ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY - 851 times gave his influence to the true, the good and the beautiful. He was also a leader of public thought and action and was. honored with high political preferment. John B. Allen was born August 5, 1816, near Mount. Jackson, Shenandoah county, Virginia, and from August, 1836, until his death, in the latter part of the century, he was identified with the interests of Greene county. He was a son of John and Catherine (Holker) Allen. The family was of English origin, but through several generations representatives of the name had been numbered among prominent and influential people of Virginia, and John Allen was the owner of a large estate there, but died when John B. Allen was only a year old. The latter was given liberal educational advantages, attending the college at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, and about the time he attained his majority came to Xenia, where his sister, Mrs. John Walton, had previously located. He established a private bank in this city, and it was soon demonstrated that he had superior ability as a financier as well as the power of readily winning friends, whom he drew closer to him as the years passed. In all that he undertook he was successful, owing to his enterprise, keen discrimination and straightforward business policy. At the time of his demise he, was serving as the president of the Xenia National Bank, which had become one of the most important and reliable financial institutions in this part of the state. Mr. Allen was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Ann Nunnemaker, the wedding being celebrated on the l0th of December, 1839. They became the parents of two daughters, who are yet living : Mrs. Mary A. Kinney and Clara. Mrs. Allen died April 30, 1902. Mr. Allen was a man of strong domestic tastes who found his.. greatest happiness at his own fireside and counted no personal sacrifice too great that: would promote the welfare of his loved ones. In his home he showed a genial nature and an interest that was always awake to everything pertaining to the happiness of his wife and children. In his political views he was a stalwart. Republican, unswerving in his advocacy of the party, and while not an aspirant for of he served his city and county faithfully in the different official positions that came to him. He was a member of the city council for many years, and for some time was. its president, and his well known financial judgment was of much value to the city. He also was a member of the board of county commissioners for a number of years: In: 1891 he was elected a member of the state-legislature and was again elected in the fall. of 1893, but his death occurred on the 21st of December of that year, before entering upon his second term. Mr. Allen had a very deep and sincere-interest in young men, and often assisted them to gain a start in life, aiding them not only by wise council and experience, but also with financial support. The poor and needy found in him a warm friend who never sought his help in vain. He had the reputation of being a very liberal man, yet: he was entirely unostentatious in his giving. He never cared for public approval upon his benevolent actions, content in having done his duty toward his fellow men, and often even those who were the recipients of his:. bounty knew not from whence came their aid. Churches and charitable institutions:. benefitted by his liberality, and his wealth was so worthily used that the most envious-. 852 - ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. could not grudge him his success. Iii his business affairs he prospered—and who deserves prosperity more than such a man ? His banking interests were attended with success and also his investments, and he left his family in very comfortable circumstances. He regarded himself, however, only as the steward in charge. Few men have realized more fully how much good can be accomplished for the public welfare, but Mr. Allen was continually alert to the opportunities for assisting those around him. The best thoughts and efforts of his life were wrought into. Xenia's prosperity. He stood in his -old age, when clothed with the honor of wealth and the regard of hosts of friends his life work had won, just where he stood fifty years before when a young man beset with difficulties—for the best elements of Christian progress, for education, for temperance, for absolute justice, for the dignity of manual labor and for the Bible. Such a life record is well worthy of study and of emulation. The story of his achievements should inspire all young men with .a truer estimate of the value and sure rewards of character. JOHN CHARLES DODDS. John Charles Dodds is well known in the business circles of Xenia as the junior member of the firm of George Dodds & Son, dealers in marble. He was born in Xenia, January 24; 1874, and in the public schools acquired his education. When about sixteen years of age he entered upon his business career, at which time he began learning the trade of a marble cutter, carver and engraver in the employ of his father. For him he worked on a salary for seven years, during which time he mastered the business, becoming an expert in that line., He was then admitted into the firm, which since 1897 has been known as George Dodds & Son. Their patronage is extensive, covering a wide territory and the excellence of their -work in-sizes a liberal continuance of a large trade. On. the 23rd of June, 1897, Mr. Dodds was united in marriage to Elizabeth S. Stephens, of Xenia and a daughter of Rev. a P. and Mary C. Stephens, both of whom. were natives of. Ohio. Her father was a minister of the Methodist Protestant church and is the father of Chancellor D. S. Stephens, D. D.., of Kansas City University. He was very Well known in his denomination and for some time served as a pastor of a church in Xenia. His influence was of a superior order for his work proved very effective in promoting the moral development of the county.' He died during the infancy of his daughter Mrs. Dodds who was the youngest of six children. Her mother now makes her home with our subject and his wife, whose marriage has been blessed with two children; John Charles, who was born on the 12th of July, 1898, and Mary Katherine, born April 22, 1902. In politics Mr. Dodds is an independent Prohibitionist. He is a member of Xenia Lodge, No. 49, F. & A. M. Both he :and. his wife are members of the First Methodist Episcopal church of Xenia, and teachers of was Sunday-school and for three years he was president of the Epworth League. Their influence is widely felt in church circles and, their efforts are effective in promoting the cause of Christianity. They are now occupying a fine residence which Mr. Dodds recently erected at ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY - 853   No. 218 Hilt street and their home is noted for its gracious hospitality. Mr. Dodds is one of the young business men of Xenia, possessing the enterprise and progressive spirit so characteristic of this land. His lau&.ble ambition, keen business sagacity and strong determination have been salient factors in promoting the success attending the firm of Dodds & Son. ',The house bears an unassailable reputation and its prosperity is well merited. ALBERT F. HERING. For over a century the Hering family has been prominently identified with the agricultural interests of Greene county, and have taken a very active part in its development and upbuilding. The subject of this sketch was born in Beavercreek township, December 16, 1845, and is a grandson of Jacob Hering, one of the honored pioneers of the county, who Came to America from Switzerland, and an 1795 settled in Greene county, Ohio, about two miles south of where our subject now lives in Beavercreek township. He was married to Miss Barbara Richenbach Palerm, a native of Switzerland, and to them were born four children, one son and three daughters, namely : Elizabeth, Margaret, Barbara and Jacob, all now deceased. Jacob Hering, the father of our subject, was born on the old homestead in Beavercreek township, in 1808, and amid pioneer scenes he grew to manhood, his education being obtained in an old log school house east of the farm. In later years he built a school, house upon his own land which he donated to the district. He remained with his father until the death of the latter, and after attaining his majority they engaged in farming in partnership. He cast his first presidential vote for William Henry Harrison, and continued to support the Whig party until its dissolution, when he became a stanch Republican, and always took an active and prominent part in local politics. For twelve years he served as treasurer of his township, was trustee a number of years, and school director most of his active life, always taking a great interest in educational affairs. Fraternally he was a member of the Odd Fellows Lodge, No. 52, of Xenia, and both he and his wife held membership in the Reformed, church of Beavercreek township. In 1831 be wedded Miss Mary Steele, a native of that township, and to them were born nine children, six sons and three daughters, as follows : Amanda, a resident of Beavercreek township; Ebenezer, John William, Nancy. Ann and Angeline and David W., all five deceased ; Henry Harrison, who was born in 1840, and is now a physician of Minnesota; John Jacob, deceased ; and A. F., of this review. In 1861, at the opening of the Civil war, Henry H. Hering, enlisted in Company E, Seventy-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, of which he was made first lieutenant, and after serving four years was mustered out with the rank of captain. His brother, John J. Hering, was commissioned first lieutenant of Company E, One Hundred and Fifty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, but was later transferred to Company A and was made adjutant of the regiment. After serving three months he contracted typhoid fever and was sent home, where he died in October, 1864. During his boyhood and youth A. F. 854 - ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. Hering attended the public schools of his native township and completed his education in the schools of Xenia. At the age of twenty years he commenced farming for his father upon 'the home place, and remained under the parental roof until 1892, when he pur: chased the farm on which he now resides, consisting of about one hundred acres in Beavercreek, township. Here he is now engaged in general farming and stock-raising, and is acknowledged to be one of the best and most successful agriculturists of his community. Although he raises cattle and hogs, he makes a specialty of horses, and is a good judge of the noble steed. In 1874 was celebrated. the marriage of Mr. Hering and Miss Matilda Munger, a daughter of Harris and Elizabeth Munger, well known farming people of Beavercreek township, although previously residents of Montgomery County, Ohio, where Mrs. Hering was born. She is a first cousin of Judge Munger, of Xenia. To our subject and his wife have been born five children, namely : Clarence F. married Alice Wilson, of London, Ohio, where they now live; E. Russell is a resident of Hamilton, Ohio; Jacob Earl still lives at home and is now attending a commercial school in Dayton; Mary E. and Harris M. are also at home., In his political views Mr.. Hering is a stalwart Republican, but has never been prevailed upon to accept political honors. He takes, however a deep interest in educational affairs, and has been a member of the school board for a number of years. He and his wife and four children are members of the Reformed church, and the family is one of prominence .in the community where they reside. EDWARD. O. GERLAUGH. With the agricultural interests of Beavercreek township Edward O. Gerlaugh has long been prominently identified; and is accounted one of the most skillful and successful farmers of his community. A native of Ohio, he was born in Montgomery county, February 27, 1846, and there spent the first six years of his life, but since that time has made his home in Greene county. Jacob Gerlaugh, the father of our subject, was born in Beavercreek, this county, in 1810, and was a brother of Arthur Gerlaugh, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this volume. The former grew. to manhood upon the old homestead in Beavercreek. township., and was a student in an old log, school house which stood about three-quarters of a mile below the farm. It was a primitive structure, light being admitted through oiled paper instead of glass, and seated With slab benches. At that time the early settlers shelled their corn by the horses-tramping over it. Jacob Gerlaugh assisted. in the work of the home farm until thirty years of age when he was united in marriage. to Miss Anna Miller, who was born in Virginia, and on coming to Ohio made her home with an uncle in Montgomery county,. until her marriage. Thirteen children blessed this union, namely : William, deceased; Oliver, who died in infancy; Lydia Ann, who married Jacob, R. Black and lives.. in Illinois; Edward O., of this review ; Taylor, also a resident of Illinois; Mary Jane and Martha Ellen, twins, the former of whom is living in Dayton, and the other on the old home farm in Bath township, this county; Haines, a resident of Illinois; Hattie, the wife of Charles Weiffenbach, of Bellaire, Michigan ; Alice, who died in infancy ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY - 857 Jacob, who makes his home in Illinois ; Henry, deceased; and Saran Belle, wife of Frank Weiffenbach of Dayton. Of this family William Gerlaugh was among the brave boys in blue during the dark days of the Civil war, being a member of Company E; One Hundred and Fifty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He left Alpha. on the 1st of May, 1864, but was soon taken prisoner by the rebels at Moorfield, and was starved to death in Salisbury prison, North Carolina, dying February 15, 1865. The mother of our subject died in 1893, and the father passed away in February, 1897. Throughout life he successfully engaged in general farming and stock-raising, his crops being principally corn, wheat, oats and barley. He kept good grades of horses and cattle, making somewhat of a specialty of the best Leicester sheep and short horn cattle, and he took great pride in his stock, being a lover of all dumb animals which. have become so useful to mankind. Mr. Gerlaugh was a, man of high moral character and had the confidence and respect of all who knew him. Edward O. Gerlaugh was educated in district school No. 4 of Bath township, where he continued his studies until seventeen years of age, and then took his brother's place on the farm where he now lives, the latter having died in the service of his country. He now owns two hundred and eighteen acres of highly improved and productive land, it being- considered one of the best and most desirable farms of its size in the county. The old house was destroyed by fire in 1887, and he has since erected a more modern and pleasant residence, and made many other useful and valuable improvements, the place being supplied with all the conveniences and accessories found upon a model farm of the present clay. Mr. Gerlaugh has made a specialty of breeding and raising Hereford cattle and has registered stock at the head of his herd. He was one of the first to introduce this variety in the county. He is a, member of the Hereford Breeders' Association and is interested in a high grade of cattle. In 1870 Mr. Gerlaugh married Miss. Martha Ellen Harshman, a native of Beavercreek township, and to them were born seven children, as follows : William and Anna, both now deceased; Edward, a resident of Dayton; Oscar, Luella and Jacob,. all at home; and Earl, who is attending high. school. In politics Mr. Gerlaugh is independent, voting for the men and measures. that he believes will best advance the public. welfare. He withholds his support from no enterprise calculated to promote the moral, social or material welfare of his community.. MARTIN PETERSON. For almost a century the Peterson family has been identified with Greene county, its representatives contributing their full. share to the development and substantial upbuilding of this portion of the state, and the work which his ancestors began Martin. Petersbn is carrying steadily forward for he is accounted one of the loyal and proressive men of his section. He now follows farming in Spring Valley township, where he has a pleasant home and a valuable prbperty. It was upon this farm that he was born, first opening his eyes to the light of clay on the 9th of May, 1836, his parents being Jonas and Susan (Coiner) Peterson.. His great-grandfather came from Switzerland to America and probably settled in Virginia. Martin Peterson, an uncle of our 858 - ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. subject, served as a soldier of the war. of 1812. Jonas Peterson was born in Berkeley county West Virginia, and his wife in Augusta county, Virginia, and both came with their respective families to Greene county about 1806. The paternal grandfather of our subject resided for a time in Ross county, Ohio, and later spent a year or two near Caumbus, but for some time made his home in this county. Later he removed to Montgomery county, Indiana, where he purchased land and carried on farming in connection with blacksmithing, having learned his trade in early life. The dual pursuit was his means of livelihood throughout the years of :his manhood. He died in Indiana at a ripe old age. The father of our subject also learned and followed the blacksmith's trade, and farming claimed a portion of his attention. He operated a smithy on the farm where the brother of our subject is now living. As the years passed he made extensive investments in real estate until he was the owner of about one thousand acres of land lying in Spring Valley and Cedarcreek townships. In his political views he was a Democrat and was lOng a faithful member of the German Reformed church, in which he served, as an elder for many years. He died upon the home farm, and the mother of our subject has also passed away. In their family were ten children who reached mature years : Jane, who married John Huffman and at her death left four children ; John, who made his home in Spring Valley and at his death left five children ; David, who died at his home, in Montgomery county, Indiana ; Hannah, who became the wife of. John Mallow and died. leaving three children ; Taris, of this. county, who left three children ; Elizabeth, who married Philip Paget and died leaving four children; Sarah, thd wife of Silas DeWitt, of Dayton, by whom she has four children ; Martin, of this review ; Jonas, who lives in Spring Valley ; and Christopher C., also of Spring Valley. Upon the home farm our subject spent his boyhood days, receiving but a limited education for his services were needed in the cultivation of the fields. When about twenty-three years of age he was married to Miss Catherine Shook. Their son, Lysander, is manager of the stockyards of Dayton. He is married but has no children. On the 6th of June, 1869, Mr. Peterson was again married, his second union being with Miss Nancy J. Evans, who was born in Spring Valley township, a daughter of Robert and Sarah (Coppock) Evans. They have one son, J. R. Albert. The first land which Mr. Peterson ever owned was a tract of ninety-six acres which he purchased of his father. To this he has added as his financial resources have increased until he now has two hundred acres of valuable and arable land that returns to him a good living as the result of his labors. 'The many improvements upon the place are monuments to his thrift and enterprise. In former years Mr. Peterson voted with the Democracy, but becoming disgusted with political, methods does not vote at all ,now. Both he and his wife are consistent members of the German Reformed church and he is a deacon of the church. ROBERT L. GOWDY, LL. B. Robert L. Gowdy is one of the younger members, of the Greene county bar but has already :attained a) position which many an ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY - 859 older practitioner might well envy. He was born in Xenia township, this county, on the 24th of October, 1865, and is a son of Robert and Emily (Manor) Gowdy. His father was born in the city of Xenia, where the grandfather, Robert Gowdy, located in :pioneer days, having come here from Virginia in 1812, accompanied by his three brothers, John, Ryan and Samuel. They were the early owners of much of the land on which the business portion of Xenia is now located. The family is further mentioned in the historical part of this work. The grandfather served as a captain in the war of 1812. Robert Gowdy, the father of our subject, was at farmer and throughout his entire life carried on agricultural pursuits, owning a valuable tract of land adjoining the city of Xenia. During his later life he joined the ranks of the Republican party. On three different occasions he served as director of the county infirmary. He married Emily Manor, also a native of Xenia. His death occurred October 26, 1894, when he was seventy-five years of age, and his wife passed away in 1883 at the age of fifty-three years. Both were faithful and consistent members of the Presbyterian church of Xenia, in which Mr. Gowdy served as elder for many years. Robert L. Gowdy, of this review, acquired his preliminary education in the city schools of Xenia and later was graduated in the high school, after which he assisted his father in the work of the home farm until he ,entered upon the study of law as a student in the Cincinnati Law School, now a department of the University of Cincinnati. He completed the full course and was graduated in the class of 1889 with the degree of LL. B. In June of the same year he was admitted to the bar and then opened an office in Xenia, where he has since practiced. Like all men who enter the profession, he had to begin at the very bottom round of the ladder and work his way upward. He has gained an enviable reputation and the zeal with which he has devoted his energies to his profession, the great regard evinced for the interests of his clients, and an assiduous and unrelaxing attention to all the details of his cases have brought to him a large business and made him very successful in its conduct. His entire time is given to his law practice and his devotion to his clients' interests is proverbial. The past few years he has occupied a pleasant suite of rooms in the Allen block. Mr. Gowdy was united in marriage to Jessie M. Glotfelter, of Trebeins,, Ohio,' a daughter of W. H. Glotfelter, an old resident of that place. The wedding was celebrated on the 1st of November, 1893, and has been blessed with one son, William H. The parents are members of the Presbyterian church, and Mr. Gowdy is a Republican in politics,. but has never been a politician in the sense of office seeking although he served as city solicitor for two terms, filling the position from 1895 until 1899. He is a member of Xenia Lodge No. 49, F. & A. M. His social qualities render him popular, while his marked ability has given him prominence, in his profession. SYLVESTER GEORGE LAFONG. Sylvester G. Lafong, now deceased, was throughout life one of the leading farmers of Beavercreek township, as well as one of 860 - ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. its most highly respected citizens. A native of the Old Dominion, he was born irk Spottsylvania county, Virginia, May 23, i8-24, but was quite young on coming to Greene county, Ohio, with his father, George Bernard Lafong, the family . locating on Ludlow creek. In that locality he received his education, and after leaving school worked for his father a number of years. He then engaged in farming on his own account, but still continued to reside with his father for some time. On February 19, 1852, Mr. Lafong was united in marriage to Miss Barbara Lantz, a native of Washington county, Maryland, and a daughter of John and Catherine Lantz, the former of whom was born in Virginia, the Utter in Maryland. She is the oldest in a family of six children, two sons and four daughters, the others being John Daniel, a resident of Beavercreek township; Catherine Jane, deceased ; Jacob Louis, who lives. about a mile from Mrs. Lafong; Mary Elizabeth, deceased ; and Ellen, who lives below Xenia. No children were born to our subject and his wife. After his marriage Mr. Lafong continued to work for his father for a number of years, and later engaged in farthing in Beavercreek township on the farm where his widow now resides and which she purchased after the death of her husband. It consists of one hundred and sixty-two-acres, which is under a high state of cultivation and improved with good and substantial buildings. Mr. Lafong carried on general farming quite successfully, raising all kinds of grain, and also gave considerable attention to the raising of cattle, sheep and hogs. The Democratic party always found in him a stanch supporter of its principles; but at local elections he voted for the men he thought best qualified for the positions. He,. with Mrs. Lafong, were long active and faithful members of the Lutheran church, in which he served as elder for a number of years, and at his death, which occurred in 1878, the community realized that it had lost one of its most reliable and trustworthy citizens as he Commanded the respect and confidence of all with whom he came in. contact either in business or social life. His. estimable wife still survives him and is held in the highest regard by a large circle of friends and acquaintances. She has shown much business ability, having purchased the farm and carried on business successfully-many years. DAVID R. BREWER. David R. Brewer, who resides in Xenia. township, was born in Miami township on the 15th of February, 1846, and has always lived in Greene county. His parents were John G. and Sarah (Miller) Brewer. The paternal grandfather was a native of New Jersey and died in that state at the age of ninety-eight years. The father was born near Trenton, New Jersey, and there lived until he had attained his majority, when he came to Ohio, the state being largely an unbroken wilderness at that time. The year 1817 witnessed his arrival and he took up his abode in Greene county near Yellow Springs, where he worked at his trade of wagon-making and carpentering. He also engaged in farming and continued to make his home at the first place of his residence in Greene county until 1872, when he removed: ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY - 861 to Xenia and leased a farm known as the Lucas property. There he carried on agricultural pursuits until his retirement from business life. He was a prosperous and, progressive man, his business interests being 'capably conducted. In politics he was a Republican after the organization of the party and prior to that time he gave his support to the old Whig party. He held membership in the Presbyterian church, and died in that faith in 1884 at the age of ninety-three years. The mother of our subject departed this life in 1880 at the age of eighty-four years. She was a native of Rockbridge county, Virginia. Her father died when he was very young and in 1805 she became a resident of Ohio. Unto the parents of our subject were born nine children : George A., who resides at Westerville, Franklin county, Ohio, where he is engaged in carpentering; William, a farmer of Clifton, Ohio ; Rebecca, who died about 1856 ; Pauline, the wife of C. H. Winters, a veteran of the Civil war, who is now living retired at Yellow Springs ; Charles E., who was a farmer of Xenia township and died in 1893 ; John G., a resident of Clifton, Ohio; Sarah, the wife of D. S. Dixon of Cedarville township; Martha L., the wife of J. D. Heller. who is living in West Main street in Xenia; 'and David R. of this review. The last named obtained his education in the common schools and in Antioch college, where he remained as a student for two years. On the expiration of that period he returned to the home place and has since devoted. his energies to farming and stock-raising, his well directed efforts in this direction bringing to him creditable success. The only interruption to his labor came in 1864, when, in response to his country's call, he joined Company A, of the One Hundred and Fifty-fourth Ohio Infantry for service in the Union army. He remained with that command for five months and then re-enlisted, becoming a member of Company K, One Hundred and Eighty-fourth Ohio Infantry, with which, he continued until the close of the war, when he was honorably discharged at Nashville, in September, 1865. During his services he participated in the battles of Moorefield, West Virginia, and of New Creek. He had three brothers who were also soldiers of the war, William H., John and Charles. John was a member of Company C, Seventy-fourth Ohio Volunteer infantry, and Charles served in Company F, One Hundred and Tenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, which was attached to the army of the Potomac. The family therefore has a most creditable record for loyalty and fidelity to the country. In 1884 Mr. Brewer was united in marriage in Xenia to Hannah A. Currie, a daughter of James Currie, now deceased. He was a farmer of Sugarcreek township and was born in Greene county. In 1901 Mr. Brewer was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife who died on the 27th of May of that year at the old homestead and was buried in Woodland cemetery, being at that time fifty-seven years of age. Two sons had been born of this marriage : Fred, who at the age of sixteen years is a student in the high school of Xenia ; and Robert, a youth of fourteen years. Both were born in the Lucas farm in Xenia township. In his political views Mr. Brewer is a Republican. He has never been an office seeker yet has served for eight years as county bailiff under Judge Smith. He holds membership in the First, United Presbyter- 862 - ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. ian church of Xenia, and is a citizen of worth, taking a deep interest in progress and improvement of the county along all lines of substantial development. JOHN HAROLD STORMONT. From Irish ancestry John H. Stormont is descended.. Representatives of the name came from the Emerald Isle to the new world and the family was established in the south. John Stormont, the grandfather of our subject, was born in South Carolina, and early in life engaged in teaching school. Emigrating westward he took up his abode in. Cedarville township, Greene county, Ohio, where he engaged in farming. His son, James C. Stormont, was born in South Carolina, July 17, 1831, and by his parents was brought to Ohio when only a few months old. Here he was reared amid the wild scenes of frontier life, and after attaining his majority he turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, purchasing all of the Stormont farm as it is at present with' the 'exception of twenty-five acres which he inherited. He lived in Cedarville township throughout the remainder of his days and there was accounted a successful and progressive agriculturist. He erected a large and handsome residence, which is now occupied by his widow, and made other substantial improvements upon his place. H'e married Jane Bradfute, a daughter of John and Eliza (Laughead) Bradfute, both of whom spent their last days in Miami township, Greene county. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Stormont were born two children, John H. and Lida, who died in 1887, at the age of twenty years. The father was twice married. On the 24th of March, 1857, he wedded Agnes McQuiston, and it was after her death that he married the mother of our subject. He was a very prosperous and enterprising farmer and at the time of his demise was the owner of considerable property, all of which had been accumulated through his own efforts. Prominent and influential in public affairs, he served for a. number of years as a' member of the school board, and was deeply interested in everything pertaining to the general good. He. died October 23, 1877. With his wife Mr. Stormont was a member of the Reformed Presbyterian church, of which he was a trustee. John Harold Stormont, of this review, was born, in Cedarville township, on the old homestead, October 26, 1863, and to the. district school system he is indebted for the early educational privileges which he enjoyed.. Later he became a student in the high school of Cedarville and through the. months of summer he assisted in the work of the home farm.. He still resides upon the old home place with his family and with his mother. Here he owns eighty acre:; of rich land, and also has charge of and op erates the old home farm of one hundred and five acres, all of which is' under a high state of cultivation, the fields annually returning to .him golden harvests for the care. and labor he bestows upon them. Mr. Stormont has made the breeding- and raising of red polled cattle a specialty and has about twenty head of registered animals in his herd.. He was among the first to introduce. them in this section of the state. Mr. Stormont was united in marriage on the 20th of October, 1887, to Miss Ida ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY - 863   Creswell, a daughter of Samuel and Eliza Creswell. Four children graced this marriage : Bertha, Edna, Mabel and Meryl, all of whom were born on the old home farm, and the family circle yet remains unbroken by the hand of death. Roth our subject and his wife hold membership in the Reformed Presbyterian church, in which he has served as trustee for a. number of years. In; his political views he is independent, preferring to devote his time and energies to his business affairs without entering political life. He takes an active interest in educational affairs, however, and is now serving his second term as a member of the township board of education. He is still a young man and possesses strong energy and laudable ambition. From his boyhood days he has been connected with the work of cultivating and improving the property which is now his ho1fne, and is widely recognized as one whose labors are bringing to him a comfortable competence. PROF. WILLIAM S. SCARBOROUGH, A. M., LL. D. William S. Scarborough, now vice-president of Wilberforce University, Wilberforce, Ohio, and professor of Greek and Latin. in the same institution, was born in Macon, Georgia, February .16, 1852. He received his early education in his native city before and during the Civil war. In 1869 he entered Atlanta University, where he remained two years in preparation for Yale University, but, instead, entered Oberlin. College, Oberlin, Ohio, in 1871, and was graduated from the department of philosophy and the arts with the. degree of A. B. in 1875. He spent a part of the fol lowing year in Oberlin Theological Seminary in special study of the Semitic languages and. Hellenistic Greek. In 1877 Professor .Scarborough was elected as head of the classical department in .Wilberforce University. In 1881 he published, through A. S. Barnes. & Company (New York), a Greek text-book—"First. Lessons in Greek"—the first and only Greek book ever written by a negro. This. book was widely used by both the white and colored schools of the country, especially. in the north. Professor Scarborough has also written a treatise entitled "The Birds of Aristophanes—a -Theory of Interpretation, aside from numerous tracts and pamphlets, covering a variety of subjects—classical, archaelogical, sociological and racial. He has written many papers for various societies. to which he belongs. In 1891 he was transferred to the chair of Hellenistic Greek, Payne Theological Seminary. In 1897 be was again, re-elected as professor of Latin and Greek in the university and vice president of the same. He has contributed largely to the press. of the country, including the leading magazines. He is one of the editors of the African Methodist Episcopal Sunday-scho61 publications, having filled that position for a number of years. He is a member of as number of associations : American Philological, American Dialect, American' Social Science, Archaeological Institute of America, American Spelling Reform, American Folk-Lore, American Modern Language, American Political and Social Science, the Egyptian Exploration Fund Association and the American Negro Academy, of 864 - ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. which he is first vice president. He has several times been one of the orators at the Lincoln League banquet of the state of Ohio. At a conference held'by the leaders of the race in the city of Columbus; Ohio, he was elected president of the Afro-American State League, designed to further the interests of the negro throughout the country. Professor Scarborough has traveled extensively in Europe. He was a delegate to the Ecumenical Methodist Conference, held in London in 1901, representing the African Methodist Episcopal Church. We take the following from the "New York Age," of July 18, 1902: . "While in Boston Professor W. S.. Scarborough, of Wilberforce University, was delightfully entertained by the colored graduates-of Harvard University and Amherst College at a reception given in his honor at the home of Mr. G. W. Forbes, a graduate of Amherst. Speeches were made. by Messrs. Forbes, Morgan,. Trotter; Lewis, Williams and. others eulogistic of the life and services of the professor in, behalf of his race. The professor replied, thanking them for the honor conferred upon him. Next year it will be twenty-five years since Professor Scarborough first became connected with Wilberforce University as,. its classical professor and he intend's to mark the event by publishing a Volume of his philological papers,: These papers have all been read before the American Association at its various annual sessions. Twenty years ago Professor Scarborough was first elected to membership in this body at Harvard University. This year the association again met at this venerable seat of learning and by way of commemorating the event Professor Scarborough read a paper on Thucydides. It is some of these papers that the professor intends to put into more tangible form for future use." R. HARVEY NASH. R. Harvey Nash, who is filling the office of county commissioner in Greene county, and is a well known farmer of Cedarville township, was born on the loth of March, 185i, his parents being John R. and Mary (Jackson) Nash. At an early epoch in the history of this county the Nash family was founded here, and the father of our subject was here born. His parents were Hugh and Rebecca Nash, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Ohio. Throughout his entire business career, the former followed the occupation of farming and at an early day established his home upon a tract of land in Greene county, which he transformed into a valuable property, becoming one of the pioneer agriculturists of this portion of the state. It was upon the old homestead that John R. Nash 'first opened his eyes to the light of day on the 25th of May, 1828, and there amid the wild scene's of the frontier he was reared to manhood, early becoming inured to the hard labor of developing a new farm. After arriving at years of maturity he was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary Jackson, who was born in this county, January 28, 1832, a daughter of Robert and Minerva Jackson, the former born in Pennsylvania and the latter in this state. Her father learned the miller's trade and also carried on farming. Mr. and Mrs. John R. Nash began their domestic life upon a farm and throughout his ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY - 867 active business career the father of our subject continued to devote his energies to the :tilling of the soil. Under the parental roof R. Harvey Nash spent the clays of his boyhood and pursued his education in the schools of Xenia. The occupation to which he was reared he has always made his life work and his energy and diligence have resulted in bringing to him very desirable prosperity; while the neat and thrifty appearance of the place indicates to the passerby the careful supervision of the progressive owner. The lady who presides over his home was in het maidenhood Miss Agnes G. Watt and- their marriage was celebrated on the 28th of November, 1876. Mrs. Nash is a daughter of William Watt, one of the representative farmers of Greene county, who served for six years as county commissioner and was widely recognized as the leading and influential citizen. In, early life he learned the carpenter's trade, but in later years carried on agricultural pursuits, devoting his attention to the work of the farm .until his death. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Nash has been blessed with five children, of whom four are yet living: Herbert W., Walter L., Charles E. and William E. The family are members of the First United Presbyterian church of Xenia and in his political :affiliations Mr. Nash is a Republican, having always supported that party since attaining his majority. On its ticket he was elected to the office of county commissioner on the 6th of November, 1900, and is therefore serving in that capacity at the present time. As a public official he is true to his promises and is most active and earnest in supporting every movement and measure which he believes will contribute to the general good. HARVEY R. McCLELLAN, M. D. For almost fifty years Dr. Harvey R. McClellan has engaged in the practice of medicine, the greater part of which time has been passed in Xenia. He is one of the honored pioneer physicians and has the love, confidence and respect of many households throughout this portion of the state. In the early days of his professional career he would drive for miles across the country, undeterred by summer's suns or winter's cold and always ready to render assistance to those who needed the physician's aid and never stopping to ask whether. his services would receive financial remunerations: He is now engaged only in office practice, but still has the skill and ability which ranks him foremost among the leading physicians and surgeons of Greene county. The Doctor was born November 27, 1827, in Wooster, Wayne county, Ohio, his parents being John and Nancy .(Elder) McClellan, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania. The McClellan family is of Scotch-Irish lineage, while the mother was of Scotch descent. John McClellan, Sr., the grandfather of our subject, served in the war of 1812 and for many years was an enterprising farmer of Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania. John McClellan, Jr., the Doctor's father, became an agriculturist of Wayne county, Ohio, although at an early date he learned the blacksmith's trade. In 1831 he removed . to Greene county, locating in Xenia township, where he engaged in farming for many years. He reached the advanced age of eighty-five years, and his wife. passed away at the age of eighty-eight. In their family were eleven children, 868 - ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. of whom three are yet living: Rebecca Collins, who is the widow of Samuel Collins and is residing in Xenia at the age of ninety-one years; C. B., a. retired dry goods merchant, who resides in Oskaloosa, Kansas, at the age of seventy-nine; and Harvey R., of this review. In the district schools the Doctor gained his early education, which was supplemented by study in the Shawnee Academy, of Xenia, where he took a course in classics and higher mathematics. On completing his literary education he began teaching school in Beavercreek township, but after a short time commenced the study of medicine; and in 1852 he entered the office of Dr. Samuel Martin, who directed his reading for three years. During the winter months he attended lectures in Starling College, of Columbus, Ohio, completing the full course, and was graduated with the class of 1854. He then began practice in Cedarville, but after two years came to Xenia, where he has remained for forty-six consecutive years. He has been alone during the greater part of the period. However, he admitted his son, Dr. Benjamin R. McClellan, to partnership,, and when his son retired from the firm Dr. W. T. Finley became his partner and was associated .with him in business for eight years. Our subject now gives his attention to office practice while his son, Dr. B. R. McClellan, attends to the outside practice. In 1898 the former founded a hospital in Xenia, which lie has since conducted, making a specialty of surgical work. A perfect master of the construction and functions of the component parts of the human body, of the changes induced in them by the onslaughts of disease, of the defects cast upon them, as a legacy by progenitors, of the vital capacity remaining in them throughout all vicissitudes of existence,—this knowledge has made Dr. McClellan a most skilled and capable physician and surgeon. He succeeded because he desires to succeed. He is greatbecause nature endowed him bountifully, and he has studiously, carefully and. conscientiously increased the talents which were given him. For many years he also conducted a drug store in Xenia and se-. cured for himself a very profitable income. In October; 1855, the Doctor was mar ried to Ruth Sheperd Nieukirk, a native of Ohio, although born of New Jersey parent--age, They became the parents of six children, of whom three are yet living: Charles. Lee, who is manager of the opera house in Xenia; Benjamin R., a successful practicing-physician here; and Frank Wiley, who is a. clerk in the freight office of the Cincinnati,. Hamilton & Dayton Railroad at Xenia.. The mother died on the 1st of June, 1894, and on the 29th of October, 1899, the Doctor was united in marriage to Miss Martha. Rader, of Xenia. . The Doctor holds membership, in the' Presbyterian church and for many years was one of its officers. In politics he is a stalwart Republican, but has never given his consent to accept office. He has been identified with the State Medical Society for many years and is the only surviving charter member of the Greene County Medical Society. During the Civil war he was a contract surgeon in the army and was stationed at Pittsburg Landing, Nashville and for two months was in the Cumberland hospital and also had charge of the Exchange Barracks in Nashville for a Month. He was with the Army of the Potomac and ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY - 869 rendered valuable service in alleviating the sufferings of thOse who were wounded upon the field of battle. Many have reason to feel very grateful to him for his skill. as a practitioner in Greene county. In a paper which he read before the Greene County Medical. Society upon the experience of early physicians, he said that he estimated that he had driven a distance which would be equal to a threefold trip around the world, covering seventy-three hundred miles each year. Dr. McClellan has witnessed much of the growth and development of Greene county and is a public-spirited. citizen, deeply interested in its. progress and welfare. His life has a busy, useful and honorable one, commending him to the confidence and regard of all, and no history of this portion of the state would be complete without his record. GEORGE W. BRANDT. A native of Germany, George W. Brandt was 'born on the i6th of February, 185o, and is now a resident of Beavercreek township where he follows the occupation of farming. He is .a son of John and Mary Brandt. The father came to this country prior to the arrival of his wife and children, making his way to Cincinnati, where he remained for two weeks, then came to Beaver-creek township, Greene county, Ohio. Here he lived for a year and in that time was joined by his family. On the expiration of that period he removed to Missouri, but spent only six months in that state, because of the drought. The future prospects in that state did not appear very bright and he returned to Ohio and took up his abode upon the farm which is now the home of our subject. His residence was a little log cabin which he occupied for a few years. In the fall of 1860 he purchased forty-six .acres of land and to this he added from time to time. as his financial resources were increased, until he had about one hundred and fifty-six. acres and had accumulated some money beside. He certainly deserves great credit for what he accomplished for when he left the fatherland he had to borrow money with: which to make his passage to the new world. He possessed resolution and determination, however, and throughout his entire life of active business engagement he overcome every obstacle and difficulty in his path by reason of his strong purpose and indefatigable industry. Thus he won success and. left to his family an example well worthy, di emulation as well as a good property. He-died in December, 1897, at the age of seventy-eight years and his wife passed away in 1893. . They had two children : George W. and Mary, but the latter died in 1874. The father was a Democrat in his political affiliations and both he, and his wife were earnest: Christian people belonging tici. the Reformed church. Their remains were interred in Mount Zion Park cemetery. George W. Brandt, whose name introduces this record, pursued his education in. the schools of Beavercreek township and. always remained under the parental roof.. He was content to assist his father in the cultivation of the fields and throughout the years Of his manhood has carried on farming, becoming one of the prosperous and substantial citizens of his community. He was-married January 10, 1889, to Miss Lottie Engle, who was born in Beavercreek town- 870 - ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. ship and is a daughter of John and Elizabeth (Coy) Engle. Her father was born in :Maryland and is now living in Zimmerman, Greene county. Mrs. Engle was a daughter of NichOlas Coy. Our subject and his wife have a pleasant home in Beavercreek township where Mr. Brandt owns a fine farm of two-hundred and sixteen acres. He has recently erected a good residence, large and commodious, and has good barns and cribs. The work on the farm is carried on in an energetic manner and as the years have passed Mr. Brandt has added to his capital, his success coming to him in return for his :indefatigable labor. JOHN MENDENHALL. J0hn Mendenhall is one of the highly respected and honored residents of Spring Valley township. He has passed the psalmist allotted span of three-score-years and ten, having almost reached . the seventy-fourth milestone on life's journey. He resides upon a farm in Spring Valley township, two miles northeast of the village of Spring Valley, and it was here that he was born on the 4th of December, 1828, representing one of the pioneer families of the county. His parents were William and Betty (Walton) Mendenhall. The father was born in Guilford county, North carolina, October 25, 1799, his parents being John and Ruth (Brown) Mendenhall. The grandfather of our subject was born March 6, 1759, probably in North Carolina, and his wife's birth occurred on the 4th of April, 1767. With their family they removed to Ohio, settling in Spring Valley township about one mile east of the farm upon which our subject now resides. This was in 1805. The district was an unbroken wilderness and in the midst of the forest the grandfather developed and improved a farm, upon which he spent his remaining days, being laid to rest in the Cedar Creek burying-ground by the side of his wife, who had passed away a few years previously. William Mendenhall was a little lad of six summers when brought by his parents to Ohio and here amid the wild scenes of pioneer life he .wars reared and assisted in the arduous task of developing a new farm. He married Betty Walton, who was probably born in Frederick county, Virginia, October 15, 1805, her parents being Edward and Deborah (Allen) Walton. The parents of our subject were married November 2, 1825, and began their domestic life on the old Mendenhall homestead; where their first three children were born. When our subject was about five years of age the father purchased ninety-nine acres of the farm upon which John Mendenhall is now living. A portion of it had been cleared and a log cabin had been built that now fornis a part of the present residence which stands on the place. It has been weatherboarded, however, and otherwise greatly improved. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Mendenhall were born ten children : Deborah, the wife of Abijah Steddon, of Richmond, Indiana; John; Anh, the wife Of Amos Compton, of Warren county, Ohio ; Hannah, the wife of Elihu Spray, of Leavenworth county, Kansas ; Edward, who married Ann Fryant and died in Wayne county, Indiana ; Samuel, who married Elizabeth Atkinson and died in Clinton county near New Burlington Ruth, deceased ; Catherine, the wife. of Amos S. Compton, of Spring ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY - 871 Valley; Margaret, the wife Of F. Marion Burnett, of. Clinton county ; and William Allen, who married Ida Shepherd, and died in Spring Valley. Samuel was a soldier of Company D, One Hundred and Tenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served for three years. He participated in many battles but was never wounded or captured. He. took part in the engagements at Winchester and Gettysburg- and in the Richmond campaign, together with many other of the important movements and battles of the great war. The boyhood days of our subject were quietly passed on the home farm. Probably the first important event of his life occurred March 6, 1856, in Warren county, at which time he was married to Miss Eunice Compton, who was born in Spring Valley township just west Of New Burlington, August 9, 1834, her parents being John and Rebecca (Steddon) Compton. Her paternal grandfather was Amos Compton. Her father was born on the farm where Mrs. Mendenhall also opened her eyes to the light of day. He was a well-to-do man and bought a farm of two: hundred acres in Clinton county upon which our subject and his wife resided for fourteen years, when they removed to their present home in Spring Valley township. Our subject inherited it after his mother's death and he purchased fifty-seven acres adjoining. Nine children have been born unto our subject and, his wife: Alice S., the wife of Chillis T. Johnson, of Spring Valley township, by whom she has one child, Rosa Eunice; William H., who lives in Greene county. and married Emma Stubbs, by whom she has two children, Edith A. and Everett J.; Morrow, who married Anna Bradford. and has one living child,. Erma M., and has lost one; Anna. R.,, who was born July 4, 1863, and died February 2, 1876; Amy B., the wife of William H. Lumpkin, by whom she has three children; Albert J., Edward R. and Lawrence Leon; Mary C., who was born in 1868 and died in 1879; Orville John, who married Caroline S. Bradford and lives in. Spring Valley ; Amos C., of Spring Valley, who wedded Luella A: ,Ana.bee and has one: child, Mildred; and Jennie E., who married. Isaac 0. Peterson and resides in Spring. Valley. Mr. Mendenhall was brought up an opponent of slavery and in 1852 voted for Scott, while in 1856 he voted for John C. Fremont, the Republican party having been formed to prevent the further extension of slavery. He has since been one of its advocates, but has never been an office seeker. Both he and his wife are birthright members. of the Society of Friends and attend the ser vices of the church in Spring Valley. HENRY KYLE. Upon a pleasant farm property ing. Cedarville township resides Henry Kyle. This is his native township, his birth having occurred within its borders on the loth of February, 1832. His parents were Samuel and Rachel ( Jackson) Kyle. The maternal grandfather, Robert Jackson, was the third child of David and Elizabeth Jack son, and was born in 1758, at Newtown, Limavady, County Derry, Ireland. With his father he came to America in the year 1762. Samuel Kyle, the father of our subject, was born in Pennsylvania and when quite young accompanied his parents on 872 - ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. their removal to Kentucky, the family settling near Lexington, where he remained until some years .after his marriage. He wedded Ruth Mitchell and unto them were born six, children,. all being now deceased, but after the death of the wife and mother the father was again married, his second union being with Rachel Jackson, the mother of our subject. In 1804 he came to Ohio-, settling south of Cedarville, on what is now known as the Silas Murdoch farm, there spending his remaining days .and transforming the land into a highly improved property. He was a prominent member of the old Seceder church, serving as one of its elders.. He also took a very prominent part in civic life and for many years served as associate judge, his decisions proving so fair and impartial that he was long retained in the office and enjoyed in the highest degree the confidence and respect of his fellow men. He passed away :in March, 1856, his widow surviving him for one year, when she died upon the old home farm at about the age of seventy. She had also been a member of the Seceder church at one time but later joined the Associate Reformed church with her husband, in which he also served as elder. In the family of this worthy couple were fifteen children, but only five of the number are yet living, as follows: Thomas, the eldest, is a surveyor residing in Champaign, Illinois, and was a captain in the Civil war. Henry is the next. Martha is the widow of :Thomas. Kennedy, and resides at College Springs, Iowa. Roaland. is a resident farmer of Cedarville township, and Mary is the wife of John Murdoch, of Cedarville. Henry Kyle spent his boyhood and youth upon the old home place. At the usual age he began his education, pursuing his studies in a log schoolhouse in his township, while later he became a student in the high school of Cedarville, then conducted by James Turnbull and Andrew Amyx. His father's farm comprised nearly a thousand acres and the sons had ample training in the methods of cultivating the fields there. In 1859 our subject removed to his present farm in Cedarville township, and here he purchased one hundred: and sixty acres of land, to which he has since added another quarter section. He put all of the improvements upon the property, remodeled the house, and erected a large and substantial barn.. Here he has since lived, being largely engaged in stock. raising. He makes a specialty of polled. Durham cattle, Norman horses and Poland-China hogs. In .his business operations he has met with creditable and deserved success, and is now the possessor of a handsome competence. In the spring of 1858 Henry Kyle. was united in marriage to Harriet D. Colver, a daughter of Standish and Elizabeth Colver, who were residents of Union county, Ohio, but both are now deceased.. Mrs. Kyle was a devoted member of the United Presbyterian church, was a faithful wife and mother, and a friend to be trusted at all times. She died at her home in Cedarville township in 1893, at th'e age of sixty-two years, and was laid to rest in Massies Creek cemetery. She was the mother of six children, all of whom survived her: Charles C., a. minister of the United Presbyterian church, now living in southern Illinois, married Lida Mitchell. They have one daughter, Helen. H. jeroe resides at Churchville, New York, and is a United Presbyterian minister. He wedded Elizabeth ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY - 873 Chambers, and their children are—James, Christina and Harriet. John M. resides upon the old home farm. Victor, a minster of the United Presbyterian. church, residing in Alexis, Illinois, wedded Mary Porter. Don and Clara are still at home. All of the children were born in Cedarville township in the present home of Mr. Kyle. As has been indicated, the religious, faith of the family is that of the United Presbyterian church, and Mr. Kyle belongs to the organization of that denomination at Clifton. For many years he has served as one of its elders and has put forth every effort in his power to promote the cause of Christianity along these lines. He has served as road supervisor, and in his political views was a Republican in early life, but is now a Prohibitionist. Although he has reached the age of three score years and ten, he has spent his entire life in the county and has witnessed the, greater part of its development, for it was largely a wild region in his childhood days. His father built the first brick house in Cedarville township. Mr. Kyle carried on the work of improvement and development begun by his father, and has co-operated in many movements for the general good. His life history is largely familiar to his many friends in this locality and all know him to be a man worthy of public trust and confidence and one deserving of representation in this volume. JOHN F. PUTERBAUGH. Among the well known farmers of Beavercreek township whose enterprise and indefatigable labors have been salient features in their success, is numbered John F. Puterbaugh, whose birth ocurred on the 4th of December, 1878, on the farm which is still his home. He is a son of Samuel and Harriet (Davis) Puterbaugh. His father was born January 14., 1844, in Greene county, Ohio, and is a son of Samuel Puterbaugh, Sr. The mother of our subject was born in Beavercreek township, April 30, 1848, and the marriage of the parents was celebrated on the 11th of November, 1869. Three children came to bless their union : Samuel, who was born December 28, 1870, died on the 5th of January, the following year ; Ida May, born June 20, 1872, died October 16, ,1881; so that the subject of this review is the only surviving member of the family. The father (lied on the 18th of March, 188o, and on the 25th of October, 1882, Mrs. Puterbatigh became the wife of John G. Ernst, but she, too, is now deceased, having been called to her final rest on the 23rd. of June, 1886. Throughout his entire life the father of our subject had carried on agricultural pursuits, with the exception of the period of the Civil war, when, feeling that his duty was to his country he put aside business cares and joined the Union army. In the schools of Xenia, John Franklin Puterbaugh was educated. His father died when he was only two years of age and after his mother's death he lived with his aunt, Mrs. George Moore, remaining with her until he was eighteen years of age. He afterward worked for two years upon a farm and then continued his education as a student in Scio college in Harrison county, Ohio, where he remained for two years. The first year he devoted his attention to the mastery of the studies of a commercial course and during the second year pursued English branches. On the 27th of December, 1899, Mr. 874 - ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. Puterbaugh was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary V. Thompson, who was born in Carroll county, Ohio, a daughter of Robert and Sarah J. Thompson, who resided in London township, that county. They are still living and are well known people of the community. Mr. and Mrs. Puterbaugh began their domestic life upon the farm which they now occupy, this land having been in possession of the family through three or four generations. Their home has been blessed with the presence of one.son, Robert Samuel. Our subject owns and operates two hundred and fifty acres of the rich farming land of Ohio and is giving his attention to the cultivation of the ground and the raising of stock. He is also well known as an agriculturist, has a splendid peach orchard containing nearly nine hundred trees and is thoroughly conversant with the best methods of caring for his land and improving his crops and his fruit and raising of stock, and in all branches of business he is meeting with creditable and gratifying success. He exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the Republican party ; but has never sought or desired office. Both he and his wife belong to the United Presbyterian church of Sugarcreek township. He is yet a young man and his business ability has been manifested in his capable control of his excellent property. R. A. KELLY. No history in Greene county would be complete without mention of R. A. Kelly, who contributed in a very large measure to the upbuilding and prosperity of Xenia, by the establishment of one of its most import-. ant industries. "Peace," said Charles Sumner in one of his most eloquent orations, "hath its victories no less renowned than war:" The man whose 'enterprise has. included within its grasp the traffic of distant lands and the production of many and. various commodities has really achieved a. greater triumph than the warrior who has. led conquering hosts over desolate homes. and amid ruins of sacked cities; and if this.. peaceful hero uses his wealth wisely, and by his enterprise and beneficence makes thousands happy and contented, his victories are greater than those of the martialed hosts. "whose garments are stained with blood." "He that ruleth his own spirit is greater than he that taketh a city." Athong such heroes R. A. Kelly is entitled to a high place of honor. During a long and successful:, commercial life, characterized by enterprise,.. he ever maintained, an. enviable reputation for the highest honor and principle; and no unworthy deed or word ever linked itself with his name; and no citizen in Ohio made better or more unostentatious use of his accumulations. R. A. Kelly was a native of Ireland. He was born in Guilford, County Down, on the 16th of October, 1838. In his early youth he became an employe in a flax and linen concern of Dunbar, McMasters & Company. He left his native land in 1855 and entered the :employ of Finlayson, Bonsfield & Company, manufacturers of linen thread at Johnston, Renfrewshire, Scotland,—but the broader business opportunities of the new world attracted him .and he sought a home in America. It was in 1859 that he crossed the Atlantic, taking up his abode in Paterson, New Jersey, where he entered the employ of the Dolphin Manufacturing Com-