600 - ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. children as well as Mrs. Wolf are members of the Reformed church. Mr. Wolf has always followed general farming and stock-raising, making a specialty of chester white hogs. They have been no exciting chapters in his life history but he has. been a man of strong purpose, honorable, straightforward, industrious and energetic and these qualities are certainly well worthy of emulation. JOSEPH W. HEBBLE. Joseph W. Hobble, whose identification with the business interests of Xenia made him a valued citizen and whose worth of character commanded respect and admiration, was a native of Greene county, born on the 5th. of December, 1843, while his death occurred in the. county seat on the 17th of June, 1901. His father, Henry E. Hebble, was a native of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, born March 12, 1808. In early life he learned and followed the carpenter's trade and later he became an engineer on one of the first locomotives that ran over the road in southern Pennsylvania, the railroad at that time being owned by the state and leased engines and coaches which were owned by a private company. The engines were then built without cabs, and the whole system of railroading was in a primitive condition. For three years the father of our subject was connected with railroading and then turned his attention to the building industry, building both houses and bridges. He superintended the construction of the solid bridge across the Susquehanna river at Columbia, Pennsylvania, and was connected with many other important building enterprises, but the exposure which he had undergone while railroading, there being no shelter for the engineer, had undermined his health and from the effects of this he suffered nearly 'all his life. In the year 1841 he came to Greene county, Ohio, where he engaged in bridge-building and contracting until his death, which occurred on the 25th of March; 1886. His wife, who in her maidenhood was Miss Kramer, was born November 27, 1810, and like her husband was a native of Pennsylvania and died in Dayton, Ohio, in October, 1898. They reared a family of ten children, all of whom are living with the exception of our subject and 'Benjamin F., who died in May, 1897. Mr. Hebble of this review spent the days of his boyhood and youth in his parents' home and received a good, practical education in the common schools of the neighborhood and at Dayton. For many years thereafter he was one of Greene county's well known teachers, teaching first in the country. schools and later as principal of the schools at Fairfield and Bellbrook. In the meantime, however, he served his country in the Civil war. At the age of twenty years he enlisted at the president's call for aid, becoming a 'member of Company K, One Hundred and Fifty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, which was assigned to the Army of the Potomac. They went to ginia, traversed the Potomac and Cumberland valleys and Mr. Hebble endured the many hardships of army life until the cessation. of hostilities which showed the Union was no longer. endangered. He also had two brothers in the Union ranks, Z. T., who was in the Tenth Ohio Battery, and W. H., a member of the One Hundred and Forty-sixth Infantry. On coming to Xenia in 1883 Mr Hobble was appointed deputy county clerk, ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY - 601 which position he held. for a number of years. He was then made secretary of the People's Building and Loan Association, the duties of which required but little of his time during the early years of the existence of the company, but later it became an important enterprise and contributed not a little to the improvement of the city. Mr. Hebble possessed excellent business ability and sound judgment and his determination and force of character enabled him to carry forward tosuccessful completion whatever he undertook.. His straightforward business policy commended him to the confidence of all and in financial circles he sustained an unassailable reputation. On the 16th of January, 1873, Mr. Hebble was united in marriage to Fannie Hamma, of Yellow Springs. She was born January 17, 1845; and is a daughter of Adam and Catharine (Barton) Hamma, who for many years was a resident of Greene county. Her mother bore the maiden name of Catharine Barton, and was a native of Clark county, Ohio: Three children were born unto .our subject and his wife, of whom a daughter, Fannie Kate, died on the 27th of February, 1889, at the age of about ten years. The others are Roy and Mary Ada. The daughter resides at home with her mother, and the son repre sent§ the firm. of Whitmer & Hebble, general insurance agents of Xenia. The family residence is pleasantly located and is the center of a cultured society circle. The household is noted for its cordial and gracious hospitality and the members of the family in turn are heartily welcomed into the best homes of the city. Mr. Hebble found his greatest pleasure in providing for his family and in promoting their happiness, yet his death was not only mourned by those of his own household, but by many friends throughout the county for his ge- nial nature and sterling worth made him popular. He 'left to his family not only a comfortable competence, but also the priceless heritage of an untarnished name, for his record was that of a brave soldier, a reliable business man and a stanch friend: For many. years he was a member. of the Masonic fraternity, having joined the order, at Osborn, Ohio, where he served as secretary of the lodge, and after dimitting to Xenia lodge he held the same, position. here. He was also secretary of the Royal Arch Chapter at Xenia up to within a short time of his death. ADAM ROUTZONG. Adam Routzong, now deceased, was for worthy years a respected and worthy citizen of Greene county and it is but Justice to memory his memory that his record be given in this volume. He was a native of Frederick county, Maryland, born December 4, 1806, a son of Henry Routzong, whose birth also occurred in Frederick countiy. About 1824 he left Maryland and with his family came to Greene county, Ohio, settling upon a farm near Fairfield. There he purchased a good tract of land and carried on agricultural pursuits for many years, dying at an advanced age. His wife passed away when the subject of this review was quite young and before the removal of the family to Ohio. Adam Routzong acquired his education in the schools of his native state and was a youth of eighteen when he came with his father to Greene county. They were actively associated in farm work, the father and his three sons. They put all of the improvements upon the farm and Adam Routzong 602 - ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. continued to remain under the parental roof until he was about twenty-one years of age, when lie removed to a farm in Xenia township, which he purchased. It was a tract of land on the Xenia and Fairfield road, but it was wild and unimproved and awaited the awakening touch of the agriculturist to make it productive land. Our subject at once began its development and made many excellent improvements upon it. It continued to be his home for forty years and a great transformation was wrought in the appearance of the place as it was brought from its primitive condition to a high state of cultivation. There through .a long period Mr. Routzong carried on general ,farming and stock-raising, meeting with excellent success in his undertakings. The farm was called Shady Bower and consisted of two hundred and fifty-six acres of rich land, but by additional purchases the boundaries of the place have been extended until now it comprises three hundred and forty-six acres, Which is still in possession of. the family. In 1872. Mr. Routzong retired from active life and with his estimable wife removed to Xenia, where he lived for fifteen years. In 1886 he took up his abode on a farm in Xenia township, which he had purchased in :1861. it comprised one hundred and eighty-three acres of land, which is now owned by his son J. C. Routzong and is occupied by the widow and the family of our subject. Mr. Routzong was twice married. He first wedded Sarah Cougler, who died leaving two children, Henry, a resident of Yellow Springs, and Mathias now deceased. For his second wife Mr. Routzong chose Constant Comfort Cromwell, a sister of Joseph Cromwell. She was born in Washington county, Maryland, near Clear Springs, and her parents were also natives of that state. By the second marriage of our subject there were also two children : Joseph. Cromwell, who was born in Greene county, Ohio; and John R., who died at the age of eleven years. Adam Routzong died on the 16th of June, 1887, upon the home farm, passing away after a short illness, and his remains were interred in Byron cemetery. He was a public spirited man and though lie never held office he took an active interest in everything pertaining to the general welfare and upbuilding of his portion of the state and gave his co-operation to the measures for the general good. In politics he was a Republican and in religious faith was a Lutheran, long- holding membership with that church. He lived a consistent Christian life and was held in the highest regard by all who knew him. He was found to be reliable in business, loyal in citizenship and trustworthy in friendship, and the sterling qualities of his nature gained for him the warm esteem of all with whom he was associated. His widow still survives him and now resides upon the old homestead—one of the estimable ladies of the community. Joseph Cromwell Routzong, the elder child of the father's second marriage, was born December 18, 1848, in Greene county, Ohio, on the old home place in Xenia township. At the usual age he entered the public schools and there pursued his education, while in the summer months he assisted in the work of the home farm. He has followed agricultural pursuits throughout his entire life and is now living upon the old home place, which his father purchased in 1861. He has put a vast amount of improvement here and to-day has one of the finest attractive country seats of Greene ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY - 603 county. He erected one of the best farm houses in this portion of the state, it being built about eighteen years ago. He also has a large barn and his farm is a model property in all respects. In addition to the cultivation of the field he is extensively engaged in the raising of Poland-China hogs and shorthorn cattle and this branch of his business is proving to him a successful enterprise. In 1871 Mr. Routzong was married to Miss Alice Snyder, a native of Greene county and a daughter of Casper Snyder, who was a millwright, miller and distiller of Xenia township and died at an advanced age. He was one of the native sons of Greene county and was classed among the valued citizens here. Unto Joseph C. Routzong and his wife have been born five children : Harry M. married Annie Commings and resides upon the home farm ; John A. is a machinist of Xenia; Joseph C. died at the age of fifteen years; Charles F. is an electrician by profession but is now assisting in the cultivation of the home farm ; Flora A., the youngest, is the wife of William Cline, a resident farmer of Alpha, Ohio. All of the children were born in Xenia township. Joseph C. Routzong exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the Republican party and has been honored with some local offices, having served as township trustee for six years. He belongs to the Reformed church, in which he has served as deacon. His entire life has been passed in Greene county and the fact that many who have known him from his boyhood are numbered among his stanchest friends is an indication that his career has ever been honorable, useful and upright. THOMAS HAVERSTICK. Thomas Haverstick, now deceased, was a well known citizen of Greene county, and when called to his final rest many friends mourned his departure. He was born December 2, 1835, in this county, his parents being John and Elizabeth (Holley) Haver-stick. The home farm was his play ground in youth and also his training school for life's practical duties. He early became familiar with the work of the fields and after acquiring a fair common-school education he worked as a farm hand, thus gaining a start in life. On the loth of December, 1872, Mr. Haverstick was united in marriage to Miss Sarah J. Swigart, who was born on the farm where she now lives on the 31st of August, 1844. Her parents were Joel and Margaret (Hedelson) Swigart, both of whom were natives of Greene county, the father having been born in Sugarcreek township and the mother in Beavercreek township. The 18th of November, 182o, was the day of the father's birth, and on the 12th of January, 1843, he led to the marriage altar Miss Hedelson, whose birth occurred September 13, 1834. Both, however, have now passed away, the former dying March 1891, and the latter on the 28th of July, 1878. Mr. and Mrs. Haverstick began their domestic life upon the farm belonging to her people. Five children were born unto Mr. and Mrs. Swigart, but three of the daughters died in girlhood. The other two reached womanhood and Elmira became the wife of. John Fink, but is now deceased. She had no children. Thus Mrs. Haver-stick was left the only surviving member of her ,parents' family, and at their death she 604 - ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. inherited the two farms in Sugarcreek township formerly owned by her father, and upon one of these she still makes her home, superintending its control. At the time of the Civil war Mr. Haver-stick manifested his loyalty to the country by enlisting as a soldier in the One Hundred and Fifty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Regiment for one hundred days' service. He was out about four months and became a sergeant, returning at the end of that time to his home in Greene county. Fraternally he was connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He was a man well known and well liked throughout the community. He was kind, 'good hearted, considerate and wherever he went commanded the respect of those with whom he was associated. On the l0th of September, 1891, his life's labors' were ended in death, and his remains were interred in Mount Zion cemetery: Mrs. Haverstick had the deep sympathy of all who knew her, for her loss was a heavy one. The community also lost a valued citizen and many a considerate and faithful friend. Mrs. Haverstick has a wide acquaintance in Greene county and is a most estimable lady. JOHN G. CLEMENS. John G. Clemens, the president of the People's Bank of Jamestown, was born in Greene county on the old Bell farm in Xenia township, on the 21 st of January, 1820, and is a son of John and Susan (Slagle) Clemens, who were natives of Augusta county, Virginia. The family is of English lineage and was established in this country at an early day, while the Slagles were of German descent. John Clemens, the father of our subject, was a participant in the war of 1812 and after the close of hostilities he settled in Clark county, Ohio, near Springfield, where he followed farming, and in 1819 he came to Xenia, where he again carried on agricultural pursuits, and after living for four years on the Nathaniel Bell farm he removed to a tract of land on Caesars creek in Jasper township, where he purchased land upon which he lived until a few years prior to his death. He then purchased another farm in New Jasper township and there lived until his death, which occurred in 1866, when he was eighty-one years of age.. His wife passed away at the age of seventy-five years. In their family were ten children, two of whom are yet living, the eldest being John G. Clemens, of this review. Susan is the wife of David Davis, also a resident of Jamestown. John G. Clemens obtained his education in, an old log school-house with its puncheon floor, slab seats and huge fireplace. He was able to attend school only about three months each year, for the public funds would allow the continuance of the instruction no longer. After he became old enough he assisted in the work of the home farm and gained a practical experience and knowledge of farm work in all its departments. When twenty-four years of age he chose as a companion and helpmate on life's journey Miss Margaret Long, a daughter of William Long, one of the early settlers of New Jasper township, who died in his ninetieth year, and they were married February 1, 1844. After their marriage the young couple began farming in New. Jasper township., Mr. Clemens operating his father's farm for about eight years. He then purchased a ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY - 607 farm of one hundred acres in the same township and there lived until 1877, when he removed to Jamestown, where his wife died on the 21st of January, 1891, at the age of sixty-five years. Unto them were born three children : Louisa, who died of typhoid fever in her twenty-first year; Mary L., who also died in her twenty-first year; and Gertrude M., the wife of Jesse Taylor, the cashier of the People's Bank. In his business undertakings Mr. Clemens was prosperous. To his first purchase of land, of one hundred acres, he has since added from time to time, making judicious investments in real estate until to-day he owns twelve hundred acres of land mostly in Ross and Cedarville townships. He is also the owner of the old family homestead and all that he has is due to his own well directed efforts. He had no influential friends or inheritance to assist him, but he has placed his dependence upon the substantial qualities of self-reliance, determination and indefatigable energy, and these have proved an excellent foundation upon which to rear the superstructure of prosperity. He was one of the original incorporators of the People's Bank of Jamestown, became its president and has since continued in that position. He is also its largest stockholder and is interested in other business enterprises which have not only proven of benefit to himself, but have also advanced the general prosperity. His fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability, have frequently called him to public office. In his political views he was originally a Whig, and upon the organization of the party became a Republican. He was elected justice of the peace and served for about twenty-six years, or until his removal to Jamestown. His decisions were strictly fair and impartial and that he gave universal satisfaction is indicated by his long continuance in the office.. In 1862 he was announced and published as a candidate for county commissioner with out his knowledge or consent. He did no canvassing, never leaving home for a day or asking any man to vote for him, and was elected by a complimentary majority. He served for one term in that office and then retired. He was interested in the Little Miami Narrow Gauge Railroad for about three years and has co-operated in many movements for the general good. In his religious faith he is a Methodist. He joined that denomination on the 23d. of April, 1842, and has therefore been a member of the church for sixty years; while for the same long period of time he has served as one of its stewards, and has also been a class-leader. Mr. Clemens has not missed a single communion service since entering the church. For about twenty-six years he was recording steward of the church and has frequently been a delegate to its conferences. He has been chosen administrator and executor to settle twenty-six. different estates, a fact which indicates the confidence and trust reposed in him by those who know him, and it is unnecessary to say to those acquainted with Mr. Clemens that no trust ever reposed in him has been betrayed in even the slightest degree. He has traveled -quite extensively, visiting twenty different states, including those on the Pacific coast, California, Oregon and Washington. He spent some time in visiting the many points of interest in that section of the country and. he has a comprehensive knowledge of his own land, its development and its history. John G. Clemens has now passed the eighty-second milestone on life's journey 608 - ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. and is one of the oldest native citizens of Greene county. No history of this portion of the state would be complete without his record for his life has formed an integral chapter in the annals of this district of Ohio. As the years have advanced he has progressed from a humble financial position to one of marked affluence, but the acquisition of wealth has never warped his kindly, generous nature or led him to cease to feel an interest in everything pertaining to the general good and to the progress and improvement of the community. He is known far and wide as a man of strong purpose, one who has led an honorable and upright life and whose example is indeed worthy of emulation. JOSHUA ELLIS. Joshua Ellis was born September 28, 1847, in Jefferson township, upon the farm which is yet his home and to-day he is accounted one of the intelligent, progressive and highly respected agriculturists of this portion of the state. His father, Samuel Ellis, was born in Frederick county, Virginia, October 4, 1800, and in the year 1807 accompanied his parents to Ohio, taking up his abode upon the farm which is now the home of his son Joshua. Here he was reared amid pioneer conditions, for at that time the work of improvement and development in the county had scarcely been begun. His father was Christopher Ellis, who belonged to an old Pennsylvania Dutch family and came from Lancaster, that state, to Ohio. His birth occurred in Lancaster on the 11th of January, 1763, and he died in the year 1836 at the age of seventy-three years. He was united in marriage to Miss Eliza Carvery, who was born September 5, 1769, and died September 5, 1822, at the age of fifty-three years. On arriving in Greene county, Christopher Ellis purchased eight hundred acres of land on what is now the Clinton and Greene county boundary line and thereon took up his abode. All that remains of the once thick forest is an old elm tree which stands near the spring on the farm, and it was near this tree that the grandfather built his first Ohio home, which was constructetd of logs. At one time he was the owner of sixteen hundred acres of land and the old homestead is still in the possession of Joshua Ellis, his youngest grandson. His children born of the first marriage were Catherine; Jacob; Abraham ; Isaac; John; Samuel, the father of our subject ; William; George; James; Mary; Joseph; Christopher; and Elizabeth. The grandfather afterward married Nancy Overly and they became the parents of four children: Martha, Tilden, Angeline and Daniel. Samuel Ellis, the father of our subject, early became familiar with the arduous task of developing a, new farm. He was three times married, his first union being with Miss Elizabeth Oglesbee, a native of Greene county, and this union was blessed with six children : Preston, Mary Ann, Silas, Joseph, Almira and Isaiah. After the death of his first wife Samuel Ellis married Miss Keziah Woolman, who was born July 17, 1817, and was also a native of Greene county, Ohio. It was on the 25th of January, 1837, that she gave her hand in marriage to Samuel Ellis, and they became the parents of seven children : Susan, born September 1, 1838, was the eldest. Eli, born December 19, 1841, was a member of Company B, Fortieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, during ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY - 609 the Civil war, and was fatally wounded at Ringgold, Georgia. Sarah Jane, born January 19, 1843, was the next of the family. Simon Peter and Samuel N., twins, were born March 15, 1845. The former. was a member of Company F, Sixtieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and for eleven months was a prisoner in Libby and Andersonville prisons. Samuel N. Was a member of Com-pany H, One Hundred and Fifty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Joshua, the subject of this sketch, is next in order of birth. Martha, the youngest, died at the age of three years and thirteen days. The father's third marriage was with Mrs. Providence (Scarf) Sewell, a native of Greene county, the wedding being celebrated about the year 1856. Throughout his entire life Samuel Ellis carried on agricultural pursuits. He died December 1880, at the age. of eighty years, two months and seven days, and thus the community lost one of its valued pioneer settlers, for from the first decade of the nineteenth century he had been a witness of the growth and development of this portion of the state and had contributed in no. small degree to its improvement and progress. At the usual age Joshua. Ellis entered the public schools of Jefferson township, but his educational privileges were very limited as his services were needed upon the home farm, where he was employed in the capacity of a, cook. When thirteen years of age he left borne in 1859 and went to. Bowersville, where he entered the employ of J. C. Early, there remaining until 1861. But he could not longer content himself to continue at home when the Union was endangered, and in the fall of that year he offered his services to the government, becoming a member of the Thirty-first Ohio Regiment. He was, however, only about. fourteen years of age and his father, objecting to his serving so young, secured his release. He was afterward variously employed for two years and in 1863 he again enlisted, this time under Captain Ary of the Sixtieth Ohio Infantry, to. serve for one hundred days. He then volunteered on the 17th of February, 1864, with that regiment for three years' service and participated in the battle Of the Wilderness; Nye River, May 9-10, 1864; Spottsylvania, May 12, 1864; North Anna. River, May 25,1864; Bethesda Church, June 1, 1864; Shady Grove, June 1, 1864; Cold Harbor, June 3, 5, 6, 1864; and Gains Harbor, 1864. He was also before Petersburg on the 17th. of June, 1864, was there at the time of the mine explosion on the 30th of July of the same year, and later took part in the engagements at Weldon Railroad, August 19, 1864; Yellow House Inn, August 1, 1864; Poplar Grove Church, September 30, T864; Pegram Farm, Virginia., September 30, 1864; Hatchie's Run, October 20, 1864 ; Fort Stedman, March 25, 1865; the charge on rebel works, April 2, 1865 ; and the capture of Petersburg. His was the first regiment that entered that city and was the second to place. its flag on the heights. Mr. Ellis was in the grand review at Washington, D. C., and was discharged at Columbus, Ohio, August 7, 1865. He was a brave and loyal soldier who hesitated not in the performance of duty but faithfully discharged every task assigned to him. On his return from the war Mr. Ellis worked at farming until his marriage, when he located on a part of his father's farm and operated it for a year. Later he carried on farming at different places in this county, and subsequently engaged in the buggy, wagon and farm implement business 610 - ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. at Port Ohio, for thirteen years with marked success. After his father's death he bought the old homestead and is now the owner of over two hundred acres of well improved and valuable land. Besides this property he owns a fine residence in Clinton county where his soh lives. In connection with general farming he is engaged in stock-raising, making a specialty of short-horn cattle, and has met with good success in all his undertakings. On the 23d of September, 1867, was cel ebrated the marriage of Mr. Ellis and Miss Rachel A. Murphy, a native of Greene county and a daughter of Jacob V. and Elizabeth Murphy. Her father was born in Berkeley county, West Virginia, and her mother in Greene county, Ohio. They had five children : William A., born February 2, 1840 ; Harvey C., born Tuly 18,, 1841 ; Israel. A., born in 1845; Rachel A., born in 1848; and James L„ born August 3, 1857. Unto Mr. and Mrs: Ellis were born two children, Harley and Veturrah. The son,who is a resident of Clinton county, was married December 24, 1896, to Miss Kate Linkhart, and they have one child, Orville, born November 30, 1898. Veturrah is the wife of :George L. Linkhart, a native of Greene county, and they have one child, Nora A., born October 31, 1897. Fraternally Mr. Ellis is a member of Morris McMillan Post, G. A. R., of Wilmington„ Ohio, and Port William Lodge, K. P. Politically he is a Republican and his religious faith connects him with the Methodist Episcopal church. The Ellis family is one of prominence in the community where they reside and they enjoy the high regard of many friends. For the past two years the representatives of the name have held family reunions, the first being held August 29, 1900, when two hundred were present. The second was held September 4, 1901, When three hundred and fifty were present. The last reunion was held upon our subject's farm, where his grandfather, Christopher Ellis, had settled in 1807. JOSEPH WARREN KING. No history of Xenia or indeed of this section of Ohio would be complete without mention of Joseph Warren King-. He belonged to that little group of distinctively representative business men who were the pioneers in inaugurating and building up the chief industries of this section of the country. He early had the sagacity and prescience to discern the eminence which the future had in store for this great and growing country, and, acting in accordance with the dictates of his faith and judgment, he garnered, in the fullness of time, the generous harvest which is the just recompense of indomitable industry, spotless integrity and marvelous enterprise. He also labored for the good of the community and his efforts contributed in no small degree to public progress and substantial improvement. Mr. King was a native of Connecticut, his birth having occurred in Suffield, on the 31st of August, 1.814, his parents being John Bowker and Hannah (Newton) King. His mother was a lineal descendant of .Peter Brown, who crossed the Atlantic on the Mayflower. On the paternal side Mr. King was of English lineage, the first of the fam ily coming to this country prior to 1672 as, he was then a resident of Ipswich, Massachusetts. There were two branches of the, ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY - 611 family founded here, one being istablished in the south, while James King settled in Suffield, Connecticut, in 1678. John Bowker King was descended from James King, through grandfather and father, both of whom bore the name of Joseph. Joseph King, grandfather of our subject, was a Revolutionary soldier as was also John Newton, the maternal grandfather. John Bowker King was a man of good business ability, a substantial farmer and an upright man. He died May 30, 1853. Joseph Warren King spent his boyhood days upon his father's farm and in early youth attended the district schools near his home. He acquired a liberal education for those days in different schools in that part of the country and before attaining his ma-jority desired to start out in life for himself, but according to the laws of Connecticut his father had a right to his services until he was twenty-one years of age. He therefore bought his time of his father and entered upon his business career as a book agent, in which he was quite successful. After a short time he sought a home in the west, locating first in Westfield (now Leroy), Medina county, Ohio. In 1838 Mr. King returned to Connecticut and was there married to Betsey Kendall, of Suffield, a daughter of Captain Simon Kendall and his wife, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Kent. The latter \vas a lineal descendant of Governor William Bradford, who came to this country in the Mayflower and also of Major John Mason, who won fame in the Pequot war and who was to the Connecticut colony what Miles Standish was to the Plymouth colony. After their rnarriage Mr. King and his bride, made their trip to their western home by way of the Erie canal and Lake Erie, and began their domestic life in a small house, a part of which was built of logs. In this they had the first cooking stove ever brought to the county and it excited much curiosity throughout the countryside. Thus amid pioneer conditions and enduring many of the trials which constitute the lot of the settler on the frontier, Mr. King got his start in the west. In Westfield he opened a general store, carrying all kinds of goods that were in demand by the settlers of those days. His business ability was soon manifest and brought him success, and he was considered one of the most prominent men of a wide territory. From Westfield Mr. King removed to Lima„ Ohio, seeking a broader field of labor, and there he carried on business on a more extensive scale. He not only engaged in general merchandising, but also organized the firm of King & Day,. to engage in the business of pork-packing. They were among the pioneers in inaugurating this industry in Ohio and were very successful in the new enterprise. In Lima Mr. King also attained to an enviable position in commer-cial and financial circles, but again he sought a broader field, and about the middle of the century took up his abode in Xenia, where he entered into partnership with Alvin Austin, under the firm name of Austin, King & Company, in the establishment of a powder manufactory. Of this Mr. King afterward became sole proprietor, purchasing Mr. Austin's interest. He then incorporated the business under the name of the Miami Powder Company and for more than twenty years was the president. Under his capable direction the business constantly increased, making necessary the erection of 612 - ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. an extensive plant in order to meet the growing demands of the trade. At length he ;disposed of his first plant and in 1878 incorporated King's Great Western Powder Com parry, of which he was the president. The plant was .located at King's Station, and the volume of business there carried on constantly increased. Mr. King remained an active factor in the conduct of the enterprise until his death. A man of resourceful business .ability, he was quick to recognize a favorable business .opportunity and his decision of character led him to take advantage of these undeterred by tardy action. He be: came an active factor in financial circles, realizing the need of money exchanges as an aid to the business of this section. He was one of the Organizers of the Citizens National Bank, of Xenia, became its first president, and continued in that position until his death. He was also the owner of the Merchants & Manufacturers Bank, of Columbus, Ohio, and was its president until his life's labors were ended. Many other enterprises of importance profited by his financial co-operation and wise counsel. He was connected with pork-packing houses in Lima and with iron and paper manufactories. Intricate business propositions and problems he seemed to comprehend at a glance, and his judgment was rarely, if ever, at fault. Like all who are connected with important enterprises furnishing employment to many operatives' and promoting the commercial activity of the community, his labors were of widespread benefit to his fellow men. Five children were born unto Mr. and Mrs. King during the course of their happy married life. Helen, now deceased; was the wife of the .Rev. Dr. Morehead ; Mary is the wife of G. M. Peters; of Cincinnati, Ohio ; Elouisa is the wife of C. C. Nichols, a banker of Wilmington, Ohio; and Isadora and Emma are at home in Xenia. The father died. July 8, 1885, and the -mother, on the 3d of March, 1896. Both were earnest and active members of the Baptist church. Mr. King took a very prominent part in its work and was its main support for many years. Together with another he gave the parsonage which. is now a part of the church property, and he usually bore one-third or more of the expenses of the church. For many years he was superintendent of the Sunday-school, and his influence was ever on the 'side. of justice and the right. His wealth was so honorably won and so worthily used that the most envious could not grudge him his success. He started out as do the majority of young men the country without capital—and prospered because he had the force of .character, the steady application and the energy which conquer all obstacles and steadily. advance even in the face of opposition. His life work was indeed of value to his. section of Ohio, and as he mastered and controlled extensive business interests he also won the confidence and respect of his employes and the warm friendship of many whom he met in business as well as social life. Kindness was one of the motives of his life. He had a well spring of affection and a quick and generous sympathy which increased by giving, and the many who' looked up to him and respected him realized as fully as did his most intimate friends and family that when death claimed him a true man had fallen. ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY - 613 JACOB BATES. For sixty-one years Jacob Bates traveled life's journey and throughout the entire period was known to the residents of Greene county, being one of the prominent agriculturists of Beavercreek township. He was born in an old log cabin in this township on the 19th of March, 1827, his parents being Jacob and Margaret Bates. The father died when our subject was only eight years of age, and as the family was 'in somewhat difficult straits our subject had to start out, in life for himself When but a boy, and this of course cut off his educational privileges. Throughout his entire life he carried on farming and prospered in his undertakings, for he manifested marked diligence in his work. From. early morning until late at night he could have been found in the fields caring for his crops from the time of the early spring planting until after the harvests were garnered in the autumn. In later years, when he had attained a considerable degree of success, he was enabled in some measure to retire from farm work and left the more arduous duties of the fields to others. On the 25th of October, 1848, Mr. Bates was united in marriage to Miss Catherine Snipe, who was born in Beavercreek township July 15, 1830, a daughter of Solomon and Mary Ann (Frost) Snipe. Her father was a native of Pennsylvania, who, when but eighteen months old, was brought to Ohio by his parents, Rynehart and Susanna Snipe, the former of French descent, and the latter a native of Pennsylvania and of German lineage. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Bates Was blessed with nine children : Samuel, a resident of Montgomery county, married Alice Finafrock and they have three children—Samuel, Sally and William. Margaret is the wife of Jacob Goldshot, a resident of Beavercreek township, and they have a family of eight children-Emma, Frank, Charles, Annie, Margaret, Jacob; Etta, and Harry, who was drowned. Jacob, a resident of Dayton, married Ann Hotop, and has four children—Edward, Viola, Benjamin and Harry. Franklin P. resides With his mother. Catherine is also living on the old homestead. David married Nancy Margaret McCausland and they have four children —John William Le Roy, David Elmer, Albert Edward and Joseph. Oscar. After his marriage Jacob Bates was en gaged in farming on rented land for a time; and in 1850 he purchased one-half of the present farm upon which his widow is now living, and the other half he inherited from his father's estate. His purchase was a tract of woodland, upon which scarcely an improvement had been made. Later he added to his property a tract of nineteen acres, so that the farm comprises one hundred and seventy-nine acres. For a time Mr. and Mrs. Bates resided in a log cabin, living in pioneer style, but as his financial resources increased he made improvements upon his property, erected a house; built a barn and added other necessary buildings for the shelter of grain and stock. He built his house during the time of the Civil war at a cost of about two thousand dollars, securing the timber upon his own land and hewing it by hand. His marked energy. and careful management made his farm a good one, which returned a golden reward for his labors. As his financial resources increased Mr. Bates also invested in city 'property in Dayton, but this has been sold since 614 - ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. his death. He started out in life a poor boy, working as a farm hand for a time, and at length rented land until he was enabled to purchase for himself. His life history, proves that energy and determination are effective factors in winning prosperity. Mr. Bates died July 2, 1888. He was a member of the German Reformed church, in which he held many offices and took an active part in the work. In politics he was a Democrat, but never sought office as a reward for public fealty, preferring to devote his time and attention to private life, providing for his wife and children. His was an active and useful career and therefore his memory is cherished by his family and many friends. Mrs. Bates still resides upon the old. homestead. She was an able assistant through all the years of their married life, and he freely acknowledged his indebtedness for her aid. She carefully managed the affairs of the household and reared her children, and now she receives the love and considration of her sons and daughters. GEORGE M. HAGLER. Among the farmers of Spring Valley township accounted representative citizens of Greene county is George Mallow Hagler, who was born in the township of Xenia on the 9th of August, 1858, his parents being William and Mary (Scroggs) Hagler. His boyhood days were spent upon the home farm and in the district schools he acquired a fair English education. To his father he gave the benefit of his services until he had attained his majority, when he began working as a farm hand by the month, and after one season had ,passed he engaged in farming on his own account on land belonging to his paternal grandmother. He had good success in the undertaking and won a fair start in that way. On the 21st of December, 1882, Mr. Hailer was united in marriage to Miss Ruth C. Anderson, of Spring Valley, a daughter of Joseph and Matilda (Steinfield) Anderson. For a year after their marriage they remained upon his grandmothers's farm and then Mr. Hagler rented the St. John farm on the Burlington pike, continuing its cultivation for five years. He then removed to the place upon which he now resides, leasing it for a term of five years, and on the expiration of that period he purchased the farm, becoming the owner of one hundred and thirty-three acres. He has a good house, substantial outbuildings and many modern improvements and equipments. He has placed about fifteen hundred rods of tiling upon his land, transforming it into a very rich and arable tract, upon which he produces excellent crops. In 1902 he extended the boundaries of his place by adding a tract of sixty-one and one-half acres adjoining the original purchase. In his farming operations Mr. Hagler is prosperous, his well directed efforts bringing to him good harvests, and in the town markets he finds a ready sale for his products. The home of our subject and his wife has been blessed with five children : Joseph Lewis, who was born in Jasper township; Carrie M., born in Xenia township ; Ollie May, also born in Xenia township; and Albert A. and William F., who are natives of Spring Valley township. The family is well known in the community, and the hospitality of many of the best homes is extended to ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY - 615 them. Mr. Hagler is a supporter of the Republican party, having been identified therewith from the time he cast his first presidential vote for James A. Garfield in 1880. He has never sought or desired office, however, preferring to give his time and energies to his business affairs. His farm is the visible evidence of his life of industry and earnest toil, and as the architect of his own fortunes he has certainly builded wisely and well. ANDREW BISINE. Andrew Bisine, one of Xenia's highly respected citizens, has for many years been a respected resident of this place and his life history illustrates the possibilities that lay before young men of foreign birth who seek homes in the new world. If they possess energy, determination and enterprise they will reap an abundant harvest for their labors. This Mr. Bisine has done and is now enjoying a richly deserved rest surrounded by all the comforts secured to him through the fruitful outcome of his former toil. He was born in Hesse, Germany, June 22, 1820, and is one .of a family of four children, whose parents were Conrad and Elizabeth (Hull) Bisine. His father was born, lived and died in Germany and there engaged in farming for twenty years. He was also a soldier -of his native country and died when comparatively a young man, passing away at the age of forty-two. In the schools of his native country Andrew Bisine obtained his education and upon his father's farm was reared, working in the fields and meadows as the years passed by. In 1839, when nineteen years of age, he determined to seek a home and fortune in the “land of the free," for he had heard favorable re- ports concerning business opportunities here. Crossing the Atlantic, he landed in Baltimore, where he remained for a short time, working at anything that would yield him a good living. He afterward resided in and Cincinnati, where he was similarly employed, and from the latter city he removed to Dayton, but not finding profitable work there he came to Xenia, walking a distance of more than fifteen miles. He did not know the English language and German residents of Xenia were at that time few, but he was resolute, ambitious and determined, and these qualities aided him in overcoming obstacles and winning success. He found employment in the Grand hotel, where he remained for five years, and during that time he became familiar with the English tongue. He afterward engaged in clerking in a general store for John Ewing for ten or twelve years, but when the Civil war was declared he could not content himself to remain at home while the Union was in danger and enlisted at Richmond as a member of Company F, One Hundred and Tenth Ohio Infantry, under Colonel Kiver, in 1862. The regiment went into camp at Piqua, Ohio, and from there proceeded to Parkersburg, and on to Clarksville, going thence to New Creek and afterward to Winchester, Virginia, where the army remained for six months. There Mr. Bisine assisted in guarding the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad. He was in the important battle of Gettysburg, taking part in the thickest of the fight, and there he saw half of his regiment captured and destroyed. the wounded and killed 616 - ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. amounting to about five hundred'. He, however, made his escape from the enemy and proceeded to Harper's Ferry,where he joined the Union army. He afterward participated in many skirmishes and then returned to New York city, where he remained for three weeks. On account of wounds he had previously sustained he was obliged to go to Alexandria and enter the hospital, where he laid for four months in a critical condition. In November, 1863, he was honorably discharged on account of disability and returned to Xenia. From that time until 1890 he was 'an active factor in business circles in this city, and through his enterprise and capable management won a handsome competence, which enabled him to. put aside business cares in 1890 and retire from active pursuits. Mr. Bisine was married, on the 28th of March, 1843, to Miss Susie Carr, who was born in Hesse, Germany. Their Union was blessed with three children, but all are now deceased, and on the 28th of March, 1888, Mr. Bisine was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife. He and his family were all members of the Methodist church, and he is still identified with that denomination. He resides in a pleasant home at No. 123 West Market street and has many friends in Xenia, who admire him for what he has accomplished in life and respect him for his genuine worth. He has now passed the eighty-second milestone on life's journey, and his has been a useful and honorable career. The hope that led him to leave his native land and seek a home in America has been more than realized. He found the opportunities he sought,—which, by the way, are always open to the ambitious, energetic man,—and making the best of these he has steadily worked his way upward. He possesses the resolution, perseverance and reliability so characteristic of people of his nation, and his name is now enrolled among the best citizens of Greene county. JAMES B. GREGG. Upon a farm, the patent. of which bears date 1806, and in a stone house which was erected in 1832, James B. Gregg is now living. This farm, from the time of its transfer from the government's possession, has been owned by representatives of the Gregg family. It was upon this place, which is situated in Cedarville township, that our subject first opened his eyes to the light of day, on the 26th of March, 1838. He is a son of John and Mary Isabelle (Brown) Gregg. His grandfather, John Gregg, was a native of Ireland who came to the United States prior to the Revolutionary war and when the colonists, attempting to throw of the yoke of British oppression, were engaged in the Revolutionary war, he joined the army for independence and served for seven years with the rank of lieutenant. His brother was also in the service and they were mustered out at Philadelphia. On that day they separated and never heard from each other afterward. The grandfather of our subject soon went to Kentucky, where he remained for some years, and about 1804 removed to Ohio, purchasing from. the government the tract of land upon which our subject now resides. His original purchase comprised six hundred acres. Here he built a log cabin and made a home for himself and family, spending his remaining days upon ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY - 617 this place, which he developed into an excellent farm. His death occurred when he had reached the advanced age of eighty-seven years. He was an elder in the old Seceder church of which the Rev. Armstrong served as pastor. His political support was given the Whig party. He was one of the prosperous men of his community and an influential an.d upright citizen. John Gregg, the father of our subject, was also born upon the old homestead which is now occupied by, his son James B. In the district schools of the neighborhood he acquired his education and throughout his entire life carried on general farming and the raising of stock, never leaving his birthplace. He held membership in the United Presbyterian church and died upon the old home farm at the age of seventy years. His wife survived him for many years, passing away in 1898, at which time she was also interred in the Woodland cemetery of Xenia. In their family were five children : David A., a retired farmer living in Xenia ; James B. ; Mary Jane, who became the wife of James A. Turner, of Miami township, and died fifteen years ago ; Margaret, the wife of I. N. Laughead, of Illinois ; and John C., who is engaged in teaching in the public schools of Brazil, Indiana. James B. Gregg was educated in the common schools near his home. He was early trained to farm work, so that when he began work upon his own account practical experience enabled him to carry on his labors profitably. As a companion and helpmate for life's journey he chose Mary A. McCollum, their wedding being celebrated on the 26th of August, 1868. The lady is a daughter of James McCollum, of Xenia township, who was a native of Ireland and came to the United States in 1856, accompanied by his family: Choosing Greene county as a desirable place of residence, he located on a farm in Xenia township, where he died at an advanced age. His wife is also deceased. When he crossed the Atlantic to the new world he was accompanied by his wife and their eight children.. The former, also a native of the Green Isle of Erin, bore the maiden name of Margaret Wright. Mr. McCollum was fifty-five years of age at the time of the emigration, his birth having occurred in July, i800. The family home was three miles from Cedarville, where Mr. McCollum purchased a partially improved farm of seventy-three acres, upon which he lived for ten years. On the expiration of that period he removed to a farm in Xenia township, consisting of two hundred and ten acres. There he erected a large farm house, good barns and other outbuildings and continued to engage in the cultivation of the soil until his death, which occurred July 10, 1875. He was a member of the Reformed Presyterian church, of Cedarville, to which his wife also belonged. She died in 1894 at the age of eighty-one years, and both were buried in Massiescreek cemetery near Cedarville. In their family were ten children, of whom five are yet living, and with one exception all were born in Ireland. Throughout their married life Mr, and Mrs. Gregg have lived upon the old family homestead of one hundred and eighty-two acres which he now owns. It has never been out of possession of the family since and is endeared to our subject from the associations of his boyhood as well as because it has been the residence of his later years. In politics Mr. Gregg is a Republican, and 618 - ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. he and his wife belong to the Reformed Presbyterian church of Cedarville, in which he is serving as a trustee. The worthy representative of an honored pioneer family, he well deserves mention in this volume. His entire life has here been passed and those who know him give him their regard because of his honorable and straightforward career. JAMES H. KYLE. James H. Kyle, who is now living retired in Xenia, was born in Greene county, Ohio, February 12, 1839, and is a son of James and Delilah ( Gartrell) Kyle, also natives of Ohio. The father engaged in farming and upon the old family homestead reared his seven children, but only two of the number are now living,—James H. and Samuel, both residents of Xenia. In the public schools of Xenia township James H. Kyle obtained his education, spending his boyhood days in the usual manner of farmer lads of the period, and after putting aside his text books he engaged in farming for some years. After the inauguration of the Civil war, however, he put aside all personal consideration in order to aid in the preservation of the Union. From the workshop, the field, the counting rooms and the offices men flocked to the standard of the nation, and among the number was Mr. Kyle, who, in August, 1862, joined Company H, of the Ninety-fourth Ohio, under the command of Captain Kyle and Colonel Brazil. The latter was killed in the first fight in which the regiment participated. Assigned to the Army of the Potomac, the Ninety-fourth Ohio participated in many important engagements, including the battles of Perryville, Stone River and Murfreesboro. Mr. Kyle served from 1862 until 1865, and then with an honorable military record returned to his home, for he was always found at his post of duty, whether on the picket line or the firing line. In 1865 lie was mustered out at New York. He lost his right arm at Bentonville, North Carolina, that member being struck by a minie ball in such a way as to necessitate amputation. It was on the 19th of March, 1865, that he was wounded and sent to the hospital at Goldsboro, North Carolina, afterward to Charleston, South Carolina, subsequently to New York and then to the hospital on East river, where he remained for six months, after which he returned home in September, 1865. He went to the front as a private, but was promoted to the rank of corporal and afterward to sergeant. When he had again taken up his abode in Greene county Mr. Kyle received the nomination for township clerk, and being elected continued in that office for seven years. He was then appointed by the government to the position of assessor, and afterward was made store keeper at Trebeins. Subsequently he was transferred to Oldtown and continued in the government service for two years. He was next appointed deputy sheriff and for four years acted in that capacity in Greene county. He then became candidate for office and being elected served as sheriff for four years, retiring' from office as he had entered it with the confidence and good will of the entire public. Mr. Kyle then purchased his livery business, built a fine barn and for twenty-six years successfully conducted the same, having a liberal patronage which brought ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY - 619 to him a good return. For some time he also conducted a sale stable, but is now retired from business, residing in his comfortable home at the corner of Market and Whiteman streets. On the 15th of April, 1878, Mr. Kyle was united in marriage to Miss Lottie Brubaker, of Springfield, Clark county, Ohio, her father, Daniel Brubaker, having been one of the early settlers of that county. Mrs. Kyle is a member of Trinity church of Xenia and is an estimable lady. Mr. Kyle maintains pleasant relationship with his old army comrades through his membership in Xenia Post, No. 47, G. A. R., of which he was one of the charter members, taking a very active part in its organization. He is to-day as true to his duties of citizenship as when upon the southern battle fields he followed the nation's starry banner. JOHN M. HAWKER. Among the representative farmers of Beavercreek township is numbered John Martin Hawker, whose birth occurred in this township on the 3d of May, 1841, his parents being Frederick and Sarah Hawker. The father was also born in the same township near the Hawker church, while the grandfather, Andrew Hawker, was numbered among the pioneer settlers of the county, having arrived here at a very early day. Amid the wild scenes of frontier life Fred--crick Hawker was reared. He pursued his education at the district schools and his own fireside, but his opportunities in that direction were quite limited. After arriving at years of maturity he married Sarah Ritter, and of the union ten children were born, of whom one died in infancy. The others were : Simon, who was born March 26, 1829, and is living in Illinois ; Mary Ann, born December 6, 1830, is the deceased wife of Samuel Wiggam ; Emanuel, who was born January 28, 1833, and is a resident of Illinois ; Rebecca, who was born December 15, 1834, and married John Moler, their home being in Beavercreek township ; Sarah Ann, who was born October 1, 1837, and is the wife of Walter Kerr, a resident of California; Andrew, born January 1, 184o, died in childhood ; John M., of this review ; Perry, who was born. August 4, 1845, and resides in Beavercreek township ; Martha, who was born January 25, 1847, and is the widow of William Wolf, her home being in Clark county, Ohio. The father of this family died March 18, 1874, having long survived his wife, who passed away in 1853. Both were interred in the Hawker cemetery. After the death of his first wife the father was again married, his second union being with Mrs. Mary Kerr. She died in Sidney, Ohio, where she was visiting a daughter. Mr. Hawker was a Democrat in his political views and strongly endorsed the principles of the party. Both he and his wife were members of the German Reformed church and he filled a number of its offices. He was a man of strong religious convictions, putting forth every effort to advance the cause of Christianity and several times he filled the pulpit in the absence of the regular minister. Although his educational privileges were limited he gained broad knowledge by reading, investigation and observation. In his farming operations he was very successful and at the time of his death he owned four farms aggregating about five 620 - ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. hundred acres of fine land. He was also the owner of city property in Dayton. Mr. Hawker, whose name introduces this record, acquired his education in the common schools of Beavercreek township, but attended for only a. brief period each year. He was found in the schoolroom .only when his services were not needed upon the farm, consequently his education in the schoolroom was limited, but by reading and 0bservation, coupled with natural ability, Mr. Hawker has come to be a man of 'broad general knowledge. He lived at home until he was thirty-three years .of age, when he went to Dayton, Ohio, and with his brother Emanuel he conducted a livery stable upon Fourth street in that city for about two years. At the expiration of that period he returned to the old homestead and resumed farming upon the land which he now owns. As. a companion and helpmate for the journey of life Mr. Hawker chose Miss Emma .Pasco, their marriage being celebrated on the 19th of August, 1870. The lady was born in Dayton, and is a daughter of James Elias and Sophia (Davey) Pasco. The mother died during the early girlhood of her daughter. Both Mr. and Mrs. Pasco were born in England, and on coming to this' country they took up their abode Dayton. They had four children, William James, who is now living in Dayton ; Emma Jane, the wife of our subject; Ida Mary, who became the wife of James Latham and is now living in Florida; and Luella Sarah, the wife of Clarence W. Clary, also of Dayton. The father afterward married a second time, when Catherine Kuhns became his wife. They, too, had four children. In 1892 Mr. Pasco was called to his final rest and was laid by the side of his first wife in the cemetery in Dayton. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Hawker has been blessed with ten children : Clarence, who was born on Christmas day of 1871, is living with his father. Bessie B., who was born February 11, 1873, died on March 7, of that year. Harry, who was born January 28, 1874, is an employe in the State Insane Asylum in Dayton. Noena Blanche, who was born April 4, 1875, is the wife of Harry Aeter, a resident of Montgomery county, Ohio, by whom she has one child, Harry Frederick. Frederick James, who was. born December 5, 1878, is operating the home farm. Herbert Sanford, who was born June 21, 1882, died seven days later. Clara Mabel, who was born November 24, 1887, died on the 17th of July; 1888. Mary and Martha, twins, were born September 17, 1880, while Mary died on the 10th of April, 1891, and Martha is at home. Carrie, born May 12, 1891, the youngest of the family, is at home. Since his marriage Mr. Hawker has remained upon the old homestead which is now operated by his son, while our subject is practically living a retired life. The farm, comprising one hundred and sixty-three acres, is splendidly developed and improved with all modern equipments and accessories. In 1893 the home was destroyed by fire, 'but Mr. Hawker and his sons erected a fine large residence. He has a large and very desirable property and everything about the place is kept in good repair, while general farming and stock raising are carried on very successfully. Mr. Hawker votes: with the Democracy, and he and his family are connected with' the Reformed. church, in which he has served as deacon. His life has been ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY - 621 in harmony with its teachings and his belief is manifest by the honorable relations in all the walks of life. He commands the confidence and respect of his fellow men by reason of his upright career, and all who know him entertain for him a warm regard. AARON CRITES. Aaron Crites owns and operates a good farm of one hundred acres of land in Spring Valley township and is numbered among the progressive agriculturists of his community, for he follows modern methods of farming and a glance at his place would indicate to the passer by his careful supervision. He was born in Grant county, West Virginia, February 23, 1840, a son of Joel and Sarah (Crites) Crites. Although the parents bore the same family name they were not related. The mother died when our subject was about eleven years of age, and was buried upon the old Crites farm in her native state. The following year the father came with his children to Greene county, Ohio, and a year later removed to Montgomery county, Illinois, but when two years had passed he returned to Ohio. Our subject, however, remained in Illinois for a year longer and then joined the family in the Buckeye state. Joel Crites, however, did not continue his residence here for a very long period. When a few years had passed he went to northwestern Missouri, where he spent his remaining days. Aaron Crites remained in Greene county. From the time the family removed to Illinois he had depended upon his own resources for a living and was employed as a farm hand. By the time he had reached the age of twenty-five years he had saved enough money to enable him to begin farming on his own account. He then rented land and his sister acted as his housekeeper for a time. Later he was married, in this county, to Mrs. Margaret Babb, nee Evans, and unto them were born two children : William E., who is now a farmer in Spring Valley township ; and Sarah May. who resides with William. For his second wife Mr. Crites chose Miss Mary Thomas, who was born in Sugarcreek township and is a daughter of George W. and Rachel Thomas. This marriage was celebrated on the 22d of November, 1899. Mr. Crites' first purchase of land consisted of thirty-three acres, upon which he lived for a number of years. After his second marriage he purchased his present farm of one hundred acres in Spring Valley township, and upon this he has excellent improvements, which he has placed there himself. His fields are well tilled and annually return to him good harvests. From early boyhood dependent upon his own resources, he has steadily worked his way upward, and his life history illustrates the power of industry and enterprise in the business world. Mr. Crites holds membership in the Methodist Episcopal church at Spring Valley and is serving as one of its stewards. He is also a worker in the Sunday-school, in which he has served as teacher for a quarter of a century. His wife was reared in the Baptist faith and both are earnest Christian people who are striving to make the golden rule the guide of their lives. Mr. Crites was reared in the Democratic faith, but cast his first presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln in 1864 and continued to 622 - ROBINSON'S' HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. support the Republican party until after 1880, when he voted for Garfield. Since that time he has been an advocate of Prohibition principles, and at one time was the nominee of the party for sheriff. Fraternally he was at one time connected with the Red Men, the independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Masonic fraternity, the Sons of Temperance and the Grange, but is not identified with any of these organizations at the present time. The greater part of his life has been passed in Greene county, where he has a wide acquaintance. He is a man of unfaltering integrity and untiring industry and perseverance. ROBERT S. SPAHR. Robert S. Spahr, who has recently removed to Xenia, is now a member of the firm of Spahr & Long, who are engaged in business at No. 45 Main street, handling shelf and heavy hardware, stoves, etc. It was in July, 1902, that he bought an interest in this business, which was an old established one, and he now devotes his attention to his mercantile interests. He was born in Xenia township, April 1, 1843, his parents being Gideon and Elizabeth (Kyle) Spahr. The father was born in Virginia, in 1813, and was a son of Edward Spahr, who was a native of the Old Dominion. He carried on agricultural pursuits in his native state and in 1821 came with his family to Ohio, making the trip overland. He settled in Xenia township, where he cleared and developed one hundred and sixty acres of land, upon which he spent his remaining days. His death occurred in the '60s and his wife died in Cedarville township, in 1875, both being buried in the Shook cemetery. Of their twelve children Gideon Spahr was the eldest. He attended a subscription school for a short time in Virginia, and with his parents came to Greene county in pioneer days, living with them until twenty-one years of age, when he married Elizabeth Kyle, a native of this county, and they started out in life for themselves. He had learned the brickmaker's trade, which he followed for five or six years and then rented land; after which he always followed agricultural pursuits. He was first a Whig in politics and afterward became a Republican. Both he and his wife were members of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he was also a local preacher, and their influence in behalf of Christianity was a potent factor in the moral development of the community. Gideon Spahr died May 7, 1894, and his widow. is now living at Clifton at the age of ninety years. In their family were thirteen children : Albert, a minister of the Methodist Episcopal church, now in Piqua, Ohio; John, who died in infancy ; Cornelia, the wife of Silas Smith, of Van Wert, Ohio; Madison, who was a member of Company E, Ninety-fourth Ohio Infantry and died of typhoid fever in the service, being buried at Bowling Green, Kentucky ; Robert S. ; Sarah, of Clifton, Ohio; Mary and Martha, twins, who died in infancy ; Julia, the wife of Isaac Cummins, of Texas; Samuel K., a minister of the Methodist Protestant church, of Tompkins Cove, New York ; David E., a physician of Clifton, Ohio; one that died in infancy ; and James C., of Clifton. Robert S. Spahr attended the public schools of the county until seventeen years of age, and the following year he enlisted, on the 17th of September, 1861, in Wil-