200 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. Mr. Coe was again married December 16, 1875, his second union being with Mrs. Almira Winterbotham, by whom he had two children: Erwin L., deceased; and one who died in infancy unnamed. Mrs. Coe's first husband was John Winterbotham, and to them were born: two children: Johnetta and one who died in infancy. Her father, Francis La Chapelle, was born near Montreal, Canada, in 1814, and .was a molder by trade. He was a member of the Christian church, and fraternally was a charter member of Columbus Lodge, No. 9, I. O. O. F. His death occurred September to, 1844. In New York: state he married Eleanor. Ward, and they became the parents of three children : Eleanor, Almira and Frances. For her second husband the mother married William Say, now deceased, but she is still living, at the age of eighty-two years. Mr. Coe is one of the representative and popular citizens of his community, and has been called upon to serve as township trustee for eight years, Since casting his first presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln in 1860 he has never wavered in his allegiance to the Republican party, and, as every true American citizen should, he takes an active interest in public affairs. In religious belief he is a Universalist, while his wife holds membership in the Congregational church of North Columbus. They are widely and favorable known and have a host of warm friends in the community where they reside. DANIEL J. RYAN. Daniel J. Ryan was born at Cincinnati, January 1, 1855. His father, John Ryan, and his mother, Honora Ryan, were born in Ireland and came to this country about 1850 and settled in Cincinnati. They afterwards removed to Portsmouth, Ohio, where young Ryan received his education in the public schools, passing through all the grades. He was graduated at the high school in 1875: For a year before leaving school he was entered as a law student in the office of Judge James W. Bannon, where he continued his studies after graduating. In February, 1877, he was admitted to the bar by, the supreme court at Columbus. He at once commenced practice alone at Portsmouth, and in the following April was elected city solicitor ; was re-elected in 1879, serving until the spring of 1881. In 1883 he was elected a member of the Ohio house of representatives, and was re-elected in 1885. During this service he was speaker pro tem and chairman of the committee on public works. At the expiration of his legislative duties he resumed practice. In 1888 he was elected secretary of the state of Ohio, and in 1890 was re-elected for a second term. He resigned this office, however, in 1891 to accept the appointment of commissioner-in-chief for Ohio of the World's Columbian Exposition, the duties of which required his services until May, 1894. While secretary of state he assisted in the compilation of Smith & Benedict's edition of the Revised Statutes of Ohio. He has since been engaged in the practice of law at Columbus bus. He has always been a Republican; was the first president of the Ohio CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 201 Republican League, and' presided at New York over the first convention of the National League of Republican Clubs, which met in 1887. For ten years Mr. Ryan has been one of the trustees of the Ohio Historical Society. He was appointed by the Exhibitors' Association at the World's Fair as one of the commissioners to the Antwerp Exposition in 1894. He was appointed by Governor McKinley as a delegate to the National Water Ways Convention, which met at Vicksburg in 1894. At the present time he is the president of the Ohio Canal Association. Mr. Ryan is well and favorably known throughout the state as a man of high character and a lawyer of ability. He has been 'identified with many important cases in Ohio which have attracted general attention both in and out of the state, among which might be mentioned the case touching the constitutionality of the abandonment of the Hocking canal and litigation relating to the food department of the state. On the loth clay of January, 1884, Mr. Ryan was married to Myra L. Kerr, of Portsmouth, and by this union five children were born, two of whom are living,—Julia E. and Elinor. JOHN PFEIFER. It is always interesting to note the advance of one who has spent his entire life in a single locality. It is said that a prophet is never without honor save in his own country, and yet it will be found that the American people are willing to accord recognition for the possession of those qualities which insure progress and contribute toward success. Although Mr. Pfeifer has spent his entire life in Columbus, he is. accounted one of the enterprising business men of the city and well merits his prosperity. He was born in 1859, a son of Mathias Pfeifer, a native of Bavaria, Germany, in which country he was reared and educated. He there learned the tailoring trade, but hoping to better his financial condition in the new world he sailed for America about 1840, and followed his chosen vocation in Columbus. He was one of the first German Republicans. in the city, casting his ballot in support of that party when only six of his nationality voted the ticket. When the country became engaged in civil war he joined the Union army and loyally aided in the defense of the stars and stripes. He died in 1865, from the effects of exposure in the service, and his wife passed away in 1862, leaving five children. John Pfeifer acquired his literary education in the schools of his native city, and afterward attended the Columbus Business College. At the age of thirteen he began learning a trade, and in 1886 commenced business on his own account, in connection. with George D. Saas. The firm is still in business and has a large jobbing trade in all lines. Their patronage is very extensive, and thus their income is annually augmented. In his political affiliations Mr.. Pfeifer is an active Democrat. He was appointed one of the first directors of the Columbus workhouse by Mayor 13 202 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. Allen in 1895, for a term of four years, but resigned in 1897, and was appointed by Mayor Black on the board of elections for a four-years term. He is still serving in that capacity, the board being in control of the elections of the city. Socially Mr. Pfeifer is connected with the Masonic and Knights of Pythias fraternities, and in the latter has served as a representative to the grand lodge. He is a past grand in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, belongs to the Red Men and the Elks, and is the president of the Olentangy Club, the leading social organization in the state. In. manner Mr. Pfeifer is courteous and genial, and his social disposition, his. sterling qualities and well-known reliability have made him a popular resident of Columbus. He wedded Miss Mary F. Zengler, a native. of this city and a daughter of Matthew and Catherine Zengler, of Germany. They now have two children: Carl Matthew and Walter Adam. JOSEPH WATSON TIPTON. Among the veterans of the Civil war now representing the farming interests of Franklin county is Joseph Watson Tipton, who resides in Prairie township. He is of English lineage and the family was founded in America at an: early day. His paternal grandfather, Joseph Tipton, was a native of Shenandoah county, Virginia, where he died. He was. married in Monroe county, that state, and for many years resided there. His wife; Mrs. Rebecca Tipton, passed away in Franklin county, Ohio. Joseph Tipton, the father of our subject, was born in Shenandoah county, Virginia,. whence he went to Monroe county, West Virginia, where he was reared to manhood, early becoming familiar with the work of the farm. His educational privileges were somewhat limited, but his experience made him a practical business man. He was married, in Monroe county, to Miss Catherine Watson, who was born. in Virginia, a daughter of George Watson. They began their domestic life in West Virginia, where five children were born to them, and in 1848 they came to Ohio, settling in Perry township, Franklin county, near the present site of Marble Cliff. The father rented land for a short time .and afterward removed to Jackson township. His death accurred in the town of West Jefferson, Madison county, Ohio, ih 1886, but his widow is still living, in her eighty-sixth year, her home being on Fifth avenue, in Columbus. She holds membership in the Methodist Episcopal church, with which Mr. Tipton was also identified. In his, political affiliations he was first a Whig, afterward becoming a Republican. He had twelve children namely : Mary, who died in childhood ; William, who died at the age of twenty-three years ; Joseph W., of this review ; Amanda, now the wife of Charles Huff, of Columbus ; Isaac, of Columbus, who served in the Ninth Ohio Cavalry during the Civil war ; Nancy, the wife of Alonzo Horrington, of Barbertown, Ohio ; Elias, who. is living in Columbus ; Charles, who makes CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 203 his home in Indianapolis; Frances, wife of Lawrence Stone, of Columbus; Margaret, wife of Thomas Johnson, of Kansas; George, who was a member of the One Hundred and Eighty-eighth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and died in the hospital at Cincinnati, in 1865 ; and John, who is living in Illinois. Joseph W. Tipton, whose name forms the caption of this sketch, was born in Monroe county, West Virginia, December 31, 1839, and in 1848, when a lad of nine summers, accompanied his parents to Ohio. He began his education in the subscription schools of his native place and completed his studies in Franklin county, at the age of eighteen. In the early spring time he assisted in the plowing and planting of the fields and later bore his part in the work of harvesting the crops. After the inauguration of the Civil war, prompted by a spirit of patriotism, he enlisted in the ranks at the call of the president, joining the army at Columbus as a private of Company B, Fifty-fourth Ohio Infantry, for three years' service. He was under command of Captain Williams and Colonel Thomas Kilby Smith, and went to Camp Dennison, near Cincinnati, where he remained for five months, when the regiment was ordered to Paducah, Kentucky. The first engagement in which he participated was the battle of Shiloh, and this was followed by the siege of Corinth and the battle of Memphis. They next went down the river with General Sherman, the army attacking Vicksburg upon the Yazoo Bluffs. With his command he afterward proceeded on a march through Arkansas, across the Kansas line. The Union troops succeeded in capturing Fort Gibson, and then made their way to Vicksburg, on the Louisiana side. That winter they were engaged in digging General Grant's canals, after which they proceeded to Hard Times Landing and then marched against Jackson, Mississippi, capturing the city ; moving on toward the rear of Vicksburg. While enroute they participated in the battles of Champion Hills and Big Black river, and then began the siege of Vicksburg., on the 19th of May, 1863. A charge was made, but they could not get inside of the fortifications, and again on the 22d a charge was made. Both days the Union troops were forced to fall back and they then settled down to besiege the city, continuing the siege for forty-four days, when the strong central southern city surrendered. While the Union troops were engaged in the siege Joe Johnston with his Confederate troops approached in the rear, and when Vicksburg had fallen they engaged them in battle, winning the victory. This encounter occurred at Jackson. Mr. Tipton with his command Was afterward in camp at Black river and then went to Vicksburg, proceeding up the Mississippi to Memphis and across the country to Chattanooga, participated in the engagement at Mission Ridge and on to Knoxville, where they raised the siege. Returning thence to Chattanooga, they were afterward in camp at Larkinsville, Alabama. At that place Mr. Tipton re-enlisted as a veteran. and returned home on a thirty days' furlough. When the leave. of absence had expired he rejoined his. command in March, 1864, and started on the Atlanta campaign, being under fire for more than one hundred days. From Atlanta the Union troops followed Hood 204 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. back to within sixty miles of Chattanooga, thence returned to Atlanta and prepared for the march to the sea, which has become memorable in history. The troops were engaged in battle at Fort McAllister, marched through South Carolina and North Carolina, participating in the battle at. Averysboro and then followed Johnston to Raleigh, where that Confederate commander surrendered. With his regiment Mr. Tipton proceeded to .Washington and participated in the grand review, after which he was sent to Louisville. When General Hazen volunteered to go to Texas to quell the disturbances Mr. Tipton accompanied him, and after some time spent in the northern portion of the Lone Star state, proceeded to Little Rock, Arkansas, where he was discharged August 15, 1865. He returned home with the rank of sergeant. At Arkansas Post he was wounded in the left foot by a musket ball and a piece of shell also struck him in the head on the 22d of July, 1864, in front of Atlanta. On the same.day he narrowly escaped being taken prisoner. He was always found at his post of duty loyally defending the cause in which he believed and his bravery was displayed on many a southern battle-field. After his return to the north Mr. Tipton resumed farming and has since devoted his energies to the cultivation of his land. He was united in marriage, June 10, 1866, to Miss Mary Ann Allegre, a daughter of Lorenzo D. Allegre, deceased. Seven children have been born unto them, four yet living: Myron and William, who are living in Brown township; Katie, wife of Alva Alwood ; and Leroy, at home. At the time of their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Tipton took up their abode on the land which was. rented from her father, and in 1879 our subject purchased his present farm, comprising a large and valuable tract of ninety-six acres. This is under a high state of cultivation, being well improved with substantial buildings and all modern accessories Mr. Tipton gives his attention. exclusively to agricultural pursuits. and at the same time he is also true and faithful to his duties of citizenship as when he wore the blue and followed the stars and stripes on the battle-fields of the south. WILLIAM HEADLEY. One of the most attractive homes of Columbus is occupied by William Headley, a retired farmer, whose labors in former years brought him a hand some competence, and thus he is enabled to enjoy a well merited rest. He was born August 12, 1827, on the farm in Jefferson township that is now occupied by his brother, Daniel Headley, his parents being William and Mary (Havens) Headley. His grandfather, Joseph Headley, was a native of Sussex county, Virginia,. and when he came to Ohio he cast in his lot with the pioneer settlers of Franklin county. There were only two grocery stores in Columbus and visits to the city were made on horseback, the way lying through the woods. No roads had been made and the path was marked by blazed trees. In pioneer times William Headley, the father of our subject, CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 205 purchased two acres of land at the corner of High and Broad streets, but some years later sold it and through the dishonesty of the purchaser was swindled out of the money. He was reared in his parents' home and in early life acquired eighteen hundred dollars by cutting wood and burning charcoal. In 1811 he came west to Ohio and selected a location in Jefferson township, after which he returned to Sussex county with some horses. In the spring of 1812 he came to this State and located at what is now Headley's Corners. He erected a grist and sawmill, and as he needed assistance in the operation of the industry he admitted his brother Samuel to a partnership in the business. They carried on operations for several years, after which William Headley purchased his brother's interest and Samuel removed to Licking county, Ohio. William Headley, of this review, received. such educational privileges as the common schools afforded. It was his intention to go to California in the spring of 1850, his father having promised to send him, but the cholera epidemic was so great that his father believed it unwise for the son to make the trip. In the spring of 1852, when he had accumulated enough money of his own to accomplish the journey, William Headley started across the plains for the gold fields, leaving home on the 24th of April and arriving at his destination on the 26th of August. He landed at Eureka, California, whence he went to Poor Man's creek and to Hopkins' creek, spending the first year at those places. He finally located at Biddle's Bar, where he was taken ill with typhoid fever. After eleven weeks he resumed work, but soon had a relapse and was again in bed for six weeks. In the spring of 1853 he drove some pack animals across to the east branch of the north fork of Feather river. He also cut five hundred logs at Biddle's Bar, but the rainy season was late that year and he therefore abandoned them. In July, 1855, he returned to Ohio with twenty-eight hundred dollars, which he had accumulated. The journey to his old home was made by water. The year following his return, accompanied by his parents, he went to Lucas county, Iowa, on a trip, and there he purchased five hundred and ten acres of land, with the intention of locating there. On the 27th of November, 1855, Mr. Headley was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Beem, a native of Licking county, Ohio, born April 7, 1831, her parents being John and Margaret (Albery) Beem, Who came from New Jersey to Ohio in an early day. Mrs. Headley objected to removing to Iowa, and our subject therefore purchased fifty acres of land lying north of his father's. farm. He next traded his Iowa land for one hundred and fifty acres east of his fifty-acre lot, and still later added the fifty acres that lay between his two tracts. At his father's death he inherited fifty acres, so that his landed possessions aggregated three hundred acres. This was operated under his management for some years and became one of the best improved properties in the county. He was very successful in his farming and stock-raising interests and made a specialty of the raising of sheep, for 206 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. which he found a ready sale upon the market. In 1883 he retired from active business life and purchased residence property on Garfield avenue, in Columbus, where he remained for six years. He then traded his farm property for his present valuable residence on East Rich street. In 1885 he erected a brick building at the corner of High and Eleventh avenue, and his various realty holdings bring to him an excellent return. On the 18th of October, 1875, Mr. Headley was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who died leaving three children. George, now an agriculturist of Licking county ; Amanda R.:, the wife of William T. Foster, a mining operator of Joplin, Missouri ; and Margaret L., at home. She superintends the household for her father, and the home is one of the attractive residences of Columbus. Mr. Headley is a believer in the Universalist doctrine, hut does not hold membership in any church, although he has made many liberal contributions to the support of religious work. He espouses the cause of the Democracy, keeps well informed on the political issues and has served for about four terms as trustee of Jefferson township, while for several year's he filled the office of school director. As an energetic, upright and conscientious business man he acquired a handsome competence and by patient striving worked out for himself a solid reputation as a successful agriculturist. His record both public and private has been marked by the strictest integrity and faithfulness to every trust reposed in him, and he is widely known as an honorable gentleman and as a pleasant social companion. AMERICUS S. HAGER. Franklin county has many well-to-do and successful farmers who are the architects of their own fortunes and have been prominently identified with the upbuilding and development of this section of the state. Among these is the subject of this personal history, who now owns and operates a good farm in Norwich township. The paternal ancestors of our subject were from the Green Mountain state. His grandfather, Daniel Hager, was born at the foot of Bald mountain, near Montpelier, Vermont, and married a Miss Baldwin, also a native of that state. He served as a soldier in the war of 1812, and in 182o brought his family to Ohio, locating where Plain City now stands, when the Indians were still quite numerous in that locality. He was one of the pioneers of that region, and his home was the usual log cabin of those early days. Plain City now stands upon a part of what was his farm. John Baldwin Hager, the father of our subject, was born in Vermont in 1820, and was taken by his parents to Ohio during infancy. He grew upon, the wilderness and aided his father in the arduous task of clearing and improv, ing the farm. The Indians: would often come to the home and take his sister: Octavia to their village to play with the Indian children. On reaching manhood he married Miss Sarah Clark, and for a time remained upon the home CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 207 farm, but later located on a farm two and a half miles up the creek on the opposite side of that stream. Being a wild, wooded tract, he erected a saw-mill and engaged in the manufacture of lumber from the timber on his own land. He died in 1852, having survived his wife but one week. To them were born three children : Gelucius, deceased ; Amanda, the wife of William Harper, of Hilliards; and Americus S., our subject. The last named was born on the old homestead in Jerome township, Union county, November 10, 1847, and was not quite five years of age when his parents died, while his brother was but fifteen and sister thirteen. The home being broken up, the farm was sold and. our subject and sister went to live with an uncle for three years, at the end of which time his uncle bound him out to James Smith Britton, of Norwich township, Franklin county, until fourteen years of age. He was able to attend school but very little, though his training at farm work was not so meager. On leaving the home of Mr. Britton he joined his brother in. Union county, and remained with him until the latter entered the army. After his death our subject returned to the home of Mr. Britton, for whom he continued to work a couple of years. Mr. Hager was then married, in April, 1871, to Miss Jennie Baker, and to them have been born six children Albert, a resident of Hilliard's ; Amanda, the wife of George Fisher; Rosie, wife of David Cox; Rilla, at home ; and Charles and Elmer, both deceased. After his marriage Mr. Hager rented Mr. Britton's farm near Hilliard's for two years, and then was on another farm of that gentleman for the same length of time. The following seven years were spent upon Mr. Britton's home farm, and at the end of that time he purchased seventy-eight acres of land in Scioto township, Pickaway county, Ohio, which he sold after residing thereon for four years. He next bought two hundred and eight acres in partnership with Mr. Britton, and erected a house thereon, but a year later sold that place and purchased an adjoining tract of one hundred and fifty-three acres. making it his home for four years. On disposing of that property he bought his present farm of thirty-two acres in Norwich township, and is now successfully engaged in truck farming. Mr. Hager is a very intelligent and well informed man, and a good talker on all political questions, especially on free silver. He is an ardent supporter of the Democratic party, and takes an active interest in public affairs. MRS. JOHN CLAPHAM. Mrs. John Clapham, one of the highly esteemed residents of Blendon township. bore the maiden name of Harriet Nutt and was born in Muskingum county, Ohio, February 25, 1828, a representatiye of one of the old pioneer families of the state. Her parents were Edward and Allie (Coe) Nutt. 208 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. Her father was born in or near Winchester, Virginia, in 1789, and during his boyhood accompanied his father to Muskingum county, Ohio, wherre he was reared. After attaining to man's estate he was married and in 1833 came to Franklin county, where he purchased one hundred and thirty acres of land just north of the Clapham farm in Blendon township, and, with the exception of a short period spent in Delaware county, Ohio, in his later life, he continued to make his home in Franklin county until called to his final rest, on the 30th of August, 1873, when in his eighty-fourth year. While he was never associated by membership with any church, he was a constant attendant on the services of the Baptist church and contributed liberally to uts support. His life was in harmony with the principles of upright manhood; in all his dealings he was strictly fair, and for his many sterling qualities he was highly respected. His wife was born near Baltimore, Maryland, May 23, 1803, and when six years of age accompanied her parents on their removal to Virginia, the family settling near Charleston. Five years later they took up their abode near Zanesville, Ohio, where Mrs. Nutt attained her womanhood. On the 20th of May, 1823, she gave her hand in marriage to Edward Nutt, and through a long period they traveled life's journey together. In 1834 she united with the Baptist church and throughout the remaining years of her life she was a consistent and active member of that denomination. She departed this life April 4, 1890, in her eighty-seventh year. This worthy couple became the parents of ten children, but only three are now living, namely : Rebecca, the widow of Alfred McLeod, of Delaware county, Ohio; Mrs. Clapham; and Elizabeth, the wife of William Beever, also of Delaware county. Harriet Nutt spent her girlhood days under the parental roof and acquired her education in the common schools. On the 26th of May, 1853, she became the wife of John Clapham. He was a native of Blendon township, born on the 28th of April, 1829, on what is now known as the Osborne farm, near Alum creek. The following year his parents removed to the farm now owned by William C. Goldsmith, and in connection with the sketch of the latter appears an account of the life record of the parents of Mr. Clapham, who grew to manhood and were married in this. locality. He and his wife began their domestic life upon the farm where the family yet reside. This place comprised ninety-three acres and was purchased by his grandfather, Joseph Clapham, being then known as the old Landon farm. Subsequently the grandfather willed it to John Clapham and it remained his home up to the time of his demise, on the 12th of January, 1879, and has since been the place of residence of his widow and children. During his active business career, however, Mr. Clapham added to the farm a tract of ten acres, and after his death his widow purchased an adjoining thirty acres, so that the place now comprises one hundred and thirty-three acres. They were the parents of four children : Orlena, now the widow of DeWitt Gates, of Blendon township; Rosetta, at home ; Edward C., a farmer of Blendon township, CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 209 who married Miss Olive Gates and has five children; and Clayton H., who operates the home farm and who married Nettie Martin, by whom he has two children. In his political views Mr. Clapham was an ardent Republican, and although he never sought office or political honors for himself he believed firmly in the principles of the party and did all in his power to promote its growth and insure its success. He was one of the most highly esteemed men of the county. His life history contains no exciting chapters, but was one consistent with many principles, and thus to his family he left the priceless heritage of an untarnished name. Mrs. Clapham still resides on the old homestead. She has long been a resident of the county and has many warm friends throughout this portion of the state.         - FRANKLIN RUBRECHT. In no case is there a career more open to talent than in that of the law, and in no field of endeavor is there demanded a more careful preparation, a more thorough appreciation of the absolute ethics of life, or of the under-lying principles which form the basis of all human rights and privileges. Unflagging application and intuitive wisdom and a determination to fully utilize the means at hand, are the concomitants which insure personal success and prestige in this great profession, which stands as the stern conservator of justice; and it is one into which none should enter without a recognition of the obstacles to be overcome and the battles to be won, for success does not perch on the falchion of every person who enters the competitive fray, but comes only as the diametrical result of capability and unmistakable ability. Possessing all the qualities of the able lawyer, Franklin Rubrecht is already winning marked success in his profession. He is yet a young man and the future undoubtedly has in store for him a very successful career. A native of Ohio, Mr. Rubrecht was born in Delaware, August 31, 1867, his parents being Joel and Priscilla Helen Rubrecht. The father was born in Berks county, Pennsylvania, in 1839, upon a farm, and followed agricultural pursuits throughout his residence in the Keystone state. With his family he removed to Delaware, Ohio, and there became a contractor, builder and architect. He has since been actively identified with the improvement of the city along building lines and many substantial structures there stand as monuments to his enterprise, diligence and thrift. His wife, who as born in Delaware county, Ohio, in 1842, died in 1894. She was the mother of three sons and one daughter, all of whom lived to years of maturity. Franklin Rubrecht, whose name forms the caption of this sketch, attended the public schools of his native town and was graduated at the high school, after which he pursued a commercial course in Professor Sharp's Business College, in Delaware. In 1884 he arrived in Columbus and became a student of law in the office of R. H. Platt, an attorney of this city, who directed his 210 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. reading for some time. He also acquired a knowledge of telegraphy and was employed by the Western Union Telegraph Company, acting as an operator in Columbus for a considerable period. This gave him the funds necessary to continue his legal education, and in October, 1892; he completed the law course in the Ohio State University. He then began the practice of his profession. He was appointed assistant director of law, and by virtue of that office became prosecuting attorney of the police department, serving acceptably in that position until 1897. He received his appointment from Judge Owen, who at that time was director of law, and was appointed by and served under Mayor Black until 1899. Retiring from that position, he resumed the active practice of law and has figured in several very important cases. In December, 1899, he was elected the attorney for the Columbus Humane Society. On the 9th. of April Mr. Rubrecht was appointed first assistant director of law by Hon. Luke G. Byrne, director of law under Mayor John N. Hinkle. This position is perhaps the most important one in the law department, since it falls, to the lot of the first assistant to conduct all the litigation in which the city of Columbus is interested. On the 18th of September, 1894, Mr. Rubrecht wedded Miss Blanch Newell, of Columbus, a lady of culture and refinement and a daughter of O. H. Newell. One child graces this marriage, namely, Mercedes. In his political affiliations Mr. Rubrecht is a Democrat, and has been twice elected chairman of the congressional committee of the twelfth district of Ohio. He possesses a laudable ambition, without which effort would be fruitless and labor of no avail. In his legal practice he is favorably known for the care with which he prepares his cases and for his devotion to his clients' interests. DANIEL ELLIOTT. Daniel Elliott, now deceased, was a man of marked perseverance and strong force of character, and though he started out in life empty-handed at the early age of fourteen years at the time of his death he was the possesson of a handsome property, all acquired through his own well directed efforts. He was a grandson of James Elliott, who was born and reared in Sherman Valley, Pennsylvania. He married Jean Hart. During the war of the Revolution he fought for the independence of the nation and in compensation for his services was afterward granted by the government sixteen hundred acres of land in Norwich township. Franklin county. He never settled on that tract, however, but lived and died at the place of his nativity, where his wife also passed away. The following is the record of their children : Robert, the father of our subject, was the eldest. William located south of Piqua in Miami county, Ohio, and there spent his remaining days. James took up his abode in Hancock county, Ohio, where he remained until called to his final rest. John, who was an Indian agent for many years, lived and died in Wapakoneta, Ohio. Sally married a cousin, Mr. Elliott, and died CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 211 near Wapakoneta, leaving an infant son, Thomas. The father engaged an Indian woman to act as nurse for the baby and when he grew older he ran away from home and joined the Indian tribe of which his former nurse was a member. Betsy became Mrs. William Nelson and died at Greenfield, Highland county, Ohio. Robert Elliott, father of our subject, wa.s born in 1774, in Sherman's Valley, Perry county, Pennsylvania, and was there reared to manhood on a farm. He married Nancy Black, also a native of the same locality, and soon afterward they started for Ohio; locating at Hillsboro, where they remained for about four years. They then located on a farm of two hundred and sixtyseven acres in Norwich township, Franklin county, which was a part of the government grant to his father. He built a log cabin in the midst of the forest on the banks of the Scioto river by a large spring, but the land was low and wet and produced ague ; so he built a house on higher ground on the west side of the Dublin pike, making his home there until his death. He was a hard-working man and became prosperous. For fifteen years he served as justice of the peace, capably filling that office. By his first marriage he had six children : James, who died in Columbus ; William, who, died in Iowa ; Robert, who died in Champaign county, Ohio ; George, who departed this life in Franklin county; Nancy, who married Bigelow Spain, and died in Champaign county, Ohio; and. Polly, who became the wife of Jacob Vorhees and died in Illinois,. After the death of his first wife the father married Susan Brunk, a native of Maryland. and a daughter of Daniel and Margaret (Grace) Brunk, also natives of that state. She was four years old when she accompanied her parents to Ohio, the family locating in Washington township, Franklin county, where she grew to womanhood among the Indians. The children of Mr. Elliott's second marriage were Sally, the wife of Tillman Sullivan, of Norwich township; Samuel, who died. in Columbus ; Margaret, the wife of Edson Aldrich, of Hardin county, Ohio ; Eliza, the wife of Captain Imes, of Columbus ; Jackson, who died at the Soldiers' Home in Sandusky, Ohio; Daniel; and David, of Norwich township. Daniel Elliott was born in Norwich township, spent his early youth on the farm there and attended school through the winter months until fourteen years of age. He was only four years old when his father died. He remained with his stepfather until fourteen years of age, when he went to live with his sister, Mrs. Sally Sullivan. He attended school only one Winter after that. He became self-supporting at the age of fourteen, first earning his living by digging post-holes in connection with his brother David, at three cents per hole. He worked at anything he could get to do, husking corn, assisting in the harvest fields, or doing any kind of farm work that would yield him an honest living. He saved his money and when he was twenty-four years of age his grandfather, Daniel Brunk, gave him, forty dollars. He inherited two acres of land. from his father and from his brother 212 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. David purchased, two acres adjoining. In 1861 he built a hewed log house of two rooms, which was raised on the 18th of March, 1861. On the 6th of July; 186o, Mr. Elliott had married Miss Sidney Wynkoop, who was born in Brown township, Franklin county, September 20, 1843, a daughter of Strickland and Eliza (Sandy) Wynkoop. In 185o her father removed to Louisa county, Iowa, going by way of Cincinnati. He accomplished part of the journey by taking passage on a steamboat to St. Louis, At the falls of the Ohio river the oldest son, James, fell overboard and the steamer backed up to rescue him, but he was struck by the vessel and sank to a watery grave. At. St. Louis, on account of an accident, they had to change boats, but ultimately arrived at Fort Louisa, Iowa, then a small place of six houses and one .shop. They were three weeks on the water., After landing they proceeded by wagon to the Missouri river, crossed that stream on a fer to Wapapello, and by wagon went four miles into the country. With a land warrant Mr. Wynkoop secured forty acres of prairie land and began the erection of a house. He had almost completed it when he was taken with ague, which developed into dropsy, and the other members of the family also became ill. Their two little children, twins, between three and four years of age, had to carry water for them. Another child was born and nine days later the mother died, leaving thirteen children. Mr. Wynkoop then sold his land and returned to Franklin county, Ohio, making his home With relatives while the children were scattered among families in this portion of Ohio. Ile died in 1882, at the age of ninety-one years, six months and six days. Mrs. Elliott was only eleven years of age when she went out in the world to do a woman's work. For a year she lived with her sister, Mrs. Delilah Harrington, and then went to live with her grandfather, but he had married a second time and therefore she was not welcome there. She hired out to do house-work, providing entirely for her own support. Her education was acquired at intervals when she found opportunity to attend school. At the age of seventeen she gave her hand in marriage to Daniel Elliott, and to him she proved a faithful helpmate and companion on, life's journey. In 1871 he purchased twenty-three and three-fourths acres of land adjoining the old Elliott homestead. Mrs. Elliott would bake, churn and cook and attend to all the household duties. Her husband would prepare the fields for cultivation and: then she would go out to assist him, working in the fields until dinner time, when she would return and get dinner and afterward again join her husband in the fields, where they would work until dark. In 1876 they purchased sixteen and three-quarters acres of the old homestead, and in 1882-3 added fourteen acres more, making a total of fifty-seven and in fourths acres. To the cultivation and improvement of his land Mr. Elliott devoted his energies untiring until his death. Unto our subject and his wife were born the following children: Samuel Francis, born October 14, 1861, died in infancy. Nettie Adeline, born April 16, 1865, was married, September 29, 1886, to Elmer E. Shrum, and CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 213 have two children,—Ivan E. and Sidney Lester. Ida Eliza, born November 29, 1866, is the wife of Ulysses Hoffman, who resides near Logansport, Indiana, and they have one child, Daniel Elliott. When seventeen years of age Mr. Elliott, the subject of this review, was converted, joined the Methodist Episcopal church and lived an earnest Christian life. In politics he was a stanch Republican, but never sought or desired public office. He was honest and conscientious in all his dealings and commanded the respect of all with whom he came in contact. He passed away December 21, 1891, esteemed by all who knew him. His widow still resides on the homestead farm, which she assisted him to secure, and in the community she has many friends. JOHN PEIFFIER. Long a resident of Columbus and known as one of the reliable and enterprising citizens, John Peiffier certainly deserves representation in this volume. He was born in Little York, Pennsylvania, July 4, 1834, and was four years of age when he accompanied his father on his removal to Winchester, Ohio. They had been installed in their new home about a year when Jacob Peffier, the father, was killed by a team of horses that ran over him. His wife, Mrs. Margaret Peiffier, was left with a family of small children. She afterward married Henry Herpst, at Winchester, and about 1844 the stepfather with the family came to Franklin county, locating on a farm three miles north of Columbus, and afterward removed to the city, where Mrs. Peiffier died in 1882. The subject of this review continued upon the homestead farm in this county until he had attained his majority, when he removed to the city and for thirty-five years was connected with the fire department, the period between 1855 and 189o. He was a well known figure among the members of the department and in the city, and his bravery was displayed on many occasions. It requires a spirit no less .fearless and resolute to fight the fiery element than to meet the enemy upon the field of battle, and, though there are periods of rest and quiet in the life of the fireman, there are also many times of great danger and excitement, when cool and steady hands are needed. Meeting every requirement, Mr. Peiffier long continued in the service and rendered valued aid to the city in suppressing the chief element of destruction to life and property. On the 3d of July, 1856, in the home of the bride on Mound street, in Columbus, Mr. Peiffier was united in marriage to Miss Olive Pope, whose parents were among the honored pioneer settlers of the capital. Her father, John Pope, was born in New York, in 1786, and served during the war of 1812. With his father he came to the west, settling in Ohio about the year 1823, and here he was married. From 1829 until 1844 he conducted a hotel at Hibernia, Franklin county, and in 185o he took up his abode in Colum- 214 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. bus, spending his remaining days in this city, his death occurring at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Miller, in 1862. His wife, Mrs. (Jettruda) Pope, died in the same year. Their children were : Mrs. Peiffier; Henry, who was born in 1836 and died on his farm in Franklin county in 1875; Phoebe Ann, who married Phillip Dutoit, of Columbus, and died at their home east of the city; Mary Jane, who became the wife of William Lennox, who resides in Mattoon, Illinois, where her death occurred in 1898; Marttha Pope, who became the wife of Gilbert Green and after his death married a Mr. Brown, who died in 1895, since which time she has been living with her daughter, Mrs. Helmbrech, on East Livingston street, Columbus : Caroline, who became the wife of Harvey O'Hara and died in 1870, her husba passing away in 1895, leaving one daughter; Mary, now the wife of James Brown, who is living on East Sixth street, Columbus; Harriet, the wife of Gideon Miller ; John, who died soon after the Civil war; and Louisa, who passed away in 1844. The following is the record of the children born unto Mr. and Mrs. Peiffier : William, their eldest child, was born in 1857 and married Miss Tillie Brown, of New Britain, Connecticut, where they reside with their children, Grace, Jane, Lionel and Charles. Charles, the second son of Mr. and Mrs. Peiffier, was born in 1859, is married and is engaged in the grocery business on Harrison avenue, Columbus; Jettonda was the wife of Joseph Davidson, the proprietor of the Columbus Iron Works and their children were as follows,—Florence and Frank Davidson. Flora Belle, who was born in 1864, is the wife of Frank Smith and has five children, namely : Edgar, Hardy, Elizabeth, Franklin and Robert. Her death occurred in 1894. Her son Edgar, who was born in 1884, resides with his material grandparents. Nettie, the next member of the Peiffier family, is the wife of Edward Radcliffe, of Columbus, and their children are : Eva, Hazel and Margaret. Olive resides at home. Frederick married Miss Ada Tobin and resides on Second avenue. Mr. and Mrs. Peiffier have resided at their present home through the past eighteen years. Their house occupies the site of the old sugar camp which was on his father's farm more than a half century ago. The family are all members of the Episcopal church, and Mr. Peiffier is numbered among the pioneer residents of Columbus, having witnessed much of the growth and development of the city as it has emerged from a village into a thriving metropolitan center. His life has been a useful one, devoted to the welfare of his fellow men, and wherever he is known he is held in high regard. HENRY R. HESS. Prominent as a representative of the farming interests of Franklin county stands Henry R. Hess, an enterprising, practical and progressive agriculturist, whose labors are bringing to him desirable prosperity. He is the only child of Thomas M. and Mary A. (Rutherford) Hess, who was born in CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 215 Delaware county, Ohio, in the year 185o. His mother died when he was only eighteen. days old, and he then resided with his grandparents in Delaware county until six years of age. He pursued his education in the district schools of Franklin county and remained upon the farm with his father until twenty-eight years of age, when he left the parental roof in order to establish a home of his own, securing as a companion and helpmate on life's: journey Miss Katie Reeb, a daughter of Henry Reeb, of Franklin county, the wedding being celebrated in 1879. Their marriage was blessed with two children, of whom one, Anna R., is still living. The mother died in January, 1890, and her loss was deeply mourned not only by her family but by many friends, for her womanly qualities and estimable characteristics had gained her the warm friendship of those with whom she had been brought in contact. Throughout his business career Mr. Hess has carried on agricultural pursuits and now owns and operates one hundred and fifty-two acres of rich land, all under cultivation and well improved with modern accessories. The richly tilled fields bring to him golden harvests, and the buildings upon his place stand as a monument to his enterprise and thrift. He is a man well and favorably known for his many good qualities and he takes an active interest in everything pertaining to the welfare of the community. He is a public spirited and wide-awake citizen, and in his life exemplifies the enterprise to characteristic of America. CLINTON W. TUSING. One of the successful and enterprising farmers and stock raisers of Franklin county is Clinton W. Tusing, of Truro township, who has one hundred and ninety-two acres in his homestead farm and also owns valuable property elsewhere. He was born in Violet township, Fairfield county, Ohio, on the 24th of August, 1849, and is a son of Rev. G. N. Tusing. His: education was acquired in the schools of his native county, and he afterward engaged in teaching in Franklin and Fairfield counties for five years. He first began farming upon a forty-acre tract of land which he received from his father. He made all of the improvements upon the place, transformed it into a richly cultivated tract and afterward. sold that property at a good advance in price. He then purchased the farm upon which he now resides and it has been his home for a quarter of a century. As he had to give possession of the old farm sooner than he had expected his house upon the new one had not then been completed and he therefore took up his. abode in the barn until the residence was erected. It was finished in the year 1875, and in it his family were soon installed. As the years have gone by he has added to his place all the improvements and accessories of a model farm, and to-day his home place of one hundred and ninety-two: acres is a very valuable tract, the well tilled fields yielding a golden tribute in return for his care and labor. He also owns a farm of one hundred and fifty-one acres in Lick- 216 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. ing county and he has three city lots in Columbus. He makes a specialty of raising polled Aberdeen Angus cattle, and his stock is of a fine grade and finds a ready sale on the market, thus materially increasing his income. On the 16th of November, 1871, Mr. Tusing was united in marriage to Miss; Hulda Roads, a daughter of Joseph Roads, who was a successful farmer living near Hebron, Licking county, Ohio. His wife bore the maiden name of Nancy Moore and was born near Newark, in Licking county, Ohio. They were the parents of eight children. Emily became the wife of Amor Smith, of Fairfield county, Ohio, and died in 1863. The others were : Mrs, Laura Stover; Mrs. Rebecca Smith; Mrs. Louise Tusing; Jessie, deceased; Hulda; Mrs. Anna Bretz; and Mrs. Lucinda Miller. The eldest child of Mr. and Mrs.. Tusing was born while they were living in a barn. They have become the parents of six children, three sons and .three daughters, namely : George N., who aids in the operation of the home farm; Ludo Lonzetta, who is a bookkeeper with the Consolidated Street Car Company of Columbus; Myrtle Maud, who is a teacher in Jefferson township; Lutie Gertrude; and Ernest Clem and Edna Esther, who are still with their parents. In his political affiliations Mr. Tusing is a Democrat on questions of national importance, but votes independently at township and county elections, nor has he sought office as a reward for allegiance to Democracy, His wife and two oldest daughters. hold membership in the Primitive Baptist church and he contributes liberally to its support. He gives his aid and co-operation to all movements for the general good and is an enterprising citizen. In his business affairs. he has manifested strong determination, unabating energy and industry, and thus he has been enabled to overcome all the difficulties and obstacles in his path and work his way steadily upward to success WILLIAM NEISWENDER. Throughout almost his entire life William Neiswender has made his home in Jackson township, this county, and has been prominently identified with its industrial and agricultural interests. His has been a long and useful career, and he well merits the high regard in which he is uniformly held. He was born in Pennsylvania, on the 25th of May, 1818, and was only two years.of age when he removed to Knox county, Ohio, with his father John Neiswender, a native of Pennsylvania. Subsequently the family came to Franklin county and took up their residence in Jefferson township among its first settlers. Here the father purchased a tract of woodland, which he cleared and; improved, his occupation being that of farming. William Neiswender began his education in Jefferson township, his first teacher being Worthy Mitchem; but lie was able to attend school only about two months during the year, the remainder of the time being employed in helping his father in clearing and cultivating the home farm. After attaining his majority he entered a select school, where he paid his own expenses by chopping wood mornings and evenings. When his education was com- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 217 pleted he worked as a blacksmith's .striker for some time and then learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed for fourteen years. Being the only carpenter in the neighborhood, in case of a death he was called upon to make coffins. After discontinuing work at the carpenter's trade, he bought the farm in Jackson township, which has now been his home for fifty-six years. His first residence was a log house of but one room, which has since been replaced by a modern and commodious residence. He has made many other improvements upon the place, and now has one of the best cultivated and most desirable farms of the locality. On the 3d of November, 1842, Mr. Neiswender married Miss Polly Hoover, who was born in Jackson township, this county, February 4, 1823, and died in 1873, leaving six children, who are still living, namely: Levi, Catherine, Aaron, Ezra, Lydia and Julia. Mr. Neiswender also has twenty-two grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Through his own individual efforts Mr. Neiswender has become a well educated man, and can speak both English and German fluently. He has ever taken an active and commendable interest in educational affairs, has. done his share toward its advancement, and gave the land on which the first schoolhouse in his neighborhood was built. He served as clerk and treasurer of the school before they had a board of directors, and was afterward elected one of the directors. He is a life member of the Free Thought Federation, and is one of the most progressive and public-spirited citizens of his community, as well as one of its most honored members. In the course of his life he has visited Florida four times and has brought back a fine collection of shells and other relics, and also has the finest collection of old coins in the state. FRANCIS B. DEAN. Francis B. Dean, who carries on agricultural pursuits in Mifflin township, was born on the farm where he yet lives on the 6th of October, 1832. His father, Ebenezer Dean, was born in Stamford, Fairfield county, Connecticut, and in the year 1810 came to Franklin county with his parents, Lebbeus and Ruah Dean, both of whom were natives of Connecticut. They located in the midst of the wild forest in Mifflin township where the home of our subject now stands, and there the grandfather carried on agricultural pursuits until his death. The father of our subject was married, in Columbus, to Miss Rachel Dalzell, who was born in Rochester, New York, and came to Franklin county in early life, locating here in 1818. Her father, William Dalzell, removed with the family from Rochester in July of that year, and located at Columbus, hut afterward engaged in farming. The young couple began their domestic life on the farm which- is still the home of their son, Francis. The father was killed by a falling tree in 1841, when about forty years of age. His wife passed away in 18Q3, at the age of eighty-four years, having long survived her husband. In their family were six children, all of whom were born on the old family homestead, namely : Francis B.; Robert D., of Colum- 14 218 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. bus; John D., who is also living in that city; Ebenezer, who resides in Mifflin township ; and George and James, who have passed away. Mr. Dean, of this review, was the eldest child. He was reared on the old family homestead which was the scene of his childhood pleasures as well as of his manhood labors. With the family he experienced all the hardships and trials which fall to the lot of the pioneer. He pursued his education in the district schools of the neighborhood, spent one year as a student in Columbus and also one year in a school in Pittsburg. On the expiration of that period. he accepted a clerkship in the wholesale grocery house of Bailey & Renshaw, of Pittsburg, continuing in that position for one year, after which he returned to his home in .Mifflin township and resumed farming. He was then twenty-one years of age. As a companion and helpmate on life's journey he chose Miss Fredonia C. Phelps, their courtship being consummated by marriage on the 4th of May, 1854. The lady was born in Blendon township, Franklin county, November 14, 1835. Her father, Homer M. Phelps, was also a native of that township, born February 9, 1812, while the grandfather, Edward Phelps., was a native of Windsor township, Hartford county, Connecticut, whence they came to Franklin county in the month of August, 1806. He located in Blendon township and was prominently connected with the work of pioneer development here. One of his sons, Edward Phelp cut the first stick of timber in the township and the family name has be r deeply engraved on the history of this portion of the state. Homer M Phelps was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth G. Connelly, a native oc Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, who, in 1831, came to Franklin count Mrs. Dean is the eldest of their three children and is the only daughter. H brothers are : Warren, who is living in Columbus ; and E. Clinton, who mak, his home in Chicago. Mrs. Dean was reared in Glendon township and co, pleted her education by a five-years course in the seminary in Worthington, Ohio. After his marriage our subject took his bride to the old homestead, where as the years passed, seven children were added to the family, but only three are now living : Homer P., who married Shirlie Turney, by whom he has two children, Francis B. and Emerson T. ; Katie R., the wife of W. E. Postle, by whom she has two children, Sydney E. and Cyril D. ; and Howard F., who married Olive McLeish, and has a daughter, Helen M. Those who have passed away are Clara B., who was the wife of William Longman, by whom she had two children, Hazel and Francis F. ; Mary E., who married W. E. Dill and had three children; Joe Foraker, Dean E: and Parke E. Laura M. died when twelve years of . age, and Blanche died in infancy. The children were all born on the old family homestead which has been occupied by the Deans pr almost the entire century. Howard is now a student in a medical college. At the time of the Civil war Mr. Dean manifested his loyalty to the government by enlisting in May, 1864, as a member of Company F, of the CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 219 One Hundred and Thirty-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, serving as ordnance sergeant. He had charge of all the ammunition and equipments and made out the muster roll for .the company before they started for the front. They went to Parkersburg, thence to Washington, D. C., and on to City Point, on the James river, where they were stationed. Mr. Dean served until the expiration of his three-months' term and with his command held Fort Powhattan. He received an honorable discharge at Columbus and then returned home to resume the peaceful pursuits; of the farm. He to-day has about three hundred and fifteen acres of valuable land, some of which he rents. His farm is one of the best improved in the county, being supplied with all modern accessories and conveniences. In his political affiliations Mr. Dean is a stalwart Republican, having always supported the men and measures of the party, and on that ticket he has been elected to the offices of trustee, assessor and land appraiser. He is a member of John A. Miller Past, No. 592, G. A. R., and is taking an active part in its work. He served as its first commander and has held the office for three years and has filled all of the official positions in the organization. His wife belongs to J. M. Wells Corps, with which she has, been identified for thirteen years, and she has served as a delegate to the national convention in Pittsburg. She is a member of the Congregational church of Columbus. Mr. Dean has led a busy and useful life, diligence being one of his marked characteristics. Along these lines he has won a creditable success and to-day numbered among the substantial farmers of his native country. For sixty-eight years he has been a witness of the growth and development of this portion of the state and is a worthy representative of an honored pioneer family who, through his own labors, has carried forward the work of improve-net begun by his ancestors. GEORGE L. GEARY. It is probable that Americans adapt themselves to all the requirements of citizenship with more facility and precision than any other people, for the farmer and tradesman becomes a soldier when soldiers are needed, and when peace is declared the soldier loses no time in again becoming the farmer or tradesman and is equally to be depended upon in business or in battle. The farmer who develops any portion of his country does as: good a work for humanity as the soldier who assists to uphold his country's flag, and those who like the subject of this sketch, have done both are doubly deserving of credit. George L. Geary, a prominent farmer and citizen of Washington township, Franklin county, Ohio, was born at the southeast corner of Front and Race streets, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, June 22, 1843, a son of Benjamin Geary, and a grandson of Richard Geary. His grandfather was born in 220 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. Dublin, Ireland, April 21, 1782, and married, November 12, 1804, Benigna Binns, who was born July 21, 1784. He became a barrister and a man of local prominence and died at Dublin October 24, 1834. In 1839 his widow came with her second husband, whose name was Joseph Bromlow, to the United States, and they settled in Washington township, Franklin county Ohio, on the farm now occupied by Frank A. Zimmer. There Mr. Joseph Bromlow died and his widow married Patrick O'Farrell, who died in Washington township. Mrs. O'Farrell died at the residence of her daughter, Mrs. Moses Latham, in 1857. She bore her first husband children as follows; Ann Binns, who was born August 31, 1805, and died February 19, 1850; John, who was born September 14, 1806, and died at Columbus, Ohio, November 3, 1886; Jane, who was born November 9, 1807, and died May 23, 1808; Richard; who was born October 29, 1809, and died in Ireland Benigna, who was born September 25, 1811, and died. March 19, 1835, Benjamin, the father of the subject of this sketch, who was born July 16, 1816, will receive a more extended notice in this article; and Maria, who married the late Moses Latham, of 'Washington township. Mrs. Latham was born October 12, 1826, and died at Columbus, Ohio, March 11, 1900. Mrs. O'Farrell had no children by her second and third marriages. Jonathan Binns, great-grandfather of the subject of this sketch in the maternal line, was born in Dublin, Ireland, September 17, 1721. He became a well-to-do jeweler and silversmith and at his death left a large estate. His first wife was Ann Emerson, who was born December 8, 1725, and died September 28, 1763, after having borne him children as follows : Ambrose, May 5, 1746; John, September 27, 1747, who died October 19, 1775: Mary Hannah, August 26, 1750, who died November 13, 1752; Christian, September 14, 1752, who died October to, 1754; Elizabeth, September 26, 1754; Jonathan, September 25, 1756; Ann, September 23, 1758; Keziah, April 7, 1760, who died September 3, 1763; George, September 23, 1761; Joshua, June 6, 1763, who died December 20, 1764. Mr. Binns married Ann Verney December 7, 1764. Miss Verney, who was born October 26, 1744, was the mother of George L. Geary's grandmother, and bore her and other children to her husband as follows: Mary, January I I, 1766, who died January 25 following; Sarah, February 15, 1767, who died in London, England, August 8, 1790; Keziah, May 26, 1768; Joshua, October 1, 1769, who died June 20, 1771 ; Moses William, January 21, 1771 ; Hannah, April 15, 1772 ; Rebecca, July 23, 1773, who died March 5, 1785; Mary, August 26, 1774, who died September 14 following; Priscilla, born October 1, 1775, who died June I I, 1777; Elinor, born December 20, 1776.; John, March 28, 1778, who died November 2 following; Thomas, born August 25, 1779, who died May 31, 1800; John, born September 1, 1781 ; Frederick, March 11, 1783, who died in the following June; Benigna, the grandmother of the subject of this sketch, born July 21, 1784, who died October 3, 1857; Benjamin, born January 31, 1786; and Joseph, born March 17, 1787, who died August, 1789. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 221 Benjamin Geary, a son of Richard and Benigna (Binns) Geary and the father of George L. Geary, of Washington township, Franklin county, Ohio, was bornin Dublin, Ireland, July 16, 1816, and was well educated. He married and came to the United States in 1836, landing at Philadelphia with very little money with which to begin life in a new land. He opened a small grocery stand at the southeast corner of Front and Race streets, Philadelphia. His business prospered and he bought property at 126 North Front street, he continued his enterprise on a larger scale. In May, 1856, he came to Washington township, Franklin county, and bought the farm now owned by George Datz, consisting of sixty acres, which he paid for in cash at thirtyfive dollars an acre. He began improving and cultivating the land and soon developed it into a productive farm. When he began here he knew absolutely nothing of farming, but was willing to work and learn, and he became one of the most scientific farmers in the county. After he had made a start in his new home he went back to Philadelphia and brought his family on to Ohio and kept a diary of their journey, which would be very interesting reading did space permit of its reproduction here. Be was energetic, industrious and persevering and was no less able as a business man than as a farmer. He was active and influential in politics and during his residence in Philadelphia was a member of the Episcopal church. His public spirit made him a very useful citizen in Washington township, and when he died, July 24, 1867, he was deeply regretted by all who had known him. His wife, who died July 11, 1871, was Miss Hannah Ann Dunn. Her father was a sea captain, and during his absence on a voyage she was born at Kingston, Ireland, and her mother yielded up her life in bringing her into the world. She was taken into the family of a sister of her mother's, and later, before her marriage, lived for a time with members of her father's family. She bore her husband children as follows : Benigna was born May 26, 1837, and married Charles Franks September 17, 1861, and died. September 29, 1889. Richard Henry was born September 27, 1839, and died March 20, 1845. Ann Jane was born August 20, 1841, and died. November 29, 1852. George L. is the subject of this sketch. Sophia was born March 17, 1846, married James A. Smith December 30. 1869, and died in Washington township, Franklin county, Ohio, April 8, 1880. George L. Geary attended the public school at the New street school house in Philadelphia from 1850, when he was seven years old, until 1856, when at the age of thirteen, he was brought by his parents to Ohio. In 1850, during his first year in school, a terrible explosion of gunpowder and saltpetre occurred in Philadelphia, which Mr. Geary states wrecked the New street school house and four hundred other buildings. His sister Benigna was hurled into the cellar of a dwelling which had been blown away by the explosion and young Geary's father was thrown into the Delaware river, from which he managed to make his escape. A man who had been thrown into the same cellar with her helped Benigna to a place of safety. After the explosion 222 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. Mr. Geary's father's house was a refuge for many people who had been rendered homeless by the calamity. There is matter for reflection for believers in dreams in Mr. Geary's statement that before the explosion his father, dreamed of precisely such a catastrophe and that he was thrown into the water as described above. George L., assisted in the work on his father's farm in Ohio until he was eighteen years old, and then, October 16, 1861, he enlisted "for three years or during the war" of the Rebellion, as a private in Company D, Forty-sixth Regiment,. Ohio Volunteer Infantry. His company commander was his cousin, Captain Harding C. Geary, and his regimental commander was Colonel Thomas Worthington. The Forty-sixth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, was attached to the Fifth Division, commanded by General Sherina . and when army corps were formed was included in the Second Brigade, Fourth Division, Fifteenth Corps. General Sherman was. the division commander and General McDowell commanded the brigade. Mr. Geary also served under Generals Grant, McPherson, Logan and Walcutt. The regiment fought at Shiloh, took part in the siege of Corinth and also in the siege of Vicksburg, and in the engagements at Jackson, Atlanta and numerous other places. Mr. Geary was at length discharged from the service by reason of expiration of his term of enlistment, October 26, 1864, at Chattanooga, Tennessee. Returning to Ohio, Mr. Geary resumed work on his father's farm. September 23, 1866, he married Miss Martha J. Cosgray,. who was born in Washington township, Franklin county, Ohio, October 31, 1843, a daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth (Gordon) .Cosgray. An extended sketch of the Cosgray family appears elsewhere in this work. After his marriage Mr. Gery lived for a time on the Geary home farm and then removed to Jerome township, Union county, Ohio, where he bought a farm on which he remained two years. He then returned to Washington township, Franklin county, and, after working rented land four years, bought his present farm of fifty-six acres, one of the good farms of the township, the house on which ws built by John Watts in 184o. A man of good business ability, he has made a creditable success in life and is regarded as a citizen of much public spirit, who advocates all measures tending to benefit his fellow townsmen and advance the best interests of his township, county and state. Politically he is a Democrat, and he is an active worker for the success of his party and has held several important township offices, having been long a member of the school board, township trustee for two terms and justice of the peace for several years, and a decennial appraiser of real property in 1900, performing the duties of these offices with an ability and integrity which have won him the commendation of the leading men of his township regardless of party affiliation. He is a member of John A. Spellman Post, No. 321, Grand Army of the Republic, of Hilliard's, and has twice been elected its commander. The following facts. concerning the children of George L. and Martha J. (Cosgray) Geary will be found interesting in this connection: Lucy, the CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 223 eldest, was born August 12, 1867, and married A. F. DeWitt and lives in Jerome township, Union county, Ohio. Anna E. was born March 7, 1869. Sarah E. was born: November 29, 1871, and was married September 5, 1894, to William Liggett and lives in Washington township, Franklin county. Benigna, born September 27, 1874, married George Leppert October 8; 1896, and lives in Washington township. John B., who was born December 13, 1876, was married to Gertie Skidmore December 20, 1899. Bessie Sophia was born May 12, 1882. EBENEZER BARCUS. The city of Columbus is noted for its representative business men, and among them may be classed Ebenezer Barcus. He was born in Kent county, Delaware, and was a son of Ebenezer and Elizabeth (Glandon) Barcus, the former of whom was born in Maryland, in June, 1790, the latter in the same state about 1793. The father of our subject was a farmer by occupation and moved to Ohio in 1828, locating in Columbus, where he engaged in work as a carpenter. He was well known and respected. His death occurred in 1869, having survived his wife thifty-nine years. It is probable that the Barcus family came from Scotland and Ireland to America before the war of the Revolution. Ebenezer Barcus, our subject, received his education in the city schools, later enjoying some advantages at a private school. He was then taught the trade of bricklayer, the rapid growth of the city giving him plenty of employment. During the great gold excitement of 1849 he joined a company consisting of thirty members and started across the plains for California. After reaching his destination he began operations on the Yuba river, in Gulch Diggings, this proving fairly remunerative His observation soon told him that a fine business might, be carried on in purchasing and supplying necessary supplies to miners, and into this he then entered and successfully conducted it for a period of three years. Returning to Columbus, Mr. Barcus embarked in the grocery business and also pork-packing, being indirectly connected. with the Comstocks, expensive pork-packers. From 1863 to 1874 'he was actively engaged in this undertaking, but at that time disposed of his interests and invested his procceds in the fine farm lands through Franklin and Pickaway counties, Ohio. His present landed estate now numbers twenty-five hundred acres of choice land, a portion of it being a first and second bottom, lying on the Columbus and Chillicothe pike and all on the Scioto river. This land is among the most fertile in the state and is best adapted for growing grain. Mr. Barcus has no difficulty in finding tenants for these farms, and the income is a large one. In 1871 he erected his business house on High street, which is now occupied by the Ohio Furniture Company. It is one of the best adapted houses in the city, four stories in height, the upper floors being occupied as offices. 224 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. Our subject is a Republican in politics, voting that ticket in national and State matters, but in local issues he prefers to be independent. For several years he served the city as a member of the council. Socially he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He began life with small means, but industry energy and honesty have brought to him prosperity. JOSEPH B. POWELL. Joseph Bigelow Powell, one of the oldest native residents of Truro township, Franklin county, was born in a log cabin on the farm where he now resides, March 27, 1822. It is supposed that his great-grandfather, Joseph Powell, was a native of Wales. Joseph Powell, Jr., the grandfather, was born in Maryland, was a farmer by occupation, and died in Bedford county Pennsylvania. He married a Miss McCoy, who was born and reared in Maryland, and was a relative of Robert McCoy, who built the American Hotel in Columbus. Archibald Powell, the father of our subject, was born near Hagerstown, Maryland, and when about ten years of age went to Bedford county, Pennsylvania, a mountainous district, in which. he was reared to manhood. There in 1808 he married Elizabeth Adams, who was born in Virginia, and when three years of age was taken to Bedford county, Pennsylvania. Her father, Jacob Adams, was probably a native of the Old Dominion and was of German descent. He married Clara Dustheimer, also a native of Virginia. The great-grandfather was born in Germany. After his marriage Archibald Powell resided in Pennsylvania until 1815, when he came to Ohio, bringing with him his. wife and four children. In Truro township he secured a claim which was covered with a dense growth of timber and in its midst he built a little log cabin, fourteen by sixteen feet. There his family of six took up their abode, living in true pioneer style, for they were among the first settlers of the township. The father was a lifelong Jeffersonian Democrat, and for many years was a faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He lived to be nearly eighty-five years of age, and his wife was about eighty-six years of age at the time of her death. They were the parents of four sons and five daughters, all of Whom reached mature years and reared families of their own; namely: William, who was born in 1809; Mary, in 1810; Jacob in 1813 ; George, in 1815; Malinda A. and Rachel M., in 1818; Joseph B., in 1822; Elizabeth, in 1824.; and Clarissa A., November 19, 1828. The first four children were natives of Pennsylvania, the others of Franklin county, Ohio. Mr. Powell, of this review, is the seventh child and fourth son, and is the only survivor. of the family. He spent his boyhood in the cabin home and pursued his education in a log schoolhouse with a mud-and-stick chimney, an immense fireplace, slab seats and one door. He went to school during the three winter months and throughout the remainder of the year worked on the CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 225 home farm from the time of early spring planting until crops were harvested in the autumn. For some years before his father's. death he had charge of the old homestead. In 185o he went across the plains to California, where he was employed in mining for about two years, returning by way of the water route to New York city. He paid eight dollars to ride twenty-five miles on the railroad from Chagres river to Aspinwall. From New York he came to Franklin county by way of Buffalo and Cleveland. In 1863 Mr. Powell married Lucinda T. French, who was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, and died in 1870, leaving three sons,—Clement M., William A. and Andrew J. For his second wife Mr. Powell chose Mary S. Fancher, the wedding taking, place in 1876. They have three daughters,— Gerda M., Flavia E. and Vashti E.,—all with their parents. Mr. Powell now owns and operates two hundred and twenty acres of good land, all under a high state of cultivation. He has passed the seventy-ninth milestone on life's journey, but still superintends his farm, and the well-tilled fields yield him a golden tribute. He takes an active interest in everything pertaining to the welfare of the community, and for six years he served as township trustee, proving a most competent officer. Few men have a wider acquaintance and none are more favorably known in his township and the surrounding country than. Joseph B. Powell. HENRY HUFFMAN. Henry Huffman, the subject of the present review, is the owner of a fine farm on theJackson pike, six miles south of Columbus, in Jackson township, Franklin county, Ohio. He was born in this county August 12, 1845, a son of Henry and: Catherine Huffman, both natives of Washington county, Pennsylvania, who became early settlers of Franklin county, Ohio, building a log house in the woods and enduring the trials and privations of pioneer life, this accounting perhaps for the death of Mr. Huffman when only forty-nine years old. Both parents of our subject had contracted previous marriages, Mr. Huffman, Sr., having married a Miss. Spohn, of which marriage three children were born, and Mrs. Huffman at the time of her second marriage was a Mrs. Catherine Meech and the mother of two children. A family of five were born to the parents of Mr. Huffman, and he was the second son of this union, one sister and one brother still surviving. Although Mr. Huffman was so unfortunate as to lose both parents when he was but twelve, he remained with relatives in Jackson township until he was about fourteen, when he was sent to relatives, in Washington county, Pennsylvania, where he lived for six years. Here he earned his own living, but when he reached his majority he returned to Jackson township and there engaged in any and all work that would bring compensation. Finally he rented a patch of ground from his father's estate, cleared it up and disposed of his crops successfully, later buying one hundred: acres on Jackson pike, 226 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. adjoining the farm where he lives, paying for this twelve thousand dollars, and resided there nineteen years. Mr. Huffman has made a success of general farming and truck farming, also engaging extensively in the raising of cattle. His, land in Jackson township includes two hundred and seven acres, while he is also the owner of one hundred and eighty acres in Union county, Ohio. The marriage of Mr. Huffman took place in April, 1866, when Miss Jane E. Lowe became his wife. She was born in Franklin county and is the daughter of one of the old settlers. Mr. and Mrs. Huffman are the par. ents of four children : Ira, who married Catherine Scharf, of Jackson Pike, and the names of their two children are Albert and Lisle; Inez became the wife of E. B. Graham and resides at Denver, Colorado; Orin married Ola Blake and they reside at Shadeville, with one daughter, Helen; and Liska is still at home. Mr. and Mrs. Huffman are valued members of the Presbyterian church, and the whole family is one that commands the esteem of the community in which they live. JAMES FIPPIN. It is profitable to write and to read the life history of a self-made man, who, beginning poor and Without aid, makes his way to a creditable station in the world. About every element of interest in such a personal record attaches to the biography of James Fippin, an old and respected resident of Franklin township, Franklin county, Ohio,. who was born in Belmont county, this state, January 31, 1833, and at the age of twelve years began to fight the battle of life for himself. His father, William Fippin,. died when he was very young. His mother, who was known as Widow McConnell before William Fippin married her, had three children by her first marriage and five by her marriage to Mr. Fippin. James Fippin was the fourth in order of birth of the two daughters and three sons born to William and Mary (McConnell) Fippin, and traces his ancestry on his father's side to early settlers of Pennsylvania and on his mother's side to early pioneers of Maryland. He was reared in Holmes county, Ohio, and when little more than a child was doing heavy farm work and driving a team, hauling goods through Ohio mud. His schooling was limited to a few months' attendance at one of the private schools among the hills of Holmes county. When he had attained his majority he was married and engaged in farming in that county until 1857, when he went to Morgan county, Indiana, with the intention of remaining there; but, not liking the country, he came to Franklin county, Ohio, and took up his residence in a little building in Franklin township, on what was known as the Wilson farm, which now does service as a blacksmith shop. For two years he chopped wood, which he piled on the railroad or hauled to Columbus, and after that CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 227 for four years he rented the Riordan farm, which was located just across the road from Camp Chase, which was in existence during the Civil war. He then bought a forty-acre farm, which he sold in a year in order to buy the farm on which he has since lived. At that time there were few improvements upon the place, nothing in the way of a house but a small log hut, into which he moved with his family. The place, which consists of about fifty acres, was a very productive farm, upon which he gradually made improvements, erected a dwelling-house, barns and other outbuildings as he was able, and has developed it into a good property. In Washington township, Holmes county, Ohio, Mr. Fippin was united in marriage to Miss Mary Shank a native of Holmes county, whose parents moved from Pennsylvania to Ohio in the early days of the settlement of the state. Unto Mr. Fippin and his wife have been born six children, namely : John, who lives in Jackson township; and Ambrose J.; who lives in Franklin township, Franklin county, Ohio; they are .both married; Mary Ann, who married Frank P. Sperry, of Franklin township; James E.; and Samuel and Charles, who are married and live in Columbus, Ohio. Mr. Pippin is a pioneer in his neighborhood and has been prominent in township affairs ever since he located there. He is a Republican, but votes for the best man for any local office regardless of the candidates' political views; has served his township ably as a justice of the peace; is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and has filled the offices of trustee and treasurer of the church of that denomination with which he is identified. GEORGE R. SCHOTT. It argues well for Franklin county; that so many of her native sons retain their residence here throughout the period of their active business' careers. Mr. Schott is numbered among those who, having been born in the county, are still living within its boundaries, being a well known representative of agricultural, commercial and industrial interests. His birth occurred in Blendon township on the 24th of July, 1867; his parents being Charles and Rebecca E. (Ellis) Schott. The father is a native of Columbus, born April 29, 1840, a son of John Schott, whose birth occurred in Germany and who came to the United States when a young man. He took up his abode in the capital city and there followed his trade of brick-mason throughout his entire life. When his sons became young men he purchased a farm in the northwest corner of Plain township and removed to the country, his sons engaging in the operation of the land while he continued to follow his chosen vocation. Charles Schott, the father of our subject, spent his boyhood days under the parental roof and learned the brick-mason's trade. After the country became involved in civil war, the south attempting to throw off allegiance to the national government, he joined the Union army, in 1862, as a member of the 228 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. One. Hundred and Eighth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in which he served for three years, loyally supporting the old flag and the cause it represented. In 1866 Charles Schott was united in marriage to Miss Rebecca E. Ellis, a native of Tuscarawas county. Her parents died when the was three years of age and the was reared by strangers. After their marriage Mr. Schott purchased a tract of land of sixteen acres in Blendon township, on which was standing a log cabin. It was in that home that our subject was born. In 1879 the father removed with his family to Shelby county, Ohio, but after a. year returned to Blendon township, Franklin county, and six months later removed to Plain township, taking charge of the old family homestead, which he managed for his mother, his sons doing the work of the farm while he engaged in business as a stone-mason for four years. Later he purchased his present home farm of fifty acres and his sons resided thereon. The cultivation of the fields is largely performed by his son Leo, while he and his sons Milton and Lewis, work at ale brick-mason's trade. In politics he is a stanch Democrat and is a member of the Lutheran church. In the family were nine children, seven of whom are yet living, namely : George R., Milton and Lewis, who are associated with their father in business ; Leo; Margaret; Noah, deceased.; Emma; Ada, deceased; and Nora. All of the children with the exception of our subject are with their parents. George R. Schott was surrounded by the influences of a good home in his youth. He acquired his education in the common schools and at Central College, and when nineteen years of age he began preparation for the responsible duties of a business career by entering upon an apprenticeship to the brick and stonemason's trade, following those purusits through the succeeding six years. He was a thorough and conscientious? workman and his services, therefore, were always in demand. On the 31st of October, 1892, he was united in marriage to Miss Emma Clotts, a daughter of Daniel Clotts, Sr. The following year Mr. Schott took charge of his father-in-law's farm, and in the eight years' which have since passed he has shown himself to be a capable business man and one of the leading agriculturists of this section. In connection with farming, he is one of the stockholders and a member of the board of directors of the Gahanna Creamery Company. In his political views Mr. Schott is a Democrat where national issues are involved, but at local elections he votes independently, regarding only the efficiency of the candidates. He belongs to the Lutheran church and is one of the progressive and highly esteemed citizens of Franklin county. WILLIAM H. INNIS. William H. Innis, deceased, was one of the foremost citizens of Clinton township from early manhood until his death. He was a gentleman of more than ordinary information and attainments, and as a public-spirited and pro- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 229 gressive citizen he gave his support to those enterprises calculated to advance the moral, social, intellectual or material welfare of his native county. Mr. Innis was born in Clinton township, February 2, 1824, and was the third in order of birth in a family of six children, whose parents were Henry and Isabelle (Clifford) Innis, pioneer settlers of Franklin county. He was reared on the home farm and. as soon as old. enough entered the subscription schools of that day, where he laid the foundation for a collegiate course. At the age of eighteen he became a student at Central College, near Westerville, Ohio, and in that institution completed his education. This enabled him to engage in teaching, a calling which he followed in Franklin county during the winter months for some time. At the beginning of his career as a teacher he bought twenty acres: of land in Clinton township, and through the summer season he engaged in its operation. When he discontinued teaching he devoted his attention entirely to farming, and met with excellent success in that vocation. As his accumulations increased he invested in other land, and his estate at one time comprised five hundred acres of valuable land, all in Clinton township. One of his subsequent purchases was the Henry C. Noble farm, which came into his possession during the Civil war and upon which he located October 2, 1863 ; and four years later he bought the remaining portion of that tract, upon which he made his home throughout the remainder of his life. He erected thereon a large brick residence and made other permanent improvements which added greatly to the value and attractive appearance of the place. On the 3d of October, 1854, Mr. Innis was united in marriage with Miss Mary Margaret, a daughters of Adam G. and Margaret Gantz, of Marion township, this county, and to them were born nine children, five sons and four daughters, as follows : Maxwell P., mentioned below ; Adam G. ; Louvina, the wife of James Dumm, of Delaware, Ohio ; Sarah G., the wife of Charles Schneider, of Columbus'; Isabelle, the wife of William Dumm, also of Delaware, Ohio; Lewis, a resident of Clinton township, this county; William H., also of this county ; Ada R., wife of George Williams, of Columbus; and James H., who died in infancy. Mr. Innis died on the 16th of February, 1890, and his wife departed this life December 23, 1891. In early youth he United with the Methodist Episcopal church, and always took an active and prominent part in church and Sabbath-school work, laboring untiringly to disseminate the truths of the scriptures in the minds of the young and serving as a teacher of the Bible class for many years. He was also a member of the official board of the church, and in all of his religious work was nobly assisted by his devoted wife, who with her husband was foremost in doing—good in the cause of the Master. Politically he was originally a Whig, and after the organization of the Republican party joined its ranks, becoming a firm supporter of its principles. During his last years, however, he voted the Prohibition ticket. He was drafted during the Civil war and paid five hundred dollars for a substitute. Mr. 230 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. Innis was a very generous man, contributing liberally to all churches regard less of denomination, and to all worthy public enterprises. He was a selfmade man, having begun life with no capital, and the success that he achieved was certainly justly merited. Maxwell P. Innis, the eldest son of our subject, was born on the home farm in Clinton township, September 12, 1855, and received his preliminary education in the district schools. In 1876 he entered the Ohio State University, where he pursued the agricultural course. His education being completed, he returned home in 1877 and remained under the parental roof until his marriage, which was celebrated November 26, 1882, Miss Mary E., a daughter of George Kirts, of this county, becoming his wife. Three children were born to them, but one died in infancy, the others being Ethel B. and Bessie M. The parents are both active members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and in politics Mr. Innis is a Prohibitionist. After his marriage he purchased twenty-five acres of land from his father, upon which he lived until 1895, when he removed to his present farm, having inherited the same from his father's estate. He owns seventy-eight. acres of well improved land in Clinton township, and is successfully engaged in its operations. Sociallly he is one of the most highly respected citizens of his community. JACOB M. WEIBLING. Jacob M. Weibling, the proprietor of the leading livery stable of Westerville, was born in Woodbury, Morrow county, Ohio, on the 2d of May, 1857, and is a son of John and Catherine (Emahiser) Weibling, of whose family of four children only our subject survives. The father was born in York county, Pennsylvania, September 25, 1814, and there grew to manhood learning the trade of cabinet-making. In his youth he married a Miss Kleinfetter and they became the parents of seven children, of whom one is yet living, Mary, now the wife of Oliver Hathaway, of Edison, Ohio. Some years after his first marriage the father came to the Buckeye state, settling in Woodbury, where he engaged in work at his trade and also followed farming. After the death of his first wife he married Miss Catherine Emahiser, and in 1858 they came to Westerville, where the father engaged in carriage-painting. Subsequently he erected the building now owned by Lou Adams and opened a furniture store and undertaking establishment, which he conducted up to the time of his death. He was a thoroughgoing business man, industrious and reliable, and enjoyed a prosperous trade. For some time he was associated in business with Squire Arnold, and later admitted to a partnership his son Edwin, who remained in the business up to his father's death, November 7, 1882. John Weibling was a skilled mechanic who could execute any kind of work in his line, and his success resulted from ability, capable management and enterprise. In his political views he was a stalwart Republican and was an active member of the United Brethren church, CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 231 His wife was born in York county, Pennsylvania, about 1829, and came to Ohio with her parents during her girlhood. She is still living, her home being Westerville. Jacob M. Weibling spent his boyhood days under the parental roof, and in the common schools obtained his education. At an early age he began to earn his own living as a farm hand, and when seventeen years of age entered upon an apprenticeship to the trade of harness-making. On the expiration of the four years he purchased the shop in which he had been employed, and conducted the business on his own account until 1892, when he purchased a room, admitted a partner and put in a stock of hardware and buggies in connection with the harness and saddlery goods. Some three years later, however, they discontinued the trade in harness, implements and buggies, continuing to conduct only the hardware store. On account of his health Mr. Weibling was forced to leave the bench and it was this. which led him to abandon the harness trade. In September, 1900, he sold his store and purchased the livery business of Burr Lunnberry and is now conducting the leading livery stable in the town. Mr. Weibling was united in marriage to Miss Anna Daily, a native of Knox county, Ohio, and a daughter of Decorum Daily, now of Waverly, Kansas. They had two children, but Myrtle M., the elder, is now deceased. Their living child is Merrill M. In his political views Mr. Weibling is a stanch Republican, is serving his second term as the township treasurer and is also the treasurer of the town of Westerville. He belongs to Blendon Lodge, No. 339, A. F. & A. M., Westerville Lodge, No. 273, K. of P., and to the Fraternal Mystic Circle. Having long resided in Westerville, there are few of the residents of this part of the county who do not know Mr. Weibling, and the high reputation which he has ever borne in business transactions, coupled with his genuine worth of character, have gained for him many friends. FREDERICK BARBBERT. The truth that the German element in our population' is one of its best factors has been so many times emphasized in the lives of German emigrants who have found a home here and left an impression of their sturdy character civilization that it is referred to here only to suggest a still further illustration in the careers of members of the family of Barbbert, a somewhat peculiar name well known in Franklin county, Ohio. In 1840 Frederick and Dorida Barbbert, taking their infant son and a few of their portable belongings, sailed from the "fatherland" in quest of better opportunities in the new world. Coming to Franklin county, Ohio, they located in old. Clinton township, within the territory now known as North Columbus, whence they removed to Marion township, where Mr. Barbbert attained' success as a gardener and 232 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. where he and his good wife both died. They had ten children, six of whom are living. Frederick Barbbert, the eldest child of Frederick and Dorida Barbbert. was born in Germany December 3, 1839, and was six months old when his parents came to Franklin county, where he has lived since that time. He was educated in the public schools near his home and all through his boyhood and young manhood was a valuable aid to his father in raising and marketing the products of his land. In 1862, when he was about twenty-three years old, he married Mary Fisher, who was brought to Ohio by her parents when she was about twelve years old and was doubly orphaned not many years afterward, and located on his present farm and engaged in grain raising and gardening. His efforts have been crowned with such success that he is regarded as one of the prominent farmers and gardeners of his township. His farm, consisting of thirty-two acres, is bounded on one side by the corporation line of the city of Columbus, and because of its productiveness and its favorable location is considered valuable property. The children of Frederick and Mary (Fisher) Barbbert number four and they are named as follows: Daniel married Katie Ickner and is a well known gardener of Marion township. Mary is the wife of Rudolph Basseler and her husband is also a gardener in Marion township. Dora married John Homan, of Columbus, Ohio. Katie is not married, and since the death of Mrs. Barbbert, in 1897, has been her father's housekeeper. Mr. Barbbert is a member of the Holy Cross Catholic church of Columbus. In political affiliation he is a Democrat when he votes the national ticket, but when he considers condidates for local offices he casts aside all thought of party and votes for the best men, for he is public-spirited to such a degree that he has exerted a recognized influence on the development and prosperity of his township. Those who know him best respect him most highly and refer to him as one of the most honorable and reliable of men. ROBERT WILSON PERRY. The real-estate interests of Columbus, Ohio, have been increasingly important as the city has advanced in wealth and population and its boundaries have extended, and they have for the most part been handled by first-class men. One of the well known real-estate operators of Columbus at this time is Robert Wilson Perry, who was born near Westerville, Franklin county, Ohio, in 1859, a son. of George Perry. John Perry, the father of George Perry, fought the English in the war of 1812-14 as a member of a Pennsylvania regiment and died in the service. He was a native of Pennsylvania, as was also his wife Jennie. They located on a farm near Shippensburg, that state, in Franklin. county, where he worked at the blacksmith's trade. About 1820 he went out to war with the Indians and was never heard from afterward. He left a wife and one son, George. His widow five years afterwart married a man named Kelly, while George was adopted by a lady of the name of CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 233 Rotts, and was brought to Ohio at the age of twelve years, the family settling northwest of North Columbus, on the Hess farm, when George was eighteen years old. After the marriage of his mother to Mr. Kelly he lost all trace of her. George Perry, the father of our subject, was born in Pennsylvania, in 1818, and in 1826, at the age of eight years, came with Mrs. Rotts to Franklin county. In 1840 he married Mr. Sherbourn's daughter Margaret, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1819, and died at Worthington, Franklin county, at the age of seventy-six years, in 1897. They had ten children, of whom the eldest, a boy, died. Mr. Perry spent all of his active years on a farm in Blendon township until 1884, when he retired to Westerville, whence he removed in 1897 to Worthington. Although now eighty-two years old, he is in good health and in possession of all his faculties. Mr. Perry has five brothers and three sisters. Emory Andrews Perry is a grocer at Marysville, Ohio, and is an. active and well known citizen of that town. George W., Frank Peeples, William Edward and John. Roth Perry are all progressive farmers in Delaware county, Ohio. Jennie Perry married John Youell, and Mary Ellen Perry married John Huffman, and they both live in Worthington, Franklin county and Anna Margaret Perry married the Rev. John Stottler, a minister of the Christian church, and lives at Mount Carmel, Illinois. Robert Wilson Perry, whose name introduces this review, was educated in the public schools of Blendon township and at Otterbein University, at Westerville, where he took a four-years normal course and branched out into business in 1886. From 1887 to 1889 he was in the creamery business at Westerville, and from 1889 to 1897 he was the city salesman at Columbus for the Circleville Creamery, at Circleville, Ohio, and since then he has devoted himself exclusively to the real-estate business. He is a well known Republican, and was received as an Entered Apprentice, passed the Fellow Craft degree and was raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason in Franklin Lodge, No. 3, F. & A. M., of Columbus, and is a member also of the Eastern Star orders. He has demonstrated that he is a man of public spirit, who takes an interest in his city and county, and as a business man he is held in high esteem by all who know him. WILLIAM H. GROTTHOUSE, M. D. The world instinctively pays deference to the man whose success has been worthily achieved, who has attained wealth by honorable business methods, acquired the highest reputation in his chosen calling by merit, and whose social prominence is not less the result of an irreproachable life than of recognized natural gifts. We pay the highest tribute to the heroes who on bloody battle-fields win victories and display a valor that is the admiration of the world. Why should tribute be withheld from those who wage the bloodless battles of civil life, who are conquerors in the world of business ? 15 234 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. Greater than in almost any line of work is the responsibility that rests upon. the physician. The issues of life and death are in his hands. A false prescription, an unskilled operation, may take from man that which he prizes above all else,—life. The physician's power must be his own; not by purchase, by gift or by influence can he gain it. He must commence at the very beginning, learn the very rudiments of medicine and surgery, continually add to his knowledge by close study and earnest application and gain reputation by merit. If he would gain the highest prominence it must come as the result of superior skill, knowledge and ability, and these qualifications are possessed in an eminent degree by Dr. Grotthouse. Although one of the younger members of the profession, he is widely known as one of its most able representatives. The Doctor was born in Pittsburg; Pennsylvania, May 8, 1868, and is the second. son and youngest child of Herman Rudolph and Margaret Maria (Kastens) Grotthouse, both of whom were natives of Hanover, Germany The father was born July 6, 1837, the mother in 1836. He is a son of John Rudolph Grotthouse, who was a pharmacist, as was. also the great-grandfather of our subject. The former married Mrs. Myers, who was born in Strubbe December 18, 1806, while his birth occurred July 2, 1802. By her former marriage. Mrs. Myers had two children,—Henry and Regina,—both of whom preceded the mother to America, settling in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. Henry afterward became a resident of Holmes county; Ohio, where he married a Miss Leyman. He died in 1870, at the age of sixty-five years. He had two children,—Louise and William,—both of whom have now passed away. Regina Myers married Henry Buddemeyer, of Pittsburg, who is a retired merchant. They became the parents of two children,—Louise and Henry. The former died at the age of eighteen. years, while the latter is a prominent citizen of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, now acting as the discount clerk in the German National Bank of that city. In 1853 John Rudolph Grotthouse came with his wife and three children,—Johri, Herman Rudolph and America. They landed in New York, whence they made their way to Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, where the eldest son, John, died ub 1854, at the age of twenty-four, a victim of the cholera. Both of the parents died of the same dread disease on the 21st of September, 1854, and upon thetwo surviving children devolved the sad office of preparing the parents for tomb. The youngest child, William, died in Pittsburg, in 1858, at the age of eighteen years, so that Herman Rudolph is the only survivor of the family. The Doctor's father was sixteen years of age when he arrived in America In Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, he learned the Cooper's trade, and was there married, in 1861, to Miss Margaret Maria Kastens, who. came to America in 1854. After their marriage they continued to reside in Pittsburg until June, 1868, Mr. Grotthouse there conducting a cooperage establishment. In that year they came with their family to Ohio, taking up their abode in Berlin, Holmes county, where the Doctor's father has since successfully followed CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 235 his trade. He is known as a gentleman of sterling integrity and strong character and is a valued citizen of his community. His wife died December 11, 1871. She was a devoted wife, a faithful and, indulgent mother and a devoted Christian woman, who during her life was a consistent member of the Lutheran church. In the family were two sons : Henry Herman, who was born in Pittsburg January 30, 1865, and William Henry, of this review. The elder son was educated in the public schools of Holmes county and in early life lie embarked in merchandising in Berlin, Ohio, and later was identified with commercial interests as a merchant at Millersburg, where he carried on business until 1889, since which time he has been a well known and prominent representative of the Oliver Chilled Plow Company, with headquarters at Dallas, Texas. In 1900 he visited the Paris exposition and also paid a visit to the old home of his ancestors in Germany. He is a young man of fine attainments and is the president of the Texas State Endeavor Society. For his second wife Herman Rudolph Grotthouse wedded Mary Gephart, and unto them were born two children,—Edward and Charles. The former died in infancy, and the latter is engaged in merchandising in Berlin and is an enterprising young man of twenty-two years. Mr. and Mrs. Grotthouse are both :members of churches, the former being a Lutheran in religious connection, while the latter is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Of the maternal ancestry of the Doctor but little is known. His mother, Margaret Maria Grotthouse, was a daughter of and Wilhelmina Kastens, both natives of Hanover, Germany. The former was a farmer by occupation. He died very suddenly after attending the wedding of one of his daughters. Mrs. Kastens passed away March 11, 1869, at the age of sixty-five years, three months and two days. Their children were Henry, Diedrich, Frederick, Sophia, Margaret, Maria and Wilhelmina, all now deceased but Wilhelmina, who married Mr. Rottman and is a widow residing at the ancestral home in Germany. Sophia was the wife of a Mr. Klein. Dr. Grotthouse, whose name introduces this record, was brought to Ohio when only about a month old, the family locating in Berlin, Holmes county, where his childhood days were passed in attendance at the public schools of the vilage. He there acquired his literary education, which he completed in the spring of i886. During the last five years of that period he worked upon a farm for nine months of each year, attending school only through the winter months, In November, 1886, he entered the employ of the firm of Strome & Hull, pharmacists of Millersburg, Ohio, with whom he remained until October, 1891. In 1887 he began a home course of study in pharmacy, which be completed the following year and successfully passed the examination of an assistant pharmacist. In 1889 he took the regular pharmacy examination and was duly registered according to the law of Ohio. In the spring of that year he began reading medicine, under the supervision of Dr. S. P. 236 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. Wise, a prominent physician of Millersburg, who was his preceptor until October, 1891, at which time he matriculated in the Starling Medical College, of Columbus, Ohio, where he diligently prosecuted his studies in medicine until the following March. At that time he entered the Wooster Medical College, of Cleveland, where he continued his studies until. the following September. He was then admitted to the Miami Medical College, of Cincinnati, Ohio, where he completed his course, being graduated in that institution in April, 1893. During the nineteen months of arduous study in the above named institution the Doctor enjoyed only one vacation, of eight days. After his graduation he entered the Office of his preceptor, with whom he practiced until 1894, in which year he came to North Columbus and established himself in the drug business; being associated with W. H. Shoup, of Millersburg, Ohio. In 1899 he pursued a post-graduate course in the New York School of Clinical Medicine, which institution conferred upon him its diploma of graduation. In his chosen profession he is a close student and keeps constantly in touch with the best thought of the ablest minds in the medical fraternity. Dr. Grotthouse is a member of the Masonic order, belonging to Magnolia Lodge, No. 20, of Columbus, into which he was initiated June 30, 1896, and he is also a member of the Scottish-rite bodies. He is an ex-president of the Acacia Club, a social Masonic organization of North Columbus. Of the Congregational church of North Columbus he also is a member, and in social circles he is recognized as a popular and highly esteemed young man, enjoying the sincere regard of the majority of those with whom he has been brought in contact. SAMUEL D. DONEY. This enterprising and progressive citizen of Truro township is one of the most extensive farmers of Franklin county, and his management of the estate is marked by the scientific knowledge and skill which characterize the modern agriculturist. A native of Harrison county, he was born in Athens township February 27, 1858, and is a son of Abraham Covert Doney, whost birth occurred in Harrison county, Ohio, August 29, 1829. The paternal grandfather, Samuel Doney, was also a ,native of Harrison, county, where he died when comparatively a young man. The father became one of the most successful and prosperous farmers and stock-dealers and shippers of Truro township, where he located in 1865, his place being what was known as the White Hall farm, which name it received on account of the White .Hall tavern which once stood there and which was a stopping place for stages before the days of railroads. When he first came to the township Mr. Doney purchased three hundred acres of land where our subject now resides. Prosperity crowned his well-directed efforts, and at the time of his death he left to his heirs six hundred acres of CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 237 valuable land which had been improved. by him. For six years he most capably and satisfactorily served as justice of the peace, and then refused: to longer allow his name to be used as a candidate for that office. He was also a school director for a number of years and was a Republican in national politics, but voted for whom he considered the best men at township and county elections. For a quarter of a century he was an active and prominent member of the Third Street Methodist Episcopal church of Columbus, and was a liberal contributor to the same. He died January 28, 1900, at the age of seventy years, honored and respected by all who knew him. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Emily V. Brock, was born in Fairfield county October 20, 1837, a daughter of Dr. Meredith D. Brock, who was also a native of Ohio and for twenty years was a resident of Columbus, where he died at the age of seventy-five. He was a prominent Knight Templar, having joined the Masonic order in 1835. In 1842 he organized Salem Lodge, No. 87, in which he held the office of worshipful master for the long period of twenty years. In 1854 he was elected junior grand warden of of the grand lodge of Ohio ; the following year served as senior grand warden; in 1886 was elected deputy grand. master, and filled the office of grand master during that Masonic year. In 1861 he organized Reynoldsburg Lodge and served as its worshipful master for eleven years, making in all thirty-one years in that office. In his Masonic work he laid corner-stones, dedicated halls and installed officers for many years and was one of the most prominent and popular officers in the order throughout this section of the state. To Abraham C. Doney and wife were born six children, of whom. five are still living, namely : Jesse B., born February 1o, 1856 ; Samuel D., our subject; Mary C., deceased, born October 6, 186o; DeWitt C., born March 12, 1863 ; Carl G., born July 24, 1867; and Emma C., born March 28, 1870. The district schools of his native township afforded Samuel D. Doney his early educational privileges, but later he attended the Capital University, of Columbus, the Mount Union College, in Stark county, this state, and the Ohio State University. When his school days were over he returned to Truro township and assisted his father in his farming operations. He is now administrator of the latter's estate, which consists of six hundred acres of farm land and other valuable property. Most of the farm is now operated by tenants. On the 31st of December, 1891, Mr. Doney was united in marriage with Ida Sprague, of Truro township, who died July 30, 1897. In his political affiliations our subject is a .Republican, but at local elections he generally votes independently of party lines. For twelve years he served as justice of the peace with credit to himself and to the entire satisfaction of all concerned, and was also land appraiser in 189o. Socially he is a Mason, a member of Goodale Lodge, No. 372, of Columbus, of Ohio Chapter, No. 12, and Columbus Council of that city, and is a Sir Knight of Mount Vernon Commandery. Religiously he is connected with the Third Street Methodist 238 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. Episcopal church, of which he has been a member for twenty-one years. He is one of the most highly respected citizens of his community, and wherever known is held in high regard. J. M. POLSLEY J. M. Polsley, a highly respected resident of Columbus, was born in Brooke county, West Virginia, in 1845. His father, Daniel Polsley, was a native of Marion county, that state, born in the year 1803, and in the place of his nativity he continued to reside until 1824, when he left there and went to Wellsburg, in Brooke county, where he commenced the practice of law. He became a leading and distinguished jurist and a man of great influence, being a recognized leader of public thought and action. Perhaps no man in the state did more to secure the admission of West Virginia into the Union than did Daniel Polsley, who soon afterward was elected to represent the newly formed state in congress. He left the impress of his individuality upon public affairs, and his name is endearingly and honorably inscribed on the pages of the history of the commonwealth. During his infancy Mr. Polsley, of this review, was taken by his parents to Mason county, West Virginia, the family settling at Graham Station, where he continued to reside upon the home farm, aiding in the work as far as his strength and years would permit. His educational privileges were somewhat meager, but he attended school at intervals until seventeen years of age, when he became connected with steamboating on the Ohio river, fillowing the river in various capacities for a period of almost thirty years during which time he occupied almost all of the different positions know to river navigation. During the period of the Civil war he was acting as pilot on government vessels and is one of the few surviving officers of the fleet of steamboats engaged in transporting General Grant's army across the Tennessee river on the day previous to the battle of Shiloh or Pittsburg Landing. On the boat which he piloted, known as the Tigress, the general himself and his staff were conveyed to the point where the battle was fought, a battle which has since become famous in the history of the war between the north and the south. Although less than twenty years of age at the time, Mr. Polsley was found at his post of duty while the iron hail was rattling around him and bravely steered his vessel through the raging flood safely to the landing place. But few instances of similar courage and bravery are believed to have been shown by persons not actually enrolled in the army during the Civil war. On the occasion of General Buell reinforcing General Grant at Shiloh, the latter met Buell at the landing, on the steamer Tigress. General Buell inquired, "What preparation have you made to retreat? You have not boats enough to carry ten thousand soldiers." After quietly removing his cigar General Grant replied, "Sir, if I retreat I do not expect to have ten thousand soldiers to retreat with." During the progress of the battle CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 239 General Grant's horse fell, spraining the General's ankle so badly that he had to return to the steamer Tigress and have a crutch made: Mr. Polsley met him at the landing, assisting him off his horse, and instructed the carpenters to make the crutch. In 1870 Mr. Polsley was united in marriage to Miss Fannie J. Atkinson, a daughter of John Atkinson, of Gallipolis, Ohio, and was for many years a valued resident of that place; dying there in 1890, honored and respected by all who knew him.. By this marriage the following children were born : Guy H., who was born in 1871; Rose V., born in 1874; Kate A., born in 1875; and J. F., born in 1877. The family circle yet remains unbroken by the hand of death. The eldest son is residing in Point Pleasant, West Virginia, and is connected with the Point Pleasant Register, a newspaper published in the county seat of Mason county. In 1884 Mr. Paisley removed to Gallipolis, where he continued to reside until the year 1898, when he brought his family to Columbus, where he now resides. He votes with the Republican party, with which he has affiliated for thirty years as an unswerving advocate of its principles. He is now enjoying a well earned rest after long years of activity. EDGAR J. POCOCK. One of the esteemed citizens of the city of Coumbus, Ohio, a prominent business man and a veteran of the Civil war, is the subject of the present sketch. He was born June 21, 1838, near the village of Keene, Coshocton county, Ohio, a son of Joshua and Katherine (Wilson) Pocock, pioneers of eastern Ohio, who dated their entrance into the state back to the clays when it was yet a territory. They were of excellent stock and were leaders in their section, where their names are still remembered with respect. Colonel Pocock received his education in the schools of his native county, going thence to the Spring Mountain Academy, following which course he engaged in teaching school for a time, later conducting a dry-goods store. Unlike many of his brother officers', Colonel Pocock won his promotion by gallant service, having enlisted in the army as a private soldier and serving nearly four years. Among the more important battles in which he took part were Stone River, Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain and Missionary Ridge, during the last three commanding his company. He served all through the memorable campaign from Missionary Ridge to Atlanta, being on the staff of his brigade commander for a considerable period. At the battle of Resaca he was wounded, recovering in time, however, to take part in the battles around Atlanta and those of Spring Hill, Columbia, Franklin and Nashville, and the skirmishes which resulted in the dispersing of Hood's army. When peace was attained Colonel Pocock resumed his mercantile pursuits first at Bloomfield, Ohio, and later at Coshocton, where he continued until 1884. At this time, desiring a change of business, he entered that of 240 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. life insurance, and since then has continued in that line, except for a short interval. He is now occupying the position of general agent of the New York Life Insurance Company, and was also the agent of the Northwestern Life Insurance Company, which has its main office in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Colonel Pocock is well and most favorably known, his capable managernent of the affairs of the two great companies being satisfactory in the highest degree. In 1876 Colonel Pocock was elected captain of the. Coshocton Company of the Ohio National Guards, lieutenant-colonel of the Seventeenth Regiment, Ohio National Guards, in 1878, and later acted as its colonel for twelve years. He was in command of his regiment at the Cincinnati riots of 1884-5, and upon the accession of Governor McKinley he was appointed adjutant-general, resigning this honorable position, however, in 1893, to return to his business of life insurance. Colonel Pocock was married in 1865, to Miss Mary A: Hunt, the daughter of Judge Hunt, of Millersburg, Ohio. Three daughters were born tp Colonel and Mrs. Pocock; Caroline A., the wife of Major Harry Parker Ward, of this city ; Madeline, the wife of Harry Ross Jones, of Cleveland, Ohio; and the youngest daughter, Lucy H., is a student at the Ohio State University. Colonel Pocock has been highly honored by his former companions-in-arms, having been made commander of the Richard Lanning Post of those Grand Army, at Coshocton; and. of McCoy Post, at Columbus, and stands high in the regard of many other veteran associations, one of these being the military order of the Loyal Legion. In every relation of life Colonel Pocock has borne well his part and Columbus has no more highly esteemed citizen than he. DAVIS BROWN. Ohio, which was in its pioneer days a great camping ground utilized in the settlement of the west, retained as permanent residents many of those who were seeking to build their fortunes, and who, recognizing the value and pbssibilities of the territory here, were willing to let well enough alone. The history of events proves that Ohio rewarded all such pioneers most bountifully for the confidence they reposed in her, Franklin county was the stopping place of many. on the journey to the vaguely defined west, and the presented opportunities which were recognized by some who remained, many of them eventually to reap the benefit of the work of men who had come before them and gone on: The name of Brown has long been connected with the history of Norwich township, and Davis Brown is a prominent representative of the family there. Basil Brown, the father of Davis Brown, was reared near Baltimore, and fought for his country in the war of 1812.. He married Nancy Davis, who CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 241 was born near Baltimore, a daughter of John and Ann (Simpson) Davis. With his wife and three children he came with a few other families to Ohio about 1816. He brought along one horse and a few necessary agricultural implements, some tools, but no furniture to speak of except a bed. The families journeyed from Pittsburg to Point Pleasant by boat. They traveled from Point Pleasant to Delaware county, Ohio, by wagon and located on Elm creek, where Mr. Brown opened a shoemaker's shop and where the family remained one year. He then removed: to Dublin, Franklin county, Ohio, where he soon established himself as a shoemaker, working part of the time in his shop and going sometimes to the homes of his customers and remaining until he had made shoes for the whole family. When not employed at his trade he did any work that came to hand. His health failed eventually and in 1835 he set out for Maryland, hoping that the climate of his native state would restore him to his old-time vigor, but he was taken sick at Middletown, Ohio, and died there in August . of that year. His widow did not marry again, and lived until November, 1869. The following items of information concerning their children will be found interesting in this connection : Louisa, who is deceased, was Mrs. Abraham Sells; Susie, also deceased, Was Mrs. James Ramsey; Ann, deceased, was Mrs. George Kilpatrick; Sarah married Edward Henry ; James is deceased; Edith, deceased, was Mrs. Henry Martin ; and Davis was born at Dublin, Washington township, Franklin county, Ohio, December 19, 1830. He attended one winter term of school of three months at Dublin. When old enough to work he was employed at farm labor by Mr. Eversole, who was also the proprietor of a sawmill, and after he had plowed or worked otherwise in the fields all clay he was often kept busy until late at night carrying lumber out of the mill. His father had died when he was only five years old, his mother was poor and the country was new, and he considered himself fortunate to be able to earn five dollars a month and his board even by hard and continuous work that would have sent a man away looking for something easier. By the time he was twenty-one years of age he had saved enough money to buy a team and wagon and he began life for himself on a rented farm. February 18, 1858, he married Miss Viana Urton, who was born in Franklin county, Ohio, October 5, 1838, a daughter of John and Keziah (Bishop) Urton. In the spring of 186o Mr. Brown removed to Norwich. township, Franklin county, Ohio. He rented a farm there for four years and then bought fifty acres of land which adjoins his present farm and which consists of one hundred and eighty acres. He has made many improvements in the way of buildings, fences and orchards. He also owns a farm. of one hundred and forty-five acres situated partly in Washington township and partly in Norwich township. Mrs. Brown died March 27, 1894, and his loss is one which he believes can never be repaired. She was a model wife and mother and a devout member of the Methodist Episcopal church at Hilliard's, of which 242 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. Mr. Brown has been a trustee since its organization. She bore him five children, who are here mentioned in the order of their nativity : James married Mattie Van Schoit and is a resident of Norwich township; Isabel married J. W. Shepper, of Columbus, Ohio ; Charles married Ida Warren and lives in Washington township ; Basil married Sadie Floyd and assists father in the management of the home farm; and Emma M. married Edward Baldwin. Mr. Brown cast his first presidential vote for John Charles Fremont, the "pathfinder," and his next for Abraham Lincoln, and he has voted for every Republican presidential nominee since. He is influential in the councils of his party, and though not a seeker for office he has been prevailed upon to accept some positions of trust and responsibility. He has been a member of the school board of Norwich township and was for seven years township trustee. He is a public-spirited man, always ready to aid his fellow citizens to the extent of his ability, and his assistance is always generous and practical. SAMUEL J. COCHRAN. Honored retirement from labor is the fitting reward of a well spent life. Diligence, industry and capable management will cause the portals of success to swing wide before the individual, and when he has garnered the reward of his efforts it is but just that he should enjoy a period of rest surrounded by the comforts that former toil has brought to him. This has been vouchsafed to Mr. Cochran. He is now pleasantly located in a comfortable home at No. 1035 Dennison avenue, Columbus, Ohio. He was born October 22, 1832, in Chester county, Pennsylvania. His parents were both natives of Pennsylvania, but were of Scotch descent. His father, James Cochran, died about the year 1859, while his mother passed away in 1897, at the very advanced age of eighty years. The public schools afforded him his educational privileges. On the 6th of April, 1853, he was united in marriage to Miss Emily B. Greer, the wedding being celebrated her home in Mifflin county, Pennsylvania. The year following his marriage Mr. Cochran removed with his young wife to Shelby, Richland county, Ohio, where he entered the service of the Cleveland, Columbus & Cincinnati Railroad Company. For a year and a half they resided in that county and then removed to Cleveland, Ohio, where they also remained for a similar period, taking up their abode afterwared in Zanesville, this state. Mr. Cochran was in the service of the Central Ohio Railroad Company for a quarter of a century, and his ability and fidelity won him promotion from time to time. He served successively as a passenger conductor, master of transportation and as superintendent of the Bellaire & Southwestern. On the expiration of that period Mr. Cochran retired to private life, having in the meantime acquired a very handsome competence, CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 243 which supplies him with all the comforts and many of the luxuries which go to make life worth the living. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Cochran has been born but one child, Mrs. Saidie Janet Cull, who was married in 1898. Her husband is the owner of a large sheep ranch in Wyoming and there they spend the summer months in the mountains, while the winter season is passed in their pleasant home in Columbus. Mr. and Mrs. Cochran have a very wide circle of friends in this city, and enjoy the warm regard of many who know them. Of different fraternal organizations he is an active and valued member, being a representative of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and of the Knights of Pythias. In political views he is a Jacksonian Democrat, and in the questions of the day he takes a deep interest, keeping well informed concerning the issues, yet never desiring public office. His life has been one of activity in the business world, and the success which he has achieved is a fitting crown of his well directed labors. CHARLES W. HALDY. A worthy representative of the thrifty, progressive German factor in the population of Franklin county, Ohio, which has done so much for the advancement of all its leading interests, is Charles W. Haldy, of Franklin township, who devotes his time to farming and to the management of his father's large estate. Mr. Haldy is a son of Frederick Haldy, a biographical sketch of whom will be found elsewhere in this work, and was born at Zweibruecken, Germany, June 23, 1848, and was only a year and a half old when Frederick Haldy and his wife, Louisa, brought him to the United States. The family came to New York city and thence to Columbus, where Charles W. Haldy secured his primary education in the public schools. In 1862, when he was fourteen years old, his parents removed to their farm on West Broad street, where he has since lived and where he began active life as a farmer and dairyman. After his marriage, which occurred May 11, 1887, he began farming for himself and has developed a considerable dairy business. Since the retirement of his father he has been in charge of his estate, having supervision over two hundred acres of land in Franklin township near the Columbus corporation line, and of much city property. He is a director in the new Columbus Watch Company and is a stockholder in the concern manufacturing the Hallwood cash register, and is interested in the Ambos building and in other valuable real estate in Columbus. He is not only a man of good business ability but also possesses a wide range of general information and has traveled extensively both in America and in Europe, having in 1883 visited England. Germany, Holland, Switzerland and Belgium. A Republican in politics, lie has taken an active part in political work and at this time holds 244 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. the office of judge of elections. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Mr. Haldy married. Norma E. Schueller, a native of Columbus, Ohio, and a daughter of the late Ernst Schueller, who was prominent in that city as a druggist and respected as a citizen. Mr. Schueller married Helen Wirth, and Mrs. Haldy, who was their second child and oldest daughter, was graduated at the Columbus high school. Mrs. Schueller was born at Leipsic, Germany, a daughter of an old "fatherland" family, and came when young to Columbus, where she formed the acquaintance of, and married, M. Schueller, also of German birth and parentage. Charles W. and Norma (Schueller) Haldy have two daughters, named Helen and Gertrude. PERCY S. LOWRY. The subject of this sketch was born at Senecaville, Guernsey county, Ohio, March 6, 1866, being one of the six children of Porter and Susan Lowry. The latter was a daughter of Rev. Thomas and Jane Rosemond Taylor, prominent in the pioneer history of the county. In and near Senecaville the subject of our sketch resided until eighteen years of age, attending school in winter and helping on the farm in summer. He then attended the Ohio Normal University, at Ada, Ohio, and taught school alternately, being graduated at that institution in 1889, with the degree of A. B. After then teaching one year he received an appointment, through the civil service, in the war department at Washington, D. C. While fulfilling the duties of this position he also pursued the study of law at the Columbian University Law School, receiving, in 1893, the degree of LL. M. Thereupon, having passed the state examination, he was admitted to the bar of Ohio. and began the practice of his profession at Columbus, having resigned his government clerkship. In politics always a working Republican, Mr. Lowry at once took an active part in political affairs of the capital city, and in 1900 was elected a justice of the peace, which office he now holds. September 5, 1900, he was united in marriage to Miss Gertrude Saunders, of Essex county, Virginia, but at that time residing in Washington, D. C. In fraternal circles he is a prominent member of the Knights of Pythias and of the Modern Woodmen of America. EUGENE LANE One of the prominent professional men of the city of Columbus, Ohio, is Eugene Lane, who is actively engaged in the practice of law in this city. He was born at Mount Carmel, Clermont county, Ohio, October 1, 1848, and was a son of John S. and Anne (Richards) Lane. The grandfather of our subject was Shadrach Lane, who had come to Ohio as one of the pioneers CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 245 from his native state of North Carolina: He married Betsey Van Eaton, also a native of the Old North state, who, like himself, had come early to Clermont county, Ohio. In this county occurred the birth of the father of our subject, and here he spent most of his life, dying at Delaware, Ohio, in 1875. For many years he had been a successful farmer, also engaging in surveying and in civil engineering through the county. Mr. Lane spent his boyhood days on the farm and attended the district school until his sixteenth year. Just at this time came the exciting events leading up to the opening of the Civil war, and Mr. Lane, with others of his young companions, resolved to enter the army and do battle for the Union. Friends, however, prohibited this rashness, but were not able to quench the fire of patriotism burning in his bosom which resulted a short time later in another attempt, this time successful. Joining the army at Goldsboro, North Carolina, Mr. Lane was assigned to Company E, Fifth Ohio Volunteer Cavalry, under Colonel Thomas Heath, and served faithfully until October 30, 1865. He took part in several skirmishes and was for some time in General Sherman's command. After his return home from. the army Mr. Lane returned to his studies, entering the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware, here meeting a large number of students who, like himself, had postponed their college courses until they could be assured of the safety of the country. He met there many young men who have since become prominent, both in business and politics, among them Hon. J. B. Foraker, General Axline and others. Mr. Lane graduated at the university in 1871 and soon afterward removed to Quincy, Illinois, where he engaged in business until the fall of 1875, returning then to Ohio, where he entered the law office of L. J. Critchfield, as a student of law, and in 1877 was admitted to the bar. Since that time Mr. Lane has been in the active practice of his profession in this city. Always an active worker in the ranks of the Republican party, he became its choice, in 1893, for representative, and was elected to the state legislature. Mr. Lane was united in marriage to Miss Abbie A. Dexter, of Delaware, Ohio, on July 20, 1871. She is a daughter of Francis and Elizabeth (Peck) Dexter, natives of Vermont, but residents of Delaware, Ohio. A family of five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Lane, as follows : Charles E, a graduate of Starling Medical College, who served two years in the Spanish-American war, later being sent to the Philippines, was honorably discharged June 19, 1900, and is now practicing medicine at Lima, Ohio ; Laura R., the wife of L. H. Vinson, a prominent manufacturer of Dayton, Ohio; Mazie E., a student; Ernest G., who served in the Spanish-American war and is now employed at Dayton, Ohio ; and Annie, who is a student. Mr. Lane has long been a very active worker in several organizations and his services have been recognized by his appointment to some of the most important positions in the orders. He is a past master of York Lodge, A. F. 246 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. & A. M., and past grand of Dennison I. O. O. F., also a past chancellor of Norwich Lodge, K. of P., and is a comrade in Beers Post, G. A. R. Mr. Lane is a lawyer of ability, thoroughly understanding the technical points of his profession, and possessing the power to impress his views upon his hearers. His career has been a very successful one, and his friends and admirers are not confined to the legal profession. JOSEPH ARMSTRONG. Joseph Armstrong was born in Belmont county, Ohio, near St. Clairsville, July 26, 1829, and is a son of John Armstrong and a grandson of Robert Armstrong. The latter was born in county Tyrone; Ireland, and his wife, Rose Ann Armstrong, was also a native of the locality. After the birth of their first child they emigrated to America, settling in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, and later came to Ohio, locating in Belmont county about 1824. There the grandparents of our subject spent their remaining days. Their children were James, William, John, Thomas, Robert, Samuel, Margaret and Rose Ann. The daughter Margaret became the wife of Thomas Thompson. The grandparents were members of the Free Presbyterian church and were exemplary Christian people. Mr. Armstrong died in 1851, when more than eighty years of age, and his wife passed away ten or twelve years previously. John Armstrong, the father of our subject, was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, and was there reared to manhood, acquiring his education in its public schools. He married Miss Jane Thompson, a daughter of Joseph and Jane (Patton) Thompson, both of whom were natives of the Keystone state. The former entered the army during the Revolutionary war, loyally aiding in the struggle for the independence of the nation. After the establishment of the Republic he made his way over the mountains, set, tling in Westmoreland county, where he was married. About 1824 he went to Belmont county, Ohio, in company with the Armstrong family, and there his death occurred, while his wife passed away in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, 1836. Joseph Thompson, a son of Joseph Thompson, Sr., was in the war of 1812 and was present at the time of Perry's magnificent naval victory on Lake Erie, on the 10th of September, 1813, when the British fleet was destroyed. They had nine children, as follows : Joseph, William, James, Robert, Andrew, Thomas, Samuel, William and Jane. John Armstrong, the father of our subject, was born May 6, 1803, and therefore attained his majority when the family came to Ohio. After his, marriage he continued to live in Belmont county. until 1834, When he removed to Tuscarawas county, settling near Urichville, then called Waterford, and for seventeen years Mr. Armstrong followed farming in that locality. He then removed to Gallia county, Ohio, where he resided until 1858, when he came to Franklin county, locating in Perry township, where he purchased CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 247 twenty-seven acres of land, now the town site of Elmwood. Upon that farm he made his home for a number of years, and on selling .the property went to Liberty township, Delaware county, Ohio, where his wife died in 1873, at the age of seventy-one years, her birth having occurred in 1802. Mr. Armstrong died September 6, 1887. Both were members of the United Presbyterian church and their Christian conduct exemplified their belief. Joseph Armstrong, the immediate subject of this review, was reared on the old family homestead in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, and acquired his education in the paid schools. In 1849 he began learning the carpenter's trade, serving an apprenticeship of three years; during which time he received eight dollars a month for the first year, ten dollars a month for the second and twelve dollars a month for the third year. He then started out upon an independent business career, in 1853, making. a dollar a day. In 1853 he came to Franklin county, after having worked at carpentering in Madison county for about six months. Subsequently he removed to Delaware county, where he engaged in carpentering for a short time, during the winter of 1854-5. He then took up his residence permanently in Perry township, and on the loth of June, 1855, he was united in marriage to Miss Louisa Hard, a native of Perry township and a daughter of Myron E. and Elizabeth Hard. In 1859 Mr. Armstrong purchased seventeen acres of land now comprising the site of Elmwood and continuously engaged in carpentering in connection with farming until 1875, when failing health compelled him to abandon his trade. He was a very competent workman and in the construction of buildings gave very careful attention to designing the flues and constructing them in a safe manner. It may be truthfully said that no house which he erected sever burned down. He has been a prosperous man, and his enterprise and thrift have resulted in the accumulation of a good property, now comprising one hundred and four acres. This is a valuable tract, highly cultivated and improved with all modern accessories. He may truly be called a self-made man, for he began life in Franklin county with a capital of only two dollars and a half. He borrowed ten dollars in order to purchase tools with which to engage in work at his trade, and his industry, perseverance, economy and capable management have been the factors in winning him prosperity. Mr. and Mrs. Armstrong have long been accounted most esteemed citizens of their community. Their many excellent qualities have gained for them warm friendship and they are now widely and favorably known. They have never had any children of their own, but have reared two adopted children. The son, Frank Armstrong, was a 'son, of Robert Armstrong, a brother of our subject. At the present time Frank is now a conductor on the Panhandle Railroad. They also adopted Ella Miller, who at the time was six years of age. They gave her their own name, carefully educated her in music and literature and for several years prior to her marriage she was a prominent teacher in the public schools of Franklin county. In 1877 she became the wife of George Coe and now has four children,—Bertha L., Elma, Harvey 248 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. and Willard. Mr. Armstrong has held the office of township trustee and has always been a stalwart Democrat since casting his first vote for Franklin Pierce. Throughout his career he has been honorable, straightforward and energetic, a man whom to know is to esteem and respect. His life illustrates the power of diligence in the active affairs of life, and now with a competency carefully secured for his declining years he is enabled to spend the evening of life in quiet and well earned rest. CHARLES A. PEARCE The office. of sheriff is the highest executive office within the gift of the people of any county. It is an office of responsibility, demanding in its incumbent not only first-class business ability but integrity in the highest degree, Franklin county, Ohio, has had many good sheriffs, but it has had none who filled the office more efficiently or more entirely to the satisfaction of the general public than it is being filled at this time by Charles A. Pearce. Mr. Pearce . is a native of Columbus and was born on Christmas day, 1854, a son of Grafton and Alvina (Auter) Pearce. He received his primary education in the public schools of the city and at a private school. After putting aside his text-books he entered the service of the Columbus Buggy Company, with whom he remained for twenty-four years. For many years as a Republican he has been identified with local and state politics and has done much important work for his party. In November, 1899, he was elected the sheriff of the county and he assumed the duties of his office in January, 1900. He is a thirty-second-degree Mason and also a member of the Odd Fellows order, the Knights of Pythias and the order of Elks. Mr. Pearce has made his own way in the world to a position of trust and responsibility among his fellow men, and it may be said of him as truly as of any other man in the best sense of the term; and those who know best how he gained his present place know how well and truly he deserves it; and leading men of Columbus, irrespective of party, rejoice with him in his success. RODNEY R. COOKE. Rodney R. Cooke, deceased, was born on the old Cooke homestead in Clinton township; Franklin county, on the 26th of February, 1832. He was a son of Rodney Cooke and Laura (Cowles) Cooke, was a pioneer of the county and was reared upon his father's farm, obtaining his preliminary education in the district schools and in Otterbein University, where he pursued a partial course before attaining his majority. He afterward followed farming and school-teaching until his enlistment in the Civil war, on the 22d of February, 1864, for three years or during the war. He was assigned to Company G, of the Fifty-seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and in March following he joined his regiment, which was then doing service in Kentucky, He participated in the battle of Snake Creek Gap, on the 8th of May: Resaca, CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 249 from the 13th to the 16th of May; Dallas, May 25 ; Kenesaw Mountain, July 9; and the battle of Atlanta, on the 26th of July. He was also in several skirmishes, and about the 1st of September, 1864, was taken ill and sent to the hospital in the rear of Atlanta. He was afterward transferred to various hospitals until he arrived at, Bedloe's island, New York, and later was sent to Hilton Head, South Carolina, where he remained until the close of the war. He then participated in the grand review at Washington, in May, 1865. He served with the First Brigade, Second Division, Fifteenth Army Corps, under Generals Sherman, McPherson and Logan, while Captain James Wilson, of Findlay, Ohio, had command of the company, and Colonel A. V. Rice of the regiment. He was honorably discharged June 27, 1865, but returned an invalid from the war. Broken down in health, he was largely incapacitated for performing manual labor upon the farm. However, he accomplished his work as well as he could, a resolute will enabling him to perform the task. On the 24th of May, 1860, Mr. Cooke was married to Miss Cloe Williams, a daughter of William and Lucinda (Phelps) Williams, of Delaware county, Ohio. By this marriage was born a daughter, Luella Z., who fills a position in the patent office in Washington, D. C. Mrs. Cooke's father was a native of Pennsylvania, born in Bedford county, where his early life was passed. In 1800 his parents came to Ohio, settling in Fairfield county, near Lancaster, during the early. childhood of their son. In 1807 they took up their abode in Genoa, Delaware bounty, Ohio, where a permanent home was made. William Williams was a son of Rev. John and Margaret (Taylor) Williams. The former was a chaplain in the colonial army during the Revolutionary war. He was born in Maryland and was of Welsh descent, his father having probably been born in the little rock-ribbed country of Wales, becoming the founder of his branch of the family in America. A minister of the Methodist Episcopal church, Rev. Mr. Williams became one of the early itinerant preachers in Ohio. He also followed farming and purchased fourteen hundred and ninety-six acres of land in Genoa township, Delaware county. He had nine children, all of whom have now passed away. Thomas, the eldest son, was a babe when his parents removed from Maryland to Bedford county, Pennsylvania. They traveled on horseback, carrying the baby, "Tom," in a basket. Out of this he rolled to the ground, when the mother exclaimed, "Laws 'a' massy ! my baby is killed ! " but the little fellow was not hurt at all. The other children are : Linda, born January 3, 1785; William, August 23, 1787; Martha, September 3, 1791; Elizabeth, October 22, 1793; Margaret. March 10, 1795; James, in 1797; Nancy, August 16, 1801 ; and Mary, August 28, 1803. Rev. Mr. Williams, the father, died April 7, 1814, at the age of fifty-seven years:, two months and nine days, and his wife passed away February 13, 1833, at the age of seventy-five years and seventeen days. William Williams, the father of Mrs. Cooke, was married, in Ohio, to Lucinda, a daughter of Edward and Azubah (Moore) Phelps, who were 16