500 - ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. studies in a log school-house in which were a puncheon floor, .slab seats and greased pa-: per windows. He remained upon the home farm until the death of his father and until after his marriage. That important event in his life occurred on the 29th of December, 1857, the lady of his choice being Mary Jane, a daughter of Philip P. and Jane (Wolf) Cost. Mr. Confer built a log cabin which he and his family occupied until 1866, when he was enabled to erect a more modern residence. In 1876 he built a large barn at a cost of several thousand dollars and numerous other structures on the premises, indicating in a marked manner the enterprise and thrift of the owner. In addition to the improvement upon the place Mr. Confer carried on successfully the work of tilling the soil and raising crops. He also invested considerable capital in the village of Yellow Springs, erecting the postoffice building here and also a livery stable. Unto our subject and his wife were born five children. George B., their first born, died in October, 1887, at the age of twenty-eight years. Elizabeth: J. is the wife of Jacob 'S. Cosler, a resident of Miami township, and they have five children, Elsie J., Lewis W., Mary F., Russell H. and Georgiana. Mr. Cosler is a farmer and a very prominent man, John P. resides upon the old home place engaged in the raising of Jersey cattle and in conducting a dairy. He wedded Mary Jacobs, a daughter of A. Jacobs, of Miami township, and they have. two adopted children, Gertrude Alexander and Harry :Gross. Frank resides at Yellow Springs and is agent for the Springfield Laundry. He married Maude Bailey and they halve one daughter, Ruth.• The fifth' member of the Confer family died. in infancy. In 1894 Mr. Confer left the farm and removed to Yellow Springs, Where he lived: a retired life until his death., June 11, 1902. He was a member in good standing of the: Reformed Presbyterian church in which he-served as elder and deacon for many years,. and to which his wife also. belongs He became identified with the church when four--teen years of age and his life was ever M. consistent 'harmony with its teachings and principles. In politics he was a Republican, and for two years he was a member of the school board of his district, while for sev eral terms he served as supervisor. He remembered many interesting incidents of the-early times.. From 1809 until 1812 his father hauled flour from Cincinnati, six barrels making a load, and it required six barrels to pay for a barrel of salt. He saw the first. ferry-boat plying from New Orleans to. Cincinnati, it taking seventy-five days to. complete that journey. In early life Mr. Confer became familiar with the hardships. and trials incident to the establishment of a, home on the frontier and bore his part in the work of development and progress here.. He took 'a deep interest in the welfare and upbuilding of the county and throughout the long years of his residence here was ever known as a. loyal and valued citizen. SIMEON P. MALLOW. Simeon P. Mallow is one of the wide-awake young farmers of Caesarscreek township, and while no exciting chapters are found in his life history, he is, known as a worthy citizen interested in all that pertains to the general welfare and at the same time providing comfortably for his family by the ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY - 501 exercise of good business judgment and unflagging, industry. His home is on the Hussey pike and it was upon this farm that his birth occurred September 17, 1868, his parents being John and Hannah (Peterson) Mallow. His paternal grandfather was George Mallow, a native of Virginia, who became one of the pioneer settlers of Greene county, Ohio, where the parents of our subject were educated in the district schools, after which their marriage was celebrated in this county, where their sterling traits of character made them recognized as leading and representative citizens of the community. They became the parents of four children: Martha, J., the wife of B. L. Lewis, who resides near Paintersville, this county; Elizabeth, the deceased wife of D. C. Spahr ; Charles, who "died in infancy; and Simeon, of this review. .The father took an, active interest in political .affairs and espoused the cause of the Republican party. He served as trustee of his township for several years and was also town treasurer. Both he and his wife belonged to the German Reformed church and Mr. Mallow was called to his final rest in 1893 at the age of seventy-three years, while his. wife died in 1887, at the age of sixty-four years, their remains being interred in the cemetery of Xenia. In the district schools Simeon B. Mallow. acquired his preliminary education, which. was supplemented by study in the business college in Springfield, Ohio. Like most young men who start out in life themselves he sought a companion and helpmate for life's journey, and on the 26th of November, 1891, he was joined in wedlock to Miss Ida M. Hook, who was born in Greene county, daughter of. Clinton and Mary (Downey) Hook, the former a native of Greene county and the latter of Clinton county. They now reside near Xenia. In their family. were ten children, of whom seven are yet living as follows : Ida M., now. Mrs. Mallow; Pearl, the wife of Samuel Snyder, a resident of Columbus; Georgia B., the wife of Harry Bales, who is now living near Xenia; Charles E., Bertha Fay, Lawrence and Homer, at home.. By their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Mallow have become the parents of five children: Eva Fern, who died in childhood; Chester L., Olive, Ralph O. and Lois Esther, who are still with their parents. The wife and mother is a member of the Methodist Protestant church of Paintersville, which Mr. Mallow also attends and supports. Mr. Mallow operated the old home farm from 1888 to 1893, when after the death of his father :he bought the interests of the other heirs and is now the possessor of a fine farm. of three hundred and . five acres, well improved with a good residence, barns and all modern conveniences. The fields return a golden harvest for the care and labor bestowed upon them. Mr. Mallow is. also engaged in the raising of short horn cattle and this branch of his business is likewise profitable. He is a member of the firm of Mallow, Lewis & Long, who own and operate the New Jasper limestone quarry, comprising fifty-five acres, from which they ship building stone, having a switch from the Cincinnati, Hamilton & Dayton Railroad. They also manufacture brick and tile, their plant 'having a capacity of twenty thousand per day. Politically Mr. Mallow is a Republican, and -he takes an active interest in public affairs, has served as clerk and treasurer of his township, and is. filling the latter position at the present time. He is known as an active and reliable business Man, of a bright and jovial disposition, and his genial- 502 - ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. ity and courtesy have gained for him the good will and esteem of the entire community. JAMES A. GOWDY. James A. Gowdy, who resides on the upper Bellbrook road in Greene county, was born March 25, 1852, on this farm, which has been in the family for about one hundred years. In early pioneer times when Greene county was just, emerging from its wild condition into the light of civilization, the Gowdy family came to Ohio. John Gowdy was born in Connecticut in 1747 and was of Scotch-Irish parentage. He married Abigail Ryan, who was of Welsh descent, and about 1782 emigrated westward, locating first at the north bend of the Ohio river. Later owing to military troubles, he was compelled to remove to the military station at the falls of the Ohio and from there went to a settlement which afterward became Mt. Sterling, Kentucky. There the family lived until about 1809, when they came to Greene county, settling on a farm two miles west of Xenia. on the upper Bellbrook pike. John Gowdy died about five years later, passing away November 7, 1814. His wife survived him for about twenty-four years and departed this life on the 6th of May, 1838. They had eleven children. The eldest, James Gowdy, was married three times, his first wife being- Joanna Townsley, his second Sarah Brown, and his third Jane P.urdy. His children were John, James, George, Joanna, .who became the wife of William L. Finley, Samuel and Philander. Samuel Gowdy, the second of the family, married Isabelle Cowley and their. children were John Ryan, Abigail, Martha, Samuel, Frank, Robert Williamson and Diana Melvina. Jane, the third member of the Gowdy family, became the wife of Joseph Kyle and unto them were born the following named: Mary, Joseph Addison, Abigail, Catherine, John, James, Samuel, William and Martha. Martha Gowdy married John Jolly and their only child was James Gowdy Jolly. The next members of the family were Mary and Robert. John Gowdy, who followed in the order of birth, married Prudence Foglesong and their children were George Foglesong, Catherine, John, James, Charles, Sarah, Margaret, Albert and Thomas. Alexander married Eleanor Fitzgerreld and their children were John Ryan, Ellen, Abigail, Sarah, Cyrus and Mary. Abigail, the next member of the Gowdy family, became the wife of Robert Stevenson, and their children were John, Thomas, Rachel and Abigail. Ryan Gowdy was twice married, his wives being sisters—Diana and Nancy Morgan, and his children were John, Mary, Ryan, Adelaide and Nancy. Sarah,' the youngest of this family, became the wife of Peter Jacoby, and their children were Abigail, Mary, Jane, John, Ann, Henry, Rachel and Susanna. Robert Gowdy, the grandfather of our subject, married Nancy Mackey, the fifth child of Alexander and Jane Mackey, who were married in Scotland and on coming to the United States settled near Lexington, Kentucky. Mrs. Gowdy was barn January 1, 1785, and their marriage occurred August 26, 1806. On coming to Xenia they first lived in a. stone house which stood on the southwest corner of Detroit and Third streets, where the coal yard of Eavey & Cozad is now located. Robert Gowdy was a tanner by trade and conducted his business at the place of his residence, on the west ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY - 503 side of Detroit street, between Water street and Shawnee creek. He served as captain and major in the war of 1812 and afterward held the commission as colonel in the state militia. Their children were Ariminta, Jane Ryan, John Alexander, Martha, Mary, Eliza, Abigail, Robert, Nancy Ann, Sarah, James Marion and Isabella. Of this num ber Ariminta died in 1831, and Martha, Nancy and James Marion died in infancy. Jane became the wife of Amaziah Filcher; John married Sarah M. Bradford; Mary became the wife of John McBride; and Eliza of William V. Rhoades; while Robert married Emily Manor and Sarah became the wife of John Lawrence Jolly; and Isabella of Jacob Fishell. Abigail was married to William Twiss. Robert Gowdy, the father of this family, died December 16, 1831, and his wife died during the cholera. epidemic in 1849 on the 3d of August. The parents of James A. Gowdy were Robert and Emily (Manor) Gowdy. He was born on the Cincinnati pike and spent his entire life in Greene county, where he passed away in 'October, 1894, at the age of seventy-five years, his remains being interred in Woodland cemetery. His wife died in June, 1883, at the age of fifty-eight years. Mr. Gowdy voted with the Whig party in early life and afterward became a stanch Republican. He served for two terms as infirmary director and in all matters pertaining to the general welfare he took a deep and active interest Both he and his wife were members of the Presbyterian church, in which he served as a leader for many years. In their family were eight children: George. E., a minister of the Presbyterian church, now living in Lebanon, Ohio; Elizabeth, the deceased wife of William Anderson, a United Presbyterian minister; James A:, whose name introduces this record; William F., a Presbyterian minister 'living at Pleasant Ridge; Charles B., who for many years was secretary and treasurer of the Xenia Shoe Company, and died in March, 1902; Luella, the wife of R. D. Williamson, of Cedarville township; Robert L., an attorney ,of Xenia; and Emily, who died at the age of six weeks. LEWIS SMITH. The board of county commissioners in Greene county has been composed of a number of the leading citizens, men who have been unselfishly devoted to the welfare and progress of the community and who enjoyed the esteem and confidence of the best citizens of this portion of the state. Among the number who have capably served on the board was Lewis Smith. He came of an old Virginia family, his paternal grandparents being Jacob and' Nancy Smith, both of whom were natives of the Old Dominion, but at an early date they emigrated westward and in Greene county established their home, casting in their lot among the pioneer settlers. It was upon the old home farm here that James Smith, the father of our subject, was born August 4, 1810. He was reared in the usual manner of lads of that period. The country was wild, the forest uncut, the streams unbridged and very little of the land was. cleared. He assisted his father in the development and cultivation of the home farm until he decided to make some other pursuit his life work and learned the blacksmith's trade, which he followed for many years. He married Elizabeth Cane, who was born January 8, 1816, daughter 504 - ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. of Robert and Sarah Cane. Mr. Smith died on the 28th of February, 1876, and his wife, surviving him for many years, passed away on the l0th of April, 1895. Lewis Smith, whose name. introduces this review, was born in New Burlington, Greene county, Ohio, May 5, 1837., and spent the days of his boyhood and youth there, obtaining his education in the public schools. Like his father he learned the blacksmith's trade and continued to work in the smithy until 1897, receiving a good patronage on account of his excellent workmanship and his honorable business meth-. ods. In the year mentioned he was elected county commissioner and served continuously in that office up to the time of his death; which occurred May 7, 1902. He was a member of the board that contracted for and built the new courthouse in Xenia at a cost of more than two hundred thousand dollars. He was complimented and commended for the active interest which he took in the welfare of the citizens of Greene county and his worth was widely recognized. On Christmas .day of 1860 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Smith and Miss Rachael Elizabeth Craft, a daughter of Allen Craft, who was a farmer but is now deceased. Unto our subject and his wife were born ten children, of whom nine are yet living, namely : Rena Bell, Minnie E., Hattie M., Wesley Allen, William Francis, Wayne Craft, Walter Le Roy, Harley Hays and Leslie Leonard. Socially Mr. Smith was connected with the Masonic fraternity and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and the family is identified with the Methodist Episcopal church of New Burlington. In his political views Mr. Smith was a stanch Republican, never swerving in his allegiance to the party whose principles he believed contain the best elements of good government. His life was quietly passed in the faithful performance of each, day's duties, and while there were no exciting chapters in his. history it yet contains many lessons that are worthy of emulation. F. E. McGERVEY. The true measure of individual success is determined by what one has accomplished, and as taken in contradistinction to the old adage that a prophet is not without honor save in his own country, there is particular interest attaching to the career of the subject of this review, since he is a: native son of the place where he has passed his active, life, and so directed his ability and efforts as to gain recognition as one of the representative citizens of Xenia. He is to-day connected with many business interests which are of value to Xenia, through promoting its commercial activity, whereon rest the prosperity and upbuilding of every town or city. He is to-clay cashier of the Citizens' Notional Bank and is also a representative of many other important business concerns. F. E. McGervey was. born in this city on the 21st of January, 186, his parents being- James and Caroline (Brown) McGervey, the former a, native of Pennsylvania and the latter of New Hampshire. It is supposed that the McGervey family is of Scotch-Irish origin. The parents of James McGervey died during his infancy and he was reared by a Pennsylvania Dutch family. In early life he learned the saddler's trade and in 1828 he emigrated westward, traveling by stage coach and becoming a resident of Xenia, which. was then a thriving little ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY - 505 village. For more than sixty-seven years he conducted a harness shop in this place, continuing in business up to the time of his death. His excellent workmanship,. his honorable treatment of his patrons and his unremitting diligence brought to him success and he gained, as result of his labors, a comfortable competence. He was united in marriage to Miss Caroline Brown, who had three sisters, and all of them, like Mrs. McGervey, celebrated their golden weddings, and each. sister with her husband attended the celebration of the fiftieth wedding anniversary of all the others. The father of our subject passed away in 1895 at the advanced age of eighty-five years and his wife was seventy-nine years at the time of her death. They were the parents of eight children, but three of the number died in childhood. The others are as follows : Harriet is the wife of J. D. Watt, of Scotia, Nebraska. Mrs. Sarah M. Myers, now a widow, is the principal of the Woman's College at Fredericksburg, Maryland. James L. is connected with the firm of Jobe Brothers, merchants of Xenia. William R., who now resides in Kansas City, was the organizer of the Citizens' National Bank in 1881, and served as its cashier until 1896, when his health failed him and he removed to Kansas City, where he has since made his home. The youngest member of the family is the subject of this review. Frank E. McGervey is indebted to the public school system of Xenia for the educational privileges which he enjoyed. He entered upon his business career when only fifteen years of age, being first employed as bookkeeper and when seventeen years of age he was head bookkeeper of a large mercan tile concern. Since that time he has been engaged in clerical work, although he has not given his entire attention to it. In 1876 he entered the office of the county treasurer as deputy and filled that position for eight consecutive years. In 1884 he was elected county treasurer and served for two terms in that capacity. On the expiration of that period he entered the insurance and real estate business and is still a member of the firm of McGervey & Le Sourd. In 1897 he entered the. Citizens' National Bank of Xenia as cashier and has since continued in that position, the success and high standing of the institution being attributable in no small degree to the efforts of the popular and efficient cashier. He also has other interests, being connected as a stockholder with leading enterprises here. He is the secretary and treasurer of the Gas Company and of the Electric Light Company. On the 29th of January, 1880, Mr. McGervey was united in marriage with Miss Julia Dean, a native of Greene county and a daughter of David Dean of Xenia. She is the younger of two children, her brother, D. C. Dean, being the superintendent of the Xenia Gas Company. Unto Mr. and Mrs. McGervey were also born two children, but the daughter died in infancy, Walter E. is now acting as bookkeeper in the bank. Mrs. McGervey belongs to the United Presbyterian church and our subject holds membership in the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he has been chorister for a quarter of a century. has always been identified with the musical circles of Xenia and is the director of the Association Chorus of this city, comprised of one hundred and twenty-five members„ In politics he is a stanch Republican but has never consented to hold office, save that of county, treasurer. He also belongs to the Young Men's Christian Association and for fifteen years has been 506 - ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. an active member of its board, taking a. deep interest in all that pertains to the moral development and mental culture of the city as well as to its material upbuilding. His advancement has been continuous, his promotion coming to him in recognition of his capability, efficiency and accuracy. Well merited success now' crowns his efforts, and he is honored and esteemed by all who know him. JASPER N. WILSON. Jasper N. Wilson, who follows general .farming in the southeastern part of Bath township, was born May 28, 1850, in this township, and is a son of William and Elizabeth E. (Watts) Wilson. The father's birth occurred in Bath: township October. 14, 1812, his parents being William and Catherine (Heffley) Wilson. The former was a native of Kentucky and about 1.800 came to Greene county, Ohio, while the grandmother arrived five years later, coming from Maryland, her native state. Soon after reaching Ohio the grandfather entered land from the government, thus becoming the owner of a tract in the eastern part of Bath township, which he at once began to improve. He was called out in service in the war of 1812 and there contracted disease which terminated his life. After his death his wife left the farm and made her home with her husband's father, Michael Wilson. There she died six Months after the birth of her son William. The latter lived with his grandparents in the old 'homestead until he was seventeen' years of age. He then learned the blacksmith's trade at Byron, of Jacob, Greiner; and after he had mastered the business he worked for one year as a journeyman. He then purchased the shop and tools of his employer and conducted business there for eighteen years, after which he sold. out and bought a little farm near the town, continuing its cultivation Until 1855. He then traded the property for a larger farm about two and one-half miles from Byron and was there engaged in agricultural pursuits until 1872. In May, 1834, he had' married Elizabeth Watts, and unto them were born ten children, but only one of the number is now living; these were:. William W.; Sarah, who: died in the Jacob, who was a member of the One Hundred and Tenth Regiment of Ohio Volunteers in the Civil war; Catherine, the wife of Jacob Wolf, but both are now deceased ; Susan, the wife of Henry Coines, and they have also passed away; Elizabeth, who became the wife of John Lowe, and they, too, are deceased; Mary Elizabeth, the wife of James Ross; Virginia Alice; Jasper ; and Annette, the widow of F. B. Bryan. The mother of this family died March 13, 1877. The father was a member of the Reformed church for nearly half a century and was one of the loyal adherents to the cause of Christianity. He held the office of justice of the peace at Byron for nearly two years and then resigned on account of the demands of his private business. In politics he was a strong Republican and in his farming operations and other pursuits he was very successful. After 1872 he lived a retired life in Fairfield until called to his final rest in 1881. Both he and his wife were buried in the; cemetery at .Byron. Jasper N. Wilson was educated in the district schools, but when still quite young began to assist his father in the work of the field and meadow and was thus engaged until he was twenty-seven years of age. In the ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY - 507 spring of 1882 he removed to. his present farm. In the meantime he had married, having in .the spring of 1871 wedded Miss Ellen K. Hetsel, who is now deceased. Their children were: Bertha and Charles, who have passed. away; Bessie, the wife of John Kendig of Bath township, by whom she has two children--Fay and Frank; William, who. married Hattie Dillinger, by whom he has one child, Mabel, and their home is in Bath township; Clelland, who married Laura Reed; Ettie, now deceased;. Susie,, who is living with her brother-in-law, Mr. Kendig;. and Lura, also deceased. The mother died in 1888 when about thirty-eight years of age and was laid to rest in the Byron Union cemetery. She was a consistent Christian woman who held membership in the Methodist Episcopal church. On the 26th of August, 1892; Mr. Wilson was again married, his second union being with Mrs. Mary (Henman) Hansel, who had one child, Jesse, by her former marriage. By the present union there were three children: Ralph, who died in infancy; Raymond and Leslie, who are still with their parents. The family home' is upon a good farm of one hundred and sixty acres, upon which Mr. Wilson is carrying on general farming and stock-raising. His fields, are well tilled and .annually he gathers good harvests. In his pastures are found good grades of stock and his business is carefully managed, so that he is to-day one; of the prosperous and substantial citizens of his community. MANSEL J. HARTLEY. The specific and distinctive office of biography is not to give voice to a man's modest estimate of himself and his accomplishments, but rather to leave the perpetual record establishing his character by the consensus of opinion on the part of his fellow men. That Mr. Hartley occupies a notable. position among the able lawyers of Ohio is shown by the many 'times his professional associates have honored him with official preferment in their fraternal organizations; and that the public accords him prominence is demonstrated by the liberal clientage; which he now, enjoys. It is therefore fitting that he be numbered among the leaders of 'the bar of Greene county, where for twenty-one years he has practiced; continuously. Mr. Hartley was born in Guernsey county, Ohio, on. the 9th of August, 1853, his parents being William and Eleanor E. (Johnson) Hartley, the former a native of New. Jersey and the latter of Ohio. It is believed that the Hartley family is of English lineage but for many generations representatives of the name have resided in America, the original ancestor having come to the new World with William 'Penn. The Hartleys are still found in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. They were worthy people, identified with the Society of Friends, and their lives were in consistent harmony with the teachings of that sect. William P. Hartley came to Guernsey county, Ohio, in 1837, and is now residing within a mile of Quaker City. Throughout his active business career he has followed farming and now he is living in practical retirement at the age of eighty-one years, while his wife has reached the age of seventy-one years. They became the parents of three children, of whom two are yet living—Mansel J. and Anice H., the latter the wife of S. F. Mc-Burney of Quaker City, Ohio. In the public schools of Quaker City, Mr. Hartley of this review obtained his 508 - ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. early education and afterward engaged in teaching for four years in the district schools during the winter Months, while in the summer season he worked upon the home farm. Not content, however, with the educational. privileges previously accorded him he resolved to pursue a more advanced course and when twenty years of age he entered the freshman class of Bethany College of West Virginia, where he completed a classical course and was graduated in 1877 with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. He was then chosen superintendent of the schools of Quaker City, where he remained for a year, and in 1878 was elected superintendent of instruction in the Soldiers' and Sailors' Orphan Home in Xenia, serving in that capacity until 1880. While engaged in teaching he took up the study of law under the direction of Charles Darlington of Xenia, and in April, 188.1, he was 'admitted, to the bar, where he has practiced continuously since. He entered into partnership with B. Nesbitt, a relation that was maintained from 1886 until 1892, when on account of his age, Mr. Nesbitt. practically retired and died shortly afterward. With the exception of that period of six years Mr. Hartley has always been alone in practice and the success that he has achieved is the merited recognition of his ability. He is well informed concerning the various departments of jurisprudence. The people do not trust their legal business in unskilled hands where they risk losing that for which they are in litigation, and when one secures a large    it is an indication that the people have faith in his ability. Although Mr. Hartley has made the practice of law his chief vocation he has also been identified with several corporations and important business enterprises. He is a director of the People's Building and Savings Company of Xenia; is a director of the Xenia, Cedarville, Jamestown & Wilmington Traction Company and its attorney; and is also attorney for the Springfield & Xenia Traction Company. On the 11th of September, 1884, Mr. Hartley was united in marriage to Miss Laura H. Coffman, of Dayton, Ohio, and theirs is one of the hospitable homes of the city. Their circle of friends is very extensive and is continually growing as the. years pass by. Mr. Hartley .has been called to many positions of public trust and since 1881 has served continuously as school examiner of the city of Xenia. In 1879 he received from the state board of examiners a life certificate for Ohio. For two years, from 1889 until 1891, he was trustee of the Ohio Soldiers' and Sailors' Orphan Home, having been appointed to that position by Governor Campbell. In 1892 he was nominated for a presidential elector on the Democratic: ticket but there was a Republican landslide in Ohio that year. He was United States commissioner of the circuit court for the southern district of Ohio and in every position which he has been called upon to fill he has proved his loyalty to his country and his fidelity to the trust reposed in him. A very prominent member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, he has been a member of its grand lodge since 1888; is now one of its trustees and is an ex-officio trustee of the Odd Fellows' Home at Springfield. He also belongs to Xenia Lodge, No. 49, F. & A. M., and for four years was worshipful master. His wife belongs to the Baptist church and to its support he contributes liberally. In the line of his profession he is connected with the State Bar Association of Ohio. He has made a close study of law, ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY - 509 never losing sight of any detail having bearing upon his case, and at the same time he gives to the more prominent points due importance. His knowledge of the law is exact, his preparation of the cases painstaking and his power before the judge and jury is acknowledged by all. He is a, gentleman of very modest manner, yet of pleasing personality and his uniform courtesy and genuine worth have made him a great favorite in social as well as professional circles. JOHN H. WOLFORD. John H. Wolford is the honored mayor of the village of Cedarville and for many years :has been identified. with its industrial interest, conducting a blacksmith and carriage-making shop. He is a native of Washington county, Maryland, where his birth occurred December 27, 1848, and is a son of John and Mahala (Brewer) Wolford. The father was also a native of Washington :county, where he lived and died. He was a shoemaker by trade and followed that pursuit throughout his entire business career. He died at the age of sixty-two years, his death occurring in 1884, and his wife passed away in 1873: 'Eleven children were born unto them, seven of whom are yet living, and all are natives of Maryland. In that state the subject of this review pursued his education and made his home until he was seventeen years of age, when he came to Greene county, Ohio, settling in Xenia, in 1866. There he continued to. reside until 1882, since which time he has made his home in Cedarville. Mr. Wolford learned his trade of blacksmithing and carriage-making in Xenia and followed the dual pursuit during sixteen years of his residence in that city. Coming to Cedarville he opened his shop here and has since conducted the business with good success, his excellent workmanship and trustworthy business methods commending him to the public confidence and, therefore, to the public patronage. Mr. Wolford has also been quite prominent in public affairs and is well fitted to be a leader of public thought and action. He became a member of the board of education of the village two years after his arrival here, and is thus identified with educational interests. For several years he served as its president and at all times has put forth every effort in his power to promote the cause of the schools. In politics he has always been a Republican, and upon that ticket he was elected mayor of the village, in April, 1896„ He has been chosen to that office each term since, so that he. is now serving the sixth year, the term of office expiring in April, 1902. No higher proof of his capability could be given than the fact that by popular suffrage he has been three times chosen for the office. During his incumbency many improvements have been made 'in the city, including the laying of cement walks. When William McKinley was governor of Ohio he appointed Mr. Wolford, in March, 1892, to the office of one of .the trustees of the Dayton State. Hospital, and he served in that capacity for four years. In 1872, in Springfield, Ohio, Mr. Wolford was united in marriage to Miss America Mills, a daughter of Jacob Mills, who is now living 'retired in Springfield. Five children have been born of this union and the family circle yet remains unbroken by the hand of death. These are Bernice; 510 - ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. Ida, the wife of W. A. Turnbull, a farmer of Cedarville; Edna, who is the wife of Oliver Dodds, of Xenia; J. N.; and Ralph, of the children were born in Xenia with the exception of the youngest, who is a native of Cedarville. Fraternally Mr. Wolford is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and with the Masons, his membership being in the lodges in Xenia. For twenty years he has resided in Cedarville and has become widely known not only in the city, but throughout the surrounding district. He is a representative of our best type of American manhood and chivalry. By perseverance, determination and honorable effort he has overthrown the obstacles which barred his path to success and reached the goal of prosperity, while his genuine worth, broad mind and public spirit have made him a director of public thought and action. PROFESSOR E. H. COLVIN. Professor E. H.. Colvin, long associated with educational interests in this part of Ohio, and now living in Spring Valley, was born in Clinton county, Ohio, July 18, 1857, a son of James and Henrietta (Hayes) Colvin. The father, also a native of Clinton county, engaged in teaching for a brief period in early manhood and then turned his attention to farming, which he followed throughout his remaining years. His wife died in 1873, but he survived until January 16, 1897, when he departed this life in the county of his nativity. Of their family of three children, our subject is the second. Vincent Darius, the eldest, died in infancy, while Hilly Carson is a farmer of Clinton county.  The boyhood days of our subject were spent upon the home farm, and he pursued his education through. the winter months between the ages of eight and eighteen years, manifesting special aptitude in his studies fifteen years of age he successfully passed .a teacher's examination and received a certificate, but on account of his youth could not obtain a position. In the fall of 1875 he entered the Friends College, at Wilmington, Ohio, where he completed the course and was graduated in the class Of 1879. Through four years he had daily walked from his home to that school and had never 'missed a recitation and was tardy only three times,, a record of which he has every reason to be proud. The same reliability and fidelity ever characterized his work as an educator. He won the degree of Bachelor of Arts and in the following September he was employed to teach the village school, in Ogden, Ohio. During the greater part of his life he has devoted his .attention to educational work and has won a high reputation as an instructor of superior ability. In 1884 he came to Spring Valley to accept the superintendency of the village school, remaining in charge for four years. He was .then away for five years and during one year was .teaching at Versailles, Darke county, Ohio. He was then again called to take charge of the schools of this place and remained a.s superintendent for six years, during which year the school, made satisfactory progress and many excellent improvements in methods were introduced, rendering the work 0f the school--room' much more effective in preparing the young for the practical duties of life. On the 7th of August, 1884, Mr. Colvin was married 'to Miss Hannah. Marie Haines, of Greene county, a daughter of ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY - 511 Samuel Haines and Mary (Bales) Haines. Mrs. Colvin is a native of this county and by her marriage she has become the mother of two children: Orville Carson, born in Versailles, Ohio, May 29, 1889; and Pearl Augusta, born in Caesarscreek township, Greene county, August 21, 1891. In 1899 Professor Colvin removed with his family to LeGrand, Iowa, . and became principal of LeGrand Academy, remaining for a year, but the climate did not agree with his wife and daughter and he then returned to Ohio. Professor Colvin was reared in the Democratic faith and has always supported the party by his ballot since attaining his majority. He was the Democratic nominee in Caesearscreek township for assessor, and although the locality is strongly Republican he failed only five votes of election. He belongs to the Christian church in .Bethel, Clinton county, near where his father was born and in which he was a deacon. The professor became identified with the church when about sixteen years of age. His wife was reared in the faith of the Society of Friends; to which she still adheres. Professor Colvin is a member of Spring Valley Lodge,. No. 302, I. O. O. F:, in which, he has filled all of the chairs and also of the encampment. He became so familiar with the proceedings of the fraternity that he could at one time give all of its unwritten work from memory. He became a charter member of Walter Coesey Council, No. 89, Junior Order United American Workmen, filled all offices and is a past councilman. He is also a member of the department of Spring Valley, and belongs to Burlington Lodge,, F. & A. YE He has invested in property, owning a residence in Spring Valley, a house and lot in Caesarscreek township, and the old family homestead, which he purchased after his father's death. His influence and labors have been of marked effect in promoting the intellectual development of the community in which he makes his home and he and his family occupy a leading position in social circles where true worth and intelligence are received as the passports into good society. CHARLES W. WHITMER. Charles W. (Whitmer, a member of the Ohio bar practicing in Xenia, was born in Rainsboro, Highland county, on the 4th of July, 1852, and is of German lineage, although the family has long been established in America. Jacob Whitmer, the grandfather, was born in Pennsylvania and spent the greater part of his life there, but in his later years removed to Montgomery county, Ohio; where his death. occurred; David Whitmer, the father of our subject, was the only son in a family of four children, and was the eldest of the number. His birth occurred in Pennsylvania, at the old family home there. The family name was originally spelled Wittmer, but later generations adopted the present form. David Whitmer entered the ministry of the Methodist Episcopal church in early life and for more than forty years was actively engaged in proclaiming the gospel tidings, having been connected with the Central Ohio conference. He officiated in different pulpits in central Ohio and for a time was connected with the Female College, of Hillsboro, but with that exception he Was always in the ministry from early manh0od until his death, although at the time of his demise he held superannuated relations to the church. He passed away at the age of 512 - ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. sixty-three years, on the 27th of June, 1887, in Xenia, and his widow is still living here. Rev. Whitmer was twice married. He first wedded Hannah Fox, a native of Richmond, Indiana, and a sister of Judge Henry Fox, of that city. They became the parents of two children, the elder brother of our subject being William C. Whitmer, who is trainmaster of the northern division of the Panhandle Railroad at Columbus. The mother died in 1835 and was buried near Hillsboro, Highland county. She Was a lady of more than ordinary literary ability and culture, and wrote quite extensively for magazines and periodicals of her day. After the death of his first wife Rev. Whitmer married Amanda C. Gardner, of Clinton county, and to them were barn nine children, six Of whom are yet living. Clarence. is teller in the Xenia National Bank; Harry is connected with the firm of Whitmer & Hebble, insurance agents of Xenia; and George is train dispatcher on the Pennsylvania Railroad, at Cincinnati. Mr. Whitmer of this review, pursued his early education in the public schools, attended the high schools of Urbana, Ohio, and afterward was a student in the Ohio Wesleyan University, at Delaware. Before he was fourteen years of age he taught his first school and after completing his. education he .continued teaching in Greene county, being thus connected with educational work until 1884, when he was admitted to the bar. He had taken up the study of law. with the firm of Alexander & Spencer, of Xenia, but at the time had no intention of becoming an active member of the legal profession, but after a few years time he entered into partnership with his former preceptor, Squire W. J. Alexander, with whom he was associated until the latter's death, which oc curred on Easter Sunday of 1898. Since that time Mr. Whitmer has been alone, engaging in general practice, having a wide and comprehensive knowledge of the principles of jurisprudence in its many departments. Strong in argument, logical. in his reasoning and with a keen perception which enables him to readily determine the strong points of a cause, he has won many n0table forensic combats, which proves that he has made no mistake in allying himself with the legal fraternity of Greene county. On the 28th of November, 1876, Mr. Whitmer was married to Miss Libbie S. Cooper, a native of this county and a daughter of Samuel Cooper of. the same county. Three children were born to them : Effie C., at home; Freddie, who died in infancy; and John Raymond, who is connected with the Miami Telephone Company, of Xenia. Mr. Whitmer is attorney for the People's Building & Loan Association of Xenia; has been solicitor for the city for some time and in connection with the practice of his profession has for a number of years been engaged in the real-estate business, conducting a number of important property transfers. He is quite prominent and popular in fraternal circles, being a member of Xenia Lodge, No. 49, F. & A. M.; of Ivanhoe. Lodge, No. 56, K. of P., of Xenia, and of the Uniformed Rank; Xenia Lodge, I. 0. 0. F.; Xenia Lodge of the Red _Men ; Xenia Lodge, No. 668, B.. P. 0. E. In politics he is a Republican, and for the past eight years has served on the board of equalization for the city of Xenia. In office as in private life he trustworthy, reliable and energetic in the performance of duty. His chief attention, however, has been given to his law practice. His logical grasp of facts and principles and ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY - 513 of the law applicable to them has been, a potent element in his success, and the remarkable clearness of expresson, an adequate and precise diction, -which enables him to make others understand not only the salient points of his argument, but his every fine graduation of meaning may be accounted one of his most conspicuous gifts and accomplishments. CHARLES H. SULLIVAN Charles H. Sullivan, a farmer and stock-raiser of Sugarcreek township, is a western man by birth and possesses the true enterprising spirit so characteristic of this section of the country, leading to its rapid development. He was born in the city of Decatur, Illinois, January 24, 1876, and is a son of Taylor and Elizabeth (Wright) Sullivan. The mother was a native of Greene county, Ohio, and the father had been a. resident of Illinois and . Missouri, where he had followed carpentering. They were married in Greene county and during the infancy of our subject they returned to this place so that Charles H. Sullivan was here reared to manhood. The public- school system afforded him his educational privileges. He was only six years of age when his .parents died and he made his home with his maternal grandmother, Mrs. Charles Wright. After arriving at years of maturity Mr. Sullivan sought a companion and helpmate for the journey of life and on the 12th of March, 1896, was united in marriage t0 Miss Elizabeth King, of Warren county, Ohio, in which. place she was born October 28,1876, a daughter of H. H. and Frances (Cooper) King. This marriage has been blessed with two children, Ambrose and Mulbum. The young couple have the warm regard of many friends, -having been so many years residents of this 'part of the state. Their social qualities have made their home a hospitable one and it is the resort of many who entertain for them high regard. Mr. Sullivan gives his political support to the Republican party, but does not seek public office, preferring that his time and energies should be given to his business interests and to the establishment of a good home for his little family. He is meeting with creditable success in his undertakings and is accounted one of the most progressive and prosperous of the younger farmers of this county. JOHN ORR. Long connected with the educational and Official interests of Greene county, John . Orr was widely and favorably known and when he passed away the community mourned the loss of a valued citizen, one in whom patriotism integrity and reliability were numbered among his chief characteristics. He was born in Chester district, South Carolina, on the 12th of August, 1820, and was of Scotch-Irish lineage, the family being founded in America, by John Orr, the grandfather of our subject, who emigrated from county Antrim., in the north of Ireland, to the new world, taking up his abode in Chester district, South Carolina:. There he lived for many years, but on account of the slavery conditions existing in -the south he left that state and with a colony made his way to Indiana., settling near Princeton. At the same time another 514 - ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY colony from the same neighborhood settled near Cedarville, Greene county, Ohio. William :Orr, the father of our subject, was also a native of South Carolina, and throughout his business career carried on farming. He spent the greater part of his life near Princeton, Indiana, and at length passed away at that place. John Orr was the eldest of the five children born to his parents. He, too, was engaged in agricultural pursuits during his boyhood, and in the district schools acquired his early education, which Was afterward supplemented by a college course in Hanover, Indiana. He was graduated at Miami University, Oxford, Ohio, in. the class of 1845. After his graduation he began teaching' and within a short time became president of a college at Macon, Tennessee, where he remained until a few years prior to the Civil war. Northern men were unwelcome in that section of the country at that time and he returned to Princeton, Indiana, where he was engaged in, teaching for several years. He next came to Cedarville, Greene county, Ohio, and Was principal of the public schools for several ensuing years. In 1863 he was elected clerk of the court of Greene. county and filled that position for eighteen consecutive years,- his term of service being unparalleled by any other incumbent of the office in recent years. He discharged his duties in such a prompt and capable manner that he won the highest -commendation of the bar and of the general public and over the record of his official career there falls not the least shadow of wrong. In 1850 Mr. Orr was united in marriage to Miss Henrietta Kiloh, a native of Aber deen, Scotland, and a daughter of John and Maria Kiloh. . They were natives of England and were making their home in Aberdene at the time of their daughter's birth. When she was a maiden of nine summers they crossed the Atlantic to the United States and located in Cincinnati, where she married Mr. Orr. Eleven children were born of this marriage: May, the wife of Judge H. L. Smith, of Xenia; Eva, the wife of Thomas G. Brown, of Ironton, Ohio; William. F., an attorney of Xenia; Charles, who is librarian of the Case library in Cleveland, Ohio, and is also a member of the state. library commission; J. Frank, of Xenia.; Annie, the wife of James R. Hale, of Cleveland; Rose, also of Cleveland; Gertrude, the wife of the Rev. Charles. Rice, of Michigan; Blanche, the wife of E. W. Carry, of Cleveland; Olive, the wife of Clyde Horton, of the same city; and Harry E., also a resident of Cleveland. Mrs. Orr also living in the same city at the age of seventy-one years. In his religious faith Mr. Orr was a Presbyterian, belonging to a church of that denomination in Xenia. His- political support was given the Republican party and the cause of education found. in :him a warm friend. For several years he was a member of the school board of Xenia and did all in his power to .advance the standard of education here. He was himself a man of scholarly attainments and broad general culture and 'his wide information rendered his conversation not only entertaining, but instructive. He passed away December 30, 1883, at the age of sixty-three years, and his remains were interred in Woodland cemetery, Xenia, Ohio, but though, nineteen years have since passed his memory is enshrined in the hearts of scares of his old friends and associates, to whose interests he was ever faithful, sacrificing his own rather ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY - 515 than theirs. Could his service as a capable official always be equaled the best interests of town, state and nation would always be conserved and the welfare of the country greatly advanced. MELVILLE F. BARROWS. Melville F. Barrows, who is agency instructor for the New York Life Insurance Company, having supervision over twelve counties, is an enterprising business man; whose success is attributable to his own efforts. He is numbered among the native sons of the county, his birth having occurred in Xenia township, July 8, 1864, his parents being John I. and P. R. (Butler) Barrows, the former a native of New York and the latter of Ohio. The ancestry can be traced back to Sir Isaac Barrows of England, but at an early day the family was founded in the new world. Isaac Barrows, the grandfather of our subject, was born Massachusetts, but in early life removed to the Empire state, where he spent his remaining days, engaged in farming, in dealing in grain and in operating a sawmill. In his` family were six children, including John I. Barrows, who acquired a college education and in early manhood came to Greene county, where he engaged in teaching school for a number of years. Later he followed farming for a number of years and when he sold his land became a dealer in agricultural implements. in Xenia, where he carried on business for fifteen years. Severing his business relations with the city, however, he is now living in Xenia township, and is numbered among the highly respected citizens of his neighbor hood. When the Civil war was in progress his patriotic spirit was aroused and he offered his services to the government, becoming a member of Company E, Seventy-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which he remained until a short time before the cessation of hostilities, when on account of ill health he resigned. He was second lieutenant of his company and took part in a number of engagements. In Xenia township John I. Barrows was married to Miss Providence R. Butler, a daughter of Joshua S. Butler, a native of Virginia, who came to Greene county. at an early day. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Barrows were born two children : Melville F.; and Mamie. E., who is living with her parents. Mr. and Mrs. Barrows hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal church and he belongs to the Grand Army of the Republic. In the schools of Xenia Melville F. Barrows obtained his education and later engaged in farming for a time in Xenia township, but later took up his abode in the county seat and accepted the position of a solicitor for the Pennsylvania Mutual Life Insurance Company, with which he continued for seven years. He then became identified with the New York Life Insurance Company as agency instructor for central Ohio, his territory embracing twelve counties. He is well versed in every department of life insurance and the different kinds of policies, and is most capably representing the corporation in the position which he vow fills. On the 14th of February, 1889, Mr. Barrows was married to Miss Lulu H. Kline, a native of Greene county, and a daughter of Emanuel Kline, a resident of Salem, Ohio. They have three children : Glenna M., John Freddie and Gracie E. 516 - ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. Mr. Barrows' name is upon the membership rolls of several civic organizations. He belongs to Xenia Lodge, No. 49, F. & A. M.; Xenia Chapter, No. 666, R. A. M., and is a member of Trinity church- of Xenia. His political support is given the Republican party, and he has served as a member of the city council. He has a. very wide acquaintance in this city and the circle of his friends is almost co-extensive with the circle of his acquaintances. DANIEL H. MARSHALL. Daniel H. Marshall, who has followed agricultural pursuits throughout his entire business career and is now living retired in Cedarville, was born in Clinton county, this state, on what is called Buck's Run, about three- and a half miles from Burlington, .April 23, 1828, his parents being Robert and Sarah (Huffman) Marshall. The father was a native of Virginia, born in June, 1801, and about 1812 became a resident of Ohio, so that he was reared here amid the wild scenes of pioneer life. Here he was married and about 1833 he removed with his family from the farm in Clinton county to Greene county, settling- on What is known as the James Barber farm in Cedarville township. There he lived for four or five years, when he removed to Clark county. When several years had passed he removed to a small farm near his first home there, and afterward to the John Nelson farm in Clark county. His next home was three miles east of Clifton, and after seven years there spent he was called to his final rest. He was a mechanic and followed his trade until about forty years of age, when he turned his attention to the cattle business, which was the means of bringing to him a livelihood until his death, which occurred in 1846, when he was forty-five years of age. In his religious faith he was a Methodist and in political belief a Whig. His wife survived until 1898, passing away at the advanced age_ of eighty-five. After the death of her first husband she married Elijah Harper, of Greene county, Who was born at Harpers Ferry, Virginia. Mr. Marshall of this review, was one of nine .children : William, . a retired farmer of Otter Bend, Indiana; Daniel H. ; Solomon, a blacksmith. and coal and grain dealer of Lafayette, Indiana; Jesse W., a farmer of Cedarville township ; Delila, the wife of Thomas E. Stewart, a, farmer of Clark county, who is also filling the office of justice of the peace; George W., who resides in Seattle, Washington; and three that died in infancy. Mr. Marshall of this review accompanied his parents on their various removals during his youth and remained upon the home farm until he had attained his majority. He was then married and removed to a rented farm near Courtsville, Ohio, and also engaged in blacksmithing. In 1849 he emigrated to Iowa, settling in Louisa county, at Hope Farm postoffice, but he remained for only a short time, returning to Ohio by ox-team. He then located on a farm in Clark county, where he remained for a number of years, after which he came to Greene county, purchasing land in Cedarville township, upon which he remained until ten years of age when he retired from active business life. He had successfully carried on general farming and stock-raising and his unre- ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY - 519 mitting diligence and sound judgment in business matters had brought, him prosperity, so that he is now the owner of over three hundred acres, although he has given away a good farm.. He is thus enabled to enjoy a well earned rest at his pleasant home in Cedarville, which he bought in 1888. On the 2d of. December, 1847, Mr. Marshall was married in Cedarville township,- to Nancy Harper, .a cousin of George W. Harper. She was born in Greene county, a daughter of Elijah Harper. Mr. and Mrs. Marshall became the parents of two children. Charles F., who resides on the old home farm three miles east of Cedarville, married Ella Fogelsong, who died leaving two children, Gertie May and Daniel W., and later he wedded Georgia Latham.. William L. is proprietor of the Palace Livery stable of Xenia and is also connected with the Xenia Buggy Company. He 'married Carrie Barber, a daughter of W. M. Barber, and they, have four children : Harry, Arthur, Mary and Alfred.. Perhaps Mr. Marshall has become best known throughout this section as an auctioneer, having been actively and successfully engaged in that business for fifty years. He finally retired from it on account of failing health, however, after teaching his son, William L., the business. Mr. Marshall served :as a trustee of Cedarville for two terms and was also a first lieutenant in the National Guard of Ohio prior to the Civil war and afterward became captain of Company A during the Morgan raid. For about thirty-six years he has been a member of the Methodist church and has been steward for more than twenty years, his life being in harmony with his professions. He has been a resident of Greene county for many years, and has taken a deep interest in its welfare and progress, advancing to a prominent position as a citizen of worth and as a successful farmer. TOWNE CARLISLE. One of the best, most energetic and progressive men ,of Yellow Springs. is Towne Carlisle, who is also classed among the representative citizens, taking a deep and helpful interest in all measures for the general good. He is numbered among the native sons of Greene county, his birth having occurred in Miami township, on the 26th of March, 1855. His parents were Jehu and Hettie (Batchelor) Carlisle. The father was a native of Loudoun county, Virginia, and in 1836, when about twenty years of age, came to Ohio. His birth occurred in 1816. He located in Miami township near Yellow Springs, and always carried on agricultural pursuits in order to provide for his family. He aided in erecting the. first building at Yellow Springs, and until three or four years ago it still stood at the corner of Corry and Dayton streets, and was used as a Methodist Episcopal church. He was a member of that church and led an earnest Christian life. In politics he was a Democrat, but he never sought or desired office. During the last twenty years of his life he lived in practical retirement from labor and died at Yellow Springs at the advanced age of eighty-three years. His widow still survives him and now resides in Miami township. She was born March 26, 1816, at Yellow Springs on the property that is now occupied by the Old Folks Home. She was 520 - ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. a daughter of Robert Batchelor, who was a native of Pennsylvania and at an early day in Ohio's history came to this state, locating at. Yellow Springs, where he .died. In the family of Jehu and Hettie Carlisle were nine children, five of whom. are living. Towne Carlisle, the eighth in order of birth, acquired his early education in the public schools of the village of Yellow Springs and remained upon the old home farm until he had attained his majority, when he began learning the carriage-maker's trade,, under the direction of T. B. Jobe, the present mayor of Yellow: Springs. He was with him for three years and then engaged in the lumber business at this place in connection with J. H. Little. This partnership was maintained until 1890, when Mr. Carlisle became sole owner of the busness which he has since conducted. He carries all kinds of *lumber and has .a large and growing trade, his liberal patronage already bringing to him a very gratifying inccme. In 1876 occurred the marriage of Towne Carlisle and Miss Catherine Howard, a native of Greene county, and a daughter of John Howard, an early settler of Xenia township, where he engaged in farming until his death. Unto this marriage one son was born, Howard T.„ who is now twenty-two years of age and .assists .his father in the lumber business. He was educated in the public schools of Yellow Springs. The mother died in 188 and was laid to rest in the Xenia cemetery amid the deep regret of family and many friends. For his second wife Mr. Carlisle chose Mattie Van Horn, who was. born in Cedarville, and is a daughter of Edward Van Horn, a lunber contractor of Cedarville, now deceased: Unto the second marriage four children have been born, but Edna, the eldest, died at the age of five years. The' others are : Edward, who is attending school ; and Mildred and Hazel, twins. Mr. Carlisle is a Republican in his political views and since 1890 has continuously served as township clerk of Miami township, while since '1891 he has been a school director. He belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church and fraternally is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias. He is a typical American business man, resolute, energetic and progressive, realizing that success will come as the result of earnest purpose, supplemented by untiring diligence. it is along these lines that he has won creditable prosperity and among the leading residents of Yellow Springs he deserves mention. FRANK P. BRYAN. Frank P. Bryan, a well known resident of Fairfield, was here born in I82, his parents being Henry and Lydia (Petry) Bryan, the former a native of Maryland, the latter of Pennsylvania. The father came to Ohio about 1845„ settling first in Canton and then he came to Fairfield. He was a wagon-maker by trade and followed that pursuit until 1872, when in connection with John Louck, he embarked in the grocery business under the firm name of Louck & Bryan. This relation was maintained until 1876, whet his son became Mr. Louck's successor in the firm and the name was changed to Bryan & Son. This relation was continued to the time of the death of the father; which occurred on the 5th of De- ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY - 521 cember, 1889, when he was seventy years of age. He lived an upright, honorable life and his integrity in business affairs was beyond question. He was married in Canton, Ohio, to. Lydia Petry, and they became the parents of three children attaining maturity : Laura, the wife of L. C. Mitman, of Osborn; William H., a blacksmith, of Osborn; and Frank P. The last named is the youngest of the family and wa.s educated in the schools of Fairfield. In early life he learned the painter's trade and followed that pursuit from 1872 until 1876, when he entered into partnership with his father. In 1879 hey opened an undertaking business, being associated with Mr. Miller, also of Fairfield, until the latter's death, on the 11th of April, 1894. Since that time Mr. Bryan has been alone in the undertaking business. He still continued his ownership, in the grocery store until 1895, when he sold out to D. P. Mol ter, and has since devoted his attention to his undertaking. establishment. In his political views Mr. Bryan is a. Democrat. His father served for more than thirty years as township treasurer and was a member of the school board. After his death Frank P. Bryan was appointed his successor and continued to serve in that office until 1898. He has been a member of the town council of 'Fairfield for a number of terms and was also treasurer of the village for ten years. Socially he is connected with the Odd Fellows' Society, belonging to both the subordinate lodge and encampment, and has passed the chairs in both branches. He is a member of the State Funeral Directors' Association. On the 21st of September, 1876, Mr. Bryan was united in marriage to Miss Anetta Wilson, who died October 30, 1900, and was buried in the family lot in the Byron Union cemetery.. She belonged to the Reformed church, of which our subject is also a member. He owns a house and lot in Fairfield, and is a well known resident of the town. He is a graduate of the Clark & Champion College of Embalming and is thus well equipped for the work he has undertaken. In manner Mr. Bryan is courteous and kindly and he is worthy of the friendship which he gains wherever he goes. JACOB M. ALLAMON. Jacob M. Allamon, who is filling the position of engineer in the Steele .Building of Xenia, was born fourteen miles west of Chillicothe, Ross county, Ohio, on the 17th of September, 1862, and is a son of George McElroy and Elizabeth (Taylor) Allamon. The father was born in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, in 1817, and was there reared, coming to Ohio in 1837, when twenty years of age. He located in Ross county, Ohio, and afterward removed to Columbus, where he completed the wagon-maker's trade. He then returned to Ross county, where he engaged in business, as a wagon-maker at what was known as Allamon Cross Roads, remaining there until 1865. He is now a resident of Washington Court House, and he married Miss Taylor, of Ross county, on the 14th of July, 1847, her birth having occurred in that county in 1825. Her parents were William and Nancy (Nessel) Taylor, the former a refugee from France, having left that country in order to keep from service in the army. He served his adopted.. country as a soldier in the war of 1812, and was a; loyal citizen of this land. 522 - ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. Having taken up his abode in Ross county, Ohio, he followed the shoemaker's trade in an early day, before shoes were so largely manufactured by machinery, employing- four or five assistants, at Bourneville. There he lived for many years and it was there that his daughter was married to Mr. Allamon. The father afterward took up his abode in East Lancaster, Ohio, where he died at the age of eighty ears. The mother of our subject died in 1883, in New Holland, Pick-away county. Both Mr. and Mrs. Allamon were members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Jacob. M. Allamon pursued his education in South Salem, Ross county, and at the age of seventeen he became an engineer, learning the business at New Holland. He was first in the employ of Haney Brothers, it being his inteniton to learn the milling business with them. He had to work in all departments of their mill and for two years he gave his entire attention to engineering. In 1892 he located in Xenia, and was employed by the National Cordage Company until 1895, when he became engineer. for H. H. Hawkins in his lumber business. That relation was maintained until March, 1901, when Mr. Allamon accepted a position as engineer for the Xenia, Ice Company in .their artificial ice plant, in which the first ice was manufactured in Greene county. He tested the plant and built the first fire in the courthouse heating apparatus. On the 5th of December, 1901, he came to his present position as engineer of the Steele block, the largest block in Xenia. On the 11th of April, ,1892, Mr. Allamon was united in marriage to Katie Ringer, of Washington Court House. They had three children, but lost one. Alfred Milton, the first-born, first opened his eyes to the light of day on the 29th of September, 1894, and died February 5, 1901. Charles and Missouri are still with their parents. Mr. Allamon is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, in the camp at Xenia, of which he has served as clerk, and is also a. member of the present board of health of Xenia. His political support is given to the Republican party, in which he is quite active, usually serving as a delegate to the city and county conventions. Both he and his wife belong to the First Methodist Episcopal church, and they have many friends in Xenia, where they have long resided. JEREMIAH OVERHOLSER. The name of Overholser is of Swiss origin and means "overseer of the forest." If in any way the subject of this review exemplifies the meaning of the family name it is because he is the overseer of a forest of fruit trees of his own planting, for he is a well known and successful horticulturist of Beavercreek township. He was born June 27, 1845, in York county, Pennsylvania, a son of Daniel and Mary (Hartman) Overholser. In December, 1853, the parents came with their family to Greene county, locating first in Xenia, and subsequently they removed to Alpha, where they have since resided. In the common schools of Beavercreek township Jeremiah Overholser pursued his education and under the parental :roof he remained until his marriage, which. occurred on the 18th of April, 1877, the lady of his choice being Miss Anna Hyland,. a native of Beavercreek township, and a daughter ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY - 523 of Thomas and Julia (Rader) Hyland. Her father was a native of Maryland and her mother was born in Beavercreek township. She is still living, her home being in Xenia, but Mr. Hyland has passed away. Mr. and Mrs. Overholser began their domestic life upon a farm and he has there made a specialty of the cultivation of fruit, although to some extent he is engaged in the raising of the cereals best adapted to this climate. Through experience, investigation and reading 'he has become well informed concerning the best methods of cultivating fruit and his opinions are regarded as authority throughout the community and the farm is considered a very valuable one in Greene county. Mr. and Mrs. Overholser have no children of their own, but have reared an adopted daughter, Elma, who is still with them. In his political views the subject of this sketch is independent. In 1876 he was elected constable. and filled that position for seven consecutive years his term expiring in April, 1883. The following May he was appointed township clerk to fill a vacancy, and at the next election was called to that office by popular suffrage and has since served continuously therein. He is also one of the trustees of the school lands of Beavercreek township, and as a. citizen has ever been most loyal and true to the trust reposed in him. He manifested his fidelity to his country when, during the Civil war, he joined the army, enlisting in December, 1863, at. Xenia as a private of Company I, One Hundred and Twenty-eighth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in command of Captain McDowells. He was with his company most of the time and was promoted to the rank of corporal. When the war was ended he was mustered out at Camp Chase, Colum bus, on the 16th of July, 1865, and at once returned to his home to assume agricultural pursuits. Fraternally he is connected with the Knights of Pythias, and has held the office of keeper of the records and seals of Silver Star Lodge, No. 668, of Alpha. He also holds membership in the Masonic Lodge of Xenia, and his life is in harmony with the teachings and tenets of the craft. His career has ever been a creditable one and he has shown himself worthy of high regard in business, military, political and social circles. HENRY C. LONG. Important agricultural and industrial interests are successfully controlled by Henry C. Long, whose business affairs have assumed extensive proportions and have contributed to the material upbuilding and prosperity of his community. His success in all his undertakings has been so marked that his methods are of interest to the commercial world. He has based his business prin ciples and actions upon strict adherence to the rules which govern industry, economy and strict, unswerving integrity. His enterprise and progressive spirit have made him a typical American in every sense of the word, and he well deserves mention in this history. What he is to-day he has made himself, for he began in the world with little save his own energy and willing hands to aid him. By constant exertion, associated with good judgment; he has raised himself to the prominent position. which he. now holds, having the friendship of many and the respect of all who know him. Henry C. Long, who resides in New 524 - ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. Jasper township, was born in the house in which he now lives, April 27, 1848, and is a son of William Long. His father was born in Virginia, in 1801, while the grandparents, Peter and Margaret (Ewing) Long, also were natives of Virginia. The family is of Dutch and Irish extraction. When the grandfather came to, Ohio he settled in Greene county, locating first in Xenia township. He after and removed to Caesarscreek township, where he purchased over two hundred acres of land and there lived the life of an enterprising and industrious farmer. He was buried in Shook cemetery, and his wife wa.s laid there by his Side. Unto Peter Long and his wife were born the following children : William; Peter; Adam; Henry; Margaret, the wife of Aaron Shook; Martha, the wife of George Slagel; Catherine, the wife of Joseph. Slagel; and Diana, the wife of Jacob Smith. All of this family have now passed away. William Long, the father of our subject, was educated in Virginia, and with his parents came to Greene county, Ohio, in an old covered wagon. He early became familiar with the hardships and trials incident to pioneer life and remained with his father until his marriage. As a companion and helpmate for the journey of life he chose Mary Ann Hagler, a native of Virginia, a daughter of Jacob and Mary (Dier) Hagler, both of whom are natives of Virginia. After his marriage Mr. Long purchased a farm upon which his son Henry C. is now living, and there he carried on agricultural pursuits, meeting- with excellent success in his work tilling the soil and cultivating the crops. In his political views he was a Whig in early life, and upon the dissolution of that party he joined the ranks of the new Republican party, with which he continued to affiliate until his death. Both he and his wife were consistent and active members of the Methodist Episcopal church and for many years he wa.s a, class leader, taking a, deep interest in religious affairs. Unto them were born eight children, four sons and four daughters„ but the eldest died in early life. The others are Allen, who is living in Indiana.; Margaret, the wife of John G. Clemens of this county; Mary L., the wife of N. Griffith Sutton ; Austin, who is living- in New Jasper ; Durbin and Curtis, both deceased; and another who died in infancy. The mother of these children passed away in 1844, at the age of forty-one years, and was buried in the Shook cemetery. For his second wife William Long chose Clarica Mallow, and unto them were born five children: George, deceased; Henry C., of this review; Peter and John, who have passed away; and Laura, the Wife of A. J. Boots, of this township. William Long died in 1891 and his second wife, surviving him about six years, passed away in 1897. They were 'both interred in the Woodland cemetery, of Xenia, Ohio. A native of New Jasper township, Henry C. Long has spent his entire life within its borders. His early education was acquired in the district schools of his township, and later he entered the Marshall school of Dayton, a commercial college, but he did not complete his course there on account of ill health. Returning to the home farm he joined his father in business and in later years assumed the management of the affairs. After his father's death he purchased the interest of the other heirs in the old homestead and now has a valuable farm of three hundred and thirty acres, whereon he carries on general agricultural pursuits and stock-raising, well tilled fields and high