ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY - 627 mington, Ohio, as a member of Company B, Fortieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, as a private, for three years. He was promoted to the rank of corporal and served under General Sherman until wounded near Atlanta. He participated in the battles of Chickamauga., Chattanooga, Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge, and was wounded at a place called Pumpkin Vine, his injuries necessitating his remaining in a hospital fora time. He was mustered out of service at Atlanta, Georgia, in October, 1864, and then returned home. Resuming his studies he spent the winter as a student in Van Wert, Ohio, and in 1866 entered Adrian College, at Adrian, Michigan, but on account of his health he was obliged to abandon his studies. He then began teaching, but after a year his health forced him to leave the schoolroom altogether, and he turned his attention to farming, believing that the outdoor life would prove beneficial. F0r a time he worked with his father, and after his marriage lie rented land for a year. He then purchased a small tract in Cedarville township, and after two years' residence thereon he purchased a larger place, locating there in 1880, at which time he became the owner of seventy-six acres of arable land on the Wilmington pike, where he made his 'home until his removal to Xenia in 1902. On the 25th of April, 1872, Mr. Spahr was united in marriage to Miss Martha A. :Saville, who was born in Cedarcreek township, a daughter of Joseph and Hannah (Ketteman) Saville. The father was born in Rockbridge county, Virginia, February 15, 1815, and was a son of Samuel and Anna Saville, the former of French lineage :and the latter of German descent. When ten years of age Joseph Saville accompanied his parents to New Jasper township, Greene county, where he entered and cleared a tract of land of one hundred acres. Here his father and mother died, the former in 1851 and the latter in 1872, their remains being interred in Boots cemetery. Joseph Saville was educated in this county and became a cooper by trade, but his later years were devoted to farming. He lived on the old homestead, where his death occurred in 1893, and his wife, who was born in Rockingham county, Virginia, October 5, 1819, passed away in 1899, their remains being interred in Xenia cemetery. Unto them were born ten children : Emeline, the wife of Henry C. Fudge, of Caesarscreek township; Mary Jane, the wife of David C. Conklin, of Clinton county, Ohio; Martha A., the honored wife of our subject; Andrew, who died in infancy ; John, who also died in infancy; Sarah E., the wife of Henry Smith, of Xenia township; Milton G., who died in childhood; Ellen C., the wife of Ira Wilkins, of Kansas; and Florence, the wife of Frank Antram, of Clinton county. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Spahr has been blessed with the following children: Albert G., who married Luella Goods and resides in Xenia; Ralph O., who married Anna Haglar and resides in Xenia township; Joseph Lester, of Xenia ; Howard S., Fannie E., Sherwin G., Frank Blaine, all at home; one that died in infancy ; Emma H., Homer C. and Earle R., all under the parental roof. The parents hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal church and in his political endorsement Mr. Spahr is known as an earnest and unfaltering Republican. He is a member of the county committee of the indigent soldiers' fund. He belongs to Lewis Post, G. A. R., of Xenia, and is a valued citizen, enterprising, progressive and wide-awake. He takes an act- 628 - ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. ive interest in everything pertaining to the general good and in every way possible has aided in promoting public progress and the stable improvement of this portion of the state. JAMES A. KELLY. The name of Kelly is well known In connection with industrial interests in Xenia and he whose name introduces this review occupied a leading position in commercial. circles here, not only by reason of the brilliant success which he has achieved, but also of the honorable business methods which he put forth. He possessed untiring energy, was quick of perception, formed his plans readily and was determined in their execution, and his earnest application to business and excellent management brought to him a high degree of success. His parents were Robert A. and Catherine M. (Fisher) Kelly, in whose family were five children, of whom three are living. ' Our subject was born in Paterson, New Jersey, May 24, 1863, and there' he pursued his education and was graduated. Immediately after the death of his father, who had been extensively engaged in manufacturing twine, James A. Kelly and his brothers built the plant and equipped the business in Xenia now known as the R. A. Kelly Company, manufacturers of, cordage and machinery. The trade of this house covers the territory that extends from coast to coast and from gulf to the northern boundary of the United States. From the beginning- success attended the new enter-. prise. The sons under the careful direction of their father had become thoroughly familiar with the business, and to them the undertaking brought experience as well as a laudable ambition and strong determination to win prosperity. James A. Kelly became the manager of the enterprise and under his supervision the mammoth concern has been built up, and he successfully controlled it up to the time of his death, which occurred December 19, 1900. Mr. Kelly was united in marriage to Miss Josephine Corry, a daughter of James B. Corry, one of the substantial and influential pioneers of Greene county, whose death occurred on the 15th of December, 1890. His wife bore the maiden name of Nancy Brown and is still living, making her home with her daughter, Mrs. Kelly, who was one of eight children. By her marriage Mrs. Kelly became the mother of two sons, James E. and Robert A., aged, respectively, fifteen and thirteen years, the former named for his father and the latter for his paternal grandfather. They are both bright boys and bid fair to be an honor to the family. Mrs. Kelly, with her mother and two sons, resides in her handsome residence on North King and Pleasant streets. She holds membership in the Methodist Episcopal church and is a most estimable lady. Since her husband's death she has retained her interest in the business, her brother-in-law, George R. Kelly, managing her affairs. Hers is a hospitable home, and she has many warm friends throughout the community. Mr. Kelly was a prominent and consistent member of the Presbyterian church, which he not only liberally supported, but gave his time and earnest work for its up building. It is worthy of more than passing notice that he took his Christianity into his ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY - 629 office and mills and also fully lived up to his professions in his business in that quiet, kindly, unostentatious way that carried the feeling to all who knew him that Mr. Kelly was a genuine Christian. He was well known as one of the leading bass singers of the city, having a fine voice, well trained, and few musical gatherings were complete without him. He was also the leading bass singer in the Presbyterian choir for twenty years. Mr. Kelly gave his political support to the Republican party and strongly endorsed its principles, but never sought or desired office, his time being fully occupied by his extensive business interests. He passed away in New Mexico, dying of pneumonia, but his remains were interred in the 'Woodland cemetery of Xenia. He deserves to be placed among the prominent and representative citizens of Greene county, for he belonged to that class of men whose enterprising spirit was used not alone for their own benefit, but in advancing the general good and promoting public prosperity by his ably managed individual interests and thus places this -section of the country on a par with ether manufacturing cities of the Buckeye state. His courtesy was unfailing, his integrity above question and his genial manner won for him a circle of friends almost co-extensive with the circle of his acquaintances. WILLIAM GILMORE TAYLOR. William G. Taylor, who is a representative of the farming interests of Sugarcreek township, was born in Ross township, this county, March 19, 1832. His father, Isaac Taylor, was a native of Belfast, Ireland, born about the year 1799. The following year his parents emigrated with their family to the new world, locating in Rockbridge county, Virginia, where Isaac Taylor was reared to manhood and learned the tanner's trade. After arriving at years of maturity he married Frances Gilmore, who was born in Rockbridge county and was a daughter of John Gilmore, who, when about seven years of age, was taken prisoner by the Indians as was his mother. This occurred at the time of the Indian massacre at Kerr's creek in Rockbridge county. The mother and son were brought to Oldtown, Greene county, Ohio, where they were held as captives for seven years. Mr. Gilmore and the children of the family, with the exception of John, were all killed. The children's brains were dashed out in the presence of the mother and their bodies thrown into a burning house. The Indians finding that Mrs. Gilmore possessed considerable musical talent required her to sing for them, and she would sing the "Lament of Miriam." After-seven years a white man escaped from the tribe and went back to Virginia, where he reported the condition of Mrs. Gilmore and her son. A party was then organized for their rescue, and they were taken back to the Old Dominion. Soon after his marriage Mr. Taylor, the father of our subject, came with his bride to Ohio, residing for a time in Preble county, whence he came to Greene county about 1830, locating in Ross township upon a farm of one hundred and fifty acres, which he purchased and where he spent his remaining days, and was accounted one of the leading and influential agriculturists of the community. He acquired a good education and 630 - ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. engaged in teaching in the public schools and also conducted a singing school. His intellectual strength and ability made him a leader of public thought and action. He supported the Democratic party and held a number of township offices. He was reared in the Presbyterian faith,—a 'great student of the Bible, he became a believer in the doctrine of the Christian church, although he did not unite with that denomination. His life was ever in consistent harmony with Christian principles and he 'enjoyed the confidence of all with whom he was associated. Unto him and his wife were born five sons and four daughters and six of the number reached mature years : Mary Jane, who became the wife of Ira Adair and died in Greene county ; Magdaline, who married Jackson Ballard and resides in this county; William G. ; John, who died in this county; Daniel, who died in Jamestown, Ohio ; and Isaac, who passed away in Warren county, Ohio. Upon the old home farm William Gilmore Taylor was born and reared. At the usual age he entered the public schools and there mastered the common, branches of English learning. For some time remained at home, for his father was the owner of .about six hundred acres of land, and thus there was ample work for the children upon the old homestead. In Miami county, on the 22d of December, 1859, Mr. Taylor was united in marriage to Miss Mary I. Long, who was born in Lost Creek township, Miami county, her parents being Thomas and Margaret (McMillan) Long. The young couple began their domestic life upon one hundred and twenty acres of the old Taylor homestead, which our subject improved, continuing the cultivation of that place until 1868, when he sold it and purchased his present home, becoming the owner of one hundred and seventy acres, although he has since disposed of a portion of this, retaining possession of eighty-two acres. His farm is well improved with all modern accessories and equipments, and his labors bring to him. good harvests. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Taylor has been blessed with five children : Eldorus Gilmore, who was born in Ross township, January 1 I, 1861 ; William Vinton, of Sugarcreek township, who was born in Ross township, January 22, 1865, and married Nellie Cunningham, by whom he has four children, Ethel A., Hazel L., W. Virgil and Ocy ; James Harvey, a resident of Xenia, who was born March 30, 1867, and mar, Tied Ida Seiber, by whom he has twin children ; Erman and Elsie ; Ocy Lenore, who became the wife of James Sanders and died in Tennessee, leaving two children, Jessie and Dena; and Dessie, who is still at home. When age conferred upon Mr. Taylor the right of franchise he supported Buchanan in 1856, but in 1864 he cast his ballot for Abraham Lincoln. He was drafted for service in the Civil war at the time of the first draft, but he hired a substitute. Both he and his wife belong to the Methodist Episcopal church and the latter is a member of the Ladies Aid Society, while Mr. Taylor is serving as class leader and also as trustee. His history is largely familiar to those who know him, for he has spent his entire life in Greene county, and the fact that among his , friends are many who have known him from boyhood is an indication that his career has ever been one that will bear the closest scrutiny and will furnish many examples worthy of emulation. ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY - 631 PERRY A. ALEXANDER. Throughout an entire century the Alexander family has been represented in Greene county and the name figures prominently and honorably on the pages of the county's history. From pioneer times down to the present members of the family have taken an active part in public affairs, and in those lines of business which have contributed to the upbuilding and stability of this portion of the state. -n the year 1803 John and Isabella Alexander, the great-grandparents of our subject arrived in Xenia. In early life the former had been a school teacher and had resided in Butler county, Ohio, before coming to Greene county. Taking up, his abode in Xenia in 1803, he engaged in the practice of law, and was the first attorney of the city. For thirty years he was prosecuting attorney and his reputation was by no means a. local one. He also served as judge of the common pleas court, represented his district in the state legislature and was for two terms a member of congress. A man of strong mentality, of marked individuality and superior .ability, he was well fitted for leadership, and he left the impress of his thought and labors upon the development of the county in a large measure. His death occurred in Xenia in I 808. Washington Alexander, the grandfather of our subject, was born in South Carolina in 1801, and was brought by his parents to this county when only two years old. He studied law, but never practiced, turning his attention to farming in Spring Valley. In 1842. he married Miss Rachel Clark, of Spring Valley, and they became the parents of seven children, of whom the father of our subject was the second in order of birth.. Of the living : Jesse is a resident of Spring-. Valley; Augustus is an attorney of St. Louis, Missouri ; Isabella is the widow of William S.. Frazier, by whom she had Seven: children; and makes her home in Indianapolis; Frank is a farmer of Holcomb, Missouri ; and Aurelius is. a traveling man residing in. Dayton. John is deceased. The father of this family became the owner of several hundred acres of land, meeting with gratifying success in his undertakings. He was a member of the Baptist church and died in 1867, while his wife passed away in 1849. William J. Alexander, the father of our subject, was. born in Spring Valley township, June 10, 1827, and after acquiring his, education, in Xenia he engaged in teaching-school and in farming. Later he took up, the study of law, was admitted to the bar and at once began practice in Spring Valley. Later he removed to Wilmington and subsequently opened an office in Xenia. He-served as justice of the peace for twelve years and "won golden opinions from all sorts of people." He was also township trustee for twenty-two years, and for a short, time was superintendent of the Orphans Home. His political support was given the Democratic party, and his religious faith was that of the Baptist church. Fraternally he was connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and with the Masonic lodge, and when death claimed him his remains were interred with the rites of those orders. Prospering in his business undertaking and making judicious investments, he became the owner of several hundred acres. of land, all in Spring Valley township. On the 28th of February, 1850, William J. Alex-. 632 - ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. ander married Elizabeth Weller. He died April 18, 1897, but his widow, who was born in Washington township; Montgomery county, Ohio, April 18, 1825, is still living. Three children were born unto them, but the daughter died in infancy Perry A. Alexander, the older brother, was reared on the home farm, acquired a good education and was married in Spring Valley, November 28, 1878, to Miss Ella M. Elgin, a daughter of Dr. M. B. and Margaret '(Craft) Elgin. She was born and reared in New Burlington and was educated in Spring Valley. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Alexander have been born six children : Laura C., William Elgin; Cantwell J., Ralph, Margaret and one now deceased. All were born in Spring Valley township. Laura is .a graduate of the Xenia high school' of the class of 1896. Since his marriage Mr. Alexander has resided in Spring Valley, and for the past ten years has made his home upon his present farm. He owns two tracts of land, one of one hundred and eighty-eight acres, the other of one hundred and fifty-six acres. In his farm work he follows progressive methods, has the latest improved machinery and keeps everything about his place in excellent order., He votes with the Democracy' and in 1890 was nominated by the party for the office of sheriff, but made no effort to Secure the election, preferring to give his undivided attention to his business interests. 'Socially he is connected with Spring Valley Lodge, I. O. O. F., the Elks of Xenia, and the Junior Order of American Mechanics. Born in Spring Valley township, September 28, 1856, he has spent his entire life in this county, and has a large acquaintance, which includes many friends who appreciate his many good qualities and give him their high regard. He is a worthy representative of an honored pioneer family and his record casts no shadow upon the untarnished family name. ELI MILLEN. In the year 1834 Eli Millen became a resident of Xenia. He is one of the oldest as well as one of the most honored citizens of Greene county, his birth having occurred in September, 1815. He is a native of South Carolina, and one of ten children. born unto John and Martha (Moffitt) Millen. His father was a typical southern gentleman and had the distinction of giving liberty to his slaves—twelve in number—before the emancipation proclamation was issued. He was a son of Scotch-Irish parentage. John Millen was brought to this country by his father, Robert Millen, who took up his abode in South Carolina. John became well known as an extensive land-. holder and slave owner.. Eli. Millen was reared upon his father's plantation and acquired a good education in the common schools. He was nineteen years of age when he became a resident of Xenia and therefore the entire period of his manhood has been passed in this city. He, began business here in connection with the dry-goods trade, and for many years was engaged in merchandising, meeting with ex-. cellent success. His store received a liberal patronage, and he always secured the very best of trade by his honorable business methods, his reasonable prices and his earnest desire to please his customers. A man of resourceful business ability, he also extended his efforts into other lines of activity. ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY - 633 For a time he was engaged in pork-packing:, in which he did an extensive business. Mr. Millen is still actively connected with the Xenia Gas Company and the Xenia Electric Light' Company. As his financial resources increased he judiciously placed his money in that safest of all investments—real estate and to-day he is one of the heaviest taxpayers of this portion of the state. He owns a great many buildings in Xenia and erected the Young Men's Christian Association building and the postoffice block, furnishing .and equipping both.. of them. Since then he has given free of rent to the. Young Men's Christian Association library and to the public library the buildings which they occupy. He has always been deeply interested in mental culture and in this way has striven to improve the intellectual development of his fellow citizens. He has ever taken a very deep and .active interest in Xenia's upbuilding; and his labors, have been of much benefit. It was largely through his efforts that the Ohio Soldiers' & Sailors' Orphan Home was located near Xenia. Mr. Millen was. united in marriage to Miss Anna Bradford and after her death he again married,- his second union being with Miss Harriet Connable, a daughter of Joseph Connable, who was a native of Massa- chusetts. In 1873 Mr. Millen was called upon to mourn the loss of his second wife; who passed away on the 26th of January of that year. Our subject gives his political support to the Republican party. and is a devout member of the United Presbyterian church. He occupies one of the most handsome residences of Xenia and is spending his declining years in the midst of all the comforts of life that wealth can secure. He owes everything that he has to a kind Providence and his own efforts, starting out in life with little capital, but he has steadily advanced to the road of prosperity. Many changes has he witnessed in this county since the days of his first arrival here. In all that pertained to the development and progress of Xenia and in all that contributed to its upbuilding in former years he has .taken a deep interest, and has co-operated in, Many movements for the general good.. Almost seventy years have passed since his arrival here and well may he be numbered among the honored pioneers and valued citizens. JESSE TAYLOR. Jesse Taylor, cashier of the People's Bank of .Jamestown, stands to-day among the strong- and successful business men of Greene county who represent the best element in its citizenship. He was born in Ross township, this county, on the 28th of February, 1864, and is a son of Daniel and Elizabeth (Davis) Taylor, also natives of this county. The family is of Irish lineage. The grandfather of our subject came from Belfast; and settled in Greene county in the year 1827, establishing his home in Ross' township. There Daniel Taylor was born and followed farming throughout his entire life, passing away on. the 30th of November, 1901. His widow still survives him and is living in Jamestown at the age of fifty-seven years. In their family were seven children, our subject being the eldest in the order of birth. Jesse Taylor acquired his early education in the schools of Ross township and 634 - ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. later continued his studies in Antioch College in Yellow Springs. After the completion of his college work he entered the office of Judge T. E. Scroggy, of Xenia, and took up the study of law in 1881. He remained in that office until December, 1885, when he went to Winfield, Kansas, on a visit, and being pleased with that section of the country he decided to locate there. He was admitted to the bar in April, 1886, and became connected with a company incorporating new towns in Kansas. Going to Richfield, Morton county, he decided to remain there and take up the practice of law. There were but four houses in the place when he settled there and the town was fifty-two miles from a railroad. In the fall of 1887 he was elected county attorney and served until the succeeding autumn, when he resigned and was elected probate judge in the fall of 1888. He resigned that position on the 1st of July, 1889, to accept the appointment at the hands of President Harrison to the position of receiver of public moneys in the United States land office at Garden City, Kansas. There he remained until February, 1894, creditably filling the position. At the time of President Cleveland's second administration Mr. Taylor left the office and became interested with some Kansas parties in mineral lands in northern Arkansas, having the charge of their affairs in that state until his return to Ohio in November, 1895. He located at Jamestown and on the 1st of June, 1896, he entered the People's Bank of this place as cashier. He has since served in that capacity and the success of the institution is largely'due to his efforts, the bank having- now become one of the reliable financial concerns of the county. On the 4th of October, 1887, Mr. Taylor was united in marriage to Miss Ger trude M. Clemens, a .daughter of John G. Clemens, the president of the People's Bank.. They have a large circle of friends in this place and their own home is the center of sociability. Mr.. Taylor is very prominent. in public affairs both politically and otherwise. He is also interested in farming and has a valuable tract of land near Cedarville. His political support is given the Republican party and in 1896 he was elected on that. ticket to the office of mayor of Jamestown,.. in which capacity he served for four years, his administration being practical, progressive and beneficial. In 1889 Mr. Taylor was. made a Mason in Kansas, but is now a member of Jamestown Lodge, No. 352, F. & A.. M. He also belongs to Xenia Chapter, No. 36, R. A. M., Reed Commandery, No. 6, K. T., of Dayton, and Antioch Temple of the' Mystic Shrine of Dayton. He also has membership relations with Xenia Lodge, B. P. O. E., and with Jamestown Lodge, No. 181,, I. O. O. F.; Cyclone Lodge, No. 548, K. P., and Jamestown Council, No. 311, J. O. U. A. M., of which he is past councilor. He is a member of the board of trustees of the Jamestown Methodist Episcopal church and is president of the Anti-Saloon League, of Jamestown. His efforts are being put forth in behalf of law and order, substantial progress and desirable improvement, and Jamestown numbers him among its valued repre sentatives and honored citizens.   JAMES M. STEWART. The history of a state, as well as that of a nation, is chiefly the chronicles of the lives and deeds of those who have conferred' honor and dignity upon society. The world judges the character of a community by. ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY - 635 those of its representative citizens and yields its tributes of admiration and respect for the genius, learning or virtues of those whose works and actions constitute the record of a state's prosperity and pride ; and it is this record that offers for our consideration the history of men, who in their characters for probity and benevolence, and the kindly virtues, as well as for integrity in the affairs of life, are ever affording to the young worthy examples for their regard and emulation. Therefore it is proper that a just celebrity should be given to those men who are distinguished in their day and generation, that the living may enjoy the approbation of their contemporaries, as well as that of a grateful posterity. Judge Stewart is to-day one of the most honored and respected citizens of Xenia, where he is living a retired life. He is one of a family of ten children born unto John T. and Anna (Elder) Stewart. His father belonged to an old Pennsylvanian family, which through almost a century has been represented in this part of Ohio, for in 1805 members of the family established a home in what was then Greene county. There the father of our subject followed farming for many years, making his home three miles east of Clifton on the Miami river, where he died in 185o. His wife long survived him and passed away in 1882. The Judge was born in Greene (now Clark) county on the 30th of March, 1828, and spent his boyhood days on his father's farm, attending the common schools of the neighborhood. In the year 1857 he removed to Yellow Springs, Greene county, where he established a general mercantile store. He was quite successful in his undertakings and followed that pursuit for ten years. In 1867 he began farming and was thus engaged until 1884, when he was appointed deputy probate judge of Greene county and removed to Xenia in order to enter upon the duties of the office. He served as deputy for two terms of three years each, after which he was elected as probate judge in 1890 and took the oath of office in February, 1891. So acceptably did he fill the office that he was re-elected in 1893, holding the position until 1897, and no more capable incumbent has ever filled that position. His decisions were strictly fair and impartial and in the discharge of his multitudinous delicate duties he showed that he was a man of well rounded character, finely balanced mind and of splendid intellectual attainments. Since his retirement from office he has led a quiet life, being identified with no business pursuit save the management of his property interests. He is, however, a director in the Citizens' National Bank, of Xenia. Judge Stewart was united in marriage to Miss Rebecca J. Jacoby, a daughter of Henry Jacoby, one of the leading and influential citizens of Greene county. The wedding was celebrated October 16, 1854, and unto them were born four daughters, of whom two are living : Ida M., the wife of S. B. LeSourd, a wide-awake business man of Xenia; and Leila, now the wife of William D. Cooley of Xenia. The Judge and his wife have a very pleasant home at No. 224 East Second street. They are devoted and zealous members of the Presbyterian church, of which he is the ruling elder. He is identified with the Masonic fraternity. He also gives his political support to the Republican party and is a man of distinctive ability and his character is one which is above a shadow of reproach. He has been faithful to the high offices in which he has been called to serve, and is widely known 636 - ROBINSON'S. HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. and respected by all who have been at all familiar with his honorable and useful career. CAPTAIN WILLIAM H. GLOTFELTER. The home of Captain Glotfelter is pleasantly situated about one mile north of Trebein, in Beavercreek township. Throughout his entire life he has resided in this locality and that many who have known him from boyhood are now numbered with his friends is an indication that his career has ever been an honorable one. He was born April 21, 1837, on the old home farm where his grandfather and his father lived and died. He is a son of George A. and Harriet (Smith) Glotfelter. The former was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania.; the latter was also a native of the Keystone state. The paternal grandfather of our subject was John A. Glotfelter, whose birth occurred in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, and who, having arrived at years of maturity, married Elizabeth Newman, a daughter of John Newman of the same county. Leaving Pennsylvania, accompanied by his wife and children, John A. Glotfelter traveled across the country in a wagon drawn by a team of horses. This was in 1815, when George A. Glotfelter was a little lad of five summers. The grandfather purchased a farm of two hundred and fifteen acres, two and one-half miles west of Alpha. This he improved and cultivated and made for himself a good home. He died December 22, 1860, at the advanced age of ninety years and three months, while his wife passed away February 29, 1830, at the age of sixty years, ten months and twenty-nine days. He was a blacksmith by trade, and followed that pursuit to a greater or less extent until his sight failed, although after coming to Ohio he gave his attention largely to agricultural pursuits. His reliability in all business transactions was a matter of general knowledge and amid the pioneer settlement in which he made his home, he was widely respected for his genuine worth. In his family were eight children, of whom six reached years of maturity, namely : John, Solomon, George A., Susan, Elizabeth and Nancy. The parents were both members of the German Reformed church and both died in that faith, passing away upon the farm on which they settled when the first came to the county. Both spoke the German language and possessed many of the sterling characteristics of their German ancestors. John A. Glotfelter was a Whig in politics. George A. Glotfelter, the father of our subject, received a common school education and never left the old home farm. He was there trained to habits of industry and economy, and from 'his early youth throughout the period of his manhood he was an active factor in tilling the soil. Success crowned his efforts and as the years passed he made judicious investments in real estate until he became the owner of many acres of land. He also owned and operated the Washing, ton Mill, on the Little Miami river, in Sugarcreek township, being associated in this enterprise with his brother, Solomon. In his early life he was also a stock buyer, but in later days did not engage in that department of labor. He served for some time as captain on the state militia and the muster was often held upon his farm. In his later years he was always known by the title of ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY - 637 Captain Glotfelter. Enterprising and reliable in business he was also a faithful friend, good neighbor and a popular man. He married Miss Harriet Smith, and he and his wife were active members of the Reformed church, in which he held different offices. He was one of the leaders in the building of Mount Zion church and did all in his power to advance the cause of Christianity in his community. His wife was a most, devoted mother, faithful to every interest of her home, and her death, which occurred June 25, 1859, when she was forty-nine years of age, was Widely and deeply mourned. By her marriage she had become the mother of six children who grew to maturity : Sarah, the widow of Lewis Maxwell and a resident of Kansas ; Margaret C., the wife of Henry C. Darst, who is mentioned on another page of this work ; William H., of this, review ; Martha Ann, the widow of Henry M. Ridenour and a resident of Greeneville, Ohio; Mary Ellen, the deceased wife of Perry Snyder ; and Fanny, of Omaha, who completes the family. Two children, John and Eliza, died in infancy. After the death of his first wife Captain George A. Glotfelter married Mrs. Angeline (Weller) Ervin. His death occurred September 14, 1866. Captain William H. Glotfelter, the immediate subject of this review, is indebted to the district schools for the educational privileges which he enjoyed. He pursued his studies during the winter months until he was seventeen years of age, and remained at home until the time of the Civil war when, his public spirit and patriotic instincts aroused by the rebellion in the south, he enlisted in 1861, for three years' service. He went to Camp Dennison, but the company which he joined was not organized and after remaining there for a few days he went with some companions to Wilmington, Ohio, and there joined Company B, Twelfth Ohio' Infantry, under Captain Doane. When this company was organized he was made orderly sergeant and later was promoted to the rank of second lieutenant. On the 18th of April, 1862, he was transferred to Comparny I, and on the 30th of September of that year was promoted to the rank of first lieutenant of Company A. He took part in many of the most important engagements and battles of the war and was commissioned captain but was never mustered in with that rank. He was present at the battles of Scurry Creek, Monocacy and Antietam, and also participated in the campaign against Morgan in Ohio. He was wounded June 17, 1864, in the right ankle, both bones being shattered. This occurred at Lynchburg, Virginia, and produced a lameness from which he suffered until March 3, 1897, when the limb had to be amputated. He was honorably mustered out August II, 1864. After his return from the war Captain Glotfelter became a partner in a general store in Alpha under the firm name of Snyder & Glotfelter, with which he was connected for one year, when he sold out and removed to his present farm. Here he purchased twenty-two acres of land and he has since added to his possessions until he now owns two hundred and twenty-seven acres, on which he has recently erected a good residence and substantial barns. He was married on the 11th of May, 1865, to Miss Anna Hyland, a native of Beavercreek township, born upon the farm where she is now living, her parents having been Hugh H. and Margaret (Snyder) Hyland. Captain and Mrs. Glot- 638 - ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. felter now have two children : Jessie, the wife of R. L. Gowdy ; and Martha, who was educated in the Beavercreek high school, after which she pursued a two years' course in the Columbus University and spent one year in Antioch College. She is now successfully engaged in teaching. The Captain is one of the prominent Republicans in this county, and in 1871 he was elected county sheriff, which position he has filled for two terms, covering four years. In 1889 he was elected county commissioner and filled that office for six years and nine months. He has been a trustee of Beaver-creek township and in that office, as in all others he has filled, he discharged his duties in a faithful manner that has won for him the highest commendation not only of the men of his own party, but also of the opposition as well. He belongs to Lewis Post, G. A. R., of Xenia, and the Masonic lodge, also to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Union Veteran Legion, all of Xenia. His wife is identified with the Reformed church and both are held' in the highest regard, having many friends. Captain Glotfelter comes of an honored pioneer family of Ohio, his record is one which has added luster to the untarnished family name. His grandfather began the work of progress and improvement here, which in turn carried on by his father and has been continued by him. The old homestead in its splendid development is an indication of the active lives of the members of the Glotfelter family. There was no more loyal soldier upon the battlefields of the south than he whose name introduces this review, 'who, by reason of gallant and meritorious conduct won promotion from the ranks until he was commissioned captain of the company. In political office he has been true, loyal and pub lic-spirited, and at all times has been faithful to every obligation of private and public life. FRANK E. KNISLEY. Frank E. Knisley has not always resided in Greene county, but is a native son of Ohio and represents one of the honored pioneer families of the state. His paternal grandfather, Reuben Knisley, became one of the first settlers of Ross county and is now living—almost a centenarian. James Knisley, the father of our subject, was born in Ross county, and became a wagon-maker by trade, but after the inauguration of the Civil war he put aside business considerations that he might aid in preserving the Union, enlisting in 1861, as a member of the Sixty-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He joined the army as a private but was promoted to the rank of first sergeant. His brother-in-law was captain of .the company and there were sixteen cousins in that company. Mr. Knisley participated in many important battles, including the engagements of Madrid, Iuka, Corinth, and "Sherman's March to the Sea." He married Nancy McCord, a native of Pike county, Ohio. Mr. Knisley is now residing in Bainbridge, Ohio, but his wife has passed away, having died in August, 1882, at the age of forty-four years, at which time her remains were interred in the cemetery at Cynthiana, Ohio. In the family were seven sons, of whom four are now living : Frank E., of this review ; Charles, who makes his home in Xenia, where he follows the carpenter's trade; Dode, also a carpenter and contractor of Xenia ; and Edward, a resident of Bainbridge, Ohio. ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY - 639 Frank E. Knisley, whose name introduces this review, was born in Pike county. October 12, 1860, and in the public schools of Rainsboro and Hillsboro, Ohio, he pursued his education. He afterward engaged in teaching school and has followed that profession continuously since, gaining a wide reputation as an educator of ability. In 1885 he came to Xenia, where for seven years he served as a teacher in the public schools and as a truant officer. He then resigned his position, removing to Lancaster, Ohio, where for two years he was a teacher in the reform school. On the expiration of that period he went to Plankinton, South Dakota, and accepted the position of assistant superintendent of the South Dakota Reform School, where he remained until resigning in the early part of 1901. In March of that year he again became a resident of. Xenia and accepted the position of superintendent of the County Children's Home, in which capacity he has since served. His labors have proved highly satisfactory to the board of control. He is a gentleman of broad humanitarian principles, deeply interested in his fellow men and in the progress of the race. He has broad sympathy and therefore is well qualified to fill his present position because of his interest in the children from a physical, moral and intellectual standpoint. In 1884 Mr. Knisley was united in mar-rage to Miss Flora Canfield, a native of Xenia, and a daughter of George C. and Anna (Pierce) Canfield, the former one of the pioneer settlers of Springfield, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Knisley now have two children : Pierce, who is studying pharmacy; and Bessie, who is attending school in Xenia. The parents are consistent Christian people, Mr. Knisley belonging to the Methodist church, his wife to the Baptist church. Fraternally he is connected with the Masonic lodge, the Knights of Pythias order, and the Sons of Veterans, and has filled all of the chairs in the last two. His political support is given the Republican party and he has never wavered in his allegiance to its principles. THOMAS H. HESS. Thomas H. Hess, who is engaged in the cultivation of the H. B. Stewart farm in Sugarcreek township, was born in Monongalia county, West Virginia, on the 21 st of January, 1852. He is a son of James T. and Sarah A. (Hite) Hess. His father was a farmer by occupation and died in West Virginia in the year 1878. His family were strong Union people at the time of the Civil war. Although they did not live in the part of West Virginia where there was any fighting, their farms were raided and they lost some property. They also had to go to the mountains with their horses in order to keep them from being stolen, sometimes it being necessary for them to be away from home for weeks. Two of the sons of the family were soldiers of the Union army. Joseph Steenrod Hess joined the army in April, 1861, at President Lincoln's first call for troops and remained at the front until August, 1865. He was in many battles and was wounded at the engagement at Wytheville, where his horse was shot and fell upon him. After the starry banner of the nation was planted in the capital of the Southern Confederacy he received an honorable discharge and returned to his home. He still resides in West Virginia. William Hess joined the Union army in September, 1862, and was at 640 - ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. the front until the close of hostilities, being wounded at the battle of Cedar Creek. His occupation was a carpenter but he now resides in Warren county, Iowa, where he is the owner of three hundred and sixty acres of land, and is engaged in the insurance business. During the period of the war between the north and the south the father was assistant provost marshal under a Mr. Craft from Ohio, and had many exciting experiences. He was a man without fear and was found in his saddle night and day for about two years. He was a sutler at New Creek and there were people in Greene county who knew him there. Thomas H. Hess remained at home until sixteen years of age when he came to Greene county and began earning his living by working as a farm hand by the month. Later he removed to Delaware county, Indiana, and it was during his residence there that he was married on the 19th of October, 1876, to Miss Julia A. Gentis. Two children were born of this marriage. Soon after their marriage the young couple removed to his native state, there renting land for three years. On the expiration of that period, after the death of his father Mr. Hess returned to Greene county, taking up his abode in Sugarcreek township, where he is connected with the cultivation of rented land. His elder son, Charles T., was born in West Virginia on the 18th of May, 1878. He now resides in Sugarcreek township with his little family, having married Anna Thomas of that township, by whom he has one daughter—Hattie Belle. The second son, Walter, was born October 8, 1880, and is now employed upon a fruit farm in Dark county, Ohio. The mother died on the 24th of Nevember, 1883. At that time Mr. Hess sold his interest in Greene county and re turned to his native state, but not liking it there he persuaded his mother to come to Ohio and keep house for him. His second marriage occurred in West Virginia on the 11th of December, 1884, the lady of his choice being Miss Carrie E. Baker, who was born in that state, a daughter of John and Mary (Reed) Baker. She was reared in West Virginia and by her marriage became the mother of five children : Jessie, who was born in Sugarcreek township, March 18, 1886; Frank Zell, born April 17, 1888 ; Cora Fay, born September 21, 1890; Hazel Gladys, born January 22, 1893 ; and Florence, born July 13, 1897. Since 1881 our subject has resided upon the farm upon which he now makes his home with the exception of a period of our years. This property has been owned by four different people during that time but all have found in Mr. Hess an excellent tenant, reliable, trustworthy, and earnest. In politics he is a Republican and has endorsed the principles of that party since his boyhood days and has given it his ballot since he became of age. He was reared in the Baptist faith but is now a member of the Methodist Protestant church at Bellbrook. NELSON A. FULTON. Prominent among the energetic, far-seeing and successful business men of Xenia, Greene county, Ohio, is the subject of this sketch. His life history most happily illustrates what may be attained by faithful and continued effort in carrying out an honest purpose. Integrity, activity and energy have been the crowning points of his success, and his connection with various busi- ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY - 641 ness enterprises and industries has been a decided advantage to this section of Ohio, promoting its material welfare in no uncertain manner. Nelson A. Fulton was born in Warren county, Ohio, November 15, 1839. His father, Dr. Robert Fulton, was a native of Baltimore, Maryland, where his birth occurred December 31, 1810. During his boyhood he accompanied his parents to Chillicothe, Ohio, where he was reared to manhood and obtained a good literary education, which served as an excellent foundation upon which to erect the superstructure of his professional learning. He took up the study of medicine in Warren county under the direction of Dr. Thacker and began practice in Clinton county, Ohio, where he also engaged in merchandising. Subsequently he abandoned the commercial pursuit and opened an office in Lynchburg, where for thirty years he devoted his time and energies to the practice of his profession. For more than sixty years he was a local minister of the Methodist Episcopal church and thus he devoted his life to two of the most important callings to which man can give his attention. He was quite noted as a. pulpit orator and filled various official positions in his church. He also attained prominence as a political speaker, acquiring a wide reputation during the struggle caused through the admission of Kansas into the Union. He belonged to the Odd Fellow fraternity and at one time was grand chaplain of the grand lodge of the state of Ohio. His death occurred on the 1st of October, 1898, in Highland county, Ohio, when he had attained the very advanced age of eighty-seven years. His influence was most marked and the impress of his individuality was left on the lives of many with whom he came in contact. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Mary Morgan, was a resident of Warren county, Ohio, prior to her marriage. She passed away in 1888 at the age of seventy-four. In their family were eight children who reached mature years and are still living, namely : Theodore, who is engaged in business at Cincinnati and resides at Lynchburg ; Adelia, the widow of John L. West, of Hillsboro, Ohio; Nelson A.; Theodosia, who became the wife of W. L. West, of Clinton Valley, Ohio, and died December 31, 1901 ; Mary E., the wife of NV. Miller, of Martinsville, Ohio ; S. Q., who resides in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and is manager of the Northwestern Adamant Manufacturing Company ; Laura, the wife of Samuel Peale, of Lynchburg; and Robert S., who resides in Germantown, Ohio. Nelson A. Fulton of this review spent the days of his boyhood and youth under the parental roof and in 1860, when he had attained his majority, became connected with the business interests of Cincinnati, where he remained until the breaking out of the Civil war. In response to President Lincoln's first call for seventy-five thousand men to serve for three months, he enlisted as a member of Company C, Thirteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, under the command of Captain Don Piatt. Later he re-enlisted for three years in Company D. Eleventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and during the first year he was in West Virginia, participating in the battles of Cotton Mountain and Hawk's Nest. In 1862 the regiment went with General Cox to eastern Virginia and participated in the second battle of Bull Run, Monocacy, South Mountain and Antietam. On the latter field of battle the Eleventh stormed the bridge, their colonel being killed during the charge. The regiment was then ordered 642 - ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. back to West Virginia and went into winter quarters at Somerville. While there they were sent one night on a thirty-mile scout and succeeded .in their attempt to capture a rebel outpost. The weather turned cold very suddenly, the mercury falling to twenty-four below zero and a deep snow covering the ground, many of the Union soldiers were badly frozen and they obliged the rebels to run in order to keep them from freezing as they were poorly clothed. Both victors and vanquished endured great suffering on that occasion. After the battle of Stone River the command in West Virginia. was ordered Out of winter quarters and sent to Tennessee in January, 1863. They went by river from Kenewa Falls to Carthage, Tennessee, on Rosecrans' extreme left, General Crook in command of the division. While .there they had to forage for themselves and horses and fight for their supplies every day with Wheeler's Cavalry. On April 14, General Crook took the entire brigade" across the river to give Wheeler battle. A detachment of the Eleventh, and Eighty-ninth regiments were mounted, and under the command of Captain Spears, of. the First Tennessee Cavalry, were ordered to skirmish with Wheeler. While on this mission. Mr. Fulton was captured by the Eleventh Texas Cavalry, and after being confined at Chattanooga, Knoxville and Lynchburg, was finally sent to Libby Prison, where he was detained forty days. Seven hundred prisoners were then taken to City Point and paroled. There they were paid off and sent to their respective states. Mr. Fulton came to Columbus on parole and, his term of service having nearly expired, he was discharged June 20, 1864. Prom hard service and the poor fare which he had while in prison he contracted chronic rheumatism which permanently crippled him in both feet. Mr. Fulton made a most creditable military record as a brave and loyal soldier, who was always found at his post of duty. After being mustered out he at once returned home and acted as chief clerk under Major Starr in a mustering and disbursing office in Columbus where he remained for eight months. He then went to Cincinnati and engaged. as a salesman in a wholesale dry goods house, where he remained for twelve years. In 1876 he removed to Xenia and engaged in merchandising on his own account, being numbered among the prosperous merchants of this place for thirteen years. He enjoyed a liberal patronage for his business methods were honorable and straightforward, his prices reasonable, and his desire to please his customers manifested in all that he did. At length he was appointed postmaster and then sold his store to George A. Thompson, who had long been in his employ as a salesman. In his political views Mr. Fulton has always been a stanch Republican but has never sought office as the reward for party fealty. At length, however, he received the appointment to the position of postmaster on the 6th of September, 1889, and was a most capable official, his administration winning him high commendation. The office is a free delivery one, employing twelve clerks. Believing firmly in the principles of the Republican party Mr. Fulton has been very active in promoting its welfare and for five years he served as chairman of the Republican executive committee. On his retirement from the postoffice he engaged in the real estate and loan business in which he continued until February, 1898. He was ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY - 643 then appointed superintendent of the Soldiers' and Sailors' Orphans' Home and filled the position most satisfactorily until May, 1900, when he resigned to resume his former business and is still in the real estate, loan and insurance business, having a very large clientage along these lines. In Highland county, Ohio, in September, 1863, Mr. Fulton wedded Hannah Graham, a daughter of Robinson and Elizabeth (Strain) Graham, who owned and operated a large farm upon which Mrs. Fulton lived until her marriage. Unto our subject and his wife was born a son, who died in infancy. Mr. Fulton is an active and valued representative of the Masonic fraternity, the Grand Army of the Republic, and the Union Veterans' Legion. He is also, with Mrs. Fulton, a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He has made an untarnished record and unspotted reputation as a business man. In all places and under all circumstances he is loyal to truth, honor and the right, justly valuing his own self-respect as infinitely more preferable than wealth, fame and position. In those finer traits of character which combine to form that which we term friendship, which endear and attach man to man in bonds which nothing but the stain of dishonor can sever, which triumph and shine brightest in the hour of adversity,—in those qualities he is royally endowed. HENRY C. DARST. Upon a good farm of one hundred and ninety-five acres, Henry C. Darst is now living and has made his home there throughout his entire life with the exception of the period of his early boyhood. He was born in Dayton, November 16, 183o, and is a son of Jacob and Ruhamah (Moler) Darst. The father was born in Frederick county, Virginia, while the mother's birth occurred at Harper's Ferry, that state. Mr. Darst was a farmer by occupation and on coming to Ohio purchased land in Greene county, but subsequently sold his farm and removed to Dayton. He remained but a few years in the city, however, and then removed to a farm which he purchased adjoining his old place in Beavercreek township, Greene county, making his home thereon until his death, which occurred May 28, 1852, when he was sixty-six years of age. His wife died February 13, 1878, at the age of eighty-one, and both were laid to rest in the Beavertown cemetery. After the death of her husband Mrs. Darst resided with our subject for several years. Both were consistent members of the Christian church and frequently in the early days religious services were held in their home. The old Darst residence is one of the landmarks of the community. It was erected in 1832 by the father of our subject, and is built of brick. It was one of the largest and best homes in that part of Ohio at the time of its building and through almost two-thirds of a century it has looked forth upon the county, a silent witness of its progress and improvement, its substantial up-building and its advancement along social, intellectual and moral lines. Mr. Darst gave his political support to the Whig party and though he never sought office was ever a public-spirited and progressive man. Unto him and his wife were born six children : Roleigh, who died in April, 1902, in Beavercreek township; Abraham, a resident of Dayton; Henry C. ; Martha, the widow of John Kennedy, a resident of Montgomery county, Ohio ; and two who died in early childhood. 644 - ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. Henry C. Darst pursued his education in a little log schoolhouse and after he was able to assist in the work of the farm he had the opportunity of attending school for only three months a year and that during the winter season when the work upon the farm was practically over. He remained upon the old homestead with his father until the latter's death and has never left the old place which is endeared to him through the associations of his boyhood as well as those of mature years. On October 11, 1855, he was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Glotfelter, a. native of Beavercreek township, and a daughter of George and Harriet (Smith) Glotfelter, both of whom were natives of Somerset county, Pennsylvania, but were married in this county. The Glotfelter family were of Swiss origin, while the Darst family is of German descent. The father of Mrs. Darst was twenty-three years of age at the time of his marriage and his wife was twenty-four. The former was a son of John Adam Glotfelter, who married a Miss Newman. Unto the parents of Mrs. Darst were born eight children : Sarah, the widow of Lewis Maxwell, and a resident of Grant county, Kansas ; Margaret; the wife of our subject ; Captain W. H., who is living in Beavercreek township; Martha, the widow of Henry Ridenour, and a resident of Greenville, Ohio; John A., who died in childhood; Mary Ellen, .the deceased wife of Perry Snyder; Harriet F., who married Josiah A. Aulabaugh, and resides in Omaha, Nebraska ; Eliza Jane, who died in childhood. The father of this family was a .farmer by occupation, following that pursuit until the time of his death. He served as a captain in the old state militia and was always afterward known by that title. In the old days the militia used to muster upon his farm and there drill. Mr. Glotfelter was the owner of considerable property and in addition to his farming land he at one time owned and operated a grist mill in connection with his brother. His political support was given the Whig party until its dissolution when he joined the ranks of the Republican party. Both he and his wife were members of the Reformed church and his death occurred in 1865, while the wife passed away June 25, 1859. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Darst has been blessed with five children. Edward W., who is living in Texas, is engaged as a minister of the Christian church. He married Miss Minnie Souders, a daughter of Doctor Souders of Beavertown, and they have one child, Margaret. William H., who is living in Beavercreek township, married Miss Sarah Sourbray, and they have two children, Mary and Louise. Mattie died in childhood. Mary is the wife of James E. Andrew, a resident of Sugarcreek township, and they have three living children, Herbert, Alma and Ralph, and have lost one son, William. Emma R., the youngest member of the family, is at home. Mr. Darst has devoted his attention to farming and stock-raising throughout his entire life and is to-day the owner of the old homestead place, comprising one hundred and ninety-five acres of rich land. He still lives in the old brick residence which was erected by his father, and little change has been made in it save that a porch has been added. There is a good barn on the place, eighty by forty-five feet, and everything upon the farm is in a good state of improvement and repair, indicating the thrifty and enterprising spirit of the owner. Both Mr. and Mrs. Darst hold membership in the ROBINSON'S. HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY - 645 Church of Christ and are people of sterling worth, widely known and honored throughout the community in which they so long resided. They have traveled life's journey together for almost half a century and receive the warm regard of all with whom they have come in contact. Mr. Darst is a stanch Republican but has not held office. LEANDER SPAHR. Leander Spahr, who follows agricultural pursuits on the Burlington pike, four miles south of Xenia, was born in Spring Valley township, January 22, 1852, his parents being Elijah and Ann (McKay) Spahr. His father was born in Hardy county, Virginia, in February, 1816, and died in August, 1891. He was twelve years of age when he came to Ohio, the family settling in Greene county, where he learned the wood-worker's trade and aided in manufacturing plows and fanning mills in the employ of a Mr. Pagette. After arriving at years of maturity he married Mrs. Ann McKnight, nee McKay, a widow of James McKnight. She was a daughter of Jesse McKay, and by her first marriage she had four children, of whom two are living, Elizabeth and Maria. The former became the wife of Benjamin Jones, by whom she had two children. Her second husband was Noah. Tremble, and her third husband was Alonzo Cronkhite, with whom she is now living in Indiana. Robert McKnight was a soldier in the Civil war who served throughout the period of hostilities and died in November, 1897. Mr. and Mrs. Spahr resided upon the McKnight farm and it was there that our subject was born. Later this place was sold and Mr. Spahr purchased two hundred and two acres of land upon which his son Leander :now resides. Upon this place he spent his remaining days, successfully carrying on agricultural pursuits. His political support was given the Democracy, but he never sought or desired office or took an active part in political argument. His attention was given in an undivided manner to his farm work. He cleared about twenty-four acres of land and during the Civil war he built the house which our subject now occupies. It is well constructed with a heavy frame and black walnut weather boarding. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Spahr were born seven children: Angeline, who died when about twenty-two years of age; Lavinia, who became the wife of Philip Peterson, but is now deceased; Leander, of this review ; Rebecca Emeline, who died at the age of twenty-five years; Mattie, who died at the age of twenty-three years; Leroy, who is clerking in Dayton; and Ella, the wife of L. Arthur Babb. After acquiring his preliminary education in the common schools; Mr. Spahr attended the high school at Spring Valley. He remained at home and after his father's death, according to the terms of the will, administered the estate. He is still carrying on agricultural pursuits and his efforts have been attended with a high degree of success. Mr. Spahr was reared in the Democratic faith and for a time voted that ticket, but afterward became a Republican, and is now a stanch supporter of the party, although he never seeks nor desires office. He has been a member of the board of education and the schools find in him a warm friend. Since eighteen years of age he has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and has long served as superintendent of the 646 - ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. Sunday school. He has also been trustee and class leader of the Richland church and is a liberal supporter of its work and does all in his power to extend its influence. Fraternally he is connected with the Junior Order of American Mechanics. Throughout his entire life he has resided upon the farm which is now his home, and that many who have known him from boyhood are numbered among his stanchest friends, is an indication that his has been an honorable and upright career. DANIEL M. STEWART. Among the prominent residents of Xenia is numbered D. M. Stewart, who owes his success not to any fortunate circumstances which surrounded him in youth but to the qualities of enterprise, determination and laudable ambition. He is to-day filling the position of vice president of the Xenia National Bank, to which office he was elected in January, 1902. Mr. Stewart was born on the 17th of March, 1840, upon his father's farm in Greene county. He is one of the two surviving children born unto William H. and Esther (McMillen) Stewart, both of whom were natives of South Carolina. The father, who was born in February, 1811, became a resident of this county in 182o, being brought to Ohio by his parents, who settled two miles from Xenia. In the schools of the neighborhood he acquired his education and afterward followed farming for a livelihood. The later years of his life, however, were spent in retirement from active labor. He passed away in 1878 and his wife was called to her final rest on the 15th of June, 1856. Upon the old home farm in Greene county, Daniel M. Stewart was reared, and the district schools afforded him his educational privileges. He had almost attained his majority when he entered the service of his country as a defender of the Union in the Civil war, becoming a member of Company F, One Hundred and Fifty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Immediately after his discharge he returned to Xenia and again engaged in farming, his attention being devoted to the tilling of the soil until 1876, when he took up his abode in this city, where he was engaged in the real estate and life insurance business until 1878; when he became a representative of the real estate interests of the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad Company Land Grant. He was associated with W. R. Linn, with main office at Springfield, Ohio, they being general agents of the company and had charge of agencies east of the Mississippi river. Our subject had supervision of the outside work, which necessitated a large amount of travel. He continued. with the company until the sales were made and business closed. Mr. Stewart invested in lands and developed mines in the Joplin district in southwestern Missouri, where for sixteen years he successfully followed mining, his methods being such as to make his labors of profit. He has disposed of his mining interests, but has two fine farms in this county, which are in a high degree of cultivation. For five years he has been a director in the Xenia National Bank and in January, 1902, was elected vice president, in which position he is now serving. In 1877 Mr. Stewart was united in marriage to Miss Hattie Bonner, a daughter of Rev. James Bonner of Shelby county, Ohio, who was a minister of the United Presby- ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY - 647 terian church. Unto our subject and his wife has been born a daughter, Belle, who has recently graduated from the seminary at Washington, Pennsylvania, and is at home. Mr. Stewart is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic and in his political affiliations is a pronounced Republican. For twelve consecutive years he represented his ward in the city council of Xenia, exercising his official prerogatives in support of all measures and movements which he believed to be of general good. His efforts in behalf of the city have been valuable and far reaching and his co-operation is never sought in vain for the advancement of any movements which .he believes will contribute to the general welfare. DANIEL MORGAN ST. JOHN. Among the valiant sons that Greene county sent to the front at the time when the country became involved in civil war was Daniel Morgan St. John, who is now numbered among the successful and well known agriculturists of Caesarscreek township. He was born in this township June 13, 1835, and his life has ever been in harmony with an untarnished family record. The district schools afforded him his educational privileges, and he was identified with farming interests until 1864, when he offered his services to the Union, enlisting at Xenia as a private of Company H, One Hundred and Fifty-fourth Ohio Infantry. He served with that command until September 2, .1864, when he was honorably discharged at Camp Dennison with the rank of corporal, having in the meantime participated in the battle of New Creek, Virginia. Mr. St. John had previously been married and now returned to his family. It was on the 28th of January, 1858, that he led to the marriage altar Miss Eliza J. Beam, a sister of Daniel H. Beam. Ten children have been born unto them : Anna Bell, who was born May 16, 1859, is the deceased wife of David G. Ford, of Kansas, by whom she had four children—Jessie, Mopsie, Frankie and Vesta. Alva H., born August 15, 1861, married Olive Smith and has one living child, Harper. Their home is in Caesars-creek township. Aletha L., born September 1, 1863, is the wife of David W. Painter, of Spring Valley township, and has four children—Orville, Dora, Ethel and Elsie. William H., born November 22, 1865, died at the age of two years. Ada J., born March II, 1868, is the wife of Alpha Thomas, of Paintersville, and has one child, Fred. Ella D., born August 28, 1870, is the wife of Frank W. Walker, of Xenia, and they have four children—Reva, Lora, Karl and Paul. Arthur E., born February 23, 1873, married Cora Ellis, and of their three children one is living—Leon. Their home is in Caesarscreek township. Glendora, born June 26, 1875, is the wife of Oscar Ellis, of Xenia, and they have four children—Leona, Ernest, Luam and Emmett. Osco E., born November 6, 1877, married Nora Adams, and resides in Caesarscreek township. Bertha E., born September 4, 1885, completes the family. In the spring of 1858 Mr. St. John settled upon the farm which he has since made his home, bringing his wife a bride to that place. Here they have since resided, and he has given his supervision to the care and cultivation of his three hundred and forty-four acres of land. He has placed all of the improvements on this farm and it is 648 - ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. equipped with modern accessories and con-veniences such as indicate his practical and thorough knowledge of the best methods of farming. He is identified with Lewis Post; G. A. R., of Xenia, and exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and meas-ures of the Republican party, on whose ticket he was elected treasurer of Caesars-creek township, holding the office for four years. He also belongs, with Mrs. St. John, to the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he is now serving as steward and has been trustee. Throughout his entire life he has advocated progressive measures, tending to advance material, social, intellectual and moral interests. He is reliable in business transactions and faithful in friendship, and the qualities of an upright manhood are his. ALBERT M. GREGG. The rich farms of Greene county have contributed largely to her prosperity, and many of those who are engaged in cultivating the soil are classed among the enterprising and progressive residents of this portion of the state. Mr. Gregg, who successfully follows agricultural pursuits in Spring Valley township, was born in Sugarcreek township on the 5th of January, 1850. His father, Aaron Gregg, was born in Loudoun county, Virginia, in 1819, and when eighteen years of age came to Ohio, locating in Warren county, where he met and married Rebecca Kelsey, who was born in that county, a daughter of Amos and Margaret (Blackford) Kelsey. The father of our subject came to Greene county about 1849 and purchased land in Sugarcreek township, where he resided for a few years, and then returned to Warren county, his wife having died in the meantime. In 1859 he went to Warsaw, Kentucky, where he engaged in farming for a year, and then purchased a wharf boat and a gristmill, engaging in the milling business in 1866. During the Civil war he was elected on the Union ticket to the office of state senator of Kentucky, and took an active part in shaping the legislation of the state during that momentous and troublous period. By President Lincoln he was appointed United States marshal for the seventh district of Kentucky, serving from 1862 until the close of the war. In 1866 he removed to Lawrence county, Illinois, where he conducted a grist-mill and distillery, carrying on business along those lines until his death in 1875. He was a man of more than ordinary intelligence, and while he had received but a common-school education he was a well read man, who kept thoroughly informed on the leading issues and topics of the day. Mr. Gregg, whose name introduces this review, received but a limited education except in the school of experience. He was about nine years of age when he left Ohio, accompanying his father on his various removals and assisting him in his work until his death. When his father had passed away Mr. Gregg returned to Ohio, settling in Warren county. When about ten years of age he had begun to act as engineer in his father's mill. He was afterward a locomotive engineer on the Ohio & Mississippi Railroad, and on abandoning that mode of life returned to the Buckeye state. After his marriage he engaged in farming for a year and then became an engineer in the mill and distillery owned by F. C. Trebein. After a few months, however, he resumed farming, which he has since followed, operating one hundred and ninety-one acres, which his wife inherited. ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY - 649 On the 26th of January, 1879, Mr. Gregg married Miss Sarah E. Wright, who was born in Sugarcreek township, a daughter of Charles W. and Elizabeth (Venard) Wright. The father was born in Loudoun county, Virginia, November 26, 1822, and the mother in Warren county, Ohio, December 12, 1823, while their marriage occurred May 26, 1843. They resided for many years in Sugarcreek township, this county, and the father, following farming, became the owner of eight hundred acres of land in Greene and Montgomery counties. He died October 23, 1886. He was very successful in his business pursuits, had marked ability as a financier and accumulated a handsome property. He was a Republican in politics, and a member of the Baptist church. Three children were born unto Mr. and Mrs. Gregg: Mary Elizabeth, who was born in Warren county, and is the wife of William F. Holland, of this county, their marriage having taken place November 27, 1901 ; Charles Aaron, who was born August 11, 1882 ; and Florence P., who was born in the house in which she is still living with her parents. Mr. Gregg's endorsement of the Republican party is indicated by his ballot which is given for its men and measures, but while he keeps well informed on the issues of the day he has never sought office, his attention being fully occupied with the duties of business life, and the pleasures of the home. WILLIAM D. WRIGHT. William D. Wright is connected with merchandising and financial interests in Xenia, he Ong senior partner of the present firm of Wright & Carruthers and a director in the Xenia National Bank. He was born in Guernsey county, Ohio, on the 9th of November, 1844, a son of Thomas L. and Margaret A. (Bear) Wright, whose family numbered six children. The father was a native of Pennsylvania and when about two years old was brought to Ohio by his parents, who located in Freeport, Harrison county, and afterward removed to Guernsey county. It was in the latter place that the father of our subject continued to make his home until 1883, when he came to Xenia. Throughout his business career he carried on agricultural pursuits and thus provided comfortably for his family.. His death occurred in Xenia in 1888, and his widow is spending her declining years in the home of her son, William D., having reached a hale old age of eighty-four years. In the common schools William D. Wright pursued his studies, being a student at New Birmingham, Ohio. It was in that place that he was reared. He learned telegraphy in Cambridge, Ohio, and at the age of twenty years he accepted his first position with the Western Union Telegraph Company at Washington, Ohio, where he became operator as successor to T. J. Lovejoy, who is now secretary of the Carnegie Iron and Steel Company. Coming to Xenia, Mr. Wright accepted a position as manager for the same corporation and served in that important position until 1894, when he resigned on account of ill health. He was then appointed general manager of the Miami Telephone Company with headquarters at Xenia, and filled that position acceptably for four years, during which time the lines were practically reconstructed, but he never recovered from the strain which had been placed upon him in the Western Union service, and his physicians advised him to rest