(RETURN TO THE TITLE PAGE) CLINTON COUNTY, OHIO - 375 After the death of Dr. Frank R. Smith's father, his mother made her home with her parents until they passed away and then lived on the home place until 1913, when she moved to Wilmington, purchasing a home where she now lives. Frank R. Smith was only four years old, as heretofore noted, when his father passed away, and he was taken by his mother to live on his maternal grandparents' farm in Washington township, and there he grew to manhood. After attending the district schools in Washington township, he became a student at Wilmington College, and finally entered the Cincinnati Dental College and was graduated with the class of 1896. Two years later he came to Wilmington and began the practice of his profession, where he has been engaged ever since, Doctor Smith has been successful in the practice of his profession and enjoys a large patronage. On March 8, 1905, Frank R. Smith was married to Eleanor Madden, who was born in Clinton county, Ohio, the daughter of Arthur and Mary Madden, the former of whom is deceased, but the latter of whom is still living. Mrs. Smith's father was a traveling salesman who lived at Wilmington. At one time he served his fellow citizens as a member of the Ohio state Senate. Doctor and Mrs. Smith have no children. Dr. Frank R. Smith is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He is a man who has made a special study of all of the modern devices of dentistry and is thoroughly up-to-date in the practice of his profession. He takes a worthy interest in public affairs, but has never aspired to office. RUTHERFORD B. MONFORT. In the life of the man whose name heads this sketch is an illustration of the American boy who has climbed to a position of trust and eminence through his own unaided efforts. As in the cue of many of America's ambitious youth, there was little in his early years to aid him to the prominent place he was to occupy in later life. Therefore, all the more praise to him whose success is the result of honest endeavor, faith in himself, and courageous persistence in the face of every obstacle. The record of such a life is a most potent form of inspiration. Rutherford B. Monfort, manager of the Farquhar Furnace Company, was born in Warren county, Ohio, May 22, 1876, a son of P. and Elizabeth (Keever) Monfort, both natives of Warren county. The father, who passed away in 1901, never spent any part of his life in Clinton county, having remained on his farm ; the mother, a good and devout Christian, is still living, at Lebanon, Ohio. After completing the high school course at Waynesville, Rutherford B. Monfort attended the National Normal University at Lebanon, Ohio. For several years after his education was completed he remained on the home farm. Beginning in 1903, for a period of six years, he was identified with the National Cash Register Company, of Dayton, Ohio, one of the best-known manufacturing concerns in the United States. In this capacity he had charge of a branch of the correspondence department, becoming one of their most able managers. In 1909 there came an opportunity which promised better things in the future than the position he then had, and he resigned to become the bookkeeper for the company in which he is now manager. Beginning his connection with this firm in 1909, in three years he had proven himself so efficient, reliable and progressive that by a vote of the board of directors he was elected manager of the plant, as well as one of its directors. The Farquhar Furnace Company, which was organized on May 1, 1908, are manufacturers of the Farquhar sanitary heating systems, and so extensive is their business that their products are marketed in thirty-three states. On September 20, 1899, Rutherford B. Monfort was united in marriage with Abbie Ellis, of Harveysburg, Ohio, a daughter of Harvey and Mary (Rogers) Ellis. One daughter, Mary Elizabeth, has been born to this union. Mr. and Mrs. Monfort have a large circle of friends and their home is noted for its genial hospitality. 376 - CLINTON COUNTY, OHIO. In these days of strict competition and sharp business practices, it is an honor, indeed, for a man to win a reputation for fair and square dealing, and for consideration for others' rights and privileges, and this may truly be said of Rutherford B. Monfort, who has the esteem, not only of his personal friends, but of his commercial associates as well. JOSIAH W. SPARKS. One of the prominent citizens and progressive business men of Wilmington, Ohio, is Josiah W. Sparks, president of the Citizens National Bank, who, until February 1, 1915, owned and conducted a large hardware and implement business in Wilmington. Mr. Sparks was in the mercantile business in Wilmington for more than forty years and enjoyed the highest esteem and confidence of all with whom he had business dealings during that long period, as he does now with all his associates in the financial life of the community. Josiah W. Sparks was born near Wilmington, Ohio, on March 4, 1848, and was reared on a farm four miles west of Wilmington. He is the son of Dr. Joseph K. and Abi (Linton) Sparks, the former of whom was born on July 10, 1790, in the Woodbury district of South Carolina, and died on September 17, 1873, and the latter, born on November 25, 1808, near Wilmington, Ohio, died on July 19, 1896. Dr. Joseph K. Sparks, who was a soldier in the War of 1812, came north and settled in Ohio because of his bitter opposition to slavery. He was married in Clinton county to Abi Linton, daughter of Nathan Linton, a pioneer settler of Clinton county, to which union were born four children, only one of whom, the subject of this sketch, is now living. Mr. Sparks has three half-brothers. his mother having been previously married to Jashia Farquhar, by whom she had two children, Benjamin and Frank Farquhar. Dr. Joseph W. Sparks was also previously married, and had one son by that union, George P. Sparks, the only one of these last named now living. The paternal grandparents of Mr. Sparks were Stephen and Mary (Evans) Sparks, natives of South Carolina and of English descent. The maternal grandparents of Mr. Sparks were Nathan and Rachel Linton. In 1873 Mr. Sparks, who had inherited from his sterling ancestors his high ideals, progressive spirit and large abilities, located in Wilmington, where he entered the grocery store of the late Benjamin Farquhar. In 1875 he formed a partnership with Frank Farquhar in the hardware business and on May 18, of the same year, their store was destroyed by fire and its contents badly damaged. However, they were not discouraged by this loss, but purchased a new stock of goods and started again. The firm continued in business until 1885, when Mr. Farquhar retired and Mr. Sparks conducted the business alone until his retirement, on February 1, 1915. He carried a complete line of hardware, wagons, farm implements, stoves, pumps, fence and fertilizers. His store was modern and up-to-date in every respect. In 1906 Mr. Sparks helped to organize the Citizens National Bank and is now the president and one of the heavy stockholders of this bank. Josiah W. Spark's large success in business and finance is due somewhat to the splendid educational training he received in the public schools of Clinton county and in Franklin, now Wilmington, College. Mr. Sparks was married on October 17, 1878, to Laura 11. Haworth, who was born near Wilmington, this county, on December 29, 1854, daughter of George D. and Rebecca (Hoge) Haworth, the former of whom was born in 1829 and died in 1894, and the latter in 1833 and died in 1903. The Haworth family is of English descent, its American founder having come to this country in 1699. A part of the family settled in Clinton county in 1803 and the family since then has been closely identified with all of the interests which reflect the highest development of the county. To Mr. and Mrs. Sparks one child was born, a daughter, Ethel Rebecca, born on January 3, 1880, who died an February 10, 1899. CLINTON COUNTY, OHIO - 377 Josiah W. Sparks is a Repubican in politics and a member of the Friends church, being a trustee, at Wilmington, of the Quarterly Meeting of the Society of Friends, treasurer of the Center Quarterly Meeting and a trustee of the Sugar Grove cemetery. Fraternally, he is a member of Star of Hope Lodge No. 127, Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He has traveled extensively, both in America and Europe, and has the distinction of having made a trip around the world. He is a public-spirited citizen and is always one of the foremost promoters of any movement which has to do with the general welfare of the community. He is honest and upright in all of his dealings and is well known for his ability in financial and commercial circles, no resident of Clinton county being more popular throughout the county than be. THOMAS SOUTH. Among the earnest men of a past generation in Clinton county, whose enterprise, strength of character and engaging personality won a prominent place in the hearts of his neighbors and fellow citizens and the respect and confidence of the people of Clinton county, was the late Thomas South, who served two terms as sheriff of Clinton county, in which office he had a record for unusual efficiency, and who was an expert brick-mason. He helped to build many of the public buildings now standing in this county, was a man of positive views and laudable ambitions, and his influence was always exerted for the advancement of his friends. He was a very worthy citizen and a good man. Thomas South was born on January 8, 1840, in Goshen, Clermont county, Ohio, and died on December 28, 1912. He was fhe son of Benjamin and Mary (Brunson) South. the former of whom was born in Cincinnati, and who died in 1862 of pneumonia, contracted while he was visiting his son in the Union army. His wife died on May 29, 1892, at the age of seventy-two years. Benjamin South was a stone-mason, and lived near' Goshen in Clermont county all his life. All the members of his family were identified with the Presbyterian church. He and his wife had only two children, Thomas, the subject of this sketch, and William, who died on November 20, 1878, as the result of the accidental discharge of a gun while he was hunting. He also was a bricklayer by trade. Thomas South attended the district schools of Clermont county, and later one of the leading business colleges at Cincinnati, where he obtained a good education. He was a man of more than ordinary native ability and made good use of his educational advantages and opportunities. On June 9, 1861, Thomas South enlisted in Company C, Second Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served practically to fhe end of the war, having been discharged on October 10. 1864. Wounded in the left hand in the battle of Perryville, Kentucky, he afterward was unable to carry a gun and served as orderly in the adjutant's office. Before this, however, he had participated in many battles and was a courageous soldier, a man of deep and abiding patriotism, who was willing to give up his life's blood in the cause of human freedom and in behalf of fhe perpetuity of the American Union. Shortly after the close of the Civil War, Thomas South was married on September 14, 1865, to Martha Anderson, who was born at Owensville, Clermont county, Ohio, on September 20, 1847, and who is the daughter of Peter and Mary (Smith) Anderson, the former of whom was born in New Jersey and at the age of twenty-one located in Clermont county, Ohio. He died at the age of ninety-one years in 1.876. His wife was born in Clermont county, Ohio. in 1816. and died in 1851. She was the daughter of Christopher and Margaret Smith, early settlers of Owensville, in Clermont county, and farmers by occupation. They came to Ohio from near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Christopher was a soldier in the Revolutionary War. After his marriage, Thomas South continued working at his trade which he had learned as a boy. He worked as a brick-mason while living in Goshen, Ohio, but in 1869 he and fhe family removed to Wilmington, where he lived until his death in 1912. In 378 - CLINTON COUNTY, OHIO. 1905 he built a home at the corner of Walnut and Sugartree streets, and it is in this house that Mrs. South now lives. In 1893 Mr. South was elected sheriff of Clinton county on the Republican ticket and served two terms, or four years in all. After retiring from public office and public service, he purchased a steam laundry and was associated with his son in the operation of this enterprise until his death. Mr. and Mrs. South were the parents of five children, as follow : Mary, who was born on June 24, 1866, and died at the age of twenty in Wilmington, on July 26, 1886, was a student at Wilmington College; Harry, March 25, 1868, is a farmer in Adams township; Edward, February 27, 1871, died at the age of twenty-seven, on October 6, 1896; Benjamin, April 2, 1874, is the present sheriff of Clinton county, having been elected on the Republican ticket; Walter, February 27, 1880, is proprietor of the South Brother's laundry, of Wilmington. The late Thomas South was a charter member of Morris McMillan Post, Grand Army of the Republic. An esteemed and valuable citizen of this great county, his death was widely mourned and he is generously remembered for the large part he had in the civic and political life of this county. Mrs. South is a refined and cultured woman and highly respected by the people of this city. G. P. THORPE. No greater tribute can be paid to a lawyer than the assertion that his personal code of ethics is higher than any written law. In a profession in which one's moral and ethical standards are so frequently and so severely tested, a man of whom this can be said is strong, indeed, and deserving of the greatest respect. To such there is but one ideal of right and justice, and to this, he must hold himself as rigidly as he would hold others. The man whose name appears at the head of this biography is a leading attorney of Wilmington, and a man of such mental attainment and such force of character that he is an important factor in the commercial, political, fraternal and social life of the community. G. P. Thorpe was born at Sabina, Clinton county, Ohio, March 13, 1862, the son of H. H. and Emily (Roberts) Thorpe, both of whom were natives of Clinton county, the former having been born here a few months after his parents came from old Virginia. The elder Thorpe is permitted to live far beyond the usual span of life, for he is now eighty-three years of age. H. H. and Emily Thorpe had only one child, besides the subject of the present sketch, Mrs. Thomas J. Smith, of Sabina, Ohio. The education of G. P. Thorpe was such as to prepare him for the prominent and active life he has since enjoyed. After availing himself of the advantages of the public schools of Sabina, the young man was graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University, at Delaware, Ohio, in 1885, and from the Cincinnati Law School two years thereafter. He was admitted to the bar in 1887, and began the practice of his profession at Wilmington. He has been in active practice ever since, and has built up a large clientage. Mr. Thorpe has played a conspicuous part in the professional and commercial life of the city, a statement corroborated by the fact that be is now vice-president of the Commercial Club. His ability as an attorney has given him leadership in a number of large business enterprises, one of these being the Clinton County Telephone Company. Of this concern he has been secretary and counsel, and has had charge of all of its legal and financial affairs for a number of years. He is one the board of directors of the Ohio Independent Telephone Association, and a member of its executive committee. Added to these activities, is the position of attorney for the Wilmington Homestead Company, which he has held for a period of over twenty years. He is also a member of its board of directors and of the finance committee. On October 23, 1895, G. P. Thorpe was united in marriage with Roma Robinson, of CLINTON COUNTY, OHIO - 379 Greenfield, Ohio. Mrs. Thorpe has taken a keen interest in the public career of her husband, and has made their home a charming center of social life. Mr. Thorpe is one of the two Republicans on the board of elections of Clinton county, the other two members of the board being Democrats. It is not surprising that a man so closely connected with the business enterprises of a city should also be conspicuous in its civic and social life. There are in every community the men whose advice and good-will are sought when any public service or movement is in its inception. These are the men who not only aid in developing the material resources of their locality, but also help to form the moral standards, and it is, therefore, important that their own standards be high. It is well that some of Wilmington's most influential citizens are of this type, and among them is G. P. Thorpe. Mr. Thorpe is a member of the Masonic fraternity. and is a trustee in Lodge No. 797, enevolent and Protective Order of Elks. In his college days, G. P. Thorpe was a leader in athletics, and has kept up his interest in all clean and manly sports. Although gifted above the average, the man whose career is the subject of this biography has not won his laurels without strenuous labor. Hard, conscientious work has been the rule. As a lawyer, Mr. Thorpe is fearless and fair ; as a citizen, he is public-spirited and loyal; as a man, he is high-minded and just. In all of his affiliations, whether business, fraternal, political or social, he has had the esteem and admiration of his associates, and the respect and confidence of the public. N. HUSTON MOORE. N. Huston Moore, one of the enterprising farmers, bankers and business men of Clinton county, Ohio, is now living retired in Wilmington, the county seat. His reputation as one of the leading men of Clinton county is gladly conceded by all who know him. Mr. Moore belongs to the class of men who are natural leaders in the communities with which their fortunes are cast. Born on January 10, 1833, in Grayson county, Virginia, N. Huston Moore is the son of Daniel and Martha (Hampton) Moore, the former of whom was born in Rockingham county, North Carolina, in 1799, and died in 1895, and the latter of whom was born in Grayson county, 'Virginia, in 1802, and lived to be over ninety years of age. Mr. Moore's paternal grandparents were Nimrod and Polly Moore, who were natives of England and early settlers in Rockingham county, North Carolina. They were farmers by occupation and members of the pioneer Methodist church. Mr. Moore's maternal grandparents, Andrew and Sallie (Griggs) Hampton, were natives of North Carolina. Gen. Wade Hampton, of North Carolina, was a first cousin of Mr. Moore's mother. His grandfather lived in Buncome county, North Carolina, and it was his parents who came from England. His grandfather died in Grayson county, Virginia, where he owned a large farm. He and his wife and family were members of the Baptist church. He was a large man with huge arms and shoulders and a man capable of great physical labor. The father of N. Huston Moore left North Carolina when a young man with his parents and moved to Grayson county, Virginia. He soon had a farm of his own and lived upon it until his death. He was a Democrat. For many years he was a class leader in the Methodist church and his house was always the temporary abiding place for ministers of the Methodist church. Daniel and Martha Moore were the parents of eleven children, six of whom are deceased. The living children are Joshua S., who is a farmer in Surrey county, North Carolina ; N. Huston, the subject of this sketch; Violet, who married Joshua Simcox, of Tennessee; Matilda, deceased, and Mattie, who married Thomas H. Hightower and lives at Tasso, Tennessee. The deceased children are : Elizabeth, Sarah, Mary, Margaret, Andrew H. and Ezra N. 380 - CLINTON COUNTY, OHIO. N. Huston Moore attended the district schools of Virginia and subsequently the academy at Hillsville, Carroll county, Virginia. After finishing the academic course, he taught school in Virginia to pay expenses incurred while a student at the academy. In 1856 Mr. Moore came to Wilmington, Ohio, and for some time worked in a general store at Bloomington. After a time he went to Atlanta. Logan county, Illinois, and there taught school for two years, after which he returned to Union township and rented farms for five years. By this time Mr. Moore had been able to save enough money to buy ninety-two and one-half acres of land, which he eventually sold and bought two hundred and twenty-five acres in Union township, where he lived for twelve years. At the end of this period, he paid off a debt of eleven thousand dollars on the place and then sold it, purchasing thirty-six acres at the edge of Wilmington, where he has lived ever since. Mr. Moore also owns a one hundred and fifty-five acre farm in Greene and Wayne townships. He is a director of the First National Bank of Wilmington. For many years he has kept a fine flock of Delaine Merino sheep and also for many years raised Poland China hogs. On September 11, 1856, N. Huston Moore was married to Eliza Bentley, who died on May 20, 1859. They had one child, John, who is a contractor and builder at Fort Morgan, Colorado.. On February 16, 1860, Mr. Moore was married secondly, to Martha Wilson, who was born on December 7, 1827, in Wilmington, Ohio, and who died on November 29, 1911. She was the daughter of James and Eleanor Wilson, the former of whom was born in Pennsylvania and the latter in Kentucky. They owned a farm where Wilmingfon College now stands. He was the first superintendent of the Clinton county infirmary. He also bought and sold stock, which he drove through to Pittsburgh. His wife, who lived to be ninety-eight years old, died on February 21, 1899. To this second marriage there have been born three children : Orville B., who lives on Mr. Moore's farm in Greene and Wayne township; Thomas I)., who is unmarried and lives with his father, and Nellie, who also lives with her father. In addition to Mr. Moore's small farm of thirty-six acres at the edge of Wilmington, he owns an interesf in the First National Bank of Wilmington. He is a Democrat and proud of the fact that he „never scratched a ticket in all of his life. The Moore family all belong to the Christian church, and for fifty-five years Mr. Moore has been a member. At the present time he is chairman of the board of trustees of fhe Walnut Street church in Wilmington. Few men have made more consistent progress as farmers and financiers than N. Huston Moore and few men living in Clinton county, who belong to the present generation, occupy a higher place in the esteem of the public than does he. SIDNEY D. MYERS, V. S. No more prominent veterinary surgeon may be found in the state of Ohio than Sidney D. Myers, V. S., a resident of Wilmington. Ohio, who was graduated from the Ontario Veterinary College, at Toronto, in 1894, and who has served as president and as secretary for two terms each of the Ohio State Veterinary Medical Association. Doctor Myers is now a member of the Ohio state board of veterinary examiners, and is a member of the American Veterinarian Medical Association, which is an international body. Born on July 17, 1872, in Wayne county, Ohio. Sidney D. Myers is the son of S. B. (familiarly known as Doc) and Sadie (Christy) Myers, the former of whom was born on January 9, 1S46, in Wayne county, Ohio, and who died on December 31, 1873. and the latter of whom was horn on November 8. 1848, in Wayne county, Ohio, and who died on December 29, 1873. Sidney D. was only a little more than a year old when both of his parents passed away. His paternal grandparents, John and Mary J. (Kauke) Myers, were natives of Columbiana county, Ohio. and of Pennsylvania-Dutch descent. They were farmers by occupation and owned about two hundred acres of land in Wayne county. Both were members of the Baptist church. Doctor Myers' maternal grandparents were CLINTON COUNTY, OHIO - 381 Pater and Margaret (Hardy) Christy, the former of whom was of Irish descent and the latter of Scottish descent. They were born in western Pennsylvania and early in life located in Wayne county, Ohio, where he was a farmer and well-to-do citizen. They were members of the Presbyterian church. The late S. B. and Sadie (Christy) Myers were married on January 26, 1871, and about two years later both died of typhoid fever, the mother two days before the death of her husband. The young couple were just ready to go to housekeeping and had not left the parental roof at the time of their death. Doctor Myers had only one sister, who is younger than himself, Laura B., who married W. H. Troxel, a retail hardware dealer of Denver, Colorado. After the death of his parents, Doctor Myers was reared by his grandparents, both maternal and paternal, and later by his uncle, George Hutton and family. Until twenty years of age he worked on the farm and attended the Wooster, Ohio, high school. Later he was a student at the Ohio Normal School, at Ada, Ohio. In 1892 Doctor Myers entered the Ontario Veterinary College, at Toronto, Canada, and after his graduation, in March, 1894, began the pracfice of his profession with Walter Shaw, V. S., at Dayton, where he remained only a few months. In the fall of the same year he located at Wilmington, and here he has practiced ever since. He has a model barn and takes care of horses in his barn. On March 4, 1896, Sidney D. Myers was married to Elizabeth Hayes, who was born in the province of Ontario, Canada, at London, and who is the daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth (Ralph) Hayes, the latter of whom was born in County Tipperary, Ireland, and who came to America when six years old. The former was born in Blanchard township. Perth county, Ontario. Canada, and was a farmer by occupation. He died in 1899, at the age of forty-seven and his wife died on February 1, 1914, at the age of seventy. They were members of the Episcopal church. To them were born nine children: John, Catherine, Alice, Mrs. Myers, Jennie, Adella, Charlotte (deceased), who married John McIntosh, Georgia and Russell. All of these children are living near London, Ontario. Doctor and Mrs. Myers have only one child, Neil, who was born on May 29, 1901. Doctor Myers is a Republican. Doctor and Mrs. Myers are members of the Presbyterian church and he is a member of the enevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Modern Woodmen of America. He is also a director in the Union Loan and Savings Company of Wilmington. WILLIAM E. SMITH. William E. Smith, a former farmer of Clinton county, who is now engaged in the livery business at Wilmington, is one of the enterprising citizens of this section of Ohio, and is well known for his aggressive habit, his power of leadership, and his cordial personal relations with his fellow townsmen. William E. Smith was born on December 20, 1858, in Union township, Clinton county, Ohio, the son of Robert Henry and Elizabeth (Haney) Smith, the former of whom was born near Winchester, Virginia, in the Shenandoah valley, July 11, 1828, and who died on March 1, 1876, and the latter of whom was born in the Shenandoah valley of Virginia, November, 1824, and who died on October 31, 1897. The paternal grandparents of William E. Smith were John S. and Susan Smith, both of whom were natives of Virginia, and who, when their son, Robert Henry, was a small lad, came from Virginia to Clinton county, Ohio, and purchased a farm on the south side of Union township. They belonged to the Christian church. He died at the age of seventy-eight and she at the age of eighty-four. Mr. Smith's maternal grandparents were Charles and Sarah Haney, both of whom were natives of Virginia. Charles Haney became the heir to a great many slaves, but he was opposed to slavery and turned the slaves free. He and his wife were also members of the Christian church. Their daughter, Elizabeth, the mother of William E. Smith, was only six years old when they came from 382 - CLINTON COUNTY, OHIO. Virginia to Greene township, Clinton county, Ohio. Charles Haney was a well-to-do farmer and served in the War of 1812. His wife drew a pension after his death while she was living in New Antioch, Ohio. Robert Henry Smith grew to manhood in Clinton county, Ohio, and became a miller by occupation, and owned and operated a flour-mill during early life. He served with the famous "Squirrel Hunters" during the Civil War, and as a result of his zeal his mill was burned, probably by members of the Knights of the Golden Circle, who were active in this county. Afterwards he purchased a farm in Union township, and lived there until his death. He was a Republican in politics, and his wife was a devout member of the Christian church. They had two children : William E., the subject of this sketch; and Eva, who married David Leaming, and after his death married Elmer Clevenger; she died in 1910. Mrs. Robert Henry Smith was first married to Robertson Custis. After his death she was married to Robert Henry Smith. By her first marriage she had four children: Charles, lives in Wilmington and is a veteran of the Civil War; Thomas, lives in California and owns a cigar store in Santa Barbara, and two daughters, deceased. William E. Smith attended the public schools in Union township and worked on his father's farm until he had attained his majority. After this he was married and lived on the home farm for five years, when he moved to a farm two miles southwest of Cuba, which was owned by his father-in-law, and where he lived for eight years. In 1899 he removed to Wilmington and purchased the Spray livery barn on West Main street. He has been successfully engaged in business in Wilmington for the past sixteen years. On October 11, 1881, William E. Smith was married to Emma Cast, who was born in Washington township, Clinton county, Ohio, and who is the daughter of Simeon and Mary Cast, both of whom are deceased. He was a farmer by occupation, but spent his later years in Wilmington. To Mr. and Mrs. William E. Smith have been born two children: Eugenia, the first born, died in infancy; Harold S., who was born on December 23, 1891, is a bookkeeper in the Citizens National Bank at Wilmington. He is unmarried and lives with his parents. Mr. and Mrs. Smith belong to the Baptist church, and Mr. Smith is a trustee of the church. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Junior Order of United American Mechanics. An ardent Republican in politics, he was at one time elected a member of the Wilmington city council and served in this office with distinction. Mr. Smith has not only been successful in business, but he has been successful without losing the confidence and esteem of his fellow townsmen, a distinction of no mean importance. Good natured, whole-hearted and generous, he is a popular resident of the city of Wilmington. ARTHUR W. STARBUCK. Among the enterprising and energetic merchants of the city of Wilmington, this county, few are better known or have a wider repute for the careful manner in which their several mercantile enterprises are conducted than has Arthur W. Starbuck, the popular book dealer, whose well-appointed book store is one of the well established concerns of that city. Mr. Starbuck practically "grew up" in the mercantile life of Wilmington, having taken his place in the commercial circles of the town upon reaching his majority, thirty-five years ago, since which time he has been continuously and actively identified with the business interests of the county seat, in that time having so thoroughly acquainted himself with the needs and the tastes of the people that he is able to cater to these tasfes in the most competent possible manner. For fourteen years he was identified with the retail shoe trade of the city, after which he was engaged in the restaurant business for thirteen years, at the end of which time he became prominently connected with the local gas company's office, a position which he retained until 1909, in which CLINTON COUNTY, OHIO - 383 year he engaged in the book and stationery business and has been thus successfully occupied since, his store being recognized as one of the most prominent establishments of the city. Arthur W. Starbuck was born at Dover, in Union township, this county, on February 19, 1859, the son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Ellis) Starbuck, both natives of this county, the former of whom was born in Union township in the year 1834 and the latter of whom was born near the village of Port William in the year 1830, both being members of pioneer families of this county. Thomas Starbuck, who now lives in California, is the son of Latham Starbuck, the latter of whom was the son of Hezekiah Starbuck, a native of North Carolina, who settled in this county about the year of 1812. Edward Starbuck, the first of the Starbucks to immigrate to this country was a native of Nantucket, England, who came to America about three hundred years ago and was one of the original purchasers of Nantucket Island from the Indians. He was the founder of a large and prominent family and his numerous descendants are found in many parts of the country, a vigorous progeny, all doing well their various parts in the grand social scheme of this nation. Hezekiah Star-buck was a sailor, but during the War of 1812 he found his occupation practically gone, as nearly all American commerce was swept off the seas during that stormy period. In consequence of this state of affairs he decided to try pioneering in the unsettled wilds of the great country to the west and he and his family immigrated to Ohio, locating in Clinton county, entering a farm from the government in the Dover neighborhood, where the family became permanently established. Latham Starbuck, son of Hezekiah, was a grown boy when the family located in this county and he presently bought a farm of one hundred and fifty acres in Union township, on which he spent the rest of his life, becoming one of the most prominent and influential settlers of that section of the county. He and his wife were Quakers and their children were reared in accordance with the rigid tenets of their birthright faith, they, in turn becoming useful and influential members of the community. Thomas Starbuck, son of Latham, was reared on the home farm in Union township, remaining on the farm until some time after his marriage. He then engaged in the manufacture of tile at Bowersville, Ohio, and was thus successfully engaged until the year 1870. In 1895 he moved to Armada, California, where he immediately entered prominently into the public life of his new home town and for some years past has been postmaster of Armada. Thomas Starbuck is a Republican and is a member of and active worker in the Chrisfian church, being widely recognized as a lay preacher of much power in that denomination. In 1858 Thomas Starbuck was united in marriage to Elizabeth Ellis, who was born near Port William, this county, the daughter of James and Susannah Ellis, also natives of Clinton county, the former of whom was the son of a Pennsylvanian, a soldier in the patriot army during the Revolutionary War, who settled in this county early in the last century. To Thomas and Elizabeth (Ellis) Starbuck were born five children, of whom the immediate subject of this sketch is the eldest, namely : Arthur W., a prominent merchant of Wilmington; Emma L., who married William Utter 'and died in 1904; Florence E., who lives with her parenfs in California ; Granville E., a music teacher of San Bernardino, California, and Elmer E., a cabinet maker, who lives in the same city. Arthur W. Starbuck was reared on the home farm in Union township, until two years of age and moved to near Bowersville, where he received his elementary education in the Palmer district school of that township, supplementing the same by a course in the public schools at New Antioch. He worked on the farm until he had attained his majority, after which he located in Wilmington, which ever since has been his home. Upon coming to Wilmington, Mr. Starbuck entered the employ of Harry Walker and 384 - CLINTON COUNTY, OHIO. for fourteen years was engaged as a clerk in th latter's retail shoe store. At the end of fhat time he formed a partnership with J. T. Carroll and for five years was engaged with the latter in the restaurant business. At the end of that time this partnership was dissolved and Mr. Starbuck conducted the restaurant alone for eight years. He then sold the business and was engaged as office man for the Wilmington Gas Company until 1909, in which year he bought Harry H. Walker's book store, a business which be has since conducted with much success and in a manner most gratifying to his extensive trade. On November 15, 1883, Arthur W. Starbuck was united in marriage to Alberta Vandervort, who was born at New Antioch, this county, daughter of Richard and Catherine Vandervort, prominent farming people of that neighborhood, both of whom are now deceased. To this happy union two children have been born, Mabel, who was born in 1884, married Clifton T. Hazard, teacher of mathematics at Purdue University, and lives at West Lafayette, Indiana, and Charles R., born in 1889, who is a clerk in the Clinton County National Bank of Wilmington. Mr. Starbuck is a Republican and takes such part in the political affairs of his home communify as all good citizens owe to the commonwealth, being active in furthering such measures as are designed to promote the common good. He has given much and thoughtful attention to the affairs of the public schools of Wilmington and for six years was a very efficient members of the city school board. He is a member of the Wilmington lodge of the Knights of Pythias, in the affairs of which he takes a warm interest. Active in commercial, political and social circles of Wilmington, Mr. Starbuck has created for himself a very definite place in the life of the county seat and is one of the best-known men in Clinton county, enjoying the confidence and regard of all. He and his wife are diligent in promoting all good works and are held in the highest esteem by all who know them. CHARLES PIERSON RICHARDSON. Charles Pierson Richardson was widely known during his lifetime as one of the successful farmers of Clinton county, Ohio. He had a prominent part in the development of agriculture in this county and his well-directed energies in the practical affairs of life, his capable management of his own business and his sound judgment resulted in the acquisition and accumulation of a very large competence. He began life with one hundred acres of land, to which was later added three hundred and thirty-five acres, all of which was inherited by Mrs. Richardson, which tract was improved from time to time until at the time of his death he owned one of the finest farms in Vernon township. He was a prominent stockman and a highly respected citizen of this county. The late Charles Pierson Richardson. farmer and stockman of Clinton county, was born on March 15, 1840, in Cincinnati, Ohio. He was the son of Pierson Jackson and Elizabeth (Schillinger) Richardson, the former of whom was born in 1815 in Genesee county, New York, and who died on December 17, 1902, and the latter of whom was born on April 27, 1814, in Cincinnati, Ohio, and who died on October 3, 1883. Her parents were natives of Germany. Charles Pierson Richardson died on July 30, 1894. His father, P. J. Richardson, was a son of James Richardson, who was a soldier in the patriot army during the Revolutionary War, having served as a first lieutenant in a regiment of the New York infantry. He built and owned a one-half interest in the first boat built in Cincinnati. His father grew up in New York state and when he was a young man emigrated to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he married, near which place he farmed until about 1855, when he removed to Clinton county with his family. Here he purchased his home, which he built at Newport in 1846, and which is still standing, well preserved. He died at Newport on February 6, 1848. He was a member of the Presbyterian church. CLINTON COUNTY, OHIO - 385 Pierson Jackson, a son of James and father of the subject, a farmer, born in Genesee county, New York, March 15, 1815, died in Cuba on December 17, 1902. He attended a private school and graduated in a Cincinnati college. He moved to Cuba, Clinton county, in 1855 and was married in Cincinnati on June 15, 1836, to Elizabeth Schillinger, daughter of Col. William Schillinger. Charles Pierson Richardson was about fifteen years of age when his parents came to Clinton county, Ohio. Here he grew up on a farm and was married, and after his marriage he farmed in Vernon township on land which Mrs. Richardson inherited from her father and which amounted to four hundred and thirty-five acres. Mr. Richardson raised a great deal of thoroughbred live stock and kept registered trotting horses of the Wilkes and Hambletonian breeds. He also specialized in raising Shropshire sheep and Shorthorn cattle. He was killed in 1894 by the kick of a horse, having lived but a few hours after the accident. After his death, Mrs Richardson remained on the farm until 1911 and then moved to Wilmington, where she now resides with her daughter, Bessie. On October 3, 1865, the late Charles Pierson Richardson was married to Miss Jane Villars, who is the daughter of James and Frances (Gregg) Villars, the former of whom was born on October 20, 1800, in Jefferson township, Greene county, Pennsylvania, and who died on June 29, 1890, the latter of whom, her mother having died when she was a child, was reared by Mrs. Woodmansee She was the daughter of George and Margaret (Wiley) Gregg. James Villars was the son of James and Rebecca (Davidson) Villars. James, Jr., was reared on a farm and was six years old when his parents removed from Pennsylvania to Deerfield, Portage county, Ohio, where they remained one year. At the end of that period they removed to Washington township, Warren county, where they purchased fifty acres of land, and afterward one hundred acres nearby. In the summer of 1811 they purchased three hundred and sixty-four acres of land in Clinton county, adjoining the farm where James, Jr., later lived. They moved to this farm in the fall of 1813, after they had some land cleared, a house was built, the floors of which were laid with wide black walnut boards. This old log house still stands and is used for an outhouse, and some improvements made and the crops planted. They had ten children, six sons and four daughters. In August, 1823, James Villars, Sr., died and the dare of the family and the charge of the farm fell to James, Jr., who purchased the interest of the other heirs in the homestead and who lived with his mother. The first schooling of James Villars was obtained in 1807 in a small round log cabin, daubed with mud, with a stick and clay chimney and roofed with clapboards. It had a dirt floor and stood about thirty rods west of the iron bridge, north of the turnpike and about three-fourths of a mile west of Clarksville. When he was eight or nine years old, James Villars, Jr., attended school at another place, but in a building similar to the first. The third school he attended was in a log school house with a stick and clay chimney at each end and with a writing desk through the center. It stood between a quarter and a half mile south of where the Mt. Pleasant meeting house stood. His fourth experience was in a vacated log house two and one-half miles east of Clarksville, on the banks of Sewell's run. He had to walk three miles to this school, but finally he attended school in a building formerly used as a horse-mill, which was fitted up and used as a Methodist chapel in Wilmington, and as a matter of fact was the first Methodist chapel ever built there. It was also used for school purposes. On June 15, 1830, James Villars, Jr., was married to Frances Gregg. They had ten children, as follow: Rebecca, John W., Mary D., Rachel, George W., James M.,. Jane F., Hiram J., Samuel H. and Alfred T. Rebecca died at the age of twenty-four ; John W. died at the age of fifty-five, a farmer by occupation ; Mary D. married Simeon Cast and they lived on a farm in Washington township, both of whom are now deceased; Rachel (25) 386 - CLINTON COUNTY, OHIO. married Ed. Mulford, a resident of Warren county, Ohio, who is now deceased; George W. died at, the age of twenty-one; James M. died at the age of nineteen; Jane F. is the widow of Mr. Richardson; Hiram J. lives in Montana, and Alfred T., who owned his father's home place, is, deceased. In 1837 James Villars, Jr., purchased the farm where he lived until his death, which consisted of three hundred and sixty-one acres. After buying this farm he did nothing more to it until the spring of 1848. He was an industrious man and a careful manager, accumulating a large amount of land. Before his death he was one of the heaviest landowners in Clinton county. He owned six hundred acres of land in Clark and Union counties, Illinois, beside twelve hundred acres, which he gave to his children. He built a fine brick chapel on part of his land, at a cost of fourteen thousand dollars and presented this to the Methodist Protestant church, of which he and his wife were members for a number of years, they having joined the church together in 1845. Before this they had been members of the Methodist Episcopal church, which Mr. Villars had joined in 1816. He also purchased the Baptist church of Clarksville, on which he expended about three thousand dollars. He was a local deacon and an ordained minister in the Methodist Protestant church and later an elder. He had been a trustee ever since he built the chapel, and held the office of township trustee and supervisor for several years. His beloved wife died on June 7, 1881, and he died, as heretofore stated, in June, 1890. Mr. and Mrs. Charles Pierson Richardson had nine children, six of whom are still living. The deceased children are Howard, the third born, who first saw the light of day, March 21, 1869, and who died at the age of six years; Horace, who died at the age of thirty-one, and Lillie, who died at the age of seven weeks. The living children are James Pierson, Charles Hinkle, Walter G., Frances, Herman and Bessie. James Pierson was born on July 12, 1866, and lives in Adrian, Michigan, where he is a piano maker. He was a missionary in Japan nine years; Charles Hinkle, December 20, 1867, and lives on the home place, is a farmer; Walter G. also lives on the home place; Frances married George Sewell, and they live in Vernon township; Herman lives on the home place, and Bessie, who is unmarried, lives with Mrs. Pierson. Mrs. Pierson is an ardent member of the Methodist. Protestant church and prominent in the religious life of this community. Mr. Richardson was not only an enterprising farmer, but he was a good citizen and a good man, one who was entitled to the esteem and confidence of his fellows and one who enjoyed this confidence and esteem in a large measure. ROBERT LIVINGSTON OWENS. One of the country's largest manufacturers, a man who has received more than passing note by reason of the methods he employs in securing ungrudging and efficient service on the part of his small army of employees, and whose close personal relations with the men who have helped to make the product of his factory a household word throughout the country is a matter of common knowledge, upon being asked: "What do you call a Wan?" quickly answered: "One who stands four square to the world in reference to the functions that should be absolutely right, with regard fo himself, those who are dependent upon him, and society in general." Upon being asked to extend his definition so as to cover the process of "making a man," he declared that he made men "by the application of horse sense." This, of course, but emphasizes, by giving personal authority to the utterance, a truth that is not only self-evident, but widely accepted. It invariably is found that those men who really do stand four square to the world in all the relations of life are the men who are possessed of what has commonly come to be known as "horse sense," upon the proper exercise of which they base the success which, without exception, follows their cfforts. Happily, there are many such men in Clinton county, among the best known of whom perhaps is Robert L. Owens, the enter- CLINTON COUNTY, OHIO - 387 prising and progressive bridge man, of Wilmington, this county, general manager and freasurer of the Champion Bridge Company. Robert Livingston Owens was born at Mainsville, Warren county, Ohio, on August 21, 1866, the only son of George W. and Margaret (Irwin) Owens, the former of whom was born in Bedford county, Virginia, on August 26, 1832, and died at his home in Wilmington, this county, on January 4. 18961 and the latter of whom was born in Warren county, this state, on March 22, 1833, and died on September 26, 1898, to whom were born but two children, the other child being a daughter, Mrs. Jessie T. Arebaugh (Orebaugh, Mrs. John) of Wilmington. George W. Owens was the son of Talliaferro and Pamelia (Tucker) Owens, both natives of Virginia, of good old colonial families, the fathers of both of whom took valiant parts in the struggle of the American patriots during the Revolutionary War, other representatives of these families also having done well their various parts during the War of 1812. Margaret Irwin was the daughter of Robert and Lydia (Cox) Irwin, pioneers of Warren county, this state and prominent and influential residenfs therein; Robert L. Owens was but four years of age when his parents came from Virginia (Warren Co, Ohio) to this county, locating in Wilmington, and consequently has lived the most of his life in Clinton county, there now being few men in the county better known than he. He received his education In the Wilmington schools and was graduated from the high school there in the year 1884, following which he spent four years as a student in the Cincinnati. Art Academy, becoming thoroughly grounded in the art of drawing and its correlative science. Upon leaving school he was engaged by the Champion Bridge Company of Wilmington in the capacity of traveling salesman, with headquarters at Cincinnati. He later transferred his services to the Queen City Bridge Company, of Cincinnati, as a traveling salesman, still later going to the Brackett Bridge Company, of Cincinnati, serving that company in the capacity of secretary, remaining in Cincinnati until 1898, in which year he returned to Wilmington, becoming a director in the Champion Bridge Company and resuming his original position as traveling representative of that company, continuing in that capacity until he was elected general manager and treasurer of the company in 1904, a position which he still holds. Mr. Owens also is a director of the Memphis Bridge Company, of Memphis. Tennessee, and is one of the best-known bridge men in the country. In addition to his official duties in connection with these two prominent bridge companies, Mr. Owens also is the secretary of the National Safety Snap Company, of Wilmington, and likewise gives his intelligent attention to the general business welfare of his home city, being actively concerned in all movements having to do with the promotion of Wilmington's best interests, few business men in the city having a higher reputation for enterprise and energy when it comes to "boosting" things hereabout. In January, 1892. Robert L. Owens was united in marriage to Hannah Cherrington, who was born in Gallipolis. Ohio, daughter of William and Lucy H. Cherrington, who were the parents of five children, the others being Samuel M., Leida, Lucy M. and Mrs. E. S. Culbertson. Mr. and Mrs. Owens are members of the Episcopal church at Wilmington, Mr. Owens serving the congregation of that communion as a member of the vestry, or executive body of the church. Mr. Owens is a Democrat and gives a good citizen's attention to the political affairs of his home county, though he never has been included in the office-seeking class of politicians. He is deeply interested in good government and his influence in civic matters ever is on the side of economical and efficient administration of the affairs of the people. Mr. Owens Is a master Mason, his connection with that order being with blue lodge No. 52: Royal Arch Masons, Chapter No. 63 and Wilmington Commandery No. 37, Knights Templar. Robert L. Owens is a typical, up-to-date, hustling American citizen, who is doing well his part in life, bringing to all his relations in life that admirable quality known 388 - CLINTON COUNTY, OHIO. commonly as "horse sense," so aptly referred to in the introduction of this biographical narrative, and he very properly enjoys the highest confidence and esteem of his business associates and friends, not only in Wilmington and Clinton county, but throughout the state, his acquaintance extending far beyond the mere confines of his home county. ROBERT R. DOAN. Robert R. Doan, who is one of the most brilliant young men in Clinton county, and who perhaps, is one of the best-informed men, young or old, is not only a descendant of one of the earliest pioneers of this county, but a member of a family which has distinguished itself in the political life of this state. That Robert R. Doan is possessed of wide vision, initiative and executive ability is proved by his success in an enterprise in which the people of Clinton county have good reason to take great pride. A short time ago he organized a company to publish the first daily newspaper ever launched in Clinton county. Robert R. Doan was born on March 10, 1889, in Wilmington, Ohio, and is a son of Albert W. and Jennie (Rutherford) Doan, the former of whom is also a native of Wilmington, the deputy probate judge of this county, who resides at Wilmington. Albert W. Doan was born on August 25, 1860. His wife, who was a native of Wilmington, Ohio, was born on January 27, 1864. Mr. Doan's mother is also living. The paternal grandparents of Robert R. Doan were Robert E. and Maria (McMillan) Doan, the former of whom, although eighty-four years old, is engaged in the practice of law at Washington, D. C., where he has lived since 1890. Robert E. Doan was born in Union township, Clinton county, Ohio, on June 23, 1834, and his wife, who was born on August 8, 1836, is also still living. Robert E. Doan is a son of William Doan, who, in 1804, came with his parents, Joseph and Jemima Doan, from Chatham county, North Carolina. They settled near what is now the city of Wilmington, where they purchased nearly one thousand acres of land, and it may be said here that Mr. Doan is the owner of twenty-six thousand acres of land in the state of Sonora, Mexico. William Doan was a Whig in politics, and a leading member of the Friends church. He was a farmer most of his life, and he and his wife were the parents of three children, Robert E., Joseph, who died unmarried, and Maria, deceased, who was the wife of Thomas Waltham, also deceased. The Doan family in Clinton county dates from the coming of Joseph Doan, who arrived here on November 4, 1804, in company with John Stout, from Chatham county, North Carolina, by the Flower Gap. John Vestal, who was his wife's brother, died before they arrived at Todd's Fork. On January 22, 1805, Joseph Doan purchased two hundred and thirty-eight acres of land in Posey's survey at one dollar and a half an acre, paying altogether three hundred and fifty-seven dollars, three hundred dollars to Posey and fifty-seven dollars to Nathan Linton. On November 27, 1806, he paid on his land one hundred dollars, and on December 4, 1807, he paid another hundred dollars. Joseph Doan was born on October 23, 1759, and died on May 28, 1838. His wife was born on May 8, 1762. They were the parents of twelve children, Thomas, John, Ruth, the wife of Joseph Haines; William, Elizabeth, Joseph, Jesse, Jonathan, Jacob, Rachel, the wife of Isaac Hines, Elisha and Mary. The Hon. Robert E. Doan was a very ambitious young man, who desired to study law, and was accustomed to take law books to the field and studied while he plowed. With his own earnings he attended the Cincinnati law school and became an attorney at Wilmington, Ohio. His mother, who, before her marriage, was Betsy Eachus, a native of Winchester, Virginia, died in 1864. Five years later his father, William Doan, passed away. Robert E. Doan served as prosecuting attorney and was finally elected to Congress during President Harrison's administration. After serving one term in this office he CLINTON COUNTY, OHIO - 389 became a partner of Major Anderson, of Washington, D. C., and when Major Anderson was appointed judge of the United States District Court, Mr. Doan continued the practice of his profession alone, and is still engaged in the practice. He is now president of the National Biographical Society of Washington and is also a charter member and historian of the Ohio Historical Society at Washington. It is Robert Doan's original conception which launched and founded, in Washington, D. C., in 1910, the International Law Association of the United States, Mexico and the Dominion of Canada, which received the endorsement of the highest judicial tribunal in the world, the supreme court of the United States. Mr. Doan served one year as secretary of the Steele-Evans Manufacturing Company and as secretary-treasurer of the Clinton Publishing Company. His literary efforts have been published in the Frank A. Munsey's publications and a syndicate of eastern newspapers. He is acquainted and corresponds with Colonel Roosevelt, which pleasant relations were also maintained with the late Elbert Hubbard and wife. To return to his early history, it may be said that both of Robert E. Doan's parents were members of the Friends church; that he attended an academy at Harveysburg, Warren counfy, Ohio, and afterward taught school in Warren, Greene and Clinton counties, in this way earning money to pay for his law course. He finished the course in the Cincinnati law school and received his diploma with the 'degree of Bachelor of Laws on April 19, 1857. For some time he was in partnership with his cousin, A. W. Doan, in the practice of law, the firm having been dissolved fifteen years later, when A. W. Doan was elected judge of the court of common pleas. In 1880 he made seventy-seven speeches in favor of James A. Garfield's election to the Presidency in the state of Ohio, in which year he was a Presidential elector from the Clinton county district, and named by acclamation. He was a candidate for Congress in that year, but was defeated for the nomination, receiving, however, only thirteen votes less than the nominee. In 1857 he was married to Maria McMillan, a native of Clinton county, and to this union were born six children, Clinton, who was a farmer, is deceased. He was a specialist in raising thoroughbred horses; Albert W. is the father of Robert R., the immediate subject of this review; Charles died at the age of fifteen; Burritt died at the age of fourteen; Willie died at the age of six; Frank M. died in Arizona. He was collector of customs in that state, having been appointed to this position by President McKinley. The commission of Frank M. Doan was the last which President McKinley ever signed before his death. In addition to his law practice, Robert E. Doan has large interests in copper mines, and is also heavily interested in a publishing company at Washington, D. C. For many years he maintained his large residence in the city of Wilmington, where his grandson, Robert R., now lives. Albert W. Doan attended the public schools of Wilmington, and later was a student during 1878-79-80 at the normal school at Lebanon, Ohio. Upon returning to Wilmington from school he was elected mayor of Wilmington, in which office he served four terms of two years each. For several years he was engaged in traveling, but in 1913 was appointed deputy probate judge of Clinton county, an office which he is now holding. He is a Republican in politics, and fraternally, a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He was married on February 6, 1887, and Robert R. is the only child. Robert R. Doan received his early education in the public schools of Wilmington, Ohio, and later became a student of Wilmington College for four years. Still later he was a student at Ohio Wesleyan University for a year, where he pursued a literary course. After this he was a student at Georgetown University, near Washington, D. C., where he was a law student. In 1913 Mr. Doan returned to Wilmington and engaged in the printing and publishing business. On November 1, 1914, he started the Clinton Review, a monthly magazine, and in April, 1915, organized the company to publish the 390 - CLINTON COUNTY, OHIO. first daily newspaper ever issued in Clinton county. Mr. Doan's firm does job printing and local publishing. On January 5, 1915, Mr. Doan was married to Mabel Compton, a native of Champaign, Illinois, and a daughter of L. L. Compton and wife, the former of whom is an architect of Wilmington, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Doan are members of the Friends church at Wilmington. He is a Republican in politics and a very ambitious young man, one entirely worthy of the splendid career of many of the Doan family in this county. He and his wife are popular socially in this city, and, of course, are well known. FRANK L. MILLER. The life history of him whose name heads this sketch is closely identified with the history of Wilmington and Clinton county, Ohio. His life has been one of untiring activity and has been crowned with a degree of success attained by only those who devote themselves indefatigably to the work before them. He is of a high type of business man and none more than he deserves a fitting recognition among the men whose genius and abilities have achieved results that are commendable. The subject of this sketch is descended from a sterling line of ancestors, the family on the paternal side having originated in Wales, where the subject's great-great-grandfather, Peter Miller, was born in 1740. In young manhood he came to America, settling near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he married Catherine Rhodes, who was of Dutch descent and a Lutheran in her religious faith. To them were born five children, John, Jacob, Abraham, Isaac and Elizabeth. Of these, Isaac, Sr., was the subject's great-grandfather, and was born on February 5, 1777. Peter, the father of these children moved with his family to Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, and cleared land ready for farming. From here he enlisted in behalf of the colonies against the British during the war for independence, but was wounded and sent to a hospital, where he died during the war, his burial place being unknown. He left his widow in severe financial straits, and she was compelled to bind out the children in order to secure for them a living. Isaac Miller, Sr., one of these children, was adopted at the age of nine months by John McKibben, who in about 1786 removed to Bourbon county, Kentucky. When Isaac Miller, Sr., was about twenty years of age he was sent to the Northwest Territory with a company of surveyors who John McKibben had employed to survey a twelve-hundred-acre tract of land which he had purchased. That tract, then in the "Throckmorton survey," lies near Farmer's Station on the Baltimore & Ohio railroad in Clinton county, Ohio. Isaac Miller's duty was to supply this party of surveyors with fresh meat. In 1801 Mr. McKibben gave Isaac Miller, Sr., two hundred acres of this tract in recognition of his faithful services. Thus Isaac Miller, Sr., became the first of the family to permanently locate in Clinton county. On January 1, 1804, he married Mary Stewart, a native of Warren county, Ohio, and together they established their home in Clinton county. There they spent the remainder of their days ; their deaths occurred in the same month, the father dying on January 5, 1857, and the mother on January 27, 1857. To them were born twelve children, namely : William, Elizabeth, Mary, Isaac, Jr., Jane, Catherine, Hannah, Fletcher, Rebecca, James, Milton and Margaret. Isaac Miller, Sr.. who was the subject's great-grandfather, became a soldier in the War of 1812, serving under Gen. Allen Tremble at Ft. Wayne. Isaac Miller, Jr., the grandfather of Frank L. Miller, was born on July 30, 1812, and remained on the home farm until twenty-four years of age. On September 17, 1835, he married Margaret Hildebrant, who was born on February 26. 1820, in Hunterton county, New Jersey. In 1821 he bought a hundred and eighty-six acres of land near New Antioch, Ohio, but in 1838 sold this land and went overland to Stephenson county, Illinois, where he bought a farm of two hundred and forty acres. On this he remained about CLINTON COUNTY, OHIO - 391 twelve years. In 1850 the family visited Ohio and while there Mr. Miller traded his Illinois farm for one in Washington township, Clinton county. For his second wife Isaac Miller married Mrs. Martha E. Meeker. Isaac Miller became the father of the following children: Columbus; Ralph; Isaac N.; William; Mary E., who married John M. Vandewart; Lydia, the wife of Joseph Hunter; Camelia, the wife of Joel Johnson;' Charles; Eva L., the wife of Frederick Johnson; and Alice, the wife of William Doke. William Miller, the father of the subject of this sketch, was born at the town of Oswego, Stephenson county, Illinois, on November 17, 1842. He was about seven years of age when the family returned to Clinton county, Ohio, and here he was reared to manhood. He attended the district schools and received a fair education_ In June, 1862, William Miller enlisted in Company C, Seventy-ninth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, but affer seven months service he was honorably discharged because of ill health. On his return to civil life, Mr. Miller married on December 25, 1863, Rachel Louise Moore, who was born in Washington township, Clinton county, on December 29, 1845. Thereafter Mr. Miller farmed his father's place until his father gave him fifty acres of land on which he lived for four years. Then he moved to Sabina, Ohio, and engaged in the manufacture of tile, under the name of the Sabina Tile Works, which occupied his atfention for seven years, at the end of which period he sold out, and started a butcher shop to which he devoted himself for fourteen years. He then moved to Springfield. Ohio, but a year later moved to Bowersville, Greene county, where he lived for four years, following the meat business. He then bought a hundred acres of land in Washington township, Clinton county, where he lived until 1900, when he moved to Wilmington, where he now resides. William Miller became a specialist in the raising of strawberries in which he became widely known throughout central Ohio. He had a large patch of strawberry plants on his farm, the cultivation of which required thirty hands during the fruit season. Mr. Miller is known familiarly as "Strawberry" Miller because of his reputation as a successful grower of this luscious fruit. He has also raised considerable other small fruit on his place and has been very successful as a horticulturist. He took a deep interest in public affairs, being a Republican in his political views, and in 1896 was elected county commissioner of Clinton county, and served with credit to himself and to the advantage of his constituents, who were so well pleased with the discharge of his official duties that they re-elected him to serve a second term. He and his wife were members of the Christian church. To William and Rachel Louise (Moore) Miller were born six children, namely: Clara, now deceased, was the wife of L. E. Kretzer, of Lebanon, Ohio; Ed C. is a traveling salesman of Sabina ; Isaac, who lives in Wilmington, Ohio, is a salesman in the store of Frank Gallup: Harry is a farmer at Westboro, Ohio; Frank L. is the subject of this skefch;. Nellie, a twin sister of Frank L., is the wife of J. E. Briggs, of Morrisville, Ohio. The mother of these children, Rachel Louise Miller, is a daughter of Samuel and Christiana (Rhonemus) Moore, both of whom were born in Washington township, Clinton county, the former in 1820, and the latter in 1819. Both are now deceased, the father dying in 1900, and the mother in July, 1884. Samuel Moore was the son of McCagy and Rebecca (McGee) Moore, who were of Irish descent and who came from Pennsylvania to Clinton county, being numbered among the early settlers of this locality. Samuel Moore was a farmer throughout his active life, owning one hundred acres of land in Washingon township. The family all belonged to the Christian church. Samuel and Christina Moore were the parents of ten children. Frank L. Miller was born at Sabina, Clinton county, Ohio, on October 26, 1875. He secured his elementary education in the country schools near Martinsville and in the public schools of Wilmington after the family moved to this city. At the age of twenty years he applied himself to learn the trade of jeweler under Ed Devoss at Wilmington, with whom he remained ten years, becoming a proficient workman and fully qualified 392 - CLINTON COUNTY, OHIO. for any department of that trade. In 1905 Mr. Miller went to New Vienna and started a store on his own account, but in 1908 he came to Wilmington and bought a store which he has since conducted. He is very successful in his conduct of the business and has met the public approval to such an extent that he is in the enjoyment of his full share of, the local trade. He carries a splendid up-to-date stock of goods and his courteous treatment and evident desire to please his customers has gained for him a well deserved popularity. Mr. Miller is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, belonging to the blue lodge and chapter at Wilmington, and is a member and a trustee of the Baptist church of this city. His family also belong to this same church. He is a member of the Commercial Club of Wilmington, and in many ways has evinced his personal interest in the local public welfare. On September 1, 1904, Frank L. Miller was married to Sarah Walker, who was born on a farm near Wilmington, the daughter of Abel and Mary Walker. Her mother is living, but her father, who was one of the founders of the Clinton County National Bank, is now deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Miller have been born one child, Mary Elizabeth. Mr. and Mrs. Miller move in the best social circles of Wilmington, and are deservedly popular with the people of this section. LAWRENCE EGAN. Lawrence Egan, a well-known business man of Wilmington, Ohio, during the past eleven years, has been engaged in the coal, building supply and sewer-pipe business in this city, with an office and yard on Sugar Tree street. Today he holds a distinctive position of prestige among the successful business men of Clinton county and has had much to do with advancing the material interests of the city of Wilmington and in helping to make it one of the most important commercial centers of this section of the state. Such a man cannot fail to interest, for he is not only a representative citizen in his sphere of endeavor, but here he has established a reputation for honor and integrity. Lawrence Egan, who was born in County Tipperary, Ireland, January 11, 1851, is the son of Lawrence and Margaret (Maher) Egan, the former of whom was born in County Tipperary in 1821 and who died in 1895, and the latter of whom, likewise, was born in County Tipperary in 1830, and who died in 1892. Mr. Egan's paternal grandparents were Lawrence and Catherine (Butler) Egan, the latter of whom was Lord Butler's sister, but who, nevertheless, married a man without rank or title. The Butlers owned a big estate and Lord Butler's sister, the grandmother of Mr. Egan, had a life estate, and as long as there was a son named Lawrence in the family, he was entitled to the fruits of the estate. The Egans had a large amount of property in an early day in Ireland, but during an insurrection the Catholics had all of their property confiscated. The Egans, who were good Catholics and who wanted to avoid confiscation, deeded their land to old Captain Butler, a lord, and the great-grandfather of Lawrence Egan. The Butlers refused to return the land, but instead gave them positions as overseers on the estate so they would not cause so much trouble. Mr. Egan's grandparents lived and died in Ireland and were good Catholics. His maternal grandparents also lived and died in that country. Lawrence Egan, Sr., was a gardener and served an apprenticeship of seven years in learning his trade. In 1851 he came to New York state and later emigrated to Kentucky, where he worked on the railroad. Within a few months he emigrated to Clarksville, Warren county, Ohio, and worked for John Hadley, a railroad contractor. In 1852 his family joined him and when the family emigrated to Ohio they were accompanied by Lawrence, Jr., the subject of this sketch. The family was sixteen weeks in the trip across the ocean from Liverpool to New Orleans, and six weeks in the trip up the river. In 1857 the Egan family came to Wilmington, Ohio, where the father CLINTON COUNTY, OHIO - 393 worked on the Cincinnati, Wilmington & Zanesville railroad as a section boss for many years. Eventually, however, he purchased a farm in Clinton county and there died. He and his wife and family were good Catholics. They had seven children, of whom Lawrence was the eldest ; Richard is a policeman in Wilmington; Thomas is a druggist in Wilmington; Patrick is a resident of Anderson, Indiana; John is a druggist in Wilmington; Mary is the wife of Thomas Maher, of Kokomo, Indiana, and Margaret, who is single, lives in Wilmington. Lawrence Egan attended the public schools and after finishing his education worked in a grocery for some time. He had been compelled to go to work at the age of nine years. After reaching maturity he rented land for several years, and was finally married in Clinton county, Ohio. After his marriage, he engaged in the grocery business in Wilmington for a short time, and then sold out and started a retail coal business. Here he has been engaged in business for the past eleven years, with his office and yard on Sugar Tree street. In 1888 Mr. Egan was married to Jennie Spinks, a native of Kentucky and the daughter of William Spinks, now deceased, who was a farmer in Washington township, near Wilmington. Mr. and Mrs. Egan have had three children, Catherine, Lawrence W. and Mary Ellen. Lawrence W. assists his father in the coal business. J. TURNER DARNELL. The subject of this interesting biographical sketch is one of the best-known horse fanciers and trainers in Ohio, a man who loves horses and has a singular and widely-recognized facility for bringing out the best there is in a horse in the matter of speed. J. Turner Darnell, of Wilmington, this county. has been engaged as a trainer for years, and has the credit of having developed some of the best "steppers" that ever performed in the Ohio circuit. As an owner, also, he is widely known, and during his career has been the possessor of some mighty fast horseflesh, including the famous "Kate Phelps," pacer, two-seventeen and one-quarter ; "Minnie Burns," pacer, two-twelve and one-quarter ; "Belmont Lady," trotter, two-thirteen and one-quarter, besides others of more than merely local fame; and at present is the owner of "Ebony Todd," a phenomenal three-year old that done a furlong in seventeen seconds; "Crystal Wall," four-year-old trotter, with a record of a furlong in eighteen seconds; "Minnie Pointer," a four-year-old pacer, and "Lady Commodore," a promising two-year-old, both of which have plenty of speed. He also is a trainer of race horses for other owners and has a wide reputation for his ability to "deliver the goods" in this connection. J. Turner Darnell was born in Guilford county, North Carolina, near the city of Salem, on April 17, 1864, the son of Jacob and Rhoda (Brooks) Darnell, both of whom were born on the same plantation in Guilford county, the former in 1812 and the latter in 1817. In March of 1872, some years after emancipation, Jacob Darnell and his wife and children left North Carolina and came to Ohio, locating at Wilmington, this county, where Jacob and wife spent the rest of their lives, his death occurring in 1883 and her death occurring in 1885. For fifteen years Jacob Darnell served as janitor of the school building in Wilmington, a trust to which he ever was faithful, and he and his wife possessed the respect and confidence of the community. They were the parents of four children, of whom the subject of this sketch is the youngest, the others being Albert, Alice and Susan, the latter two of whom died in young womanhood. J. Turner Darnell attended the public schools of Wilmington and received an excellent grammar-school education. For several years he worked as a clerk in Hames' grocery store, after which he opened a restaurant, which he successfully conducted unfil 1914, at which time he began giving his whole attention to the development of his training stables, he having for nearly fifteen years before that time been actively engaged in developing 394 - CLINTON COUNTY, OHIO. the speed strains in promising colts of his own or such others as were brought to him by other owners, and he has had an unusual degree of success in this enterprise, Darnell's horses having a wide reputation over the racing circuits. In October, 1882, J. Turner Darnell was united in marriage to Eliza Jane Thompson, who was born in Rochester, Warren county, this state, and to this union three children have been born, William T., Ethel May and Vernon. Dr. William T. Darnell is a practicing physician at Xenia, this state, where he has built up an excellent practice. He received his medical education at Chicago and for a time occupied the post of interne at Booker T. Washington's hospital, later going to the republic of Mexico, where he practiced his profession for a year, but finding things too warm for comfort in, that unhappy and revolution-ridden republic, returned to his native state and located at Xenia, where he is doing well. Ethel May married George Steward; upon whose death she married, secondly, Arthur Fisher, of Cincinnati, and is living in that city. Vernon is still at home, an invaluable assistant to his father. J. T. Darnell is a Republican and for years has been an active worker in the ranks of that party and on several occasions was sent as a delegate to district conventions of the party, and he served one term as constable, having been elected on the Republican ticket. He is a good business man and is financially independent. Horsemen throughout this part of the state repose much confidence in his ability to judge the qualities of a prospective racer and his training stables are kept busy developing promising strains. He is a prominent member of the colored Masonic, Odd Fellows and Knights of Pythias lodges at Wilmington and takes a warm interest in the affairs of those useful fraternal organizations, being regarded as a leader of the people of his race hereabout. J. LESTER SPAHR. It may truthfully be said that he who creates beauty is a public benefactor no less than he who creates the more material forms of wealth. The artist, no matter in what field he may labor, turns the attention for the moment from the common, sordid scenes of life, and directs it to that which is perhaps more worth while, though less valued and less honored. He whose name forms the theme of this biography spent his boyhood amid scenes of natural beauty, for he was a farmer's son, and there he received those early impressions which determined in after years the direction which his energies should take J. Lester Spahr, one of the leading photographers of this county, was born in Greene county, Ohio, on August 4, 1877, his parents, Robert S. and Martha A. (Saville) Spahr, both being natives of the same county. The parents were people of moderate means, and it took hard work and careful planning to provide shelter, food and clothing for the ten children that came to this home. But although theirs were busy lives, neither father nor mother neglected those higher duties having for their object the training of the minds of their children which should result in strong, useful character. The fact that all of the subject's brothers and sisters are living is tribute to the care and wisdom of their mother who also is still living. The children of Robert S. and Martha A. Spahr were as follow : Albert G. of Xenia, Ohio; R. 0., a farmer of Greene county; J. Lester, our subject; Howard S., of Xenia ; Fanny, wife of Lee Ledbetter, of Xenia ; Sherwin G.; F. B., Emma Spahr, Homer C. and Earl R., all of Xenia. With so many to provide for, it was necessary that the elder children remain on the farm to help their father and mother, the latter's life being as strenuous and as useful as that of her worthy husband. Thus it was that Lester did not leave the home place until he was twenty-one, receiving his education in the public schools. Leaving the farm when he reached his majority, he became a clerk and was employed by a number of merchants in Xenia, giving satisfactory service in this occupation. eing ambitious to have a business of his own, when he was twenty-six years old, he took up CLINTON COUNTY, OHIO - 395 photography in the town in which he and some of his family were then living, and in 1906, he came to Wilmington to live, buying the studio where his present business is located. J. Lester Spahr was married on January 1, 1914, to Zella Hayes, a daughter of Capt. Mellville Hayes, of Wilmington. Mr. Spahr, while busy with matters relating to his own profession has identified himself with commercial organizations, and in thus doing, has not only contributed to his own success but also to the commercial interests of his home town. He is a prominent member of the Commercial Club, and is secretary and• treasurer of the Ohio Society of Photographers, as well as a member of the National Association of Photographers. Mr. Spahr is known as one of the active, energetic, public-spirited business men of this community. Besides the above business affiliations, Mr. Spahr is interested in fraternal orders, and is a Mason. He and his wife are communicants of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which they are among the most active and useful members. Mr. Spahr is numbered among those men in the community who can always be depended upon to be kind in his judgments, considerate of the rights and welfare of ofhers, and genial and trustworthy to a high degree. GEORGE M. AUSTIN, M. D. Few families of pioneer descent are better known in Clinton county than the Austins and the Smiths, families which, from the very beginning of the social order in this favored community, have played a prominent part in the affairs of the county. By the marriage of Benjamin N. Austin and Mary Smith, a happy union of these two families was effected and Dr. George M. Austin, of Wilmington, one of the best-known and most prominent physicians in the county, thus traces his ancestry to these two lines of dominant pioneer stock. The Austins came to this county in 1808, the Smiths locating here eight years later, and both families exerted a powerful influence for good in the formative period of the now well-established commonwealth, ever being found on the side of the right in all movements designed to promote •the general welfare. George M. Austin was born on a farm near the Mt. Pleasant church, in Vernon fownship, Clinfon county, Ohio, August 23, 1856, son of Benjamin N. and Mary (Smith) Austin, the former of whom was born in Surrey county, North Carolina, in 1810, and died in 1879, and the latter of whom was born in Vernon township, this county, in 1821, and died in 1901. Benjamin N. Austin was a son of William and Elizabeth (Austin) Austin, first cousins, the former of whom was a native of Prince George's county, Maryland, and the latter of whom was a native of Albemarle county, Virginia. The Austin family in America dates to about the close of the seventeenth century, at which time the first of that name to locate in this country settled in Maryland. This colonial Austin was a member of the English gentry and maintained a proper display of his coat-of-arms after coming to this side. The Austins are of Norman descent, the family being directly traced back to a noted thirteenth-century crusader. William Austin was bereft of his father by death when a young child and upon reaching a proper age was apprenticed to the carpenter trade, at which he became quite proficient. He assisted in the construction of the first locks in the Potomac river at the time Washington City was built. At Charlottesville, Virginia, he married his cousin, Elizabeth Austin, and located in Surrey county, North Carolina, where, for eight years, he was engaged in farming. At the end of that time, in 1911, attracted by the glowing reports sent back by his brother, Thomas Austin, who had located in this county three years before and wishing to avoid slave territory he decided to come to Clinton county. With his family and belongings transported in two wagons, drawn by oxen, he made the toilsome journey to this county in six weeks, hailing the stopping places in Vernon town- 396 - CLINTON COUNTY, OHIO. ship with joy. For three years he lived on a farm near the confluence of Todd's creek and Cowan's creek, near which place his brother, Thomas, had located in 1808, and three years later bought three hundred and twenty acres of land in the eastern part of the same township ; later enlarging his holdings by buying four hundred acres nearby, and there he spent the remainder of his life. On this farm the Austin family established a private burial ground, which, years later, was extended to include the bounds of the present Mt. Pleasant cemetery. Though the Austins originally were members of the Church of England, William Austin became a devout Wesleyan Methodist and performed a very active part in the organization of the Methodist church in this county. Soon after arriving in this county he founded the Mt. Pleasant Methodist church and all his life was one of the most liberal supporters of the same. He also founded the first Methodist church in the then comparatively insignificant hamlet of Wilmington, this church having thus had a continuous existence of more than one hundred years, it having been organized in the year 1813. William Austin was a man of unusual vigor, both bodily and mentally, and easily ranked among the foremost pioneers of that section. He was a capable and forceful speaker and was wont to fill the pulpits of his two churches during the absence of the "circuit" preacher, whose visits to this county then were made but once in six weeks, and thus became known far and wide as a local preacher of much power, his influence extending far beyond the confines of Clinton county, no man in this section of the state being held in higher regard than be. His son, Benjamin N. Austin, surrounded by such wholesome influences, grew up to useful and influential manhood. He was not yet one year old when his parents made the toilsome journey from North Carolina to this county, therefore practically all his life was spent here. His youth and young manhood were spent in assisting his father to reclaim his large estate from the forest wilderness and later he cleared a small farm of his own, to which he later added further purchases, receiving also a tract by inheritance, until he became the owner of three hundred acres of excellent land in Vernon township. He also owned a half section of land in Indiana and was counted as one of the most substantial residents of this county. He, following in the footsteps of his devout parents, was an earnest member of the Methodist church, ever active in promoting fhe interests of that communion, and three of his brothers became Methodist ministers. Benjamin N. Austin was twice married. By the union with his first wife eight children were born, namely : William Harrison, who died during the Civil War, while serving in the ranks of the One Hundred and First Regiment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry; Mrs. Catherine Billers, deceased; Thomas, who died in infancy; Mrs. Mary Bogus, deceased: Francis Bogus, died in infancy; Mrs. Sarah E. Cogall, who lives in Alabama; James Fletcher, a farmer, who livcs in Ullinois, and Ruth, now deceased, who married Philip Sherwin,'a merchant of Cleveland, Ohio. Upon the death of the mother of the above children, Benjamin N. Austin married, secondly, Mary Smith, daughter of Ephraim and Sarah (Higgins) Smith, the latter of whom was a daughter of Matthew Higgins, a soldier in the patriot army from New Jersey during the Revolufionary War. Ephraim Smith was the son of Simon Smith, a New Jersey blacksmith, whose grandfather was an English sailor who settled in Long Island and later moved with his family to New; Jersey. Ephraim Smith came to Ohio in the year 1816, locating in this county, where he settled on a farm in Vernon township, where he spent the rest of his life. This farm was situated on the main highway of travel in the pioneer days and Ephraim Smith operated a tavern at that point called Union Inn (near Villars chapel), which had high renown in those days for the excellent character of entertainment which it provided for both man and beast. The Smiths were members of the Baptist church and were substantial and influential citizens of their day; CLINTON COUNTY, OHIO - 397 there being a large family of children, whose progeny today are honorably represented in various sections of this county, further information regarding whom is set out in the biographical sketch relating to S. G. Smith, presented elsewhere in this volume. To Benjamin N. and Mary (Smith) Austin were born six children, as follow : Charles T., who died in childhood; George M., of Wilmington; Alpheus, a Methodist minister, stationed at Madisonville, Ohio, one of the leading ministers of the Cincinnati conference; Louis E., who died at the age of seventeen; Florence, who lives at Wilmington, and Emma, who died in childhood. George M. Austin was reared on the home farm in Vernon township, attending the district school nearby, later attending Wilmington high school, from which he was graduated in 1880. He then entered the Medical College of Ohio at Cincinnati, from which excellent old institution he was graduated in 1883. Upon receiving his diploma he immediately located in Wilmington and has been very successfully engaged in the practice of his chosen profession In that city since that time. Doctor Austin is one of the foremost physicians of this part of the state, and his practice extends far beyond the borders of the county. He is a member of the American Medical Association, the Ohio State Medical Society and the Clinton County Medical Society, in all of which organizations he takes an interested part. Since his boyhood, Doctor Austin has been interested in geology and archeology, particularly in local geological formations, and he has perhaps the finest collection of geological specimens relating to this section to be found in the state. His thoughtful research hi this connection has caused him to be recognized as an authority on the subject and he is in wide demand on the part of geological societies and journals devoted to that subject for papers relating to his discoveries, while the United States governent geological survey recognizes him as an authority in this section, he frequently being called on to supply the government with accredited specimens from his choice collection. On December 30, 1890, George M. Austin was united in marriage to Elm C. Watson, who was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, daughter of Rev. John M. and Eliza (Negus) Watson, the former of whom, for many years a missionary in the west, is now making his home with Doctor and Mrs. Austin, his wife having died some years ago. Elma C. Watson was a former teacher in Wilmington College and was thus engaged when Doctor Austin formed her acquaintance. She is a woman of most admirable qualifications for the difficult role of a physician's wife and has proved a devoted helpmeet to her earnest husband. Doctor and Mrs. Austin are the parents of four children, Faith, a teacher in the Philadelphia public schools, and Mary E., John B. and Elizabeth, who are still at home. ISAAC NEWTON LAUR. That "there is no honor not founded on worth, and no respect not founded on accomplishment," can be applied fittingly to the subject of this. biography, who is widely and favorably known in this county. He has been endowed with energy, foresight and absolute integrity, and in business, as in private life, has possessed the confidence of his associates as well as that of the public in general. Isaac Newton Lair, cashier of the Citizens' National Bank of Wilmington, Ohio, is a scion of one of Kentucky's old and honored families. Charles Lair, the father of our subject, still lives with his son. The mother, Sarah (Winston) Lair, passed away when Isaac was only twelve years of age, misfortune thus depriving the boy of a source of strength and inspiration that life can nowhere else supply. The birth-place of Isaac Lair was Lair, Kentucky, one of the historic landmarks of the state. and a town named in honor of Isaac Newton Lair, Sr., grandfather of the subject of this sketch. Isaac Newton Lair, Sr., was born on March 12, 1871. Both 398 - CLINTON COUNTY, OHIO parents were natives of Kentucky. The paternal grandfather, because of his genial nature and conspicuous business ability, was known throughout the section where he was born. There was no enterprise looking toward the general good or the interests of that section of the state in which he was not directly or indirectly concerned. efore he had reached the usual age for prominence in the business or agricultural world, he was widely known as a farmer and distiller, and in politics as a leading Democrat. The grandson has many of the admirable traits of the distinguished ancestor, the predominating one being, perhaps, power of organization. In both, this ability has meant a furthering of the industrial and economic life of their respective communities. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Charles Lair, Sr., other than the subject of this sketch, were: C. B., cashier of the Peoples' National Bank, Greenfield, Ohio; C. P., druggist at Cynthiana, Kentucky; and J. F., farmer of the latter place. In the midst of fresh air, wholesome surroundings and the hard work of farm life, the younger Isaac grew up, taking advantage, meantime, of the educational facilities afforded by the public schools and also attending the private school of W. H. Lockhart at Cynthiana. Work on a farm did not seem to offer the opportunity he desired, but there was no open door elsewhere at first. Realizing that "there is never an open door to fame or prosperity, except we open it for ourselves," he started out at the age of twenty-one to find employment more in harmony with his tastes, and first became a messenger in the Farmers' National Bank at Cynthiana. So energetic and capable was the young man that his employers were not slow to see in him qualifications that go to make the good business man, and it was not long until he was promoted. Here, too, he proved his proficiency, and subsequently went through a series of promotions until he reached the position of assistant cashier, which he resigned in 1904 when he moved to Clarksville, Ohio. There he organized the Farmers' National Bank, and was its cashier for twenfy-two months, relinquishing this place when in 1906, a better opening seemed available in Wilmington. Ohio, and together with J. W. Sparks and others, he organized the Citizens National Bank. At the time of its organization, Mr. Lair was asked to become ifs .cashier, and has served in that capacity ever since. So efficient has been both the policy and management of this business instifution, that it is now the second largest bank in the county. There is no doubt that much of the bank's success has been due to the energy, honesty and executive ability of the young man who helped to found it. Square dealing has been the motto of the institution as well as of its individual promoters ever since ifs inception. On October 12, 1899, Isaac Newton Lair was united in marriage to Alice Ammerman, who was born and reared at Cynthiana. Mrs. Lair has taken much interest in her husband's work, and their home is one of the popular ones in the community. Their son, an only child, is named Isaac Newton Lair, Jr. Both Mr. and Mrs. Lair are loyal members of the Presbyterian church, in which the former is "ruling elder," clerk of the session and superintendent of the Sunday school. Time has become such a precious commodity in modern life that it is rather rare to find a business man interested enough in his church to give it the amount of attention which Mr. Lair has given. He has spared neither time nor means to advance its welfare, and has been ably assisted in his duties by his good and faithful wife, to whom church membership means church activity. Mr. Lair, like his father, has always been an independent Democrat. The standing that he has enjoyed in the party is indicated by the fact that in 1896, he was elected treasurer of Harrison county, re-elected four consecutive times, and was compelled to resign when he moved to Clarksville eight years later. Mr. Lair believes in organization in social life, as well as in business affairs, and is prominent in the fraternities of Masons and Knights Templar. In private life, as in positions of public service, Mr. Lair has performed the duties assigned conscientiously and well, and thus has formed not only a reputation, but a char-   CLINTON COUNTY, OHIO - 399 acter which has secured for him both the confidence and the esteem of the public whom he is always willing to serve. The best inferests of any community are advanced by the lives of such men as have here been sincerely described. GEORGE MERRILL RICE. Ruskin, the great apostle of work, has said "those who will work faithfully, will put themselves in possession of a glorious and enlarging happiness." In the lives of those successful men whose early childhood and youth were surrounded by hardship and privation, there has been work of the most unrelenting, uncompromising kind. But true to adage and precept, that discipline has often been translated into prosperity, and much of the sorrow forgotten when passed. The hardships common to the lot of the pioneer preacher, especially when his family was large, are so well known as to become proverbial. These conditions were present in the life of George Merrill Rice, now one of the most prominent furniture dealers in the county, who was one of ten children in the family of a pioneer Methodist minister. George Merrill Rice was born in Vinton county, Ohio, on January 5, 1884, a son of Rev. M. H. and Mary E. (Rose) Rice, the former of whom was a native of Kentucky, and the lafter of whom was a native of Lawrence county, Ohio. Reverend Rice is now living in Wellston, Ohio, retired after forty-five years of faithful service in his denomination, and is still blessed with the companionship of his loyal wife. The seven children living are: Mrs. Waldo Clark, of Jackson. Ohio; F. L., J. P.. and Paul Rice, all residents of Wellston; Mrs. John Scott of Waverly, Ohio; Mrs. J. O. Knox of Gallipolis; and George Merrill, the subject of this sketch. The boyhood of Merrill Rice was like that of other boys reared in fhe home of a minister. They moved about rather more frequently than the average family of that fime. In spite of the heavy drain upon the resources of the family purse, Reverend and Mrs. Rice were able to educate their children. The subject of this biography went to the public schools and then had two years in the Rio Grande College at Rio Grande in Gallia county, Ohio. This period of infellectual training was cut short by the necessity fo earn his daily bread, and at the age of sevenfeen, George left school and went to clerking in a general store at New Martinsburg, Ohio, where he remained for two years. It was here that he learned those principles of business which afterwards made him the successful man that he is. When nineteen, he worked for the Midland (wholesale) Grocery Company at Washington C. H., Ohio, and was there until he was employed by the Welton Grocery Company in 1907, in the same town, and he soon became its secretary and one of fhe board of directors. Two years later, he came to Wilmington and engaged in the furniture business, establishing the firm of Campbell & Rice. The store was located in the Jacob Hurst room on South street. On January 1, 1911, Mr. Rice bought out the interests of Mr. Campbell and continued the business at the above address until July, 1914, when he removed to his present quarters in the Walker Memorial building. Here Mr. Rice has continued to build up his business until he now has the largest store room in the county. His display rooms are remarkable for their beauty in sfock and equipment, and are one of the interesting places to visit in the down-town district. A large basement is utilized in the business handled by the store. This beautiful building is modern in every way and is tire-proof. On September 6. 1903, George Merrill Rice was united in marriage wifh Jennie Campbell, of Gallipolis, Ohio. Two children have been born to this union, Samuel B. and Mary Elizabeth. Mr. Rice is one of the most energetic members of the Commercial Club. In politics. he is a Republican. He is a member of the Methodist church. In fraternal affiliation he is a Mason. being a member of the blue lodge and chapter. One born and reared in a household whose atmosphere was impregnated with piety,