(RETURN TO THE TITLE PAGE) 450 - CLINTON COUNTY, OHIO. Levi H. Custis was educated in the common schools, which he attended until the age of fifteen years, when he was taken ill. From the time he was eighteen nail the time he was twenty-five, he was engaged in clerking in a store with his brother, William. In fact, he was associated with him altogether seven years in the mercantile business at New Antioch and Sabina. On June 8, 1871, he engaged in farming and in the stock business and remained on the farm until 1910, when he retired and moved to Sabina, where he now lives. Mr. Gust's now owns one hundred and fourteen acres of land, but at one time he gave to his children nearly five hundred acres. Aside from his interest in the farm property he is a heavy holder of securities in several industrial enterprises, especially in the Geiger-Jones Company of Canton, Ohio, the Ralston steel car works and other companies. Mrs. Levi H. Custis, before her marriage, was Elizabeth Jane Vanniman, born in Greene county, Ohio, February 8, 1850, and who is the daughter of Elias and Eva (Early) Vanniman, who were farmers in Greene county until 1865, when they came to Clinton county. Here they became large landowners, owning approximately between five and six hundred acres in this county. They were prominent people in the community where they lived and active in the Methodist Protestant church. Mr. and Mrs. Custis have been the parents of five children: Lillian, Edna, Dwight L., Heber W. and Maude. Of these children, Lillian married Clark Haines, of Warren county, Ohio, and has six children, Lloyd, Mildred, Ruth, Harold and Donald, twins, and Raymond, deceased. Edna married Irving Peelle, of Wilmington, and has one son, Miles. Dwight married Nettie Hughes and has one child, Miriam. They reside at Rich-wood, Ohio, where he is a minister in the Methodist Protestant church. Heber W., who lives on the home place, married Hazel Reed and they have two children, Jean nad Freda Ellen. Mr. and Mrs. Custis are members of the Methodist Protestant church and are especially interested in the Sunday school. Mr. Curtis has been superintendent of the Sunday school and class leader in the church. In fact, the entire family are interested in religious work. Fraternally, Levi H. Custis is a member of the Masonic Lodge No. 324, Sabina, Ohio. HOY MOORE WOODMANSEE. The sedulous cultivation of a "sweet tooth" on the part of the present generation has created a distinct industry, an industry that no doubt would have seemed an amazing outcropping of civilization to our pioneer forefathers, but which to the present gen- eration has become one of the essential factors of life, being taken as much for granted as are the modern developments of those earlier industries which had to do with providing for the mere primitive necessities of mankind. The confectioner and the ice-cream manufacturer have come to be recognized as very necessary cogs in the complex machinery of modern life, and as such occupy a quite important position in the industrial life of the nation. In this section of the state the development of the ice-cream trade has been very rapid in recent years, and no one factor has contributed more largely to this rapid development than the gentleman whose name the reader noted above, H. M. Woodmansee, the popular purveyor and manufacturer of ice cream at Wilmington, this county. Hoy Moore Woodmansee was born in the pleasant village of New Antioch, Clinton county, Ohio, on March 26, 1870, son of Joseph and Sarah Elizabeth (Moore) Woodmansee, the former of whom was born on a farm in Green township, this county, in 1841, and died in 1903, and the latter of whom was born in Highland county, this state, in 1851. Joseph Woodmansee was the son of Reuben Woodmansee, who also was born in CLINTON COUNTY, OHIO - 451 Green township, this county, son of one of the earliest settlers in that section of the county, a native of Scotland, who located In the Snow Hill neighborhood and became one of the most influential of the early settlers of Green township. Reuben Woodman-see became a substantial farmer in that neighborhood, being the owner of about three hundred acres of choice land, and was regarded as one of the leaders of the community. He and his wife, the latter of whom was a Spears, were members of the Christian church, devoutly rearing their children in the faith of that communion, and were active in all good works thereabout. Their son, Joseph, father of the immediate subject of this biographical sketch, was reared on the home farm, receiving such education as the schools of that period provided. He was but twenty years of age when the Civil War broke out, but he enlisted in the Union army and served his country valiantly for a period of three years. Upon returning from the service, he opened a general store in the village of New Antioch, which he conducted for seven years, at the end of Which time he sold his store and became a locomotive engineer in the employ of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Company, later transferring his services to the Norfolk & Western Railroad, making his home in Columbus, Ohio, from the year 1884 until the time of his death. Joseph Woodmansee, as a boy, learned surveying in Cincinnati, and during the years in which he was engaged in business at New Antioch often was called on to run the lines in confection with property divisions in this county. Shortly after returning from the war, Joseph Woodmansee was united in marriage to Sarah Elizabeth Moore, who was born in Highland county, this state, daughter, of the Rev. William D. and Sarah Moore, both of whom were born near Brush-creek, in Adams county, this state. Rev. William D. Moore was for many years one of the best-known ministers of the Christian church in this section of the state. He was a man of liberal education and came to this county in his young manhood to serve as principal of the schools of New Vienna. During this form of service, his Sundays were devoted to the preaching of the Word to the local congregation of the people of his faith, and he presently gave up teaching, thereafter devoting his whole time to the ministry, becoming a man of large influence in his neighborhood. Rev. William D. Moore was a tall man, of dignified and courtly bearing, known widely throughout this whole region. He lived to the ripe old age of eighty-eight years. His wife died in 1900, at the age of seventy-two years. To Joseph and Sarah Elizabeth (Moore) Woodmansee were born four children, all sons, and all of whom are still living, namely : William B., who is a railway telegrapher at Greenfield, Ohio ; Hoy Moore, the immediate subject of this biographical sketch; Oren, a confectioner and wholesale dealer in ice cream, living at Hillsboro, Ohio, and Charles D., who occupies an important position with the Standard 011 Company, with headquarters at Des Moines, Iowa. Hoy Moore Woodmansee was reared at New Antioch, this county, receiving his early education in the public schools of that village, completing his common-school education in the schools of Columbus, supplementing the same by a course in a business college in the latter city. Upon leaving school he entered the employ of an extensive dealer in confectionery at Columbus, and for ten years was thns engaged, during which time he thoroughly familiarized himself with all departments of the business. In 1893 Mr. Woodmansee returned to Clinton county, locating at Wilmington, where be was given charge of the confectionery department of the J. P. Cole restaurant. For the next six years he was thus employed, and then he went to Sabina, this county, where, for one year. he conducted a restaurant. In 1901 he sold this business and returned to Wilmington, where he erected a plant for the manufacture of ice cream and has ever since that dine been thus engaged, the business having proved very successful, the fame of the Woodmansee ice creams having extended far beyond the confines of this county. In 1912, Mr. Woodmansee was compelled to enlarge his plant, on account of the rapidly 452 - CLINTON COUNTY, OHIO. growing demand for his products, and he erected a more extensive factory, changing his location to a pleasant spot in the Northwood addition of Wilmington, at the same time erecting a fine dwelling house there, and is meeting with much success. On December 19, 1897, Hoy Moore Woodmansee was united in marriage to Mary A. Starbuck, who was born in Wilmington, this county, daughter of Arden and Louise (Pigeon) Starbuck, the former of whom is a native of this county and the latter of whom was born in North Carolina, daughter of Charles and Catherine Pigeon, who came to this county years ago and settled in Union township, where they became influential citizens. Mr. and Mrs. Starbuck both are still living on the old Starbuck place in Union township Mr. and Mrs. Woodmansee are members of the Christian church at Wilmington, and take an active part in the good works of that congregation. They have hosts of friends in and about Wilmington and are very popular in the circle of their acquaintances. JOHN SHERMAN ANTRAM. John Sherman Antram, who is descended from an old family of this county and who is a prominent farmer and -dairyman of Union township, was born on September 1,. 1879, in Liberty township, Clinton county, Ohio, the son of Arthur D. and Margaret (Welsh) Antram, the former of whom, born an the farm where his widow now lives in Union township, March 27, 1855, was accidentally killed on August 10, 1911, in a runaway. He was the son of John M. and Catherine (Babb) Antram, the former of whom, born in Clinton county, Jnne 19, 1825, is still living at the home of his son, Frank William, and the latter of whom, born on a farm in Union township, July 21, 1827, died on June 24, 1898. John M. Antram was the son of Hiram and Sarah L. (Whitson) Antram, the former born on January 29, 1798, in Frederick county, Virginia, and the latter, born in 1800, in Center county, Pennsylvania, died in 1872. In 1817 Hiram Antram came to Clinton county with his parents, John and Ann (Hackney) Antram, who settled in Union township. Sarah L. Whitson came to Ohio in 1816, first locating in Madison county, and came to Clinton county in 1817. Hiram Antram's family came from Ireland to Virginia, the family being of Scotch-Irish descent. Catherine Babb was the daughter of Azel and Hannah (Hollingsworth) Babb, the former of whom was the son of Henry and Elizabeth (Walker) Babb. Henry Babb came to this county in 1806 from Frederick county, Virginia, and settled, north of the court honse at Wilmington. His wife's father, Mordecai Walker, purchased one thousand acres of land from Thomas Posey in 1805 and had given each of his four children portions of that estate. Henry Babb was one of the early commissioners of this county. The late Arthur D. Antram, father of John Sherman Antram, received a good education from the public school at Antrams Corners and at Wilmington College and became a well-known farmer of this county. On February 2, 1878, he was married to Margaret Welsh, who was probably born in Ireland and who came to the United States with her parents when a baby. She was born on December 25, 1850, and was reared by George and Lydia Bailey, now both deceased, who lived in Liberty township, this county. Mrs. Antram had a half-sister, Catherine, who married Samuel Braun, of Wilmington. To Arthur D. Antram and wife three children were born, namely : John Sherman, the subject of this sketch; Ralph, born on March 7, 1881, who operates the home farm for his mother, and Mary C., December 27, 1883, who attended Wilmington College and has taught school for five years. John Sherman Antram was a mere lad when his parents moved from Liberty township to Union township. He attended the public school at Antrams Corners, on the Xenia pike, in Union township, and later was a student at Wilmington College. Being the eldest son in the family, he was his father's mainstay on the farm and after he grew up, he and his brother and father all worked together on the farm and shared in its profits. Some CLINTON COUNTY, OHIO - 453 time before his death, the father purchased the Anthony Curl place of fifty-four and one-quarter acres, where John S. Antram now lives. It is situated on the Xenia pike in Union township and it was this farm which Mr. Antram received as his share of the estate at the time of his father's death. Mr. Antram keeps a large herd of registered Jersey cattle and sells milk in wholesale quantities. On October 3, 1907, John S. Antram was married to Maud South, who was born at Watseka, Illinois, the daughter of Alexander and Martha South, the former of whom died in December, 1906, and the latter of whom lives at Watseka, Illinois. Mr. and Mrs. Antram have no children. John S. Antram is a Republican and has served as school director and is especially interested in educational affairs. He holds a birthright in the Dover meeting of the Society of Friends and takes a more or less active part in the affairs of that congregation. He is a good farmer and a good citizen. JOHN P. LANGDON. John P. Langdon, who has served in various official capacities in the political life of Clinton county, as county commissioner, township trustee and a member of the board of education, is one of the most public-spirited citizens of Richland township. John P. Langdon was born on February 6, 1859, at Pleasant Ridge, Hamilton county, Ohio, the son of Samuel and Martha J. (Lyon) Langdon, the former of whom was born on April 16, 1823, on Walnut Hills, Cincinnati, and the latter born on January 25, 1829, at.the same place. Martha J. Lyon was the daughter of James C. and Maria (Carder) Lyon, the former of whom, a native of Virginia, was pastor of the old Duck Creek Baptist church of Cincinnati for forty years. His father located on Walnut 'Hills, Cincinnati, buying the land there for seventeen and one-half cents an acre. This land remained in the family until the bulk of it was sold for five hundred dollars an acre. The last eight acres sold for thirty thousand dollars. James C. and Maria Lyon had four children, Joanna, James, Mary and Martha, the mother of John P. Langdon. The paternal grandfather of Mr. Langdon was Mark Langdon, a native of England, who came to America in 1816, locating on what is now East Walnut Hills, Cincinnati, where he lived the remainder of his life. He and his wife had five children, Joseph, Samuel, William, John and Elizabeth, allall ofom are deceased. Samuel Langdon, the father of John P., was educated in the common schools. He and his wife had four children, Frank, Mary, John P. and Fannie. Frank resides at Riverside, California. Mary and Fannie are living with their mother on .Norwood Heights, Cincinnati. Samuel Langdon took a great interest in politics and was a well-known farmer of Pleasant Ridge, Hamilton county. He owned one hundred acres of land, which had been given to him and which sold on March 27, 1912, to the LaSantiville Country Club, of Cincinnati John P. Langdon was educated in the common schools of Cincinnati and also in the Cincinnati high school, where he spent two years. After completing his education, he retretnrned the farm and helped his father until the latter's death, which occurred on January 9, 1882. On March 7, 1887, Mr. Langdon moved to Clinton county and purchased one hundred and twenty-nine acres at the edge of Sabina, where he is living at the present time. He makes a specialty of. raising Percheron horses and Duroc-Jersey hogs. John P. Langdon was married on December 30, 1880, to Florence Cole, the daughter of Dr. P. C. Cole, of Sabina, who was a sergeant in the Union army during the Civil War. Mr. and Mrs. Langdon have been the .parents of five children, Elmer C., Gordon P., Edith May, Morris C. and Clara E. From 1909 until 1913, Mr. Langdon, as a Republican, was a commissioner of Clinton county. He was trustee for nine years, from 1890 until 1899. He has also been a memmember the Sabina board of education for some time. The Langdon family live on their farm in Richland township just at the east edge of Sabina. 454 - CLINTON COUNTY, OHIO. GEORGE W. WIRE, M. D. Who can estimate properly, or convincingly, the influence for good upon the life of community wielded by the thoughtful, conscientious practicing physician? What record, save that of the great Recording Angel, ever will contain a complete transcript of the unselfish labors of the healer who goes about his business in behalf of ailing humanity, all uncomplainingly, patiently, devotedly and sincerely giving himself ; the strength of his hand, of his mind and of his heart, to all who call for such relief of bodily suffering. A mere formal historical and biographical work, of this character, is highly informative and instructive, and to future generations of this county this volume will be held as a priceless heritage of the past; but there is very much the future generations ought to know of the doings of their forbears that cannot be put down in cold letters and figures on a printed page. Among these phases of commercial life that only can be recorded in the hearts of men here below, that relating to the unselfish labors of the earnestly consecrated physician properly may be considered as of paramount importance. While no attempt shall be made to convey a further message of sentiment in that connection on this page, it is but proper that, in a work of this nature, something of the life's record of the well-known and popular physician whose name forms the caption of this sketch, shall here be presented for the information of those generations yet to come who will want to know all that is obtainable of the history of the devoted men and women who wrought, giving the best that was in them, in order that richer material blessings, than they have ever known, might descend upon those who were to follow. George W. Wire was born on a farm near the city of Princeton, in Gibson county, Indiana, on October 9, 1852, son of John and Lieuvica (Pond) Wire, the former of whom was a native of Maryland, born in 1801, who died in 1870, and the latter of whom was born in Clinton county, Ohio, in 1807, and died in 1857. John Wire, whose parents were of German descent, was reared on a farm in Maryland and upon reaching manhood's estate emigrated to Ohio, locating for a time in this county, where he married Lieuvica Pond, whose parents were among the very earliest settlers of this part of the state, and moved by wagon to Gibson county, Indiana, where he bought a farm near the city of Princeton, on which he spent the remainder of his life, becoming a prosperous ainflnentialial resident of that community. To John and Lieuvica (Pond) Wire were born eleven children, namely : Peter, a lieutenant in the Union army during the Civil War, was shot and slain while attempting to escape after having been captured by the enemy ; John, deceased; Elizabeth, who married William McCleary, both of whom now are dead; Mahala, with her husband, also is dead; Matilda, deceased; Andrew, a school teacher, who enlisted in the Union army for service during the Civil War and was killed during the storming of Ft. Donelson; Sarah, deceased; Lieuvica, deceased; William B., a former prominent lumber dealer, now deceased; Thomas, who also was engaged in the lumber business, deceased; and George W., the subject of this sketch, he being not only the youngest of this notable family, but now the sole survivor. George W. Wire was bereaved of his mother when eight years of age. His father married again, but to this second union there was no issue. Upon completing the course in the public schools of Gibson county, young Wire entered DePauw University at Greencastle, Indiana, where he remained two years, at the end of which time he entered the office of Dr. S. E. Munford, at Princeton, Indiana, for the purpose of studying medicine. After two years spent under this admirable preceptor, he entered Miami Medical College at Cincinnati, from which excellent old institution he was graduated in 1876, with the full honors of his degree. Upon receiving his diploma, Doctor Wire immediately located in Wilmington, this county, where he ever since has been successfully engag CLINTON COUNTY, OHIO - 455 in the practice of his chosen profession, having gained in that time a reputation as a physician that extends far beyond the confines of this county. Upon locating in Wilmington, Doctor Wire formed a partnership with Dr. J. R. Walker, which continued most harmoniously and effectively until the latter's death in May, 1877. Not only has Doctor Wire been one of the most active practicing physicians in this part of the state, but he has been active in public affairs and during the past ten years has served in the Wilmington city council, being elected to his seat therein on the Republican ticket, his services in that connection having been of large value to the commnnity. In matters affecting the public health, Doctor Wire's services in his official capacity have been of particular value, and for the past four years he has carried the additional official obligation of serving in the capacity of public health officer of the city of Wilmington. In a business way, he has not been inactive, and for years has been a member of the directorate of the Clinton County National Bank at Wilmington. In his professional capacity, Doctor Wire is widely known throughout this part of Ohio. He is a member of the American Medical Association, the Ohio State Medical Society and the Clinton County Medical Society, in all of which bodies he takes an active and prominent part. On January 2, 1879, Dr. George W. Wire was united in marriage to Mary E. Lacy, who was born in Union township, this county, daughter of Elijah and Sarah Jane Lacy, the former of whom was also a native of this county, who lived to the age of seventy-two. Mrs. Wire died on February 25, 1914, and was widely mourned, for her life had been full of good works, she having in all things been a competent helpmeet to her husband, the position of a physician's wife often carrying trying duties, to all of which she ever proved equal. To Dr. George W. and Mary E. (Lacy) Wire but one child was born, a son, George L., who was born on March 29, 1881, who now is engaged in the practice of law in Chicago. George L. Wire was graduated from Harvard University in 1904, with the degree of Bachelor of Arts, and in 1907 was graduated from the Harvard Law School, after which he entered practice in Chicago and has been very successful. He married Alma L. Biklen, of Burlington, Iowa, a graduate of Wellesley College, to which union one child has been born, a daughter, Louise. Doctor Wire was married, secondly, June 23, 1915, to Jennie Ethel Brown, a native of Union township and a graduate of Wilmington College, a daughter of Jasper and Dora Brown, an old family of this county, a teacher in the Wilmington schools. HENRY VENNEMAN. Henry Venneman, who is one of the most prosperous farmers of Richland township, Clinton county, Ohio, is one of the most widely-read and best-informed men of this township. Although he never attended an American school, he speaks the English language without accent. He is today one of the wealthiest men of his community. Henry Venneman was born on January 12, 1839, in Hanover, Germany, the son of John Henry and Mary (Wellinghoof) Venneman, the former of whom died about twelve years ago. They were farmers by occupation and members of the Catholic church. They spent their entire lives in their native land. They were the parents of four children, Herman, Ferdinand. Henry and Frank. Of these children, Herman came to America, served in the Civil War about three years and died in Cincinnati. Ferdinand died in Germany. Frank also spent his life in Germany and was able to escape military service. The subject of this sketch, received a good education in the schools of his native land, which he attended until fifteen years old. At the age of fifteen, Henry Venneman landed in Baltimore, having come to America on a sailing vessel, which took forty-nine days to make the trip; After stopping a brief time in Baltimore, he went on to Cincinnati 456 - CLINTON COUNTY, OHIO. to visit a cousin, with whom he remained for six months. Later he moved to Fayette county, Ohio. Henry Venneman has been twice married, first to Jane Clifton, and after her death, he was married, secondly, to Sophia Pavey, who was born on July 17, 1842, the daughter of William and Anna (Johnson) Pavey. The latter was the first wife of William Pavey. William Pavey was a native of Highland county, Ohio, and a farmer in that county, where he owned about eight hundred acres of land. By his first wife he had ten children. namely: Isaac; William; Mary, deceased; George; John, deceased; Henry, who served in the Forty-eighth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, during the Civil War; Sophia; Elizabeth; James, who was a soldier in the Second Ohio Regiment, Heavy Artillery; and Eliza. The second wife of William Pavey, who was Jerdena Kirby, bore him four children, Charles, Thomas, Kitora and Gilbert. Isaac Pavey, who was Mrs. Venneman's paternal grandfather, was a farmer and minister in the Methodist Episcopal church. After his marriage, Henry Venneman moved to Clinton county, Ohio, and lived on a farm in Richland township. He owned in all three hundred and eighty-eight acres of land, situated in Highland and Clinton counties. In 1906 Mr. and Mrs. Venneman moved to Sabina, where they have since lived retired. Mr. Venneman was a soldier in the Civil War, having served in Company B, Second Ohio Regiment, Heavy Artillery, for a period of two years, one and one-half months. He and his good wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Venneman owns stock in the First National Bank, in the Geiger & Jones Company, which operates the rolling-mill at Kenton, Ohio, and also heavy holdings in school and municipal bonds, issued prior to 1913. Mr. Venneman is a man of democratic tastes and has long been popular in the community where he has lived and where he is so well known. Possessed of honorable and humane impulses, his large success in life is due primarily, to his native, German thrift. JOHN S. HUMMEL. John S. Hummel, who is a well-known publisher and now postmaster of Wilmington, Clinton county, Ohio, was born on March 28, 1854, at Strasburg, Lancaster county, Pennsylvania. He is the son of Joshua and Harriett (Hess) Hummel, both natives of Pennsylvania. Joshua Hummel worked on a railroad until 1860, when he came to Athens county, Ohio. and took up farming. He remained here for six years, and then moved to Lancaster, Ohio, where he died in 1867. He and his wife were the parents of six children, Ashmore P., of Toledo, Ohio ; Anna T , deceased; Salome Louise, deceased; John S., the subject of this sketch; Charles F., deceased, and Carrie V., of Lancaster, Ohio. John S. Hummel received his education in the common and parochial schools of Lancaster, Ohio, and, when fourteen years of age, went into the office of the Lancaster Gazette to learn the trade of a printer. He completed his apprenticeship in four years, and then went to Middletown, Ohio, where he worked for one and one-half years for the Brock Brothers, who had the only printing office in the town. Obtaining a position on the Crescent, of Frankfort, Indiana, he remained here for seven months, going from there to Columbus, Ohio, where he was employed as a compositor on the State Journal. In the spring of 1879 he went to Delaware, Ohio, where he took up his duties as foreman in the composing room on the Herald, of which paper he later became business manager and associate editor. Here he remained for five years, when he went to Urbana, Ohio, being associated with James K. Newcomer in the publication of the Champaign County Democrat, a prominent weekly. Three years were spent at this work, when he went to Columbus and remained one winter, and spent the following summer in Hillsboro. In October, 1883, he came to Wilmington and purchased the Democrat from James K. Newcomer, the same man with whom he had been associated at Urbana. At the time of the CLINTON COUNTY, OHIO - 457 purchase of the newspaper plant it was necessary for him to buy on credit, but by hard work he soon had the debt paid off, and placed the business on a substantial basis. On September 15, 1886, Mr. Hummel was married to Alice Brockman, a native of, Clinton county, and to them have been born two children, Anna M., who assists her father in the newspaper office and Karl B., who is a graduate of Wilmington College. Politically, Mr. Hummel is a Democrat, and on July 4, 1914, was appointed by President Wilson to the position of postmaster of Wilmington, the first public office he has ever held. Mr. and Mrs. Hummel are members of the Presbyterian church and have brought up their children in that faith. JOHN M. CHAMPLIN. Among the many enterprising commercial establishments at Wilmington, the county seat of Clinton county, few have a wider or better sustained reputation for fair-dealing and up-to-date business methods than the popular clothing store of Champlin & Mitchell. Though this firm has been in business, as a firm, but four years, it has established itself firmly in the commercial life of the county seat and the members of the firm are known far and wide throughout this section of the state as gentlemen of push and energy, eminently entitled to the favor they have received at the hands of a discriminating and critical public. John M. Champlin was born on a farm near the pleasant village of Westboro, Jefferson township, Clinton county, Ohio, on November 7, 1868, son of Joshua and Lucy (Michaels) Champlin, the former of whom was born in Rhode Island in 1829 and died at his home in this county in 1899, and the latter of whom was born in Washington township, this county, in 1829, and died in 1911. Joshua Champlin was a son of Capt. Joshua and Elizabeth (Warren) Champlin, both natives of Rhode Island. of old colonial stock, who emigrated to Ohio about the year 1835, locating on a farm near the village of Cuba, in this county, where both spent the remainder of their lives, living to ripe old ages and attaining positions of prominence and influence In that community. Capt. Joshua Champlin for years previous to his settlement in this county had been engaged as a captain on ocean-going steamers and had done valiant service during the Mexican War. The younger Joshua Champlin was a small boy when his parents emigrated to this county and he was reared amid conditions familiar to pioneer days. He became a farmer,, remaining on the home farm until 1855, in which year he moved to the state of Missouri, locating on a farm in that state. He was living there when the Civil War broke out and he enlisted in a Missouri regiment, serving for three years as a valiant soldier in the Union army. At the close of the war he returned to this county and opened a general store in the village of Cuba, which he continued for a short time. He then retired from the store, buying a farm near by, on which he passed the remainder of his life. He and his wife were the parents of three children, of whom John M.. the subject of this sketch, is the youngest. John M. Champlin has two sisters, Anna and Mary, both of whom also reside in Wilmington. John M. Champlin, following the completion of the course in the public schools at Cnba, this county, began his mercantile career as a clerk in the general store of G. R. Kearans, in that village, a position which he retained for three years, at the end of which time he went to Wilmington to clerk in the dry-goods store of F. S. Broomhall. Following a short service in that store he was engaged by Rannells Brothers, and for five years served as a clerk in their clothing store, during which time he gained a thorough acquaintance with the clothing business, as well as a comprehensive familiarity with the needs of the patrons of clothing stores in this section of the state, an experience which later was to prove valuable when he entered the clothing business for himself. 458 - CLINTON COUNTY, OHIO. He terminated his connection with the store of Rannells Brothers to enter the employ of the Courticelli Silk Company as traveling salesman and for thirteen years "covered" Ohio territory in the interests of that firm, becoming, in this period, one of the best-known and most popular traveling men in the state of Ohio. Tiring of "the road," Mr. Champlin, in 1911, formed a partenrship with Harley E. Mitchell, one of the best-known clothing men in Wilmington, and bought the Rannells clothing store; Mr. Champlin thus entering as proprietor the establishment in which many years before he had served in the capacity of a clerk. The firm was organized nnder the title of Champlin & Mitchell, and from the very start has been a great success. The store is well stocked and admirably equipped to supply all the clothing needs of the community which it serves. In addition to a full and complete line of general clothing and men's furnishings, a completely-stocked shoe department is operated by the firm, the store being one of the largest establishments of its kind in this part of the state. On February 10, 1899, John M. Champlin was united in marriage to Estella Braughart, who was born in Covington, Kentucky, daughter of Jack and Amanda (Taylor) Branghart, and to this union three children have been born, Robert, born in 1901; Earl, 1903, and Harold, 1910. Mr. and Mrs. Champlin are earnest members of the Christian church, in the various beneficences of which they take an active interest, and in the faith of which their children are being reared. Mr. Champlin is a member of the Masonic order and a member of the Elks lodge at Wilmington and is a prominent factor in the affairs of both of those popular fraternal organizations. Enterprising and energetic in business, popular socially, public-spirited and up-to-date, few men in this part of the state have a wider acquaintance than John M. Champlin or are held in higher esteem. His thorough acquaintance with business methods and his manner of acquitting himself in all his relations with his fellow men have given Mr. Champlin a high place in business and commercial circles hereabout and he possesses the full confidence of all with whom he is brought into contact in a business way; the same measure of confidence being extended to his partner, Mr. Mitchell, giving this firm a high standing in and about the city of Wilmington. GERARD B. NOFTSGER. Gerard B. Noftsger is a successful farmer of Washington township, who was born in Washington township, Clinton county, Ohio, September 13, 1858, the son of Naaman and Jane (Gerard) Noftsger, both of whom were born near Hamilton, Ohio. Mr. Noftsger's paternal grandparents were John and Mary Noftsger, natives of the Keystone state, and of German descent. Early in the history of Hamilton, Ohio, they located near there, when the city was a mere straggling village. John Noftsger was a farmer and spent all his life on his farm near Hamilton, but died at the home of his son, Naaman, in Washington township, this county, where his wife also passed away. The maternal grandparents of Mr. Noftsger were also early settlers In Hamilton county, where they were farmers. Naaman Noftsger received his education in the schools of Hamilton county, Ohio, and later became a farmer in the Mill Creek bottoms. In 1855 he removed to Clinton county and bought the farm where Gerard B. was born. He bought eighty acres of land and cleared seventy acres of this and made many improvements upon the farm. Here he and his wife lived the remainder of their lives, and reared a family of ten children, seven sons and three daughters, Emily, Charles, Clinton, Milton, Gerard, Anna, Butler, Wellington, William and Laura. Naaman Noftsger was identified with the Seventh-Day Adventist church, while his wife was a member of the Baptist church. Gerard B. Noftsger received an education in the common schools of Clinton county, and became a farmer early in life. In 1881 he removed to the farm where he now resides, CLINTON COUNTY, OHIO - 459 consisting of eighty-seven acres. Mr. Noftsger has erected excellent buildings on this farm, and has been engaged in general farming. In 1881 Gerard B. Noftsger was married to Ida A. Whinery, the daughter of John V. Whinery. Mrs. Noftsger's family history is contained in the sketch of L. P. Whinery, recorded elsewhere in this volume. She died on May 16, 1896, leaving three children, one of whom, Mazy, the eldest, died in infancy. The other children are Edna and Ada. Mr. Noftsger was married, secondly, May 26, 1899, to Chloe Lieurance, the daughter of Amos Lieurance, whose family history is also given elsewhere in this volume. Mr. and Mrs. Noftsger are earnest and devoted members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and are active workers in the affairs of this communion. FRANK FARQUHAR. As we perceive the shadow to have moved along the dial, but did not perceive it moving; and it appears that the grass has grown, though nobody ever saw it grow ; so the advances we make in knowledge, as they consist of such insensible steps, are only perceived by the distance. The same truly may be said of the progress of communities in a civic, social and industrial way. The present generation is conscious of the countless advantages shared by all the members of the community, but rarely is thought given as to how these advantages were secured, it requiring the perspective of the historian to bring into view the insensible steps by which the present lofty height was reached. It is this perspective which volumes of this character design to lend to the view. A rigid comparison of the days of the pioneers in this community with those of the present generation is as startling as it is illuminating, and if this historical and biographical work shall do no more than to create within the breasts of the younger generation of readers a vivid and comprehensive appreciation of the blessings they so readily accept as common gifts, the labor of its compilation shall have been well requited. There are still a few of the pioneers remaining in this section, who have seen these commonly-accepted blessings slowly bud and blossom 'and fructify, and it is of one of these that this brief biography shall treat, the venerable Frank Farquhar, of Wilmington, one of the best-known and most highly-regarded citizens of Clinton county, a man to whom this whole community owes much for the active part he has taken in the development of the same. Though now past eighty years of age, Mr. Farquhar continues actively in charge of the industry he has built up and takes as firm an interest in current affairs as does many a man of half his years. Born in this county, he has been a witness of the marvelous development of the community along all lines and possesses a fund of reminiscence regarding the past that, in his haul's of ease. makes him a most entertaining and instructive companion. Frank Farquhar was born on a farm about five miles west of what then was the struggling village of Wilmington, in Union township, Clinton county, Ohio, on April 10, 1835, son of Josiah and Abi (Linton) Farquhar, the former of whom was born in the state of Maryland in the year 1894, and the latter of whom was born in this county in the year 1808, and died in the year 1896. Josiah Farquhar was one of the earliest settlers of this county, he having been but a baby when his parents emigrated to this section from Maryland and located in Union township, where they spent the rest of their lives. His father, Benjamin Farquhar, was a man of substance in his day, owning a fine farm of three hundred acres, which he brought to a high state of cultivation after clearing it and rendering it fit for agricultural purposes. Benjamin Farquhar and his wife were earnest Quakers and performed a fine service in aiding to bring about proper social and moral conditions in the community to which they give their most intelligent and conscientious efforts. Under exemplary home conditions, even though that home was but a rude pioneer dwelling, 460 - CLINTON COUNTY, OHIO. Josiah Farquhar was reared to useful manhood on the Union township farm. In connection with his work as a farmer he also operated an oil mill for the manufacture of castor oil and flax-seed oil. His wife, Abi Linton, was the daughter of Nathan and Rachel Linton, pioneers of this county, the former of whom was the first county surveyor of Clinton county, a position which he held for thirty-six years. His original plats, still preserved in the court house, are models of careful penmanship and were drawn with quill pens. Both Nathan Linton and his wife were natives of Bucks county, Pennsylvania. They emigrated to this county about the year 1805, settling on a farm about three miles from Wilmington and were among the most influential pioneers of that neighborhood. In the year 1828 they erected a fine dwelling house, which, after weathering the storms of nearly a century, was but recently destroyed by fire. Josiah Farquhar's useful life was cut short at the age of thirty-five years, his death occurring on April 9, 1838, his son, Frank, the immediate subject of this sketch, being then but three years of age. There was another son, Benjamin, the elder of the two, who for Many years Was a prominent merchant in Wilmington, his grocery store at the county seat town having long been a "land-mark" there. Benjamin Farquhar was a good man and a useful, honorable citizen, whose death some years ago was widely mourned. In 1842 Josiah Farquhar's widow married, secondly, Dr. Joseph K. Sparks, a substantial resident of that neighborhood, and to this union two sons were born, Stephen L., who was a Union soldier during the Civil 'War, now deceased, and Josiah W., a prominent hardware merchant and banker, of Wilmington, this county. In 1848 Doctor Sparks erected a new house on the old Farquhar farm on the Waynesville road. Though he was an active member of the Baptist church and his wife a very devout Quaker, the two never permitted their religious differences to create a barrier in their home life, they for many years participating in the services of their respective communions without thought of personal dissension. Frank Farquhar was reared on the old home farm in Union township, receiving his elementary education in the district school near his home, supplementing the same by a course of one year at Dennison College. He cast his first vote for John C. Fremont. In 1856 and 1857, Mr. Farquhar traveled extensively through the west, with a view to locating in one of the territories that then gave promise of the wonderful development realized within the next few decades, and went so far as to pre-empt a claim for a tract of farm land in Kansas, and while there voted to make Kansas a free state. Giving up thought of locating permanently in the west, however, he returned to this county and in 1858 was united in marriage to Hanna A. McMillan, who was born in this county, daughter of Milton and Elizabeth (Kirk) McMillan, pioneer farmers of Chester township, Clinton county, to which union three children were born. Milton J., one of Wilmington's prominent business men, a director of the Farquhar Furnace Company; Harriet, who married E. M. Nordyke and lives in California, and Henry, also identified with the furnace company. Mr. and Mrs. Farqnhar also had an adopted daughter, Nellie R. The mother of these children died in 1913 and was widely mourned throughout the county, for she was a noble woman, her life ever having been devoted to all good works. Frank Farquhar, enarly in life, gained the reputation among his friends of being a "natural mechanic." Following his natural bent he left the farm in 1866 and entered the manufacturing business. He resided in Richmond, Indiana, engaged in the manufacture of feed cookers and evaporators of his own design. In 1872 he met with a serious accident that necessitated the amputation of one of his limbs. Feeling this to be a handicap, he sold his interests in Richmond and returned to Ohio and engaged in the hardware and rooffing business at. Wilmington, in partnership with his half-brother, J. W. Sparks. Later, Mr. Farquhar and his sons re-entered the manufacturing business and organized a company for the manufacture of the Farquhar house-heating furnaces. He served a number of years as president of the Farquhar Heating Company, of Chicago; CLINTON COUNTY, OHIO - 461 but in 1897 retired, and returning to his home in Wilmington, engaged in the coal business. In his activities this octogenarian has not yet experienced any "declining years," but each year has seen an appreciable increase in his business and acquaintance, and improvement in his business plant. His unique equipment for handling coal economically has attracted the attention of coal men, has been illustrated in the trade journals, and draws visitors from many parts of the country. Mr. Farquhar is 'one of those energetic men who believe that the greatest happiness and contentment is found in the greatest activity, it being his firm conviction that a man will far more easily "rust out" than wear out. Mr. Farquhar Is a devoted member of the Friends church, to which he came by birthright, and from the days of his early manhood has been one of the most earnest workers in that sturdy communion. No man in Wilmington is actuated by a broader public spirit than he and it is undoubted that the town, and this entire community, owes him much. He ever has been interested in educational affairs and is gratefully recalled as one of that faithful band of earnest subscribers who helped support Wilmington College during the first five precarious years of its existence. Mr. Farquhar's interest in the development of the resources of Clinton county has been unflagging throughout all the years of his life and no man in the county possesses in a higher degree the confidence and respect of the people than he, a respect marked by the utmost esteem. B. J. DARBYSHIRE. B. J. Derbyshire, a venerable citizen of Sabina, Ohio, who is now almost ninety-two years old, was born on November 7, 1823, in Fayette county, Pennsylvania, the son of John and Elizabeth (Jennings) Derbyshire, the latter of whom was the daughter of Benjamin Jennings, of the Keystone state. Mr. Derbyshire's paternal grandparents were Thomas and Anna (Covert) Derbyshire, of Pennsylvania, who had seven children, John, Thomas, Samuel, Morris, Jessie, Martha and Ann. Thomas Derbyshire was a furniture maker by occupation, who came to Guernsey county, Ohio, and from there immigrated to Wilmington, where he spent the remainder 'of his life. John A. Derbyshire, who was educated in the common schools of his native county, owned land near Wilmington, consisting of eighty-three acres, where the ice plant is now situated. He married Elizabeth Jennings, the daughter of Benjamin Jennings, of Pennsylvania. John Derbyshire was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He and his wife were the parents of seven children, B. J., Anna, who died at the age of twelve years, and a twin sister who died in infancy ; Thomas, Samuel, John and James. Thomas, Samuel and John are deceased. After the death of his wife, John Derbyshire was married to Elizabeth Hoblet, and to them were born six children, Joshua, Morris, Zenephen, Maggie, Mary Ann and Letitia. Maggie and Mary Ann are deceased. B. J. Darbyshire was reared on a farm and lived at home with his parents until of age. He was married on April 6, 1851, to Maria Moore, who was the daughter of John P. and Margaret (Large) Moore, farmers of Fayette county, Ohio, where they owned one hundred and twenty acres of land. Mrs. Maria Derbyshire died on August 17, 1905. For many years Mr. Derbyshire was a brick contractor, but this was in the days when brick was made by hand. He built, with Robert McMillan, the college at Wilmington and also the school house at the same place. Until nine years ago, he lived on the farm, but at that time moved to Sabina, having deeded his land, comprising two hundred and seventy-six acres, to his children. In 1880 and 1881 he was engaged in the hardware business at Sabina. Near the close of the Civil War, Mr. Derbyshire was in the Union service and was a soldier for four months. Mr. and Mrs. Derbyshire were the parents of seven children, Maggie, who died at the age of twenty-three; James died when five months old, A. J., Frank, Oliver M., 462 - CLINTON COUNTY, OHIO. Lydia and Oma. Mr. Darbyshire served as township clerk of Richland township, for five years. He was also trustee of the township. For many years he was a school director in the township also. Fraternally, he is a member of the. Independent Order of Odd Fellows, No. 501, and of Encampment. No. 183. He is a charter member of Sabina lodge of Encampment. CHARLES A. WARD. In compiling a history of the movements of the present generation in Clinton county. the future historian will, perforce, be compelled to take into account the enormous influence for good exerted by that earnest band of conscientious educators which today is doing such a noble work in this community. Among these enthusiastic and zealous educators few have brought a better equipment to their labors than has Prof. Charles A. Ward, principal of the Smith Place school at Wilmington, the county seat, and the biographer finds pleasure in here setting, out the .salient. points in the brief though highly useful career of this cultivated gentleman. Though young in years, Professor Ward has had a wide experience as an educator and is accounted one of the leading factors in the excellent educational system of this county, the prediction being freely made that he is destined to a much wider field of usefulness than that which he now so creditably occupies. Charles A. Ward was born on a farm near the pleasant village of New Antioch. Clinton county, Ohio, on January 20, 1883, son of J. Wesley and Emma (Pond) Ward, the former of whom was born at Madisonville, Hamilton county, this state, on August 1, 1858, and the latter of whom was born in Greene township, this county, on October 6, 1860; both of whom are still living, being very comfortably situated in a delightful farm home near New Antioch, where they have lived since their marriage. J. Wesley Ward is the son of William and Mehala (Noftzger) Ward, natives of Hamilton county, this state, both having been born near the town of Madisonville. William Ward, who recently died at New Antioch, at the ripe old, age of eighty-six, was a son of George Ward, who was born, in .New Jersey and upon reaching manhood emigrated to this state, locating in Hamilton county, where he married, entered a farm from the government and reared his family in the Baptist faith; the various members of this family becoming largely influential in the affairs of that community. At the age of twelve years, J. Wesley Ward came to this connty with his parents and grew to manhood on the Greene township farm, he still owning one of the farms which his father bought upon coming to Clinton county. On September 24, 1879, J. Wesley Ward was united in marriage to Emma Pond, who was born in this county, daughter of John and Mary (Frost) Pond, both of whom are still living, making their home in comfortable retirement at Columbus; Ohio. John Pond is a native of this county, being a son of William and Polly Pond, North Carolinans, who 'emigrated to Ohio in the early days of the settlement of this section of the state and located on a farm in Green township, this county, where they spent the rest of their lives, being regarded in their day as among the most substantial pioneers of that section. Mr. and Mrs. Ward are among the best-known and most influential people of the New Antioch neighborhood, and are held in the highest regard by all who know them. They are members of the Disciples church at New Antioch and for years have been active in all the good works of that fine community. Mr. Ward is an ardent Republican and has given intelligent and thoughtful attention to the political affairs of Clinton county, ever displaying his interest in all measures designed to promote the common good; his sound judgment and close acquaintance with local affairs in that neighborhood giving value to his counsels in the deliberations of the party managers. To J. Wesley and Emma (Pond) Ward three children were born, of whom Charles A., the immediate subject of this sketch, is the eldest, the others being Thomas Frank CLINTON COUNTY, OHIO - 463 Ward, general manager of a large manufacturing concern at Columbus, Ohio, and May Elizabeth, who married Edward Brining, of Dayton, this state. Charles A. Ward was reared on the home farm in Green township, receiving his elementary education in the public schools at New Antioch, following which he took a course of instruction in Wilmington College, later supplementing this by a course in the normal school at Oxford, Ohio. In the year 1903 he entered upon his career as a teacher, for three years his activities in the educational field being confined to the district schools of this county. At the end of that time, his excellent record as a teacher in the district schools having attracted the attention of the school authorities, he was made principal of the New Antioch schools, a position which he filled with the utmost satisfaction to the patrons of the schools in that village for a period of six years. The excellence of his methods as a teacher having been proved so convincingly during this period of service, Professor Ward, in 1912, was elevated to the position of principal of the Smith Place school at Wilmington, a post which he still retains and in the discharge of the duties of which he has further demonstrated his admirable qualities as an instructor of the youth. On July 19, 1911, Charles A. Ward was united in marriage to Anna Reynolds, who was born in Union township, this county, daughter of William and Jennie (Brown) Reynolds, prominent residents of that community, both of whom still are living on their farm in Union township. To this union one child has been born, a daughter, Marjorie, born on March 24, 1913. Professor and Mrs. Ward are members of the Disciples church, to the affairs of which they give their close and unselfish attention, taking a warm interest in all good movements in the community of which they are so valuable a part. Professor Ward is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and is an active worker therein. His work as an educator has demonstrated his eminent fitness for the noble work to which he has devoted his life, and he has received many expressions of the entire confidence reposed in him by the city school authorities, as well as of the high esteem in which he is held by the grateful patrons- of the—school over which •he presides so successfully. MARTIN J. SPINKS. Occupying a position of trust and of high responsibility in the industrial affairs of the community, with the affairs of which, both past and present, this history tents, Martin J. Spinks, mechanical engineer for the Champion Bridge Company, of Wilmington, this county, enjoys the unbonnded confidence of the company in whose interests his talents are actively engaged and the esteem of all with whom he is brought in contact. A fine native energy and the posession of a valuable sense of initiative, /together with an inherent talent for the work which he is so ably performing, have brought Mr. Spinks to his present position, and it is but proper that a record should here be preserved of the steps by which he has attained to that position; a position requiring a special ability of a high order. Martin J. Williams was born in Chillicothe, Ohio, and when quite young was bereft by death of both of his parents. At the age of nine years he was formally adopted; by William and Kate Spinks, prominent residents of the neighborhood of the pleasant village of Cuba, this county, the order of adoption legally conferring upon him the name of Spinks, by which he, of conrse, ever since has been known. He was the only child of his parents. Growing up on the farm of his foster parents near Cuba, Martin J. Spinks was given an excellent home, receiving from Mr. and Mrs. Spinks all the devotion and consideration they could have paid to a son of their own. They gave him a good education, keeping him in the public schools until he had completed the course there Ire- 464 - CLINTON COUNTY, OHIO. scribed, and after that sent him to Wilmington College for a further course. Upon completing his college work, Mr. Spinks entered the ranks of Clinton county's excel-. lent corps of school teachers, and for three years was very successfully engaged in teaching in the district schools of the county. At the end of that time he decided to improve his native talent for mechanical drawing, having long before discovered that this form of endeavor possessed for him an unusual attraction, and thoroughly grounded himself in the art of draftsmanship, after which, in 1896, he entered the service of the Champion Bridge Company, at Wilmington, as a draftsman, and has ever since been employed in the offices of that extensive concern. Displaying his aptitude for this form of work, Mr. Spinks rose rapidly in the ranks of that company's employes, and presently was promoted to the post of mechanical engineer and designer, a position which he still holds, the substantial and scientific character of his work being demonstrated on bridge construction throughout this entire section of the country. On October 15, 1905, Martin J. Spinks was united in marriage to Ethel B. Williams, who was born at Lebanon, Ohio, daughter of Paul and Mary (Thompson) Williams, who now are living at Wilmington, this county, Mr. Williams, a well-known carpenter, being the constable of the township. Mr. and Mrs. Spinks are members of the Methodist church and take a warm interest in the good works of their home community and are very popular in their wide circle of acquaintances. Mr. Spinks is a York rite Mason, belonging to the commandery at Wilmington, is past high priest of the chapter and past commander of the commandery. He also is a member of the Wilmington lodge of the Knights of Pythias, and in both of these popular orders takes a warm interest, being regarded with high favor by his lodge associates. Martin J. Spinks is doing well those things his hands have found to do. Having cultivated his natural talent, he has turned it to useful advantage and very properly may be regarded as a prominent factor in the industrial development of this section of the state. ULYSSES GRANT MURRELL, M. D. Among the prominent physicians of Wilmington, Ohio, who have endeared themselves to the hearts of the people of this city, and who are recognized as pre-eminent in their profession, is Ulysses Grant Murrell, M. D., who was born near London, Madison county, Ohio, June 19, 1868, the son of John and Mary (Coberley) Murrell, the former of whom was born in Virginia in 1841 and who died in 1908, and the latter of whom was born in Madison county, Ohio, in 1847 and who died in 1912. Doctor Murrell's paternal grandparents were Thomas and Sarah Murrell, who were early settlers in Clinton county, Ohio, and who owned and lived on a farm in Liberty township, where they died. They belonged to the Methodist Protestant church. His maternal grandparents were Thomas and Louisa Coberley, who were natives of Pennsylvania, and of Pennsylvania-Dutch stock. They were early settlers in Madison county, Ohio, and there lived on a farm at the edge of London. The late John Murrell was a mere lad when the family came to Clinton county, Ohio. He grew up on the farm, and when nineteen years of age enlisted in the Union army as a soldier in Company D, Seventy-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He gave four years of his life to the service of his country, and during the war, while he was living in the barracks at Columbus, met the young woman, Mary Coberley, who afterwards became his wife. At the close of the war he returned to Columbus and was married, and thereafter lived in Madison county for four years, when he removed to Wilson township, Clinton county, and there lived until his death. When he had reached middle life he gave up active farming to devote his time to contract building in Wilson township and vicinity. Ile was a Republican in politics and a man of more than average CLINTON COUNTY, OHIO - 465 prominence, having served on the board of education for thirteen years. He was also a very active worker in the Methodist Protestant church. John and Mary (Coberley) Murrell had four children, of whom Dr. Ulysses G. was the first born; Allen lives in Wilson township, near Bloomington, and is a cement contractor; William lives on a farm in Union township, near Beech Grove; Ora married James Klein, deceased, and she now lives in Springfield, Ohio. Ulysses Grant Murrell, M. D., attended the public schools of Bloomington, Ohio, and after finishing his common school education, worked in a dry goods store owned by F. S. Broomhall, of Wilmington, for five years. After a time he entered Miami Medical College at Cincinnati, and was graduated with the class of 1896. Immediately after his graduation he located at New Burlington, in Chester township, Clinton county, and practiced medicine there for nine years, at the end of which time, or in 1905, he removed to Wilmington. He has been engaged in the practice of his profession here since that time and has built up a large and lucrative practice, and possesses the confidence of the people of this city. He belongs to the Clinton County Medical Society, to the Ohio State Medical Association and to the American Medical Association. On July 11, 1894. two years before his graduation from the medical college, Doctor Murrell was married to Ora Hinshaw, who was born at Westboro, Clinton county, Ohio. and who is the daughter of Garner and Maria Hinshaw, both of whom are deceased. The father was a dry goods merchant, first in Westboro, Ohio, and later in Wilmington. Doctor and Mrs. Murrell have had two children, Cordelia, born in December, 1898, and Mabel, born in February, 1901. The Murrell family all belong to the Friends church. Doctor Murrell is a member of the Knights Templar, and also belongs to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. PHILIP EDWIN SNYDER. Philip Edwin Snyder, the proprietor of one of the large hardware stores in southern Ohio, has made a worthy success in life because he was never willing to quit, and because, when the great test of his life came, he was unwilling to yield to misfortune or give up the battle he had previously begun. Stripped of practically all his property in 1895, when the fire swept over Blanchester, he undertook to build up the business he had entered as a partner with a very small investment, and the years which he had spent working for others, and the reputation he had established for honor and integrity gave him unlimited credit when it was necessary to start over again. He could have had fifty thousand dollars' credit had he asked it. There is certainly a lesson in this experience for all yonng men, as it shows conclusively the value of upright dealing. Philip Edwin Snyder, who began the hardware business with D. H. Moon on a salary of fifty dollars a year, and who worked the second year for eighty dollars, the third for two hundred and forty dollars, was born on October 13, 1869, in Butlerville. Ohio. the son of Philip Augusta and Barbara Ellen (Fox) Snyder, the former a native of Rochester, Ohio, and the latter a native of Germany. Mr. Snyder's paternal grandparents were natives of Ohio, and his maternal grandparents were natives of Germany. His mother came to America with friends, who first located in Indiana. His father, who was educated in the schools of Ohio, was a harness maker, and operated a large harness shop at Butlerville. During the last twenty-five years of his life he became active in real estate and worked as an abstracter until his death, in 1903. His wife died in 1907. He was active in religious affairs and in temperance work, the first prayer meet. ing held in Blanchester under the auspices of the Methodist Episcopal church having occurred in his home. He was also active in the organization of the Methodist Episcopal church at Blanchester, and for many years served as steward and director in that (30) 466 - CLINTON COUNTY, OHIO. denomination. He had enlisted for service in the Union army during the Civil War, but the regiment was sent back in four days. Philip A. Snyder and wife were the parents of the following children: Henry, Gilbert, Mary, Sarah Jane, Lewis, Nelson, Warren, Giffon, Anna and Philip Edwin. Philip Edwin Snyder received his education in the schools of Blanchester. In 1887 he entered the drug and hardware business, working with D. H. Moon. When he entered the business he had invested twenty-five dollars. In a short time afterward a hardware business was formed. In 1895 the big fire swept over Blanchester, burned the store and stock, and having lost the entire stock and the results of his hard labor in this fire. Philip E. Snyder revived the business with his savings of three hundred dollars. He opened a store on the street opposite his present location in a small shed which he erected. One year later he removed to the First National Bank building, and since to his present location. He now utilizes over thirteen thousand square feet for his stock of hardware, paints, harness, buggies, china, ranges and five-and-ten-cent department. He now has one of the largest hardware stores in southern Ohio. When he undertook to revive the business which had been destroyed by the fire, he found to his great delight that his credit was unlimited, because he had always made it a point to be square in his dealings. Philip E. Snyder was married in June, 1898, to Lucy Cooper, of Salisbury, Maryland, and to this marriage have, been born three children, Clarence, Harry and Isabel. Mr. and Mrs. Snyder are earnest and faithful members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and Mr. Snyder has taken a prominent part in the active work of the church, having served as a director for many years. He is a director in the Ohio Hardware Association, and one of its original members. He is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons. ALEX CROSSON. Alex Crosson is one of the prosperous business men of Blanchester, Ohio, who is interested in the lumber business, in the operation of the Blanchester Flour Mill, and is president of the Merchants and Farmers Bank. Mr. Crosson was born within one mile of Blanchester, Ohio, on Lick run, July 14, 1844, the son of George and Charlotte (Morrison) Crosson, both natives of Marion township. His paternal grandparents were early settlers in Clinton county, the paternal grandfather having emigrated from Ireland to this country. The maternal grandmother of Mr. Crosson was the first person buried in the cemetery at Blanchester. Both the paternal and maternal sides of the family were members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and both families entered land in Clinton county, Ohio. The late George H. Crosson, who received only a limited education, was a farmer by occupation and owned one hundred and thirteen acres of land near Blanchester. Eleven children were born to George and Charlotte (Morrison) Crosson, five sons and six daughters, of whom one son, Edward, served as a soldier in the Civil War in the One Hundred and Seventy-fifth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Alex Crosson's early life was spent on the farm and he engaged in farming until five years after his marriage, when he moved to Blanchester, and entered the meat business. In the fall of 1870 he "salted" one hundred hogs in partnership with Squire Rice, but this business was continued only a year and one-half, when Mr. Crosson sold out and engaged in the retail lumber and implement business. In 1883 he established a flouring-mill at Blanchester, and still owns and operates this mill. He was one of fourteen men to organize the Merchants and Farmers Bank, of Blanchester, and some years later he became its president, and still holds this office. It is a private bank, and is now owned by Mr. Crosson and four others. He is also, interested in the Starham CLINTON COUNTY, OHIO - 467 Company, being president of it. He is also connected with a large mercantile store in Blanchester, and is acting as president of this business. On January 1, 1866, Alex Crosson was married to Mary J. Leggett, and to this union two children were born, Emma and Lenna. In 1876, Mr. Crosson was married, secondly, to Mary E. Supinger, and to this union two children were born, Laura and G. R. Mr. Crosson is prominent in the circles of Masonic lodge of Blanchester, being a member of both the blue lodge and the chapter. ROBERT J. LACY. The gentleman, whose life history is here given, is one of those strong, sturdy characters who have contributed largely to the welfare of the community where he lives, being a business man of more than ordinary sagacity and foresight, and as a citizen, progressive and public spirited in all that the term implies. Robert J. Lacy is descended from sterling Virginian ancestry, his great-grandparents, John Johnson and Ruth (Clevenger) Lacy, both having been born in the Old Dominion, in which state also part of their children were born. In 1816 they drove through with wagons to Clinton county, Ohio, buying a tract of land near Cuba. He cleared and improved the place, but eventually claimants to the title of Mr. Lacy's land made their appearance and in court they defeated him and he died without much property. To him and his wife were born ten children, five sons and five daughters. Robert J. Lacy's paternal grandfather, Enos Lampkin Lacy, was born near Apple/ Pie ridge, Virginia, in 1806, and died on April 1, 1880, near Wilmington, Ohio. He always carried on farming and first bought one hundred acres of land near Burtonville, Ohio, which he sold one year later and bought two hundred acres of timber land in Union township. Of this he cleared up one hundred and fifty acres and sold the remainder to his brother. In 1860 he bought a tract of land just south of the city of Wilmington and lived there until his death, in 1880. He was prominent in the county and was an ardent supporter of the Democratic party, serving as county commissioner of Clinton connty. He was interested in local affairs and served as a director of the First National Bank. Enos L. Lacy married Sarah Wright, who was born in Clinton county, Ohio, in 1808 and died in 1862. She was the daughter of Abel and Sarah Wright, who were natives of Pennsylvania and became early settlers in Washington township, Clinton county, where the father followed farming. To Enos L. and Sarah Lacy were born the following children : Joshua, who is now eighty-seven years of age; Elijah, who is deceased and who was a prominent farmer in Clinton county and the father of Robert J., and Peter, who was a retired lnmberman and lived in Knoxville, Illinois, where he died on July' 26, 1915, at the age of eighty-four. Joshua now lives on the site of his father's old home on the south edge of the city of Wilmington. Joshua Lacy was married on March 12, 1850, to Ruth C. Bankston', who is still living. Joshua Lacy owns many acres of land and is numbered among the prosperous men of his locality. The maternal grandparents of Robert J. Lacy were residents of and died in Indiana and there his mother, Sarah Jane Lea, was born on January 21, 1827. Her death occurred in Wilmington, Ohio, in 1894. On November 8, 1852, she was married to Elijah Lacy, who was born in Clinton county, Ohio, on April 22, 1829, and who died on October 31, 1901, in Wilmington, Ohio. Elijah Lacy was reared and lived on the home farm until 1889, when he retired and moved to Wilmington. He was a stanch Democrat in his political affiliations and was a man of splendid personal character. To him and his wife were born four children : Augusta, who died in 1884, and who was the wife of Doctor Connard, of New Vienna, Ohio; A. Wulbur, a retired farmer, who lives in Wilmington; Mary E., who died on February 25, 1914, and who was the wife of Dr. George W. Wire, of Wilmington ; and Robert J., who is the subject of this sketch. 468 - CLINTON COUNTY, OHIO. Robert J. Lacy was reared on his father's farm and secured a good practical education in the public schools. He remained on the home farm until about thirty years of age and then moved to Wilmington and engaged in the livery business for several years. He had taken a deep interest in public affairs and his ability and interest were recognized in 1899, when he was elected sheriff of Clinton county. This was a marked evidence of his popnlarity, for, although a Democrat, he was elected in a county which has for many years been known as "rock-ribbed" Republican, he being the first Democrat to hold a county office for over thirty years. Mr. Lacy's residence is at 228 North South street. Since the expiration of his efficient term, he has been giving his attention to his private business affairs and the management of his farms. Mr. Lacy was one of the founders and has served as president since its organization of the Clinton County Mutual Insurance Company. A man of good business judgment and forceful personality, he has made his presence felt in local business circles and is nnmbered among the good business men of his commnnity. On May 13, 1890, Robert J. Lacy was married to Louie A. Evans, who was born in Greene county, Ohio, near Spring Valley, the daughter of Isaac and Matilda Catherine (Stump) Evans. Isaac Evans now lives retired in Xenia, Ohio, and his wife died in 1897, at the age of sixty-two years. Matilda Evans was the daughter of Jonas and Prudence (Smalley) Stump, the former a native of Virginia and the latter of Clinton county, Ohio. Mrs. Stump's parents had come to this state from Pennsylvania, her father being one of the first settlers of Clinton county. Isaac Evans' parents were Robert and Sarah (Conic) Evans, both natives of Carolina, who came to Greene county, Ohio, in the early days. Here Mr. Evans had a mill on the Miami river. They were Quakers in religious belief. CAREY A. HOLLADAY. Men who begin the duties of life under serious handicap and without the patient and affectionate guidance of parents of their own flesh and blood are entitled to the profound respect of the community for whatever they accomplish in life. Carey A. Holladay, a prominent undertaker of Wilmington, Ohio, was adopted by a family without children when he was one and one-half years old, and taking their name at that age, never knew any other than his foster-parents', who were Louis and Nancy (Cartwright) Holladay, both natives of Highland county, Ohio, and both now deceased. While his early life was protected, in so far as foster-parents are capable of guarding and protecting the interests of a child, yet from the time he was ten years old Carey A. Holladay was compelled to shift for himself. That he succeeded unaided in his personal efforts is a great tribute to his personal energy and worth. Carey A. Holladay was born at Sabina, Clinton county, Ohio, September 7, 1865. His foster-father died on June 25, 1899, and his foster-mother died on July 4, 1910. The former was a farmer near Sabina and an ardent Republican politically, and a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He and his wife had no children of their own. Educated in the public schools of Sabina, Ohio, in 1875, at the age of ten years, Carey A. Holladay came to Wilmington, and for the next eight years worked at whatever he could find to do. In 1883 he began working for C. A. Marble, a well-known undertaker, and learned the business from him. Subsequently, he attended a professional school at Columbus, Ohio, and on January 1, l893, bought out Mr. Marble, and after that, until April 4, 1903, he was in partnership with Frank McDonald in the undertaking business. On the latter date he purchased the interest of Mr. McDonald and since that time has carried on the business alone. In 1897 Mr. Holladay and Mr. McDonald purchased the Thomas Carruthers corner in Wilmington and he still lives in that home. In October, 1888, Mr. Holladay was married to Margaret Smith, a native of Clinton county, Ohio, and the daughter of Austin and Martha Smith, both of whom are now CLINTON COUNTY, OHIO - 469 deceased. He was a farmer in Union township Mrs. Holladay died on February 15,. 1905, leaving only her husband in her immediate family. Carey A. Holladay is a member of the Presbyterian church and a Repnblican in politics. Fraternally, he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Fraternal Order of Eagles and the Junior Order of United American Mechanics. Mr. Holladay is a man of generous and humane impulses, charitable to a fault, honored and respected by his fellow townsmen, and worthy of their highest commendation and praise. Needless to say that he is the recipient of their respect and esteem, freely conferred upon him in bountiful measure. WILLIAM H. CARNAHAN The earliest Carnahans known in America were two brothers, who came from Ireland, one of whom took a claim where Washington, D. C., now stands. The other located in Pennsylvania. It is from the brother who located on the site of the capital that William H. Carnahan is descended. Later he removed from Washington, D. C., to North Carolina, and became the father of Aaron Carnahan, the great-grandfather of William H. James, the brother who located in Pennsylvania, was either a captain or lieutenant in the War of 1812, and after the close of that war was drowned in the Susquehanna river. William H. Carnahan, a well-known merchant of Blanchester, Ohio, and dealer in farm implements, was born near Cuba, Clinton county, January 17, 1849, the son of David and Deborah (Thornhill) Carnahan, the former a native of Somerset, Kentucky, and the latter a native of Tennessee. David Carnahan carried a chain on the survey of the road from Goshen, Indiana, to Martinsville, Ohio. He was born in Kentucky in 1812, the son of Aaron and Alvira (Mitchell) Carnahan, who, in 1831, settled in Washington township, Clinton county, Ohio, where they acquired a farm and where they subsequently died. David Carnahan was educated in the pioneer schools of his home neighborhood, and after his marriage rented a farm in Washington township, receiving as his share all that he raised. After his father's death he lived with his mother fora time, and then removed to Marion township, where he pnrchased fifty acres of land. This tract had a double log house upon it, but in 1856 he bnilt a two-story brick house, which is still standing. Subsequently, he added forty-six acres to his original holdings, and owned at the time of his death ninety-six acres of excellent land. Mr. Carnahan's wife, the mother of William H., was Deborah Thornhill, who was born in Ohio in 1814, the daughter of Barnett and Ruth (Jones) Thornhill, natives of Kentucky, and early settlers in Washington township, Clinton county, Ohio, where they engaged in farming. David Carnahan and wife were the parents of ten children, of whom four sons, John, Fergus, Barnett and Aaron, were soldiers in the Civil War. John was a member of Company C, Fifty-fourth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, a regiment of. Zouaves. Fergus was a soldier in the One Hundred and Seventy-fifth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Barnett was a member of Company C, Seventy-ninth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and Aaron also served in the same company as his brother. Barnett. The latter was on the march from Atlanta to the sea with General Sherman, and when the regiment participated in the Grand Review at Washington, only twenty members of his company were left. Barnett, however, was not in a hospital nor an ambulance during his entire service. The other members of this family were Ruth, Harvey, William H., James, Mary and Louisa. Mrs. David Carnahan died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Mary Trovilo, at Blanchester. William H. Carnahan received the rudiments of an education in the common schools of Marion township, and in the village schools of Blanchester. During the early years of his life he was engaged in farming, a vocation which he followed for twenty- 470 - CLINTON COUNTY, OHIO. six years on the old home place. In 1877 he entered the farm-implement business, and has been continuously in this line since. He gives all his time and attention to it and has been very successful in his operations. In 1883 Mr. Carnahan was married to Ella Wood, of Blanchester, and to this union have been born two children, Lula and Bessie. Mr. Carnahan is a member of the time-honored order of Free and Accepted Masons. He is a well-known citizen of Blanchester, and one who enjoys the confidence and esteem of all the people of this community, where he has lived for so many years. ODOS L. HAWORTH. The late Odos L. Haworth was a well-known business man of Blanchester, this county, a prominent restaurant keeper of that town. He was born at Wilmington, this county, the son of Thomas and Mary (Drake) Haworth, and died on September 22, 1912. Thomas Haworth was born on June 19, 1844, and died on March 28, 1909. He was married on March 5, 1872, to Mary Drake, who was born on September 16, 1848, the daughter of Daniel and Ann (Messereu) Drake. Thomas Haworth was engaged in farming all of his life in Clinton county and owned seventy-three acres of land in Union township. He and his wife were the parents of four children, of whom Odos L. was the eldest, the others being Ralph W., Clarence L. and Edith D., wife of Orvall Wall. Thomas Haworth was the son of Richard M. and Elizabeth (West) Haworth, the former of whom was a native of Clinton county, born- at Dover in 1824, and one of the early farmers of this county. He was the son of Mahlon and Phoebe (Frazier) Haworth, the former of whom, was born in Frederick county, Virginia, on October 23, 1775, later emigrating to Tennessee and still later coming to this county, locating at Dover about 1803. Odos L. Haworth entered the Star restaurant with his father in Sabina in 1896 and was in business tt that point for about two years, moving to Blanchester in 1898, where he continued in the same business the rest of his life. The business is now conducted by his widow. At the age of nineteen years, Odos L. Haworth took up the study of telegraphy at the Cincinnati & Muskingum Valley railroad station at Wilmington and after having become proficient as a telegraph operator, worked at Roseville, Washington and Wilmington, becoming express agent, with William McMillan, at the latter point and was twenty-one years old when he entered into partnership with his father in the management of the Star restaurant. On April 22, 1894, Odos L. Haworth was married to Ada R. Staubus, who was born at Wilmington, daughter of Louis J. and Mary J. (Clark) Stanbus. Louis J. Staubus was born on March 2, 1849, in Augusta county, Virginia, and was married on December 22, 1870, to Mary J. Clark, who was born in Angusta county, Virginia, on June 19, 1849, daughter of William D. and Rachel R. (Miller) Clark. Louis J. Staubus was the son of Jacob Staubus, a native of Germany, who came to America with his parents at the age of four years, locating in Augusta county, Virginia, where he became a farmer and where he and his wife, Regina Swatzel, died. They were the parents of five children, John C., William, David, Lonis J. and Ellen. Louis J. Staubus was educated in the common schools of Augusta county, Virginia, and came to Ohio when a young man. After living in this state for several years he returned to Virginia, where he was married, and about 1874 he and his wife moved from Highland county, Ohio, to Reevesville. He has been a contract plasterer all of his life. Mr. and Mrs. Louis J. Staubus are the parents of nine children, namely : Cora, who married George Bernard ; Ada R., who married Odos L. Haworth; Leona E., who died at the age of six years; Worthy. who married Olive West; Samuel P., who died in infancy Lottie Lee, who became the wife of James Bernard ; Anna L., who is the wife of Harry Brook; Emma, who married CLINTON COUNTY, OHIO - 471 Granville Gano, and Royal D., who married Gayle Brown. Mr. and Mrs. Staubus are members of the Methodist church, and he votes the Democratic ticket. To Odos L. and Ada R. (Staubus) Haworth were born two children, Leah Rannells and Dorothy Virginia. Odos L. Haworth was a well-known citizen of Clinton county, a man who was honorable and upright in all of the relations of life, who was admired by his fellow townsmen and respected for his cordial and friendly attitude toward the public at large, and his death in 1912 was 'mourned by many friends. MILTON L. HUNT. The late Milton L. Hunt, a former well-known banker and merchant of Martinsville, this county, was born on February 2, 1836, in Clinton county, a son of Jesse and Anna (Moon) Hunt, the former a native of Grayson county, Virginia, and the latter a native of Clark township, this county. Like most boys born and reared on the farm, Milton L. Hunt attended the country school, but pursued his education further in the high school at Martinsville and in the normal school of Lebanon, Ohio. After finishing his education, he was engaged for eight years in teaching school; during the last three years of which time he was principal of the Martinsville public school. He then became a book-keeper in the Clinton County National Bank of Wilmington, a position- which he occupied until October, 1867, when he engaged in the mercantile business at Martinsville, with Larkin Cleland, under the firm name of Cleland & Hunt. About six years later this firm succeeded Moore & Hunter in the Farmers Bank, and Mr. Hunt was engaged in the banking business nntil his health failed, in 1896. After retiring from business, in that year, he continued to live at Martinsville until his death, in 1907. Having begun life with very limited means, Milton L. Hunt succeeded in a large measure as a teacher, merchant and banker, and, at the time of his death, few men living in Clinton county were more widely known or more highly respected than he. For sixteen years he served as township treasurer of Clark township and as treasurer of the special school district and corporation for the same length of time. For five years he was a member of the board of school examiners. On November 1, 1866, Milton L. Hunt was married to Sarah E. Wright, daughter of James and Mary Jane (West) Wright, who was born in Clark township, this county, on September 29, 1845. Mrs. Hunt's father, James Wright, was born in South Carolina in 1804, the son of John and Sarah (Haworth) Wright, prominent members of the Society of Friends in South Carolina. About 1808 John Wright entered' land on the present site of Martinsville and eventually became the owner of a large tract of land, including a farm that Mrs. Hunt now owns. John Wright erected his first house where Mrs. Milton L. Hunt now lives in Martinsville, but in that time there were no neighbors for miles around and the land was a dense wilderness. He and his wife were descendants of good old Quaker stock and were devoted members of the Friends church. James Wright's wife, who, before her marriage, was Mary Jane West, was the daughter of James West, who was the son of Owen West, one of the pioneer settlers of Clinton connty. James and Mary Jane (West) Wright had only two daughters, one of whom died early in life, the other being Sarah E., who is now the widow of Milton L. Hunt. To Milton L. and Sarah E. (Wright) Hunt were born two sons, James Wright Hunt and Reid Hunt. The former was) graduated from the Harvard Law School, and immediately after his graduation began the practice of his profession at Duluth, Minnesota, and has become one of the successful lawyers in the great northwest. He married Hildegard Pearl, a native of Texas, July, 1901. Reid Hunt, the other son, who is a well-known pharmacologist, was born on April 20, 1875, at Martinsville. The following account of him is condensed from "Who is Who in America :" "He received the 472 - CLINTON COUNTY, OHIO. Bachelor of Arts degree from Johns-Hopkins University in 1891, the Ph. D. degree in 1896. Later he was a student at the University of Bonn, Germany, and received the degree, of Doctor of Medicine from the College Of Physicians and Surgeons at Baltimore in 1896. On December 12, 1908, he married Mary Lillie, daughter of Hannis Taylor, minister to Spain during the two administrations of. President Cleveland. He has successfully been a tutor in the College of Physicians and Surgeons of New York, professor of pharmacology in Johns-Hopkins, chief of the division of pharmacology in the United States pnblic health and marine hospital service, and is the author and joint author of a large number of technical works on medicine and pharmacology." Reid Hunt is now professor of pharmacology in Harvard Medical School. The late Milton L. Hunt was a prominent member of the Society of Friends, and his widow is also a member of the Friends church. JAMES F. FITZHUGH. Few men in Clinton county are better known or more generally popular than the gentleman whose name forms the caption of this biographical review. On both the paternal and maternal sides of his family James F. Fitzhugh is a scion of distinguished families in this section of Ohio, pioneers who exerted a powerful influence in the formative period of this favored region. His father was a second cousin of Gen. Robert E. Lee, the leader of the Confederacy, and he was connected with the Washington family through his grandmother, Anne Ashton, who was a daughter of Augustine Washington, brother of George Washington; while his mother was the daughter of one of the fore most pioneers of southwestern Ohio, her father having been one of the first two lawyers who began practice in Xenia, and for many years was a prominent member of the Ohio General Assembly. It is a pleasure on the part of the biographer to here set out some of the salient points in the interesting career of Mr. Fitzhugh, who stands in the forefront among the citizens of the city of Wilmington. James F. Fitzhugh is a native of Clinton county, having been born in Wilmington, the son of Lawrence and Clarissa (Elsberry) Fitzhugh, the former of, whom was born in ,Alexandria, Virginia, in February, 1802, and died at his home in Wilmington, this county, in February, 1855, and the latter of whom was born at Xenia, this state, in 1816, and died on Angust 20, 1886. Lawrence Fitzhugh, one of the most prominent of the pioneers of Clinton county. was the son of Nicholas and Sarah (Ashton) Fitzhugh, both natives of Virginia, and representatives of two influential old colonial families. Nicholas Fitzhugh was a distinguished lawyer in the Old Dominion and for many years was justice of the United States district court for that district, his entire life having been spent in the city of Alexandria Anne Ashton, the mother of Sarah (Ashton) Fitzhugh, was a daughter of Augustine Washington, brother of George Washington, and inherited fourteen hundred and twenty-five acres of land in the adjustment of the Washington estate. The Fitzhughs were members of the Episcopal church and occupied high positions in the old Virginia aristocracy. Lawrence Fitzhugh inherited from his parents six thousand acres of the Spottswood survey, in the southern part of Clinton county, and in 1824 came to Ohio to enter upon his inheritance. He first located at Chillicothe, where he remained about a year, at the end of which time he came to Clinton county, locating at Wilmington, where he spent the rest of his life, becoming one of the most influential citizens in the county. For two terms Lawrence Fitzhugh served the public as county clerk, in which position his services proved of incalculable value in the proper preservation of the county's early records, and, after that period of service, he served with equal efficiency and high regard for the welfare of the public for some years as county auditor. He was an ardent CLINTON COUNTY, OHIO - 473 Democrat and for many years was regarded as one of the leaders of that party in this section of the state. Lawrence Fitzhugh sold off his vast holdings in the Spottswood survey in tracts, as settlers sought homes in that part of the county, and became quite wealthy. In 1831 he erected a fine brick residence on Locust street, Wilmington, which at that time was regarded as one of the handsomest residences in southwestern Ohio. The imposing front of this old mansion is still standing, forming an attractive portion of the present home Of James F. Fitzhngh and his sister, Catherine L. Lawrence Fitzhugh, in addition to being one of the most extensive real estate dealers in this section of Ohio, was largely interested in other enterprises of that day, and was a most public-spirited and energetic man. He was one of the organizers of first Cincinnati, Wilmington & Zanesville, which later became the Cincinnati & Muskingum Valley Railroad Company, and which is now operated by the Pennsylvania Railroad Company, which line passes through Wilmington, and he was a director in that company until his death. In 1831 Lawrence Fitzhugh was united in marriage to Clarissa Elsberry, of Xenia, Ohio, daughter of William and Elizabeth (Miller) Elsberry, prominent residents of Xenia. William Elsberry, a native of North Carolina, came to Ohio upon reaching man's estate and became one of the most influential members of society in the Xenia neighborhood. He engaged in the practice of law, being one of the first attorneys of Xenia. He rapidly attained a commanding position in that community and for years served his ' district most usefully in the .General Assembly, acquiring a reputation as a wise and prudent legislator, which is not forgotten to this day. His wife, Elizabeth Miller, was. a native of the Dayton neighborhood, a member of one of the first families to settle in that section. Both she and her husband were members of -the old-school Presbyterian church and prominent in all good works thereabout. William Elsberry lived to be seventy-six years of age, having performed well his part in the affairs of his community. To Lawrence and Clarissa (Elsberry) Fitzhugh were born ten children, namely: William E., Sarah A., Henry W., Elizabeth E., one who died in infancy, Jane, Mary, James F., Clarissa and Catharine. William E. Fitzhugh was .born .in 1832 .and died August 10, 1889. with the rank of commodore in the United States navy. At the age of fifteen, on November 20, 1848. he entered the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, being an appointee from Ohio, and was graduated with honor. William E. Fitzhugh's naval record, briefly epitomized, is as follows: 1849-51, attached to frigate "Cumberland," Mediterranean squadron; 1852-3, sloop "Cyane," home squadron; 1854, Naval Academy; June 15, 1854, promoted to and passed midshipman; 1851-55, sloop "John Adams," Pacific squadron; 1855, promoted to master; September 17, 1855, commissioned lieutenant; 1856-7, sloop "St. Mary," Pacific squadron; 1857-60, sloop "Vincennes," coast of Africa ; 1861-62. steam sloop "Lancaster," Pacific squadron; July 16. 1862, commissioned lieutenant-commander: 1862-3, steam sloop "Iroquois," North Atlantic squadron; 1864, West gulf blockading squadron; August, 1864, at engagement with Ft. Morgan; 1864-5, commanded steamer "Quiachita," Mississippi squadron; -received the surrender of Rebel forces on Red river ; 1866-7, commanded steamer" "Paul Jones," Gulf squadron; 1868-70, commanded reviewing ship "Norfolk"; 1870-1, commanded flag-ship "Severn," North Atlantic fleet; 1873-4, equipment duty, Mare Island; 1875-6, ordnance duty, Mare Island; November 25, 1876; commissioned captain; August 25, 1887, commissioned commodore. He then went on the court of inquiry at Yokohoma, Japan, in 1887. Later he was president of a board for the sea trial of the new cruiser "Yorktown," in March, 1889. He was then commanding officer at New London, Connecticut, from April 1, 1889, until his death. William E. Fitzhugh was a man of broad cultnre, and his naval service having carried him into all parts of the world, he thus gained a truly cosmopolitan refinement. Sarah A. Fitzhugh died on May 8, 1860, at the age of twenty-six years. Henry W. 474 - CLINTON COUNTY, OHIO Fitzhugh died at the age of thirty. Elizabeth Fitzhugh married David Sanders, later moving to Cincinnati, where she died. Jane Fitzhugh died at the tender age of thirteen years. Mary Fitzhugh married J. H. McMillan, both she and her husband now being deceased. Clarissa Fitzhugh died in 1914 and Catharine L. Fitzhugh remains in the old home, presiding with charming dignity in the household maintained by herself and her brother, now the sole survivors of this interesting family. James F. Fitzhugh received his elementary education in the public schools of Wilmington, supplementing the same by a course in Delaware University. Upon completing this course he entered the law office of Judge Harlan, at Wilmington, and, under the careful tutelage of this fine old preceptor, gained a thorough and comprehensive acquaintance with legal procedure. Though he was admitted to the bar of the Clinton circuit court, Mr. Fitzhugh never engaged actively in the practice of law, his time being fully occupied by other interests. For six years he was engaged in the mining business in Arizona, but after the death of his widowed mother, in 1886, he returned to Wilmington to take charge of the important interests involved in the settlement of the considerable Fitzhugh estate and ever since has continued to make that city his home. He and his sister are the proprietors of fonr hundred and seventy-five acres of fine land, situated in two farms in Union township, besides being interested in other, enterprises, to which Mr. Fitzhugh is required to give his close personal attention. Mr. Fitzhugh has been quite a traveler and is a most companionable man, possessing a large fund of reminiscences upon which to draw in the exercise of his admirable conversational powers. He and his sister are deeply concerned in all measures designed to secure the greatest advancement of the common interests locally and are held in the highest esteem by their large circle of friends and acquaintances in this and adjoining counties. Mr. Fitzhugh is a Democrat and gives a good citizen's attention to the political affairs of the county, being deeply interested in the elevation of political standards in administrative affairs in county, state and nation. A fitting expression of the public's confidence in his sagacity and sound judgment was conveyed in his recent appointment on the important commission named to locate and build a new court house in Wilmington. ALFRED IRVIN McVEY. Alfred Irvin McVey, former Clinton county educator, and now cashier of the First National Bank of Blanchester, was born on September 5, 1864, in Highland county, Ohio, the son of Isaac and Martha (Job) McVey, both natives of the same county. The paternal grandfather of Mr. McVey was Noah McVey, who was a native of Virginia and a pioneer in Highland county, Ohio. Noah McVey was a farmer most of his life, but for some time was a merchant in Leesburg, Ohio. Mr. McVey's maternal grandparents were natives of Virginia, and also early settlers in Highland county, Ohio, where they hued and died as farmers. Isaac McVey was born at Leesburg, Highland county, Ohio, and died in the same county where he had followed the occupation of a farmer practically all of his life. He never aspired to political preferment, and his only military service was as a guard at the Monroe bridge when Morgan's army of invasion was expected in Ohio. At one time he was the owner of one hundred and seventy acres of land, and engaged in general farming. Isaac and Martha (Job) McVey were the parents of fourteen children, four of whom are deceased. The names of these children, in the order of their birth, are as follow : Mabel, Clara, Leslie, Turner (deceased), Alfred, Alvah, Newman, Minnie, Eunice, Burleigh, Stanley (deceased), Bertha (deceased), Anne, and Harry (deceased). Alfred Irvin McVey, after receiving the rudiments of an education in the common schools of Highland county, Ohio, was graduated from the Leesburg high school in 1888. Immediately after his graduation he began teaching, although as a matter of fact, he really had begnn in the teaching profession in the spring of 1887, before his graduation