department of the Lagonda shops. Later he had charge of the paint shops of the Buckeye works, owned by the P. P. Mast Company, and from 1892 until his death was engaged in house painting as a contractor. He was a well read man, a progressive, enterprising citizen, and in his political views a Democrat. Unto himself and wife were born six children, but three are now deceased. Lucy, who became the wife of William White, a compositor, died in 1900. Daniel. who was born in 1862. died in 1885. Harry died at the age of four years. T. T., the subject of this review, is the eldest of the family. Howard is married and is an employe as a trimmer by the Springfield Metallic Casket Company. Ned S. is engaged in house painting. T. J. Creager of this review began his education in the public schools of Maryland and continued his studies in the schools of this city until he entered the printing office of Elifritz & 'Winters, publishers of the Transcript. He learned his trade in that office. The firm was merged into the Winters Engraving & Lithographing Company, Mr. Creager remaining in the house for a time after this change was made. He was also employed by the Barrett Publishing Company, printers of legal blanks, in whose employ he remained until January, 1901, when he was elected to his present position as secretary of the Trades and Labor Assembly, of Springfield. In May, 1890, Mr. Creager was united in marriage to Miss Ida M. Poling, who was born in Clark county, a daughter of T. S. Poling, who now resides on West Jefferson street, in this city. He was formerly a farm er and later was employed in the Lagonda shops. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Creager have been born a son, Alfred, whose birth occurred in October, 1898. The family home is at No. 230 Rice street. Mr. Creager cast his first presidential vote for Grover Cleveland in 1884. In local politics he is found as the supporter of the men whom he thinks best qualified for office without regard to party affiliation. He was a delegate to the conference that organized the populist party and was a delegate to its conventions until 1896. The following year he was the chairman of the state executiye committee of the Populist party, was a delegate to the state conyention, a member of the central committee and attended all the state conventions until 1897, at which time the Union Reform party was organized, having but one plank in its platform, that for direct legislation. He was secretary of its state committee for two years and has been one of its actiye workers from its organization to the present time. Mr. Creager became a charter member of Springfield Typographical Union, No. 117, at the time it was instituted in July. 1882, and has been a continuous member since that date. He has been elected frOm time to time to the various offices provided by the union and in each instance faithfully discharged the duties imposed. In the year 1900 he was selected as its representatiye to attend the forty-eighth annual convention of the International Typographical Union. held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, an honor that was not unworthily bestowed. Mr. Creager joined the Knights of Labor in April, 1883, and remained a member of Mad River Assembly, No. 2582, until its existence was terminated in 1896. Throughout the period of years when the Knights of Labor flourished he took a most active part in the work THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 777 of the movement and participated in its state and national meetings. Since the organization of the Trades and Labor Assembly, in the year of 1890, Mr. Creager has been a continuous member. In the twelve years. he has been a delegate to this body, he has:: with the exception of the first few years,. rep-, resented his local Typographical Union. For the. past two years he has been secretary of the assembly, and with the assistance of his associates has. discharged the numerous duties incident to the nature of the office to the satisfaction of both the assembly and the affiliated unions. For a number of years he has been a member of the Labor Day celebration committee, which is appointed by the Trades Assembly. These celebrations have been so successfully. conducted by the assembly since it was instituted that Labor Day is not only the most generally observed holiday of the year, but the greatest of all. It is attended with parades in which the wage-earners and various industries join, entertaining and instructive speeches are delivered and various high class amusements provided for the entertainment of those present. In this work with which Mr. Creager has been associated much has been done to bind together the various unions in the general brotherhood. He prepared and read a paper at the centennial celebration of Springfield, held at the Clark county fair grounds, in August, 1901, on the History of the Labor Organizations of Springfield, which, with other papers, was published in the Centennial Book. During the twenty years of his connection with the labor movement in this city nearly seventy unions have been instituted consisting of skilled and unskilled labor. Through them great benefits have been secured and better conditions generally prevail. While at first this movement was opposed and antagonized and met with bitter opposition among many classes of people, it is to-day recognized and endorsed by all fair minded people as one of the popular institutions of the country and trades unions and trades organizations are admitted to be the only practical means -of bettering the intellectual, social, moral and financial conditions of the working people and through them the welfare of the entire country. Mr. Creager has been unfaltering, earnest and loyal in his support of the cause with which he is now so prominently identified. His work on committees and in connection with recently organized unions has been of value in establishing the rights of the working men and bringing about a more just condition of affairs, and has made him popular with his fellow citizens who recognize his helpful spirit in behalf of his fellow men and honor him for it. He has many friends throughout Springfield, where he has resided since his boyhood clays, and in this volume he well deserves mention among the men whose lives have had to do with the molding of the city. SETH W. SMITH. From early ages the cultivation of the soil, the production of the land, has formed the very foundation of the prosperity of man. The first mention in history, sacred or otherwise, of the pursuits of man are those of pastoral occupations, the raising of grain, the tending of the flocks; and while, in later centuries other industries of vast importance Basis magnitude have sprung up, yet the basis of all wealth, the mainspring 778 - THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD of all prosperity, is the product of the land, which cheerfully yields to the touch of the agriculturist the vast treasures which are there ready for cultivation. The substantial upbuilding of a commonwealth as due to the energy and toil of the man who plows the field, and well is he repaid for his labor. Among the men who have helped lay broad and deep the prosperity of the community in which he lives is the subject of this review, who was born on the farm where he now lives, January 24, 1843. His parents were Seth and Deborah (Wildman) Smith, and the father was born in East Tennessee, where they were temporary sojourners, as the grandfather, Seth Smith, was born in Pennsylvania, and had gone thence to Virginia. Having lived fourteen years in Tennessee, they removed in 1800' to Highland county, Ohio, and in 1811 settled upon the farm where Mr. Smith now resides. At this early day the grandparents were of course among almost the first pioneer settlers in this part of the Ohio, and the country was in an undeveloped state. The experiences which they encountered were varied and interesting. Indians were plentiful, but were peaceably inclined. The grandfather purchased the Fitzhugh survey, which was supposed to comprise one thousand acres, but proved to contain eleven hundred and twenty acres. On the land was a primeval log house, which they occupied until 1817. when they manufactured brick on the farm and constructed a substantial two-story brick house, which stood for many years, or until 1899, When the sub-. ject of this record had it torn down and erected his present commodious and modern residence. The grandfather resided in his home in Clark county until he was an old man, honored and respected by all who knew him. He had come to Ohio when it was but a territory, landing at Paint Falls, Ross county, to which his older 'brother, Jacob, had come in 1796. Of the brothers left in Tennessee, some of their descendants removed to Vermilion county, Illinois. whence some members of the family removed to Oregon. In the pioneer spirit which caused the grandfather to seek a home amid the wild scenes of Ohio, may be traced with interest those sturdy qualities inherited from his ancestor, the great-great-grandfather of the subject of this review, who was born in England about 1680 and was one of those who, actuated by their Christian faith, became a follower of William Penn, and with him, accompanied by two other brothers, came to America. One of the brothers settled in New York, or one of the New England states, and one in the Carolinas. There has been no reliable account of the descendants. One son, the great-grandfather, Joseph Smith, was born about 1720. He was educated and reared in the Quaker faith, as was also his wife, who in her maidenhood was Rachel Bales. After his marriage he settled in Maryland, near Bladensburg. and rented a farm and conducted a mill on Permugen creek. He used to see a man passing his mill with . grist, going to another mill. so one day he made bold to ask him why he did not stop there, and was told that the man was a poor man and the other miller only took one-eighth, whereas he had 'been told that Mr. Smith took one-tenth. On explaining that this was a less amount than one-eighth, Mr. Smith ever after had the man for a customer. The great-grandfather finally removed to a farm five miles from Winchester, Maryland, where they remained for a number of years on rented land. After THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 779 a few years they decided to make a change and accordingly drove across the mountains to where Brownsville, Pennsylvania, now stands, but, not liking the location, they returned without unloading their goods. While crossing the mountains they were attacked by robbers, but drove them. off. They returned to the farm they had occupied near Winchester, and there spent their remaining days. Among their many children was Seth, the grandfather of Mr. Smith, the name being thus handed clown to the third generation, the subject of this review. In the grandfather's family were the following children: Jacob, who died at the age of three years; Samuel, aged five years at the time of his demise; Mary, who married David Littler; Rachel, who married Nathan Linton ; Ruth, who married Jeptha Johnson; and Seth, the youngest child. The last named grew to manhood in Clark county, receiying a good education for the period. The country was still new at that time and the educational advantages enjoyed were not those of the present time, but the brave and energetic spirit inherited from his forefathers and cultivated by his own efforts was his, and he did much toward promoting- the growth and development of his community. He inherited about two hundred and sixty acres of land from his father, which he cultivated and improved, adding to it other tracts until he became the owner of considerable land and in turn gave each of his children a good farm. In his remembrance Indians were very thickly settled around the locality in which the family liyed, but they were friendly inclined and made very little trouble. While the family liyed in Highland county one evening they had been away from home and on returning found the house lighted up and on looking in they found the floor covered with Indians, who had come in and built up a fire, desiring to warm and rest themselves. On receiving their supper they departed in peace. On one occasion a young Indian became enamored of his sister, the aunt of the subject, and desired to make her, as he termed it, his "pretty squaw." As the recipient of this adoration did not favor his suit, he showed his disfavor by taking a lump of charcoal, chewing it, spitting it in his hands and rubbing it over his face. Seth Smith, the father, was. born in 1798, and when he was thirteen years of age, shortly after the family had settled in Clark county, the country was shaken by great earthquakes, and the inhabitants were very much alarmed. He was an anti-slavery man, a great temperance man, and earnestly did he advocate the principles in which he believed. He was a birth-right Friend, being a direct descendant on both sides of the family of members of that sect. He was the father of seven children. Of these Samuel died in February, 1901. He married Esther Cook, who died in September, 1885. They left three children. Ruth married Samuel Hadley, of Wilmington, 'Clinton county, Ohio. Oliver married Margaret Negus, lived in Green township, and died in California, leaving six children. Seth, the father of the subject of this review, died in 1876, while his wife passed away in 1857, both being buried at Selma, Ohio. The boyhood days of Seth W. Smith were spent upon the home farm. He received the advantages of a good common school education, which was supplemented by. attendance at Earlham College, Richmond, Indiana, for two years, and one year in the Agricultural College at Lansing, Michigan, thus being well fitted for the practical duties of business life in after 780 - THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD years. In 1872 he was married in Alliance, Ohio, to Miss Marion Griffith, and the young couple took up their residence on the old homestead. He was married the second time in 1878 in Clinton county, Ohio, at New Vienna, the lady of his choice being Miss Hannah Lewis, who was born there. This union has been blessed with five children, namely : Oscar L. ; Lewis H.; and Mary Emma, while two died in early infancy. Mrs. Smith is a daughter of Isaac and Mary (Hoskins) Lewis, and is a very estimable lady. Mr. Smith has been identified with agricultural interests here, and his individual interests have been blended with the welfare and improvement of his county and township. His efforts have been attended with the success they deserve and today he is a representative and substantial citizen of Green township, respected by all. WILLIAM S. G. DILLAHUNT, M. D. A thorough understanding of the principles of the medical science and broad experience in the practice of his profession has made Dr. Dillahunt a successful physician of Pitchin. He was born near Hagerstown, Washington county, Maryland, September 6, 1852. His father, Alexander Dillahunt, was a planter and owned a large number of slaves. He and his brothers, however, became convinced that the practice of slavery was contrary to the laws of humanity and liberated their bondsmen about 180. On this account they were subjected to great persecution in the neighborhood in which they lived and in consequence of this they left the south, disposing of their property at great loss, and came to Clark county, Ohio. The first to make the removal was George Dillahunt, who established his home here about 1850 in 1853 Alexander Dillahunt followed. The latter located in Mad River township, where he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land and later bought an additional tract of sixty acres, spending his remaining days in this county. In early manhood he had married Hannah Malone, and they became well known residents of this portion of Ohio. The father died in 1887, at the age of seventy-six years. and the mother's death occurred in 1898. when she had reached the advanced age of eighty years. Mr. Dillahunt was a hardworking man, thrifty, careful and persevering in his labors, and eventually became well-to -do. In the family were twelve children eleven of whom reached years of maturity, while ten are still living, and eight of the number are vet in Clark county. Catherine is the wife of Robert Latimer and lives in Springfield; Sarah is the wife of Job Hanes, and lives in Mad River township near Boone station. Lewis, who served for four years in Union army during the Civil war, is now living near Indianapolis. Alexander M. resides near Enon. Melcha is the wife of Michael Seifert, a resident of Logan county, Ohio. Eliza is living in Springfield. Mary is the wife of Jonas Rebert, of Springfield. William G. is the next yoRiyer. George resides in Mad River township. Alice is the wife of Robert Paden, of Springfield. Emma became the wife of W. J. Corns and died in Springfield, and Albert died in infancy. The Doctor spent his boyhood days On the home farm, where he remained until sixteen years of age, when he entered Wittenberg College, completing the work of the THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 781 sophomore year. At that time he left the institution and began teaching in the country schools of Clark county, and while thus engaged he took up the study of medicine, reading privately until he could arrange to become a medical student in college. In 1877 he matriculated in the Eclectic Medical College of Cincinnati, and was graduated in the class of 1878. For a year thereafter he engaged in teaching and then at once began practice, locating in Pitchin. Here his ability soon won recognition and his patronage has since been drawn from a .wide territory. He has successfully handled many difficult cases, thereby proying his skill in the line of his chosen life work. He is a member of the Ohio State Eclectic Association and has prepared and read' a number of papers before that organization. In 1878 the Doctor was married to Miss Mary E. Reynard, of Springfield, Ohio, a daughter of George and Mary (Nelson) Reynard. In 1879 the Doctor purchased thirty-five acres of land where he now lives and the family has a pleasant home here. Four children were born unto our subject and his wife: Eva, now the wife of Charles Peterson, of Springfield, by whom she has one child, Arnold; William Simpson Gorman, Agnes and Ruth, who are still at home. For ten years the Doctor gave his political support to the Democracy. For another decade he voted with the Prohibition party, and is now a Republican. He was reared in the Lutheran faith, but belongs to the Baptist church. He is also a member of the Junior Order of American ,Mechanics and at one time held membership relations with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. For twenty-four years. he has lived in Pitchin, devoting his time almost entirely to the duties of a constantly growing practice, which is indicative of the confidence and regard entertained for him by the public. He has been a close and earnest student and has kept informed concerning all new ideas relative to the healing art. Quick to adopt methods which he believes will prove beneficial in his work, he has this maintained his position as one of the leading members of the medical fraternity in this part of Clark county. MARSHALL M. FOX. Marshall M. Fox is one of the leading photographers of Springfield, where he has carried on business since 1893, his skill and excellence of workmanship securing for him a good patronage. He was born in Douglas county, Illinois, November 1, 1869, and is a son of George and Hannah (Kendall) Fox, both of whom are now residents of Urbana, Champaign county, Ohio. In their family were seven children, of whom the subject of this review is the fourth in order of birth. Richard K. is now engaged in the wholesale grocery business in Springfield, and others of the family are Orin Ward, George, who is head engineer and electrician in Paxton, Ford county, Illinois, and a sister, who remains at home. In the public schools of his native state Marshall M. Fox pursued his education and in 1887 he came to Ohio with his parents. He entered upon the study of photography in Dayton, where he remained for a year, after which he went to Xenia, where he engaged in the business for five years. In 1893 he came to Springfield, where he entered the employ of Delmar Spellman, with whom he remained until 1898, when he purchased the business. Under his guidance the patronage of the studio has increased many fold. Mr. Fox is a thorough master of the art of 782 - THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD photography, having a comprehensiye understanding of the business. He reads and studies everything bearing upon the art and by experiment and experience, also by utilizing the knowledge which he has gained from the work of others, he has, kept abreast of the most improved methods of the times and has made his work of such an excellent character that he has gained a very extensive and profitable business. He not only understands the best methods of developing, but also of preserving pictures, of posing, and the use of lights and shadows to bring out the best effects. His work is of a high order and commends him to the support of all who desire services in his line. Mr. Fox is a valued member of the Beneyolent and Protective Order of Elks, belonging to the lodge in Springfield. He has made his own way in life and deserves great credit for what he has accomplished, having justly won a very creditable position among the photographers of this section of the state. JAMES H. ENGLE James H. Engle, who is extensively and successfully engaged in general farming and stock raising in the township of Moorefield, owning and operating a farm on section 7, was born in Harmony township, February 27, 1848, and is a son of John. and Eliza (Melyin) Engle. The father was born in Jefferson county, Virginia., and died in 1873. while his wife survived him. for several years. In his political views he was a stanch Democrat, as were all of his sons except James H. He and his wife were the parents of nine 'children, five of whom grew to years of maturity and are still living : Sam uel, who married Alice Fautzinger, and has one child, is employed in the shops at Lagonda, Ohio; Jane is the widow of William Beard, and resides with her five children near Mechanicsburg, Ohio: James H. is the next younger ; Benjamin resides on the old homestead in Harmony township; Silas married. Jane Yeazell. has two children and resides on the old home place. James H. Engle grew to man's estate on the home farm, situated two miles west of Vienna, on the National pike. He received the benefit of a common school education, acquired in the schools of his district, which he attended during the winter months, while during vacation seasons he assisted in the work of field and meadow. remaining on the home farm until he had reached the age of twenty-two years, when he began farming on his own account. His first marriage took place on the 2nd of March, 1876, when he was joined in wedlock to Miss Miranda Neer, of Pleasant township, a daughter of Nathan and Mary Ann (Hunter) Neer. Their married life was ended two years later by the hand of death. On the 1st of December. 1881, James H. Engle was again married, his second union being with Miss Isabel Hodge. a daughter of Eli and Salina (Spencer) Hodge. One son has been born of this union, Walter, born February 25. 1883. Mr. Engle is the owner of a farm of one hundred and sixty-three acres, which he purchased in 1882, and has placed Under a high state of cultivation. He remodeled the barns and in 1902 built a fine residence, commodious and substantial. and constructed upon modern plans of architecture. In his political affiliations he is a stanch Republican, having- advocated the cause of the party since casting his first presidential ballot in 1872 for Ulysses S. Grant. At pres- THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 783 he is serving his second term as trustee of Moorefield township and for sixteen years has been a member of the board of education. He is a friend and advocate of goad schools, believing that in those institutions of learning is promulgated the future prosperity of the country. He has never been known to withhold his support from any measure or movement for the general good and in him Clark county recognizes one of her valued and representative citizens. ELIAB MYERS, M. D. Eliab Myers, who for many years successfully practiced medicine, and whose contributions to medical literature and kindred subjects have made his life of value to his fellow men, was born in Springfield, Ohio., December 17, 1848, and is a son of J. N. Myers, who came to the Buckeye state from Phoenix, Baltimore county, Maryland, in the year 1837. The ancestry of the family can be traced back to Jonathan Meyers, the great-great-grandfather of our subject, who settled in York county, Pennsylvania, in 1708. There he purchased a farm and carried on agricultural pursuits. His son, John Myers, changed the spelling of the name, dropping the first "e." The family is a very old German one, identified with the Keystone state from an early period in its development. Many of the number have become prominent in professional life as ministers and in other of the learned professions and the descendants have usually been connected with the Lutheran and Reformed churches. John Myers was united in marriage to Miss Negley, and unto them were born nine children, all of whom lived to an advanced age - 42 - -between seventy and ninety years—with the exception of the father of our subject. John Myers came with his family to Clark county and purchased bottom land in Mad River township, where he carried on agricultural pursuits until his death. Both he and his wife were buried in the old George Keifer cemetery, on the farm now owned by L. J. M. Baker. J. N. Myers was born in York county, upon the home farm that had been in the possession of the family since 1708. His natal day was in 1810, and after arriving at years of maturity he wedded Miss Mary Catherine Miller, who was born, in York county in 1812. As before state, the year 1837 witnessed their arrival in Clark county. In 1838 he purchased a farm in Bethel township, which he traded in 1840 for what are known as the Valley Mills, south of Enon. He learned the trade of a wheelwright in early life and followed that pursuit until his removal to Clark county. Here he carried on agricultural pursuits only until 1840, when he removed to Valley Mills and turned his attention to the operation of a saw and flour mill and a distillery, residing there until 1847. He then removed to what is now West Springfield, and rented a sawmill south of the Buck creek bridge, awned by James Leffel. This he operated until 1851. He also bought the home which is now the last house on West Main street. A portion of this tract of land is now included within Snyder Park. In connection with Mr. Lemon, Mr. Myers went to Dialton, in Pike township, and built a steam sawmill, the first in that part of the county. This they operated for a time, Mr. Myers removing his family to the new home in 1852. The mill was conducted until 1860, when it was converted into a wheel manu- 784 - THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD factory, the firm engaging in the manufacture of wheels for the Thomas S Mast Company, agricultural implement builders. Thus Mr. Myers was engaged until his death. In 1864 the entire plant was destroyed by fire, which occasioned great loss, as there was no insurance, but he at once rebuilt and remained an enterprising and progressive citizen of Dialton until his death. He was the real founder of the town and his business affairs were conducted most of the time alone, as he had a partner only a short time. He died October 2, 1866, while his wife long survived him, passing away on the 1st of January, 1806. In their family were thirteen children, but six of the number died in early childhood. Those who reached maturity were as follows : Sarah J.. born in 1838, in Phoenix, Maryland, was married in 1851 to John Bosserman, an old settler of Springfield, who died in 1888, and she is now living in Vernon county, Missouri ; Rebecca, born in 1839, is the wife of James Edmiston, a farmer living in Bethel township, Champaign county : John, born in 1841, at Valley Mills, died at Dialton, in January, 1902; Jacob, born in 1842, was associated in business with his brother John until 1893, when he went to the west and is now a general ranchman at Walla Walla, Washington ; Catherine Ann, born in 1845, is living in German township, Clark county, and is the wife of Samuel Dingledine ; Eliab is the next younger ; Alice Ida, born in 1854, is the wife of James M. Jenkins, of Shelby county, Ohio. Dr. Myers was educated in the common schools and when a young man engaged in teaching in Dialton and in the western part of the county. He read medicine with Dr. R. Rector, of North Hampton, Ohio, and received private instruction in languages. Later he engaged in teaching and in reading medicine for four years and pursued several courses of lectures in the Medical College of Ohio, at Cincinnati, where he was graduated in March, 1873, with the degree of M. D. He then began practice at North Hampton, where he remained for one year, after which he was located in Fairfield, Greene county, where he practiced until the winter of 1879. Dr. Myers then came to. Springfield, where he opened an office and engaged in general practice. in 3885 he pursued a special course of study in the Bellevue Medical College of New York, and at all times he has been an earnest and indefatigable student in his efforts to broaden his knowledge and thus make his. seryices of greater benefit to his fellow men. He was appointed a member of the board of pension examiners under President Cleveland in April. 1885, and within six weeks had the board established. He remained in that office until 1889, when he resigned, continuing in the practice of medicine until 1891. In that year he took up the subject of embalming, since which time he has been lecturing and writing on the subject and has been teaching since 1894. He has compiled and published two works on embalming, the first issued in 1897 and the second in 1900. He lectures to state associations in this country and to embalmers' associations in Canada and is a regular contributor on that topic to various papers published in the United States and to foreign journals. His text books have been sold throughout the civilized world. He lectures in the larger cities and also gives demonstrations, and has made deep research concerning the subject, now giving his entire time to this line of investigation. The Doctor was married in 1873 to Annettie M. Baker, who was born in Enon, THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 785 Clark county, in 1857, a daughter of Dr. A. A. Baker. They have one son, John Elwood, who was born in Fairfield, Ohio, October 2, 1877, is a graduate of Wittenberg College of the class of 1898 and is now in the employ of the Champion Chemical Company. The Doctor resides at No. 736 East High street. He 'purchased the Spinning property and rebuilt a modern home, which is one of the model residences of the city, constructed after original designs. He belongs to Anthony Lodge, F. & A. M., Springfield Chapter, R. A. M., and Springfield Council, R. & S. M. He was made a Mason in 1870, in Mount Olivet Lodge, in Addison, Ohio, and in 1875 was demitted to Osborne Lodge, in which he served as master during 1878-79, and later he was demitted to Anthony Lodge. His son has also taken the degrees of the lodge, chapter and council, the Doctor conferring upon him the degrees of the same. In 1875 Dr. Myers also became an Odd Fellow and has filled the offices of the subordinate lodge. He and his wife are members of the High street Methodist Episcopal church. Their pleasant and attractive home is noted for its gracious hospitality and is a favorite resort with many friends of the Doctor and his estimable wife. A native of Springfield, he has always resided in this vicinity and enjoys the warm regard of many who have known him from boyhood, as well as the acquaintances of later years. J. H. REYNOLDS, M. D. Successfully engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery in Lawrenceville, Dr. Reynolds has attained a creditable position in the profession where advancement depends upon individual merit, upon strong intellectuality, close application and a conscientious performance of duty. He was born in Green township, Clark county, August 8, 1848, and is a son of Henry and Julia Ann (McKinney) Reynolds. His great-grandfather, James Reynolds, was born in Ireland, ran away from home in his youth and went to sea. He afterward located in Wales and there married Margaret Edwards. In 1771 he crossed the Atlantic and settled in Virginia, where the grandfather. and the father of the Doctor were born. The father was a brickmaker and also a bricklayer and carried on business along these lines for about forty years. As he acquired some capital he made investments in real estate, becoming the owner of one hundred and twenty-five acres of land in Springfield township. He removed to that place in 1850 and there he spent his remaining days. His birth had occurred in Montgomery county, Virginia, and he was a youth of about eleven years when he came to Clark county with his parents, William and Elizabeth (Tuggle) Reynolds. The grandfather was a carpenter in early life and he, too, became a farmer of Clark county, following that pursuit in Green township. He owned land there and developed it into a rich and arable tract, carrying on his farm work until his death, which occurred when he was seventy-eight years of age. After arriving at years of maturity the Doctor's father had married Julia Ann McKinney, who was born in Clark county, probably in Green township. Six children graced this marriage, of whom the Doctor is the fourth in order of birth. Nancy became the wife of John Warren and died in Logan county, Ohio, leaving two children. 786 - THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD Olive married Thomas. Hill, of Kingman, Kansas. William Wallace is liSpringfielde old homestead in Springfied township with his wife and six children, the former having borne the maiden name of Mary Filcher. J. H. is the next younger. Elizabeth is at home. Rachel is the widow of James Titus and lives on the old homestead. The father died in 1884, and the mother passed away in 1878. Dr. Reynolds spent his boyhood days in the usual manner of farmer lads of the period and his early educational advantages, afforded by the common schools, were supplemented by one year's study in Wittenberg College. Before he entered college he had engaged in teaching and afterward followed that profession for about six years, thus earning the money which enabled him to prosecute his medical studies. Having determined to make the practice of medicine his life work, he began studying in Flattsburg under the direction of Dr. H. F. Wildasin and later he pursued a course in the Cincinnati Eclectic Medical Institute, which he entered in 1874, being there graduated in the spring of 1876. He at once located in Lawrenceville, where he remained for about five years, and in 1881 went to Springfield, where he continued to practice until 1886. In that year he removed to West Jefferson, where remained until March, 1890, when he returned to Lawrenceville, where he has since enjoyed a good practice. Dr. Reynolds was married September 28, 1876, to Miss Sarah J. Ballentine, of this place. She was born in German township and is a daughter of James V. and Rosanna (Domer) Ballentine. Two children graced this union; Edgar L., who is a telegraph operator in Springfield: and Julia A., at home. The Doctor was reared in the faith of the Democracy and has always adhered to that party. He is one of its prominent members and active workers in this locality and has served as a delegate to various conventions. In 1883 he was Democratic nominee for coroner, but as his party is in the minority in this locality he was not elected. In 1891, however, he was elected clerk of his township, and in 1902 was again chosen to that office, while in 1898 he was nominee for infirmary director. He belongs to Springfield Lodge, No. 33, I. O. O. F., of which he is a past grand. As a student of his profession he has ever been earnest and thorough, reading broadly and investigating closely all subjects which he believes will prove of benefit to him in his work. He has thus progressed in his profession until he has long since left the ranks of the many and stands among the successful few. GEORGE OTSTOT Moorefield township is a representative district of Clark county. The rich farming tracts of this community are pleasing- to the eye of the beholder, and the illustrious Longfellow might have been describing this locality when he penned these words : "West and south there were fields of grain, and orchards and cornfields, spreading afar and outsretched o’er the main, and away to the northward." One of the fine farms of this township is owned by George Otstot, and upon it he is extensively engaged in the raising of stock and the cereals adapted to THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 787 soil and climate. He was born in Springfield township, southeast of Springfield, October 19, 1844, and is a son of William and Rebecca (Knaub) Otstot. His father was a native of Pennsylvania, having been born in Lancaster county, December 25, 1811. He came with his parents from Pennsylvania to Ohio when about eighteen years of age. His. father was Adam Otstot, who had been a wealthy man of the locality in which he lived, possessing about forty thousand dollars, but he had gone security for another and lost all his fortune. Consequently he was yirtually penniless on coming to Ohio. His son, William, the father of the subject of this review, was thus early obliged to make his own way in the world. Fie received a fair common school education in the district schools. By his energy and determined effort he became the owner of one hundred and eighty acres of land, which he cultivated and deyeloped into a good farm. •He was married in Clark county, Ohio, February 15, 1842, to Rebecca Knaub, also a native of Lancaster county, Pennsylyania. She had come with her parents to Ohio when about twelve years of age and was a daughter of George and Mary ( Jacobs) Knaub. They became the parents of thirteen children : Mary married John Macbeth, and resides in Springfreld ; Joseph is also a resident of Springfield; George of this review is the next younger; John resides in Springfield township ; Jane is the wife of Lewis Batorf, living in Springfield: Sarah resides with her mother; Rebecca is the wife of Thomas Crabill and makes her home in Columbus; Amanda. died at the age of nine years; Clara, now deceased, was the wife of William E. Tuttle. and left six children: Villiam lives in Moorefield township; Henry lives in Springfield : Charles resides on the old home place in Springfied township; Florence is the wife of Wilbur Tuttle and resides in Springfield. The father of this family, though never being an aspirant for office, was a stanch adherent to Republican principles and was a member of the First Baptist church. His death occurred July 15, 1895, in Springfield, but his wife is still living at the age of seventy-eight years. George Otstot pursued his studies in the common schools of his township and remained on the home farm with his father, assisting in the work of field and meadow, and after reaching his majority receiving wages for his labors. On the 25th of January, 1877, lre was united in marriage to Miss Anna Hinkle, who was born in Springfield township, a daughter of Joseph and Margaret Jane (Alt) Hinkle. Her father was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, in February, 1828, and died in 1878, while her mother died July 15, 1902, at the age seventy-nine. Mrs. Otstot is the eighth in the family of thirteen children, eleven of whom grew to years of maturity and eight are still liying. Adam and. George died in infancy ; Maria became the wife of James Macbeth; Rebecca is the wife of John Stewart and resides in Springfield; John died leaving one child; Henry resides in Springfield; Mary married Joseph Foreman and resides in Springfield township; Amanda is the wife of George Oates and they reside in Springfield ; Margaret died in early womanhood; Joseph makes his home in Springfield; Belle is the next younger ; James resides in Springfield township. Mr. Otstot, in connection with his brother Joseph, purchased a farm of fifty-two acres, south of Springfield, in 1878, having for one year after his marriage resided on rented land. This farm 788 - THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. the brothers still awn and the subject of this sketch made his home thereon for five years. He then removed to another farm which he rented for seven years, then rented the Bowman farm for three years, at the end of which time he purchased eighty-three and one-half acres in Springfield and sold it later to a brother, removing from the Bowman place to the farm owned by Mrs. Tuttle, which he purchased. Remaining there three years, he then sold his property to his brother and purchased one hundred and sixty-five acres where he now resides. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Otstot were born two children, Joseph, born March 31, 1878, died at the age of twenty-one and is buried in Ferncliff ; and Ada is living on the old home place. Mr. Otstot is a public spirited and progressive man of his community, taking an active interest in the development and improvement of the same. In politics he is a stalwart Republican, as are all his brothers. He strongly advocates the cause of the party, but is content to take no active part in the affairs of state, although eyer desiring the success of the party, which he has supported since casting his ballot for Ulysses S. Grant in 1868. JAMES CRABILL Effort long continued when guided by sound business judgment cannot fail to win success, and such has been the case in the history of James Crabill, who is now living retired in Moorefield townhip after long years of connection with agricultural interests. A comfortable competence is his, won through honest purpose and unflagging labor. He was born January 12, 1841, in the town of Springfield. His paternal grandparents were Dayid and Barbara (Bear) Grabill. They were natives of Loudoun county, Virginia, where both were reared to years of maturity and were married, removing from the Old Dominion to Ohio about 1814. Four of their children were born in Virginia and others were added to the family in this state until they were the parents of twelve children. All of these grew to mature years with the exception of one, who died at the age of sixteen, but two of. the number are still living, William being a resident of Springfield, while Pearson makes his home on a farm in Moorefield township. Fiye of the family never married. Thomas, the fourth child, lived on a farm in Springfield township and reared a large family. John, the eldest, died at the age of sixteen. Sallie became the wife of George Kiser and also reared a large family. Maria was the wife of. Adam Yeazell and at her death left several children in Champaign county. Illinois. David married and had one child that died in infancy. James was the next younger. Mary became the wife of Joshua Crawn and left several children. Joseph neyer married. Susan became the wife of Rev. Enos Neer and died in Cincinnati. Pearson is a resident farmer of Moorefield township. William is living in Springfield. Eliza became the wife of Daniel A. Jones and died in Springfield, while of her five children three are liying. The father of this family was in limited financial circumstances when be came to Ohio, but here he got a good start, although later he went security for friends and thus lost all that he had made. With strong purpose and undaunted courage, however, he began business life anew and became the owner of almost twelve hundred acres of land, together THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 789 with a large amount of stock. His farm was wild woods when he settled here, the trees and brush growing so thick that it was impossible to see a man on horseback a hundred yards away. His farm yvas called "Fairview.' because as it was cleared there was obtained a beautiful view of the surrounding country for miles to the northeast and an attractive feature of the landscape is the stream of Black creek. Mr. Grabill was an old line Whig. He died at the age of fifty-six years and his wife passed away when about seventy-five years of age. Thomas Voss Crabill, the father of our subject, was born on Fairview farm in Moorefield township and was the third of the family. He acquired a fair common school education and then began farming on his own account, following that pursuit throughout his entire life. He became the owner of seven hundred and seventy-six acres of land of the old homestead, most of which he bought. In Moorefield township he wedded Sydney Yeazell, and unto them were born fourteen children, of whom our subject is the fifth in order of birth. These are : William. a farmer living southeast of Springfield: David, of the same neighborhood ; Mary Jane. who died at the age of sixteen years ; Ann Eliza, who became the wife of Joseph Winger and lost two children in early youth : James, of this review: Susan, who died in early womanhood: Louisa, who. became the wife of J. N. Tuttle and died in Clark county, leaying one child, Mrs. Carrie Alt. of Clark county ; Lavina, who became the wife of John Marsh and after his death married Michael Wilson ; John, \vho is living on a farm in Springfield township and has three children: Elizabeth, the wife of Alonzo Leffel, of Springfield; Thomas, who is living in Co- lumbus and has three children; Emma J. and Pearson, both of whom died in infancy; Milton, who lives in Springfield and has two children; Joseph F., who resides on the old homestead five miles southeast of Springfield and has two children. The father of this family voted with the Republican party and was a member of the Presbyterian church. He died September 4, 1884, at the age of seventy-four years and his wife is still living at the age of eighty-seven. James Crabill is indebted to the common schools for the educational privileges he enjoyed. He remained at home until his marriage, which took place October 17, 1876, the lady of his choice being Miss Clara E. Nicklin, of Moorefield township, a daughter of John B. and Catharine (Hoffman) Nicklin. One child graces this marriage, Jessie B., born August 2, 1881. The family home is a farm of one hundred and sixteen acres in Moorefield township, which Mr. Crabill largely inherited from his father. His possessions now enable him to live practically a retired life. in politics he is a Republican and his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Methodist Episcopal church at Springfield, to which his wife and daughter also belong. The family is well known in this section of the county, for Mr. and Mrs. Crabill have spent their entire lives here and are well known as worthy people. who justly merit the esteem and good will of their many friends. JAMES A. DICUS. James A. Dicus, whose labors have proven a co-operant for force in the commercial and industrial development of Spring- 790 - THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. field through many years and who is now engaged in dealing in iron and steel work, boilers and machinery, is one of the substantial residents of the city who has the consciousness and deserves the credit of gaining all that he possesses through labor—earnest, untiring and honorable. He came to Ohio from Maryland in April, 1869, and his ancestral history is one of long and close connection with the latter state. In early colonial days the first of the family in America crossed the Atlantic to the new world and representatives of the family have ever been distinguished for their force of character, tenacity of purpose and fighting qualities. John Dicus, the great-grandfather of our subject, was a soldier of the Revolutionary war, serving in Captain Gales' Company, Maryland Artillery, as drummer, and taking part in the long, sanguinary struggle which brought independence to the colonies. James Dicus, the grandfather of our subject, was born in Maryland and was a farmer by occupation, following that pursuit throughout his entire business career. He wedded Miss Elizabeth Stevens, a daughter of Levi Stevens, also a Revolutionary soldier, belonging to the Second Maryland regiment, commanded by Colonel Thomas Price. Among the children. of James and Elizabeth (Stevens) Dicus was James Dicus, r., also a native of Maryland, born near the city of .Ellicott in 1812. There he spent his boyhood days and after acquiring his education in a private school, he went to Baltimore, where for many years he was engaged in the manufacture of cotton goods, controlling a business of considerable magnitude and importance. He wedded Mary E. Gosnell ; and thus in the maternal line our subject comes of an an cestry equally old, honorable and distinguished for his mother was a daughter of William and Sarah (Clark) Gosnell, the former a soldier of the war of 1812, while the latter was a daughter of Bishop Clark, a native of England and a distinguished citizen of that country as well as a notable divine. The great-grandfather was also a bishop of the church of England. The Clarks originally owned a tract of land which was known as Clark's Camp Ground, situated in Baltimore county, Maryland, near the city of Baltimore. It was in Baltimore county that Mrs. Dicus was born and her death occurred in Springfield. Ohio, in June, 1897, while the father of our subject died in the year 1867. They were the parents of four children : James A., Josephine, Mary E. and John Stevens. Josephine and John Stevens are now deceased. James A. Dicus of this review was born in Baltimore county, Maryland, May 31. 1846, and having completed his literary education, he served a four years' apprenticeship to the patternmaker's trade and then embarked in business on his own account as a dealer in implements, machines and boilers, continuing that connection with commercial interests until 1864, when he enlisted in Company D. Eleventh Volunteer Infantry, as a private, Colonel William E. Landstreet commanding the regiment. On the organization of the company Mr. Dicus was commissioned first lieutenant and served with that rank until the close of the war. After the cessation of hostilities he returned to Baltimore, where he remained for a short time and. then came to Springfield, Ohio, where he has since made his home. Here he entered the employ of the James Leffel Manufacturing Company, acting as a patternmaker for a few months, subsequent to THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 791 which time he was employed by the Whiteley, Fassler & Kelly Manufacturing 'Company, working in different capacities during the twenty-one years of his connection with that corporation, being general superintendent of the shop for a part of the time, a position which he was well qualified to fill because of his practical experience and executive force—qualities which enabled him to capably direct the labors of the men there employed. Becoming connected with the Rodgers Iron Company of Springfield, he was later made president and in that capacity controlled the enterprise for ten years, when he sold his interest. His next business connection was in a department of building activity for he handled structural iron and this not only called him into different parts of Ohio. but also into other states where he obtained many contracts furnishing iron and steel for various buildings, and to some extent he is still a representative of this business. At the present time, however, he is conducting a brokerage business, and. having gained a wide acquaintance among those who had to do with mechanics, he has secured a liberal patronage which has grown until he is now at the head of a large and profitable trade. In April. 1869. Mr. Dicus was married to Miss Catherine McDaniel, of Baltimore, in which city she was reared and educated. Her father was George McDaniel. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Dicus have been born four children : Maud McDaniel ; Walter M., who was a. most promising young man and was killed in an accident October 18. 1898; Josephine and Edith Jeanette. Mr. Dicus is a Republican in politics and for two years was a member of the Springfield. Ohio. city council, while for seven years he served as a tax commissioner. He is a member of Clark Lodge, No. mr, F. & A. M., Springfield Chapter, R. A. M., Springfield Commandery, K. T. and Cincinnati Consistory, thereby becoming a thirty-second degree Mason. He is also a member of the Syrian Temple of the Mystic Shrine and he was department commander of the Union Veterans Union of Ohio and is also a member of Mitchell Post, G. A. R. His comfortable residence is located an East High street, the principal residence street of Springfield. Mr. Dicus is recognized as a prominent factor in local, political and fraternal circles and wherever he has gone he has made many warm friends. His business advancement has been continuous, being the direct result of earnest labor and capability and his life history is an illustration of the fact that stands as one of the most commendable characteristics of our national existence—that men of worth, of laudable ambition and honesty of purpose can win success in this land. ELI WEST The family of which Eli West is a representative was established in Clark county when this portion of the state formed a part of what was then Champaign county. The West family is of Scotch-Irish descent. The great-grandfather, Edmund West. came from Virginia to this portion of Ohio and cast in his lot with the early pioneer settlers who were reclaiming the wild land and laying broad and deep the foundation for the present development and prosperity of this section. He lived to an advanced age and his wife reached the ripe old age of ninety years. Their remains were interred in the Statler and Ward cemetery in Madison county. 792 - THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD Alexander West, the grandfather of our subject, was born in this county and he and his wife also reached advanced years. He married a Miss Curl, who was interested in the Mary Ball Brown estate. They became the parents of eleven children of whom three sons and a daughter are yet living: Edwin, of Mechanicsburg; Samuel, of Pleasant township ; Thomas, of Springfield: and Mrs. Mary A. Turpin, of North Lewisburg. These are now well advanced in years. Samuel was a soldier in the Civil war, as was also his brother John, who is now deceased. Samuel occupies the old home place. Henry West, the father of our subject, was born in Madison county, Ohio, in December. 1832, and died May 2, 1872. He was reared to manhood on the home farm and became a mechanic, following the trade of a brick and stone mason in connection with agricultural pursuits. He was a Republican in his political views but never sought office nor did he hold and except that of school director. Earnest Christian people, he and his wife were active members of the Methodist Episcopal church. He married Sarah Wood, who was born in Pleasant township and died here June 28, 1866. Her father was Albert Wood, a prominent farmer of that township. Unto Mr. and Mrs. West were born six children, the eldest being Eli. William Wesley, a machinist of Dennison, Ohio, has three living children, Henry, Roy, and John, and has lost two. Lettie is the wife of C. G. Wilson, a farmer of Madison county. Ohio, and has two living children, Ross and Estella, and has lost three. Isaiah is married and is a stationary engineer of Columbus. James, a farmer of Madison county, is married and has three children. Marie, Ruth, and Stella. Emma, the youngest, died in early childhood. The mother of this family passed away June 28. 1866, and was buried in Vernon cemetery. For his second wife Henry West chose Eliza Brocker, a widow- with two sons and a daughter. By the second marriage three sons were born : Lewis, of Vienna Crossroads, who is married and has two children, Reuben and Jessie; Clark, of Moorefield, Ohio, who has one daughter, Bertha ; Foster, of Summerford township, Madison county, who has two children, Bertha and an infant. Henry West was buried in Vernon cemeterv, while his second wife was laid to rest in the Arbuckle cemetery. Eli West was educated in the common schools and, being the eldest of his father's family, had to assist in the support of the younger children. At the age of eighteen he left home and began to work elsewhere. although he still aided the family by giving all his wages. For several vears he followed farm work and then turned his attention to blacksmithing, working as an apprentice from 1866 until 1891. in the service of John Lellis, of Catawba. On the 22d of December of the latter year, he purchased the shop he now owns and has since conducted a prosperous business in general blacksmithing, repairing and wood-working. having a liberal patronage. In Springfield in 1878 Mr. West married Miss Lydia Stipes, who was born in Catawba, August 5, 1858, and is a daughter of Thomas and Mary Stipes. Her father was born in Virginia in 1822, and when a lad became a resident of Logan county, Ohio. His parents had died in the Old Dominion and he was thus left an orphan. He was bound out to the family of Thomas Melvin, who brought him to Ohio. where he learned the blacksmith's trade, which he followed THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 793 until after the Civil war broke out, when he went to the front in the Union ranks as a member of the Eighth Cavalry and died on the field from disease contracted in the service. His wife was born in Pleasant township in 1825, a daughter of Archie and Sarah Runyan. She was left without a mother at an early age and was reared by her grandmother. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Stipes were born five children, Lavinia is the wife of Matthew Meer, of Catawba. Mrs. West is the second in order of birth. Mary V., born in 1851, became the wife of John Lellis and died in 1893. They had one son, Andrew, and a granddaughter, Ella. Sarah, born October 19, 1855, became the wife of John Baumgardner and died August 1, 1819, leaving seven children: Fred, Zelda, Jennie, Lawrence, Nancy, Cecil and Earl. Frances became the wife of Benjamin White. She was born July 29, 1847, and died April 1, 1900, leaving five children: Nettie, George, Lillian, Maude and Harland. Unto Mr. and Mrs. West have been born fivechildren: Clola, born August 8, 1879: Mary and Millie, twins, born January 7, 1884: Lottie, born August 13, 1886 and Lettie, born September 30, 1889. All were born in. Catawba and educated in the public schools. Mr. West erected his present attractive home in 1896. and his wife are members of the Protestant Methodist church, in which he is serving as trustee and class-leader. Formerly he was Sunday-school superintendent and is now a teacher in the Sunday-school. In politics he is a stanch Republican, known as an active and helpful working member of the party. He has served as a delegate to county conventions, has been a member of the school board of Catawba for six years, was constable of his township for one year, was mayor of the village for one year and has several times been a member of the council. In all of these offices he has discharged his duties with promptness and fidelity. BENJAMIN F. PRINCE, A. M. PH. D. Professor Benjamin Franklin Prince has been a resident of Springfield for more than a third of a century and has been so closely and prominently connected with the educational and moral interests of the town during that time that no history of the community would be complete without the record .of his career. It is a widely acknowledged fact that the most important work to which a man can direct his energies is that of teaching, whether it be from the pulpit, from the lecture platform, or from the schoolroom. Its primary object is ever the same, —the development of one's latent powers that the duties of life may be bravely net and well performed. The intellectual and moral nature are so closely allied that it is difficult to instruct one without in a measure influencing the other, and certainly the best results are accomplished when the work goes hand in hand. In this work of moral and intellectual training Professor Prince is taking an important part, being at the present time professor of history and political science in Wittenberg College. Professor Prince is a native of Champaign county, his birth having occurred on the 12th of December, 1840, in that portion of. Ohio. He, however, comes from an old Virginian family. The paternal grandfather, Adam Prince, was a native of the Old Dominion, having removed from the Shen- 794 - THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. andoah valley in Virginia to the state of Kentucky in 1805. There he resided until 1809, when he became a resident of Champaign county. Ohio, casting in his lot among its first settlers. With the work of pioneer development and improvement he was closely associated, for many years bearing his part in the general progress. He married Eva Buroker, also a native of Virginia, and among their children was William Prince, the father of our subject. His birth occurred in Kentucky in 1807 and he was therefore only about two years old when brought by his parents to Ohio. In Champaign county he was reared to manhood and there wedded Sarah Norman, a native of that county and a daughter of John and Mary Magdalena Norman, who removed from the Shenandoah valley to Ohio in 1805. A great majority of the men of the country now prominent in business or professional life, have been farmer boys in youth. Such was Professor Prince, and in field and meadow he worked in his boyhood days when not attending the district schools. After he had acquired his early education he engaged in farming in connection with his brother. Peter W. Prince, but believing that he would find other occupations more congenial, he left the farm. He desired further educational training and entered Wittenberg College of Springfield, where he was graduated on completion of the literary course in 1865. He then took up the study of theology in the same institution and was graduated in that department in 1866. His scholarship, ability and excellent deport-• ment commended him to the faculty who then offered him the position of a teacher in the preparatory department. Subsequently he became professor of natural history in the college and still later was made professor of Greek and history. and afterward of history and political science, now occupying the chair which has charge of these branches of advanced learn- ing. In 1869 Professor Prince was united in marriage to Miss Ellen Sanderson, of Springfield, who was born in Lebanon. Pennsylvania, and in her early girlhood went with her parents to Philadelphia. where she was reared. Her father, John P. Sanderson, was at one time the editor of the Philadelphia News and was a warm personal friend of Abraham Lincoln and of Simon Cameron, then secretary of war. In the fall of 1861 he was appointed lieutenant colonel in the regular army, was afterward advanced to the position of colonel, and then removed to St. Louis. Missouri, where he died in 1864, while serving his country with the rank designated. The home of Professor and Mrs. Prince has been blessed with four children: Gracella, who is assistant librarian in the Wittenberg College : Flora: Walter, who is a graduate of Wittenberg College, read medicine and was graduated in the Ohio Medical College of Cincinnati. and is now engaged in the practice of medicine in Springfield ; and Mabel. Professor Prince is a member of Clark Lodge, No. 101, F. & A. M.. and has been a prominent factor in the intellectual and social circles of the citv and in church work. He is to-day the president of the Clark County Historical Society and is a life member of the State Archeological and Historical Society, being also one of the trustees and a member of the executive committee of the latter bodv. He holds membership in the American Historical Association and in the American Philological Association. For five years 'he was the president of the Clark THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 795 County Sunday-school Association was for seven years a member of the State Sun-day-school Association, of Ohio and a member of the local board of the Young Men's Christian Association. It would be almost tautological in this connection to enter into any series of statements as showing our subject to be a man of broad general information or of humanitarian principles, for these have been shadowed forth between the lines of this review. He is a ,gentleman of strong and forceful individuality, of pronounced views, and yet there is in him an abiding sympathy, a ready charity that never fails, and has won for him the warm regard as well as the friendship and respect of those with whom he has been associated. JOSEPH DOTY LITTLE Joseph Doty Little, a soldier of the Civil war, is now living retired from active business cares, save that he is engaged in the developing of a thresher of his own invention. He has long been associated with mechanical interests in Springfield and through his inventions has largely advanced industrial methods. He was born in Monmouth county, New Jersey, March 3o, 1840, and is a son of Thomas Little, whose birth occurred in the same state in 1816. The latter was a farmer by occupation. After reaching mature vears he wedded Lydia N. Little. also a native of New Jersey. He died in 1832; his wife in 1842. Of their two children the daughter died in infancy. Joseph D. Little, the elder child, became a student in a boarding school at Freehold and afterward in Lawrenceville, New Jersey, pursuing an elective course. He was left an orphan when a little lad, his mother dying when he was two years of age, the father when the son was twelye. His uncle, Arthur W. Little, who became his guardian, was an extensive silk importer of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and our subject entered his store when sixteen years of age, working in the retail department for three years. At the age of nineteen he entered the wholesale department and was thus employed until after the beginning of the Civil war, when he offered his services to the government, enlisting in the Fifteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry under Colonel Palmer, in August, 1862. He participated in the battle of Antietam and the regiment burned the bridge at Harpers Ferry. Their colonel was then in the rebel lines as a spy. The Fifteenth Pennsylvania was an unattached command doing skirmishing duty. It was composed of an intelligent class of men above the common walks of life and was often therefore selected for special duty. In the battle of Stone River Mr. Little was captured and was imprisoned at Atlanta, Georgia, and at Richmond, being incarcerated in the latter city in the smallpox hospital. Later, however, the prisoners were transferred to Libby prison, where our subject was paroled in April, 1863. They were then placed in the hospital at Annapolis and transferred to Philadelphia, where Mr. Little received an honorable discharge in the same year. After leaving the army he went to Muncie, Indiana, with his uncle, John L. Little, with whom he was engaged in the dry goods business for three years. This was an uncle on the mother' side and the Littles in both the paternal and maternal lines were connected with mercantile pursuits. In 1866 our subject went to Dayton, where he began working for a cousin in the agricultural implement business. In 1869 he came 796 - THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD to Springfield and entered the employ of the Champion works in their new shops, assisting in fitting up the machinery for Mr. Whiteley. He possessed natural mechanical ability, but had had no experience in that line, yet he soon adapted himself to the new work and showed that he could easily master the duties entrusted to him. For three years he remained with the company and then became a traveling salesman for the firm of Rinehart, Ballard & Company, manufacturers of threshing machines, traveling over the states where the machines could be used. After leaving the road he was promoted to the position of superintendent of the shops, acting in that capacity for some time. In the meantime he constructed two practical threshers of his own designing. In 1882 the business was dissolved, both partners dying, and Mr. Little took charge of the books and settled up the estates for both men. The following year he organized the Springfield Fertilizer Company, which. vas formed as a stock company and he acted as general manager from the opening of the business. The enterprise was conducted until 1901 on a wholesale scale, shipments being made throughout Ohio and Indiana. The product was sent out in two-hundred pound sacks and Mr. Little invented and patented a device for one-hundred pound sacks in order to lessen the labor. He always recognized the importance and value of new machines which would assist in the manufacture of his fertilizer and the business proved a successful venture. Since his retirement in 1901 he has been engaged in developing another thresher, which is entirely original. He is well known in business circles as a good manager, practical, enterprising and progressive. In this city, in 1875, occurred the marriage of Mr. Little and Miss Lucy Rinehart. a daughter of James W. Rinehart, who was the senior member of the firm by which our subject was employed. Her mother bore the maiden name of Caroline Pennock. Three children have been born unto our subject and his wife : Arthur Workman, who is a student in the General Electric College at Schenectady, New York ; Joseph Drummond, in the Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland; and Elizabeth, at home. She is a graduate of the seminarv on East High street and is now a teacher in the public schools of Springfield. The wife and mother died and Mr. Little was again married in 1896, his second union being with Maria Riner art, a cousin of his first wife and the widow of Mitchell M. Benson. By this marriage there is one daughter', Agnes R. Mr. Little and his wife hold membership in the Third Presbyterian church and his ancestors were adherents of the same faith. In political views they were formerly Whigs and afterward Republicans, and our subject is a strong adherent of the Republican party and its principles. For three years he served as a member of the city council, covering the time when the city hall was erected. He is a member of the board of education, having first been appointed to fill a vacancy, while later he was elected to the office for the term that will expire in 1903. He has frequently been a delegate to city, county and judicial conventions and is deeply and actively interested in everything pertaining to the growth and success of his party. He belongs to Clark Lodge, F. A. M., and also to the chapter and council of Masonry, and he resides at No. 319 North Limestone street. In his life he has exemplified many of the traits of his Scotch, Irish and Eng- THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 797 lish lineage, having the thrift of the first, the versatility of the second and the adaptability and perseverance of the third race. It is these qualities that have made him a successful man of business, who through his own efforts has attained a creditable position among the well-to-do residents of Springfield. LEWIS SKILLINGS. In Green township, about a quarter of a mile from the place of his present residence, Lewis Skillings was born on the 24th of July, 1831. He is a son of Lewis and Anna (Craig) Skillings, and his paternal grandfather also bore the name of Lewis. He was born near Berlin, Prussia, in 1750 and when a young man he went to England, whether on a business or pleasure trip is not know. While, there, however, he was pressed into the English army without any opportunity of communicating with his fam- ily and was forced on board a vessel to be sent to America to fight for the British in the Revolutionary war. When near the coast of Maine he and a comrade, Mr. Hooper, left the ship and swam ashore, landing in the Pine Tree state. He had previously learned the shoemaker's trade and soon found work at that vocation. While in Maine he became acquainted with Hannah Bladgen, whom he afterward. married. We next hear of him as a farmer in the southern part of Stokes township, near New Sharon. Franklin county, Maine, where some of his children were born. From there he removed to Anson, near where resided Mr. Hooper, with whom he had escaped from the British vessel. His home bordered the road between Madison and North Anson, Maine. He settled on a farm and while there was killed by a limb of a tree falling upon him, June 23, 1802, and was buried in a cemetery on Sandy river. His wife lived to the advanced age of ninety-four years, passing away in 1857. They were the parents of seven children, of whom Lewis Skillings, the father of our subject, was the eldest. He was born in 1789, and after his father's death the care of the family devolved upon him and he provided for their support until .he was twenty-two years of age. This duty was then assumed by his younger brother, while Mr. Skillings came to the west, landing in Cincinnati in 1810. For a time he was in partnership in the business of shipping produce clown the Ohio and Mississippi rivers to New Orleans by flatboat. Later he settled in Springfield township, Clark county, and in Ohio he met and married Miss Anna Craig. a daughter of John Craig, who was one of the heroes of the Revolutionary war and was born February 15, 1758. In 1775 he entered the army and was discharged in 1780. He was a son of Andrew Craig, who was also a soldier in the war for independence, and who was born in Ireland in 1710. In the year 1718 he crossed the Atlantic to America and in the spring of 1776 he joined the colonial forces in order to aid in winning American independence. He died in the fall of that year on the retreat from Canada. The father of our subject became a member of the Methodist Episcopal church on his nineteenth birthday and for twenty years he served as a class, leader in the Fletcher church, exercising a strong influence in behalf of Christianity. His .wife was born near Onion river, Connecticut, March 29, 1792, and with her parents came to Ohio in 1807, the family establishing 798 - THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD their home in Clark county in 1808. Lewis Skillings was a poor man when be arrived in Ohio, but he became wealthy, owing to his careful business management, his perseverance and diligence and his honorable dealings. He was also very liberal with his means, generous to: the poor, and at the time of his death he left one thousand dollars on interest for the benefit of Fletcher Chapel, to be used after twenty years. His political support was given the Whig party and later he became a stanch Republican. In his family were the following children, of whom all reached years of maturity : Mary, who became the wife of James Laybourn; Hannah, the wife of William McKinney ; Sarah, who married Abel Laybourn ; John, who, died at the age of twenty-five years; Lewis, whose name introduces this review ; and Eben, who married 'Susan Runyon and after her death wedded Phoebe Paulin, while his third wife was Lue Miller. Lewis Skillings, whose name introduces this record, reared upon the home farm and acquired a fair common school education. At the age of eighteen he began earning money for himself, though he remained at home until twenty-five years of age. In the meantime, with what he had saved, he bought one hundred and five acres of land, constituting a part of his present farm. All of the improvements upon the place he has made and these stand as monuments to his thrift .and enterprise. He brought as a bride to his home Miss Martha A. Hammond, their marriage being celebrated on the l0th of December, 1855. She was born in Harmony township, a daughter of Calvin and Laura (Bennett) Hammond, both of whom were natives of New York and had come to Ohio. with their respective parents. After their marriage they settled near Vienna, where Mrs. Skillings was reared to womanhood. Unto our subject and his wife have been born seven children : Fremont married Celia Garlough and died. leaving- three children, his widow now living in Springfield; Quincy died at the age of eighteen months; Laura became the wife of Thomas Rowand and is now living with her father ; Roney married 'Rosa Finch and they have four children; Autice married Claude Rice and is living in Green township ; Carrie became the wife of Harley Kirkham and is living in Harmony township : and Nora died at the age of seven months. A stanch Republican in politics, Mr. Skillings keeps well informed on the issues of the day, but has never been an office seeker. He voted for Winfield Scott in 1852 and in 1856 cast his ballot for Fremont. He is a member of the Free Will Baptist church and is interested in all that pertains to progress and improvement along material, social, intellectual and moral lines. In his business affairs he has prospered and is today the owner of nearly five hundred acres of valuable land. He represents one of the old pioneer families of the county and has borne his part in carrying forward the work of development and improvement, which was begun by his pioneer ancestors, always manifesting the same love for his country and interest in her welfare as was shown by his ancestors who fought for the independence of the nation. MANLEY GOODFELLOW. Manley Goodfellow was born on a farm on Beaver creek in Clark county in 1843 and throughout his entire life has been iden- THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 799 tified with agricultural pursuits. He is the oldest son of Thomas Goodfellow and grandson of Moore Goodfellow, who was born in Ireland and at an early clay in the development of this portion of the state came to Clark county, settling on a tract of land on Beaver creek, which was covered with timber. He cleared away the trees so that the sunlight fell upon the ground, which he plowed and planted, in due course of time reaping good harvests therefrom. They were the parents of eight children, one of those being Rachel, now a widow, of Spafford. Hurd is a resident of Madison county, Ohio. The grandparents and several members of their family are buried in the Wragg cemetery. Thomas Goodfellow, 'the father of our subject, was also born on the old homestead on Beaver creek, in one of the first brick houses erected in Harmony township, his natal day being in the year 1816. He was educated in the common schools and reared under the parental roof. He afterward' became the owner of the farm on Beaver creek and later purchased a small tract of land to the west. He then removed to that place and it was there that his children were born. Throughout his business career he carried on farming and succeeded in his work so that from time to time he was enabled to add to his land and ultimately became the possessor of seven hundred acres, all in Harmony township. Much of this he himself cleared and erected thereon good buildings. He followed general farming and everything about his place was neat and thrifty in appearance, indicating his careful supervision and his progressive methods. He married Miss Mary Sexton, who was born in Canada in 1825, but some time prior to her marriage had located in Clark county, - 43 - Ohio. Unto them were born eight children, of whom six are yet living : Manley, of this review ; John, who owns 'a farm in Harmony township, but is now living in Denver, Colorado; Andrew, who is the owner of what is known as the Boyd farm, in Harmony township ; Alice, the wife of William Shorey, a resident of Pleasant township ; Dora, the Wife of David Snaveley, of Springfield township; and -Clara, the wife of William Roberts, of Moorefield township. The father's death occurred in the spring of 1896, and thus passed away one of the honored pioneer settlers of the county, who for eighty years had resided within its borders, witnessing its growth and development throughout a long period and noting the changes that occurred as it merged from primitive conditions to take its place among the leading counties of Ohio. He was a Republican in his political affiliations from the time of the organization of the party until his death and took a deep interest in its growth and success. For many years he filled the position of justice of the peace, his decisions being strictly fair and impartial. He held the office of school director and was likewise township trustee, and in all the offices which he filled he was prompt and faithful. He gave his support to church work and to all enterprises which he believed would prove of general good to the people of the county. He had many friends among the older people of this section of the state and by all was. always held. in the highest regard' for his sterling worth and upright character. Manley Goodfellow, whose name introduces this record, acquired his education in a select school. which he attended one winter, and in the public schools of Harmony township. At an early age he began work-