550 - ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. education in the district schools. He afterward pursued a course of study in the Miami University, from which he was graduated and then determined to devote his life to the holy calling of the ministry. He pursued a theological course in. Oxford Theological Seminary, entering that institution in 1845. After his graduation he at once entered upon his ministerial work, taking charge of a church at Buffalo, New York, where he remained for twenty-three years. He then accepted the pastorate of the Presbyterian church at Bloomingburg, Ohio, where he remained for six years, after which he preached for one year at Seven Mile, Ohio. On the expiration of that period he organized a church at Jacksonburg, and upon leaving that place he retired to private life, spending his last days in his old home in Xenia township. On the 15th of March, 1854, Rev. Kendall was united in the holy bonds of matrimony to Sarah Hutchins, of Waterford, Erie county, Pennsylvania, but ,after about nine years of happy married life she passed away on the 5th of February, 1863, leaving one child, Mary, who was born in Buffalo, February 2, 1860, and on the 2d of February, 1881, became the wire of Dr. H. L. Smith, a resident of Westerville, Ohio. They are devoted members of the Presbyterian church and have one son, Homer Kendall, now four years of age. They als0 lost a daughter, Caroline, who died at the age of six years. On the 30th of May, 1865, Rev. Kendall was again married, his second union being with Margery Stewart, of Hamilton, Ohio, who died April 18, 1877. They, 'too, had one child, William C, who is now a minister of the Presbyterian church of Bloomingburg, Ohio, the church of which his father once was pastor. He attended Wooster University is a graduate of Ohio University at Columbus, and of the McCormick Theological Seminary of Chicago, Illinois, and is a man of no restricted influence in the ministry, being acknowledged an able minister and the possessor of much strength. For his third wife Rev. Kendall chose Eliza Cameron, of Buffalo, New York, their marriage being celebrated on the 28th of. October, 1879. She still survives her husband and yet resides upon the old home place just off the Columbus pike in Xenia township. Hers is a pleasant home, provided with many of the comforts of life, and throughout the community Mrs. Kendall enjoys the high regard of a large circle of friends. It was at this place that Rev. Clark Kendall spent his last days after many years devoted to the work of the ministry. It would be almost tautological in this connection to enter into any series of statements showing him to be a man of broad learning and wide culture, for these have been shadowed forth between the lines of this review. He was a deep and earnest student, carrying his researches far and wide in the many branches of knowledge, but all with the one purpose in view of making his life of greater benefit to his fellow men and advancing the, cause of Christianity. He possessed deep sympathy and while he could not countenance wrong doing in the slightest degree, yet he was ever anxious and ready to hey the wrong-doer in order that a better way of life might be opened before him. He was called to his final rest February 20, .1900, and his remains were interred in the Woodland cemetery, Xenia. Perhaps we cannot better close this review of his record than ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY - 551 by quoting from a publication of that time which said: "His life was one of great purity and he was highly respected for his gentle, Christlike spirit and his upright life. In his earlier life he was identified with the United Presbyterian church, but for a number of years he was connected with our own denomination. He was a very modest, unassuming man, yet his active ministry was one of great usefulness. He was permitted to welcome over one thousand members into the church. For a good many years he has been laid aside from the active work of the ministry, yet he was always in his place at church and occasionally preached. In all the years of his suffering he was the same, gentle, sweet-spirited, cheerful Christian, feeding on the word of his Master and leaning upon his Beloved. His faithful and helpful wife with two children survives him, Mrs. Dr. Smith, now in New York, and Rev. W. C. Kendall, of Bloomingburg, Ohio, one of the fields in Which his departed father labored so successfully. He was a good man, strong in faith, and earnest in spirit, and as a shock of corn cometh in his season, so he came to his grave in full age. " 'He has passed away, But 'his sweet will, Like a fragrant odor lingers still ; The tender lesson that memory brings The mantle of patience o'er us flings,. We learn to follow the path he trod To be more like him Who had. gone to God.' " SAMUEL. M. SPAHR. For more than sixty years the home in which Samuel Milton Spahr resides has stood as one of the land marks of Beavercreek township. He owns and operates one hundred and thirty-three acres which he has placed under a high state of cultivation, so that his labors bring to him creditable and gratifying success. He was born in Caesars-creek township in what is now. New Jasper township, his parents being Gideon and Amanda (Hagler) Spahr. From an early epoch in the history of this portion of the state the Spahr family has been a factor in the substantial upbuilding, which come from the successful, conduct of legitimate business enterprises. Philip and Mary (Shook) Greene. Spahr came from Virginia to Greene. county in pioneer times. Among their. children was Gideon Spahr, whose birth occurred in New Jasper township, whose education was acquired in the schools there and who remained with his parents throughout the period of his boyhood and youth. He wedded Mary Amanda Hagler, a sister of William L. Hagler, and for about eight Or nine years they. remained in New Jasper township. On the expiration of that period they removed to Jay county, Indiana, where they made their home for two years and then returned to the old home in New Jasper township. In 1864 they removed to Beaver-creek township, but the father spent the last few years of his life retired in Bellbrook, where he died September 4, 1891, when more than seventy years of age, his remains being interred in the Bellbrook cemetery. His wife, who was born January 17, 1825, now makes her home in Bellbrook. Gideon Spahr endorsed the Republican party and its principles by his ballot. His religious faith was that of the Methodist Episcopal church, to which both he and his wife belonged. They were the parents of six children, five sons and a daughter : John L.; a resident 552 - ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. of Cedarville township, married Hannah Peterson, and they have three children,—James Milton, Ida Jane and Osman P. Mary Louise is the deceased wife of Boyd G. Hopping, of Xenia, and left three children, John, David and William. Philip R., a resident of Alpha, married Ella Sivers, and their children are Lord, John, Ima, Emma, Philip and Esther. David M., of Beavercreek township, married Elizabeth Keiter, and their children are Pearl and Edith Amanda. Samuel Milton is the next of the family. Moses B., of Xenia township, married Harriet Gatrell and they have two children, Ethel M. and Walton. Samuel M. Spahr was born April 19, 1853, in New Jasper township, but was mostly educated in Beavercreek township. When old enough to be of any assistance he began to aid his father in the work of the farm, and after reaching manhood was interested in agricultural pursuits with his father operating rented land. They were quite extensively engaged in farming, one year operating a farm of nine hundred acres near Trebein after leaving New Jasper township. Later they spent eight years on a farm of six hundred and forty acres in 'Sugarcreek township,. and from there removed to the farm in Beavercreek township now occupied by our subject. Here they cultivated two hundred and twenty acres, one hundred and thirty-three acres of which the son subsequently purchased. The partnership between: father and son continued until after the marriage of the latter, when Gideon Spahr retired and moved to Bell-'brook. Our subject remained upon the farm in Beavercreek township which they had rented, and in 1893 he purchased one hundred and thirty-three acres of that tract as previously stated. He has since nade many improvements on the place and to-day has one of the well tilled and valuable farms in the southern part of the township. On the 11th of November, 1886, Mr. Spahr was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Wolf, who was born in Cincinnati, a daughter of Frank and Margaret (Sorg) Wolf. Four children bless this union, namely : Harry Edmund, Edna Mae, Homer Milton and Florence Louise. The family is one well known in the community. Mr. Spahr is widely recognized as a man of good business ability, his life being characterized by industry that never flags and by sound business judgment and honor. His success is due entirely to his own well directed efforts and he may therefore justly be called a self-made man. While a stanch supporter of the Republican party and its principles, he has never been an aspirant for office, though he takes an active interest in educational affairs and has served as a member of the school board. JOHN L. FERGUSON. John L. Ferguson, a farmer whose home is just west of the corporation limits of Bellbrook, was born June 16, 1850, six miles south of Xenia in Spring Valley township. His father, Robert H. Ferguson, was born not far from Winchester, Virginia, July 17, 1819, and was a son of Samuel and Mildred (Garrison) Ferguson, who were also natives of Virginia. The great-grandfather of our subject, however, was a native of Scotland and at an early period in the development of the colonies took up his abode in the Old Dominion. Samuel Ferguson ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY - 553 was one of two children, and in the year 1832 he emigrated westward to Ohio, settling on the farm where our subject was born. There he spent his remaining days, dying prior to the marriage of his son, Robert H. He had served his country as a soldier in the war of 1812 and was ever a loyal and public-spirited citizen.. His wife was born in 1782. She had lost her mother when quite young and as she lived near Hannah Washington and her father had no housekeeper, Mrs. Ferguson remained for some time with Mrs. Washington, who was frequently visited by her relative, the great General Washington, who often held Mrs. Ferguson upon his knee. She frequently described to her grandson, our subject, the carriage in which Washington rode, and when John L. Ferguson visited the Centennial at Philadelphia in 1,876 he saw this vehicle. Robert H. Ferguson accompanied his father to Greene county in 1832 and upon the home farm was reared. Throughout his entire life he carried on agricultural pursuits and his death occurred in the spring of 1883 at the age of sixty-three years. In early manhood he had wedded Mary J. Cooper and they became the parents of four children, of whom our subject was the second. Horace A., the eldest, is residing in Dayton and has four children. Sally Mary is the wife of 0. Frank Collett, of New Burlington, and has two children. William married Mary Mendenhall and died January 6, 1889, leaving two children. Robert H. Ferguson gave his political support to the Democracy, but was never an aspirant for Office. He held membership with the 'Baptist church and his life was in consistent harmony with its principles. No event of special importance occurred to vary the routine of farm life for John L. Ferguson in his youth. He worked in the-fields and acquired a good common-school education. On the 29th of September, 1880, he married Miss Margaret E. McClure, of Sugarcreek township, a daughter of John C., and Elvira (Young) McClure. She was reared upon the home farm where our subject now reside. She had one brother, Cyrus McClure, who became a member of the Seventy-fourth Ohio Regiment and died of measles in the hospital at Nashville, Tennessee: There were nine children in the family, of whom Mrs. Ferguson was the eighth. All reached years of maturity and six of the number are yet living. Mr. Ferguson purchased a small tract of land from his father and made it his home for six years, when he Came with his family to his present place of residence, purchasing seventy acres of Mr. McClure. Nearly all of the improvements upon the property have been made by our subject save a little building of one room which had been erected by Mr. McClure, who died shortly afterward, passing away March 5, 1886, while Mrs. McClure died May 18, 1901. In his farming methods Mr. Ferguson is enterprising, practical and progressive, and his labors have been attended with a high degree of success. His fields are now richly cultivated and his buildings are in good repair. His efforts have been so discerningly directed along, well defined lines of labor that his work has brought to him a very gratifying competence. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Ferguson has been born one child, Ethel, whose birth occurred in Spring Valley township and who is a graduate of the Bellbrook high school of 554 - ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENS COUNTY. the class of 1901. The parents held membership in the Baptist church, but on account of the distance of their home from a church of that denomination they identified themselves with the Methodist Protestant church. Politically Mr. Ferguson is a Democrat, and for two terms served as justice of the peace of Sugarcreek township. The cases which he decided during that time showed that he was strictly fair and impartial, and no decision which he ever rendered was ever reversed. REV. NICHOLAS J. KELLY. Rev. Nicholas J. Kelly is pastor of St. Brigid's church of Xenia. He came here early in the year 1901 and so0n gained a place in the respect and affections of his people, while engaged in the promotion of the cause of Catholicism. He was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on the 31st of August, 1851, being a son of Christopher C. and Catharine (Carey) Kelly, both of whom were natives of Ireland, and are now deceased. In the parochial schools of St. Peter's Cathedral of Cincinnati Father Kelly pursued his early education, after which he was employed for several years by the firm of Chatfield & W0ods, proprietors of a large paper house of that city. Determining, however, to devote his life to the priesthood he resumed his education and from 1875 until 1878 was a student in St. Xavier College in Cincinnati. Subsequently he matriculated in Mt. St. Mary's Seminary of the West, located at. Price Hill, Cincinnati, and in 1880 he became a student in. Mt. St. Mary's of Emmittsburgh, Maryland. In 1881 he once more entered St. Xavier College, from which he was graduated in the class of '83, with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. He then entered St. 'Mary's Theological Seminary in Baltimore, Maryland, where he completed the full course and was ordained to the priesthood on the 18th of December, i886, by the Most ,Rev. William Henry Elder,. in St. Peter's Cathedral, Cincinnati, Ohio. During sixteen years he has devoted his time and energies with untiring zeal to, the work and advancement of his church. For about a year he served in the mission field, and was then stationed as the assistant pastor at St., Peter's Cathedral. at Cincinnati, when on the 19th of October, 1889, he was appointed pastor of St. Gabriel's .parish in Glendale, where he served eight years. On the. 27th of September, 1897, he was given charge of the parish of- Lebanon and the attached missions of .Monroe, Morrow, Foster's Crossing and Waynesville, where he remained until. the 12th of March, 1901. He then took charge of St. Brigid's church in Xenia. He is a man of scholarly attainments. and broad general information as well as theological learning. Consecrated to his holy office he puts forth every effort in his power. to advance the cause of his church and the moral and intellectual standing of the community at large and under his leadership the various churches with which he has been connected have made very satisfactory advancement. He soon won friends in Xenia; not. only in St. Brigid's church but among people of various denominations. His life is indeed a busy one. Each morning he celebrates mass at six o'clock and sometimes earlier. He is particularly watchful and helpful. to the sick of the neighborhood and is a man of broad sympathies and humanitarian principles. ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY - 557 St. Brigid's church, of which he is now serving as pastor, is one of the strong Catholic churches in this portion of Ohio. The large brick edifice, ninety-one by forty-three feet, is situated on the corner of Second and West streets, and the church property also contains. a school building of three rooms and the rectory, containing ten rooms,. while there is a convent furnishing a pleasant home for the Sisters of Charity, who have charge of the school. The early history of the church is somewhat lost in obscurity because adequate records have not been kept. There are church and marriage records dating back from 1849 but little other data was kept. It was: learned that in 1844 there were five Catholic families in Xenia and that in that year a Rev. Father Juncker of Dayton celebrated mass on the porch of the home of Jacob Klein. About 1849 Archbishop Purcell of Cincinnati and Rev. Father Rosecrans celebrated mass before nine persons in Xenia. It is possible that other priests visited the city in the meantime and before the church edifice was erected. As the congregation grew it became imperative that a more commodious place of worship be ha.d than a private residence. This was found in the basement of th.e court house, the use of which was given gratis to the Catholics and other denominations alike. In 1849 the Catholics of Xenia were organized, into a denomination. Father Kearney was in charge of the little church and was, succeed- ed by Rev. Father Howard in May, 1850. Rev. Father Blake succeeded Father Howard and became the first resident pastor of Xenia, arriving in August, 1851. It was intended to build a church in that year but the work Was not accomplished and it was not until the 11th of June, 1852, that the corner stone was laid, the church being dedicated and the sacrament of confirmation administered on the 31st of October of the same year. The cost of' the church was about five thousand dollars and it was. called St. Brigid's in honor of the patroness of Ireland. Father Blake remained in charge for thirty-four years, during which time the church made rapid and satisfactory growth. The work was organized in various departments and its influence was widely extended. In, 1885 Father Blake practically retired and Father Cunningham of Yellow Springs took charge, remaining until 1887, when he w:as succeeded by Rev. Joseph Stoeppelmann, who on the 4th of October of the same year was succeeded by the Rev. Isaac J. Hoster. The church was then in debt and though improvements were much to be desired, none were attempted until the was paid, and this was accomplished during his first year as pastor. In September, 1888, the lot adjoining the church and school was purchased for one thousand dollars and the 'sisters removed into a little cottage which.. stood on the lot. 'In 'the summer of 1889 another lot was purchased on which was a good, house and in this. the sisters took up their abode. in August. The church and school have received excellent attention, many improvements being made. Three altars, costing fifteen hundred dollars, the bequest of Father Blake, were erected and used for. the first time on Christmas Day of 1888.. In th.e spring of 1894 the pastoral residence was begun and was occupied on the 6th. of November, following. The school. is presided over by five Sisters of Charity and one hundred and forty-five scholars are enrolled. This school was .begun in 1855 but it was not until 1879-80 that the Sisters of Charity took, charge of the school. In February., 1898, the parochial school board was estab- 358 - ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. dished which undertook to raise sufficient money to support the school without drawing on the ordinary receipts of the church. Various church societies have been established and are in good working order and the influence of the church: is being continually extended under the guidance of Father Kelly. Satisfactory progress is being made along many lines and he has the confidence and co-operation of his people to an unusual degree. This being the jubilee year of the church, it having been founded fifty years ago, the pastor and congregation are making extraordinary efforts to fittingly celebrate the occasion. To this end the pastor and people are .making strenuous.- efforts to liquidate the present debt, which was January 1, 1902, about forty-five hundred dollars, and at the present time have every reason to feel confident of success. REV. JOHN S. MAcCRACKEN. In the history of this county Rev. John S. MacCracken well ,deserves mention, for he bore a very active part in the moral development and progress of his community. He devoted his entire life to the work of the ministry and although many years have passed since he departed this life his memory is still enshrined 'in the hearts of those who knew him. Rev. MacCracken was born in Butler county, Ohio, April 6, 1804, and came of an old American family that was founded in this country in colonial days. The great, grandfather was killed by the Indians while standing in the yard of his frontier Pennsylvania home, while his grandfather was killed during the Revolutionary war, May 31, 1778. The parents of our subject were John,. and Martha (Wilson) MacCracken, both natives of the Keystone state and early settlers of Brown county, Ohio. During the boyhood of their son, John S., they removed to Greene county, this state, and there the father purchased land and developed a farm in the midst of the wilderness. In Xenia Rev. John MacCracken acquired his early education, being a pupil of the Rev. Hugh McMillen. He afterward engaged in teaching for several terms and then continued his own education as a student in Miami University, where he completed the course with the class of 1839 and at once entered upon the work of the ministry. His first charge was at Kenton, Ohio, where he succeeded in establishing the United Presbyterian church, donating one-half of his salary—which at best was not a very large one—toward the erection of a church edifice. In 1851, after an eight years' pastorate in Kenton, he removed with his family to Oxford, this state, and while there visited many places which were destitute of moral instruction"— organizing churches wherever he was called. He retained his residence in Oxford for five years and thence removed to Greene county, locating first in Cedarville, where he and his son, both engaged in teaching school for a year. The 'family then came to Xenia and it was in this city that. the Rev. John S. MacCracken spent his remaining days. On the 11th of November, 1839, he was united in the holy bonds of matrimony to Mrs. Eliza Welch and they were blessed with the following children : Henry, who is now chancellor of the University of New York ; John Joseph, who died in infancy ; George, an attorney, at law of Urbana, Ohio; Anna M., a teacher in the high school ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY - 559 of Xenia; and one who died, in infancy. Mrs. MacCracken was a most intelligent and cultured lady. .A daughter of James and Mary (Hawkins) Dougherty, she was born November 2, 180, in Jefferson county, Ohio. Her father was a native of Maryland and her mother of Pennsylvania, and both were of Scotch-Irish and English extraction. They provided their daughter with excellent educational advantages. for those days and she continually added to her knowledge by a thorough and comprehensive course of reading. She was a student in Steubenville Female Seminary, of which Dr. Beatty was president. That institution is the alma mater of hundreds of women who have blessed and 'elevated society with their presence. She was first married to Rev. Johnson Welch; a graduate of Allegheny Seminary, who was a recognized power. in the ministry, and at his death was president of Franklin College. Two children were born of this union : James, who has devoted his life to the preaching of the gospel and in 1901 was moderator of the synod of Kansas; and Eliza, wife of Professor A. M. Brooks, who became principal of the Bettie Stuart .Institute of Springfield, Illinois. The father of these children passed away April 17, 1837, and many friends, besides his immediate family, mourned his loss. Left a widow, Mrs. Welch began teaching school, and in Oxford, Ohio, founded the ladies seminary which was the beginning of the present college at that place. After becoming the wife of Mr. MacCracken the lady :continued her active work in the church and was a most able assistant to her husband. He Passed away in Xenia on the 1st of April, 1863, mourned by all who had known him. The poor and needy found in him a warm friend, the sorrowing and distressed a comforter. He had a deep sympathy which enabled him to enter into the troubles. and sorrows of his parishioners. He was also very good and kindly and all realized that they had lost a true, faithful and generous friend. His wife long survived him and passed away on the 11th of January, 1893, at the advanced age of eighty-two years. Her influence had been like the perfume of the violet unobtrusive, yet ever present, and by her kindnesses and her gracious spirit she induced many to follow in the straight and narrow path. Her children owe her a debt of gratitude not only for the personal sacrifices which she made that they might obtain the best educational advantages, but also because she ever held before them the highest ideals of honesty, integrity, purity and service. JOSEPH B. VAN EATON. Joseph B. Van Eaton departed this life in 1898, but he is remembered by his manv friends as a citizen of worth, as a progressive farmer and as a loyal soldier in the Union army during the Civil war. He was born in Greene county upon the farm in Xenia township where his widow now resides. His parents were John and Sarah (Bigger) Van Eaton. His father lived and died in Greene county, having come to Xenia when a young man.' He purchased a farm of one hundred and forty-three acres, then a tract of wild land, and with characteristic energy began its further development and improvement. He erected good buildings, placed his land under a high state 560 - ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. of cultivation and raised good graded stock, being an active representative of agricultural pursuits in Greene county until called to his final rest at the age of sixty-four years. His widow. passed away some years later. In their family. were ten children, but only one of the number is now living. Joseph B. Van Eaton of this review spent his boyhood days upon the old family homestead and in the district schools of the neighborhood acquired his education. At the time of the Civil war, however, he put aside all personal considerations and business interests in order to aid his country in her hour of peril. He enlisted in Company D, One Hundred and Tenth Ohio Infantry, as a private and was commissioned adjutant before the regiment left its first camp, and during the last year of his service he was promoted to the rank of captain in command of Company D—the company with which he had gone to the front. On the 12th of September, 1864, he was wounded and in the winter was discharged on account of his injuries. For several months he lay in the hospital and was for some time unable to resume work. After the close of the war he returned to his home in Xenia township, where he spent his remaining days living the life of an honorable and upright man, his attention being devoted to farming and stock raising. On the 15th of .March, 1865, Mr. Van Eaton was united in marriage to Miss Martha Jewett Files, a daughter of Sylvanus B. and Martha ( Janet) Files. Her father was a native of Rhode Island and her mother of Massachusetts. When a young man Mr. Files came to Ohio and was married in Columbus, after which he removed with his wife to Greene county, where he engaged in farming to some extent, but largely lived retired from business cares. In the east he had engaged in business as a woolen manu- facturer. He died in Holland, Ohio, when about seventy-nine years of age and his wife passed away at the advanced age of eighty-three years. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Van Eaton were born two children : Ida, who is now the wife of O. K. Putnam, of California, and is the mother of three children—Raymond, M. Virginia and Charles Harry. They spent the first year of, their marriage in California and upon their return to Ohio Mr. Putnam's health failed and they again went to the Golden state. Harry Bigger, born in Xenia township, October 21, 1867, died June 12, 1892, at the Children's Hospital in Pittsburg. He was a graduate of the Xenia public schools, also 0f the Westminster College. For a time he engaged in teaching school in Darlington, Pennsylvania, and at the time of his death was a medical student in the Children's Hospital in Pittsburg. He was a young man 'of marked ability and his death was greatly mourned. He was an earnest and discriminating student, a great lover of books and the future seemed bright before him, on account of his superior ability, but death claimed him and he was laid to rest in the Woodland cemetery. Mr. Van Eaton, the father, was a Republican in his political views. A valued member of the First United Presbyterian church, he served as one of its deacons and took a deep and active interest in its growth and upbuilding. His wife is also a member of the church and like him assisted in its work. On the 28th of December, 1898, Mr: Van Eaton was called to his final rest ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY - 561 and his remains were interred in the Woodland cemetery. In citizenship, he was loyal, in friendship faithful, and in his family he was known as a devoted husband and father throughout. his entire life he. commanded the respect of his fellow men by reason of his genuine worth; and his loss was deeply mourned throughout the community. ALLEN H. MIARS. Allen H. Miars is one of the progressive and enterprising agriculturists of Spring Valley township, and a glance at his well developed and highly improved place indicates his careful supervision and modern methods. There is. particular satisfaction in reverting to the life history of the honored and venerable gentleman whose name initiates this review, since his mind bears the impress of the historic annals of the state from early pioneer days, and from the fact that he has been a loyal son of the republic and has attained to a position of distinctive prominence in the community where he has long resided. He was born in Union township, Clinton county, Ohio, April 21, 1828, a son of Samuel and Hannah (Haines) Miars. The paternal grandparents, Martin and Jane (Summers) Miars, were both natives of Virginia, and in that state were married. The great-great-great-grandmother was a native of Germany. Martin Miars, accompanied by his wife and children, came to Ohio in the year 1811, locating near Wilmington, Clinton county, where he spent his remaining days. His children were David, John, Martin, Jacob, Samuel, Betsey, Polly and Jane, all now deceased.   Samuel Miars, the father of our subject, was born in Frederick county, Virginia, October 29, 1799, and in 1811 accompanied his parents to Clinton county, Ohio. He pursued his education in a log schoolhouse, devoted his entire time to farming throughout the years of his manhood, and at his death owned eight hundred acres of land. When he left home he had but four half dollars as his entire capital, but industry, economy and unremitting diligence made him a prosperous agriculturist. He married Miss Hannah Haines, a native of Clinton county and a daughter of Jacob Haines, who with his wife came from North Carolina to Ohio. He secured a tract of wild land in Clinton county, erected a log cabin, and 'cleared six acres of land which he planted.. He was of, Scotch descent. Unto the parents of our subject were born six children : Allen H. ; Mary Jane, the wife of William Oglesbee, of Clinton county; Isaac, deceased; Milton, of Oklahoma ; Martin, who lives on the old home farm in Clinton county; and Sarah Louise, the wife of Alfred McKay, of Wilmington, Ohio. The father died in 1874, and the mother passed away four days later. Thus the community lost two valued citizens 0f sterling worth.   Through the period of his youth Allen Miars attended the district schools in the winter months, when the work of the farm was practically over for the year. Throughout the remaining time he assisted in the work of the fields and meadows and thus gained that practical experience which has been of much value to him in carrying on farm work on his own account. He remained at home until March, 1859, when he married Miss Mary Melinda Stump, a native of. Greene county and a daughter of   562 - ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.   Jonas and Prudence Stump. Her maternal grandfather, William Smalley, was born in. New Jersey in 1761, and when fifteen years of age was stolen by Indians, at Fort Du Quesne and his father was killed by them. While with the red men Mr. Smalley was obliged to witness their atrocious cruelty as they burned several people to death. On one occasion he saw an infant torn from its mother's arms and thrown into the flames. in 1784 he escaped from his captors and returned to Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. A few years later he removed to Cincinnati. He afterward participated in military service in Harmar's campaign and was present when St. Clair was defeated. At that time he discharged his musket thirty-five times and it is said that twenty-one of the shots took effect. He was with Waynes' army, having charge of the sharpshooters, and was present when Colonels Lynch and Truman were killed. He escaped death bv jumping behind a tree and telling the Indians that he had deserted the whites. He helped to build one of the first houses in Cincinnati and was a valued pioneer who contributed much to the work of reclaiming the wild district, peopled by savages, for purposes of civilization. The parents of Mrs. Miars have both passed an ay. The mother, surviving her husband for a few years, departed this life in January, 1902, at the age of ninety-two.   After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Miars established their home in Clinton county, where he carried on farming for twenty years near Wilmington, and then sold the property preparatory to removing to Spring Valley township, Greene county. Arriving in 1882, he purchased two hundred and seventy-eight acres of land, to which he has since added thirty-seven acres. He carries on general farming- and keeps a good grade of stock, and in his business life has prospered. As the years have passed his income has increased, and to-day he is the possessor of a very valuable farm, which is the visible evidence of his life of industry.   Unto Mr. and Mrs. Miars has been born one son, Fremont, who attended the common schools, was graduated in the high school of Wilmington, then attended the Wilmington College and also spent two years as a student in the National Normal University. He spent a year and a half in Virginia, but with the exception of that period has always resided with his parents, and now largely relieves his father of the care and labor of the home farm. He was married in February, 1893, to Miss Cora Brvce, of Spring Valley, and to them has been born a daughter, Mary Margaret: The father and son are both stanch Republicans and occupy a leading place as representative agriculturists of the communitv. Mr. Miars of this review has passed the seventy-fourth milestone on life's journey, and well does he deserve the uniform respect which is extended him. He has faithfully performed his duties, with due regard for the rights of his fellow men, and in this portion of Ohio he has a large circle of friends.   JESSE. S. PAINTER.   No history of Greene county would be complete without mention of the Painter family. An entire century has passed since the first representatives of the name established a home in this locality. Great, indeed, was the difference in the conditions   ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY - 563   of the county at that time than what it is at the present time. Its forests were uncut, the trees standing in their primeval strength. The streams were unbridged and there were few houses to Indicate that the pioneer had made his way into this wild region to reclaim the land for purposes of civilization.   The great-grandparents of our subject were David and Patsey (Faulkner) Painter, who were probably natives of Virginia. Emigrating westward, they located in Waynesville, Warren county, Ohio, where tog-ether with other Quaker families they settled in the spring of 1802. They rode on horseback into the. township of Caesarscreek and settled about one-half mile north of Paintersville, although there was no town there at that time and this entire portion. of-the country was known as the Northwest Territory. There in the midst of the forest the great-grandfather of our subject cleared a little patch of ground, planted potatoes and corn and built a cabin. In the fall the father and mother .returned but left their children, Jesse and Hannah, in this county. It required a close watch to keep the Indians from stealing the girl because she was the first white child they ever saw. In the spring, however, the parents returned and spent their remaining days upon the old homestead which was here developed. Their ;children were Hannah, Jesse, Thomas and Jacob. Jesse Painter, the grandfather of our subject, was born in Virginia and pursued his education in an old time log schoolhouse. He lived the life. of a farmer and passed away upon the old homestead. September 12, 1867. He it was who laid out the village of Paintersville, the place taking its name from its founder. As the years passed he labored to cultivate. and improve his land,. and in course of time developed a good farm. Like his father, he had assisted in the work of improvement and progress at an early day and his efforts were of much avail in promoting the general improvement. He mar ivied Elizabeth Smith and unto them were born the following named : Rachel ; David; Samuel, who is living in Henry county, Indiana, at the age of eighty-three years ; Martha ; Mordecai ; Rebecca ; Theressa ; Joseph, who is living in Newton, Kansas ; and Hannah, who married John Lewis and resides in Clinton county, Ohio.   David Painter, the father of our subject, was born near the town of Paintersville, Greene county. At the usual age he began his education and the temple 0f learning was a little log structure, but he mastered: the branches of learning taught in such institutions and when a young man he became a teacher, following that profession until his marriage, being employed in this capacity in various parts of this county. He wedded Miss Mary Frazier and then turned his attention to farming upon the place which is now the home of his son, Jesse S. He erected a house and barn, getting out the lumber for them himself. As the years passed his efforts brought to him an excellent return for his labor. He continued the work of plowing, planting and harvesting and in course of time his farm became a valuable property. In his political views he was a Republican and both he and his wife were identified with the Society of Friends or Quakers. In their family were eight children : Deborah S., who is the widow of Mordecai Walker and resides in Caesarscreek township; Berthena, wife of William Davis, of Marion, Indiana; Lydia, deceased;   564 - ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.   Jesse S.; Mary Frances„ the deceased wife of David Parlott; Moses F., who is living in Indiana; Martha, the wife of Samuel Faulkner, a resident of Caesarscreek township; and David, who lives in Spring Valley township. The father died in 1863 at the age of forty-five years and the Mother, long surviving him, passed away in 1897, at the age of seventy-seven years, their remains being interred in the family burying ground at the Friends Church, where the other members of the Painter family also lie buried. Throughout one hundred years connection with Greene county representatives of the name have been weld known, agriculturists here, and their labors have resulted largely to the benefit of the general community as well as to their individual success. Jesse S. Painter, whose name introduces this record, was 'born on the old Painters: ville road, December 11, 1850, and has always resided in this county, living on the old homestead with the exception of one year. He pursued his education in the public schools and. throughout his life has carried on farming.. In 1874 he wedded Miss. Lydia Faulkner, who died the. following year and was laid to rest in Xenia cemetery. On the 25th of January, 1885, he .Wedded Irena McNair, a native of this county, and three children have blessed this union : Morris E., Roy D. and Bertha L. Both are members of the Methodist Protestant church at Paintersville, and in his political views Mr. Painter is a Republican, but has never been a politician in the sense of office seeking,' preferring to give his time and attention to his business interests. He has eighty-five acres of fine farming land and continues its cultivation in addition to stock-raising. The town of Paintersville stands as a monument to the enterprise of the family. Throughout an: entire century the name has been closely interwoven with the county's history as the development from primitive conditions to the latter-day progress has been made. Mr. Painter is a worthy representative of the family, and his interest in all that pertains to the general good is manifested by his active co-operation.   SAMUEL THOMAS MITCHELL, A. M.   Samuel T. Mitchell, who became well known in educational circles and whose work was of great benefit, especially to the colored people, attained distinction in the line of his chosen profession and was known as a man of strong force of character as well as of marked individuality and superior intellectuality. He was born September 24, 1851, in Toledo, Ohio, his, parents being David and Nancy A. Mitchell. Between the ages of six and thirteen years he pursued his education in the public schools of Cleveland, Cincinnati and Walnut Hills. On the 4th of October, 1864, he entered Wilberforce University and on the 1st of February, 1865, he became converted and from that time forward devoted much of his time to the advancement of the cause of Christianity. He aided in organizing and naming the Sodalian Society, and advancing in his studies he at length became a teacher in the university. He attained his education in the face of many difficulties and obstacles. In order to meet the expenses of his college course he worked upon the farms in the vicinity, but was at length graduated with the highest, honors on the completion of the course in June, 1873.   ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY - 567   For two years thereafter Professor Mitchell 'engaged in teaching in Wilmington, Ohio, and subsequently became principal of the Lincoln Institute at Jefferson City, Missouri, where he was paid two thousand dollars annually. He aided in organizing the Colored State Teachers' Association and was its first president: He also drew up and secured the passage of a bill which opened the doors in St. Louis, Kansas. City and elsewhere to colored teachers. In 1875 Professor Mitchell was licensed by the African Methodist Episcopal church to preach and gave considerable time to the work of the ministry in addition to his labors in the school room. For five years he served as principal of ,one of the schools of Springfield, Ohio. His work as an intellectual and moral .educator was so closely interwoven from this time forward that it is almost possible to speak of one without the other. He served as a lay delegate to the general conference at Baltimore, in 1884, and was the author of the Endowment Day and general educational scheme under which the African Methodist Episcopal church Connection has since operated. In 1884 he was also elected president of Wilberforce University and filled that position continually for about :sixteen years. He saw the institution double its attendance and also its property value, while the endowment was likewise largely increased and the annual in-come became a gratifying one. Professor Mitchell planned and secured under statute the organization of the state normal and the industrial department at the university, which receives liberal support from the state of Ohio.   In 1881 the degree of Master of Arts was conferred upon Professor Mitchell by .alma mater and he received the honor of having the Doctor of Laws degree conferred upon him, by the State. University of Kentucky in 1889. He was also appointed by United States Commissioner Harris as a vice-president of the Educational Congress at the Columbian Exposition. Under his direction Wilberforce University was represented at New Orleans, at the New Orleans Exposition; at the World's Fair in Paris; and at the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago, where a special award was given him. He was president of the National Colored Teachers' Association at. the time of his death. In June, 1900, on account of his health. he resigned the presidency of the Wilberforce University. He had accumulated an estate valued at about eighteen thousand dollars although he started out in life a poor man, working his own way through school and through the world. He had to borrow money to buy. a suit in which to appear at the graduating exercises, but he possessed strong 'determination and indomitable courage and steadily he advanced. Although a very generous „man, giving freely to many causes each year, he acquired a good home and his progress was continuous along lines of intellectual and moral development.   On the 24th of June, 1876, Professor Mitchell was united in marriage to Miss Malvina Fairfax, and to them were born six children : Mrs. Ethel McGee, who has one child, Juanita'; Charles F., a corporal in the Twenty-fifth Volunteer Infantry, of the Philippines ; Lottie P.; Bessie Irene; Samuel L., and O'Neil T. Mrs. Mitchell was educated in Avery College in Pennsylvania, and at Wilberforce University, and while there she married Mr. Mitchell. For about nine years she was a teacher. Professor Mitchell passed away April 11, 1901; and   568 - ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.   was laid to rest in Tarbox cemetery. His life was a noble and upright one, helpful in its influences and leaving its impress upon many with whom he came in contact. His aid was ever given to movements for the general good and for the uplifting of human: ity and his entire life was devoted to work which proved of great benefit to others. Well does he. deserve mention in this volume and with pleasure we present to our readers the life record of one whom to know was to respect and honor.   BISHOP BENJAMIN F. LEE, D. D.   This eminent scholar and divine, the son of Abel and Sarah Lee, was born in Gouldtown, New Jersey, September 18, 1841. He attended the public schools of his native town, where he finished a primary education. In 1865 he made his appearance at Wilberforce University in search of further knowledge. Being poor, he did not enter as a regular student, but received private instruction from the faculty, in the meantime supporting himself by working the university land and taking care of the horses. He was a member of the first theological class organized in connection with Wilberforce, and after a severe and prolonged struggle with poverty and its concomitant hindrances graduated in the theological department in 1872 as valedictorian of his class. During his entire course he mainly supported himself alternating his efforts between manual labor and teaching..   He joined the African Methodist Episcopal. church in 1862; was licensed to preach in .1868 by the Xenia, Ohio, Quarterly Con ference; was ordained a deacon in 1870 and was ordained an elder in Shelbyville, Kentucky, Thursday, October 3, 1872. The ordination sermon was preached by Bishop J. M. Brown from second . Corinthians, fifth chapter and twentieth verse. It was an able and forceable presentation of the nature, duty and responsibilities of the ministerial office. Benjamin F. Lee, Thomas Duneghy and. Silas Crawford were ordained elders and Robert Turner and Charles B. Harris were ordained deacons.   In 1873 he married Mary A. Ashe, of Mobile, Alabama, who graduated with honors in that year from Wilberforce University. In 1873 he was appointed to the chair of pastoral theology, homiletics and ecclesiastical history in Wilberforce made vacant by the resignation of Professor T. H. Jackson. This position he held until 1876, when, upon the resignation of Bishop Payne as president of Wilberforce University, and on the recommendation of the general conference, which met in Atlanta, Georgia, 1876, he was elected by the trustee board in June, president, which office he held until June, 1884. His administration was wide, humane and successful. It was an era of peace and goodwill between the faculty and students, and no time in the history of the university has it enjoyed a greater success than during the administration of Benjamin F. Lee.   He was a member of the general conference in 1876 and 1880 and at the general conference, which assembled in Baltimore, May, 1884, was elected .editor of; the Christian Recorder. He made an excellent report at the general conference, of 1888, at Indianapolis, Indiana, and was re-elected and continued to edit the paper and reported   ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY - 569   at the general conference in Philadelphia, May, 1892.   In 1880 he was associated with Dr. J. G. Mitchell, and Rev. R. A. Johnson to bear the fraternal greetings of the general conference of the African Methodist Episcopal church to the general conference of. the Methodist Episcopal church. He was also elected by the general conference of 1880 a delegate to the Ecumenical conference of Methodists, which met in London, England, September 1st, and was chosen by the western section of the general Ecumenical committee of 1884, embracing the American continent and islands, a member of the permanent committee of arrangements. His literary productions have been extensive. He contributed an article to the "Wesley Memorial Volume," a work edited by Rev. J. C. A. Clark, D. D., published by Phillips & Hunt, of New York. He has also written an introduction to "Outlines of our History and Government," by Rev. B. T. Tanner, D. D. As a linguist, he is the best production of the church's intellectual development, being acquainted with six different languages.   Dr. C. S. Smith says, when we, come to measure the mental calibre of Bishop Lee, present and prospective, we must first take into account the massiveness of his brain, which in size and weight is far above the average and marked by great frontal expansion and prominence. His brain fibres are of great firmness and contain but little of the sensational elements, while the cells of the hardier and more compact form, which evolve thought processes slowly but substantially. His intellect is of .keen, penetrating kind that pushes beyond the surface into the depths of things, and that strips the plants of speculative inquiry of their fascinating exterior and foliage and grasps for the root and ground of their foundation.. He is a persistent and profound thinker. He is strong in logic, clear in analysis, and lucid, though somewhat verbose in expression. A wider contact with the keen, cutting activities of busy, outside life will give him greater terseness of speech. In these whirling circles he will acquire the power of contraction, which is necessary to balance that of expansion, which he now possesses. His intellectual development has taken place under peculiar circumstances. He has been measurably shut in from the larger scenes and activities of life. He has been confined within a circle too narrow to admit of a broad unfolding of the genius and strength of his native mental endowments.' The giant forces of his intellect will not appear until they have heard the tap of the drums that resound in the widening circles of inspiring, associated forces. Like the resurrected Lazarus, his friends need to "loose him and let him go."   The development of his moral consciousness has been along the line of true manly instincts, and the highest and purest teachings of moral ethics. He has taken on all those higher virtues and moral forms that are embraced in the one word—Purity. Hence his character is unassailable and above reproach, and he is a model of chaste and upright conduct.   His social. manner is uniformly affable and courteous. He is easily approached; of a gentle disposition, somewhat passive; a ready and interesting conversationalist, and always instructive. As a man, a scholar, a Christian and a toiler for the elevation of the race no words of praise can be bestowed   570 - ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.   on him that are not deserved. To the young and aspiring he is a noble example of what can be accomplished by the sheer force I will. After years of conflict with extreme poverty and want, and with nothing but his own stout heart and implicit confidence in God to cheer and strengthen, him, he has turned the oasis of adverse circumstances into a place that is now fragrant with the aroma of his well achieved laurels. It was said of President Garfield that he went "from the tow-path to the White House," and it may he said of the subject of our sketch .that. he went from an hostler's place to college president's chair, where he sat for eight years the Nestor of all active, colored, American, Christian educator ; distinguished in position ; sublime in modesty.   Such was the tribute of Dr. C. S. Smith in 1884, and we heartily endorse all That has been said and trust that the admonition and advice to the young will be heeded, and call attention to the prophetic portion of the tribute paid him. From personal knowledge we know that he has more than filled the mould during his services as editor of the Christian Recorder, and by the success that, has attended his episcopal labors. No words of praise can add to his statue of worth either as a Christian, educator, reformer or Bishop.   At the general conference, which met in May, 1892, Philadelphia, he was elected bishop, May 14, and ordained May 19, 1892, by Bishops D. A. Payne, W. J. Gaines and Abraham Grant, assisted by .Elders W. J. Johnson, of Ohio; J. B. Stansberry, of Philadelphia, T. H. Jackson, W. H. Brown, of Pittsburg, T. C. Denham, of Texas, and A. A. Williams, of Arkansas, and was appointed to the tenth Episcopal district, composed of the Texas, west Texas, northeast Texas, central Texas, Louisiana, north Louisiana and California conferences, and by the authority of the .general conferences organized the Puget Sound annual conference. These conferences covered the states of Louisiana, Texas, California, Washington, Oregon, Nevada. and Idaho, and a'portion of British. North America. This district embraced more territory than the kingdom of Solomon, and God gave the bishop health and strength to 'visit his work during the Quadrennium. By his instructive lectures and gospel preaching he aroused the people to take a deeper interest in the cause of education and temperance; and induced many to join the army of right against. wrong. The presiding elders were to him what Aaron and Hur were to Moses, they held up his hands while, executing the law, while the pastors walked with him up the mount Of Transfiguration, where the law, gospel and prophet met together, and the *voice from the cloud of history were heard to say : "These are my beloved sons in whom I am, well pleased."   Paul. Quinn College had the benefit of the experience of the presiding bishop. The theological department was organized, and a system of theological correspondence, Corresponding- with the Itinerant course constituted.   The men of the district, the people. of the district had a higher .conception of their duty than they ever had before. The fraternal relations .between the denominations were cordial and pleasant. Conference reciprocity was exchanged by bishops and conferences, and the seed sown during his Quadrennium Will yield a rich harvest for God and the race.   ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY - 571   The Harper Institute at Baton Rouge made a noble fight and succeeded because the ministers and members of the Louisiana conference resolved that it should succeed and not be lost.   He is now president of the board of trustees of. Wilberforce University, president of Payne's Theological Seminary and president of the Corresponding School of Theology of the church, also president of the board of education and is now directing and controlling the moral and religious forces of more men, women and children than any man of the race. His past record is a prophecy for the future success of the trust reposed upon him by the general conference. If he receives the hearty co-operation and support, Payne's Theological Seminary will wield an influence in the. future beyond the most sanguine expectation S of its founder and. benefactor.   At the general conference in 1896, held at Wilmington, North Carolina, he was appointed to the third Episcopal district, consisting of the Ohio., North Ohio and Pittsburg annual conferences. It was in this border that the first resolution looking to an educated ministry was ever passed by an annual conference. It was in this celebrated district that the first school and manual labor farm. was purchased and organized in 1845 near Columbus, Ohio. It was in this district that Bishops Payne, James A. Shorter and Dr. John G. Mitchell laid the foundation of our magnificent educational system by the purchase of Wilberforce University. It is fortunate we have one at the head of our educational work and who was raised and trained by the leaders of the church and race, one who has been able to take the principles of African Methodism, and whose very being is saturated with the hopes 0f our future and inspired by their lives to triumph over every opposition and bear the standard of manhood Christianity on to certain victories.   J. C. SIMS.   After many years of honorable and active connection with agricultural pursuits J. C. Sims is now living retired in Spring Valley. He was born in Mount Holly, Warren county, Ohio, December 8, 1839, his parents being George and Sarah E. (Buckles) Sims. The father, who was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, came with his parents, John and Elizabeth Sims, to Ohio, the family becoming early settlers of Warren county. They located upon a farm on which George Sims was reared, but in early life he learned the cooper's trade in Mount Holly, and there carried on business for many years. He also engaged in huckstering at the same time. He lived to be more than seventy years of age and throughout his long life commanded the respect and confidence of his fellow men. In his family were fourteen children, all of whom reached years of maturity and twelve are still living. Those who have passed away had married and reared families.   J. C. .Sims, whose name introduces this record, attended the public schools in early life, and when about fourteen years of age began working in his father's shop, where he was employed until twenty-two years of age. From the time of his marriage in 1861 until 1864 he was employed in the extensive coopering department of the large factory of Barrett & Walton. In the latter. year,   572 - ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.   however, he put aside business cares and personal considerations and joined the onehundred-day men, enlisting in Company G, One Hundred and Fifty-fourth Regiment' of Ohio Volunteers. The command took part in the battle at New Creek, but during that engagement he was sent to a block house to guard a bridge. After about four months. at the front he returned to Ohio and again entered the employ of his former firm, remaining there for three years. With the capital he had thus acquired through his industry and economy he invested in land, becoming owner of seventy-five acres, which is still in his possession.   On the 12th of May, 1861, Mr. Sims was married to Miss Nancy Ellen Smith, of Spring Valley, and unto them were born two .sons. George, who married Alice Underwood, by whom he has three children, is a printer by trade, and resides in Spring Valley, Morris, the younger son, married Minnie Riley, by whom he has one child, and their home is also in Spring Valley. In February, 1870, Mr. Sims was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife. He was .again married, op the 16th of February, 1871, his second union being with Mrs. Frances (Sanders) Byrd, a daughter of _Jesse and Cassandra (Bell) Sanders. She was born in Bellbrook June 8, 1835, and was first married to Jackson Byrd, by whom she had three children : George, of Dayton, wedded Elizabeth Smith and has six children ; Ella M. is the wife of Thaddeus Allen, of Spring Valley, by whom she has two children ; and Mary B. died /February 23, 1888. Mr. Byrd died in Callaway county, Missouri, in 1860, having removed to that place in 1855. After his death his widow -returned to Ohio. By the second marriage there has been born two children : William, who wedded Stella Pennywit, by whom he has two children, Raymond and Leon, their home being upon his father's farm; and Charles Clifford, who died in his twenty-first year.   In his political affiliations Mr. Sims is a Democrat, voting for the.party since casting his first presidential ballot for Douglas in 1860. The fathers of both Mr.. and Mrs. Sims were members of the Society of Friend, and our. subject and his wife have become identified with the congregation of that denomination in Spring Valley., Mr. Sims belongs to Byrd Post, G. A. R., of Spring Valley,. It was named for William H. Byrd, a brother of his (wife's first husband, who was the first soldier of Spring Valley who was killed in the Civil war. Mr. Sims attended the National Grand Army encampment in Cincinnati and in Indianapolis. He enjoys the good will and friendship of many of his comrades of the blue and is a citizen of worth who well deserves mention in this volume.   ISAIAH HOLLOWAY.   The migratory spirit so strongly noticeable in many sections of the country is manifest in Ohio rather for its absence, for it is a remarkable fact that a large portion of the native born sons of this state have retained their residence within its borders throughout their entire lives. Such a one is Mr. Holloway, whose birth occurred in January, 1824, in Madison township, Clark county, where he lived until he had attained his majority, acquiring his education in the   ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY - 573   log schoolhouse of that locality. His parents were Isaiah and Sarah (McQuality) Holloway. The father was born in Virginia, and when a young man came to Ohio, settling in Chillicothe, where he remained for .a number of years. He then went to Clark county and carried on farming in Madison township. His remaining days were spent in that county, where he passed away at the age of seventy-six years. His religious faith connected him with the Methodist church, while his political belief was in harmony with the principles of the Republican party. His wife survived him for several years and died on the old homestead in Clark county at the age of seventy-four years. She had belonged also to the Methodist church and was a lady who possessed many excellent traits of character. Unto this worthy couple were born seven children, of whom two are yet living, Isaiah being the second in order of birth. His sister, Elizabeth, is now the widow of Levi Warner, who was a resident of Cedarville, Ohio.   Mr. Holloway came to Greene county about 1865, and has since lived upon the farm which he yet owns and operates. He purchased one hundred and twenty-five acres of land which was then partially improved, but he afterward erected a good residence and barn and here be has since lived. The place is divided into fields of convenient size by well kept fences, and everything about his farm is neat and thrifty in appearance, thus manifesting the careful supervision of the progressive owner. Mr. Holloway has also purchased the old homestead consisting of one hundred and thirty acres.   Mr. Holloway vas united in marriage to Miss Mary Tindall, a daughter of Thomas and Sarah (Waller) Tindall, who resided in Clark county, but both are now deceased. Her mother was a member. of the Methodist church. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Holloway have been born six children, but Orleans died at the age of fourteen years, and Clara died at the age of five years. Lander is a resident farmer of Nebraska. Howard resides upon the old home place in Clark county. Charles makes his home at Selma. Ida is vet under the parental roof.   Mr. Holloway votes with the Republican party, but is content to end his political activity there, save that he keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day. He and his wife are members of the Methodist church and he is serving as one of its trustees. In his life he has manifested many of the sterling characteristics of his Scotch ancestry, being thrifty, persevering and enterprising, and to-day, as a result of these elements in his make-up, he is a well-to-do resident of Cedarville township, and has the respect of the leading people of the community.   JOHN D. STEELE.   The man of wealth is not the one whom the American citizens hold in highest regard, but he who can plan his own advancement and accomplish it in the face of competition and obstacles that are always to be met in the business world. The "captains of industry" are those whose business foresight can recognize opportunity and whose executive force can utilize advantages which are not given to one alone, but perhaps encompass the whole race. The life history of Jain D. Steele is simply that of a successful   574 - ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.   business man who owes his advancement to close application, energy, strong determination and executive ability. He has never allowed outside pursuits to interfere with the performance of business duties or the meeting of any business obligations, and thus he stands to-day one of the prosperous residents of Xenia, strong in his honor and his good name. He is the secretary and general manager of the Hooven & Allison Company, and many other enterprises of the city owe their successful conduct largely to his wise counsel and business judgment.   Mr. Steele is a native of Greene county, having been born in Alpha, November 4, 1855, his parents being David and Mary (Harbine) Steele. His paternal grandfather was John Steele, of whom mention is made in the historical section of this work. He was born in Virginia in 1809 and with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ebenezer Steele, came to Greene county as early as 1830, the family settling in Beavercreek township, where the grandfather of our subject engaged in farming. John Steele also began life as a farmer, but after some years became interested in an oil mill as a member of the firm of Steele & Kershner. They carried on an extensive business in the manufacture of linseed oil. After a time Mr. Kershner sold his. interest to John Harbine,, the grandfather of our subject, and the firm style of Steele & Harbine was then assumed. This relation was maintained until 1871, when the senior partner retired and removed to Xenia, where he became one of the directors of the First National Bank of that city. In his political views he was first a Whig supporting the party until its. dissolution, when he joined the ranks of the new Republican. party. He held member ship in the Reformed church and was one of its elders. His wife bore the maiden name of Mary Ankeney, and was a daughter of one of the pioneer settlers of Greene county. In the year 1882 John Steele departed this life and his wife passed away in 1889.   Their only child, David Steele, acquired a public-school education, and afterward spent two years as a student in Oxford College, at Oxford, Ohio. In early manhood he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Elizabeth Harbine,- and soon afterward they located in .Bloomfield, Davis county, Iowa, taking up their abode there in 1856. Mr. Steele was interested in farming in the west until. after the inauguration of the Civil war, when he offered his services to the government as a defender of the Union cause, enlisting in the Third Iowa Infantry, in which he was made first sergeant. After two years' service he was discharged on account of health and returned to Greene county, Ohio. About six weeks later, When he had sufficiently recuperated, be- organized what became Company E, of the Ninety-fourth Ohio Volunter Infantry, and was commissioned its captain. With his command he went to the front and at the battle. of Stone River, on the 13th of December, 1862, he was wounded and died from the effects of his injuries on the 15th of January, 1863. His wife had passed away about 1859, leaving two children: John D., of this review, and Augusta F., now the wife of W. T. Poague.   John D. Steele, having been left an orphan, made his home with his paternal grandparents, and in the common schools he pursued his preliminary education, which was afterward supplemented by study in the .high school of Xenia and in the Uni-