(RETURN TO THE TITLE PAGE) 800 - CLINTON COUNTY, OHIO. Palmer and Gladys. Oliver is a resident of Oklahoma and has been married twice, the first time to Alice Hiatt, by whom he had three sons, and the second time to Ola Hinshaw. Palmer, who is also a resident of Oklahoma, is unmarried. Gladys is unmarried and lives with her mother. Robert Edgar Hunt was educated in the common schools and was reared on the farm. On October 24, 1878, he was married to Lavinia Hiatt, who was born on the farm where Mr. and Mrs. Hunt now live, the daughter of Allen and Susan (Folger) Hiatt. Allen Hiatt was a farmer and large landowner in Clinton county, having been the owner, altogether, of about five hundred acres of land. To Robert E. and Lavinia (Hiatt) Hunt five children have been born, Gladys, Susan, Bernard, Alice and Doris. Gladys married Alvin Hartman, of Clinton county, and has three children, George E., Conard and Alice. Bernard, who lives on the old home place, in Liberty township, married Edith Hurley and has two children, Esther and Elizabeth. The remainder of the children are unmarried. After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Hunt moved to the farm of one hundred acres in Liberty township, where they now live. They enjoy a comfortable competence and are highly respected citizens of the township. NATHAN S. GREGORY. Nathan S. Gregory, a successful farmer and stockman of Green township, by perseverance, industry and wise economy has attained a comfortable station in life, and is well and favorably known throughout Clinton county. As a consequence of his wide and various interests, he is regarded by all who 'know him as a man of the best type of American citizenship, straightforward, unassuming, genial and obliging. Mr. Gregory is the proprietor of "Maple Grove Stock Farm," where he has made a specialty of raising standard-bred trotting horses. Nathan S. Gregory was born on December 28, 1856, in Green township, this county, the son of James J. and Nancy (Rix) Gregory, the former of whom also was a native of Green township, born on October 22, 1819, and the latter of whom was born on July 24, 1819. They were married in Green township on December 25, 1839. Mr. Gregory's paternal grandparents were Levi and. Katie (Walker) Gregory, natives of Fayette county, Pennsylvania, and Clark county, Kentucky, respectively. Katie (Walker) Gregory was the daughter of Robert and Nancy (Hula) Walker, pioneers of Clinton county. Mr. Gregory's maternal grandparents were Jordan and Nancy Rix, both natives of North Carolina and early settlers in Clinton county, who died near New Antioch. The late James J. Gregory grew up in Green township, and attended the public schools of that township. He owned one hundred and seven acres of land. As a Republican, he was elected infirmary director for one term, the same year that the late Addison P. Russell was elected secretary of state. James J. Gregory was a member of the Christian church early in life, but, late in life, became a member of the Universalist church. His wife remained a faithful member of the Christian church until her death on February 2, 1885. James J. Gregory died on December 11, 1907. He and his wife were the parents of eight children, as follow : Sarah C., born on November 30, 1840; Albert F., November 18, 1843; Emily J., March 6, 1847; Samantha E., September 13, 1849; Survetus L., February 28, 1854; Nathan S., December 28, 1856; Laura B., December 13, 1859, and Ulysses S. Grant, August 25, 1865. Reared on his father's farm and educated in the public schools of Clinton county and in the high school at New Vienna, as well as in the normal schools at Sabina and Wilmington, Nathan S. Gregory, during the first ten years of his active career, Was engaged in teaching school. When a very young man, he purchased twenty-five acres of land and kept adding to the tract until he now owns five hundred and sixty acres. CLINTON COUNTY, OHIO - 801 Mr. Gregory is proprietor of "Maple Grove Stock Farm," and has acquired a wide reputation as a breeder of standard-bred trotting horses. On December 25, 1886, Nathan S. Gregory was married to Mrs. Mary E. (Foster) Cantrell, who was born August 23, 1856, the daughter of Joseph and Cynthia Foster, natives of Highland county. Joseph Foster is deceased and his widow is living with the family of Mr. Gregory. Mr. and Mrs. Gregory are the parents of two children. Sherman R., born on October 13, 1887, attended the public schools of the county and the Greenfield Business College and married Della M. Brown, who has borne him four children, Chester, Milton, Lena and Beatrice, and Russell, January 28, 1894, who attended the public schools and married Minnie Campbell, who has borne Win one child, a son, Nathan William. Mr. and Mrs. Gregory were formerly members of the Friends church, but are now, with their family, members of the Christian church. Mr. Gregory votes the Republican ticket and for several years has served as a member of the school board in Green township. C. ALLEN ATLEY. C. Allen Atley, a progressive farmer and thresherman of Liberty township, this county, is a man of likeable qualities, who is keenly interested in all local enterprises. He was born in this county on July 5, 1865, the son of John and Eveline (Sanderson) Atley, the former of whom was born in Adams county, Ohio, and the latter in Liberty township, this county, the daughter of Henry N. and Sarah (Earley) Sanderson. Sarah (Earley) Sanderson was a daughter of Solomon Earley, who was one of the early landholders of Liberty township. Henry N. Sanderson was an early settler in Clinton county, a school teacher and farmer by occupation. He owned four hundred acres of land and operated a private bank at his home in the country for the convenience of his neighbors and was otherwise active in local affairs. John Atley was the son of Henry and Sarah Atley, natives of Kentucky. Henry Atley's grandfather and two of his brothers came from Trance with Lafayette during the Revolutionary War, and, after the close of the Revolutionary War, settled in Virginia. In earlier times the Atley name was written "De Atley." While Henry Atley was still single, he moved to Adams county, Ohio, where he entered two hundred acres of land, which he held during the remainder of his life. He was a soldier in the War of 1812, and died at the age of ninety-four. He and his good wife had seven children, one of whom was John Atley, the father of C. Allen Atley. John Atley left Adams county at the age of twenty years and came to Clinton county one year before the breaking out of the Civil War. He prospered here and was the owner of one hundred and fifty-three acres at the time of his death, The family, however, held over four hundred acres, a part of which had been inherited by Mrs. John Atley from her parents. John Atley died in 1910 and his widow is still living. They were the parents of six children, of whom C. Allen Atley, the subject of this sketch, was the eldest, the others being Nelia, Elie, Ellie, Anna and Effie. Elie married Harvey Garber and lives in Liberty township, this county; Ellie married George Drake, of Wilson township; Anna married E. P. Stotler, of Green township, and Effie married Henry Sprague, of Richland township. Mr. Atley was educated in the public schools of Clinton county and has always been engaged in farming. In 1913 he remodeled his barn and owns in his home farm one hundred and eighty-two acres. During the past three years he has been engaged, in partnership with two neighbors, in the management of a threshing machine. Mr. Atley married Nettie Rockhill, who was born in this county, the daughter of John G. and Lydia Emily (Green) Rockhill, and to this union four children have been born, John C. (deceased), Earnest Vernon, Earl Russell and Allen Denver, all of whom live at home with their parents. (51) 802 - CLINTON COUNTY, OHIO. Mr. and Mrs. Atley are members of the Methodist Protestant church at Port William and are regular attendants at Sunday school. Mr. Alley is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. including both the subordinate and encampment branches, and is also a member of the Daughters of Rebekah. He takes an active interest in local affairs and is a member of the board of education. Although Mr. Atley is nominally a Democrat, he is more or less independent in voting. EDWARD LEWIS JOHNSON. Edward Lewis Johnson, now the proprietor of one hundred and seven and one-half acres of land in Liberty township, this county, was born on October 31, 1863, in the township where he lives, the son of Isaiah and Deborah (Ferguson) Johnson, both of whom were born in Clinton county, the former on. February 29, 1824, and the latter about 1832, the daughter of Anderson and Anna (Fires) Ferguson. Anderson Ferguson was a Virginian, who came to Ohio before his marriage and settled in Clinton county. After a short time, he moved to Fayette county and then to Illinois, settling in Shelby county, where he became a large landowner. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Isaiah Johnson was the son of John Johnson, also a native of Virginia, who, after his marriage, came to Ohio and settled on the present site of Cincinnati. Subsequently, he came to Clinton county and finally purchased the farm now owned by. Edward L. Johnson, comprising at that time sixty acres of land. He and his wife were the parents of five sons and four daughters. Isaiah Johnson was educated in the common schools and was a carpenter by trade. He owned one hundred and eight acres of .land in Liberty township, comprising the sixty acres of land which his father had owned, and was active in local affairs, especially in the affairs of the Christian church. For some time he served as trustee of Liberty township. To Isaiah and Deborah (Ferguson) Johnson was born six children, Nathan, Anna, Belle, Edward, John, Rufus and Carrie, all of whom are living. The father of these children died about 1900 and the mother in March, 1910. Educated in the common schools of Liberty township, Edward Lewis Johnson has always been engaged in farming. On January 9, 1890, he was united in marriage to Jerretta Bentley, who was born in this county, a daughter of E. V. Bentley, a farmer of Clinton county, who is now living retired in Wilmington. To Mr. and Mrs. Johnson four children have been born, Ellen, Ethel, Flora and Mary. Of these children, Ellen, the eldest, married Gurney Kersey, who died in August 1914, leaving two children, Catherine and Mildred. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson are members of the Christian church at. Wilmington. They are regular attendants at the services and liberal contributors to the support of the church. FRANK CURTIS. Among the industrious farmers of Liberty township, this county, is Frank Curtis, who was born in this county on May 6, 1866, the son of David and Martha J. (Truitt) Curtis, the former of whom was born in Virginia and the latter in Clinton county, the daughter of George and Abbie (Applegate) Truitt, George Truitt was a farmer and large landowner in Clinton county. The patrnal grandparents of Frank Curtis were Christopher Curtis and wife, who were natives of Virginia and were married in that state. After their marriage, they came to Ohio and engaged in farming in Clinton county. They were devout members of the Baptist church. David Curtis, the father of. Frank Curtis, was still a young man when he came from Virginia to Clinton county with his parents. In time he came to own six hundred acres of land, having been a very successful farmer. Although not a member of any church, CLINTON COUNTY, OHIO- 803 he was an attendant at the Baptist church. He died some years ago, and his widow is still living in Green township, this county. They were the parents of nine children, of whom Frank, the subject of this sketch, was the fourth in order of birth. Three of the children, Sarah, Jennie and Lula, are deceased. The other living children are A. A., William, Elzie, Lucy and George. Frank Curtis, who was educated in the common schools of Green township and was reared on his father's farm in this county, Was married in December, 1886, to Lucinda Morton, who was born in Clinton county, the daughter of Isaiah and Jennie (Lieurance) Morton, farmers in Green township and life-long members of the Baptist church. After his marriage, Mr. Curtis located on the old home farm, where he lived until about seven years ago, at which time he purchased the farm of one hundred and one acres, where he now lives and where he is profitably engaged in general farming. To Frank and Lucinda (Morton) Curtis twelve children have been born, of whom one, Russell, is deceased, the living children, in the order of their birth, being Lonnie, 'Roy, Carl, Elzie, Chloe, Sarah, Alice, Lucy, Martha, Opal and Burdsal. Mr. and Mrs. Curtis are popular citizens of Liberty township. Mrs. Curtis is a member of the Baptist church and active in the various works of the church. Mr. Curtis is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. CLARENCE H. McKAY. Another of the grandsons of the well-known pioneer family of McKay in this county is Clarence H. McKay, of Chester township, the son of Jonathan McKay, and a keen, ambitious and intelligent young farmer and stockman. He is the owner of two hundred and eighty-eight acres of land, and is also an extensive dealer in hogs and cattle, which he buys and sells. Clarence H. McKay was born on the farm where he now lives in Chester township, this county, on January 2, 1874, a son of Jonathan and Elizabeth J. (Medsker) McKay. Jonathan McKay was born on August 3, 1834, in Chester township, this county, and was reared on a farm. He received a good, common school education and on June 18, 1862, at the age of twenty-eight, was married to Elizabeth J. Medsker, who was born on August 30, 1838, a daughter of Michael and Sarah (Graham) Medsker. Michael Medsker was born in January, 1812, near Hillsboro, Highland county, Ohio, and was reared on a farm. On May 14, 1833, he married Sarah Graham, who was born on March 18, 1811, and to this union nine children were born. The mother of these children died in October, 1862, and in May, 1865, Mr. Medsker married Elizabeth Zink. Jonathan McKay and wife were the parents of five children, two of whom died early in life, the children who survive being Francis M., who married Lucy McClintock; Luella, the wife of Walter Lackey, and Clarence H., the immediate subject of this review. Jonathan McKay owned two hundred and twenty acres of land two miles east of New Burlington, where he was a prosperous farmer and a well-known and influential citizen of. his community. He served as a steward in the Methodist church for many years, and politically, was identified with the Republican party. The founder of the McKay family in America was Andrew McKay, a native of Scotland, and a member of the Society of Friends, who, some time prior to 1766, married Jane Ridgeway, and settled in Frederick county, Virginia. They were the parents of five children, Moses, Enos, Jacob, Margaret and Patience. Moses McKay was born on September 17, 1766, and in 1793 married Abigail Shinn, who was born on May 3, 1776, in Stafford county, Virginia, the daughter of George and Rachel Shinn, and to this union were born thirteen children: Rachel, born on January 19, 1794; Robert, December 17, 1795; Sarah, November 11, 1797; George, March 11, 1800; Francis, January 19, 1802; Margaret, January 16, 1804; Jonas, September 9, 1806; Virginia, August 22, 1808; Maria, May 23, 1811; Jonas T., May 10, 1813; Levi, February 29, 1816; Jacob F., June 3, 1819, 804 - CLINTON COUNTY, OHIO. and Mary E., July 27, 1822. Moses McKay and family emigrated by way of Pittsburgh and Cincinnati, to Lebanon, Ohio, about 1814, and later settled near Waynesville, in what is now known as Massey township, Warren county, Ohio. Moses McKay died on January 28, 1828, his widow surviving him but six months, her death occurring in July, 1828'. Their son, Francis, the fifth child in the family, was educated in the pioneer schools, and on October 7, 1830, married Mary Collett, who was born on November 7, 1808, the daughter of Moses and Rebecca Collett. They were the parents of eleven children. Francis McKay was a man well known in the community where he lived, and was greatly missed when he died, March 26, 1871, not only by the loved ones of his own family, but by the poor and needy, to whom he had been a very great benefactor. Clarence H. McKay, the grandson of Francis and Mary (Collett) McKay, received his education in the common schools of Chester township. At the age of sixteen years he started life on his own responsibility, on the farm which he now owns, a farm comprising two hundred and eighty-eight acres, where Mr. McKay carries on general farming and stock raising, and is accounted one of the most enterprising and thrifty young farmers of Clinton county. In 1914 he remodeled his house and now has a splendid country home, equipped with all modern conveniences. On June 3, 1896, Clarence H. McKay was married to Flora Beam, the daughter of Daniel and Susan Beam, and to this union have been born four children, Albert, Eva. Ada and Mary E. Mr. and Mrs. McKay are prominent members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and he is both recording steward of the congregation and superintendent of the Sunday school. Mr. McKay votes the Republican ticket, and fraternally, is identified with the Free and Accepted Masons. THOMAS F. BERNARD. It is a well-attested fact that the greatness of a community or state lies not in the machinery of government, or even in its institutions; but rather in the sterling qualities of the individual citizen, in his capacity for high and unselfish effort and his devotion to the public welfare. In these particulars, the venerable Thomas F. Bernard, of Wayne township, has conferred honor and dignity upon this county, and has been connected with the advancement of one of the most flourishing and progressive sections of the commonwealth. He is descended from distinguished ancestry, his grandfather having been a soldier in the American Revolution, and was with General Washington at the surrender of Cornwallis. Thomas F. Bernard was born on February 28, 1832, in Fairfield township, Highland county, Ohio, the son of George W. and Harriett (McConnell) Bernard, the former born on September 13, 1799, in Goochland county, Virginia, and the latter in Brown county, Ohio, the daughter of James McConnell. George W. Bernard was the son of Thomas F. and Mary (Hicks) Bernard, the former of whom was the son of William and Mary (Fleming) Bernard, of Goochland county, Virginia. William Bernard, who was a farmer and carpenter, and an extensive slave owner in the Old Dominion state, was a soldier in the Continental army during the Revolutionary War, serving under General Washington for five years. He participated in the battles of Germantown, Monmouth, Trenton, Stony Point and Yorktown. In 1807 he left Virginia and came to Ohio, having started from Virginia on April 10, 1807, and arriving in Ohio, on June 10, of the same year, having been just two months on the way. He and his wife spent the remainder of their lives in Highland county, this state. Thomas F. and Mary (Hicks) Bernard were the parents of eight children, John, George W., Thomas, Sallie, Bettie, Mary. Susannah and Nancy. George W. Bernard, the second son of Thomas F. Bernard, received only a limited education. On March 1, 1833, he came to Clinton county from Highland county, locating CLINTON COUNTY, OHIO - 805 on a farm in Green township, subsequently becoming the owner of about five hundred acres of land. He did much clearing and draining and lived to a very ripe old age, passing away quietly on July 23, 1895, at the age of nearly ninety-six years. Nine children were born to George W. and Harriett (McConnell) Bernard, Thomas F., James K., Mary, Jane, John, Sallie, George, Charles and Elijah. George was a soldier in the Union army during the Civil War. The late George W. Bernard and his wife were members of the Friends church, while politically, Mr. Bernard was an adherent of the Democratic party. The rudiments of an education were obtained by Thomas F. Bernard in a log-cabin school house in Green township, this county. Having begun when a young man to work on his father's farm, in 1855, one year after his marriage, he purchased a farm of fifty acres in. Wayne township. He has added to his land holdings gradually from year to year until he is now the owner of three hundred and fifty-eight acres of excellent land. During his active life Mr. Bernard was an extensive stockman, but retired from active farming in 1913. On October 15, 1854, Thomas F. Bernard was married to Sophia West, the daughter of Harrison and Jane West. Of the nine children born to this marriage, two, Martha Anna, the eldest, and William C., the eighth born, are deceased, the others being as follow: Harriett Jane, who became the wife of Jehu Steele; Mary E., the wife of Thomas Hagerty; Virginia, the wife of Jackson Fry; Minerva, the wife of William McKay; Charles E., who married Nettie Steele; Elizabeth, who became the wife of Elmer Page; Hugh, who married Bessie Achor, and Thomas J., who married Marley Achor. The mother of these children died on May 18, 1907. DENNIS STEPHENS. Dennis Stephens, who now owns a good farm of one hundred and fifty-five acres in Liberty township, and who is prominent in the educational affairs of Clinton county, was born on April 10, 1868, in Greene county, Ohio, the son of Lewis A. and Catherine (McDorman) Stephens, the former of whom was born in 1844, in Highland county, Ohio, and the latter in Clinton county, the daughter of Risdon and Tacy McDorman, natives of Virginia, who settled in Clinton county after their marriage, and here owned a small farm. They were members of the Methodist Protestant church. The paternal grandparents of Mr. Stephens were residents of Highland county, Ohio. John Stephens, the paternal grandfather, was born in Highland county, and lived in that county all his life. He was a large landholder, owning approximately five hundred acres, altogether. By his first wife he had seven children, Lewis A., Casper, Curren, John, Elizabeth, Julia and Mary. By his second wife there were two children, William and Charles. The great-grandfather was John Stephens, a native of Virginia, who came on horseback to Ohio and located in Highland county, where he owned a large tract of land. He had five sons. The late Lewis A. Stephens was educated in the common schools, and served valiantly as a Union soldier during the Civil War, a member of Company M, Twelfth Ohio Cavalry, serving two years and eight months. Later he became active in public affairs in this county and was a prominent member in the Friends church. He died on June 30, 1885, and his widow survived him until June 12, 1894. They were the parents of seven children, of whom Nellie died at the age of eighteen, Clarence at the age of seven and Roscoe at the age of eighteen months. The living children are W. 0., Dennis, the subject of this sketch, Vivie and Webster, all of whom are married except W. 0. Vivie, who is a resident of Xenia, Ohio, married Harry Higgins, and had one child, Edward Lewis. Educated in the common schools of Port William and reared on the farm, Dennis Stephens was married on June 30, 1898, to Nora Hunnicutt, who was born in Liberty township, this county, daughter of Wilson and Mary Hunnicutt, to which union five 806 - CLINTON COUNTY, OHIO. children have been born, Donald. Lewis, Thelma H., Mary Leota, Lorena Catharine and Howard Wilson. Mr. and Mrs. Stephens are members of the Friends church and attend the Sunday. school, Mr. Stephens being a teacher of a class and has been assistant superintendent of the Sunday school. Fraternally, he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and has served as trustee of Liberty township for three terms, being active in the local councils of the Republican party. JOHN B. WICAL. John B. Wical is a successful farmer and public-spirited man of affairs of Wilson township, this county, who was born on April 9, 1860, in Mercer county, Ohio, the son of Jonah and Permelia (Henderson) Wical, the former of whom was born in Greene county; Ohio, and the latter in Mercer county, the daughter of Bushrod Henderson, who was a farmer in that county. The paternal grandparents of John B. Wical were George and Hattie (Ogden) Wical, natives of Greene county, Ohio, but who lived near the Clinton county line. George and Hattie (Ogden) Wical were pioneer farmers of this section. They had eight children, John, Jonah, 'Michael, Jane, Ann, Emily, Isabel and Eliza. Jonah Wical received a common school education and farmed seventy-five acres of land in Wilson township. He and his wife are still living. They are the parents of nine children, of whom John B. is the eldest, the others being Mary, William, Clem, Peter, Elizabeth, S. Milton and Hilton (twins) and Charlotta. John B. Wical was educated in the common schools and has always been engaged in farming. He owns one hundred and forty-two acres of land and has a farm which presents a splendid appearance. On December 24, 1884, he was married to Ella Spears, the daughter of S. C. Spears, a farmer of this county, to which union have been born three children, Grover, Frank and Thurman. Grover, who lives in Reesville, married Ora Wilson. Frank, a resident of Clinton county, married Clara Morris. Thurman is unmarried and lives at home with his parents. John B. Wical is a member of the Wilson township school board and, for many years, has taken an active part in the educational affairs of Wilson township. He is widely known in that township and is one of its most highly respected citizens. LAURENCE GOOD WRIGHT. Laurence Good Wright, one of the most successful young farmers in Green township, this county, has been well prepared for agriculture, having been graduated from the agricultural department of Ohio State University in 1911. Laurence Good Wright is the son of James M. and Rachel (Good) Wright and was born in Highland county, Ohio, July 31, 1888. His father was a native of Highland county, born on January 7, 1854, and his mother a native of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, born on August 31, 1852. The father was reared in Highland county and, when a boy, moved to New Vienna, this county, where he began working by the month, then engaged in the mercantile business for a few years and later engaged in farming, in which he was very successful, having been the owner of about three hundred acres of land in Green township, near New Vienna, at the time of his death, on June 15, 1913. He was also a stockholder in the bank at New Vienna. He was a Republican and was a member of the Grange and of the Sons of Veterans. He was a life-long member of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which his widow is also a member. The late James M. Wright was the son of Thomas McClain and Sarah Ann (Woodmansee) Wright, who were pioneers in Highland county. Thomas McClain Wright was a soldier in the Civil War and died during the service in 1864, at Raymond, Mississ- CLINTON COUNTY, OHIO - 807 ippi. He was a wagon-maker by trade. His widow died in Green township, this county, in 1911. Rachel Good was the daughter of Charles and Betsy (Moore) Good, who came from Pennsylvania to Ohio in pioneer times and spent the rest of their lives at New Vienna. They were members of the Hicksite Friends church and Charles Good was one of the organizers of the bank at New Vienna. Laurence Good Wright is one of four children born to his parents, the others being H. Doyle, Edith B. and Alice, all of whom are living. Laurence Good Wright moved to the farm, which he now owns. with his parents in 1802, and there he has since resided. He was educated in the public schools of New Vienna and was graduated from the New Vienna high school in 1907. In 1911 he completed the agricultural course at Ohio State University. He owns one hundred and twelve acres of land comprising the old homestead, and has made many improvements upon the farm. He has specialized in registered Jersey cattle and has a dairy on the farm, keeping about thirty cows. On June 12, 1912, Laurence G. Wright was married to Bessie Lewis, of Clermont county, Ohio, the daughter of Charles and Emma Lewis, to which union two daughters have been born, Eleanor Lewis, born on April 1, 1914, and Edith Esther, August 14, 1915. Mr. Wright is a Republican. He is a member of the Grange and he and his wife are active members of the Methodist Episcopal church, enjoying the friendship and esteem of all in that section of the county. HARRY NICKERSON. Fortunate is the young man who has had a worthy father, one who has well under. stood life in all of its phases and who. has been able intelligently to guide and direct the footsteps of his children. Harry Nickerson, a well-known young farmer of Chester township, this county, who owns a magnificent farm of two hundred and ten acres, owes his successful start in life to the wise and sympathetic counsel of his beloved father, who was well known in this and other states for his interest in and understanding of practical educational problems. There is an old saying, "Like father, like son," which, unfortunately, is not always true, but it is true of the Nickersons and is very likely to be true for generations yet unborn, since the cumulative effects of personal integrity, thrift and wide intelligence are quite likely to be handed down through many succeeding generations. Harry Nickerson, a representative of the third generation of this family in Clinton county, was born on February 14, 1870, on the farm in Chester township, where he now lives. His distinguished father, the late Joshua Nickerson, who was born on July 7, 1837, in Chester township, and who passed away on November 24, 1894, received a liberal education in the schools of Chester township and at Granville and began teaching school at the age of sixteen at Spring Hill, in Warren county. He continued in the school room for ten years and won a lasting reputation for himself by his skillful methods of instruction and his efficient discipline, his influence still being felt in the schools of the neighborhood where he taught for so many years. In 1875 he began the sale of school supplies and in that connection instructed school teachers and school boards how to use improved appliances and improved methods. In this work he was remarkably successful and covered a great deal of territory, selling books and lecturing to teachers. He did much work in the state of Virginia and was working there at the time of his death. In connection with his other work, the late Joshua Nickerson owned a farm in Chester township and he was not only one of the first farmers in the neighborhood to use fertilizer, but he was one of the most progressive in all respects. He was married on July 30, 1860, to Abigail Collett, a daughter of Daniel H. Collett, of Chester township, and to this union three children were born, Hattie, who married Edward Inwood; Clark, who died early in life, and Harry, the subject of this sketch. The parents were members of the Baptist church of Jonas Run and the father was active in church work, carrying 808 - CLINTON COUNTY, OHIO. into his daily life and practicing in his daily associations, with men and women, the teachings of the lowly Nazarene. Mr. Nickerson's paternal grandparents were Clark and Martha (Ashby) Nickerson, the former of whom was a native of the Empire state and the latter a native of Kentucky, born on March 19, 1805, the daughter of Silas and Sarah (Cullott) Ashby. The grandfather was a farmer in Chester township, but, during the early part of his life, he had run a fiat-boat on the Ohio river, between Cincinnati and New Orleans, having been employed on the river for about twelve years. He spent the latter part of his life on his farm of one hundred acres. Clark and Martha Nickerson had four other children besides Joshua, who was the second, the others being James, who was born on December 14, 1832; David A., May 6, 1840; Mary Frances, July 21, 1843, and Susannah, July 21, 1846. The grandparents were members of the Baptist church at Jonas Run. Harry Nickerson was educated in the common schools of Chester township and in the schools at New Burlington. At the beginning of his active career, he took up farming on the farm where he now lives and in 1907 built a commodious country home. Mr. Nickerson owns two hundred and ten acres of land and is considered a wealthy farmer in this county. In 1891 he was married to Clara Colvin, daughter of Marion and Sallie Colvin, and to this union there have been born two children, Edith, born in February, 1896, and Everett Joshua, April 11, 1911. Mr. and Mrs. Nickerson are members of the Methodist Episcopal church at New Burlington, and he is a member of the official board of that congregation. Mr. Nickerson votes the Republican ticket, but he is not a hide-bound partisan and, in performing his duties as a citizen, exhibits the same discriminating intelligence which characterizes his success as a farmer. Mr. and Mrs. Nickerson are popular residents of Chester township and are held in high esteem by all who know them. JOHN E. HAWKINS. John E. Hawkins, who for many years has been a well-known farmer and preacher, of Chester township, this county, was born in that township on December 9, 1843, a son to Amos and Massie (Spray) Hawkins. He was reared in Chester township, and received his early education in the public schools. As a young man, he started farming in the township where he was born, and he has lived there all his life. He purchased sixty-two acres of land in 1875, since which time he has added twenty-six acres more. For the past thirty-five years, Mr. Hawkins has been a local preacher of the Chester church (Friends). Amos Hawkins, father of John E. Hawkins, was born in Clinton county, on May 23, 1813. He was educated in the public schools of Chester township, and as a young man, started farming on his father's farm, the entire period of his active life being spent in Chester township, where he owned one hundred and eighty acres. He married Massie Spray, who was born on August 29, 1824, daughter of John and Massie Spray, and to this union the following children were born: James, born on January 7, 1841; Jehu, February 22, 1842; John, December 9, 1843; Jesse, March 21, 1846, and Benjamin, December 23, 1848. Amos Hawkins was a member of the Friend's church and in politics, a Republican. He was the son of James and Sarah (Wilson) Hawkins, who came to Clinton county from South Carolina about the year 1806, locating on a farm near the edge of Chester township, where they spent the remaining years of their lives. They were the parents of six children, as follow : Ruth, born on March 14, 1793; Dinah, November 22, 1795; Jehu, October 30, 1796; Benjamin, 1808; Amos, 1813, and James, July 1, 1810. The elder James Hawkins was born in Virginia on January 23, 1756. In 1869 John E. Hawkins was united in marriage to Deborah T. McMillan, daughter of 'Thomas and Elizabeth McMillan, to which union two children were born, Milton and Bessie (deceased). Milton Hawkins married Anna Lyle, who died in May, 1901, leaving CLINTON COUNTY, OHIO - 809 one child, a daughter, Violet Rose. Milton. Hawkins married, secondly, Mary Walker,. to which union there has heed no issue. Upon the death of his wife Deborah, John E. Hawkins married, secondly, on May 10, 1881, Lydia E. Bevan, who was born in 1845, daughter of Abel and Charlotte T. (Fawcett) Bevan, to which second union one child has been born, a daughter, Ethel May, who is a teacher of English in the schools of Kendallville, Indiana. The Bevan family is well known throughout this section of the state, the Bevans having come from Virginia to Ohio at an early day in the settlement of this section, descendants of the founders of the family being now well-known farming people in Greene and Clinton counties. Mr. and Mrs. Hawkins are active in the affairs of the Friends church in their-neighborhood and for many years Mr. Hawkins has performed admirable service as a minister of the Chester church. He takes an active interest in local civic affairs, but has never been an office seeker, being quite content to have his influence in governmental matters be manifested in quiet words of admonition among his neighbors. He is an exemplary citizen and the and his family are held in high regard throughout that part of the county. OSCAR LESLIE MATTHEWS. Oscar Leslie Matthews, now the proprietor of one hundred acres of land in Green township, this county, was born in this county on December 28, 1874, the son of Elijah H. and Ellen (Elliott) Matthews, the former of whom was born in Highland county, Ohio, October 20, 1826, and the latter in Clinton county, November 28, 1832. Elijah H. Matthews died in Clinton county on December 13, 1904. His wife had preceded him to the grave many years previously, her death occurring on December 9, 1890. Elijah H. Matthews was the son of John and Mary Matthews, natives of North Carolina and Tennessee, respectively. John Matthews was the son of John and Rebecca Matthews, natives of North Carolina. of Scottish descent. They immigrated from North Carolina to Ohio and settled near New Market, in Highland county, in 1807. One year later they located four miles north of Hillsboro on Clear creek, and there spent the remainder of their lives. John Matthews, the father of Elijah H., Was born in March, 1774, and, after his marriage in Highland county, located on his father's farm, where he remained through life. He and his wife were the parents of ten children, seven sons and three daughters. eight of whom lived to maturity, John, Albert G., Christopher, Elijah, Joel, Mrs. Susan Brown, Mrs. Mary Chapman and Mrs. Eliza Jane Hicks, of Kansas. John Matthews was a prominent man in Highland county and served as county commissioner two terms and as associate judge of the county for twenty-one years, having been elected three consecutive terms of seven years each. He died in August, 1848, at the age of seventy-four years and his widow died in April, 1864, at the age of seventy-four. Elijah H. Matthews was married on January 25, 1849, to Ellen Elliott, the daughter of William and Susan Elliott, early settlers of Clinton county, who were married, lived and died in this county. They were the parents of four children, Thomas G., who resides in Mercer county, Ohio; William, Ellen and Eliza Jane, the latter of whom married Valentine Cox, of Van Wert county. Mr. and Mrs. Elijah H. Matthews had ten children, nine of whom reached the age of maturity, namely: John W., born on December 27, 1850; Susan, May 29, 1853, who married Levi West; Mary Elizabeth, June 20, 1857, who became the wife of David Matthews; Sarah E.. October 7. 1859, who married Lafayette West; Kate G., February 10, 1862, who married Abraham Frazier: Rachel Ann. April 13. 1864; 011ie M., June 10, 1809; Clara E., December 25, 1870: and Oscar L., the subject of this sketch. Until 1850 Elijah H. Matthews resided in Highland county. He then moved to Clinton county, locating four miles east of Wilmington, in Union township, where he lived four years, after which he moved to Green township. where he spent the rest of his life. When a young man, Elijah H. Matthews and his brother. Christopher, had managed a general store at Buford, in Highland county. At the time of his death. he owned several 810 - CLINTON COUNTY, OHIO. hundred acres of land. He was Mayor of New Vienna two years, justice of the peace ten years, township trustee and assessor of the third division of Clinton county. Mr. and Mrs. Elijah H. Matthews were members of the Methodist church, and he was a member of the Masonic fraternity. Oscar L. Matthews was reared on a farm and was educated in the public schools. He lives in Green township, two miles and a half from New Vienna, Ohio, and is a general farmer and stockman. On August 10, 1898, Oscar L. Matthews was married to Lucy Curtis, who was born in Green township, this county, on April 17, 1876, the daughter of David and Martha J. (Truitt) Curtis, both of whom were born in Virginia, the former in 1827 and the latter in 1836. David Curtis was the son of Christopher and Sarah Curtis, pioneers of this county, and Martha J. Truitt was the daughter of George and Abigail (Applegate) Truitt, also pioneers of Clinton county. David Curtis and wife were the parents of nine children, of whom Mrs. Oscar L. Matthew's is the youngest, the others being Allen filbert, William, Sarah (deceased), James E., Jennie (deceased), Frank, Lula, who married Frank Steele. and George. David Curtis died on February 12, 1898, and his widow is still living. To Oscar Leslie and Lucy (Curtis) Matthews three children have been born, Fred Curtis, born on July 13, 1900; Martha Ellen, December 20, 1902, and William Delbert, December 5, 1908. Mr. and Mrs. Matthews are members of the Friends church. Mr. Matthews is a member of the Grange, has served as school director and votes the Democratic ticket. EDWARD GEORGE. The history of a community is most useful which deals most especially with the lives and activities of its people, especially those who, by industry and good management, forge to the front and outstrip the plodders on the highway of life. Edward George, a native of Perry county, Indiana, but whose father came from the little kingdom of Belgium, has attained a position of marked respect in this county and has acquired a competence, largely by hard work. Edward George was born on April 24, 1843, in Perry county, Indiana, the son of Nicholas and Catherine (Lawrence) George, the former of whom was born in 1836 at Hachy, Belgium, and who died on July 12, 1890, and the latter born in 1840, near Hachy, Belgium, the daughter of Louis Joseph and Antonetta (Stweizer) Lawrence. The father of Mrs. Nicholas George came with his family to America about 1855 and located In Perry county, Indiana. Nicholas George was educated in the common schools of Belgium and left his native land for America when still a young man. Settling in the state of Iowa, he enlisted as a soldier in the Civil War and served a little more than three years. After the war, he settled in Perry county, Indiana, where he married and located on a farm, living there the rest of his life. Eight children were born to Nicholas and Catherine George, namely : Peter, Louis, Sarah, who married Paul Clement; Edward, the subject of this sketch; Jane, who married Frank Kibbler; John, Mary, who died at the age of eight years, and August, who married Ethel Tottle. The late Nicholas George was the son of Peter and Margaret (Devillez) George, the former of whom was born in 1804 at Hachy, Belgium, and died in 1882, and the latter, born at Nobresart, Belgium, June 2, 1804, died in 1886. Margaret Devillez was the daughter of Henry Devillez, who married a Miss Shannen. Peter George was the son of Henry and Mary (Adam) George. Edward George was educated in the common schools of Perry county, Indiana, and, upon attaining young manhood moved to this county, locating in Liberty township. In 1999 he purchased a farm of one hundred and fifty-one acres in Adams township, this CLINTON COUNTY, OHIO - 811 county, where he now lives. He makes a specialty of raising thoroughbred Chester White hogs and is well known throughout the county as a breeder and feeder. On March 2, 1897, Edward George was married to Frances Kuebler, who was born on June 17, 1875, the daughter of Valentine Kuebler, and to this union eight children have been born, as follow : Louis E., born on April 10, 1898; Lawrence P., April 11I, 1901; Leo M., May 22,i 1903 ; Ray Augustine, June 3, 1905; Everett F., October 20, 1907; Irwin J., January 31, 1909; Julia C., May 21, 1912; and Marjorie F., January 18, 1915. Mr. and Mrs. George are members of the Catholic church and Mr. George votes the Democratic ticket. In 1908 he built a comfortable country house and a commodious barn. His farm is well improved and most of the improvements have been placed upon it by Mr. George's own hand. He is an interesting and highly-respected citizen and enjoys the confidence of his fellow citizens. GEORGE M. COLE. The history of this county would be incomplete without a record of the family which the above-named gentleman represents, for the reason that his ancestors, by early residence in the county, have helped materially in the making of its history. Coming from pioneer stock, the subject of this sketch is possessed of those enviable characteristics which make for success in whatever path of life their possessor chooses to travel. George M. Cole is the worthy scion of worthy ancestry. He was born in this county on July 3, 1860, the son of Benjamin and Martha (Shields) Cole, the former of whom was born in Indiana in 1833, and the latter, on a farm near Blanchester, this county, in 1837. On the other side of the family, there also is pioneer stock, for Mr. Cole's paternal grandmother, Delilah (Brandenburg) Cole, was the daughter of William Brandenburg, one of the first to cross the country and pitch his tent in the forests of this county near Wilmington. Thomas Cole, the paternal grandfather, came to this county when a young man, married here, and then went to Indiana, and from there, to Missouri, where he spent the rest of his life. His widow, longing for the friends of her girlhood, returned to Clinton county, but when one of her sons went West, she accompanied him, and lived wit Ii his family until called away by death. Benjamin Cole, father of George M. Cole, died on June 4, 1915, and his widow is now living with a daughter near Eaton, Preble county, Ohio. To Benjamin and Martha (Shields) Cole, eight children were born, as follow : Alice, George, Lucinda, Phoebe, Ida, Mart, Samuel and Catherine. George Cole, after his schooling in Vernon township was completed, gave his entire attention to the problems of farming and stock raising, and after years of experience, is known as a successful breeder. He has now a herd of thoroughbred Jersey cows which he has raised on his farm of two hundred and thirty acres in Marron township. To this farm he came when the land consisted of woods, but he went resolutely to work to clear and improve it, and now after twenty-eight years of residence, is abundantly rewarded for his strenuous labors. The domestic phase of a man's career is quite as important as his life in the world of occupational activity, for it furnishes the background for that life and for all his social relationships. On February 26, 1883, George M. Cole married Lizzie Wisbey, who was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on November 4, 1852, the daughter of Lewis and Margaret (Cartwright) Wisbey. Lewis Wisbey was born in Brown county, Ohio, in 1824 and in early manhood, married Margaret Cartwright, who was born in Yorkshire, England, a daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth (Leard) Cartwright, who came to America, first locating in Baltimore, Maryland. The Cartwrights later lived in Cincinnati for some years and from there went to Tunelton, Indiana, to take charge of a store. The mother died on August 3, 1833, and the father married, secondly, Anna S. Taylor, who had a remarkably long life, being over ninety years of age when she died. Joseph Cartwright died at Olney, Illinois on March 29, 1865. Lewis Wisbey was a son of Joseph and Jane (Ray) Wisbey, 812 - CLINTON COUNTY, OHIO. who many years ago, came to Ohio, settling near WhiteOak, in Brown county, where Joseph died, leaving a widow and twelve children who moved to Cincinnati, these children being Hannah, Sarah, Frances, Margaret, Rebecca, America, Jane, Edith, Phoebe, Alice, Lewis and Return. Lewis Wisbey was for thirty-eight years attached to the Cincinnati fire department, during' six years of which time, he was the chief engineer. His wife passed away in 1854, leaving two children, Charles and Elizabeth. Lewis Wisbey married, some time later, Agnes Clark, who was born in Steubenville, Ohio, in 1832, the daughter of James and Townsey Anna (Maxey) Clark. They went from Stubenville to Missouri, and then returned to Cincinnati, where they spent the rest of their lives. By his second wife, Mr. Wisbey became the father of the following children: George, Clay, Anna, Stella, Thomas, Laura, Agnes, Vinnia, Emma, Lewis and Jane. To George M. and Lizzie (Wisbey) Cole two children have been born, Stella and Martin, both of whom are married and established in their own homes. Stella is Mrs. Everett Humphreys, her husband being a son of John Humphreys of Vernon township, this county. Their only child, a son, is named George Cole: Martin Cole married Edith Myers, a daughter of John Thomas Myers, of Vernon township, and to this union five children have been born, Clarence, Florence Elizabeth, George Howard, Gladys May and Mary Christine. Like his father, George M. Cole has been a life-long Republican, but he never has aspired to fill a public office, being content to do his daily task, and to do it well; to be true to his family obligations and to be a good, accommodating neighbor and a friend worthy of friendship. GRANVILLE M. OGLESBEE. Among the prominent families of Liberty township, this county, are the Oglesbees, among whom is Granville M. Oglesbee, a representative of the third generation of the family in this county. Mr. Oglesbee is living on the farm once occupied and owned by his grandfather, who married Sarah Stump in Virginia. Granville M. Oglesbee was born in Clinton county and has spent all of his life in Liberty township. He is the son of William F. and Mary Jane (Miars) Oglesbee, the latter of whom was the daughter of Samuel and Hannah (Haines) Miars. Samuel Miars was a native of Virginia who came to Clinton county with his family early in the settlement of the county and settled in Union township. The paternal grandparents of Granville Oglesbee, John and Sarah (Stump) Oglesbee, were married on September 4, 1809, in Virginia, and, before coming to Clinton county, had three children. They first settled in Greene county, Ohio, but subsequently came to Clinton county, where they purchased two hundred acres of land, a part of that now owned by Granville Oglesbee. John Oglesbee died on July 12, 1840, and his wife on February N, 1872. They were members of the Baptist church and had eight children, Amos, Daniel, Manley, Phoebe, John, Reese, Joshua and William F. John Oglesbee was the son of Isaiah 'Oglesbee, who settled in Clinton county, one and one-half miles east of Lumberton, where he and his wife died, the former about 1840 and the latter about three years later. They were members of the Friends church. The Oglesbee family is believed to be of Scottish extraction. William. F. Oglesbee was born on the farm now occupied by his son, on July 22, 1832. He was educated in the common schools of the county and reared on the farm and on November 5, 1857, was united in marriage to Mary Jane Miars. After his marriage, he took charge of the home farm, which in time he came to own and which comprised, at the time of his death, three hundred and thirty-one acres. He and his wife were members of the German Reformed church and were particularly active in church work. He was also more or less active in county affairs and was an influential and useful CLINTON COUNTY, OHIO - 813 citizen. He died on October 8, 1903, and his widow survived him for ten years, her death occurring on November 15, 1913. They were the parents of three children, Luella and Emma H., both now deceased, and Granville M., the second born, who is the subject of this sketch. Luella married Orvil Peterson and was the mother of two children, Mary Grace and Herman, the latter of whom is deceased. Emma H., who died on November 28, 1897, was unmarried. Granville. M. Oglesbee has spent his entire life on the home farm and has been prominent in the agricultural activities of Liberty township. He is an active member. in the Methodist Episcopal church at Lumberton and particularly active in the work of the Sunday school. Not only is he a member of the board of trustees of the church but he is also steward. Mr. Oglesbee owns three hundred acres of land in Liberty township and is accounted one of Clinton county's most substantial and representative citizens. WILLIAM McQUILLAN. William McQuillan, now a well-known farmer of Marion township, this county, was born on September 10, 1841, in Cincinnati, Ohio, a son of Andrew and Elizabeth (Millard) McQuillan, natives of Pennsylvania and of France, respectively, the former born in 1809, and the latter in 1818. Andrew McQuillan was the son of Patrick McQuillan, a native of Scotland, who early in life emigrated to the United States and settled in Pennsylvaina. Elizabeth Millard was the daughter of James Millard and wife, who settled in Brown county, Ohio, in 1832, and there spent the rest of their lives. Andrew McQuillan emigrated from Pennsylvania to Brown county, Ohio, and after his marriage moved to Cincinnati, where he lived for a short time. It was during this time that William McQuillan, the subject of this sketch, was born, his parents at that time living on Abigail street, in Cincinnati. After a few years the family removed to Fayetteville, Brown county, Ohio, and there purchased ninety-six acres of land. To this original tract the father added from time to time until at the time of his death he owned about four hundred acres of fine farming land. He made a number of improvements on this farm before his death in 1883. His widow survived him a few years] passing away in 1891. They were the parents of ten children, Celestine, William, Caroline, Edward, Andrew and Elizabeth (twins), James, John, Augustus and Charles. Of these children. William, the second born, was reared on his father's farm, where he lived until twenty-four years of age, when he engaged in operating a threshing-machine and saw-mill, and is still engaged in threshing. In 1890 he purchased the farm which he now owns, and in 1900 erected the present buildings on the place and moved to the farm, where he has since lived. On January 8, 1867, William McQuillan was married to Laura Ressler, who was born at Tipton, Indiana, September 13, 1846, the daughter of John and Rebecca (Feasel) Ressler, natives of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, respectively, the former born in 1803 and the latter in 1815. John. Ressler emigrated to Henry county, Indiana, in pioneer times. There his first wife died and he afterward married Rebecca Feasel. John Ressler's family was the fifth to locate in Tipton county, Indiana, and Mrs. McQuillan was the first white child horn in Tipton, the county seat of Tipton county, Indiana, then a small village. John Ressler was a merchant in Tipton for twenty-five years, and also served as postmaster of the town. Both of Mrs. McQuillan's parents died in Indiana, her father in 1863, and her mother in 1859. They were the parents of eight children, James, Viola, Laura, Henley, Cora, William, Buchanan and Charles. John Ressler was a Democrat in politics and a member of the Lutheran church. To Mr. and Mrs. William McQuillan have been born four sons, Edward, Charles, William and Harry, two of whom, Charles and William, died in infancy. 814 - CLINTON COUNTY, OHIO. JAMES P. FISHER. The late James P. Fisher was a highly respected farmer of Wilson township, this county, born in Frederick county, Virginia, in 1844, who died in this county on October 13, 1907. James P. Fisher received his education in the common schools of Frederick county, Virginia, and was reared on the farm and early learned the rudiments of that time-honored vocation. He came to Clinton county at the age of twenty-one and lived in the Port William neighborhood the rest of his life. Thirty-five years ago he bought the tract of seventy acres where his widow and son now live, and there he erected a barn and a house which are still standing. He engaged in general farming and stock raising, and was a very active man, not only in his vocation, but in public work, especially in church circles. James P. Fisher was a son of Asa and Frances (Williams) Fisher, natives of Frederick county, Virginia, who were the parents of six children, of whom four, Mary, Delphia, Lucy and James are deceased, the living children being William and Sarah. Mr. Fisher was married to Ruth Ann Caraway, who was born on August 13, 1855, the daughter of Henry and Nancy (Penn) Caraway, both natives of Ohio; and farmers by occupation. Henry Caraway owned one hundred acres of land, and he and his wife were prominent and influential in the affairs of the early life of their community. Both were active members of the Methodist Episcopal church. To James P. and Ruth Ann (Caraway) Fisher were born four children, Charles S., Effie Ellen, John E. and Hattie F. Of these children Effie and Hattie are married. Effie is the wife of Oscar Kibby, of this county, and has one son, Charles. Hattie became the wife of Stephen Reynolds, a farmer of this county, and has one daughter, Goldie Ellen. Charles lives in Clinton county with his aunt, Sarah Halls. John E. Fisher, who was born on August 18, 1882, in this county, lives on the old home place with his mother. He is a well-to-do farmer and is popular in the neighborhood where he lives. H. DOYLE WRIGHT. H. Doyle Wright, now a well-known and prosperous young farmer of Green township, this county, was born at New Vienna, this county, on June 8, 1880, the son of James M. and Rachel (Good) Wright, the former a native of Highland county, Ohio, born on January 7, 1854, and the latter, a native of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, born On August 1, 1853. James M. Wright was the son of McClain and Sarah Ann (Woodmansee) Wright, pioneers of Highland county, both of whom are now deceased. McClain Wright was a soldier in the Union army during the Civil War and died during the service. His widow died in Green- township, this county, in 1911. Rachel Good was the daughter of Charles and Betsy (Moore) Good, both natives of Pennsylvania, who came from that state to Ohio in pioneer times, locating in Highland county. Later they moved to New Vienna, this county, where they spent the remainder of their lives. Both were devout members of the Hicksite Friends church, and Charles Good was one of the organizers of the New Vienna Bank and otherwise prominent in the early life of this community, James M. Wright was reared in Highland county and moved to New Vienna with his mother after the death of his father. He worked- by the month for some time after coming to Clinton county, but later engaged in farming for himself, and succeeded in accumulating a large farm, owning at the time of his death three hundred acres of excellent land in Green township, near New Vienna. He was also a stockholder in the New Vienna Bank. Politically, he was a Republican, although never an aspirant for office. Fraternally, he was a member of the Grange, and of the Sons of Veterans. He was also an active worker in the church, being identified with the Methodist Episcopal faith. CLINTON COUNTY,. OHIO - 815 His death occurred on June 159.1913. James-M. Wright and wife were the parents of four children, H. Doyle, Edith B., Lawrence G. and Alice, all of whom are living. H. Doyle Wright was reared on his father's farm and received his early education in the public schools of Highland county, later being a student at the New Vienna high school. After leaving school he took up farming on his own account, and now owns eighty-three acres of land where he lives, and one hundred and eight acres elsewhere in Green township. In 1910 he erected a splendid barn, fifty-two by eighty-six feet in size and thoroughly modern. He makes a specialty of raising Jersey cattle and at the present time has fifty head of these fine animals. In 1913 he built a magnificent residence, located one mile from New Vienna. In 1900 H. Doyle Wright was married to Stella Morris, of Clinton county, he daughter of James and Jennie (Hussey) Morris, both of whom are deceased. To this union three children have been born, Dorothy, James McClain (deceased) and Rachel. Mr. Wright is a Republican, but is not active in politics, never having aspired to public office. He is a member of the Grange and of the Modern Woodmen of America. Both he and his wife are earnest and devout members of the Methodist Episcopal church and are held in high regard by their many friends throughout the part of the county in which they live. PETER RUDE. Listed among the most successful landowners in this county, and among the most prosperous farmers of this section of Ohio is Peter Rude, who was born in Marion township, this county, April 5, 1859, the son of William and Hester Ann (Shull) Rude, the former of whom was born on the farm now owned by his son, in 1836, and died on March 17, 1910, and the latter, born in Marion township, in 1838, {lied on February 22, 1895. William Rude was the son of Peter and Nancy (Abbott) Rude, the former a native of Hamilton county, Ohio, and the latter, of Maryland. Peter Rude, Sr., came to Clinton county early in life, and settled in Marion township, where he became the owner of about six hundred acres of land. William Rude was a farmer in Clinton county, and, at the time of his death, owned one hundred and fifty acres of land. He was a Republican in politics and attended the United Brethren church. Of the ten children born to William and Hester Ann (Shull) Rude, eight are now deceased, namely : Eliza James, John, Paul, Emily, Nancy, William and Lillie (twins) and Martha, the living children being Peter and Felix. In 1864, William Rude enlisted at Hillsboro in Company I, One Hundred and Seventy-fifth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, under Captain Wolf, of Wilmington, and served eleven months. He served at Nashville and was wounded at the battle of Franklin, while conducting prisoners from the field. He was discharged at Nashville, Tennessee, after which he returned to Marion township. The paternal great-grandfather of Peter Rude, the subject of this sketch, with one of his sons, was killed by the Indians. Peter Rude was reared on the farm and was educated in the public schools. He has been engaged in farming all his life and owns one hundred and eighty-four acres of land in Marion township, being considered a successful farmer and stockman. In 1898 Peter Rude was married to Nettie Weaver of Clermont county, Ohio, to which union two children were born, Anna and John F. Nettie (Weaver) Rude died in 1901, and, six years later, Mr. Rude married, secondly, Mary Broderick, who was born at Blanchester, this county, on June 30, 1861, the daughter of William and Bridget Broderick, natives of Ireland, who were married in Cincinnati, Ohio, after coming to America, subsequently, coming to Clinton county, where William Broderick died in 1908. His wife had died twelve years previously, in 1896. To Mr. and Mrs. Rude no children have been born. Mr. Rude votes the Republican ticket and is more or less active in local politics. Mrs. Rude is a member of the Catholic church. 816 - CLINTON COUNTY, OHIO. JOHN B. TELFAIR. Prominent among the farmers of Clinton county, is John B. Telfair, of Wilson township, son of the late William B. Telfair, of the Clinton county bar, and, in his time, one of the most prominent athletes who ever attended Wilmington College. The Telfair family has been prominent in the history of this section and John B. Telfair is a distinguished scion of a worthy family. John B. Telfair was born on May 1, 1865, at Oak Ridge in Clinton county, the son of William B. and Elizabeth T. (Peyton) Telfair, the former of whom was born at Hillsboro, Highland county, Ohio, June 16, 1828, and the latter, at Stanton, Virginia, the daughter of John Howe and Ann (Lewis) Peyton. John Howe Peyton was a prominent lawyer of Stanton and, a member of the Virginia Legislature for two terms. He was an aide to General Porter during the War of 1812. The parents of the late William B. Telfair were Isaac and Jane A. (Boys) Telfair, the former a native of Georgia, who, early in life, became a midshipman in the United States navy and was with Commodore Decatur during the famous Algerian expedition. He subsequently became an honored member of the medical fraternity and located in Highland county, Ohio, about 1827. Some years later, in 1838, he came to Clinton county, where he was engaged in the practice of his profession until 1872, the year of his death. In the early part of his medical career he served as assistant physician at the Virginia hospital for the insane at Stanton, and while a resident there became acquainted with and married Jane A. Boys, of that city. He was one of the heirs to six thousand acres of land in Clinton county, which had been given to his grandfather, General George Mathews, for service in the Revolutionary War. His wife was the daughter of Dr. Alexander Boys, of Stanton. They were the parents of the following children: William, Charles, Jane, Martha, Maria, Virginia and Rose. Isaac Telfair was the son of David Telfair, a Presbyterian minister, who immigrated from Scotland to the United States and located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he founded a church. Reared in Clinton county, William B. Telfair was fourteen years of age when he was sent to Washington College, at Washington, Pennsylvania, where he was a student with the late James G. Blaine. Graduating from the regular course at Washington College in 1848, William B. Telfair returned home and entered upon the study of law. A year later he went to Charlottesville, Virginia, where he entered the law department of the University of Virginia. from which he was graduated in 1851. He returned to Ohio and was admitted to the bar at Chillicothe in the spring of 1852. He commenced the practice of his profession at Cincinnati and soon after became a member of the Cincinnati Literary Club, then numbering among its members such men as Stanley Matthews, Manning F. Force, Rutherford B. Hayes and the late Ainsworth R. Spofford, for many years librarian of Congress. A few months after locating at Cincinnati, Mr. Telfair returned to Clinton county, locating at Wilmington, where he formed a partnership with Judge Hinkson, with whom he remained for two years. He then retired from active practice for a time and later resumed practice in connection with Benjamin Fuller, the law firm being Fuller & Telfair. After his marriage to Elizabeth Peyton, in 1853, he resided in Virginia for some years, but subsequently returned to Clinton county and, after farming for one year, resumed his practice in 1858. From 1869 until 1871 he was in partnership with Judge Barclay Harlan and, subsequently, with Judge James Sloan, of Hillsboro, which relationship continued until the latter's death on September 18, 1873. The firm of Telfair & Hayes (Melville Hayes) was formed on May 18, 1874. and was dissolved on October 11, 1875. for many years thereafter, Mr. Telfair continuing to practice alone. While a resident of Madison county, Ohio, he was a candidate of the Democratic party for Congress against the late Tom Corwin. He also served as a member of the school board and as a member of the Wilmington council. He was CLINTON COUNTY, OHIO - 817 an active member of the Presbyterian church and was a trustee of the same during the later years of his life. At one time he served as prosecuting attorney of Clinton county. To William B. and Elizabeth (Peyton) Telfair four children were born, namely : Ann, who died early in life; William, who married Alice Green and has three children, Anna, William, Jr., and David; Susan, who married Charles M. Dougherty, of Washington, D. C., and has two children, James and Telfair, and John B., the immediate subject of this sketch. Mrs. Elizabeth Telfair died in 1886 and William B. Telfair died in June, 1907. John B. Telfair, who was reared principally in Wilmington, received his education in Wilmington College, where he was a student for two years. The present gymnasium of Wilmington College, for the most part, is the outcome of his efforts while a student at that institution. While in college, he was captain of the baseball team and, after leaving college, played professional baseball for a time, as a catcher. At one time he had a contract with one of the national league teams, but played most of the time in Stanton and Lynchburg, Virginia. After leaving Wilmington College, Mr. Telfair matriculated, in 1892, at the Ohio Medical College at Cincinnati, where he studied medicine for one year, and received a certificate to attend Bellevue Hospital in New York. In 1907 John B. Telfair was married to Isadora Haines, who was born in Greene county, Ohio, the daughter of Zimri Haines, a farmer of Greene county, and a prominent member of the Quaker church, to which union has been born one son, John Peyton. In 1908 Mr. Telfair moved to the farm of one hundred and fifty acres, which was left him by his father, and in recent years has erected a house and barn and improved the farm generally. He and his wife are members of the Grassy Run Friends church. He was twice nominated as the Democratic candidate for sheriff of Clinton county. Fraternally, he is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and of the Fraternal Order of Eagles. JOHN TILTON. The late John Tilton, a well-known farmer of Green township, this county, where he owned, until his death, on November 2, 1914, one hundred and three acres of land, was born in Warren county, Ohio, September 16, 1845, the son of James H. and Rachael (Hutchinson) Tilton, the former of whom was a native of New Jersey, and the latter of whom was born in Warren county, Ohio, the daughter of Silas Hutchinson, a pioneer of Warren county, where he and his wife both died. When a young man, James H. Tilton settled in Warren county, Ohio, where he married Rachel Hutchinson and engaged in his occupation as a farmer. He was a Republican in politics, and a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He and his first wife were the parents of four children, Silas, James, John and William. Upon the death of the mother of these children, James H. Tilton married, secondly, Hester Keever, by whom he had five children, Sylvester, George, Rachel, Caroline. and Ida. At the time of his death, James H. Tilton was ninety-two years old. The late John Tilton, who was educated in the public schools and reared on the farm, came to Clinton county in 1882, shortly afterward purchasing one hundred and three acres of land in Green township, the farm which his family now owns. In 1862 he had enlisted in Company B, Second Ohio Heavy Artillery, and served until the close of the war. On October 3, 1866, John Tilton was married to Margaret H. Swink, who was born in Warren county, Ohio, April 6, 1849, the daughter of Enos J. and Eliza (Stickleman) Swink, both natives of Virginia, the latter of whom was born on June 13, 1815, who came to Ohio about the year 1847, locating on a farm near Lebanon, in Warren county. Mrs. Tilton's father died in 1851, and her mother in 1887, at the age of seventy-two. (52) 818 - CLINTON COUNTY, OHIO. They had four children, Martha and John, deceased, James and Margaret; the last of whom is the widow of the late John Tilton. To Mr. and Mrs. John Tilton were born eight children, of whom two, Carrie, the second born, and William, the sixth born, are deceased, the living children being Frank, the first born, Robert, May, Nellie; Margaret and Eugene. John Tilton voted the Republican ticket, and for a number of years served on the school board in Green township. He and his wife were members of the Baptist church, and Mrs. Tilton is still a member of that denomination. WILLIAM TURNER TEDRICK. Born in Highland county, Ohio, on November 3, 1881, William Turner Tedrick is the son of Isaiah and Catherine (Hopkins) Tedrick, now residents of Marion township, this county. Mr. Tedrick's father, a native of Highland county and the son of Andrew and Matilda (Smith) Tedrick, was born on May 9, 1849. His mother was the daughter of Alexander and Nancy (Spickard) Smith. His paternal great grandparents were Samuel and Polly Tedrick, who emigrated from Maryland to Highland county in pioneer times. Mr. Tedrick's mother, who before her marriage was Catherine .Hopkins, was born on August 1, 1854, in Highland county, and was the' daughter of Phillip and Mary Elizabeth (Page) Hopkins. Phillip Hopkins was the son of Reason and Catherine (Ball) Hopkins. Mr. Tedrick is one of six children born to his parents. The others were Osee M., Alta May (deceased), Harley Emmet, Otis Hopkins and Raymond Oscar (deceased). His father had been previously married to a Miss Jane Baker of Clermont county, Ohio, by whom he had one son, John Andrew. Reared on the farm and educated in the public schools of Highland county, Mr. Ted-rick came to Clinton county with his father's family on March 24, 1897. The parents settled in Marion township, where they are now living. Mr. Tedrick's father was prominent in focal politics of Highland comity, and has been prominent in the politics of Marion township, since removing to this county. After living in Clinton county for a number of years. William Turner Tedrick, in October, 1913, purchased a farm of one hundred and eighteen acres, where he now lives. The farm is located three and one-half miles from Blanchester, on the Cuba and Blanchester pike. On November 24, 1906, William Turner Tedrick was married to Esla Hallsted, the daughter of James W. and Sarah (Berger) Hallsted. To this happy union, there have been born three children, Helen Catherine, born on October 18, 1907; Omer Hallsted, September 5, 1909, and Sarah Elizabeth, February 17, 1913. William Turner Tedrick is an up-to-date, progressive farmer and one of the hustling young men in Marion township. He and his wife are members of the United Brethern church. He is a Republican in politics, and a member of the Masonic lodge at Blanchester. ISAIAH TEDRICK. Isaiah Tedrick, now a successful and well-known farmer of Marion township, this county, who owns a splendid farm of one hundred and three and one-half acres on the State road, three miles from Blanchester, was born in Highland county, Ohio, May 9, 1849, the son of Andrew and Matilda (Smith) Tedrick, natives of Maryland and Highland county, Ohio, respectively. Matilda Smith was the daughter of Alexander and Nancy (Spickard) Smith. The paternal grandparents were Samuel and Polly Tedrick, who emigrated from Maryland to Highland county, Ohio, in pioneer -times. Samuel Tedrick died in Highland county, but his wife died in the state of Maryland. Andrew Tedrick was a farmer and teamster in early life. He was identified with the Democratic party, and was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He and his CLINTON COUNTY, OHIO - 819 wife had eight children, of whom two, William and John, are deceased, the living children being Nancy, Sarah, Ester Jane, Isaiah, Mary and Allie. Andrew Tedrick, who was a Republican in politics and a member of the Protestant Methodist church, died in 1866 at the age of fifty-one. His wife died, in 1861, at the age of twenty-eight years. Isaiah Tedrick was reared on a farm and was educated in the public schools. On March 24, 1897, Mr. Tedrick came to Clinton county and in 1911 purchased a farm of one hundred and three acres, three miles from Blanchester. On January 11, 1879, Isaiah Tedrick was married to Catherine Hopkins, who was born in Highland county, August 1, 1864, the daughter of Philip and Mary Elizabeth (Page) Hopkins, both natives of that county. Mrs. Tedrick's paternal grandparents, Reason and Catherine (Ball) Hopkins, were pioneers in Highland county. Mrs. Tedrick's father died, in April, 1889, at the age of seventy-three years, and her mother, in 1894, at the age of seventy-two years. To Mr. and Mrs. Tedrick six children have been born, Osee M., William Turner, Alta May (deceased), Harley Emmet, Otis Hopkins and Raymond Oscar ( deceased ). Before his marriage to Catherine Hopkins, Mr. Tedrick was married to Jane Baker, of Clermont county, Ohio, and by this first marriage had one son, John Andrew. Mr. Tedrick is a Republican and served as trustee in Highland county for six years. He is now serving his sixth year as trustee of Marion township. He was also a school director in Highland county for several years, and has served as a school director in Marion township. Fraternally, Mr. Tedrick is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and of the Knights of Pythias. Mr. and Mrs. Tedrick and family are members of the United Brethern church. THOMAS H. BLACKBURN. The man who tries to raise the standard of the live stock of his community helps to raise the standard of that community, and many men should be given especial credit for their service along this line. Thomas H. Blackburn of Blanchester is one of these men. Thomas H. Blackburn was born in Lebanon, Ohio, on September 5, 1852, the son of William B. and Majorie (Hutchinson) Blackburn. William B. Blackburn was born in Warren county in 1821 and died in Lebanon, Ohio, in 1907. He was the son of Benjamin and Elizabeth Blackburn, who were pioneers of Cincinnati, Ohio, who later located in Warren county, this state, where they both died. Benjamin Blackburn was an attorney by profession, but owned a valuable farm near Lebanon. William B. Blackburn was a manufacturer of harness at Lebanon. He was a Republican in politics, and was a liberal in religious views, although his wife was a member of the Baptist church. His wife. who was born in Warren county in 1832, and died in 1898, was the daughter of Thomas P. and Cynthia Hutchinson, the latter of whom was born in Warren county, near Lebanon. To William B. and Marjorie (Hutchinson) Blackburn were born the following children: Clara ( deceased ), Sarah ( decea sed ) , Cassius ( decea sed) , Thomas H., Clinton L., Frank, Benjamin, Dora (deceased), Clifford (deceased) and Indiola. Thomas H.. Blackburn was born in Lebanon, Ohio, where he attended the public schools and was graduated from the high school. He also attended a commercial college at Dayton, Ohio, from which he was graduated. He was then employed as a bookkeeper for a few years and was a merchant in the drug business in Lebanon for two years. About the year 1888 he began to buy and sell horses, and later began to deal extensively in fine harness horses. He later became a trainer of running horses and was in the employ of Doctor McClane, of Cincinnati, for eight years, or until the death of Doctor McClane. He then had a stable of his own, with headquarters at Cincinnati, traveling with his horses in the western circuit and in Canada. While in the employ of Doctor McClane, of Cincinnati, he was in races as far south as New Orleans and as far east as New York City. He was an expert trainer and often won the Derby. In June, 1899, Mr. Blackburn located 820 - CLINTON COUNTY, OHIO. on a farm in Clinton county near Cuba, the farm which his son, Doctor Blackburn, now owns. He also owned another farm, but in 1912 retired from this and moved into Blanchester, where he has a fine residence and five acres of land on Lazenby street. Mr. Blackburn is thoroughly posted on all kinds of live stock, and now, in Blanchester, on his five-acre lot, he has several thoroughbred Holstein cows, some of them highly valuable, he having paid four hundred dollars for one cow. He also has some fine Duroc-Jersey swine and thoroughbred Silver-laced chickens, the best to be found anywhere. His wife is also much interested in stock, especially the cows and chickens. In 1877 Thomas H. Blackburn was married to Eva Bowers of Warren county, Ohio, a daughter of George W. Bowers, who died in Dayton, Ohio. To Thomas H. and Eva (Bowers) Blackburn was born one child, Dr. Arthur Blackburn. Mrs. Blackburn died on October 26, 1902, and on September 10, 1903, Thomas H. Blackburn married, secondly,, Della Schumtz, who was born in Montgomery county, Ohio, on April 3, 1873, a daughter of Calvin J. and Anna Mary (Breniger) Schumtz, of Middletown, Butler county, Ohio. Dr. Arthur Blackburn is a graduate of Miami Medical College of Cincinnati. He engaged in the practice of medicine after his graduation until about six years ago, when he retired from practice to take up farming. He moved on to his farm in Clinton county and took up the breeding of fine Holstein cattle. He married Bessie Clevinger of Clinton county and they have two children; Dorothy Ellen, and Eva Bell. Thomas H. Blackburn is inclined to his father's liberal views on religion, but his family attend the Universalist church. Mr. Blackburn is a citizen of sterling qualities, a man of excellent judgment, whose opinion is widely sought in substantial matters of all kinds. A. E. OREN. A. E. Oren, a successful young farmer of Liberty township, was born in that township on November 22, 1868, the son of Jesse and Mary (Bennett) Oren, the former of whom is the son of Elihu and Jane (Newcomb) Oren. Elihu Oren was born in Greene county, Tennessee, on March 3, 1809, and in 1810 came with his parents, John Oren and wife, to Clinton county, where he grew to manhood on his father's farm, and, at the age of twenty years, engaged in teaching. On August 1, 1830, he was married to Jane Newcomb, who bore him six children who grew to maturity, Charles, Elizabeth, Jesse, Mary Jane, Asenath and Clarissa, the last of whom died in 1862, in her eighteenth year. Elihu Oren continued teaching for a number of years after his marriage, but later engaged in farming. He moved to Liberty township in 1835 and there resided until his death, March 7, 1872. He was known as the friend of railroads, free pikes and free schools, the last years of his life having been spent in the work of extending the Chesapeake & Ohio railway. In politics he was a Whig, until 1840, when he voted the Whig ticket for the last time. From that time until Lincoln issued his emancipation proclamation, he was a Garrisonian Abolitionist, after which he allied himself with the Republican party. Reared under the influences of the Society of Friends, he was opposed to war. His sympathies, however, during the Civil War were with the Union, and he desired and prayed for the success of the Union army. His two sons, Charles and Jesse, enlisted in the Union army. Charles was captain of the Fifth United States Colored Troops, and was killed by .a sharpshooter in front of Petersburg in August, 1864. Jesse, the father of A. E., served three years in Company B, Fortieth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Elihu Oren's devoted wife survived him, and spent the last years of her life with her son-in-law, B. F. James. Elihu Oren owned the farm which his grandson, the subject of this sketch, now occupies. A. E. Oren, who was born and reared on the farm, spent three years in Wilmington College, during which time he won distinction as a college baseball player and as a pole vaulter with the track team. CLINTON COUNTY, OHIO- 821 On November 25, 1891, A. E. Oren was united in marriage to Inez Farquhar, who was born in this county, a daughter of Philip Farquhar, a farmer and member of the Friends church. Though Mr. and Mrs. Oren have lived most of their lives in Clinton county, they were for thirteen years residents of Oklahoma, where they own, one hundred and seventy acres of land. In 1914 they returned to Ohio, to the home farm, to care for Mr. Oren's parents, who are still living on the farm. To A. E. and Inez (Farquhar) Oren two children have been born, Leslie and Philip. Fraternally, Mr. Oren is a member of tile Independent Order of Odd Fellows. FELIX RUDE. Among the most enterprising and successful farmers of Marion township, this county, is Felix Rude, a native of the township, born on July 15, 1863, the son of William Rude, who is mentioned elsewhere in this volume. Felix Rude was reared on a farm and received a good liberal education in the public schools. He has ,always been engaged in farming as a vocation, and owns two hundred and sixty-seven acres of land in Marion township, this county, and in Warren cunty, Ohio. He is a general farmer and stockman, but is especially interested in the dairy business. From year to year, Mr. Rude has improved his farm until he now has one of the most productive tracts in this part of the township. Mr. Rude lives two miles from Blanchester. On June 2, 1895, Felix Rude was married to Catherine Fritz, a native of Brown county, Ohio, born on May 21, 1868, the daughter of Cepher and Catherine (Sefferman) Fritz, both natives of Baden-Baden, Germany, the former born in 1823 and the latter, in 1835. Mrs. Rude's paternal grandparents were Joseph and Rosanna Fritz. Joseph Fritz died in Germany and after his death his widow and six sons came to America and settled in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where they lived for twenty-one years. They then came to Ohio and purchased six hundred acres of land in Brown county, which the mother later divided among her sons. Cepher Fritz was the youngest member of this family and his mother died at his home. Mrs. Rude's maternal grandparents were E. and Justina Sefferman, who went from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in 1839, to Cincinnati, later removing to Brown county, where they bought a farm and where both died. Mrs. Rude's father died in 1885 and her mother in 1883. To Mr. and Mrs. Felix Rude have been born eight children, of whom two, Mary Ethel, the first born, and Margaret, the youngest, are deceased, the latter dying in infancy. The living children are Catherine Elizabeth, Martha Luella, Felix Edward, Ester Ann, and Edna Rosanna and Emmet Mathias (twins). Mrs. Rude is a member of the Catholic church. Mr. Rude votes the Republican ticket, and is more or less prominent in the local councils of the party. MILTON BERNARD. Among the enterprising agriculturists of this region must lie counted Milton Bernard, a young and thrifty farmer of Richland township and an enterprising stockman, who is well known throughout Clinton county. Milton Bernard was born on July 31, 1875, at New Vienna, this county, the son of Thomas Jefferson and Almeda (Young) Bernard, the former of whom was born near New Antioch, this county, on October 12, 1832, and the latter of whom was born near Lees creek, in Wayne township, this county. The lee Thomas J. Bernard, Jr., was the son of. Thomas J. and Mary Bernard, the former of whom was a native of Virginia, but who emigrated to Ohio with his parents when a child of four years. After growing to manhood in this state, Thomas J. Bernard, Sr., married Mary McConnel, who was probably born in Kentucky. After his marriage, he located on Cowen's creek, and spent the greater part of the remainder of his life in Clinton county, being actively engaged in farming. He lived a few years in Brown county, and from there moved to near Lynchburg, where he died in February, 822 - CLINTON COUNTY, OHIO. 1868, at the age of sixty-seven years. His wife died in 1838, at the age of thirty-two years. They were the parents of five children: William P.; Sarah, who married William Elliott; Nancy and Thomas J. Following the death of his first wife, Thomas J. Bernard, Sr., married, secondly, Mrs. Eliza Atkinson, by whom he had six children, four of whom grew to maturity, Mary, who married Henry Brown, Caroline, Serelda and Grafton W. Of Thomas J. Bernard, the father of Milton Bernard, it may be said that he belonged to the Methodist Protestant church, and was active not only in, religious work, but in public affairs. He lived to be eighty years old, and kept abreast of the times until his death, on June 25, 1914. His widow is still living at Sabina, and was seventy-eight years old in January, 1915. The late Thomas J. Bernard, who was a farmer by occupation, occupied the farm of C. A. Bosworth, of Cincinnati, as a tenant for twenty-eight years. Thomas J. and Almeda (Young) Bernard were the parents of eleven children, of whom four, Mary, the eldest, William, Ida and Elmer, the sixth, seventh and eighth born, are deceased. The living children are Clara, Laura, Sarah, Jennette, Milton and Eva and Evert (twins). Born and reared on the farm and educated in the common schools, Milton Bernard remained at home until his marriage, on August 26, 1893, to Alma Shepp, who was born on December 15, 1877, the daughter of John and Mary (Johnson) Shepp. John Shepp, a gardener by occupation, lived in Reesville. He and his wife were active in the local work of the Methodist Protestant church. Mr. Shepp held numerous local public offices and served as a Union soldier during the entire period of the Civil War. During one of the severe battles of that war, he was shot in the neck and carried the bullet to his grave. To Milton and Alma (Shepp) Bernard four children have been born, Esther, Paul, Thomas and Barbara. After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Milton Bernard located on the farm where they now live and which Mr. Bernard operates in partnership with his brother, Everett. They manage altogether one thousand and thirty-five acres of land, operating it on a sharing basis. Mr. and Mrs. Bernard are members of the Methodist Protestant church at Reesville, and Mr. Bernard is superintendent of the Sunday school. Fraternally, Mr. Bernard is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and of the Junior Order of United American Mechanics. ALFRED JAMES. The late Alfred James, who, at the time of his death on October 10, 1899, owned a fertile farm of one hundred and forty-eight acres in Marion township this county, was born in Clermont county, Ohio, November 11, 1827, the son of Joseph and Catherine (Kelly) James, natives of Virginia and Clinton county, Ohio, respectively. Joseph James moved from Virginia to Clermont county, Ohio, in pioneer times, and in 1831 came to Clinton county, settling on a farm of, five hundred acres of land in Marion township. He cleared most of this before his death, which occurred in 1862, at the age of seventy-five years. Catherine (Kelly) James, his second wife, died in 1872, at the age of seventy-six years. Joseph and Catherine (Kelly) James had nine children, of whom the late Alfred James was the third born. The others were Elijah, Malinda, Nancy, Sarah, Peter, Rachael, Amanda and Mary. Joseph James had been previously married to Rebecca Garnet, by whom he had two children, Thomas and Mahalla. Early in life he was identified with the Whig party, but at the formation of the Republican party, he became a Republican and voted that ticket until his death. Born on the farm, the late Alfred James was reared in the country and received his education in the country schools. He lived at home with his parents until his marriage in Clinton county, to Josephine Kelly, who was born October 10, 1859, the daughter of George and Sarah (Stevens) Kelly, pioneers in this part of Ohio. Mrs. Josephine (Kelly) James died on October 18, 1913, a short time after the death of her husband. CLINTON COUNTY, OHIO - 823 They had five children, Pearl, Lester, Goldie, Ray and Charles, all of whom are living. Lester married Bessie Newkirk, who was born near Greenbush, Ohio, and has two children, Ethel and Edna, the former born on November 21, 1909, and the latter, October 1, 1911. GoIdle, the third in the family, is the wife of Harry Spencer and has three children, Carl, Erma and Robert. Charles married Flora Folks. Lester James and his brother, Ray, rent the old homestead farm of one hundred and forty-eight acres. JOHN MATHEW. In past ages the history of a country was comprised chiefly in the record of its wars and conquest. Today history is largely a record of commercial activity and those whose names are foremost in the annals of the nation are those who have become leaders in business circles. The conquests now made are those of mind over matter and the victor is he who can most successfully establish, control and direct commercial interests. John Mathew, an intelligent, keen and shrewd business man of Sabina, this county, is one of the strong and influential citizens in that section of Clinton county. Tireless energy, keen perception, honesty of purpose and genius for devising and executing, the right thing at the right time and place are his chief characteristics. John Mathew was born on October 16, 1866, at Centerville, in Clinton county, Ohio, the son of James and Abbie (Drake) Mathew, the former of whom, born on December 3, 1832, in Clinton county, Ohio, died in 1890, and the latter of whom, born on Staten Island, New York, was the daughter of Daniel and Ann (Meusreau) Drake. James Mathew was the son of Jonah and Sarah (Stokesberry) Mathew, the former born in Clinton county and the latter in Virginia. The Mathew family originally came from Virginia. Jonah Mathew subsequently became a farmer in Illinois, where he owned a hundred and sixty acres of land. He had eight children, James, Eli, John, Minerva, Elizabeth, Eliza J., Rachel and Emily. The late James Mathew received a good education and was graduated from the Hillsboro high school. When a young man he taught school in Clinton county for a few years, but later ,engaged in the mercantile business, first at Texas, Ohio, from which place, after being there for four or five years, he removed to Centerville, Ohio, where he was engaged in the mercantile business for twenty-two years. About 1885 he retired from business, being at that time a resident of Octa, in Fayette county. He owned a small farm near Centerville. To James and Abbie (Drake) Mathew seven children were born, namely: Alphius A., who married Margaret Massie; Emma, who married Robert Maddux; Mary E., who married David Eliott; Anna, who married Charles Barnes; John, the subject of this sketch; Kittie, who married Claton Thompson, and Rachel, who married Charles Stewart. Mrs. James Mathew was prominent in the affairs of the Methodist Protestant church. Politically, James Mathew was a Republican. John Mathew was educated in the public schools of Wayne township, this county, and as a young man clerked in his father's store. In 1886 he removed to Octa, in Fayette county, and engaged in the mercantile business there on his own responsibility. Three years later he moved to Sabina, where he conducted a shoe store for a short time. In 1890 he removed to Ohio City, in Vanwert county, and while living there was occupied as a traveling salesman, spending most of the time out of town. Afterwards he engaged in the shoe and clothing business, in which he remained for about four years. About 1895 he engaged in the real-estate business and five years later returned to Sabina, where he engaged with Charles W. Custis in buying and selling stocks of merchandise, being thus engaged for four or five years. About 1905 he resumed the real-estate business and is now thus engaged at Sabina. Mr. Mathew owns a farm of ones hundred and eighteen acres in Wayne township and another of one hundred and eleven acres in Washington township, both of which are rented. 824 - CLINTON COUNTY, OHIO. John Mathew has been twice married, the first time to Ada J. Sparks, the daughter of Silas and Christine Sparks, of Pierson Station, Fayette county. By this first marriage there were three children, two of whom, Verna C., the eldest, and Myrel, the youngest, died early in life, Mildred B. still living. By the second wife, who, before her marriage, was Edith Plymire, daughter of George and Elizabeth Plymire, there has been born one child, Helen E. Mr. and Mrs. Mathew are members of the Methodist Protestant church and he is actively identified with the Republican party. He takes a prominent part in the affairs of Sabina and vicinity and enjoys the confidence of all the people. Needless to say he has a host of friends, among whom he is held in the highest esteem. CHARLES H. CAMMACK. Charles H. Cammack, now a well-known and popular farmer of Liberty township, this county, was born in Orange county, Virginia, on November 8, 1872, the son of George Walter and Mary (Pidgeon) Cammack, natives of Virginia and North Carolina, respectively, the former having been born about 1835. Mary Pidgeon was a daughter of Charles and Catherine (Homey) Pidgeon, natives of North Carolina, and farmers by occupation, who came to Clinton county about the time of the Civil War, in order that Mr. Pidgeon might avoid service as a soldier in the Confederate army. He was a member of the Friends church and was very active in church work. He was the owner of a hundred-acre farm in this county, which he purchased and paid for after he was sixty years old. George W. Cammack was the son of William and Catherine (Mason) Cammack, Carolinans, who moved to Virginia, where they were the owners of one hundred acres of land and prominent members of the Baptist church in their locality. The late George Walter Cammack received his education in the common schools of Virginia, and lived in the Old Dominion state all his life, passing away in 1878. After his death his widow brought the family to Clinton county, locating near Wilmington, on a farm. After her family was reared to maturity, Mrs. Cammack returned to Orange county, Virginia, where she is now living. George Walter and Mary (Pidgeon) Cammack were the parents of six children, of whom Charles H. was the fifth in order of birth, the others being William, Flora, Nellie, Cornelia and J. W. Of these children, Flora and Nellie are deceased; William is a resident of Orange county, Virginia, and J. W. Cammack, who is a Baptist minister, of Richmond, Virginia, is also associate editor of the Religious Herald. Charles H. Cammack was only seven years old when his mother moved from Virginia to Clinton county, Ohio. He was educated in the country schools and reared on the farm; and in 1905 was married to Anna Oglesbee, who was born in this county, the daughter of Franklin and Ruth (Hadley) Oglesbee, prominent farmers of their community and members of the Friends church. Franklin Oglesbee died on April 16, 1914. One year after his marriage, Mr. Cammack moved to the farm where he now lives in Liberty township. Mr. and Mrs. Cammack have no children. They are active members of the Friends church at Wilmington and fraternally, Mr. Cammack belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He and his wife own the farm of one hundred and twenty acres of fertile land, where they live and where Mr. Cammack carries on a general system of farming and stock raising, with very gratifying success. The Oglesbee family, of which Mrs. Cammack is a member, is one of the oldest and for many years. one of the most influential in Clinton county. The Oglesbees had their beginning in this county in 1817, in which year Isaiah Oglesbee, a native of Virginia, of Scottish extraction, emigrated with his family to this section of the state, locating one and one-half miles east of Lumberton, where both he and his wife spent the remainder of their lives, proving very influential factors in the early development of that section of