FAYETTE COUNTY, OHIO - 575 from disease contracted therein Frank, deceased, and two who died in infancy. The subject's paternal grandparents, Moses and Marcey (Kirkendall) Hopkins, were natives of Pennsylvania and eventually became pioneer settlers of Ross county, Ohio, where they died when well advanced in age: They a number of children. Mr. Aopkins' maternal grandparents likewise from Pennsylvania to Ross county in an early day and there spent the der of their lives, rearing several children. Josiah Hopkins was reared on his father's farm and his early education was received in the typical log-cabin subscription school of that period, slab seats and greased-paper windows indicating the style of the furnishings. Afterward Mr. Hopkins had the advantage of one term's attendance in the high school at Frankfort and a similar period in the high school at Greenfield. He remained in the paternal home until he had attained his majority, he and his brothers giving their father assistance on the farm, while during their leisure periods they were permitted to work for their neighbors and to retain such money as was earned in this way. Subsequently, Mr. Hopkins came to Washington C. H. and for a short time was employed as. a clerk in end store of George Melvin and Thomas Wallace. Then for two or three years he worked on the home farm, at the end of which period, in 1857. he married and then engaged in farming on his own account. For two years he rented a part of his father's farm and, carefully managing his resources, he was then enabled to buy a farm of two hundred acres in Madison county, where he lived for five years, that being the only time when he ever resided outside of his native county. Returning then to Fayette county, Mr. Hopkins bought a little more than three hundred acres of land situated on the Washington and Circleville turnpike, about five miles east of Washington C. H., to the improvement and cultivation of which he devoted himself and there he reared his family. Through his hard and consecutive efforts and good management, he was prosperous and from time to time bought additional land until eventually he owned eight hundred and fifty acres of splendid and well improved land. This land he divided among his children by deeds, and after the children were grown he quit the farm and moved to Washington, where he bought and remodeled an attractive and comfortable home and there he resided until his death. Mr. Hopkins was successful in the acquisition of a comfortable share of this world's goods and was numbered among the solid and substantial citizens of the county. He was a stockholder and vice-president of the Midland National Bank, of Washington C. H., one of the solid and influential financial institutions of Fayette county. In the larger 576 - FAYETTE COUNTY, OHIO life of the community Mr. Hopkins always took an intelligent interest and his support was always given to those things which have promised to be of the greatest benefit to the people generally. Politically, Mr. Hopkins was always aligned with the Republican party; which ticket he usually voted, though he was not blindly partisan in the sense that he saw no good in other parties or in other candidates. Religiously, he was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and gave his support to the various activities of that society. On December 24, 1857, Josiah Hopkins was united in marriage to Sarah Elizabeth Rogers, who was born about six miles east of Washington C. H., the daughter of David and Mary ( Jennings) Rogers. Her parents were natives of Pennsylvania, but came to Fayette county many years ago and here spent the rest of their lives, the father dying here when eighty-three years of age and the mother about sixty. They were the parents of six children, Sarah, John, Benjamin, Alexander, Ruth and Ellen. To Mr. and Mrs. Hopkins were born five children, namely : Eva Jose. phine is the wife of Jerome Penn (deceased July 4, 1904), of Washington C, H., and they have two sons, Erret (deceased) and Ralph : Austin Franklin married Margaret Edwards and they have a son, Edwards; O. Scott married Elsie Willis ; Stella Ruth married Walter Hamilton and they are the parent: of a son, Frank. The, mother of these children passed to the better life it May, 1905, in the sixty-ninth year of her age. She was a woman of ran personal qualities and greatly esteemed by all who knew her. By a life consistent in motive and action, Mr. Hopkins earned the sincere regard of all who knew him and he was rightfully numbered among that ever getic and enterprising class that has made this favored section one of the nios noted and richest in the great Buckeye state. JOEL A. ALLEN. One of the pioneer farmers of this county is Joel A. Allen, whose career of seventy-five years has all been spent within the limits of Fayette county. He is now living in retirement after a strenuous life of activity which covered considerably more than half a century. Ais well directed efforts in the practical affairs of life, his capable management of his interests and his sound judgment have brought to him a very satisfactory competence for his declining years. He served with distinction during the dark days of the Civi FAYETTE COUNTY, OHIO - 577 War and was probably at the front longer than any man who enlisted from Fayette county. Too much honor can not be accorded the men who faced danger and death itself upon the battlefields of the Civil War and bore ing and made sacrifices for their country's sake. Joel A. Allen, the son of Adam and Rosanna (Hidy) Allen, was born August 7, 1839, in the township where he has lived most of his life, having nineteen years in Greene and Clinton counties, Ohio. His father was also born in this same township and was a prominent farmer and land owner. Allen lived all of his life in this county with the exception of a few when he lived in Madison and Clinton counties, this state. His declining years were spent with his son, Joel. Thirteen children were born to and Rosanna (Hidy) Allen : Mrs. Sarah J. Bryant, John, Mrs. Catherine Morris, Joel A., William, George, deceased, Elijah, Samuel, Etta, Mrs. Rossetta, deceased, Lucy Straley, Adam and one who died in infancy. Of children the following are now deceased : Sarah J., Catherine, William, and George. Joel A. Allen was reared under the primitive pioneer conditions which fled during his boyhood days and attended the rude log school house its greased-paper windows and slab seats, and there learned the rudiments of reading, writing and arithmetic. At the opening of the Civil War he ted in Company K, Forty-fourth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, served for more than four years. The company was under the command of Colonel S. A. Gilbert and Colonel Moore and participated in engagements in West Virginia, Kentucky and Tennessee. Mr. Allen had the it of having served for a longer time in the Civil War than any other from his county. After the close of the war Mr. Allen returned to souffle, Ohio, and worked on a farm in the immediate neighborhood. his marriage he began renting land in Greene county, this state, and located in Clinton county for a short time. He then returned to Fayette county and ,bought fifty acres of excellent land adjoining the village of ersonville, where he is now living. He also is the owner of several town in Jeffersonville. Mr. Allen was married to Mary C. Janes, the daughter of William and y (Mock) Janes, early pioneers of the county, and to this union have born two children, Isophine and Ralph. Mr. and Mrs. Allen have also .1 a boy, Howard Haynes, who is the son of George and Lucy (Homey) es, who are both deceased, the father being buried in Chicago, Illinois, the mother in Hidy cemetery, at Jeffersonville, Ohio. (37) 578 - FAYETTE COUNTY, OHIO. Politically, Mr. Allen is a Republican and has always been actively interested in political matters. He has held various township offices, anion them being that of township trustee and school director. Mr. Allen and hi family are all loyal and consistent members of the Friends church, of Clinton county, and take an active interest in all the work of that denomination. JASON F. HENKLE There is no earthly station higher than a minister of the Gospel, for no life can be more uplifting or grander than that which is devoted to amelioration of the human race; a life of sacrifice for the betterment brotherhood of men, one who is willing to cast aside all earthly crowns in order to follow in the footsteps of the lowly Nazarene. It is not possibe to measure adequately the bounds of such a life, for its influences continue to permeate the lives of others through succeeding generations; so the power it has exerted cannot be known until the last great day. Jason F. Henkle, the immediate subject of this sketch, who for thirtytseven years labored minister of the Gospel in the Methodist Protestant church, felt the call the work when young and gladly answered it, although in doing so he set before himself a great task in accomplishing a suitable education to e him to best discharge the duties which would be his. As was the custom in earlier days perhaps more than now, Mr. Henkle also conducted the work of the farm and in these ways has lived a life full to repletion with activity and brimful of good results. A short sketch of his career forcibly illust what energy, integrity and fixed purpose can accomplish when animated noble aims and correct ideals. Jason F. Henkle, who resides on the old Henkle homestead in Union township, Fayette county, Ohio, was born on May 13, 1847, a son of Ephraim and Mary S. (Carr) Henkle, the former of whom was born on April 23, 1818, in this same township. He was the son of Barbara Henkle, who was a daughter of Isaac Henkle, who, with his brothers. Jacob, Esau and Saul, came from Pendleton county, Virginia, at a very early date in the history of the state, probably about the year 1815. Isaac Henkle took as his wife a German woman who came from one of the first families of that nationality in this section. Ephraim, his son, who is the father of the immediate subject of this sketch, was the father of ten children and he himself had the FAYETTE COUNTY, OHIO - 579 distinction of being the first white child to be born in what is now Union wnship. Jason F. Henkle attended the schools of the home locality when a boy and from his early youth assisted the father in the work about the home place, this being the same land on which Mr. Henkle now lives and which comprises fifty-two acres. He remained with his father until he attained his majority, when hearing of better opportunities for young men in the West, he journeyed to Logan county, Illinois, and secured a .tract of land there which he rented for a year. When the first season's crops were gathered in, he returned to his boyhood home in this state, where he remained for two years, when, the call of the West again becoming insistent, he returned to Illinois, locating this time in McLean county. Here for two years he farmed ted land, and at the end of that time again returned to Ohio, where he has since made his home. During all the time he was so engaged, and for a ew years later he was laboring all his spare time to better fit himself for the ministry and to this end was seeking a higher education alone and unaided. he tine degree of energy and courage which he possesses saw him through is big undertaking and at last the time came when he was able to take his place before the world as a full ordained minister of the Gospel, to which work he gave the best of his life and effort. On March 14, 1872, Mr. Henkle was united in marriage with Laura O’Day, who bore him one child, Ephraim, who died in earliest infancy. Mrs. Henkle passed from this life on April 23, 1873, but a little more than a year after her marriage, and both mother and child lie buried in the cemetery at Washington C. H. The next few years which passed were lonely ones for Mr. Henkle and those most interested in him were glad indeed when, on October 1, 1878, he led to the altar Nanna Hamm, of London, Ohio, daughter of John and Mary Jane (Timmons) Hamm, farmers of that locality. Mr. Henkle by his second marriage were born six children, four of whom ave passed into the great beyond. These are Lily H., Wilson C., Evelyn L. lid Ray. Those living are Mary, who is the wife of Argyle P. Duncan and e. mother of one son, William, and a son, Allan E., who resides in Detroit. Michigan, these being the first and fourth children, respectively, in order of birth. Both this daughter and son received excellent educations, both graduating from the college at Adrian, Michigan the While Mr. Henkle is not now on the active list of ministers, the duties of his calling still devolve upon him and he is still active in the cause so dear o his heart. His fraternal affiliation is with the Independent Orderthe of Odd 580 - FAYETTE COUNTY, OHIO. Fellows and also with the Knights of Pythias, and in the work of both these orders he takes a commendable interest. He is also affiliated with the Sons of Veterans. His father, Ephraim, was a captain during the Civil War, being connected with Company F, One Hundred and Sixty-eighth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry. During an engagement he was captured by the enemy at Cynthiana, Kentucky. He also had .some experience during the Mexican War, hut was not regularly enlisted in the service. Of marked mental ability, well posted and a forceful and effective man in every walk of life, Mr. Henkle is held in high esteem by his brothers in the ministry and laymen alike. He is sincerely interested in all causes which lead to the advancement of the human race along all legitimate lines and is numbered among the strong and influential citizens of the county, enjoying universal respect and esteem throughout his wide circle of friends and acquaintances. Because of his active life and the good he has accomplished wherever his path has led, he is eminently entitled to special mention in volume of this character. FLOYD R. SMIDLEY. The occupation of the farmer is the most independent career open to the man of today. One of the youngest farmers of Marion township, Fayette county, Ohio, is Floyd R. Smidley, who is now renting one hundred and fifty acres of fine land from his father about one mile north of New Holland. His father is one of the most successful farmers of this county and is a man who has been a leader for many years in everything that pertains to the development of the township. He has inherited those sterling characteristics which has made his father so successful and the success which has attended his efforts thus far indicates that he will eventually become one of the substantial farmers of his township. Floyd R. Smidley, son of George and Minnie (Whitmer) Smidley, born September 30, 1891, in Wayne township, Fayette county, Ohio. His father was a native of Ross county, Ohio, while his mother is a native of thi county. Both of his parents are' still living in Marion township, where father owns and operates the Elmwood Stock Farm. The reader is referred to the history of George Smidley, which is found elsewhere in this volume, for further information concerning the Smidley family. Floyd R. Smidley is the oldest of the living children born to George FAYETTE COUNTY, OHIO - 581 Smidley and wife, and one of four living children, the others being Roy, Iva and Gladys, and was born September 30, 1891. He received his education in the North Star and Gamble schools of this county, and early in life decided that he wished to follow the occupation of a farmer. As a youth he worked on his father's large farm during the summer vacation, and thus by time he was of age was well acquainted with the various details of agricultural life. After his marriage, in 1913, he rented one hundred and fifty res of land from his father, and is now tilling this in a way that shows to be a progressive farmer and thoroughly in touch with the latest thods in tilling the soil. He gives most of his attention to stock raising Id has been very successful along this particular line of activity. Mr. Smidley was married August 16, 1913, to Artie Barclay, the daughtr of David Barclay. David Barclay was a native of Ross county and lived there all his life, dying October 16, 1911. He married Jessie Hilton and 'ley raised a family of six children, Clifford, Artie, Howard, Leota, Calvin and Gladys. The wife and mother still lives on the old homestead in Harrison township, Ross county. Mr. and Mrs. Smidley are loyal and consistent members of the Christian church, in whose welfare they are deeply interested. Mr. and Mrs. Smidley have a little daughter, Annalee. born July 29, 1914. Mr. Smidley is a member of the Knights of Pythias and the Sons of Veterans. He is still a young man of clean habits and high character, and is well liked and respected by every one with whom he has been associated. Genial in disposition and kindly in manner, he makes friends wherever he goes with the result that he has a large circle of friends and acquaintances. WILLIAM HENRY ROWE. The gallant veterans of the Civil War are fast answering the last roll call and within a few years there will he none of them left. Among the many veterans of Fayette county who have been mustered into that better land and joined the army triumphant there is no one more worthy of mention than the late William Henry Rowe, who was a prominent farmer of Concord township for many years. He was a man who always performed his every duty whether on the battle field, in official life, as a private citizen or in his family circle. Such men give character and stability to the community in which they live and for this reason are always missed when they are gone. William H. Rowe, the son of Willis and Harriet (Limes) Rowe, was 582 - FAYETTE COUNTY, OHIO. born in Fayette county; July 22, 1836, and died at his .home in Leesburg Ohio, June 8, 1906. His father was a native of Virginia and came to Ohio in 1820 and located on the Wabash. Willis Rowe and wife reared a family of six children, all of whom are now deceased : Harmon, Oliver, Minnie, Alia, Hester and William Henry. William H. Rowe attended the village school at Staunton, as did the girl who was later to become his wife. He knew what it was to have to work and from his earliest boyhood assisted with the labor on his father's farm. He remained at home until his marriage in 1the857 and then began farming for himself in Concord township. When the Civil War opened he had his heart torn between duty to his family and duty to his country, but his wife told him that she could care for the three children and that when his country needed him he should go to the front. Ae enlisted in Company K, One Hundred and Sixty eighth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, theand served to the close of the war. Immediately after the war closed he returned to his happy family and. resumed his peaceful pursuits. He prospered as a farmer and he and his goodthe wife reared a large family of children to lives of usefulness and honor. Mr. Rowe was married in 1857 to Sarah Ann Craig, and to this union there were born ten children, Finley, William, David, Elizabeth, Florence, Oliver, Hattie (died aged one the year), Martin, Earl and Pearl. Finley married Hattie Worthington and has eight children : William, Clarence, James, Elba, Inez, Hazel, Anna and Eva. William married Jennie Wagner. David married Nettie Tanquary and has two children, Mina and Carl, deceased.. Martin married Bessie Dade. Elizabeth married Robert Patton and has four children, Lily, Leona; Marie -and Willard. Oliver married Maud Covan and has two children, Alice and Lottie. Leroy married Pearl Burnett. Florence and Earl are still single. Hattie married Frank Doty and has three children. Mr. Rowe was a life-long Republican and alwys interested in political affairs, particularly in local politics: For many years he served as a member of the school board in his township. As a veteran of the Civil War he was greatly interested in the Grand Army of the Republic and belonged to t post at Washington C. H. He was a consistent member of the Methodi Episcopal church and lived a life in harmony with its teachings. He was man of domestic tastes and was never happier than when at home and s surrounded by his family. He never overlooked an opportunity to do good a yet was never ostentatious in his benefactions. Such men are a blessing to the community in which they live and their lives should be an inspiration the in coming generations the FAYETTE COUNTY, OHIO - 583 NOAH THORNTON. The character of a community is determined in a large measure by the lives of a comparatively few of its members. If its moral and intellectual status be good, if in a social way it is a pleasant place to live, if its reputation for the integrity of its citizens has extended into other localities, it will he found that the standards set by the leading men have been high and that their influence has been such as to mold the characters and shape the lives of those with whom they mingle. In placing the subject of this sketch in the of rank such men, justice is rendered a biographical fact universally recognized throughout the locality honored with his citizenship. Mr.. Thornton has contributed much to the material, civic and moral advancement of his community, while his admirable qualities and the straightforward, upright course of his daily life, have won for him the esteem and confidence of the circles in which he moves and has given him a reputation for integrity and correct conduct. Noah Thornton. well known farmer of Union township, Fayette county, Ohio, was born on January 4, 1856, on what was known as the old Thornton farm, a portion of which is included in the subject's present farm home of two hundred acres. This home is situated on the Johnstown road, about three. And one-half miles from Washington C. A. The subject is the son of Thomas B. and Mahaley (Harper) Thornton, the former of whom was born in Columbus this state, and Was a very prominent farmer of this section. In his youth Thomas B. Thornton was a hound boy, having been brought to this locality when a baby and bound out. He was a very ambitious chap and when a mere boy he began clearing land for his future home. At the time of his death he stood possessed of some six hundred acres of excellent farthing lands. Being a man of keen intellect and possessed of more than ordinary civic pride, he took more than a passive interest in local community affairs and left the mark of his individuality upon much that relates to county history. He was the father of eight children, namely Amos, James, Anderson (deceased), William, Ellen, Austin (deceased), Thomas and Noah, the immediate subject of this sketch. \Mr. Thornton. received his education in the schools of Johnstown, and when quite a small boy began. assisting the father in the work of the home farm. At the age of twenty he started farming on his own account, renting land from his father for this purpose. From the very first he has succeeded and is regarded as among the best agriculturists of the county. 584 - FAYETTE COUNTY, OHIO. On September 29, 1874, Mr. Thornton was united in marriage with Rebecca Hopkins, daughter of William and Sophia (Crantz) Hopkins, and to their union have been born two children. The elder is Wilber, who married Alma Hooker and is the father of four children, Everett, Ursel, Kenneth and Velma. The subject's younger child is Ursel, who remains at home and is at present attending school. Mr. Thornton's political affiliation is with the Republican party, in the affairs of which he takes a commendable interest. He is at present giving efficient service as a member of the school board and can always be counted upon to heartily endorse any movement for the betterment of the higher life of the community. He holds his religious affiliation with the Seventh-day Adventist church and gives generously toward the support of the local organization. While a quiet, unassuming man whose best endeavors are extend in behalf of his home and family, Mr. Thornton is one who fully appreciates the duties of citizenship and makes an effort to add his quota to the advancement of the best interests of the community. The family is well liked and highly respected by a large circle of friends and acquaintances. WILLIAM L. HENKLE. The best title one can establish to the high and generous esteem of an intelligent community is a protracted and honorable residence therein. William L. Henkle, Sr., one of the best known and most highly esteemed men of Fayette county, Ohio. and now living in honorable retirement after many years of activity in agricultural circles, has resided here all his life and his career has been a most commendable one in every respect. By persistent industry and the exercise of sound common sense in his operations. he gained the rewards for which lie labored and is today numbered among the substantiial and influential men of the community. William L. Henkle was born on September 5, 1845, in Union townahip on a farm one mile west of Washington C. H., being a son of Ephraim, and Mary S. (Carr) Henkle, Ephraim also being a native of this township, born in 1818 on the old Irvin farm. His mother's name was Barbara and Ephraim was one of the pioneers of the county, owning one hundred and fifty acres of land, which he placed. in an excellent state of cultivation, and was in his day one of the leading men of his community. In his youth he attended the old pioneer schools in the crude little log school houses, his spare time being de- FAYETTE COUNTY, OHIO - 585 voted to working with his father. When he came to manhood he followed the vocation of farming and was considered one of the leading agriculturists of this section. He approved advanced methods of farming, eagerly adapting every new idea as he acquired it and owned the first reaper which ever came into the township. He also believed that the best strains of live stock were none too good for the ordinary farmer and was especially interested in fine hogs. He was the father of ten children. Ellen, Joel and Mary are deceased, the latter having been the wife of J. A. Bush. William L., the immediate subject of this sketch, was the third child in order of birth ; then came J. F.: N. S.. who lives in Indiana; Jesse, who lives at Springfield, Ohio ; Catherine (Mrs. Hire) ; Amanda, wife of W. L. Dowden, and Almeda L., who married J. B. Cohagen. When the subject was a youth he attended the school taught by H. C. Burnett, later went to the Judge A. Williams school and finished his school days in John Parrott's school. From the time he was a small boy and during all vacations he assisted in the work of the home place and when twenty-two years of age he started out in life for himself, first hiring out to farm labor by the month. At the age of twenty-six he began farming for himself on a tract of twelve acres and now owns a farm of sixty acres located about three miles west of Washington C. H. on the Wilmington pike. On April 16. 1868, Mr. Henkle was united in marriage with Thursea Bush, daughter of William and Phoebe (Fults) Bush, both of whom were natives of this county. To their union have beeen born five children, the q of whom, Miles N., is deceased. The others are Mary E., wife of it Miller ; Effie, William L., Jr., and Carey E., who remain at home. Since the subject has retired from the active work of the farm, his two efficient sons, kiln L., Jr., and Carey E., have taken oved its management. Both real their educations at the Midland school and were early trained by the subject in all that pertained to successful farming. Carey E. devotes especial effort to the raising of such grains as are especially adapted to this section, while William gives particular attention to truck farming. Both belong to the Sons of Veterans and the religious affiliation of each is with the Methodist Protestant church. and to the maintenance of the local organization each gives liberally of his means. William M. Henkle's political affiliation is with the Republican party and he has always taken a keen interest in the affairs of same. He has been a shool director and has also served the township as pike superintendent, efficiently discharging the duties of both offices. His church membership for the 586 - FAYETTE COUNTY, OHIO past fifty years has been with the Methodist Protestant church and he is sincerely interested in the success of the local society. Mr. Henkle is a quiet, unassuming man and it is unnecessary to add that he is highly respected throughout the locality where he lives and where he has spent his entire life. In all the relations of life he has been found faithful to every trust and because of his sterling worth, uncompromising integrity and friendliness, he has won and retains the warm regard of all with whom he associates and is widely known throughout the county. ABNER J. BRYANT A man who occupied a conspicuous place in the life of his community for many years was the late Abner J. Bryant, who lived a life which cleared him to everyone with whom he was associated. He was successful in his life work and left the impress of his personality upon the cumuli where he resided. In his daily walk of life he conducted his affairs in s a way as to reflect credit upon himself and, being upright and conscientious in everything he did, it is justly fitting that his history be included among representative men of his county. He will always be remembered as a who had the interests of his fellow citizens at heart, and in everything he lie was also actuated by the highest motives. The late Abner J. Bryant, the son of Gideon and Anna (Mouser) Bryant, was born in Ross county, Ohio, near New Holland, on the 22d of August, 1860, and died in Marion township, this county, on the 16th day of October, 1910. His father was born in Virginia and was one of the early settlers of Ross county. Twelve children were born to Gideon Bryant and wife, John, William, Frank, Charles, Ida, Laura, Rena, Maida, Cora, Nathan, Benjamin and Abner J. Abner J. Bryant received a good common school education in the schools of Ross county and remained on the home farm until he was married. After his marriage he continued to live in Ross county until he was about forty years of age when he removed to Fayette county and located in Marion township, near New Aolland. He bought a farm in this township and continued to reside on it until his death. Mr. Bryant was married on February 11, 1882, to Flora Bennett, the daughter of John W. and Joanna (Karney) Bennett. John W. Bennett was a native of Pickaway county, and was one of the largest land owners in this FAYETTE COUNTY, OHIO - 587 section of the stare, owning more than twelve hundred acres of land in Pickaway county. Six children were born to John W. Bennett and wife : Mrs. Sarah Dick, Melton, Flora, one who died an infant, William and James. Mr. and Mrs. Bryant are the parents of five children, Iva, Oma, Opal B., Audrey and John Bennett. Iva married Harry V. Heath; Opal is the wife of Warren Briggs, and has one daughter, Charlene, while the other children are still unmarried. Mr. Bryant was a devoted Methodist in faith and lived a life consistent with the teachings of the church. Politically, he was a Democrat and, while taking an intelligent interest in political matters, yet was never an aspirant for public office. He was a man of kindly impulses, devoted to his family friends, and throughout his long life was interested in everything which might better the community in which he resided. WILLIAM WORTHINGTON. No better eulogium can he pronounced upon a community or upon its individual members than to point to the work they have accomplished. Theories look fine on the printed page and sound well when proclaimed from the platform, but in the end it is effort in the various lines of industrial, commercial and financial activity which develops the man and tells on society. This is essentially a utilitarian age and the man of action is very much in evidence. The gentleman whose name appears at the head of this sketch is such a man, and as such it is pleasant to contemplate briefly his career and character. Intimately associated for years with the development and prosperity of the thriving city of Washington C. H., and taking prominent part in the business affairs of his section, he is not under-estimated by a people who long since learned to appreciate his true value as a potent factor in business matters of importance. In early life he laid the foundation of a character: which has stood the test of the years and which has made him a leader in the affairs of men. William Worthington is a native son of the county which is now honored by his citizenship, having been born about eight miles south of Washington C. H. On the on the 19th day of April, 1870. He is a son of Robert and Jennie (McDowell) Worthington, both of whom were born in Ohio, the former in Highland county and the latter in Ross county. Besides the subject, they had one other child, Margaret, the wife of Spencer Calvert. Robert Worthington 588 - FAYETTE COUNTY, OHIO. was reared in Highland county and in about 1850 he came to Fayette county locating in Concord township, where he accumulated a large tract of owning between sixteen hundred and eighteen hundred acres, the greater part of which was devoted to grazing purposes, stock raising being his principal vocation. He was a successful man in his business affairs and enjoyed confidence and respect of the entire community. He died in 1898, at the of sixty-seven years and one month. His widow died on January 9, 1906, the sixty-sixth year of her age. They were earnest and devoted menthe the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Worthington enlisted for service 1,; ing the historic Morgan raid, and, while he did not capture Morgan, he to laughingly say that at that time he did capture Mrs. Worthington. The subject's paternal grandparents were Joseph C. and Harriet (Shields) Worthington, the former a native of Virginia and the latter of Ohio. They became pioneer settlers in Highland county, Ohio, where he bought a large tract of land, and also bought land in Fayette county. He settled in the wilderness near East Monroe, Highland county, where he spent the remaining years of his life. He died in 1897, at the advanced age of ninety-three years, his wife dying at the age of about eighty years. The were the parents of four sons, Thomas, Robert, Joseph and William. William Worthington's maternal grandparents, Andrew and Margaret (Murray) McDowell, were natives of Scotland, who, upon their emigration to the United States, settled in Chillicothe, Ross county, Ohio. There McDowell engaged in the mercantile business, handling chinaware and kin' lines, and there he and his wife died when well advanced in years. reared the following children : Isabel, George, Hugh, Jennie. and Margaret, Carrie, William and two who died in infancy. He to whom this review is mainly devoted was reared on his fa farm in Concord township, and secured his elementary education in the trict schools of the neighborhood and the graded schools of Staunton. supplemented this by four years' study in the Northern :Indiana No School and Business University at Valparaiso, Indiana. He returned in the fall of 1892 and remained on the farm until the following year, for a short time he was engaged in the poultry business at Sabina, Clinton county. He then sold his interests there and secured employment in a bank at Sabina for two years. His business and banking experience were valuable in an educational way and he was well qualified when, in the fall of 1895, he accepted the position of teller in the People's and Drovers' Bank in Washington C. H. He faithfully and efficiently performed the duties of that posi- FAYETTE COUNTY, OHIO - 589 tion until the spring of 1899 and in the summer of that year he organized the Fayette County Bank, of which he was cashier for several years, since which time he has served as president. The Fayette County Bank was organized a capital stock of fifty thousand dollars, which was afterward increased hundred thousand dollars. Its career from the beginning has been a y successful one and today it is numbered among the strong, reliable and influential banks of western Ohio. The present officers of the bank are as follows : William Worthington, president; Dr. W. E. Ireland, vice-president: Robert Howett, cashier, and Fred Cline, assistant cashier. Much of the success of this popular institution has been directly due to the sound judgment and sagacity of the president, who has devoted himself indefatigably to interests. Mr. Worthington has also other interests, being a director of Fayette Grain Company and a stockholder in several other concerns, besides which he owns one thousand acres of good land in Concord township and one hundred and seventeen acres in Marion township. He is is essentially a man of affairs, sound of judgment and far-seeing in what he undertakes, has won and in and retains the confidence of all classes. On the 24th day of November, 1895, William Worthington was married to Mepha Overman, who was born in Hillsboro, Highland county, Ohio, the daughter of W. C. and Elizabeth Ann (Young) Overman, and to their union have been born two children, Edith and Jean. Mrs. Worthington's parents were natives of Ohio, the mother dying when her daughter was a child of but eight years. Her father is still living. There were two children in this family besides Mrs. Worthington, Bruff and Ella. Mrs. Worthington is a well educated woman, having supplemented her public school course by attendance the Lebanon Normal School. She is a lady of many gracious qualities of mind and heart and is well liked by all who know her. Politically, Mr. Worthington is a supporter of the Republican party and takes an intelligent interest in public affairs, being a wide reader and a close observer of passing events. Fraternally, he is a member of the Fayette Lodge No. 107, Free and Accepted Masons, and also belongs to the Knights of Pythias and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He and his wife are active members of the Methodist Episcopal church and he is also identified with the Young Men's Christian Association, in the various activities of which he is deeply interested. He is a warm supporter and ardent advocate of every measure which, in any way, promises to benefit the community, and is rightfully numbered among the representative and influential citizens of the community. 590 - FAYETTE COUNTY, OHIO. JAMES M. HARTMAN. The men most influential in promoting the advancement of civilization and in giving character to the times in which they live are of two gerneral classes, the men of study and the men of action. Whether we are more indebted. for the improvement of this age to the one class or to the other is a question of honest difference in opinion. Neither class can be spared and both should be encouraged to occupy their several spheres of labor and influence. J. M. Hartman is a man who combines the leading characteristics of the scholar and the energy of the public-spirited man of affairs. For more than a quarter of a century he has been a teacher in Union township, Fayette county, Ohio, and has made his influence felt, not only in the school life, but in all phases of the life of his community. James M. Hartman, the superintendent of the Union township schools, the son of John and Sarah (Smith) Hartman, was born April 19, 1869, in a .Marion township, this county. His father was bornthe in Chillicothe, Ohio, and settled in Fayette county before the war. He served in that memorable conflict as a member of Company D, One Hundred and Fourteenth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was in the Army of the Potomac for three and one-half years.. After the close of the war he returned to Fayette county, where he purchased a farm of eighty acres in Union township; where he is still living. John Hartman and wife were the parents of seven children, Charles, Frank, James M., Edward, Thomas, Margaret and Maud. All of these children are still living except Edward, Margaret, Maud and Thomas. James M. Hartman received his education in Fayette county and later took a course in the Normal School at Lebanon, Ohio. He began teaching at the age of nineteen and has been connected with the schools of this county ever since. For the past five years he has been superintendent of township schools of Union township, being the only township superintendent in the county and he is now district superintendent of Union, Wayne and Marion townships. He keeps fully abreast of the latest methods of teaching and, being a diligent student of educational matters, is recognized as one of the ablest teachers of the county. He lives on a small farm of twenty-four acres about three miles from Washington C. H. Mr. Hartman was married October 7, 1897, to Grace McCoy, the daughter of Thomas and Eliza (Cockerell) McCoy. Mrs. Hartman's mother is one of the oldest settlers of the county and is still hale and hearty Mr. Hartman is a Democrat in politics and has always been interested FAYETTE COUNTY, OHIO - 591 in political matters. At the present time he is a candidate for the office of auditor of his county. Mr. Hartman has devoted his life to the teaching profession and has lived an unselfish, helpful and altruistic life, whereby the hundreds of young people who have gone to school to him will become better men and women. Because of the good he has done and the life he has lived, he is eminently entitled to representation in the history of his county. LEONDIS BAUGHN. There are several families in Fayette county, Ohio, who are descendants of the pioneers who settled here more than a century ago. One of the sturdy Virginian families to come to this county in 1811 was the Baughn family. Lester Baughn was the first member of the family to locate in Fayette county, and he came with his wife, Margaret, and his three brothers a year or so after the county was organized. One of the children born to Lester and Margaret Baughn was James, the grandfather of Leondis Baughn, with whom this narrative deals. James was born in this county, grew to manhood and married Elizabeth Bush. William Baughn, the father of Leondis, was one of the children born to James and Elizabeth (Bush) Baughn. He grew to manhood in Union township, where he was born, and enlisted on August 9, 1862, in Company C, Ninetieth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry He served until the close of the war. His regiment was in twenty- six battles of that memorable struggle, and he was never found missing from roll call when duty demanded that he should be there. After the close of the war he returned to Fayette county and began farming in Union township, where he is still living today. His wife died February 28, 1911, and is buried at the Sugar Creek Baptist church. Three children were born to William and Mary C. (Hines) Baughn, Jesse, Leondis and Pearl. Jesse married Etta Hidy and has three children, Floyd, Inez and Loren Pearl married Stella Wilson. Leondis Baughn, the fourth in direct descent from the first member of the family to come to this county, was born in Jefferson township, January 30, 1872. He received such schooling as was given in the district schools of his neighborhood and later attended the graded schools in Bloomingburg. As a youth he was studious and, being interested in educational matters, it was natural that he Should turn to the teaching profession after leaving school as a student. He taught very successfully in Madison county for four 592 - FAYETTE COUNTY, OHIO. years, but upon his marriage decided to leave the school room and engage in farming. He bought a highly improved farm of eighty acres three miles south of Bloomingburg in 1896, and has made a pronounced success along agricultural lines. He is a man of wide reading and is thoroughly in touch with all of the latest methods in farming. Mr. Baughn was married July 30, 1896, to Eva M. Thornton, the daughter of Anderson and Rachel (Snook) Thornton, and to this union has been born one child, who died in infancy. Politically, Mr. Baughn is a member of the new Progressive party, having joined it upon its organization in the summer of 1912. He believes that the Progressive party is the expression of the people's aspirations for a larger, freer and better political, economic and social life. Being a man of broad education, it is but natural that he should be deeply interesed in political matters, although he has never been an aspirant for a political office. He and his wife are affiliated with the Baptist church, in whose welfare they are interested and to whose support they are contributors. CHARLES T. LYNCH. The well known gentleman to a review of whose life the following lines are devoted is a native of the old Buckeye state and of this county, having been born on August 25,, 1858, in Perry township, the son of E. J. and Hester (Cockerill) Lynch. E. J. Lynch was a native of Virginia, born at the family home on the Roanoke river, and throughout his life was a farmer. He was a son of Kentchen and Mary (Edmonds) Lynch, the former of whom also was a native of Virginia and was a son of William Lynch. The family first came to this state in 1843, Kentchen (the subject's grandfather) emigrating westward with his family in search of better opportunities than their native state offered. At that time E. J. was a young man of eighteen years, having been born on December 25, 1825. The family first settled on the Trimble prairie, near Sabina, and lived there for many years. Kentchen Lynch was the father of the following children, namely : Edward J., father of the subject ; George H., Margaret, Elizabeth, Hezekiah and Mary C., all deceased, while Lily, the wife of R. Brake, resides in California and Martha is deceased. E. J. Lynch had no school advantages when young and learned reading and spelling at home. However, when twenty-six years of age an opportunity came for him to obtain a better education, and so eager was FAYETTE COUNTY, OHIO - 593 to do so that in spite of his age he faithfully took up the studies which should have been his when a youth, and he became a fairly well educated man. When a young man, together with several friends he journeyed into the in search of a better location than Ohio afforded, but not being impressed with anything they saw they gladly returned to this state and for eleven years subject's father worked on various farms, hiring out by the month. At the time of his marriage he settled down on a farm which he rented and in this way began business for himself. He was shrewd and energetic and was considered a successful man. At the time of his death he owned a farm and had reared his family of six children. Charles, the subject, was the oldest the family ; William lives at Washington C. H. ; Eleanore resides in Washington C. H.; Ella lives in Springfield, Ohio; Edward M., the youngest of the family, is deceased ; James C. is teaching school and lives at Bloomingburg. Then a boy Charles Lynch attended the schools of Perry township near his home, later taking the higher grades at Washington C. H. He early learned the meaning of "hard work" and passed a busy young manhood, remaining with the father until attaining his majority. For four years he was gngaged in teaching school in Perry township and moved to- Bloomingburg in 1886, since which time he has been regarded as one of the more prominent citizens of this locality. He at first was connected with the drayage business and served the town as mayor. In 1894 he turned to the vocation of farming and now resides on his fine farm of one hundred and sixty acres located on the Midway pike, about three miles north of Bloomingburg. Mr. Lynch occupies a prominent place in the esteem of the people of the community and is universally respected for his manly character. He lives to a good and useful purpose and the position he occupies in the community has been honestly and well merited. As a business man his methods have always been correct and fair dealing has characterized all of his transactions with his fellow men. Personally, he possesses those qualities calculated to inspire confidence in others and consequently is liked by all classes and conditions of people. In politics he is a supporter of the Republican party, but has never had the time nor inclination to take a very active part in political work. Religiously, he is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, serving both as trustee and steward of the local society, and being intensely interested in every department of church work. His fraternal affiliations are with the ancient body of Free and Accepted Masons and the Eastern Star. Mr. (38) 594 - FAYETTE COUNTY, OHIO. Lynch is also one of the most active Grangers of this locality, doing all within his power to further the good work of the local organization. Mr. Lynch was, on February 7, 1894, united in marriage with Emma Hays, daughter of Charles and Catherine (Parker) Hays, who bore him four children, and departed this life on April 16, 1908. Mrs. Lynn was an earnest and devoted woman, winning to herself many friends by, her sterling qualities of heart and mind. She is buried at Bloomingburg cemetery. Charles E., the oldest child of the family, is engaged in farming and remains a in the home, as do also Ray Parker, Candace and Walter M.,, all of whom are still in school. Mr. Lynch surrounds his family with manyof the comforts and conveniences of life, carefully directing his children in ways of usefulness and happiness. He is regarded as one of the substantial men of the community and as such is eminently entitled to representation in a work of this character. JACOB H. COIL. The gentleman to a brief review of whose life the attention of the reader is directed is among the well known and representative citizens of Union township, Fayette county, Ohio. He has, by his enterprise and progressive methods, contributed in a material way to the advancement of his locality, and during the course of an honorable career has been fairly successful in his business enterprises, having been a man of energy, sound judgment and honesty of purpose and is thus well deserving of mention in this volume. Jacob H. Coil was born on November 11, 1853, in this county on what was known as the old Coil farm, being the son of Samuel and Sarah (Fults) Coil, the former of whom was born also on the old Coil farm and was in his day one of the most prominent farmers of the county. When the subject was six weeks old, his parents moved to Union township to the farm, part of which the subject now owns and where he has ever since made his home. Mr. Coil owns about three hundred acres located on the Sabina pike and also owns one hundred acres of the old home place. Living with him is his brother, Jasper L. Coil, and together the two operate the business of the farm, in which enterprise they are quite successful. Samuel Coil, father of the immediate subject, was a son of John and Mary Coil, the former of whom was born in Virginia and came to Union township about the year 1812. He was a man of great energy and enterprise and took out government land to the extent of twelve hundred acres, at the time James Madison was Presi- FAYETTE COUNTY, OHIO - 595 dent of the United States. The land he thus obtained was in a primitive state and through his efforts almost all of it was placed in a state of cultivation. He was the father of the following children : Isaac, Elias, Amos, ohn, William, Abraham, Simon, Jane ( who is still living at St. Mary, (Ohio) and Samuel, father of the immediate subject. To each one of his children he gave one hundred acres of land in this county, thus starting them out in life, and it is an interesting fact that not one of the twelve failed, all having made good. Samuel Coil started on his hundred-acre tract and later moved to the homestead in Union township, where he reared his family. He chose as his life companion Sarah Fults, the daughter of Peter and France's (Rankin) Fults. The former was a native of Pendleton county, Virginia, and came to this state when a young man. He first located in Ross county, near Chillicothe, later coming to Fayette county, where he passed the remainder of his life. He was the father of eight children, namely : Jacob, Simon, John, Jerry and Thomas, all deceased, Phoebe, Sarah (subject's mother) and Jane. The subject was the eldest of a family of six children, the others ing Jesse, Mary, Ida and Alice, all deceased. Jasper L., hereinbefore mentioned, and Jacob H. are the only surviving members of the family. Those ceased are all buried in the Coil cemetery on the old Coil farm. When a boy, Jacob H. Coil attended school in district No. 4, known familiarly at that time as "Pop Gun College," later attending Midland school, where he received the balance of his education. From his early youth he had assisted the father in the work about the homestead and when, in his twenty-first year, his father died he had received such careful training in agricultural work that he was able to take up the work where his father left off and assisted the mother in raising the balance of the family. The mother survived the father a number of years, having passed away only a few years ago. Mr. Coil has lived an active and well-rounded life. Politically, he ire his support to the Republican party and has always taken an active interest in politics. For six years he was a member of the school board and ,s always been ready and willing to do anything in his power to advance the elfare of the community along educational, social or moral lines. His religious affiliation is with the Methodist Protestant church, in the work of hich organization he takes a commendable interest. While living a quiet (1 retired life, devoting himself primarily to his own interests, Mr. Coil has a keen appreciation of what constitutes good citizenship, being always ready to back up his theories with actual service if necessary. He is one of 596 - FAYETTE COUNTY, OHIO. the highly respected citizens of his community, having established a reputation for honesty of purpose in his dealings with his fellow men and by being the advocate of clean and wholesome principles in the home, society and politics. FELIX WELTON GREEN. A farmer and stock raiser of Fayette county, Ohio, who has made a pronounced success of his chosen life work is F. Welton Green, one of the substantial farmers of Jasper township. He came to this county about thirty-three years ago and started in with practically nothing, but by good management and close economy he has accumulated a fine farm of two hundred acres. The success which has attended his efforts has not caused him to forget his obligations as a public-spirited citizen and his support on all in all measures of general welfare has given him the respect and esteem of his fellow citizens. F. Welton Green, the son of Charles and Angeline (Cunningham) Green, was born in Warren county, Virginia, December 3, 1847. His father was born in Prince William county, Virginia, and lived his whole life in the state of his nativity. Charles Green and wife reared a family of six children Laura, William V., F. Welton, Mrs. Kate Seymour, Mrs. Jennie Scott, and Seymour. The family were Presbyterians in faith and were prominent in the life of their community in Virginia. The education of F. Welton Green was received in the district schools and Front Royal Academy, Virginia. He worked on the farm until the Civil War opened and then, although but fifteen years of age, enlised in Company E, Seventh Regiment; Third Squadron, Virginia Cavalry. He served under Gen. Fitz Hugh Lee in northern Virginia until the close of the war. He then took up farming and has made it his life work. He married in 1871 and started farming in Warren county, coming to Fayette county in about 1881. He bought part of his present farm in Jasper township upon coming to this county and has since added to his original holdings until he now has a well improved farm of two hundred acres. He has been a careful farmer and has always ranked with the best in his township, always adding the latest machinery to his equipment, thereby being able to get the maxim results from his efforts. Mr. Green was married February 2, 1871, to Elizabeth L. Castleman, the daughter of Charles D. Castleman. Mr. Castleman was a lieutenant in FAYETTE COUNTY, OHIO - 597 the Confederate army, being a lieutenant of Company F, Second Regiment, Virginia Infantry. He was killed at the second battle of Bull Run. Mr. and Mrs. Green have been born four daughters, Besse, Anna, Mae and Jennie. Besse is the wife of Edwin Dice and has two sons, Maxwell and James. Anna was the wife of Jesse Coil, but is now deceased. Mae became wife of Roy Rankin and has two children, Arley R. and Marion E. Jennie is the wife of Albert Leach and has one daughter, Margaret. The mother of these children died in 1907. She was a member of Grace church at Alexandria, Virginia, the same to which George Washington belonged. Mr. Green is a Democrat in politics, but has never been an aspirant for office, perferring to give his attention to his agricultural affairs. SALATHIEL H. CARR. The reader's attention is now called to a short sketch of the career of Salathiel H. Carr, now living in comfortable retirement after a strenuous life spent in agricultural circles. By his enterprise and progressive methods he has contributed in a material way to the industrial and commercial advancement of the community, and because of his high character and questioned integrity, he enjoys to a marked degree the sincere respect of the community. Salathiel H. Carr was born on March 15, 1845, in Union township, Fayette county, Ohio, on the same farm where he is at present residing, being the son of Jacob and Polly (Aerrod) Carr. Jacob Carr was born in 1817 in Madison county, this state, but was brought to Fayette county by his parents when but a baby. His parents were Joab and Malinda Carr, coming to this strate from Virginia and being among the first settlers in this section of the country. Jacob, father of the immediate subject, was a small boy about seven years of age when both his parents died and he was taken into the home of a first cousin, by whom he was reared to manhood. For a number of years he assisted this cousin about his farm, later buying one hundred and thirty-two acres, where he lived for many years and where the subject now resides. The subject was one of a family of nine children, the others being Matilda (Mrs. Thornton), Ella (Mrs. Thornton), Eliza, David, May (Mrs. Baughan), Susan, Jesse and Amanda. Mr. Carr received his education in the schools of the neighborhood where his boyhood days were passed, attending first district No. 6. which was 598 - FAYETTE COUNTY, OHIO. a little primitive log structure, later finishing in the more modern school near the cemetery and about a quarter of a mile from his home. When quite at young he began to assist his cousin about the farm and throughout his school days his spare time was passed in this manner. When twenty years of age he began renting land and farming on his own account, and in this one community has passed his entire life of sixty-nine years. He was quite successful in. his chosen vocation of farming and had also quite an enviable reputation as a successful stock raiser. Mr. Carr chose as his life companion Isabella Thompson, born in Ross, county, near Austin, daughter of William and Elizabeth (Lucas) Thompson, with whom he was united in marriage in 1871. Mrs. Carr's parents come from old families of Virginia and were early settlers in Ross county. They were the parents of twelve children, Carrie, Henry, Elijah, Thomas, Austin, Dennis, Isabella, Sarah, Mattie, Lucy and two children who die early infancy. Mrs. Carr passed from this life on June 22, 1908, and buried in the cemetery at Washington C. H. She was a very devout Ch ian woman, her sympathies large enough to embrace all creeds, and was n,. happier than when in the discharge of some helpful duty. Mr. and Carr became the parents of six children, the eldest of whom, Delbert, died when young. Noah married Ella Craig and is the father of two child! Aerrod and Richard. Frank chose as his wife Nettie Elliott and has one son, Delbert. Maud became the wife of Jesse Craig and is the mother of a little daughter, Margaret. The remaining ones of the family are Blanchard and Leroy. Mr. Carr gives his earnest support to the oldculline Republican party having more than a nominal interest in the affairs of same. For six year: he served as trustee of Union township and has been otherwise active in part, affairs. He gives his moral and material support to church societies of different denominations and does all within his power to advance the moral, educational and material welfare of the community. While Mr. Carr's has been a quiet one, not possessing any spectacular scenes, yet it has bee, filled with quiet, steady purpose and an honest ambition to fill well his place as a man and citizen. It is just such quiet, substantial lives which are the backbone and sinew of the life of the nation, for, after all, the life of the town or community, the state or nation, is really only what the individual life makes them and the nation has need of men of high ideals and quiet, steadfast purpose. Throughout his life, Mr. Carr has so lived as to endear f to a great number of friends and is well known all over the county.    FAYETTE COUNTY, OHIO - 599 HORACE W. WILSON. There are one thousand eight hundred and forty-six farms in Fayette county, Ohio, and of this number there are only forty-three with an acreage of more than five hundred acres. Some of these large farms have come about as a result of inheritance and others have been the result of the individual labors of the owners. One of the most successful farmers of Marion township is Horace W. Wilson, who, by his own initiative, has accumulated a farm of six hundred acres,. having started in with nothing at the beginning of his career. He started out to work by the month and later bought a small farm and to this has added from time to time until he has become the owner of his present fine farm. It has taken good management, close economy and the progrssive farming, and these qualities are strikingly exemplified in the career of Mr. Wilson. While he has been accumulating a comfortable fortune of his own, he has not neglected to bear his full share of the burdens of community life and has always been known as a public-spirited citizen, interested in the everything which pertains to the welfare of his township and county. Horace W. Wilson, the proprietor of Maple Lawn Stock Farm, on the Bloomingburg and New Holland pike, was born January 28, 1857, in Green township, Fayette county, Ohio. He is the son of John and Martha J. (Cockerell) Wilson, and one of eight children born to his parents, the others being Mrs. Clara Neil, William G., Mrs. Sylvitha Hidy, J. M.. Charles, John and Chilton P. John Wilson was born in Rockingham county, Virginia, and came to this county with his parents, William and Peachy (Fishback) Wilson, about 1810 or 1812. John Wilson was a farmer and merchant and a man of prominence in his community. He was a man of excellent intellectual attainments and gave his children the best advantages which the schools of that early day afforded. Horace W. Wilson attended the schools of Perry township and remained at home with his father on the farm until he reached the age of twenty-two, when he began to work out by the month, saving his wages with the intention of purchasing a farm of his own. He first bought one hundred and fourteen acres in Perry township, this county, and two years later sold it and purchased a farm in Ross county, Ohio, where he lived for a while, and then sold his farm at a good profit and invested the proceeds in land in Marion township, this county. After locating in Marion township, he added to his land holdings until he now has six hundred acres of as good land as can be found within the county. He has a beautiful country home, com-