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GERMAN TOWNSHIP - 997 GERMAN TOWNSHIP. ADAM BAKER, farmer; P. O. Eagle City; born on his present farm April 26, 1841 ; is a son of Adam and Susannah (Klinefelter) Baker, natives of York Co.,. Penn.; Adam and family became residents of Clark Co., Ohio, in 1836, remaining in Springfield about one year; then bought and located on the farm where our subject now lives; here be resided until his death. He died in April, 1863, aged 67 years. In 1869, his wife moved to Springfield, where she resided until her death; she died Aug. 7, 1879, aged 77 years. They were parents of twelve children, seven now survive-Elizabeth, Cornelius, William B., Elnora, Joanna, John W. and Adam. Mr. Baker was an active, prominent man in this community ; in connection with farming, he was quite an extensive dealer in stock, and became owner of about 800 acres of land along the Mad River bottoms ; also bought the flouring-mills and distillery then located here, which he ran very successfully for about twenty years. He also held various offices of the township and county; was County Commissioner several years. Our subject remained with his father until his death. Was married, Oct. 10, 1869, to Amanda, daughter of John and Sarah Ann Wilson, he a native of Champaign Co., Ohio, and she of Virginia, Amanda being the third of nine children; five now survive-Malissa E., William M., Amanda E., Mary Susanna and Sarah Caroline. Mr. Baker has always resided upon the old home place, with the exception of fifteen months' residence with his father on the Hetzler property, below Springfield, when they returned to the old home farm. Mr. Baker now owns 323 acres of fine land, constituting three farms. The home place has now been in possession of the Baker family forty-four years. He has never sought or held office; he is, like his father was before him, a stanch Republican. Mr. Baker has been an active business man; a good financier; has a pleasant home, and is well situated to enjoy the comforts of life. 998 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: EMANUEL BAKER, farmer; P. O. Tremont City; born in Clark Co. Feb. 7, 1821 ; is a son of Martin and Eve (Friermood) Baker, natives of Virginia; the grandparents were also natives of Virginia, but became among the early settlers of Clark Co.; in fact, were among the real pioneers, locating here before the county was organized. Martin and Eve were in their childhood when their parents located in this county, consequently were mostly raised here; were here married, and lived and died in this county. He died July 1, 1831. They were parents of six children, five now surviving-Emanuel, Amos, Absalom, Louisa and Martin ; deceased, Samuel. Our subject, the oldest child, was but 11 years of age when his father died ; this left the mother with the care and responsibility of raising these young children, and that in a new country, where she had to labor under many disadvantages and deprivations ; but, with a courage and fortitude which only a mother seems to possess, she, with the assistance of kind neighbors, succeeded in keeping her family together until they arrived at maturity. She died Feb. 9, 1860. Mr. Baker was married Nov. 14, 1844, to Drusilla, daughter of Solomon and Leah Foltz, natives of Virginia. By this union they have had two children, one only now surviving-Lydia; deceased, Andrew J. Mr. Baker has spent his entire life in Clark Co., and followed farming as an occupation; has been located upon the farm where he now resides since the spring of 1845, a period of thirty-five years. He has a farm of 50 acres, all in cultivation, with good improvements, constituting a pleasant home and residence. Mr. Baker has held the office of Township Trustee for two years. THOMAS BAKER, farmer; P. O. Eagle City; born in this county and township Aug. 4, 1820 ; is a son of John and Susannah (Nawman) Baker, natives of Virginia (for the Nawman family, see sketch of Samuel Nawman in this work). The grandfather,. Henry Baker, was a native of Virginia, but became one of the early pioneers of Clark Co., and died here. John and Susannah were parents ,of eight children; five now survive-Thomas, Elizabeth, John, Cyrus and Susanna. They located about one mile north of Lawrenceville, where they lived until their death ; she died some fifty years ago. He was again married, to Christiana Miller, by whom he had ten children; seven now living-Henry, Aaron, William H., George W., Catharine, Levi and Simon. He died over twenty years ago. Our subject made his home with his father until 28 years of age. Was married, in 1849, to Lydia, daughter of John and Margaret Hause, natives of Pennsylvania. Issue, six children; three now survive -Harmon H., Emanuel A. and Cyrus W. Mr. Baker, after his marriage, located upon the farm where he now resides, and has made a continued residence of thirty-one years. His farm consists of 36 acres of fine bottom land in the Mad River Valley, most of which is in good cultivation, and constitutes him a very pleasant home and residence. JAMES V. BALLENTINE, Justice of the Peace, Lawrenceville ; born in Cumberland Co., Penn., Oct. 14, 1823 ; is a son of William and Nancy A. (Nail) Ballentine, natives of Ireland, who emigrated to America in 1798 and located in Pennsylvania, where he raised a family of thirteen children, six sons and seven daughters, of whom four sons and two daughters still survive-Robert, Mathew, David, James V., Margaret and Elizabeth. In 1831, Mr. Ballentine came to Ohio with his family, and, after a short stay in Montgomery Co., removed, in 1832, to German Township, Clark Co., where he spent the remainder of his life; he died Nov. 15; 1851 ; his wife died June 11, 1843. He was an industrious, hard-working man; left his native land to escape the oppression of the English Government; he sought and obtained an asylum in this " land of the free," landing here when the hand of civilization and enterprise had done comparatively little toward building cities and developing the wonderful resources of this now great and growing country. Our subject was brought up to farm labor, receiving a common-school education, with two terms of six months each attendance at a high school in Springfield. Was married, Aug. 20, 1853, to Rosanna, daughter of John and Sarah Domer, natives of Maryland; issue, five children; four now survive-Charles F., Sarah Jane, Anna and Marion S. Mr. Ballentine followed dealing in stock till 1855 ; thence gave his attention to farming, following agricultural pur- GERMAN TOWNSHIP. - 999 suits till the spring of 1877, when he sold his farm and bought property in Springfield, and some in Lawrenceville, locating_ upon the latter, where he has since resided. This course he took that he might have better privileges to educate his children, being one of those believing in education and progress. His eldest son is now in Springfield studying for the profession of a lawyer. The youngest son is prosecuting his studies, in preparation for some profession. Mr. Ballentine has been a prominent man of his township, having held office a great portion of his life. Was Assessor seven years, and Assistant Assessor five years; Revenue Assessor two years; Real Estate Assessor one year, and Justice of the Peace nine years. HENRY BOOSINGER, apiarist and sorghum manufacturer, Bowlusville; born in Lancaster Co., Penn., Oct. 9, 1831. Is a son of Henry and Catharine Boosinger, whose history appears in full in sketch of Martin L. Boosinger, in this work. Our subject was raised to farm labor, and always followed that occupation till about seven years ago, when he entered extensively into bee culture, and also into the gardening business; these he has followed with good success. In the fall of 1879, he bought a cane mill and built a furnace, and arranged full machinery for the manufacture of sorghum molasses, which business he is now carrying on extensively; and in this business, as well as an apiarist, be seems to be successful, evidently understanding the principles of the business which is always so necessary to the sure road to success. He was married, Oct. 16, 1854, to Miss Lucy Ann, daughter of John and Rebecca (Henry) Dear, he a native of Virginia, and she of Ohio. They were parents of nine children; four now survive-Eliza Jane, Lucy Ann, Mary Harriet and John Simeon. Mr. Boosinger and wife have had an issue of thirteen children ; ten now survive-John Henry, Samuel Augustus, Charles Marion, William Ellsworth, Addie Louisa, Joseph Ezra, Thomas Lee, Mary Elizabeth, Emma Dora and Walter Forest. Mr. Boosinger has never held office except that of School Director, which office he now holds. His business demands all his attention, and be is one of those energetic men who attends strictly to his business, and as such is prosperous, and has the confidence of his community. MARTIN L. BOOSINGER, farmer; P. O. Bowlusville; was born in Lancaster Co., Penn., Aug. 8, 1829; is a son of Henry and Catharine (Spickler) Boosinger, he a native of the Canton of Basil, Switzerland, and emigrating to America in 1817. She was a native of Pennsylvania. They were married in Pennsylvania, and lived there until 1837, when they removed to Ohio, locating in Clark Co., where he resided until 1872 ; thence removed to Logan Co., Ill., where he still resides, now about 78 years of age. Of an issue of five children four now survive-Martin L., Henry, John S. and Augustus. Mr. Boosinger has always been an athletic, hard-working man, and now, at his advanced age, is quite robust and healthy. Is naturally quite gifted as an artist, as a portrait-painter and a sculptor ; although never having served any apprenticeship, or taken any lessons in the art, yet he would, doubtless, have excelled in fine arts had his financial circumstances permitted him to have made it a study. He has always been a man of great integrity of character, whose word could always be relied upon, and an active Christian worker, a member of the M. E. Church, and one who is respected and stands in high esteem by all who know him best. His wife died in 1849. He married for his second wife Nancy Downing, with whom he is now living in Illinois. Our subject lived with his father until about 20 years of age, or till the death of his mother. Was married in October, 1854, to Miss Eliza Jane, daughter of John and Rebecca (Henry) Dear, he a native of Virginia and she of Ohio ; issue nine children, six now living-Mary C., John Franklin, Ella R., Annie E., Arthur H. and Laura May. Mr. Boosinger has always lived in this county, with the exception of three years spent in Illinois. Has been located upon his present farm about fifteen years. Always made farming his business. Has never held or sought office, but is a stanch Democrat in principle, but believes in the best men being elected to office, and that we should always adhere to the wishes of the people as expressed by their popular vote. JOHN C. BYERS, farmer; P. O. Northampton; was born in Pennsylvania April 16, 1815 ; is a son of John and Nancy (Branaman) Byers, natives of Pennsylvania. Benjamin Byers, the grandfather, also a native of Pennsylvania. Christian 1000 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: Branaman, the maternal grandfather, was of English birth, and came to America a poor boy, and was sold to pay for his passage across the waters. John and family became residents of Ohio in 1847, and, in one month after locating here his wife died. After her death, he and his son-in-law bought and located upon a farm in Fairfield Co., residing there three years ; thence to Putnam Co., where the father died March 16, 1873 or 1874. Our subject was raised to farm labor, living with- his father until 23 years of age. Was married Aug. 11, 1836, to Elizabeth, daughter of John and Peggy Wangart, natives of Pennsylvania; issue eleven children ; ten grew to maternity ; nine now survive Leah, Catharine, Lydia, Fannie, Andrew, Mary, Melissa and Sarah; deceased, Nancy and Elizabeth. Mr. Byers, after his marriage, lived in Pennsylvania seven years; thence to Franklin Co., Ohio, and resided nine years ; he then took an extended tour through the States of Kentucky, Missouri, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana and Michigan, prospecting for a home and a location, and finally settled upon the farm where he now resides, having come to the conclusion that he saw no State or county possessed of all the advantages better than this. Here he has resided twenty-seven years; has greatly improved his farm, erected all new and commodious buildings, and has everything fitted up, constituting a pleasant farmer's residence. Mr. Byers started a poor man, and, by his own industry, economy and good management, has accumulated a good competency. He has never sought or held office, preferring to attend quietly to his own business affairs; religiously, he is a Methodist. Mr. Byers has always been a strictly temperate man, and a great friend to the temperance cause ; has never used intoxicating liquors or tobacco in any form, and never swore an oath in his life. Such an example is worthy of record and of imitation by all future generations JOHN S. DEAR, farmer; P. O. Bowlusville. Born on the farm where he now resides Aug. 4, 1844; is a son of John and Rebecca Dear, whose history appears in full in the sketch of Henry Boosinger, in this work. Mr. Dear remained with his father till 18 years of age, when, on Aug. 13, 1862, he answered to the call of his country during the war of the rebellion, and enlisted in Co. I, 44th O. V. I., and served through the war in this regiment and in the 8th O. V. C. ; was in many hard fought battles, but escaped without a wound, and returned safely home. Was married Sept. 16, 1867, to Elizabeth, daughter of John and Eva (Maggart) Sides; he a native of Pennsylvania, and she a native of Ohio. Issue, four children-Warder, Ottwa, and Grace and Mabel (twins). Mr. Dear, after his marriage, still remained upon the home farm, till the fall of 1868; thence to Wabash Co., Ind., where he resided till the spring of 1872 ; thence returned to the old home farm, where he has since resided. This farm consists of 46 acres of good land, mostly in cultivation, with good buildings and improvements. John and Eva Sides were parents of nine children, four now survive-Mary Ann, Elizabeth, John Henry and Ellen. JACOB DINGLEDINE, farmer; P. O. Tremont City; born in Virginia July 13, 1810; is a son of Philip and Mary (Barrington) Dingledine, natives of Virginia. They became residents of Ohio, locating in Champaign Co., in 1844, where they resided till their death. His wife died in October, 1860 ; his death occurred Aug. 9, 1872. They were parents of twelve children, five now survive-Margaret, Jacob, Elizabeth, Mary and Sallie. Our subject remained with his father till 22 years of age; in the fall of 1832, lie came to Ohio, and located in Clark Co.; thence in Champaign Co., where he resided about twenty-seven years; thence back to Clark Co., where he has since resided, and upon his present farm, where he now lives, he has resided about three years. He was married Sept. 29, 1836, to Elizabeth, daughter of Samuel and Mary Baker, natives of Virginia, but who came among the early settlers of Clark Co. By this union they had seven children, three now survive-Samuel, John Emery and Rachel Ann. His wife died Jan. 18, 1858. His second wife, Sallie, daughter of Martin and Elizabeth Baker, natives of Virginia, he married April 12, 1859. Mr. Dingledine has held most of the important offices of his township, having been Assessor one term, Township Trustee eight or ten years, and Township Treasurer for three years. Has been a prominent member of the Reformed Church for twenty-five or thirty years. He has a fine farm of 103 acres, mostly in cultivation, with good improvements, constituting a very pleasant home and farmer's residence. GERMAN TOWNSHIP. - 1001 JOHN S. GARD, M. D., physician ; P. O. Tremont City; born in this township and county Oct. 1'3, 1829; is a son of Gershom and Mary (Peacock) Gard, he a native of Kentucky and she of Virginia. The grandfather, Job Gard, was a native of New Jersey, and became one of the early settlers of Kentucky, and thence of Ohio, first at Cincinnati, thence at Dayton, thence Miami Co., and finally of Clark Co., settling, in German Township, about 1805, where he spent the most of his life. Gershom, when his father settled here, was about 13 years of age; was brought up to farm labor till he reached his majority, after which he followed farming and the milling business ; building during his life several mills along Mad River. His life was one of great activity; was a soldier in the war of 1812, being then a young man just blooming into manhood. He died Nov. 1, 1866 ; his wife died several years previous, about 1849. They were parents of thirteen children, six now survive-Benjamin M., Silas H., John S., Emery R., Eli J. and Margaret. Mr. Gard was twice married; his second wife was Maria Smith, of Springfield, whom he married in the latter part of 1849, and by whom he had two children-Charles G. and Edwin V. Our subject was brought up to manual labor on the farm till 18 years of age, receiving the advantages merely of a common school education. At this period he attended the Ohio Conference High School, at Springfield, two years; thence the Wesleyan University, at Delaware, two years ; thence R. S. Bacon's Commercial College, at Cincinnati, where he graduated ; thence the Starling Medical College, at Columbus, Ohio, where he graduated in 1864. He now entered the army as Assistant Surgeon, under Maj. Grant, of New Jersey, being assigned to that position and located at Madison, Ind., by Charles Tripler, who had command of the Northern Medical Department, where he remained till his appointment as Demonstrator of Anatomy in the Starling Medical College, at Columbus, which position he held three years. After his father's death, or in 1867, he bought the old homestead farm of the heirs, paying $106 per acre. He was now owner of three good farms; these he rented and entered upon the practice of his profession, at Tremont City, where he continued till April, 1879, when he bought and located upon the farm where he now resides, retired from active practice. He married, Nov. 11. 1851, Miss Emma E., daughter of Edward and Elizabeth Hurd, natives of New York State; issue, five children, four now survive Horace A., Warren E., Mary B. and Laura A.; deceased, Edward DeForest. Dr. Gard now owns 300 acres of excellent land, constituting three farms, all in good cultivation, with good improvements, and is pleasantly situated to enjoy the comforts of life. He has held the office of Justice of the Peace, being the only Republican ever elected to that office in German Township. The Doctor and his wife are members of the M. E. Church, he having been such twenty-five years, is Trustee of the Church, and superintended the building of their new edifice, which does honor to the members and the town of Tremont City. GIDEON HARTMAN, farmer; P. O. Lawrenceville. Born in Pennsylvania March 6, 1832. Is a son of Peter and Hannah (dyers) Hartman, natives of Penn sylvania. They emigrated to Ohio; locating in Clark Co., in 1837, upon the tract of land upon which his son Lewis now resides. Here he lived till his death, May 31, 1872. His wife is still living at the home place with Lewis, and is now 7 7 years of age. They have four children-Maria, Amos N., Gideon and Lewis M. Our subject was married, Dec. '34, 1857, to Barbara, daughter of Daniel and Susanna Snell, natives of Virginia; issue, seven children; five now survive-Oscar W., Ella F., Alice Ida, Effie May and Charles Elmer. They at once located upon the farm where they now live and have since resided. His farm consists of 181 acres of land, 123 of which are in cultivation, with good buildings and improvements, constituting a nice farmer's home and residence. Mr. Hartman and wife are members of the German Baptist Church, to which they attached themselves five years ago. EMANUEL HAUSE, blacksmith, Lawrenceville ; born in York Co., Pennsylvania, Aug. 24, 1832. Is a son of John and Margaret (Hartman) Hause, natives of Pennsylvania. The paternal grandparents were natives of Germany, the maternal of Pennsylvania. John and family emigrated to Ohio and located in German Township in the spring of 1848, where, in about six months after, he died. His wife died in 1002 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES July, 1877. From an issue of five children, four now survive Lydia, Aarabel B., Emanuel and Peter J. The mother was married the second time to Emanuel Circle, by whom she had one child-William C. Our subject, at the death of his father, was 6 years of age. The family were left in quite limited circumstances, and the children obtained homes wherever they could be found. Emanuel worked here and there through the summer months, and in the winters remained at home with his mother and attended the district school. In May, 1855, he sought and obtained a position with Joseph Peters, of Springfield, to learn the blacksmith trade; continued with him two and a half years, thence he took a trip West, working at his trade at various points in Missouri, Illinois and Indiana for one year; thence in 1860, he and his brother commenced business on their own account in Lawrenceville, where they carried on blacksmithing fourteen years, when his brother retired from the firm, and Mr. E. continued the business till April, 1880, when he sold out and bought a farm two and a half miles north of Lawrenceville.He was married, Oct. 3, 1861, to Elizabeth, daughter of John and Christena Brest, natives of Virginia; issue, eight children; six now survive -Laura A., Clark C., Otilla J., Kit C., Omer P. and Stephen S. Mr. Hause started out a poor boy; obtained but a limited education ; learned his trade, and, by industry and economy, has, besides raising his family and meeting the expenses of much sickness, and the death of two children, accumulated a good property; owns 100 acres of good land, mostly in cultivation, with good buildings and improvements, and all paid for but $1,650. He has been a bard-working, energetic man, and is one of those who knows no such word as " fail." SAMUEL R. HOCKMAN, miller, Eagle City; born in Shenandoah Co., Va., Sept. 26, 1821. His father, Peter Hockman, and grandfather, George Hockman, were born on the Shenandoah River, in Shenandoah Co., Va., and lived and died there. The great-grandfather, Peter Hockman, was born in Pennsylvania, coming to Virginia in his younger days, and lived and died there. Samuel Hockman was raised on the farm and worked for his father till July, 1842; he then engaged with William D. Wright, of the same county and State, to learn the milling business, which he has followed up to the present time. He was married, Jan. 29, 1852, to Ann Eliza, youngest daughter of Christian Gochenour, and granddaughter of John Gochenour, all residents of the Shenandoah Valley, Va.; they had seven children born in Virginia-Milton, Lydia, Mary, John, William, Benjamin and Samuel. In July, 1867, he emigrated to Champaign Co., Ohio, where his two youngest daughters were born-Emma and Bettie. Here be worked at his regular trade in several of the mills on Mad River, until in May, 1876, be purchased the old Baker mill property in Clark Co., now known as the " Eagle City Mills," where he has since remained, and is doing a good business under the firm name of S. R. Hockman & Son. This is a very fine property, located on the Mad River in the midst of a fine grain-growing country, and is fitted up with the best of machinery, great improvements having been made in the mill since its present ownership, and they contemplate making still further improvements in the way of some new machinery, determined to make it one of the best mills on Mad River. Last year, from July, 1879, to July, 1880, they ground 46,000 bushels of wheat, besides many thousand bushels of other grain. On April 1, 1879, a post office was established at the Mills, called the " Eagle City," and Mr. Hockman was appointed Postmaster, which position be still holds. JOHN KIBLINGER, firmer; P. O. Eagle City; born on the farm where he now resides, Sept. 11, 1816; is a son of Jacob and Mary (Pence) Kiblinger, natives of Virginia. Jacob first visited this county in 1801, and between this date and the year 1805, made four trips from Virginia to this county, assisting in moving several of the Kiblinger and Pence families to this their new home. On the last trip, which was in 1805, he brought his ,father, Jacob and family, and all now became permanent residents of this county, being truly pioneers of the county. Jacob Kiblinger, Sr., built the first saw-mill and hemp-mill in this township, located on Mad River, near the place where the Eagle City Mills now stand. Jacob Kiblinger, Jr., on one of his first trips to this county, between 1801 and 1805, entered 80 acres of land, which is embraced in the GERMAN TOWNSHIP. - 1003 farm of our subject. From the year 1805, when they made their permanent settlement, they commenced to open out and clear up the land and make a home. After some years of labor and toil, the grandparents died, and the work was continued by the father. He lived till Feb. 18, 1860, when death released him from all earthly cares. His wife died Dec. 30, 1870. They were parents of eleven children, four now survive-John, Eli, Jemima and Lemuel. Our subject lived with his father till his marriage, to Mary Jane, daughter of Henry and Eva (Snyder) Pence, natives of Virginia. Issue, four children, two now survive-Eva Ann and Mary Catharine. His wife died June 24, 1847. His second marriage was Dec. 12, 1847. to Elizabeth, daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth Grube, natives of Pennsylvania. Issue, four children, three now survive-Lucinda, Sylvanus and Joanna. Mr. Kiblinger, after his first marriage, located in Champaign Co., near Westville, and resided eight years; thence back to the old home place, where he bought out the heirs and took care of his parents till their death, and has always remained here till the present time ; has cleared up and brought into cultivation, right from the woods, 100 acres since he purchased the farm. His farm now embraces 185 acres in good cultivation, with good improvements, and constitutes one of the best corn and stock farms in German Township. Mr. Kiblinger refuses all offices of the township, but is an active member of the Agricultural Board of Clark Co.; was one of its organizers, and has been actively engaged in its work and welfare for several years. Mr. Kiblinger is one of the active and progressive farmers of Clark Co. JOSEPH C. KIPLINGER, farmer; P. O. Eagle City; born on the farm where he now resides, Feb. 11, 1842; is a son of Philip and Mahala (Shockey) Kiplinger, he a native of Virginia and she of Kentucky. The grandfather, Daniel Kiplinger, also a native of Virginia, became a resident of Ohio, locating in German Township, in 1806, being one of the pioneers of the county, settling here when this section was nearly all in its primeval forests, and the Indians their principal neighbors. Here he lived till his death, which occurred about 1852. Philip was about 2 years of age when brought here by his parents, and was raised and brought up in this county, and lived and died here, living his entire married life in the same neighborhood of his father. He died April 8, 1867. His wife is still living, now 74 years of age. They were parents of fifteen children, ten now survive-William, Daniel, James, Elizabeth Ann and Mary Jane (twins), Joseph and Philip (twins), A. Philander, Lucetta, Caroline and B. Franklin. Our subject lived with his father, brought up to farm labor till his majority. Was married, April 23, 1868, to Emma J., daughter of Noah and Louisa Ernst, natives of Virginia. Issue, two children-Viola and Philip Wilbur. Mr. Kiplinger has always resided upon the old home place, with the exception of four years spent in Moorefield Township, moving back again in the spring of 1874. The home place consists of 96 acres, mostly in cultivation, with good improvements. Mr. Kiplinger and wife are members of the M. E. Church. Grandfathers of our subject will receive due mention in the history of German Township, in the body of this work, as its pioneers. And we would add further in justice to the patriotism of this family, that four of our subject's brothers were enlisted in the defense of our country in the late rebellion, one of whom died while in the army. WILLIAM A. LAYTON, farmer; P. O. Tremont City; a native of Clark Co.; born Nov. 15, 1845; is a son of John A. and Evaline (Tulis) Layton, he a native of this county, and she of Greene Co. The grandfather, Arthur Layton, was one of the early settlers of Ohio, locating in Bethel Township, sometime prior to the war of 1812, as he served in that war as a soldier. John spent his life in this county except four years in Illinois, and seven years in Greene Co. He died March 25, 1877; his wife is still living. They were parents of three children, two now living Lucinda and William A. Our subject remained with his father till after his majority. He was married, to Angeline, daughter of Michael and Sarah Wolf, natives of York Co., Pennsylvania. Issue, four children, three now survive-Claudius A., Charles M. and one infant. Mr. Layton, after his marriage, remained on the home place till November, 1878, when he bought and located upon the farm where he now resides. His farm 1004 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: consists of 145 acres, most of which is in cultivation, with good buildings and improvements. He and wife are members of the Lutheran Church. JOHN E. LORTON, farmer; P. O. Lawrenceville; born in this township and county Nov. 10, 1827; is a son of John and Rachel (Donavan) Lorton, natives of Kentucky, and became residents of Clark Co. in 1816, locating in German Township, among the early settlers, and lived here till their death. He died Sept. 16, 1847 ; she died in August, 1879. Of an issue of ten children, five now survive-Mary Jane, Sarah Ann, John E., William and Jonathan. Our subject was married, Sept. 13, 1849, to Elizabeth, daughter of John and Nancy Wagner, natives of Pennsylvania. Issue, seven children, five now survive-J. William, Amanda M., Emma C., Lewis N. and Claretta. His wife died Feb. 19, 1868; was married the second time, Feb. 24, 1873, to Rebecca, daughter of Henry W. and Lydia (Klinfelter) Swartzbaugh, natives of Pennsylvania. Issue, four children-Cora Bell, Lydia M., Anna Matilda and Luther Ely. Mr. Lorton, after his marriage, located upon the farm where he now lives, and has since resided, having made a continued residence of thirty-one years. He has 81 acres of land in good cultivation, with good buildings and improvements, constituting a pleasant home and residence; has been Township Trustee for five years. ANDREW CAMPBELL McLAUGHLIN, M. D., Tremont City. Is a son of. James W. McLaughlin, who came to this country from Scotland with his father, Dun can McLaughlin, about the year 1787 ; the latter settled in Mifflin Co., Penn. Upon arriving at early manhood, the father of Dr. McLaughlin removed to Kentucky, and there married Jemima Stretch, a native of Pennsylvania, but soon after his marriage located in Concord Township, Champaign Co., Ohio, where the subject of our sketch was born Aug. 1, 1809, being the second of a family of eight children, viz.: William Wilson, Andrew Campbell, Eliza, Cyrus, James (died in infancy), Elmira, and Peter and Rebecca (twins). Our subject received a good common-school education, and at 22 years of age entered upon the duties of a school teacher, and about the same time became a student of medicine under the instruction of Dr. Richard W. Hunt, of Springfield. After completing his course of study, he commenced the practice of his profession April 2, 1836, at Clarksburg, now Tremont City, Clark Co., and is a graduate of Starling Medical College of Columbus. For a long period he has been a member of the Clark County Medical Society, of which he has been President. For upward of a quarter of a century he has belonged to the Ohio State Medical Society, of which he was Vice President in 1874 and 1875; is also a member of the Central Ohio Medical Association, a permanent member of the American Medical Association, Examining Physician for the Michigan Mutual Life Insurance Company, and also for the Union Central Life Insurance Co. of Cincinnati, and was at one time Surgeon of a regiment of State militia. Having experienced considerable difficulty in his early efforts to obtain a medical education, he has given material aid to students who have sought guidance and instruction in the pursuit of their studies, and they are now prominent practitioners. Dr. McLaughlin's first Presidential vote was cast in Moorefield Township in 1832, for Gen. Jackson, who received at that voting place 14 votes in all, which were copied by the young voter from a newspaper he happened to have in his possession, there being no Jackson tickets on the ground. The newspaper referred to was the Ohio Monitor, published half a century ago in Columbus, by David Smith. Recognizing it to be a duty of the physician to keep abreast with all the discoveries in medical science, and to be thoroughly posted in the literature of his profession, he has studied for many years many of the leading medical journals of this country and Europe, thus acquiring a respectable amount of scientific knowledge. Having for forty years been engaged in a laborious practice, he has retired on an ample competency to enjoy the years that may still remain of a well-spent and honored life. Although he has maintained a high position in his profession, he has been no less prominent as a citizen. Dr. McLaughlin is six feet one inch high, and weighs 315 pounds; has good use of himself; eats well and sleeps well; has no pain nor aches, and enjoys life well. He abstains from the use of strong drink and tobacco, and never used profane language at any time in his life. Has no corrosive care nor anxiety ; GERMAN TOWNSHiP. - 1005 obeys the apostolic injunction, "owe no man anything;" has great reason to be thankful. His. aim is to do right and his trust is in God. Dr. McLaughlin married, Aug. 28, 1838, Eliza Jane, only daughter of John and Elizabeth Beamer, and had one son who died in infancy. JEREMIAH W. MAURICE, farmer; P. O. Dialton; born in England May 4, 1333 ; is a son of Isaac W. and Eliza Maurice, who emigrated to Ohio in 1833, locating in Clark Co. Isaac was a printer by trade, and worked in Canada one winter; thence in Columbus, thence in Springfield, following his trade in these places some three years; thence bought and located upon the farm where our subject now lives, in 1836, and here he resided until his death. In 1862, he re-crossed the ocean to visit his native land, returning again in 1863. He died July 10, 1873, aged 71 years. His wife died in November, 1843. They were parents of five children-three now survive - John T., Jeremiah W. and David W. He was married the second time in 1845, to Caroline, daughter of Sylvester and Lois Davis, natives of Virginia; issue, six children; three now survive-Joseph, Maria W. and Vanhorn. Mr. Maurice received a stroke of paralysis by which he became helpless upon his left side for some eighteen years prior to his death. His last wife died June 10, 1876. Our subject was raised to farm labor, and remained with his father on the home place till his death, and still resides there and has never married. Joseph, the eldest child of his father by his second wife, also resides on the home place; was married October, 1870, to Isabel M., daughter of Elias and Sarah Neese, natives of Virginia; issue, five children-Wesley A.. Adelia I., George A., Clinton A. and Sarah B. The farm consists of 89 acres, mostly in cultivation, with good improvements. They are members of the Reformed Church, Jeremiah having been such twenty-two years, Joseph twelve years, and their sister Maria twelve years. JESSE MEAD, farmer and stock-raiser; P. O. Bowlusville. Mr. Mead is a native of Clark Co., having been born Sept. 1, 1824, to Daniel and Mary (Palmer) Mead. His father was a native of Massachusetts and his mother of New York. They had five children who are all now dead except Jesse, whose grandfather, William Palmer, left his native State and became a resident of Montgomery Co., Ohio, in 1796. He later became a resident of Mad River Township, Clark Co., and died in this county; his remains rest in the cemetery known as the "Knott Burying-ground," near Enon, Ohio. Daniel, the father of our subject, became a settler of Clark Co. in 1806, where his whole life was spent, with the exception of two or three years of his early married life, which he passed in Jackson Co., Ohio. He first settled in Mad River Township, but, in 1814, he moved to Pike Township, where he lived most of his days, and where he died Nov. 30, 1846. His wife died March 30, 1860. He was drafted and served six months in the war of 1812, during which time his family suffered terrible hardships and privations. He and his wife were both consistent members of the Christian Church. Our subject lived with his parents until his father died. -He was married, Nov. 2, 1843, to Harriet Callison, a native of this county, and daughter of Arthur and Margaret Callison, natives of Virginia; they had one child-Austin, deceased. His wife died Jan. 15, 1847. On April 5, 1849, he was again married, to Mary Ann, who was born in Warren Co., Ohio, to Andrew and Elizabeth Harman, natives of Virginia. By her he has had nine children-John W. (deceased), David W. (deceased), Levi, Sarah J., Daniel (deceased), Jesse A., James L., George E. and Charles H. Mr. Mead, after his father's death, remained on the home farm in Pike Township until the spring of 1852, when, after a residence of two and a half years in Champaign Co., he bought the Honey Creek mill property, near New Carlisle, which he ran successfully until the winter of 1859. The year previous, he sold the mill property and bought the farm upon which he now resides. This farm contains 290 acres of good arable land; he also owns 125 acres three-fourths of a mile north of this, in Champaign Co., and 160 acres in Illinois. In politics, Mr. Mead is a stanch Republican, and he and his wife are both members of the Reformed Church. He is one of Clark County's most prominent farmers, taking a deep interest in the progress of his county, and encouraging any enterprise that will redound to the advantage of its people. He is engaged in the propagation of fine 1006 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: breeds of stock, and is an advanced thinker on all subjects relating to the affairs of the husbandman. He is-a man of honest integrity and moral worth, and has the respect and esteem of all who know or deal with him. JOHN METZ, farmer; P. O. Springfield; was born in Virginia Aug. 28,1814; he is a son of Peter and Susannah (Baker) Metz, he a native of Pennsylvania and she of Virginia. Peter Metz, the grandfather, was a native of Germany. Rudolph Baker, the maternal grandfather, was a native of Virginia, and became a resident of Clark Co. and died here, but the grandfather Peter Metz died in Virginia. Peter the father, and family, became residents of Clark Co., locating in German Township in 1827 ; here he lived and died; he died in the spring of 1861. His wife died in the fall of 1857 ; they were parents of eight children, five now living-Isaac, John, William, Thomas and Peter. Our subject remained with his father till 31 years of age. He was married, Oct. 12, 1845, to Margaret, daughter of William and Mary M. Miller, natives of Pennsylvania, and became residents of Clark Co., in 1818. They were -parents of thirteen children; five now survive William, Isaac, Sarah, Catharine and Margaret. Mr. Metz and wife have had two children-Mary S. and William C. Mr. Metz, after his marriage, located on Mr. Nawman's farm, where they lived one year; thence located upon the farm where they now live and have since resided. The farm consists of 7 5 acres of good land, most of it in good cultivation, with good buildings and improvements, constituting a fine farm and residence. Mr. Metz has been a member of the German Reformed Church forty-six years. His wife has been a member of the Lutheran Church forty-four years. FREDERICK MICHAEL, merchant, Lawrenceville ; a native of this county, born June 6, 1837; is a son of David and Rebecca (Johnson) Michael, he a native of Virginia and she of Kentucky. The paternal grandparents were natives of Virginia, and the maternal of Kentucky. The grandfather, Frederick Michael, with his family, became residents of Ohio, locating in Clark Co. about 1817, where he lived till his death. David was about 15 years of age when brought to this county with his father's family; here he grew to manhood, married and spent his entire life in this county; he died in August, 1853, aged 51 years. His wife is still living in German Township, and is now 74 years of age. Of an issue of nine children, eight now survive-Charlotte, Rachel, Alexander, Mary, Frederick, Catharine, David and Commodore Perry. Mr. M. was a very industrious, hard-working farmer throughout his life, and big death very sudden. One Saturday he left home to go to one of his neighbors, with whom he intended to go and catch some fish, but for some cause did not go; he started for home, but not arriving there on Sunday morning, search was made and his lifeless body found lying beside a log, having evidently died from disease of the heart. Our subject was 16 years of age at his father's death; remained with mother until his majority. Was married June 20, 1860, to Leah, daughter of John and Margaret (Hartman) Xander, natives of Pennsylvania; issue, seven children; five now survive -Laura B., Emery V., Ida Ann, Dora Etta and Carrie May. His wife died Sept. 21, 1877. On Feb. 11, 1879, he married Mrs. Sarah Jane Myers, daughter of Moses and Eva (Rust) Overholser, natives of Virginia; issue, one child, dying in infancy. Mr. Michael, after his marriage, followed the wagon-making business in Lawrenceville and Tremont for twelve years; thence followed farming five years; thence entered upon the mercantile business in Lawrenceville, in which he is still engaged. Mr. Michael's life has been spent in German Township, and has the entire confidence of her citizens. Has been Postmaster one year, and Township Treasurer four years, which offices he still holds. JACOB MITZEL, farmer; P. O. Tremont City; born in York Co:, Penn., Feb. 26, 1831 ; is a son of Jacob and Catharine (Flinchbaugh) Mitzel. The paternal grandparents were natives of Pennsylvania, and the maternal of Germany. The parents of our subject have always resided in Pennsylvania and followed farming as an occupation ; the father is still living, and now 92 years of age ; the mother died in summer of 1864. They were parents of ten children; all are living-John, Elizabeth, Jonathan, Catharine, Frederick, Christian, Jacob, Lydia, Emanuel and Amos. GERMAN TOWNSHIP. - 1007 Mr. Mitzel has always been a very robust, industrious and a hard-working man, and now, at 92 years of age, is enjoying very good. health, and we would call attention to this remarkable instance of raising a family of ten children without the loss of one, and all are now past middle age, the youngest being 42 years of age. Our subject lived with his father until 22 years of age, and during this time learned the brick and stone mason trade. In the fall of 1852, he emigrated to Ohio, landing at Springfield Oct. 4, and there followed his trade twelve or fifteen years. Was married June 12, 1860, to Elnora, daughter of Adam and Margaret (Turman) Neff, he a native Virginia, and she of Ohio; issue, three children, one only surviving-Laura; deceased Arvilla and Lucian. Mr. Mitzel continued to work at his trade in connection with farming till the fall of 1872, at which time, he bought and located upon the farm where he now resides. His farm consists of 120 acres, mostly in good cultivation, with fine buildings and improvements. He and wife are members of the Reformed Church, having been such since 1863, and he has held the office of Deacon during his entire membership. HENRY NAWMAN (deceased) ; born July 16, 1817; a native of this county and township; is a son of Thomas and Catharine Nawman, whose family history appears in full in sketch of Samuel Nawman, in this work. Mr. Nawman resided with his father till his death. Was married March 29, 1856, to Miss Ingebee Jane, daughter of William and Matilda (Clark) Rhonemus ; he is a native of Clinton Co., Ohio, and she of Virginia. The grandfather Clark was a native of England, and his wife of Germany. Mr. Nawman and wife have had twelve children; ten now survive -Clara, Samuel G., Thomas, William, Webster, Catharine, Matilda, Amanda, Andrew and Henry-, deceased-Louisa and Mary. Mr. Nawman and wife took care of his parents till their death, and after their death remained upon and carried on the farm till his death. He died June 24, 1870, aged about 53 years. Mrs. Nawman and family still reside upon the home place, and with her sons carry on the farm. SAMUEL NAWMAN, farmer; P. O. Springfield. He is a native of German Township, born Feb. 3, 1819 ; he is a son of Thomas and Catharine (Baker) Nawman, natives of Virginia. The grandfather, Thomas Nawman, is supposed to have been born in Massachusetts. He was one of those resolute men who resisted the English rule and imposition of heavy duties, and assisted in throwing overboard the cargo of tea in Boston harbor, and which, followed by other acts and events, resulted in the war of the Revolution. Thomas Nawman, the father, emigrated to Ohio in 1806, coming through the entire journey on horseback, and located in German Township. Soon after his arrival, he was afflicted with a white-swelling, during which time he lived with one of the early settlers by the name of Friarmood, with whom he stayed two years; thence returned to Virginia, and, in 1809, came back to Ohio, the entire family of his father coming with him, and here the grandfather and the father lived and died, being truly pioneers of the county, enduring the many dangers and hardships of that early day, struggling with the wilderness, the wild beasts, the Indians, and the difficulties of the war of 1812. But Mr. Nawman, the father, lived to see these difficulties overcome, and fine farms take the place of the wilderness, and the hand of civilization to bring forth towns and cities, and the comforts and conveniences of one of the finest countries in the world. He died in January, 1863, aged 82 years. His wife died in April, 1864, aged 79 years. They were parents of seven children, three now living Samuel, Magdalene and Amanda. Our subject lived with his father until 35 years of age. He was married, Aug. 26, 1855, to Louisa M., daughter of William and Matilda Rhonemus, he a native of Clinton Co., Ohio, and she of Virginia; issue, thirteen children ; nine now survive-Thomas W., Henry B., Emma, Charles L., Ida, George W., Jasper G., Oly and Carrie. Mr. Nawman, after his marriage, located upon the farm where he now resides, and which has been in possession of the Nawman family seventy-one years; the farm consists of 133 acres of land, on Mad River, with good buildings and improvements, constituting a fine farm. REV. JOHN PENCE, retired minister; P. O. Tremont City; was born in Rockingham Co., Va., Dec. 13, 1799; is a son of Henry and Catharine (Monger) Pence, 1008 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES natives of Virginia, the grandparents natives of Germany. Adam Pence, the grandfather, emigrated to America at a very early day. He served in the war of the Revolution at intervals during the entire seven years' duration. An incident in the life of this early pioneer and patriot may be of interest to present and future generations. Near the close of the war, while he and several others of his companions and messmates were returning home from a campaign under Gen. Wayne, against the Indians, in the then "Northwest," they came to the Ohio River, which was swollen to great dimensions by a freshet, and, having no means of crossing, they constructed a raft capable of carrying two persons across at one time. Mr. Pence and one other companion were the only swimmers, and they had to swim and pilot the raft across by means of a rope, and thus they proceeded, crossing and re-crossing five times, taking two persons each time, until the party of ten persons were safely landed on the opposite shore. This was a very hazardous undertaking, but, by these brave men and patriots, the crossing was safely effected. But, from this exposure and hardship, Mr. Pence contracted a rheumatic disease, which, seven years after, resulted in his death. Thus ended the life of one of America's patriots, sacrificed for the benefit of future generations. Henry and family emigrated to Ohio and located in Warren Co. in 1810, residing there until 1823, when he became a resident of Montgomery Co., where he remained until his death; he died in 1861. His wife lived two months after his death, when she, too, fell asleep in the embrace of death. They were parents of six children ; three now survive-John, Elizabeth and Julian. Politically, Mr. Pence was a stanch Democrat; religiously, a Lutheran, and an active member for many years, while his wife was an earnest member of the Reformed Church, but without any selfishness, and with a remarkable liberality and love, they always went together to each other's church on Sacrament days, and communed together; this course they pursued during their entire lives. Our subject was brought up to farm labor till his majority, then he proceeded to study and prepare for the ministry. He studied three years with Rev. Thomas Winters; at the expiration of this time, on the 16th of June, 1824, he passed an examination at New Philadelphia, Ohio, and was ordained for the ministry and entered upon the work, first locating in Clark Co., and has continued in this and adjoining counties till five years ago, when he retired from active work and became a superannuate, having been actively engaged in ministerial work for half a century. He was married, June 27, 1827, to Miss Margaret, daughter of David and Margaret (Bruner) Jones, he a native of Pennsylvania and she of Maryland; their issue has been nine children; five now survive-Mary Jane, Martha, Margaret Ann, James H. and William A. Mr. Pence has had a long and active life, and has had the pleasure to extend the hand of fellowship to many a traveling mortal, some of whom have already passed on to the "golden shore;" and we trust that when Mr. Pence's life's journey shall be o'er, he will pass triumphantly and receive on the other shore "a crown of rejoicing." SAMUEL POWELL, farmer; P. O. Tremont City; born in Chester Co., Penn., Feb. 20, 1823; is a son of Thomas and Catharine (Wright) Powell, natives of Pennsylvania; the grandparents also supposed to be natives of Pennsylvania; Thomas and wife and also the grandparents always resided in Pennsylvania, and died there; Thomas died about 1873 or 1874: his wife died some thirty years previous ; they were parents of eight children; five now survive-Samuel, Thomas, Lewis, Jane and Allen. Mr. Powell was a farmer by occupation. Was drafted in the war of 1812, in which he served for a short time. He was an active church member most of his life, first in the Episcopal Church and afterward in the Presbyterian. Mr. Powell, our subject, was raised to farm labor. In 1845, he became a resident of Ohio, locating in Springfield, remaining there some six months; thence located nine miles above Columbus, where he farmed one year; thence back near Springfield, and farmed two years; thence into Springfield and became a fireman on the Little Miami R. R.; thence became engineer, which position he held for more than eight years; thence he run a stationary engine for an alcohol manufactory for five years, and continued as an engineer in the city of Springfield a greater part of the time till spring of 1879, when he bought and located upon the farm where he now resides; his farm consists of 99 acres of land, GERMAN TOWNSHIP. - 1009 about 75 of which are in cultivation, with good improvements. Mr. Powell was married in the fall of 1844, just before coming to Ohio, to Miss Hannah, daughter of John and Eleanor (Lewis) Dushane, natives of Wilmington, Del.; issue, five children Susie, Ellie, John, Kittie and Hattie. His wife and most of his children are members of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Powell started in life with no capital; followed engineering twenty-seven years, and farming the balance of his life; has now a good farm, and although not entirely out of debt, yet is in a position to live comfortably the balance of his life. JACOB REAM, farmer; P. O. Northampton; born March 4, 1836; a native of Clark County. Is a son of Benjamin and Catharine (Frantz) Ream; he was born Sept. 6, 1789, in Pennsylvania, and she in Virginia, Jan. 21, 1791. They became residents of Clark County about the time of the war of 1812, as he was a soldier in that war. They located upon the farm where Jacob now lives, and resided here till their death. This land was then all in the woods; they commenced, pioneer style, in. the log cabin, and cleared up the land from year to year, toiling and laboring and enduring the trials and hardships of that early day, such pioneers deserve a kind remembrance from their descendants and future generations for their many labors, by which this then wilderness has been brought out into this beautiful, fruitful country which it now is. Benjamin died about 1866; his wife died some two or three years previous to his death. They were parents of twelve children, six of whom now survive-John, Daniel, Catharine, William, Lydia and Jacob. Our subject lived with his father till his death. In March, 1857, was married to Catharine, daughter of William and Mary Flick; he is a native of Virginia, and she of Pennsylvania; issue, two children Thomas B., born Oct. 22, 1859, and George M., born Feb. 2, 1864. Mr. Ream has always resided on the old home place, which consists of 102 acres of good land, four-fifths of which is in good cultivation, with good building and improvements, constituting a pleasant home and residence, quite in contrast to what it was sixty-five years ago when his father first settled upon it. Mr. Ream also owns another farm in Pike Township, of 133 acres, which is the old home farm of his wife's father. Mr. Ream never obtained but a limited education, as he never enjoyed good health ; but by industry and economy he has been very successful as a farmer, and now has a good competency and a very pleasant home and residence. JOHN H. REYNOLDS, M. D., physician, Lawrenceville; born Aug. 8,1848, a native of Clark County; is a son of Henry and Julia Ann (McKinney) Reynolds; he a native of Virginia, and she of Clark County. William Reynolds, the grandfather, was also a native of Virginia, and became a resident of Ohio about 1827, and lived and died here. John McKinney, the maternal grandfather, was a native of Pennsylvania, and also became an early settler of Ohio, and, after arriving here, served as a soldier in the war of 1812. Henry, the father of our subject, was 11 years of age when he came to this county with his father's family ; was raised to farm labor till 18 years of age, when he learned the brick-mason trade, which trade he has followed most of his life; also owns a good farm, which he superintends in connection with his trade. He has raised a family of six children, four daughters and two sons, viz., Nancy, Olive, William W., John H., Elizabeth and Rachel J. He is still residing on his farm, six miles southeast of Springfield, aged 65 years. Our subject was raised to farm labor and assisting his father at his trade, receiving the advantages of a common school education up to the age of 21 years, when he attended one term at the Wittenberg College, at Springfield; then taught school, and read medicine with Dr. Wildason, of Plattsburg, till the fall of 1874 ; then he attended the Eclectic Medical Institute at Cincinnati, through the winter and spring terms, and again in the winter of 1875-76, graduating in the winter of 1876. Thence he located at Lawrenceville in the practice of his profession, where he has since remained with the exception of about three months' practice in Osborn, Ohio, in the summer of 1877, and returned to Lawrenceville. Dr. Reynolds is having a good practice, and from his careful and thorough preparation for his profession by a thorough course of study, and his social and affable manners, we predict for him a successful practice in the noble profession he has chosen. He was married, Sept. 28, 1010 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 1876, to Sarah Jane, daughter of James V. and Rosanna Ballantine, whose history appears in full in sketch of James V. Ballantine, in this work. By this union they have two children-Edgar Lamar and Julia Anna. HIRAM SENSEMAN, physician; Tremont City. All communities, every town, city and every profession and business, have their representative men, and in the medical profession in the village of Tremont, we mention Dr. Hiram Senseman as one of the most prominent; born in Lancaster Co., Penn., May 10, 1826; a son of Daniel and Mary (Fry) Senseman, also natives of Pennsylvania. The paternal grandfather was a native of Germany; his wife of Wales. The maternal grandparents of Pennsylvania. Daniel studied medicine, and entered upon the practice as a physician when a young man, and spent his short life in the profession in Lancaster and Cumberland Cos., practicing in the former county four years, and in the latter six years, when his career of prosperity and usefulness was suddenly terminated by death, from a stroke of apoplexy, being only 34 years of age. He had been quite successful; was building up an extensive practice, and had the highest hopes and prospects of a successful future; but which, in the Providence of God, was so soon terminated, and he in the strength and bloom of manhood, called to his last home. They had six children, four now survive - Reuben, Hiram, Jacob and Sallie Ann; deceased, Andrew and Daniel. The mother, being left in very limited circumstances financially, the children were placed among relatives to be raised. After about six years, the mother married a Mr. Miley, by whom she had two children-Mary Emiline and one dying in infancy. The mother is still residing in Cumberland Co., Penn. Our subject, after the death of his father, labored on a farm till 14 years of age, and in that toilsome, but healthful vocation, laid the foundation of physical strength so essential to carry out the work of his future calling. He now commenced to learn the tanner's trade, at which he served one year; but not being pleased with that business, he proceeded to learn the cabinet trade, and served three years under a very proficient German, from whom he became a thorough and skilled workman. At this period now 18 years of age-he made a tour East to Connecticut; while on this visit he gained some information by which his aspirations were raised, and ideas formed, which culminated in a determination to study medicine, and enter upon the profession of his father. Although lacking in finances to carry out his plans as he would desire, yet he was decided that "where there was a will there was a way." and he commenced action accordingly. By a special offer from, and arrangement with, Dr. P. N. Long, a practicing physician of Mechanicsburg, Penn., he commenced his studies under him, with whom he continued four years; during which time he attended two courses of lectures in Jefferson Medical College, at Philadelphia, where he finished his course and graduated in March, 1849. Dr. Senseman commenced the practice of his profession at Plainfield Cumberland Co., Penn., where he continued two and a half years ; thence located at Hagerstown, in the same county; thence, in 1853, he sold out and started for "the West." He located at Tremont, Clark Co., where he has continued in practice till the present, with the exception of four years, during which he practiced in Springfield, Clark Co., and West Charleston, Miami Co., Ohio. At the breaking-out of the civil war, in 1861, he offered his services as a surgeon (a thorough examination having been passed), and received an appointment; but on account of his close professional engagements at home, he never entered the service. He was married in November, 1854, to Mrs. Mary A. Richardson, daughter of John G. and Sarah Fry. Her father was a soldier in the war of 1812. He died in 1875, aged 85 years. Mrs. Senseman was born Jan. 30, 1831, in Shamokin, Northumberland Co., Penn. She early learned the duties of housewifery, so essential to real home efficiency, and which she has so ably practiced to this day. They began their married life as it has been continued, with mutual affection, and have known but one heavy blow-Leander Boyd-a son to Mrs. Senseman by her former marriage, sickened and died. Fond hopes had been centered on this child, and tender care lavished upon him; but a mysterious Providence took him to Himself ere 4 summers had been added to his young life. Dr. Senseman's life has been one of success; and has been accomplished under difficulties most embarrassing; but by rightly conceived plans, and an indomitable will PIKE TOWNSHIP. - 1011 in carrying them out, he has accomplished his ends, and risen to a high standing in his profession. Respected as a physician and a man in the community, Dr. Senseman endeavors to lead an honorable and useful life in trying to lessen the tide of human suffering, and thus realizes the solid comforts of a mind at ease, a pleasant home, and cordial sympathy with all around him. HUGH STALEY, farmer; P. O. Tremont City; born June 6, 1831 ; a native of Clark Co. and German Township; is a son of Mathias and Sarah (Gentis) Staley, he a native of Maryland and she of Virginia; became a resident of Ohio about 1814. Was a millwright by trade, and with three of his brothers, David, Samuel and Elias, followed their trade in Greene, Miami and Clark Cos., locating in the latter county about 1820. Mathias was married in 1818; issue, one child-Hugh. The father followed his trade till about 1833, thence gave his attention principally to farming, first on a farm on Chapman Creek, for several years; about 1834, he bought and located upon the farm where our subject now resides; here he remained until his death, which occurred Nov. 6, 1848; his wife is still living on the home place with our subject, now 81 years of age. Hugh was raised to farm labor, and being an only child always remained with his father till his death, and his entire life since 3 years of age has been spent upon the home farm. This farm consists of 80 acres of fine land, and mostly under cultivation, and has now been owned by the Staley family for forty-six years. Mr. Staley was married Nov. 22, 1859, to Miss Susan, daughter of Henry and Mary Venis, natives of Virginia; issue, four children, all now deceased. Mr. Staley has served two years as Township Trustee. Is ranked among the old residents of the township, and has clung to the old homestead place. Has an excellent farm, and anticipates passing the remainder of his days where he has already been during so many years. (RETURN TO THE TITLE PAGE) |