ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY - 675 Madison County. He spent two years there and purchased three hundred and twenty acres of land in Adair county, Iowa, for one dollar and a quarter per acre, entering it from the government, and twenty dollars per acre for eighty acres. This he placed under cultivation, putting many improvements upon it, and retained it in his possession for many years. Returning to Greene county, however, he was here married on the 2d of March, 1871. He took his bride to Iowa, but when a year had passed again came to Ohio. The lady bore the maiden name of Alice Compton, and was a daughter of John and Rebecca (Steddon) Compton. Her father gave her two hundred and twenty-seven acres of land, and being a wealthy man also had a house erected upon it. It was upon this farm that Mr. and Mrs. Walton took up their abode on their return from Iowa. In 1859, however, he started for Pike's Peak in order to dig gold and also on account of his health. On reaching his destination he decided to continue his journey to California, arriving in the Golden state ninety-two days after leaving Omaha. He was with a shepherd's train until he reached Salt Lake, where the train divided, the other section being afterward all massacred by the Indians. Mr. Walton spent five years in California, remaining for some time in the mines and also engaged in the dairy business, in which he met with good success, selling cheese from thirty-five to thirty-seven cents per pound and butter from seventy-five cents. to a dollar a pound. He went through the usual experiences of life in the mining camps and upon the frontier, and had considerable trouble with the Indians, who stole his horse and bed. After leaving California he went to Nevada, where he obtained an interest in some silver mines, the stock of which he still retains as a souvenir of his western trip. After ten years' absence Mr. Walton returned to Ohio. He had spent one winter in Salt Lake City, where he often heard the leading Mormons preach, and had learned to talk with the Indians. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Walton have been born four children : Ruth Etta died in childhood on the 26th of December, 1878; Rebecca C., born May 14, 1874, died on the 29th of December, 1878; and Anna D., born September 1, 1876, died on the 20th of December, 1878, the three deaths occurring within nine days, all caused by diphtheria. Bettie, born January 24, 1880, is now the wife of George McPherson, and is the only Surviving member of the family. In his political views Mr. Walton his always been a Republican and cast his first presidential vote for Fremont, in Iowa, in 1856. He has since been a stanch advocate of the party and for seventeen years has served as trustee of his township, while for nine years he was justice of the peace. He had Many cases brought before him, and succeeded in effecting compromises in all but two, except in a few that went by default and were appealed to a higher court, but none of his decisions were ever reversed. Mr. Walton is a birthright member of the Society of Friends, as were his parents and his paternal and maternal grandfather. He has been a minister of the gospel for a number of years in the Friends' church, and has occupied many offices in the same, having been a member of the associate committee on Indian affairs. Many exciting and interesting events form a part of his history-. He aided in the pioneer development of Iowa, went through all the 676 - ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. experiences incident to the mining camps of California in the clays of the early discovery of gold there, and knew something of Indian warfare and modes of life. He was also familiar with Salt Lake City a half-century ago. Now he is devoting his life to the quiet pursuits of the farm and is accounted one of the valued and leading men of Greene county. TINSLEY H. BELL: Tinsley H. Bell, who is engaged in the real estate and loan business in Xenia and is filling the office of notary public, is numbered among the native sons of the county, for his birth occurred on the old family homestead in Xenia township April 6, 1855. His parents were Erasmus U. and Martha F. (Watson) Bell. His father is one of the most highly respected and well-to-do farmers of this portion of the state. He was born in Xenia township, in December, 1829, and is still living. His wife passed away on the 13th of April, 1888, at the age of fifty-five years. In the district schools Tinsley H. Bell acquired his early education, which was supplemented by study in Smith's Seminary, and when he had put aside his text books he gave his entire attention to agricultural pursuits for several years. In 1895, however, he removed with. his family to Xenia and has since engaged in the real estate and loan business, negotiating many important realty transfers and placing many loans. He now has a large clientage, so that his business success here is large. Mr. Bell was united in marriage to Miss Jennie M. Brant, a daughter of Joseph H. and Amanda (Wheeler) Brant, the latter a daughter of Noah Wheeler. The marriage of our subject and his wife has been blessed with three children : Edna L., Brant U. and Adah F. The family are members of the Trinity Methodist Episcopal church and Mr. Bell is also identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. In his political affiliations he is rather independent, carrying out his honest views without fear or favor. In business he has gained success through untiring industry, sound judgment and honorable effort and in his private life he has gained that warm personal regard which arises from true worth of character. JOHN BIGGER. The influence of each life works for the weal or woe of the community in which the individual resides, but in a review of the history of John Bigger we find little that is not worthy of the highest commendation and his fellow citizens speak of him as one who lived an upright and honorable life worthy of high regard. He was born December 7, 1825, about seven miles southwest of Dayton, in Montgomery county, Ohio. His father, John Bigger, removed from Kentucky to this state, being but a boy at the time he came to Ohio. His mother, Mary (Bradford) Bigger, was born in Montgomery county, Ohio. In their family were four children : Thomas, Joseph, James and John, each of whom became owners of farms in Montgomery county and their respective tracts of land adjoined. The subject of this review was reared to manhood upon his father's farm and acquired a common-school education. He ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY - 677 lived at home until his marriage, which occurred February 28, 1854, the lady of his choice being Miss Louisa Cathcart, of Montgomery county. She was born in that locality, three miles north of Dayt0n, and was a daughter of Thomas M. and Elizabeth (McCandles) Cathcart. She was only two and one-half years old when her mother died and was but a maiden of nine summers when left an orphan by the death of her father. She made her home with her guardian, William Bradford, with whom she continued until she was able to earn her own living. She became an expert dressmaker and secured a liberal patronage along that line. In the meantime the father of our subject had purchased the farm in Sugarcreek township, Greene county, upon which Mrs. Bigger is now living, and had given to his son an interest in the place to the value of three thousand dollars. Mr. Bigger purchased the remainder and with his bride removed to the new home on the 4th of April, 1854. For a number of years they resided in the old house, which was then torn down and rebuilt. Mr. Bigger also made other improvements of a modern character, built a new tobacco shed and other necessary out- buildings, and energetically carried on the work of the farm for many years, his labors bringing to him a richly merited success. His business methods were enterprising, practical and progressive, and thus he acquired a good profit. At the time of the Civil war he was drafted for service, but hired John Inglewright to serve as his substitute. Mr. Bigger was always a stanch Republican in politics, kept well informed on the issues and questions of the day and never wavered in his allegiance to the party, but did not seek or desire office. He was a con sistent and faithful member of the United Presbyterian church at Sugar Creek, served as a deacon for many years, did all in his power to advance the church work and was a liberal contributor for the erection of the house of worship. His noble Christian life was ended in death on the 1st of January, 1890, and his remains were interred in the cemetery at Bellbrook. JOHN O. BARNETT. John O. Barnett, who. makes his home in Xenia township, was born April 21, 1833, in Spring Valley township, this county, his parents being John and Amelia Ann (Mowdy) Barnett. His parents were born, reared and married in the state of Maryland and the mother was of German lineage. The father was reared upon a farm and after his marriage became overseer of a plantation, being thus employed until his removal to Greene county, Ohio, in 1830. He made the trip overland with his wife and children. They were also accompanied by a family by the name of Cromwell, who were relatives, and they traveled in a wagon drawn by a six-horse team. After reaching their destination they took up their abode in Spring Valley township, where the father spent his remaining days. He was a son. of Henry Barnett, who about two and one-half years after the arrival of John Barnett, also sought a home in Ohio, taking up his abode near the village of Jamestown. In the cemetery of that place his remains are now interred. The father of our subject was a Democrat in his political views in early life, but later he renounced his allegiance to that party and became a stanch 678 - ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. Republican. His wife passed way October 13, 1864, and was buried beside her husband in the cemetery at Xenia. In their family were eleven children. Those living are as follows : John Oliver is the oldest of these. Edward, a resident. of Xenia township, entered the service of the Union army as a corporal of Company C, Seventy-fourth Ohio Infantry, and came out as second lieutenant. James resides in Sugarcreek township. Joshua makes his home in Spring Valley township. Virginia became the wife of George Nisonguer, of Beavercreek township. Daniel W. Barnett, an older brother of our subject, was educated for a physician and was practicing at Burlington, Iowa, on the breaking out of the war, when he entered the service as a physician in the reserve corps. He died at Burlington, Iowa. Henry, another brother, was a farmer of Xenia, where his death occurred. Mary, deceased, also reached mature years. The parents of this family were both members of the Methodist church and their lives were in consistent harmony with Christian principles. John Oliver Barnett pursued a common school education and remained with his parents until about twenty-six' years of age. He was married January 3, 1859, to Miss Mary Holmes, who was born in Sugarcreek township, a daughter of William and Nancy (Finney) Holmes. The father was born in Pennsylvania and the mother in Hamilton county, Ohio, where they were married. Mr. Holmes was a blacksmith by trade, but spent the latter years of his life as a farmer. In his political views he was a Republican and both he and his wife belonged to the United Presbyterian church. Both have now passed away and four of their seven children are also deceased. Those still living are: Nan cy, who resides with her nephew in Xenia township; James, a resident of Columbus; and Mary, the wife of our subject. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Barnett have been born seven children : John William, who resides upon a farm adjoining his father's and who married Anna Kyle, by whom he has two children, Joseph Wright and Rachel Mary ; Sarah Etta, who married Albert Ferguson, of Greene county, by whom she has three children, William, Paul and Robert; Edward; and Rosa Cora, at home; and three who died in early childhood. After his marriage Mr. Barnett rented different farms until 1870, when he leased a farm which adjoins his present property and there engaged in the cultivation of the soil for twenty-three years. In 1893 he purchased his present. home, comprising one hundred and thirty-six acres. It is a finely improved tract of land, rich and arable, upon which stands a pleasant residence, good barns and other modern equipments.. Mr. Barnett votes with the Republican party and he and his wife are connected with the First United Presbyterian church of Xenia. He has always made his home in this county .and has a wide acquaintance. Among those who know him he has many warm friends, for his career has ever been in harmony with honorable and upright manhood. GEORGE ENGEL. In an analyzation of the character and life work of George Engel we note many of the characteristics which have marked the German nation for many centuries—the perseverance, reliability, energy and unconquerable determination to pursue a course ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY - 679 that has been marked out. It is these sterling qualities which have gained for Mr. Engel success in life and made him one of the substantial and valued citizens of Greene county. He is to-day recognized as one of the leading nurserymen of southern Ohio, having successfully engaged in this line of business in Xenia since the spring of 1878. Mr. Engel spent the first twenty-five years of his life in the fatherland, having been born in the grand dutchy of Hesse-Darmstadt on Christmas day of 1848. His parents were Philip G. and Catherine (Newman) Engel, but the mother died during the boyhood of our subject, while the father passed away in 1880. They had but two children, George and his brother Ludwig. The father followed the florist business for many years and thus in his youth George Engel became familiar with that pursuit. He remained under the parental roof during his boyhood and in accordance with the laws of his native land, he was placed in school when a lad of six years, pursuing his studies continuously until fourteen years of age. Like his father he was trained to habits of industry and economy and this added to the natural traits which he inherited from a worthy ancestry provided him with the surest qualities by which to attain success in life. In 1873, however, he determined to try his fortune in the new world and sailed from Bremen to the West Indies, but he did not find the opportunities which he there sought, and in the fall of 1874 he came to the United States, landing in Brooklyn, New York, where he made his home for two years and was employed in a greenhouse. Later he spent about eighteen months in Louisville, and from that city, in the spring of 1878, he came to Xenia, which has since been the place of his abode. Here he purchased a greenhouse of T. G. Wilson in the western part of the town and from a modest beginning he has steadily increased his business until it has now assumed extensive proportions. He has gained the reputation of being one of the leading nurserymen of southern Ohio and at the same time has won substantial success. His ground covers nine acres, upon which he has a modern two-story house, and he constantly employs three men to assist him in carrying on the business. Mr. Engel was united in marriage to Miss Fredericka Siefirt, and unto them has been born one child, Georgia E. The family are identified with the Lutheran church. and in his political views Mr. Engel is a stanch Republican. While in his native land he served for a year and a half in the Hessian army, participating in the Franco-Prussian war. He was under the command of General Mantofel and met the enemy in several hard fought battles. His bravery and fidelity to duty were such as to secure him the respect of his comrades and the approval of his superiors, and at the close of the conflict he was granted an honorable discharge —his discharge papers being still in his possession. In 1881 Mr. Engel became identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows in Xenia and is still a worthy exemplar of that fraternity. He is also connected with the Knights of Pythias and the Knights of Honor and belongs to the Improved Order of Red Men. 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 lie has steadily worked his way 680 - ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 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. SAMUEL HOWER. The life record of Samuel Hower closed October 20, 1899, and in reviewing his history we find that there is much in his career that is worthy of commendation. He lived an honorable, upright life and was considered in all his relations with his fellow men trustworthy in business, and loyal and devoted to his family. He was born in Maryland, March 20, 1829, his parents being John and Mary (Bovey) Rower, both of whom were natives of Maryland, and in the year 1834 came to Greene county, Ohio, casting in their lot amid its early settlers. They journeyed across the country and took up their abode near Trebein, where they lived in a little log cabin, experiencing all the hardships attendant upon pioneer life. Subsequently they removed to Beavercreek township just east of the home farm of Mrs. Jennie Hower, the widow of our subject. Samuel Hower obtained but a limited education for his services were needed upon the home farm. He lived with his father until his marriage, which important event in his life occurred on the 2d of December, 1858, the lady of his choice being Miss Barbara Heddleson, a native of Beavercreek township. Her death occurred in 1877 and she was laid to rest in Union cemetery in Byron, Ohio. The children of that union are John Lewis and Nettie, but the latter is now deceased and is also interred in Union cemetery. For his second wife Mr. Hower chose Mrs. Jennie Miller, their wedding being celebrated on the 26th of January, 1882. She was born in Bath township, and is a daughter of Harrison and Eliza (Miller) Le Van. The parents were natives of Pennsylvania, and at an early date, came to this county, living in Bath township, and later in Beavercreek, where they died. Unto them were born five 'children, the eldest being Mrs. Hower, of this review. The others are : Mabel, the wife of William Schauers, a resident of Bath township; Samuel, who is living in Osborn; William, who resides in Beavercreek township; and Lee, who makes his home in Clark. county, Ohio. The parents are both deceased and were laid to rest in the cemetery at Fairfield, Ohio. Throughout his life the father had carried on agricultural pursuits. Mrs. Hower was first married February 14, 1877, to Samuel Miller, a native of Bath township, who devoted his energies to agricultural pursuits. His parents were John and Ann (Reece) Miller. The married life of the young couple was not of long duration, for on the 11th of October, 1877, Mr. Miller was called to his final rest. One child was born of that union, Bessie, now the wife of Basil Greene, a native of Beavercreek township and a son of Michael and Elizabeth (Hower) Greene, the latter being a sister of Samuel Hower whose name introduces this review. Michael Greene was a native of Greene county, Ohio, and was one of the pioneer settlers of this county. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Hower was blessed with three children: Anna Laura, who is now attending the Beavercreek high school ; Samuel H., also attending school; and Jennie Belle, who completes the family. At the time of his marriage Mr. Hower ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY - 681 took up his abode upon the farm where his widow now resides. He erected good buildings there, made excellent improvements and dveloped a splendid farm, owning about five hundred acres of the rich land of this county. His labors were attended by a gratifying degree of success for his work was ever directed by sound judgment and strict business principles. He held membership with the Lutheran church and his life was in harmony with Christian principles and teachings. In politics he was a Republican, but never sought office, preferring to devote his attention to his business affairs. Well may he be classed among the self-made men of Greene county, for, dependent entirely upon his own resources from an early age, he steadily worked his way upward and his persistent resolution, combined with unflagging energy, made him one of the substantial residents of his neighborhood. He died October 20, 1899, and was laid to rest in Union cemetery, in Byron, Ohio. His widow is a member of the United Brethren church. She still resides upon the old homestead in Beavercreek township and in that locality is widely and favorably known. ALEXANDER C. KYLE. An honored veteran of th 3 Civil war and for many years a resident farmer of Greene county, now living a retired life, was born in Cedarville township, near the village of Cedarville, August 7, 1839. The family is an old and prominent one of this locality, having been established here in pioneer times. Samuel Kyle, the grandfather, was born near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and with his parents emigrated to Kentucky, the family settling near Cynthiana. When about twenty-three years of age he was married to a Miss Mitchell and unto them were born six children. She died about 1813 and in 1815 Samuel Kyle married Rachel Jackson and fifteen children were born of this marriage. He followed farming and was one of the leading agriculturists of his community. He was also prominent in public affairs, filled the office of associate judge, and was the promoter of many movements for the general good. He gave the land upon which the school-house was built in which the subject of this review pursued his education. Joseph Kyle, the father of our subject„ was born upon his father's farm in Cedarville township, June 10, 1809. He always followed farming and to some extent he engaged in stock-raising, his labors bringing to him a comfortable living. He was a strong Republican in his political sentiment and held some of the minor offices in his township. He was a member of the old Seceders church, afterward the United Presbyterian church, and for many years served as one of its elders. When about twenty-one years of age he married Ann Cassel, who was also a member of the Seceder church. She died about 1844, when forty years of age, and the father of our subject died August 28, 1881, upon the old family homestead where he had, so long resided. Their burial place is in the cemetery of Xenia. In the family were five children, of whom three are yet living. Mary died at the age of seventeen years. Ruth Ann was married January 18, 1882, to A. R. Bickett, of Xenia township. Joseph is the next younger. Jane E. is the wife of J. W. Hicks, a farmer and stock-raiser of Mitchell county, Kansas, and they have five sons and 682 - ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. one daughter. Samuel A., the youngest of the first family, enlisted in 1862 for service in the Civil war as a member of Company F, Thirty-fourth Ohio Infantry, and was taken prisoner at Cedar Creek in 1864. He was brought home by his father and died soon afterward, his death really resulting from starvation, because of lack of food in the southern prison. He was only twenty- one years of age when he thus laid down his life on the altar of his country. After the death of his first wife the father of our subject was married in 1849 to Mrs. Hadassah Hunter, nee Kennedy, a native of Ireland, and they became the parents of four children : Joseph, who is now a professor in the Xenia Theological Seminary ; John K., who died upon the old home farm in 1877; Leah M., who died August 10, 1881, at the age of twenty-five years; and Rachel, the wife of Andrew H. Cresswell, a farmer of Cedarville township. The mother of these children died June 14, 1898, at the home of her son-in-law, Mr. Cresswell. As before stated Alexander C. Kyle pursued his education in a school standing upon land given by his grandfather for the purpose.. His business training was that of the farm, where he early became acquainted with the duties of field and meadow. He continued upon the old homestead until after the inauguration of the Civil war, when on the 25th of July, 1861, he enlisted in Company F, Thirty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which he served for three years. He then re-enlisted in the United States Volunteer service, continuing with the army until December 22, 1865. He was in the department of West Virginia, participating in the Lynchburg campaign in 1864. In May, 1862, at Princeton, West Virginia, he was wounded, but except when injured he was always found at his post of duty, valiantly defending the nation's starry banner. After the close of the war Mr. Kyle returned home but a little later went to Kansas, where he remained until 1878, when he again came to Ohio, where he. has since lived. In Cedarville township, Greene county, he operated a farm of one hundred and twenty acres, until within the last two years, when he retired, having put aside the more arduous duties of field and meadow, and built him a pleasant home in Cedarville, where he now resides. On the 25th of November, 1896, at Cedarville, Mr. Kyle was united in marriage to Mrs. Sarah J. McCollum, a daughter of Samuel and Eliza Cresswell. Both Mr. and Mrs. Kyle are members of the United Presbyterian church and throughout the community they are held in warm regard by reason of their sterling worth. Mr. Kyle is to-day as true to his duties of citizenship as when he f0llowed the stars and stripes upon southern battlefields, and is deeply interested in all measures tending to promote the welfare and improvement of his county. WILLIAM A. SHAPPEE, M. D. In tracing the career of .a successful physician it is usually found that he possesses certain marked characteristics in addition to having a thorough knowledge of the healing art and good financial ability. There must be a ready sympathy and the power of entering into the feelings of others, united to that self-poise and conscious strength which naturally emanate from a strong self-reliant soul. Dr. Shappee is fortunate in being gifted with many of the qualities of the capable physician and his ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY - 683 cheery helpful optimism is a source of help and comfort in many a home shadowed by sickness and suffering. For twenty-seven years he has practiced in Xenia, where he has obtained a high reputation in his chosen calling. The Doctor's father, Thomas B. Shappee, was born and reared in the state of New York, where he followed farming for a livelihood, for a number of years, passing away there about 1897. He married Julia Ameigh, and they became the parents of seven children, of whom the Doctor is the eldest. He, too, was born in the Empire state on the old homestead near Elmira, his natal day being June 14, 1848. In the common schools he acquired his early education and when but a boy of sixteen years he enlisted for service in the Union army as a member of Company A, Eighty-first Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. He had been at the front a little less than a year when he lost his right leg at the battle of Farmville, Virginia, and on this account was honorably discharged, June 18, 1865. Immediately after the Doctor entered the State Normal school in Mansfield, Pennsylvania, where he was graduated and later he pursued a course in the scientific department of the same institution, completing his studies by graduation in 1872 with the degree of B. S. He then engaged in school teaching, which he followed for a few years with good success, giving his leisure time and evenings to the study of medicine until he was at length graduated in 1875 from Pulte Medical College, Cincinnati. He afterward made his home with Dr. J. E. Low es of Dayton, Ohio, and in 1875 he took up his abode in Xenia, where he has been engaged in practice continually since. In 1889 and again in 1891 he pursued a post-graduate course in Chicago and has ever kept in touch with the progress made in the profession. He is a member of the American Institute of Homeopathy and the Ohio State Homeopathy Society, the Miami Valley Medical Society and the Dayton Homeopathic Medical Society, and through the interchange of thought which is one of the features of these institutions, he keeps thoroughly informed concerning the advancements that are being continually made by members of the medical fraternity. The Doctor was married to Miss Harriet Close, a daughter of Peter Close, who belonged to a prominent Pennsylvanian family. Her mother bore the maiden name of Lucinda Holmes and by her marriage became the mother of eight children. The Doctor and his wife have a pleasant residence at No. 127 East Main street, where his office is also located. He affiliates with the Republican party and socially he is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Grand Army of the Republic. He and his wife are very devout and active members of the Methodist Episcopal church and in their lives exemplify its teachings and beliefs. He is a man of broad humanitarian principles and readily responds to every call for his services even when he knows that no financial return will be received. He has spared neither time nor expense in perfecting himself in his chosen calling. His offices are equipped with all modern devices known to the medical profession and he has himself invented a number of useful instruments that have proven of value in the medical practice. His patronage is now very extensive and is constantly increasing and widely is he recognized as a most prominent and capable practitioner of Greene county. 684 - ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. LAWRENCE H. McCARTNEY, D. O. Among the worthy citizens that Pennsylvania has furnished to the Buckeye state is Dr. Lawrence H. McCartney, of Xenia. He is the only child of John H. and Marada (Graham) McCartney. His father was also a native of the Keystone state but removed to Kansas, where for a number of years he successfully followed farming, carrying on agricultural pursuits, and where he still lives. Mrs. McCartney died in 1892. The Doctor was born in Mercer county, Pennsylvania, February 17, 1874, and acquired his literary education in the schools of Kirksville, Missouri, where he was graduated. He afterward engaged in teaching with, good success for three years but did not find that profession entirely congenial and took up the study and practice of osteopathy, entering the American School of Osteopathy at Kirksville, from which he graduated in the fall of 1898 and upon receiving his diploma in August of that year immediately located in Xenia, where he began practice, continuing until May, 1899. At that date he removed to Kansas but after a short time returned to Xenia in the spring of 1900, and has since been a practitioner of this place. Deep research and numerous experiments concerning the cause and cure of disease led to an understanding of the profession of osteopathy and it is sufficient to say that no discovery connected with the healing art has been more widely accepted or been of greater benefit than this in recent years. Dr. McCartney now has a very large practice, which indicates his success. July 9, 1899, was celebrated the marriage of the Doctor and Miss Eva Percival, a daughter of William O. Percival of Kansas. They are members of the First Methodist Episcopal church and he gives his political support to the Republican party. On the 7th of December, 1901, he was elected treasurer of tie Ohio Osteopathic Society, which was recently incorporated. His office comprises a suite of two rooms and is la cated in the Steele block. CHRISTIAN S. WEAVER. That so many of her native sons have continued their residence in Greene county, is an indication that this portion of the state affords good opportunities for business advancement. Mr. Weaver is among those who, born here, have always lived within the borders of the county and by the exercise of good business ability and sound judgment, he has advanced to a position among the successful agriculturists of his community. He was born in Caesarscreek township, January 29, 1840, his parents being George and Hannah. (Fout) Weaver, who were natives of Virginia and became early settlers of this locality. In their family were seven' children, of whom six are yet living, as follows : John H., a resident of Indiana ; Christian S.; James H., who makes his home in Illinois; Robert, of Caesarscreek township; Mary, the widow of Joseph Whittington, of the same township; and Frank, who resides in Bellbrook. To the district schools near his home Christian S. Weaver is indebted for the educational privileges which he enjoyed in his youth and Which fitted him for life's practical duties. He was married on the 23d of March; 1866, the lady of his choice being Miss Mary Powers, a native of Caesars-creek township and a daughter of Alfred ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY - 685 and Susan (Burrell) Powers. Her father was born in Clinton county, Ohio, and during his early boyhood came to Greene county, where he met anr married Miss Burrell, whose birth here occurred. They had six children : Allen, who resides in Tennessee ; Mrs. Weaver ; Aniel, a resident of Caesarscreek township; Ellen, the wife of Harvey Humston, of Xenia, Ohio; Harland, now deceased; and Eli, a resident of Dayton, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Weaver began their domestic life upon a farm adjoining their present home, and when a number of years had passed came to the place which is now their residence. Their home is one of the largest and most attractive in this portion of the county ; the farm comprises one hundred and sixty-four acres of rich land and each spring the fields give promise of golden harvests. In the pastures are found good grades of stock and upon the place are all modern equipments and accessories which facilitate farm work and result in bringing a greater financial return. Industry and enterprise have ever been numbered among the sterling characteristics of Mr. Weaver, who is accounted one of the leading agriculturists of central Ohio. The home of our subject and his wife has been blessed with eleven children : Charles, who married Sylvia Turner, and resides in Caesarscreek township; Alfred, of New Jasper township, who married Ida Thomas and has two children, Floyd and Cleavill; Samuel, a resident of Missouri ; Harland, who married Luella Smith and with their daughter Erna resides in Caesars-creek township; Lodema, deceased; Ann and Effa, twins, the former the wife of Walker Fugat, of Clinton county, by whom she has two children—Ralph and Fred, while Effa is the wife of Jasper Thomas of Jefferson township and has one child, Myrtle; Wilbur, Bud, Walter and Clara, all at home. Mr. Weaver espoused the cause of the Democracy and his fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability, have several times elected him to the office of township trustee. Though always a man of activity, he is thoroughly domestic in his tastes and is not identified with any clubs or societies. To every enterprise calculated to advance the prosperity of Greene county he gives his strong endorsement and is accounted one of its popular citizens. CHARLES E. WILLIAMSON. Charles E. Williamson is engaged in the operation, of a good farm situated on the Dayton and Waynesville pike in Sugarcreek township, Greene county. He was born on the farm which he now owns and thus it is endeared to him by the associations of his boyhood as well as those of later years. His birth occurred December 7, 1865, his parents being Joseph C. and Mary Eleanor (Cramer) Williamson. The father was born in the same township in the year 1827 and died January 10, 1898, at the age of seventy-one years. His wife passed away in the same year when about the same age: The Williamson family was founded in Ohio by Eleazer Williamson, the grandfather of our subject, who was brought to Ohio by his parents when a small boy. For a time the family lived in Cincinnati, or upon the site of the present city, for at that time the metropolis of to-day had hardly been established. Subsequently both the grandfather and the great-grandfather of our sub- 686 - ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. ject came further north. The former was married in this state and settled near the place upon which Charles E. Williamson now lives. Later he removed across the line into Montgomery county to the farm upon which Alexander Williamson is maintaining his residence and there he died at the age of sixty-seven years, his remains being interred in Bellbrook cemetery. For a time Joseph C. Williamson, the father of our subject, resided in a log house, but about 1864 the pioneer dwelling was replaced by a good frame residence. He carried on agricultural pursuits throughout his entire life. In political views he was a Republican but was never an aspirant for office. He belonged to the Presbyterian church and was most loyal to its teaching and belief. In the family were six children : William Calvin, who lives in Sugarcreek township; Robert E., who married May Allen and resides in Montgomery county, Ohio; Joseph A., a resident of Montgomery county, who married May Elliott ; Charles E., the subject of this. sketch ; Thomas E., who married Jennie Bradford and makes his home in Montgomery county ; and Maggie E., who became the wife of Howard Wood, and died in Montgomery county, leaving a son, Herman W. Upon the old home farm in the county of his nativity, Charles E. Williamson was reared, early becoming familiar with all the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. He acquired a fair common school education and assisted his father until he had attained his majority, when he started out upon an independent business career. He then rented land of his father and has since devoted his time and energies to the cultivation of the crops best adapted to this soil and climate. He now owns the old homestead of one hundred and five acres, a part of which he inherited, while he purchased the remainder of the other heirs. The fields are well tilled and bring to him a golden tribute for his labors. His efforts are of a progressive and practical nature and as the years pass he is enabled annually to add to his competence. On the 22d of February, 1893, Mr. Williamson was married in Spring Valley to Miss Nellie Z. Fulkerson, a daughter of Amos and Susan (Beck) Fulkerson. She was born and reared in Spring Valley and pursued her education in its schools. By her marriage she has become the mother of one son, Nevin Amos, who was born on the home farm, December 24, 1894. Mr. Williamson exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the Republican party, but is not an active political worker, giving his entire attention to farming interests. He is widely known throughout the county of his nativity and his warmest friends are those who have known him from boyhood. JOHN F. HAVERSTICK. The spirit of enterprise and progress, which has been such a potent factor in the rapid development and upbuilding of this country is manifest in the career of John F. Haverstick, a wide-awake business man who is now serving as general manager of the Central Union Telephone Company of Xenia. He is numbered among the native sons of this city, his parents being Frederick and Leah (Zellers) Haverstick. The parents were born and reared at Hagerstown, Maryland, coming to this county with their ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY - 689 parents before their marriage, and throughout the years of his business career the father followed farming, but for twenty years' prior to his death was an invalid. He passed away in 1888. In the family were four children. Like the others, Mr. Haverstick of this review, attended the public schools of Greene county, acquiring a good education which well fitted him for life's practical duties. He laid aside. his text-books at the age of sixteen years and entered upon his business career, learning the trade of a carriage trimmer, which he followed until 1882. He then entered official life, for nine years filling the position of deputy county clerk. In the year 1890 he was elected county clerk and served in that capacity to the satisfaction of all concerned until 1900, when no longer desiring political office he retired to private life and accepted the position of general manager of the Central Union Telephone Company, which had been tendered him. He assumed charge on the 3d of December, 1900, and is proving his capability by the excellent manner in which he controls the affairs of the company. He superintended the construction of the present plant, which was substituted for the old plant of the Miami Telephone Company. It was erected at a cost of seventy-five thousand dollars and is equipped with. the western electric method, the most improved telephone system known to the business. When Mr. Haverstick took charge and put in operation the new plant, there were only two hundred and thirty subscribers. Two years have not yet passed, and yet the number has been increased to six hundred, and fifty subscribers. Mr. Haverstick is also in charge of the Middletown plant which is operated by the same company and has an office in Xenia, employing seven operators. There are two switchboards, three men and two assistants in the accounting room. Mr. Haverstick is thoroughly familiar with the telephone business and his capable control has resulted in advancing the financial success of the company and in giving entire satisfaction to his patrons. He is also vice president of the Home Building & Loan Association of Xenia. On Christmas day of 1876, Mr. Haverstick was united in marriage to Miss Anna M. Basler, a daughter of Thomas Bosler, and unto them 'have been born a daughter, Edith M., now the wife of W. L. Reynolds, of Dayton, Ohio. The family home is at 441 North King street. Fraternally Mr. Haverstick is connected with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, the Knights of Pythias, the Knights of Honor, and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, while politically he is a Republican. He never wavers in his allegiance to the party. He is alert to business opportunities and possibilities; is also deeply interested in the development and•upbuilding of his native city,. and throughout Xenia and Greene county enjoys the esteem, of a large circle of friends_ WILLIAM TOBIAS. Not many men who have passed the age of four score years and are residents of Greene county can claim this portion of the state as the place of their nativity, but William Tobias is a native son of Greene county, his birth having occurred in Beavercreek township, March 14, 1821. There is a particular satisfaction in reverting to the life history of the honored and venerable gentle- 690 - ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY man whose name initiates This review, since his mind bears the impress of the historical annals of the sta.te of Ohio from the early pioneer days, and from the fact that he has been a loyal son of the Republic and has attained to a position of distinctive prominence in the township where he was born and where he has retained his residence until the present time, being now one of the revered patriarchs of the community. Mr. Tobias is still an active factor in agricultural circles in Beavercreek township. He was born March 14, 1821, his parents being Samuel and Elizabeth (Hanney) Tobias, both of whom were natives of Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania, and were of German lineage. In pioneer days they started westward and took up their abode in Greene county, driving across the country from Pennsylvania, Locating in Zimmerman, the father purchased twenty-five acres of land and erected a log cabin which is still standing although it has been remodeled. His death occurred when his son William' was about seven years of age, and the mother afterward became the wife of Michael Swigart. Her death occurred about 1871 when she was seventy-six years of age. By her first marriage she had three sons and three daughters : Lydia, who became the wife of William Kirkpatrick, but both are now deceased ; Margaret, who married Noah Enry,. but both died in Illinois; William, of this review ; Daniel, who resides near Troy, Miami county ; Samuel, deceased ; and Cather-ine, who married Walley Haines, but both are now deceased. When a little lad William Tobias made his way from home to the little log school-house of his district, where sitting upon a rude bench. he conned his lessons, becoming familiar with the common English branches of learning. After he was eight years of age he went to live with Peter Swigart, a brother of his step-father, with whom he remained until twenty-two years of age. After his marriage he began farming upon rented land and when several years had passed he purchased a, tract of land in 1870, becoming the owner of ninety-six acres. He remodeled the house, built a good barn, and successfully carried on general farming and stock-raising. On the 24th of December, 1846, Mr. Tobias wedded Sarah Swigart, and unto them were born two children : Martin Luther, now a resident of Beavercreek township, married Christine Peoples, and they have two children, Edgar and Clara. The mother died and Martin afterward wedded Mary Barnhart by whom he had three chil-dren, Eva, Grace and John. Samuel, the second son of the family, married Emma John and resides in Dayton. They have three children, Homer, Howard and Harold. The first wife of William Tobias died in 1851 when about twenty-four years of age and was laid to rest in Mount Zion cemetery. On the 19th of June, 1852, he was again married, his second union being with Jane Miller, who was born near Cincinnati, in Hamilton county, Ohio, a daughter of James and Elizabeth (Wheeler) Miller. Her mother was born in Maryland, her father, Willerson Wheeler, being a planter and slave owner until he liberated his slaves and moved to Baltimore, where he lived until his daughter Elizabeth was fourteen years of age, when they went to Pennsylvania, where she met the gentleman who be-came her husband and who was a native of Center county, that state. Three times they came to Ohio, locating first in Columbus, but after two years returned to the Keystone ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY - 691 state. Their third trip was made by water to Cincinnati. Mr. Miller was a soldier of the war of 1812, serving under General Harrison. He died in 1840, and was laid to rest in the Byron cemetery, while his wife passed away in 1854 in Dayton. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Tobias have been born the following children: William, of Beavercreek township, who married Jennie Alice Garlough and has one child, Emerson D.; Catherine, the wife of John W. Barney, of Dayton, by whom she has four children, Dora, Bertha, Eugene J. and Ralph ; Elizabeth, who is the twin sister of Catherine and is at home with her parents ; Daniel and Calvin, now deceased ; Orville, of Beavercreek township, who married Effa ,Miller, by whom he has one child, Raymond; one who died in infancy ; Newton W., of Ohio, who married May Kemp and has one child, Vivian G. In his political views Mr. Tobias is a Republican, who has long endorsed the principles of the party, but has never been an office seeker. Both he and his wife are members of the Reformed church. During his long residence in the county he has witnessed much of its growth and development, has seen many changes and has taken an active and helpful interest in its progress .and improvement. JOSEPH KYLE, D. D. Although Dr. Kyle has been a resident of Greene county for only a few years, he has been so closely and prominently connected with the educational and moral interests of the county in that time that no history of the county would be complete without the record of his career. It is widely acknowledged that the most important profession to which a man can direct his energies is that of teaching, whether it be from the pulpit, from the lecture platform or from the schoolroom. Its primary object is ever the same,—the development of one's latent powers that the duties of life may be bravely met and well performed. The intellectual and moral natures are so closely allied that it is difficult to instruct one without in a measure influencing the other, and certainly the best results are accomplished when the work goes hand in hand. Christian instruction is having an influence over the world that few can estimate, for it is in youth that the life of the man is marked out, his future course decided and his choice as to the good or evil made. Dr. Kyle is devoting his time, energies and thought to educational work and in former years engaged in preaching the Word from the pulpit. He is now professor of systematic theology in the Xenia Theological Seminary. Dr. Kyle is a native of Greene county, his birth having here occurred on the l0th of November, 1849. He represents a family that for almost a century has been connected with this portion of the state. His father, Joseph Kyle, Sr., was born in this county, June 20, 1809, and followed farming for a livelihood. After arriving at years of maturity he married Ann Cassil, who at .her death left five children, and later he married Mrs. Hadassah Hunter, a daughter of John Kennedy, of County Derry, Ireland. Of this union four children were born, of whom Dr. Kyle of this review is the oldest. The father died on the 28th of August, 1881, and the mother passed away on the 15th of June, 1898. The Doctor pursued his early education 692 - ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. in the common schools of Greene county and afterward attended the Monmouth College, where he was graduated with the class of, 1872, with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. Later he pursued a theological course iv the Xenia Theological Seminary and then became connected with the mission field of Nebraska, where he remained for four months. On the 1st of January, 1877, he located in Springfield, Ohio, and accepted the pastorate of the United Presbyterian church, where he was ordained and installed April 24, 1877, there remaining until the 1st of September, 1891. While there the new church edifice was erected and dedicated, in August, 1887. He was then called to Allegheny, Pennsylvania, in charge of the Fourth United Presbyterian church, continuing as its pastor for eight years. On the expiration of that period he came to Xenia, in September, 1899, and is now professor of systematic theology in the Xenia Theological Seminary. Dr. Kyle has been twice married. He first wedded Miss Ella M. Barnett, a daughter of William A. Barnett, the wedding being celebrated on the 14th of October, 1880. The. lady died on the 25th of October, 1897, and on the 7th of June, 1900, the Doctor was again married, his second union being with Miss Marion L. Brown of Allegheny, Pennsylvania, a daughter of Mrs. Jane Brown. This union was blessed with one child but it died in infancy. The Doctor and his wife reside on North King street and their home is the center of a cultured society circle. It is noted for its hospitality and the cordial and kindly feeling which always exists there in the entertainment of their many friends. The Doctor is a strong advocate of the Prohibition party. He takes a deep interest in everything pertaining to the welfare and progress of the community along all lines of advancement. He is a man of strong force of character, unequivocal in his championship of all that is right, and yet there is in him an abiding charity which has won for him the respect, confidence and high regard of all with whom he has been associated.   ALLEN FAULKNER. Allen Faulkner was born July 29, 1824, in Caesarscreek township on the farm which is yet his home, his parents being Thomas and Mary (McGuire) Faulkner. The father was a son of Robert Faulkner, a native of Berkeley county, West Virginia. In his family were four children : Susanna, Thomas, David and Elizabeth. Thomas Faulkner was born in Berkeley county, West Virginia, November 8, 1787, and as his mother died when he was about seven years of age he went to live with his grandmother. His grandmother was a most pious and devout Christian woman, and from her he received his early religious impressions which proved of benefit to him in moulding his character in later life. In 1810 he wedded Mary McGuire, a daughter of Jonathan and Catherine McGuire. They were members of the Methodist Episcopal church and the mother died when Mrs. Faulkner was quite young. She, too, was reared by her grandmother, from whom she received Christian training. Thomas Faulkner had been reared in the faith of the society of Friends, but because he married outside of the church he was disowned by the denomination. Feeling it his duty, however, to be working for Christianity, he became a member of the Church of Christ. Later, ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY - 693 after careful thought and deliberation, he joined the Methodist Episcopal church, of which his wife had become a member when sixteen years of age. In 1828 they left that denomination and became identified with the Methodist Protestant church, in which Mr. Faulkner served as class leader for many years. In 1806 he had removed from Virginia to Ohio and two years later his wife came to the Buckeye state. He had about one hundred dollars in currency when he sought a home in Greene county. In 1808 he took up his abode in Caesarscreek township on Painter run and there rented a farm for five years. He was drafted for service in the war of 1812, but shortly after his marriage he obtained his release from the army on the payment of one hundred dollars. In 1816 he purchased a farm with money saved entirely from his own earnings and upon this place spent his remaining days. It was a tract of one hundred and thirty acres covered with a dense forest at the time he came into his possessions, but he cleared and developed it and the house which he built is still occupied by our subject. Mr. and Mrs. Faulkner became the parents of eight children, of whom two died in infancy. The others were Jonathan, who lived and died in Iowa; Mrs. Elizabeth Conklin, of Lumberton, Ohio; David, deceased; Lucinda, the deceased wife of Samuel Painter; Allen; sand Mary, the deceased wife of Thomas Way, who is now in Georgia. The father of this family voted with the Whig party and served as trustee of his township. He died April 16, 1871, at the advanced age of eighty-three years, five months and ten days, and his wife passed away July 5, 1873, at the age of eighty-three. In an old time log school-house Allen Faulkner pursued his education, but attended school only when the weather was so bad that he could not work upon the farm, this being largely through the winter months. He always remained on the old family homestead and when his father was unequal to the task of caring for the place, its management and operation devolved upon our subject. This farm comprises two hundred and twenty-seven acres of land, all of which is cultivable and is now well improved. On the 18th of July, 1847, Mr. Faulkner married Ablona Hartsock, who was born in Berkeley county, West Virginia, in 1828, a daughter of Elijah B. and Elizabeth (Steidley) Hartsock. The father was born in Maryland, February 28, 1798, and removed to Virginia, in 1811. There he was married in 1820 and ten years later he came to Ohio, settling on Price run, in Caesars-creek township, where he spent his remaining days. He and his wife were devoted members of the Methodist Protestant church and took a very active interest in its work, and for a long period he served as class leader. His death occurred in 1864 when he was sixty-six years of age, and his wife passed away fifteen years afterward. Their children were: Washington, now deceased ; William Harrison, who lives in Iowa; Francis Marion, who has also passed away ; Elizabeth A., now Mrs. Faulkner; James Frederick, a resident of Caesarscreek township; Andrew Jackson, who makes his home in Nebraska; and Mary Catherine, who is the widow of Rev. O. P. Stevens, formerly a pastor of the Methodist Protestant church of Xenia. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Faulkner have been born eight children: Jonathan R., who died in infancy ; Franklin K., who is also deceased; Lydia Catherine, the deceased wife 694 - ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. of Jesse Painter; Cordelia J., who married William Bales, a resident of Clinton county, Ohio, by whom she had five children,—Emery, Thomas, Allen, now deceased, Lorenia and Flo; Louisa Elma, the wife of Eli Haines of Caesarscreek township, by whom she had three children,—Lizzie Mary, Homer Harvey, deceased, and . Bernice ; Thomas, who married Minnie Peterson, a daughter of C. C. Peterson, and by whom he has three children,—Howard P., Lawrence T. and Dorothy, all living with Mr. Faulkner of this.review on the home farm ; James, a resident of Xenia, who married Ola Peterson, a daughter of C. C. Peterson ; and Cora, who has passed away. Our subject and his son Thomas are stanch Republicans and both have served as trustee of Caesarscreek township. Mr. and Mrs. Faulkner are members of the Methodist Protestant church, while Thomas and his wife belong to the Society of Friends, and James and his wife are connected with the Reformed church. The family is one of prominence in the community for its members are recognized as people of genuine worth, closely associated with agricultural interests and reliable in all life's relations. The success of Mr. Faulkner's life is not due to any happy succession of advantageous circumstances, but to his own sturdy will, steady application, tireless. industry and sterling integrity. HON. JOHN H. COOPER. An enumeration of the men who have been honored by Greene county and have in turn conferred honor and dignity upon public office there would be incomplete were there a failure to make prominent reference to the Hon. John H. Cooper, who served for six years as judge of the probate court. He was a son of the Rev. Ebenezer Cooper of the Reformed church. His father was born in South Carolina in 1792 and although that state was his place of residence during his youth he was educated in New York city and pursued his theological studies in Philadelphia. Upon completing the course he returned to the south to enter the ministry there, first becoming pastor of the church at Fayetteville, Tennessee. Later he accepted the pastorate of a church in Fayette county, Indiana, where he continued his ministerial labors until he lost his health. He then resigned and gave up all connection with the work of the church as a pastor but never lost his deep interest in the cause of Christianity and its promulgation. Removing to Cedarville, Greene county, Ohio, he here spent his remaining days and his influence was widely felt for good throughout the community. After completing his education Mr. Cooper was united in marriage to Miss Jane McMillan of South Carolina, who survived him until 1888. They reared a family of six sons and one daughter. Judge Cooper, whose name introduces this review, was born in Fayette county, Tennessee, January 13, 1831, and when a youth of sixteen years came to Greene county, Ohio, with his maternal grandfather, Daniel McMillan, a pioneer settler of this portion of the state. The lad attended school in Xenia with his uncle, D. McMillan, the famous cattle man of this county. Then he had completed his educational training he entered the store of James C. McMillan, for whom he engaged in clerking for a number of years. He then began busi- ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY - 695 ness on his own account as a member of the firm of Stark, Lytle & Cooper, dealers in general dry goods, groceries, boots and shoes, carpets and other household commodities, that connection being maintained until 1861. Mr. Cooper next entered into partnership with W. C. Hutchison & Company as an active member of the firm of Cooper & Hutchison until 1879, when by popular suffrage he was called to the position of the county treasurer, and so capably did he serve that he was re-elected for the second term, filling the position until chosen probate judge of Greene county. It was in 1884 that he was elected to that position for which he qualified on the 9th of February, 1885. On the expiration of a three years' term he was re-elected and discharged his duties most creditably and honorably, winning the high commendation of a large majority of the citizens of Greene county. On the 19th of October, 1859, in Xenia, Judge Cooper was married to Miss Julia Platter, a daughter of Christian Platter, who was born in Ross county October 19, 1840. Five children graced this marriage but three of the number died of scarlet fever at ages varying from four to eight years, while Belle died in 1888 at the age of seventeen years. The surviving member of the family is Emily P., who is still living with her mother. The Judge was a leading and active member of the Republican party, believing that its principles would best conserve the national welfare. He was a man of excellent business and judicial ability. He long held membership in the Presbyterian church of which for many years he was a ruling elder. On the 27th of May, 1892, he was called to his final rest and his remains were interred in Woodland cemetery. His widow and daughter still survive him. He left to them not only a comfortable competence but the priceless heritage of an untarnished name. A man of great natural ability, his success in business, from the beginning of his residence in Xenia, was uniform and rapid. His life was an example in all respects and he ever supported those interests which are calculated to uplift and benefit humanity, while his own high moral worth was deserving of the highest commendation. JOHN M. HILL. John M. Hill, who is a factor in agricultural circles in this county, was born in Wayne county, Indiana, September 1852, his parents being Elijah and Rebecca (Mills) Hill. 'On the maternal side the ancestry can be traced back to Joseph Mills, the great-grandfather of our subject, who was born in the parish of Tamaho, Kildare county, Ireland, on the 1st of May, 1736. His father was a native of Wayne county, Indiana, while the mother of our subject was born in Preble county, Ohio. They were married in the former county and took up their abode in the latter county when Mr. Hill of this review was a youth of twelve summers. There he remained until he was about seventeen years of age, in which year his 'mother died. He spent the following year in Wayne county and then came to Greene county, Ohio, but after a year passed returned to Preble county. His father died January 1, 1873, at the age of forty-six years and eleven months. Mr. Hill of this review acquired a good common school education. In February, 1873, he once more came to Greene county, 696 - ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. where he has since remained, with the exception of six years which he and his wife spent in Preble county. He married Miss Mary A. Compton, whose birth occurred in Clinton county, Ohio, August 12, 1856, the wedding taking place May 21, 1879. Mr. and Mrs. Hill enjoy the high regard of many friends in this portion of the state. They are identified with the Society of Friends, and Mr. Hill gives his political support to the Republican party. JESSE COMPTON. Jesse Compton is a retired farmer residing near New Burlington. The greater part of his land is in Greene county, but his home is situated across the line in Clinton county. He is, however, so widely and favorably known throughout this portion of the state that he well deserves representation in this volume. He was born in the township of Spring Valley on the 12th of January, 1825, his parents being Samuel and Allie (Thatcher) Compton. The ancestry of the family can be traced back to Samuel Compton, the great-great-grandfather of our subject, who emigrated from England to North Carolina. The great-grandfather also bore the name of Samuel and came to Ohio before our subject's grandfather, making the trip in 1803. He settled just south of the Greene and Warren county line about one mile west of the northeast corner of Warren county, and when his death occurred his remains were interred upon the old farm there. He died February 6, 1805. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Lewis, died May 17, 1821. It is probably that the first of the name in America left .England be cause of the persecution of the Quakers in that country, and when the Comptons left the south it was because they were opposed to slavery. Samuel Compton, the father of our subject, was a Whig and a very strong anti-slavery man, whose home became a station on the underground railroad, and thus he often assisted the refugees on their way to freedom. He was a native of South Carolina, born in 1796, and with his father, Amos Compton, came to Ohio in 1805. The grandfather took up his abode on the west bank of Caesars creek across the road from where another Amos Compton now resides. He secured land, comprising a part of the military tract, at a very low figure, having nearly four hundred acres, and upon that place he spent his remaining days, developing a good farm. He married Rebecca Millhouse, who was born August 11, 1767. Both were natives of South Carolina and were married in that state. Amos Compton passed away September 14, 1824, at the age of fifty-four years, his birth having occurred on the 9th of July, 1770. In the family of this worthy couple were eight children : Betty, born in South Carolina March 3, 1794 ; Samuel, the father of our subject ; Mary, born December 21, 1798; Rebecca, born November 6, 1800; Lydia, born January 20, 1803 ; Sally, who was born in South Carolina February 13, 1805, and died August 31, 1823; John, who was born in Greene county, Ohio, March 1, 1807, and died March 26, 1893, at the age of eighty-six years and twenty-five days ; and Ann, born January 13, 1812. Samuel Compton, the father of our subject, was only about nine years of age when he accompanied his parents to Ohio. Here he married Allie Thatcher, a native of Vir- ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY - 697 ginia, whence she came, to the Buckeye state during her early childhood to make her home with her grandmother at Wilmington. It was there that the parents of our subject became acquainted. Samuel Compton removed to the western portion of his father's farm,, where he built a hewed-log house and log barn. The former is still standing, but is weather-boarded and transformed into a modern dwelling. Throughout his remaining days he carried on agricultural pursuits and as the years passed transformed his farm into a very valuable property. His death occurred March 12, 1861, and his wife, who was born March 10, 1804, died August 14, 1885, at the advanced age of eighty-one years. In their family were eight children: Jesse ; Rebecca, born October 8, 1826 ; Nancy, who was born October 2, 1828, and died May 2, 1899, at the age of seventy years and six months ; Amos, born December 19, 1830; John M., who was born May 6, 1833, and died on the 9th of August following; Samuel T., who died in infancy; Martha who was born April I, 1840, and died on the 22d of December, 1841 ; -and Lydia, horn December 16, 1842, and now deceased. In his youth Jesse Compton acquired a common-school education and remained at home until his marriage, which occurred when he was about twenty-three years of age, the date of this important event being October 12, 1848. He married Esther Spray, who was born near her present home in Clinton county, a daughter of Jesse and Mary (Cook) Spray. Her parents were natives of South Carolina, but came to Ohio with their parents and were married in this state. All were by birthright Friends. Her mother was a daughter of Charity Cook, who was born July 28, 1799. Her son, Joseph Cook, a preacher in the Friends society, made a number of trips back to England. Mrs. Spray was born June 3, 1803, and died May 4, 1844. Mrs. Compton's father, Jesse Spray, was a son of Samuel Spray, who was born in Pennsylvania, removed to South Carolina and afterward to Ohio. Jesse Spray was born February 5, 1801, and lived to be almost eighty years of age, while his wife was only about forty years of age at the time of her death. The grandfather, Samuel Spray, was a recorded minister of the Friends church, born March 23, 1758, while his death occurred on the l0th of March, 1836. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Compton were born seven children : Uriah, who was born in Greene county, September 1, 1850, was married to Samantha Harris, and lived in Ashland, Iowa, until his death. He left five children. Martha, born in Warren county, Ohio,. April 13, 1852, is at home. John, born in Greene county July 7, 1854, married Jennie Morris and lives in Spring Valley township- They have one child. Mary A., born in Clinton county, Ohio, August 12, 1856, was married May 21, 1879, to John M. Hill. Lydia J., born in Clinton county November 28, 1858, became the wife of Joseph H. Hill and has one child, Jesse E., born in Greene county April 8, 1887. Elizabeth A., born August 21, 1869, married Oscar Shambaugh, of this county, and has two children. Miriam N., born January 30, 1877, is the wife of Earl Steele, of Minneapolis, Minnesota. Mr. Compton has always given his political support to the Republican party. Throughout his entire life he has resided in this portion of Ohio, and those who know him are familiar with his honorable record. He has always been a man of strong prin- 698 - ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. ciples, marked individuality and force of character, and throughout his entire life, covering more than seventy-seven years, he has ever commanded and enjoyed the respect of his fellowmen. REV. DAVID MACDILL, A. M., D. D., LL. D., L. H. D. No compendium such as the province of this work defines in its essential limitations will serve to offer fit memorial to the life and accomplishments of the honored subject of this review—a man remarkable in the breadth of his wisdom, in his indomitable perseverance and his strong individuality, and yet one whose entire life has not one esoteric phase, being an open scroll, inviting the closest scrutiny. True his have been "massive deeds and great" in one sense, and yet his entire life accomplishment but represents the result of the fit utilization of the innate talent which is his, and the directing of his efforts in those lines where mature judgment, rare discrimination and a broad view of life has led the way. Throughout the years of his manhood his efforts have been given to the uplifting of his fellowmen, to the dissemination of truth and to the study of the laws of life and of eternity that he might be a power for good in the world and yet his acts have ever been in harmony with the mandate "Let your light shine before men that others seing your good works may glorify your Father, which is in Heaven." Dr. MacDill was born August 101826, in Preble county, Ohio, and completed his literary education in Center College, of Kentucky, in the class of 1849. He studied theology at Oxford and Allegheny, and was licensed to preach on the 7th of April, 1852, by the First Ohio Presbytery, being ordained at Chillicothe September 8, 1853. In early manhood, in fact in the year of his ordination, he was married to Miss Martha E. Gordon, of Xenia, and the years have witnessed their co-operation in a work for their fellow men that has had a most widespread influence for good. In September, 1853, Dr. MacDill accepted the pastorate of the church of his denomination at Cherry Fork, Ohio, where he remained until June I, 1876. He was then in charge of the church in Henderson, Illinois, from March 3, 1877, until June 1, 1884, and in the meantime he had become an active factor in the work of Christian education. He served as professor of philosophy in Monmouth College, of .Monmouth,. Illinois, from the 1st of September, 1876,. until 1885, and has been professor of apologetics and homilectics in Xenia Theological Seminary since September, 1885. He has not only engaged in pastoral and educational work, but is also widely known as an author of works bearing upon theology. His first publication, however, issued in 1863, was a Life of Judge Morrison. In 1881 he brought forth a volume entitled Secret Societies and afterward The Bible, a Miracle. Among his more recent publications are Mosaic Authorship of the Pentateuch, Pre-Millenialism Discussed, and Common Sense and Logic Applied to Darwinism and Theology. So varied has ben his work, so extended its influence that it is almost impossible in a brief review to give a complete idea of the extent and scope of his labors. He is a man of strong force of character and endowed with rare qualities of leadership. He has long been a leader along reform lines. ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY - 699 He was a pioneer worker in his denomination in the matter of conducting series of meetings in order to win men to the church and to Christ. He believed that some such preparation was necessary before the Pentecost could come. In the days when many public debates upon religious questions were held he did his full share of that work, and while never seeking a contest of any kind he did not hesitate when called upon for such a labor, and his strong logic, sound reasoning and incontrovertible evidence were the means many times of not only setting at naught the defense of his opponent, but also of convincing many auditors. In the dark days of the Civil war Dr. MacDill had more than one opportunity to display his loyalty and courage. Although he was not found upon the battle-field he was a most earnest worker for the Union cause at home, and spoke in behalf of the Union when it had many enemies north of the Ohio and denounced slavery when the system had its advocates and apologists north as well as south of the Mason and Dixon line. When the invasion by southern troops was threatened he was made lieutenant of the home guards in his community, and when the famous Morgan raid actually occurred the Doctor was taken prisoner and saved the life of a friend and neighbor at that time by resolutely refusing to disclose his hiding place. The man in question had fired on the advance guard of Morgan's men and had he been caught would doubtless have been executed without trial or ceremony. But neither threats nor cajolling could induce Dr. MacDill. while a prisoner, to betray his friend, and Dick Morgan found that at least one man in Adams county could keep a secret. Truth telling has ever been a fixed habit with him, but he felt that there were certain questions which he had no right to answer before such a court of inquiry. Release followed before he had long been a prisoner, and the Doctor returned home with honor unsullied to gladden the hearts of anxious friends and parishioners. But the time came ere long when the community realized that Dr. MacDill belonged to the whole church and to the country as well as to Adams county. A man with his gifts could not long keep in the background, so after more than a score of years spent in his quiet country home, devoted to the work of the church and to broad and comprehensive study he was called to occupy the chair of philosophy in Monmouth College, and from that intellectual center his fame spread abroad. He remained in Monmouth until the demand for his services in a more important field were made, he being called to the chair of homiletics and apologetics in Xenia Theological Seminary. In his present position his business is chiefly to defend the Bible, and few men are better prepared for the work. He has not only been a close and discriminating student of the Word, but also of the history of the countries with which had to do at the time of its compilation. Not only have students profited by his lectures upon the subject, but as an author he has published some valuable works along those lines, which have caused deep thought among student and which present incontrovertible fact and logic that is unanswerable. But while Dr. MacDill has ever shown forth strong intellectual and remarkable mental strength in his work it is probably his characteristics of kindliness, charity, helpfulness and brotherly love that have so endeared him to those with whom he has