600 - MADISON COUNTY, OHIO. farm, and has rented it for cash. His tenant, Matt Burrell, has lived on the farm for many years. For some time Mr. Chrisman has devoted his entire attention to overseeing the farm, but has resided during this period. in London. Reed Chrisman's wife before her marriage was Matilda Amelia Wolf, who was born at Sidney, Ohio, August 28, 1879. Mr. and Mrs. Chrisman were married at Sidney, Ohio, November 24, 1900. They have had no children. Mr. Chrisman is a Republican in politics. Mrs. Chrisman is a member of the Lutheran church. She is active in the various societies of the church and prominent in the religious life of London. Mr. and Mrs. Chrisman are good citizens, popular in the social life of London and highly respected throughout Madison county. MRS. ABNER JOHNSON. The lady whose biography is briefly presented in these lines is deserving of special mention as a well-known resident of Jefferson township, this county. She had always been a helpful and sympathetic companion for her husband through his untiring efforts for success, and a kind and loving mother to her family of children, as well as always finding time to assist and help care for those in sorrow and distress. Emma J. (Olney) Johnson, widow of Abner Johnson, of West Jefferson, this county, was born on May 14, 1850, near Big Darby, in Jefferson township, a daughter of Judson and Lydia (Ayle) Olney, the former of whom was born at Athens, Ohio, and the latter, at Georgesville, Ohio. Mr. Olney was the youngest of four children of Jeremiah and Polly (Truesdale) Olney. His father gave him a farm, on which he started to build a house, but he died in August, 1855, before its completion. Legal complications arose, and his widow got very little out of his estate. After fourteen years, Mrs. Olney married, secondly, Abraham Johnson and lived on the farm where Mrs. Abner Johnson now resides, and where she and her second husband spent the remainder of their lives. No children were born to this second marriage, but to Judson and Lydia (Ayle) Olney, were born two children—Emma J., the subject of this biographical sketch, and Webster P. Olney, who resides at West Jefferson, and is the owner of a farm in Jefferson township. Jeremiah and Polly (Trusdale) Olney, paternal. grandparents of Mrs. Abner Johnson, came from Connecticut at an early date, settling first at Athens, Ohio, and moving later to Jefferson township, this county. They made the entire trip from Connecticut by ox team, the most common method of transportation in those days. They located on what is now known as the Seeva farm, where they both died. Politically, Jeremiah Olney was a .Republican, and both he and his wife were of the Baptist faith, of which church they were regular attendants. It is supposed they, were of English lineage. Emma J. Olney was united in marriage, August 26, 1866, to Abner Johnson, on the home place, where they went to housekeeping. Abner Johnson was a son of Abraham and Elizabeth (Kane) Johnson. To Mr. and Mrs.. Abner Johnson were born seven children, six of whom grew to be men and women, namely; Edna (deceased), who was the wife of John Lucas.; Anna, who married Charles Temple and lives in Champaign county; Jennie, who lives at home with her mother; Ethel, also at home; E. W., who lives in West Jefferson, a well-known broker and attorney, a sketch of whom is presented elsewhere in this volume; Carrie, the wife of Charles Shannon, of West Jefferson, and Earl, who is at home. Abner Johnson died on May 18, 1908, aged about sixty-four years. Politically, he was a stanch Democrat, and for years had taken an active part in local politics, serving as township trustee and road superintendent. His fraternal alliance was with the Masons at West Jefferson, of which order he was a member for many years, and in his religious belief, he belonged to the Methodist church. Mrs. Johnson and family also are members of the same church. MADISON COUNTY, OHIO - 601 Abraham and Elizabeth (Kane) Johnson, parents of Abner Johnson, were both natives of Madison county, the former having been a son of Jacob Johnson, also a native of this county, who was a .son of Michael Johnson, a native of Ireland, the Johnsons having been among the very early pioneers of Madison county. The maternal grandfather of Abner Johnson was Daniel Kane, a native of Germany. Mrs. Johnson is the owner of a comfortable farm, situated one mile south of Gillivan, in Jefferson township, which she continues to manage. She is well known, and has many warm friends in the community where she resides. The pleasant evening time of the life of this good woman is made more pleasant by the presence of numerous grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Her deceased daughter, Mrs. Edna Lucas, was the mother of four children, namely : Mrs. Bertha Bidwell, who has one child, a son, Merwin; Bruce, who married Alma Lowell ; Paul, wit() married Dorothea Zimmerman and has one child, a daughter, Anna Belle, and Nellie, a teacher in the schools of West Jefferson. .Mrs. Anna Temple has seven children, Marie, Merle, Flora, Homer, Erton; Leona and Harold. Mrs. Carrie Shannon has two children, Orville and Cleone, and Edward W. Johnson, who married Odessa E. High, has one child, a daughter, Isabelle. MILTON EUGENE THOMAS. Milton Eugene Thomas, son of Milton and Margaret Thomas, was born in Union township, Madison county, Ohio, July 29, 1873. When he was eight years old the family purchased a farm known as the Horace Sanford farm, in Monroe township, and moved there. Milton grew to manhood, attending school during the winter and helping with the farm work in the summer, until at the age of twenty-five years he started to farm for himself, on rented land, first in Monroe, then in Pleasant. last in Pike township, where he lived for eight years on the C. W. Phellit farm of seven hundred acres. Leaving this farm he moved to the house purchased of Frank Kaufman (in March, 1910), consisting of seventy acres, with an eight-room house, having all the modern conveniences, as furnace, bath, acetylene lights etc.; barns for horses and other live stock ; a plant for the manufacture of drain tile; a saw-mill and houses for the principal men. In addition to his own farm, Mr. Thomas rents an adjoining tract of one hundred and ninety-six acres. Mr. Thomas is especially interested in the breeding and raising of good stock, having full-blooded Percheron horses, Shorthorn cattle and Poland-China hogs. He has held several large public sales, which were well patronized. because of the quality of the stock offered and the fact that he stood back of them. On March 6, 1900, M. Eugene Thomas was united in marriage with Nell A. Williams, daughter of Joseph and Adelia (Bradley) Williams. She was born on October 22, 1875, in Madison county, where she has always lived with the exception of two years spent with an aunt in San Diego county, California. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas grew up on adjoining farms and went to the same school. They have two children: Lohren Williams. born on February 11. 1901, and Margaret Adelia. September 25. 1908. The family are all members of the Plumwood Methodist Episcopal church and are connected with the Rosedale Union church. where Mr. Thomas has served several years as Sabbath school superintendent. They take an active part in the temperance cause through the Woman's Christian Temperance Union and the Dry Federation, and have a deep and sincere interest in the advancement of the welfare of the community. Politically, Mr. Thomas is a stanch Republican, taking an active interest in local politics. serving in various offices; at present he is on the central committee of Madison county. The prosperous and well-cared for farm owned by Mr. Thomas is located on rural 602 - MADISON COUNTY, OHIO route 3, seven .miles southeast of Mechanicsburg. where he has won and retains the respect of the entire community. John Milton Thomas, father of the subject of this sketch, was born near South Solon, Ohio; and was a son of Benjamin Thomas, a. direct descendant of Joseph Thomas, the "White Pilgrim." John M. Thomas was united in marriage with Margaret Anna Carr, by whom he had seven children, four. of whom are living in 1915: Luella, unmarried, and living in Mechanicsburg, Ohio; M. Eugene; Mamie, wife of Charles A. Arganbright. of Lima, Ohio, and Howard C.: of Chicago. Those dead are Samuel, Linnie Wilson and Florence Reed. ALBERT NEWTON JONES. Two of the most highly respected citizens of Darby township, Madison county, Ohio, are Mr. and Mrs. Albert Newton Jones, both of whom are descended from pioneers of the great Buckeye state, and both of whom are well known in Madison county. Mr. Jones is the proprietor of "Oakwood Farm," a tract of sixty acres situated one and one-half miles southwest of Plain City, and Mrs. Jones owns two hundred acres of land in Canaan township, a tract known as the David Herrington farm. They are interested in every phase of farm life and both are leaders in the community where they live. Albert N. Jones was born in Union county, Ohio, November 2, 1858, and is a son of Thomas and Marian (Newton) Jones, the former of whom was born in South Wales, July 29. 1820, and who died February 19, 1908. Thomas Jones came to. America with his parents in 1834. and located with them in Columbus. Ohio, where he grew to manhood. Later he engaged in the saddlery business in Madison: county. He was married to Marian Newton. the daughter of Albert Newton, who helped to give him a start in life. Albert Newton was one of the early settlers on the Dary Plains. having come to Ohio from the state of Vermont in 1814. A wheelwright and chair manufacturer y trade and business, Albert Newton was a prosperous man and made a great deal of money during his active life. He was a. large landowner on the Dary Plains, progressive in all movements for the welfare of his community, a zealous worker in the Methodist church, and an all around useful citizen. Albert Newton and his wife were the parents of one child, now Marian Newton. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Jones are the parents of six children, as follow : Albert N., the subject of this sketch; Charles M., a prominent farmer and stockman of Jerome township. Union county, Ohio, married Ida Snyder. of Mt. Gilead, Ohio; Elmer E. is a shoe dealer of Los Angeles. California ; Harriet became the wife of J. D. Jones. the latter of whom was a native of Wales. now living in Cleveland, Ohio; Winfred is deceased, and Ann. died at the age of ten years. Albert Newton Jones was reared on a farm in Jerome township, Union county, Ohio and received his education in the district schools of his home township. He attended school until he was eighteen years of age, but remained at home until he reached the age of twenty-five years. His father had been one of the first breeders of Percheron horses in the state of Ohio. and Albert N. naturally became interested in horses and has made a commendable success of this line. Albert N. Jones was married to Flora Price on April 30, 1884. She is a daughter of John and Sarah (Wilson) Price, and was born on February 27. 1861. the eldest child of her father's family. She was reared on a farm in Canaan township and educated in the district schools and is a graduate of Shepherdson College, of Granville, Ohio, having finished the course in that excellent institution in 1882. Mrs. Jones is a member of the Presbyterian church at Plain City. Mr. Jones is an adherent of the Democratic party, although not taking an. active part in political MADISON COUNTY, OHIO - 603 affairs, preferring to devote his time and attention to his extensive agricultural interests. Mr. and Mrs. Jones have traveled considerably and are enjoying life in full measure, having fine farms, which are well managed and very productive. They are honored and respected residents of their community, thoroughly in sympathy with the spirit of the times in which they live. Mrs. Jones is a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and is prominent in this order. Mr. and Mrs— Jones are the parents of one child, who died in infancy. AMOS F. GREEN. M. D. "No one is living aright unless he so lives that whoever meets him goes away more confident and joyous tor the contact. Faith in -all ultimate. good should be so vital that it can communicate itself, as with a vibratory impulse to others." If there is one profession above all others, in the practice of which faith and optimism are essential, it is that of the physician. His attitude toward life must be a wholesome. one if he is to bring health and happiness to those who need his ministry, and he must also have within. his personality those elements which inspire confidence, not only in him as a Inman benefactor, but also in the. Eternal Goodness. The :man who can -be a success in an exacting profession of this kind,. and can so win the respect and trust of a community as to become its chief executive must indeed, be forceful personality. Such a man is Dr. Amos F. Green, physician and surgeon, and mayor of West Jefferson, this county. Amos F. Green was born on October 23, 1859, in York, Pennsylvania, the son of Amos S. and Susan (Forry) Green. His early environment offered very little promise for the career of a physician, but like so many of the country's most useful citizens, he received his education in the "university of hard knocks." As a youth of seventeen, he came alone to. Ohio and secured work on a farm near Fairfield, where for a time he was employed by the month. From boyhood it was his ambition to study medicine but the road to fulfillment of his dreams was neither easy nor short. For some years after leaving the farm he was a fireman on the Pennsylvania railroad. snatching a minute now and then when off duty to read his medical books. By hard work, he was able to save enough money to enter Starling Medical College at Columbus. from. which, after three years, of work, he was graduated and from which he received his medical degree. Having been obliged to earn every dollar spent in securing his professional training. he Was heavily in debt when he left college to enter on the practice of his profeson. but he went to work with a determination that could mean nothing less than success. Doctor Green first located a Georgesville, Franklin county, this state. where he remained for four years. at the end of which time he went west, but presently returned to Ohio and made his home in Lilly Chapel, this county. where he practiced until April 1905, at which time he located in West Jefferson, where he had built up a successful practice. On June 2. 1906. Dr. Athos F. Green was. united in marriage to Mrs. Josephine B.. Smith. who is the mother, by. her first marriage, of Marie Smith a graduate of the West Jefferson, high school. and now. a student of the Ohio State University at Columbus. Airs. Green is the daughter of Thomas E. and Mariah (Bennett) Biggert. natives of Franklin county. She obtained her elementary education in, the local schools of her girlhood home and later attended the college at Ada, Ohio. Doctor and Mrs. Green are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and take much interest in the work of the church, the doctor being a member of the board of trustees. and Mrs. Green an active worker in both church and Sunday school. both giving liberally of their time and means to further the success of the church. Doctor Green is connected with the county and state medical societies and is a past 604 - MADISON COUNTY, OHIO. master of Madison Lodge No. 221, Free and Accepted Masons; past noble grand of Gilroy Lodge No. 695, Independent. Order of Odd Fellows; and a member of Camp Chase No. 7276, Modern Woodmen of America. Doctor Green is a Republican, and since locating in this county has taken a warm interest in local politics. He was elected mayor of the village of West Jefferson in November, 1913, and is now serving in that elective capacity. RUBY N. CONVERSE. Ruby N. Converse enjoys the distinction of living on and owning "Oak View Farm," where he was born. He is an extensive breeder of high-grade live stock, and has specialized in raising Duroc-Jersey hogs. Ruby N. Converse, who is living on rural route No. 2, out of Plain City, Ohio, was born on "Oak View Farm," a tract of one hundred acres situated one and one-half miles southwest of Plain City, Ohio, December 26, 1873, the son of Lemuel D. and Laura A. (Thomas) Converse. Lemuel D. Converse was born in Darby township, Madison county, Ohio, January 21, 1826, the son of the Rev. Jeremiah Converse, who was one of the early settlers of Darby Plains, having come to Ohio from Vermont. Laura A. Thomas was born in Logan county, Ohio, near the famous cave. She is still living and residing in this county, although her husband died in 1909. They had five children, three of whom are now living. Carrie is the widow of C. H. Rouse, of Columbus, Ohio. Pearl D., of Plain City, Ohio, is the vice-president of the Chase Manufacturing Company, of Columbus. Ruby N. is the subject of this sketch. Ruby N. Converse grew up on a farm in Madison county, the one where he now lives and which his mother owns, and, when he reached manhood. was married to Grace E. Smith, the daughter of James A. Smith, who was born in Washington township, Franklin county, Ohio, and who received a good education in the schools at Plain City. Mr. and Mrs. Converse have had two children. Effie L. graduated from the Plain City high school of the class of 1911. She is unmarried and lives at home. H. Smith is a student in the Plain City high school at the present time. Mr. Converse is a member of Pleasant Valley Lodge No. 193, Independent Order of Odd Fellows. and is a past grand in this lodge. He is also a member of Canaan Grange, and votes the Democratic ticket Mrs. Converse is a member of the Daughters of Rebekah. ROBERT ALEXANDER WILSON. Prominently identified with the various movements designed to advance the material prosperity of the fine agricultural district surrounding West Jefferson, this county, Robert A. Wilson, a descendant of an old pioneer family of Madison county, takes his place as a substantial young agriculturist of that section; where he has earned the sincere regard of those with whom his dealings have brought him in contact, and who is eminently deserving of specific mention in a volume of this character. Robert A. Wilson was born on a farm east of West Jefferson, this county, on September 28, 1893, son of Henry C. and Kate (Farrar) Wilson, prominent residents of that locality, the former of whom was born in Canaan township, this county, on April '23, 1856, son of Alexander and Martha J. (Milliken) Wilson, and who were the parents of but two children. both sons, the subject of this sketch having a broter, Walter F., a prosperous farmer in Montana. Alexander Wilson was the son of William D. Wilson, one of the early pioneers of Madison county and a man who did much for the development of this section. Reared on the paternal farm, Robert A. Wilson received his elementary education in the district schools of his home neighborhood, which he supplemented by two years MADISON COUNTY, OHIO - 605 in the high school at West Jefferson, after which he went west and for a time was located in Nevada, but presently returned hone and entered seriously upon tie life of a farmer. He has divided his attention between general farming and stock raising, his well-kept place, "Buena Vista Farm," on rural route No. 2, out of West Jefferson. this county, being looked upon as one of the model farms of that section. On December 20, 1914, Robert A. Wilson was united in marriage to Edna M. Carter, who was born in Brown township, Franklin county, this state, on February 10, 1895, daughter of T. C. and Ella (McMurray) Carter, well-known residents of that section of the state, and to' this union a son has been born, Richard Carter, born on October 3, 1915. Mrs. Wilson completed her schooling in the West Jefferson high school and she and her husband take a prominent part in the social activities of the neighborhood in which they reside, both being held in the very highest esteem by their many friends thereabout. Mr. Wilson is a Republican and takes a good citizen's interest in the political affairs of the county. He is a hustling and enterprising young farmer and an upright and honorable citizen of this county, who enjoys the confidence of all who know him. ANDREW CARY. Andrew Cary, a retired farmer of Plain City, Darby township, was born in June, 1837, in the same township where he now resides. He is a son of Solomon and Anna (Milliken) Cary. He was reared on a farm in Canaan township, where he attended the common schools, receiving but a limited education. He acquired a thorough knowledge of agriculture under the supervision of his father, and at the age of twenty-one years started to farm on his own responsibility. He built a nice house on his farm and resided there until 1910, when he came to Plain City on April 14, of that year. Mr. Cary was greatly interested in stock raising, devoting the most of 'his time in that direction. and produced some very fine animals, including many fine horses. Politically, he has always given his support to the Democratic party, and has been active in local politics, serving for an extended period as trustee of Darby township. Solomon Cary, father of the subject of this sketch, was a native of Pennsylvania, and came to Ohio when a young man, locating in Canaan township, where he spent the remainder of his years. His wife, Anna (Milliken) Cary, who was a daughter of Col. James Milliken, was born in Pennsylvania and came to Madison county with her parents in very early times. To Solomon and Anna (Milliken) Cary were born three children: Andrew:, John, deceased; and Catharine, who died at the age of nine years. John Cary was reared in Madison county. and died at Milford, Ohio. Solomon Cary was a son of Abijah and Catharine (Johnson) Cary. Abijah and Catharine (Johnson) Cary were the paternal grandparents of Andrew Cary, the former being a native of Pennsylvania. He came to Ohio when a young man and located in Canaan township. The maternal grandfather was Col. James. Milliken, and his wife was Elizabeth Milliken. They came in very early times to Madison county, where they purchased land which had to be cleared before he could build a log cabin. They lived here many years and then moved to Big Darby, where Mr. Milliken died. His children were nine in number. John; Daniel, Samuel, Jacob. James, Anna, Eliza. and two others. Andrew Cary was united in marriage on October 7, 1868 with Flora E. Burnham, daughter of Darius and Lucretia (Hunt) Burnham. She was born on June 12, 1841, in Madison.county. Ohio, where she was reared and educated in the district schools. Mr: and Mrs. Andrew Cary had five thousand dollars when they were married, Which they invested in one hundred and sixty acres of land, all in woods and swamp. 606 - MADISON COUNTY, OHIO Mr. Cary built a log cabin and set to work to clear and ditch his land, to which he continued to add other tracts, until he owned .one thousand and ninety-six acres of as valuable land as there is in Madison county. After becoming satisfied with his financial success, Mr. Cary divided his holdings between his children, keeping only sufficient for the needs of himself and his good wife. He now lives in a comfortable residence on East Main street in Plain City, surrounded with all the comforts f life. ARCH WALKER: Among the prosperous agriculturists of Madison county. Ohio, is Arch Walker, proprietor of "Oak Run Farm," one of the wealthy landowners of Madison county, who has been able to rest on his laurels and enjoy his distinction as a successful and progressive farmer, retiring from active pursuits at an age when he is justly entitled to a life of ease and condom Arch Walker was born on July 31, 1849, in Brown township, Franklin county, Ohio and is a son of William and Catherine (Carpenter) Walker. He was reared to the life of a farmer in Brown township, Franklin county, and was educated in the district schools, attending during the winter 'seasons and assisting on the farm during the summers, until about sixteen years f age; His father. died When he was four years old. Mr. and Mrs. Walker now Control eight hundred acres f fine tillable land, the most of which is under cultivation. Mr. Walker has always voted the Prohibition ticket. He is a member of the Baptist church and his wife and one daughter belong to the Presbyterian church. William Walker, father of Arch Walker, was a native of Vermont and moved to Franklin county, Ohio, when a young man, locating in Brown township, Franklin county, at a later period,. where he was united in marriage with Catherine Carpenter, who was a native of Delaware county, and a daughter of Israel and Susan (Hess) Carpenter. To this union were born six children, three of whom are living in 1915: Maria became the Wife of J. M. Beach, of Plain City; Cynthia is married to Robert Patterson: of Brown township, Franklin county; Arch, of Plain City; Sylvia was married to Thomas Beach and is now deceased; Leonora became the wife of John H. Milliken, and is now deceased; Cassius B., now deceased, was married to Iva Wright. The paternal grandfather was William Walker, Sr., a native of Vermont, who came with his family to Madison county, Ohio, locating in Canaan township, and lived there until late in life, when he sold out and moved to Iowa, where he died. He had a family of eight children, three of whom were sons, William, 'Nathan, and Daniel, by his first wife. By his second wife, he had two sons, Solomon, and Joseph, who went west; Catherine and two 'other daughters. Arch Walker was united in marriage on December 19, 1873, with Sophronia Dominy. who was born in 1854, in Canaan township. Madison county. Ohio. She died in 1890; leaving surviving, her husband and three children, Louise K., Alvin W., and Anna Mary; Louise K. was educated in the public schools, and also had a good education in music. Alvin W. was married to Nellie Hager, and resides at Tucson; Arizona: They have two children, Holly and Gretclien. twins, Anna Mary' is a .graduate of the Plain City high sehool, and later attended the Ohio State University, from which she was graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Arts, in the class of 1906. after which she became principal of the West Jefferson high school, and was teacher of history in the Troy, Ohio, high school. Arch Walker was married secondly, to Sarah Milliken, on March 5. 1896. He was horn on July 11, 1851, in Canaan. township, Madison county, and is a daughter of Jacob and Sarah (Cary) Milliken. Mrs. Walker was educated in the public schools MADISON COUNTY, OHIO - 607 and later attended the Ohio Wesleyan University, and spent some time in college at Delaware, Ohio. Mr. Walker, on his paternal grandmother's side, traces his ancestry back to the Revolutionary War. He and his present wife are a most affable couple, and Mrs. Walker has always been a kind and loving mother to Mr. Walker's children. The Walker farm is one of the most attractive and best cared for places in the county, located in Canaan and Dary townships, known as "Oak Run Farm," and Mr. and Mrs. Walker enjoy a circle of friends extending far beyond their immediate community. Mr. Walker has raised a good deal of stock of all kinds—horses and hogs being his specialty. He never aspired for office. He is a man well known and liked. In 1896 the family moved to the splendid residence on West Main street where they have since resided, in Plain City, Ohio. Mrs. Walker is a member of the Presbyterian church. ELMER L. BETCHTEL Elmer L. Betchtel, mayor of Plain City, and operator of the Pennsylvania lines at that place; was born on January 17, 1867, at Tremont City, in Clark county; Ohio, and is a son of Lafayette and Sarah A. (Carter) Betchtel. He was reared in the village of Tremont, Ohio, where he was educated in the public schools, and the Barr Normal School, which he attended for two years. After leaving school he accepted a position with the Pennsylvania Railroad Company at Westville, Ohio, in August, 1886, and has been with them ever since, with the exception of one year in the eniploy of te Chicago. Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad Company at Chicago, Illinois. Mr. Betchtel came to Plain City in 1901, where he has since resided. He has long 'been an active supporter of the Democratic party, serving for six years on the school board, and in 1909 was elected mayor of Plain City, and was again elected to that office in 1915, which office he now fills. Mr. Betchtel's religious membership is with the Methodist Episcopal church, and. his fraternal alliance is with McGraw Lodge No. 433, Knights of Pythias. at Westville. Ohio, where he is a charter member and past chancellor, and a member of the grand lodge. Capt. Lafayette Betchtel, father of the subject of this sketch, was born at Springfield. Ohio, and his wife, Sarah A. (Carter) Betchtel, was born near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Mr: Betchtel was engaged in the grocery business at Springfield, and later at Tremont City. When the Civil War broke out. he enlisted in Company I. of the Forty-fourth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in which he was advanced to captain, serving in all four years. To Mr. and Mrs. Lafayette Betchtel were born' five children, two of whom are living in 1915, Samuel C. Betchtel, an iron moulder at Springfield. Ohio; and Elmer L. Elmer L. Betchtel was united in marriage on 29, 1889. with Viola Dyer of Hilliard Ohio. She was born 'in Franklin county, Ohio, and received her education at the district 'school of Hilliard. Mrs. Betchtel is an earnest member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and is the mother of four Children, namely: Irma E.. who was a student at the Plain City high. school, and was killed on December 5, 1912. oil the Pennsylvania railroad where she was an operator.; Reuben W. is a graduate. of the Plain City high school, and is at present attending Wittenburg College; at Springfield, Ohio; Iva L., also a graduate of Plain City high school, is a flue operator; and is now attending Oxford College, 'taking musIc: Faith is in the grades of the Min- City schools. Mr. Betchtel is a great friend to education, and has given his children all the advantages possible, regardless of cost, and is proud of his investment He is known as a public-spirited citizen, with the interests of his home town sincerely at heart. 608 - MADISON COUNTY, OHIO. JAMES H. McCLIMANS Many of the sons and daughters of far off lands have, even a sacrifice emigrated from the ties of father and mother, firm in the belief that home opportunities were either f no material account or that the goal was further on. Such was not the opinion of James H. McClimans, who was born on October 10, 1854, in Range township, Madison county, Ohio, of early pioneer parentage. He is the son of Isaac and Elizabeth (Clarridge) McClimans, to whom were born nine children, four of whom are deceased. Isaac McClimans was born in 1805, in Pickaway county, Ohio, and in 1812, at the age of seven years, removed to Madison county, Ohio, with his parents. He lived in Range township, where he farmed until his death, in 1880. At the time of his death he was the owner of large farming interests, consisting of seven hundred acres of land, located in Madison county. He was prominent in his community and served as district school director for many years. Elizabeth Clarridge was born in 1813, in Fayette county, Ohio, near Yankeetown, and died in August, 1896. Edmond Clarridge, her father, was a farmer and the propagator f the celebrated "Clarridge corn," which is so extensively used for seed in this and adjacent counties. Realizing the splendid opportunities for advancement on a large scale in te agricultural field, James H. McClimans, who was reared on the old home farm, remained there until the death f his father, and in 1880, at the age of twenty-six years, proceeded to farm his own land, located in Range township, and map out for himself those plans which he executed with wonderful success. After farming in Range township, he went to Pickaway county, where he supervised his wife's property for two years and then. with far-seeing sagacity, purchased twenty acres of land on the north edge of Mt. Sterling. on the London road. This property he platted off into town lots, naming the townsite McClimansville. All of these lots were sold and on most of them buildings have been erected, he having constructed many of them himself. In 1895 he came to Mt. Sterling and erected one of the finest residences in the town, it being the first electric-lighted dwelling in the town. In his .large agricultural pursuits, Mr. McClimans has been a noted breeder of Poland China hogs, Jersey cattle and high-grade poultry, also making specialties f flowers and fruit. In conjunction with his wife he is one of the largest landowners in this section and he has made numerous exhibits of fruit and flowers at the Mt. Sterling fairs, with a special exhibit in 1893. When twenty-six years of age, James It McClimans was united in marriage to Mary F. Bennett, who was born on February 26, 1861, in Pickaway county, Ohio, and whose parents were William and Rhoda (Van Buskirk) Bennett, natives of Ohio and of English descent. These parents lived in Pickaway county, where the mother died, the father dying later in Indiana, where he had large farming interests. William Bennett was primarily responsible for the discovery of the great Muncie oil fields. While in Pick-away county he was extensively engaged in farming. In the latter years of his life he was retired from active business, and at the time of his death was possessed of large holdings. To William and Rhoda Bennett were born four children: Sarah Sophia (Mrs. O'Day). Winfield Scott (deceased), Mary Frances (Mrs. McClimans), and Laura Jane (Mrs. Heath). Mrs. McClimans. is descended from one of the leading old pioneers of the state of Ohio, Peter Van Buskirk, who, about 1799, emigrated from Alleghany county, Maryland, to Ohio, being one of the earliest settlers in Pickaway county, and settling on what is known as Van Buskirk's run, which was named for him. Among his children was Mrs. McClimans grandfather, Rev. John Van Buskirk, who was born in Allegany county, Maryland, November 19, 1795, and who died on September 15, 1874, aged seventy-nine years. On February 8, 1821; he married Sophie Seward, who was born in Virginia on MADISON COUNTY, OHIO - 609 July 8, 1799. Their children were as follow: Caroline, who married John Wood; Diantha, who became the wife of S. Rowlen; Peter married Rebecca Wood; Rhoda, who married William Bennett; Sarah, the wife of H. Russell; Orlando, who married Elizabeth Betts; Francis Marion, who married Diantha Hayes; and Mary, the wife of Adam Bailey. To Mr and Mrs. McClimans two children have been born, Mrs. Nellie R. Baker, of Mt. Sterling, and Mrs. Vona Corkwell, who resides in Pickaway county, Ohio. James H. McClimans and his wife are members of the Christian church, and Mr. McClimans is a member of the Farmers Grange. He has, met every emergency and promoted his thoughts into action with such unerring accuracy that the history of his life can only stand for good judgment. coupled with vigorous application. He has secured a large competency, which he and his father can enjoy as the years go by. MRS. SARAH PRICE. Mrs. Sarah Price, whose name initiates this sketch, is descended from a fine old pioneer family in Ohio, and is a lady of refinement and culture, and is one of the large landowners f Madison county. Sarah (Wilson) Price. widow of John Price, of Plain City, Darby township, Ohio, was born on March 10, 1844, in Madison county, Ohio. and is a daughter of William D. and Nancy (Moore) Wilson. Sarah Wilson was reared to womanhood in Canaan township. where she was educated in the common schools, and has spent her entire life in Madison county. William D. Wilson, father of Sarah Wilson. was a son of Valentine and Eleanor (Judy) Wilson. He was reared on a farm. and at the time of his death, owned nine thousand acres of land, devoting his time and attention to general farming and cattle raising, and was known throughout the entire country as the "cattle king" of Madison county, Ohio. He began life as a poor man, but inherited about two hundred acres of land, which gave him a good start. after which he managed his affairs so wisely that his worldly goods rapidly increased. Mr. Wilson died in 1873. and his wife, Nancy (Moore) Wilson, died in 1882. William D. and Nancy (Moore) Wilson were the parents of eight children, Alexander, James Monroe, Eleanor, Lafayette, William M., Sarah, Washington and Taylor. Alexander Wilson was married to Martha J. Milliken, and acquired great wealth as a dealer in live stock. James Monroe is deceased. Eleanor became the wife of Benjamin Morris. Lafayette is a farmer in Madison county, Ohio. William M. is deceased. Washington was a farmer in Madison county, but died some years ago. Taylor was a farmer and died the same year as Washington. Valentine Wilson. grandfather of Sarah Wilson. was born in Kentucky, and endgrated to Ohio at an early date, where lie was married three times, and was the father of eighteen children, of whom the following were the children y his first wife, William D., James, Eli, John, Matilda, and Malinda, all deceased. Sarah Wilson was united in marriage on December 8. 1859, with John Price, son of James and Margaret J. (Ryan) Price. He was born on July 1, 1833 in Clark county, Ohio. and grew to manhood there. receiving his early education in the district schools. Immediately after their marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Price removed to their farm where they lived happily, and continued to make their home at that place until the death of Mr. Price, which occurred forty years after their marriage. Mr. Price was a Republican. He was public-spirited, and expressed his interest by serving as infirmary director for five terms. His fraternal membership was with the Masonic order, which he joined (39) 610 - MADISON COUNTY, OHIO when he was twenty-one years of age. He was a Knight Templar, and a thirty-second-degree member of the Scottish Rite. Mrs. Price owns magnificent farm lands .comprising eight hundred. and sixty-six acres., Mr. and Mrs. John Price were the, parents of two children, Flora P. and James, Wilson. Flora P. was a college graduate and is now the wife of Albert M. Jones, a farmer, and they reside in Darby township. James Wilson, who first married Elizabeth Worthington and had two children, Mary and John. He married, secondly, Grace Sherwood, and has ,no children. He is now in, the real-estate business in Plain City. Mr. John Price died on November 17, 1899, in Canaan township, after which Mrs. Price moved to Plain City, in 1904, and resides on East Main street. Mr. Price devoted the majority f his time to his farms. His remains now, rest in Forest Grove cemetery, Plain City. James and Margaret J. (Ryan) Price, were the parents of John Price, the former being a native of Wales. The paternal grandparents were James and Mary (Harvey) Mrs. Sarah (Wilson) Price still owns a portion of they old Wilson homestead, consisting of three hundred and sixty acres, in addition to another valuable farm of five hundred acres at Price Corners. She is a good, Christian woman, and is well loved by the poor for her many generous acts of charity, and her sympathy for those in distress. REV. AMOS L. ROGERS. Rev. Amos L., Rogers, minister, of the Methodist, Episcopal church, Plain City, Darby township, Madison, county, Ohio, was born on April 14, 1862, in Madison county, and is a son f Evan A. and Elizabeth (Philips). Rogers. Be was reared in. Van Wert and Allen counties, Indiana, coming to Greene county, Ohio, where be was employed on a farm. His education was obtained at the district schools, graduating from the district school at West Liberty, Ohio, after which he taught in the yillage school. He also taught one year in Greene county, Ohio, and then entered the Ohio Wesleyan University, at Delaware, Ohio, remaining three years, after .which he began to preach in the Methodist Episcopal church, At the end of four years he re-entered college and graduated from the Ohio Wesleyan University with the degree of. Bachelor of Arts. in 1900, and has followed the ministry. ever since. Rev. Amos L. Rogers is a Republican. His splendid country home. consisting of two hundred and, thirty-seven acres, is located on the middle pike, four miles south of Plain City, Ohio,, and is known as "The. Oaks." Evan A. Rogers, father of the subject, of this sketch, was born, in Frederick county, Virginia, and was a son of Evan Rogers, of Virginia. Evan A. Rogers .was reared to manhood there and came to Ohio, locating in Madison county. where he: was married to Elizabeth Philips. who was born in Union county, Ohio, and was married there. Mr. and Mrs. Rogers lived for .a time in. Madison county: after his, marriage, and then returned to Virginia, where he was engaged in agricultural pursuits for several years, and then came back, to Ohio, locating in Van Wert county, where he engaged in various pursuits. In religion, Mr. Rogers was a member of the Baptist church, in which he always took an active, part. Evan A. and Elizabeth (Philips) Rogers were the parents of seven children, two of whom died, in infancy and one in young manhood, M. H.,. Ida and Alice. Amos L., of Darby township; W. H. Rogers who was educated in the district schools, was married to Jane Goodbar, and they reside in Greene county, Ohio. Ida is the wife of W. H. Bunker, of Orland, Steuben county, Indiana ; Alide became the wife. Of Peter Keeslar, of Steuben county. Indiana. Evan Rogers, the paternal grandfather, was a native of Virginia, where he was a large slave owner, living his entire lifetime in that state. MADISON COUNTY, OHIO - 611 Amos L. Rogers was united in Marriage with Evangeline T. Ballinger, daughter of Dr. W. I. Ballinger, of Plain City, Ohio. She was a .graduate of the Plain City high school, and spent. two years in the Wesleyan College, at Delaware, Ohio. Mrs. Rogers is a ̊stockholder in two banks; one at St. Paris, Ohio, and the Farmers National Bank Plain City. This union had been blest with four children, William L., Elizabeth, and one who died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Rogers are highly esteemed in the community in which they reside, and where theft' attractive home is always open to those who wish to partake of its hospitality. J. R. ATCHISON. The attention of the reader is now invited to a brief and modest review of the career of J. R. Atchison, the well known druggist of London, this county, probably one of the best known and most popular. Men in Madison county. Mr. Atchison is a. fine example of the best type f American business men, energetic, enterprising, progressive and public spirited, and his influence in the commercial and social life of the county-seat town has been usefully exerted for many year's. Born in that city, he has for forty-seven years been actively identified with the city's business interests and hi that time has created—a name for fair dealing and courteous attention to the needs of his trade that must be exceedingly gratifying to him: J. R. Atchison was born in the city of London; county seat of Madison county, Ohio; on March 28, 1851, son of John J. and Rebecca (Rosser) Atchison, the former of whom was a Kentuckian and the latter. a native of Wales. John J. Atchison was a son f Charles Atchison, who was a pioneer in Madison county, having come here from Kentucky prior to the county's formation. John J, Atchison was born in Madison county and moved into London when a young. man. He built his home on Main street on part of the original plot purchased by his father in 1817. The subject of this sketch, J. R. Atchison, was born at this place: John J. Atchison was a cabinetmaker: He was a member of the London lodge of Odd. Fellows, in the affairs of which: order he was deeply interested. His death occurred in 1851; he then being but thirty-one years of age. His widow survived hilt almost thirteen years, her death occurring in 1864, They were the parents of five children, of whom the subject of this sketch is the only one now living. Being bereft of his mother when he was thirteen years of age, J. R. Atchison was deprived of that parental care so dear to the hearts of children. His elementary education however, was not neglected arid he received excellent schooling hi. the. public of London and in the old Collegiate Institute, at Battleground, Indiana. In 1868 he was employed as a Clerk in the drug store of his cousin,. Auburn Smith at London, and 1872 he And his cousin Started another drug store in the same town, under. the firth name of J. R. Atchison & Company; a partnership which continued for about two years, at the expiration of which time Mr. Atchison sold his interest and, on account of failing health, retired from the store and for. five years was successfully employed as a traveling salesman. He then returned to the drug business in London and in 1883 bought his present store, which at that time was located next door to its present advantageous location tion. On April 2, 1873, J. R. Atchison was united in marriage to Myra B. Wilson, who was born in Pennsylvania, and to this union three children have been born, Cora, Blase and Eva (Mrs. D. F. Cofrode), of London, this county. Mr. Atchison is a Republican and takes a Prominent part in the political affairs of the city and County. He is a Member of the state board of election supervisors and a member of the beard of park commissioners of his home town. For many years he - 41 - 612 - MADISON COUNTY, OHIO. was a member of the London city school board and has served several terms as member of the city council, having been a member of that body at .the time the sanitary sewer system was constructed. He also was trustee of Union township for several years and now is a member of the board of county visitors, the body that inspects the county penal and charitable institutions. He is a Knight Templar of the Masonic fraternity, and is also a member of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. Mr. Atchison's career of intelligent application to business has brought its proper reward and he is regarded as one of the most substantial business men in his home city. In social affairs, Mr. Atchison for years has taken a close personal interest, always having been concerned in the general .betterment of the community, and is one f the founders of the influential London Club, a social club that is a credit to the town. Energetic and enterprising, Mr. Atchison has done well his part in the life of the community in which he has lived all his life and has the confidence and esteem f everyone hereabout, he and his family being held in the very highest regard by all. JONAS A. BAER. Among the business men of West Jefferson, this county, few are better known than the gentleman whose name the reader notes above, Jonas A. Baer, who for the past ten years has conducted a furniture store there, at the same time performing the ultimate service to mankind as funeral director. For years Mr. Baer was a successful farmer and upon retiring from the farm and locating in West Jefferson, entered upon the business life of the village with a degree of energy and enterprise which has made him .one of the recognized factors in the community. A graduate and licensed embalmer, he has brought to his important and vital duties as undertaker the lftiest regard for the functions of this last necessary office to man and his sympathetic attention during the dreary hours of grief in which his. ministrations are required in the homes of the community in which his labors are performed has given him a high place in the cordial esteem of the people of that section. J onas A. Baer was born on a farm in Marion county, Ohio, on August 13, 1857, son of Herman and Rebecca (Bretz) Baer, both of whom now are deceased. Reared on the farm, he attended the local schools of his neighborhood, completing his education in the college at Ada, Ohio. He then entered seriously upon the life of a farmer, to which he had been reared, and for fifteen years was thus engaged, at first as a tenant farmer, later as a proprietor, he having purchased sixty acres of fine land in his home county. Selling this farm three years prior to' the time f his locating at West Jefferson, Mr. Baer was for two years engaged in the furniture and undertaking business at Morral, in Marion county, this state, doing business under the firm name of Baer & Bretz, at the end of which time the firm was dissolved and a year later, on February 28, 1906, Mr. Baer came to this county, locating at West Jefferson, where he bought the furniture and undertaking establishment, which he since has conducted with marked success., Up-to-date in his mercantile methods. Mr. Baer has done well in the furniture line, his store being one of the best-appointed establishments in the town, while the equipment for his undertaking business is modern and complete. He is a graduate and licensed embalmer and everything in connection with that department of his business is conducted in accordance with the latest hygienic requirements, his establishment in the Commercial Bank building being recognized as one of the best in a town of the class of West Jefferson in this part of the state. In 1882, Jonas A. Baer was united in marriage to Bertha A. Grove, who was born in Perry county, but was reared in Wyandot county, to which section of the state her parents had moved when she was about five years of age. To this union one child has been born, a son, Ira C., who died at the age of nineteen years, shortly after having MADISON COUNTY, OHIO - 613 been graduated from the Marion Business College. Ira C. Baer was a youth of fine promise, a popular favorite in his circle, and his early demise was mourned by a wide circle of admiring friends. Mr. and Mrs. Baer later adopted Maple May Grove as their daughter and this young lady has but recently been graduated from the West Jefferson high school. Both Mr. and Mrs. Baer were reared in the Baptist faith and they are deeply interested in the various good works of their community, being accounted among the leaders in such movements as are designed to improve conditions thereabout. J. A. Baer is a Democrat and ever since coming to Madison county has given close attention to the county's political affairs. He takes a lively interest in educational affairs and is now serving his second term as a member of the West Jefferson board of education. He is, a member of the West Jefferson lodge of the Odd Fellows, of which he is the past noble grand and is a member of the Ohio grand lodge of that order. Both he and Mrs. Baer are members of the Daughters of Rebekah, the latter being past noble grand f the local lodge of that order. Mrs. Baer is an excellent business woman and for years has proved an invaluable assistant to her husband in his office. Mr. Baer is interested in the general welfare of the community and is active in business affairs. He is a stockholder in the Steel Vault Company, of London, this county, and enjoys the full confidence and regard of his business associates generally. WILLIAM E. CHANDLER. All honor is due to the man who achieves a reputation that will withstand the searchlight of criticism. The business methods of William E. Chandler, the gentleman whose biography is here presented, have always borne the earmarks of honest dealing, and his word is as good as his bond. His business experience, first in the firm of J. M. Beach & Company and later with F. Preston Jones, gave him a good general knowledge of business, which has earned for him a splendid business standing. William E. Chandler, lumber dealer, Plain City, Ohio. was born on October 3, 1879, in Franklin county, Ohio, and is a son of William J. and Nancy J. (Fogle) Chandler. He was educated at the public schools and on arriving at young manhood engaged in farming until twenty-four years of age. In 1906 he became connected with the firm of J. M. Beach & Company, the name f which was changed, in 1908, to that of F. Preston Jones Company, dealers in all kinds of building material. Mr. Chandler has always been a stanch Democrat. William J. Chandler. father of the subject of this sketch, was born in the South, and served in the Confederate army as a private. After the end of the Civil War, he came to Ohio and settled in Franklin county, where he was married to Nancy J. Fogle, a native of that county. Mr. Chandler had learned the miller's trade in the South but engaged in farming after coming north and is the owner of over one hundred acres of valuable land in Madison county, all in a fine state of cultivation. Mr. Chandler still resides in Canaan township, where he first located. His religious membership is with the Baptist church. To William J. and Nancy (Fogle) Chandler have been born three children: S. W. Chandler, Who married Dora Reece, lives on a farm in Canaan township; F. J. Chandler married Jessie M. Irwin, and is following farming in the same township where his brother resides; and William E. William E. Chandler was united in marriage on May 3, 1903, with Jennie Beach, daughter of J. M. and Amanda (Walker) Beach. She was born in January, 1880. in Brown township, Franklin county, Ohio. Her education was obtained in the public schools of the district, and she later attended the Plain City bigh school. Mr. and Mrs. 614 - MADISON COUNTY, OHIO. Chandler are both members. of the Methodist Episcopal church of Plain City, of which Official board Mr. Chandler is a member. Mr. Chandler has assisted in building up a remunerative lumber trade, and his reputation in the business world, as well as in private life, is of the highest character. He is quiet and unassuming in manner and occupies the position of one of the honorable citizens of Plain City, Ohio. W. D. CHENOWETH. The history of Madison county cannot well be written without referring to the life and service of W. D. Chenoweth and his distinguished family, who have made signal contributions to both the material and the social welfare of this county. The grandfather of the subject of this sketch, as a member of the state Legislature, helped to make the laws for the state. The father of W. D. Chenoweth followed in the footsteps of his worthy ancestor by also filling a place in the community life. The Chenoweth family history dates back to about the year 1408, the name "Chenoweth" meaning new house." W. D. Chenoweth was a native of Oak Run township, Madison county, he being born there on November 5, 1859. His parents were Elijah and Susanna A. (Pringle) Chenoweth. The family comes of Welsh stock, two brothers, Arthur and Richard, coming to America from Wales. W. D. Chenoweth is a descendant of the former. The grandfather, John F. Chenoweth, was born on September 15, 1793, in Mason county, Kentucky, and was a son of Elijah and Rachel (Foster) Chenoweth, the former a native of Pennsylvania, and the latter of Virginia.. Elijah and Rachel (Foster) Chenoweth were married in Virginia about the year 1790.. They emigrated to Kentucky and settled in Mason county.. About nine years later they came to Ross county, Ohio, and the following year made their home in Franklin county, on the Big Darby, where the, wife died about the year 1820. Elijah Chenoweth died ten years later. John F. Chenoweth was a child of six years when brought to Ohio, where he . grew to manhood accustomed to the hardships of rough pioneer life. He was married on March 21, 1811, to Margaret Ferguson, by Rev. Simon Cochran. They settled on his father's place where they lived until about 1820 when they moved to Madison county and purchased forty acres and later purchased one hundred and thirty-three acres of land. John F. Chenoweth became one of the largest landowners of Madison county, his landed interests amounting; to four. thousand acres. Not only becoming a wealthy man, he was placed by the people in many public offices of trust; he served in the Legislature from 1829 to 1830, inclusive, also as county commissioner for twelve years and as justice of the peace for the same length of time. In his boyhood days his school privileges were of the most meager kind. When he settled in Franklin county there were no schools there and he finished his education, in a log school house out on Oppossum run. John F. and Margaret (Ferguson) Chenoweth were the parents of fourteen children. This worthy couple were not only pioneers in the secular affairs of the county but most truly pioneers of the church, both joining the Methodist Episcopal church when young, he in the year 1809, and she in 1812. In 1811 John F. Chenoweth moved. to Madison county and settled in Oak Run township, on Deer creek. Here he bought forty acres of land, and this land and the additions thereto have never gone out of the family. By the application of good business ability and industrious habits these pioneers added to their worldly store until they were the owners of four thousand acres; all practically in one locality. Elijah Chenoweth was born on March 15, 1831, in Oak Run township, on the place now owned by the subject of this sketch. He lived in Madison county all of his life. owning at the time f his death thirteen hundred acres of land. On December 16. MADISON COUNTY, OHIO - 615 1858, he was married to Susan A. Pringle, and to this union were born three children: William D., the subject of this sketch; Elmer J., born on October 3, 1861; and Mary C., May 6; 1876, who is the wife of J. B. Stewart, of Dayton, Ohio. Elijah Chenoweth devoted his life to farming and stock raising and in buying and selling stock. The latter occupation received the most f his attention. From 1864 to 1869 he resided near West Jefferson and engaged in a general trading business and in the buying and shipping of stock. He later returned to his farm in Oak Run township and in 1882 purchased the old home place where he was born and reared. He ranked among the leading men of the county and passed away in the year 1900. His wife was a native of South Charleston. Clark county, Ohio. She was a faithful helpmate and a devoted mother. W. D. Chenoweth was born on a farm. was educated in the common schools and in college at Oberlin, Ohio. Until 1909 he was an active farmer, but at this time he moved to London, and on April 1, 1914, engaged in the insurance business with C. W. Pringle, the firm name being Chenoweth & Pringle. However, he retained large farming interests and today owns five hundred and ten acres in Madison county, in Oak Run, Fairfield and Deer Creek townships. Mr. Chenoweth has other business interests, being a director in the Thomas Armstrong Manufacturing Company, but his principal occupation has been the feeding of live stock. Mr. Chenoweth hauled his first load of corn to market in 1915, heretfore having always fed his corn. He now devotes considerable attention to breeding. draft horses. The Chenoweth farm is noted for miles around for its modern equipment in which respect it is complete. This includes fine large barns and other buildings together with its own water plant. W. D. Chenoweth was married to Ida L. Snyder on March 22. 1883. his bride being the daughter f John Snyder, who lives near Lafayette. The only child of Mr. and Mrs. Chenoweth is a daughter, Ruth, who is a student at Mount Ida College, Boston. Massachusetts. She was born in 1894. Another child died in 1888. Like his grandfather and father. Mr. Chenoweth has held public offices. He was treasurer f Oak Run township for a number of years. He is a member of the Methodist church at Big Plain. Ohio, and was trustee and treasurer of the church for a number of years. Mr. Chenoweth is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons and is a Knight Templar of Palestine Commandery, at Springfield, Ohio. He has always been a Republican. SIMON SHEEHAN. Simon Sheehan, grain and Coal merchant, Plain city. Ohio, was born on April 19, 1860, in Clark county, Ohio and is a son of Daniel and Alice (Conway) Sheehan. He was reared to the life of a farmer and was educated in the public schools, attending until about eighteen years old. At the age of twenty-one years he rented a farm and followed agriculture for twenty-five years, when be decided to change his vocation. He then engaged in the elevator business at Plain City; under the firm name of Noon & Sheehan. buying and. shipping all kinds of grain. in addition to which they handled Coal. He also owns two valuable Pieces of Property in Plain City, and is one of the stockholders in the First State Bank in that city. The firm of Noon & Sheehan owns own buildings and the land on which they are located. Mr. Sheehan is Democrat but has never taken an active interest in polities. He and his family are members of 'the Catholic church. Daniel Sheehan and his wife. Alice (Conway) Sheehan, were natives of Ireland, where they grew up arid were married. They came to the United States find—located in Clark county. Ohio, moving later to Madison county. Where they remained until their death. Mr. Sheehan divided his time and attention between general farming and stock 616 - MADISON COUNTY, OHIO. raising. To this union were born ten children, only five of whom are living in 1915; Sarah, Thomas,. Simeon, John and Alice. Sarah became the wife of John Flanagan; Thomas resides at Plain City; John makes his home at Cincinnati, Ohio; Alice married Philip Miller and lives in Columbus, Ohio. Simeon Sheehan was united in marriage, February 28, 1898, with Mary Noon, who was born, reared and educated in Darby township, Madison county. She a daughter of Michael and :Anna (Murray) Noon. To this union have been born three children: E. N. Sheehan, a. graduate of Plain City high school, is single, and resides at Freeport, Ohio, where he is in the employ of the United States government, serving as trustee in bankruptcy ; Anna Sheehan is also a graduate of the high school of Plain City,. and is single; Raymond is a graduate of the same school, and is employed in a clothing house at Plain City. Mr. Sheehan has lived in Madison county a great many years and has made all he possesses through his own efforts. His reputation as a straightforward, reputable man of business has reached out far beyond the limits f his home city. MRS. LOUISE M. BOOTH. Comfortably situated in her delightful home on South Center street, in the pleasant village of West Jefferson, this county, Mrs. Louise M. Booth, widow of the late J. W. Booth, one of the most substantial farmers in Madison county, is living in quiet retirement, enjoying countless evidences of the esteem and respect of her neighbors and the loving devotion of her children: Though not a native of this county, Mrs. Booth is as much interested in the general welfare of the same as though she had been born here and is widely known for her warm interest in the various good works to which her name has been attached in the past, being held in the highest regard by all who know her. Louise Martin was born in the city of Buffalo, New York, the daughter of Frederick and Louise (Schmellzer) Martin, both natives of Germany, who came to this country with their parents in the days f their youth; locating in Buffalo, where they were married, moving to this county when their daughter, Louise, was a babe; consequently Mrs. Booth has spent practically her whole life in Madison county. Her mother died when she was two years of age and her father married again, her maternal care thus having been entrusted to a stepmother. In 1882 her father moved to Lincoln, Nebraska, where his death occurred a few years later. In February, 1891, Louise Martin was united in marriage to J. W. Booth, a prominent and successful farmer of Jefferson township, this county, who previously had married Mary J. Johnson, who died, leaving three grown children; Clara, Ella and Walter. To the union of J. W. and Louise (Martin) Booth one child was, born, a daughter, Bertha L. The father of these children died on November 11, 1913, and was widely mourned, for he was a good man; an earnest, public-spirited citizen, a loving and indulgent husband and father and. a fine neighbor, whom all respected and admired. J. W. Booth was one of the most substantial farmers in the eastern part of Madison county and was held. In the very highest regard throughout that hole section. He was the owner of six hundred and forty-six acres f excellent land, four hundred acres of which was in the home farm, the remainder being in another tract. Being a progressive and energetic agriculturist. he prospered in his operations and left a large estate at the time of his death. Previous to his death he had made provisions for the division of his land among his children and in consequence all these are now well circumstanced. Clara, the eldest child, married Lewis M. Bradley, of Kenton, Ohio, and has two daughters. Ella married M. F. Dunn, of London, this county, and has one daughter. Walter, who married Imo Vent, lives in London, the county seat of Madi- MADISON COUNTY, OHIO - 617 son county, and has one daughter and one son. Bertha, the youngest, married John F. Goldenbogen, of Cleveland, Ohio, and lives in West Jefferson. Mrs. Booth is a Methodist, as also was her husband, and the children were reared in that faith, the family being regarded as among the leading families in that part of the county in fostering such movements as are designed to promote the general welfare. Mrs. Booth has hosts of friends throughout that section of the county, all of whom esteem her very highly. MRS. ELIZABETH MILLIKIN. A member of one of the oldest and best-known families in Madison county, a family prominent in the affairs of this section of the state for four or five generations, Mrs. Elizabeth Millikin, widow of the late A. C. Millikin, of West Jefferson, this county, takes a warm interest in the affairs of this favored region and is widely known as a promoter of all measures designed to advance the common weal. Mrs. Millikin is a Converse, daughter of James Converse, a native of this county, who, in his day, was accounted one of the most substantial men in the county, and inherited a goodly measure of the keen common sense which ever characterized the extensive operations of her father. Living comfortably in her delightful home in West Jefferson, Mrs. Millikin is known far and wide for her public spirit and energy of manner and is generally regarded as one of the most influential women in that part of the county; her many friends paying her the high compliment of their utmost confidence and warmest respect. Elizabeth (Converse) Millikin was born on the old Converse farm in Canaan township, Madison county, Ohio, September 14, 1848, daughter of James and Julia A.. (Calhoun) Converse, the former f whom was born on the same farm on October 29, 1823, and the latter also was born in this county, October 30, 1826. James Converse was the son of Charles Converse, a native of Vermont, born on January 21, 1794, who left the Green Mountain state in early manhood and came to Ohio, settling in Darby township, this county, on land entered from the government, and became one of the most influential pioneers of that section. On January 27. 1822, he married Phoebe Norton, who was born on December 10, 1803, and their son, James, father of Mrs. Millikin, possessing much the same energetic spirit as his father, husbanded 'his inheritance with such industry that at the time of his death he was the owner of nine hundred acres of choice land in this. county. Charles Converse died on October 3, 1849, and his son, James. died on. May 24, 1887, the latter's widow surviving until May 11, 1893. James and Julia A. (Caihoon) Converse were the parents of but two children, Mrs. Millikin having a brother, H. B. Converse, who was a well-known resident of Canaan township: this county. He .was born on January 8. 1850. and died on April 23, 1915. In 1866 Elizabeth Converse was united in marriage to Butler Smith, of this county, who died in 1877 without issue, and in 1882 she married, secondly, A. C. Millikin, who died on January 21, 1908. To this latter union three children were born, Grace and Curdle (twins), born on September 21, 1884. the latter of whom died when one month old, and Robert C., born on November 27, 1886. Grace Millikin, who is a graduate of the West Jefferson high school, married J.. B. F. McDowell and lives at Columbus, Ohio. Robert C. Millikin was graduated from the West Jefferson high school, after which he entered Bliss Business College; following a comprehensive course, after which his services were engaged by the Farmers Bank, of West Jefferson, this county, of which sound old institution he now is cashier. On November 17, 1910, Robert C. Millikin was united in marriage to Lillie Snider of West. Jefferson, and the two make their home in the delightful Millikin home in that pleasant village. with Mr. Millikin's mother. This house was built in 1906, at the time Mr. and Mrs. Millikin retired from the farm to make their home in West Jeffer- 618 - MADISON COUNTY, OHIO. son, about two years before. Mr. Millikin's death; and is one of. the best appointed and most modern houses in that section of the county. Robert: C. Millikin is recognized generally in business sand financial circles. throughout the county. as one. of the most energetic and enterprising young men in the eastern part of the county and he enjoys the confidence and esteem of his business associates everywhere. He is a stockholder in the bank with which he is connected and takes it most active interest in the general affairs of the community in which he lives, as well as in the affairs of the county at large. He is a thirty-second degree Mason, being affiliated with the consistory of the Scottish rite of that ancient order at Columbus and is prominent in Masonic circles in Madison. county, his father having. been for years one of the most active members of Madison Lodge No. 221, Free and Accepted Masons. The late A. C. Millikin was a man who commanded the universal respect of all with whom he was associated. in whatever relation. He was a large landowner and was looked upon as one of the substantial men of the county, at whose death, there was wide mourning. He was a Democrat and for years had taken an active interest in the civic affairs of Madison county, his sound judgment giving much giving much, to his counsels in the deliberations of the party managers. He was a member of th board of county commissioners during the time the Madison county court house was being built and his name. is imperishably inscribed upon the entablatures of that noble structure. He was a member of the Universalist church at West Jefferson, to which church his widow is still devotedly attached, and during his residence there was active in all good works, he having been held in the highest regard by all, recognition of his good citizenship and kindly neighborliness being universal thereabout. Mrs. Millikin and her children are extensive landholders in this county and represent other substantial interests. Mrs. Millikin retains one hundred and fifty-four acres of the old home farm; Robert C. Millikin owns two hundred and fifty acres in Jefferson township and one hundred acres in Canaan township, and his sister, Mrs. McDowell, owns two hundred and sixty acres lying in Canaan township. As noted in te introductory paragraph of this brief biography, Mrs. Millikin is warmly interested in the affairs of her home community and of te county at large and is recognized as a woman of large influence in the part of the county with which her family has so long and so prominently. been identified. Her gracious manner and genial hospitality have endeared her to her large circle of friends, all of whom cherish for her te highest possible esteem and respect. CHARLES WILSON. Charles Wilson, born on December 9, 1865, in Madison county, was reared on a farm and received his education in Canaan township. His parents were John S. and Sylvina J. (McDonald) Wilson. After' leaving the district schools; Charles Wilson became a student at the Ohio Wesleyan University, of Delaware, Ohio: which he attended in 1886, 1887 and 1888; After that he was at home several years and came to Plain City in October, 1898, where he became engaged in the grain business, which he followed for a period f six years, and then became assistant manager f the Plain City Telephone Company, of which he is the present secretary. Mr. Wilson has always been greatly interested in the welfare of his home city.: and in 1911 he was appointed postmaster of Plain City, from which office he retired on February 3, 1915. He was elected a vice-president of the First State Bank in January, 1915; and takes an active ihterest the business. Henry. Bowman is the first vice-president of this bank. Mr. Wilson is a strong Republican: He is a member of Urania Lodge NO. 311, Free and Accepted Masons; also of Plain City Lodge No. 159, Knights Of Pythias. John S. Wilson, father of Charles Wilson, was born in 1838, in Madison county, MADISON COUNTY, OHIO - 619 Ohio, and is a son f James and, Eleanor (Smith) Wilson. Sylvina J. (McDonald) Wilson,. wife of John Wilson, was a native of Madison:county, Ohio. Mr. Wilson devoted his time to general farming and stock raising..He was a Republican, and, was always interested in the welfare of his township. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson were the parents of six children, Harry, Ella, Lucy, Charles, and two who died early in life. Harry Wilson is following farming in Madison county.. Ella became the wife of Robert .Bradley, of London, Ohio. James and Eleanor (Smith) Wilson were the paternal grandparents, the former being a native of Madison county, a son f Valentine Wilson, of Irish stock; and the latter born in Licking county, Ohio. Charles Wilson was united in marriage on November 31, 1892, with Mary A. Bidwell, who was born in Madison county, Ohio. She is a daughter of Nathan and Almira Bidwell. Mr. Wilson is a gentleman who is well known in this part of Madison county, where he is an honored and respected citizen. JAMES W. BOWERS. Mention being made of the worthy citizens of Madison county, within the pages of this volume, it would not be complete without the name of the gentleman who is the subject of this sketch, James W. Bowers, a successful and popular citizen of Darby township. James W. Bowers, of Plain. City, Madison county, farmer and ex-county commissioner; was born in. Darby township April 27, 1862, and is a son of Wheeler and Lavina (Smith) Bowers. He attended the district schools of the township until eighteen years of age, when he engaged in farm pursuits. He now owns a fine farm of one hundred acres in Darby township, three miles west of Plain City: Mr. Bowers has always been a public-spirited. man and a good "mixer." He has always been a stanch Republican, and served as township trustee for several terms, and .was later elected. county commissioner, serving two terms--1905-1911. Mr. Bowers is a member of the Presbyterian church at Plain City. He belongs to Urania Lodge No. 311, Free and Accepted Masons, and Plain City Lodge No. 159, Knights f Pythias, in the latter of which he has held all the offices: a stockholder and president of the Home and Savings Company, of Plain City, and in addition to his farming interests, devotes a portion of his time to the fire and live stock insurance business. Wheeler Bowers, lather .of the subject of this sketch, was born on June 10, 1826, in Darby township, Madison county and his wife; Lavina (Smith) Bowers, was born on September 24, 1825, in the same township. They had known each other from childhood. They were united in marriage in 1854, and Were very popular in the community in which they lived. Mr. Bowers was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows in which he was greatly interested. His death, occurred on. December 25, 1900, and his wife died on September 10, 1880. To this union were born three children: Samuel S. died in 1861; Mary L. died in 1878, aged twenty years; and James W. James W. Bowers was married three times, first, on October 10, 1883, to Elma E. Harper, to which union no children. were born. Mrs. Bowers died on June 20, 1903 and Mr. Bowers was, married, secondly, to Frances Campbell, which marriage took place on, January 9, 1907. She died on April 16; 1910, and his third wife was Nan S. Sharp; to whom he was married on July 9, 1913. She was born on October 1, 1871, in Highland county, Ohio, and received her education at the schools of West Jefferson, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Bowers reside in a fine modern home on East Main street, Plain City, Ohio, where they have the respect and high esteem of many friends. 620 - MADISON COUNTY, OHIO. WALTER D. BURNHAM. Prominent in the affairs of his home community and actively identified for many years with matters of importance relating to the government of his home township, Walter D. Burnham, residing on his farm f one hundred and sixty-five acres located in Monroe township, Madison county, Ohio, is in every particular justly entitled to the enviable degree of respect in which he is held by his fellow citizens. Mr. Burnham comes of a family long prominent in the affairs of this locality, a family whose name has always stood as a synonym for all that is upright and honorable and that makes for true and virile manhood. Walter D. Burnham was born in Pike township, this county, on December 1, 1859, a son of Henry and Eveline (Williams) Burnham. Henry Burnham was born in Connecticut and was brought to this section of Ohio by his father Darius. They located in Pike township, a little to the north of the town of Rosedale. This town was platted by the elder Burnham, who called it by the name of "Liverpool" and on his farm near that town he passed the remainder of his life. Darius Burnham reached Pike township at an early date in its history and because of his desire that his chosen location should advance as rapidly as possible in all things that make for the convenience and best interests of any community, he became one of the best known men in that locality. Darius' son, Henry, built across the road from the home place, later selling out to his brother Dwight, after which, in the spring of 1860, he came into Monroe township and secured the tract of land on which Walter D. Burnham now resides. At the time the family moved to Monroe township, Walter was a babe of but three months, so that practically his entire life has been passed within the borders of this township. Walter D. Burnham is one of a family of five children, being the fourth child in order of birth L. W., the eldest of the family, resides. in Pike township, where he is engaged in agricultural work; Martha .L. is the wife of D. J. Burnham of Mechanicsburg; Amy E. married Asa Burnham, and Cora, the youngest of the family, is the wife of Judge E. E. Chaney of Urbana, this state. Walter D; Burnham received his elementary education in the district schools of Monroe township, taking the high school work at Monroe township high school, after Which he had one year in the State University at Columbus, Ohio, in 1878-79, at a time when there were only two hundred and eighty students enrolled and there was only one other building on the campus besides the dormitory. Ohio Wesleyan, located at Delaware, Ohio, was the next seat of learning which Mr. Burnham attended, and in that institution he took up the study of mathematics and languages. He made an excellent record for himself as a student and was also popular in the social life of the school, being a member of the Delta Tau Delta. fraternity, one of the most popular of college fraternities in both that day and this. After his studies at Delaware were completed he returned to his paternal home in Monroe township, well equipped to enter upon the duties of mature manhood. After returning from college, subject taught for two terms in Rosedale, which at that time was considered .a large school, numbering sixty-three pupils, which necessitated teaching algebra during recess. On January 29, 1885,. Walter D. Burnham was united in marriage to Josephine Robbins, daughter of S. S. and Mary (Weaver) Robbins, and for one year they lived on the Burnham family homestead, after which they took up their residence in London, this comity. They remained there but a short time and then located on a farm in Pike township, where they remained until the death of Henry Burnham, father of Walter D., which occurred in 1890. After the death of his father, Walter D. returned to the family homestead and assumed the management of the place and on that farm he has continued to reside to the present time. There are four children in Mr. Bum MADISON COUNTY, OHIO - 621 ham's family. Gertrude Eveline, the eldest, died when a child, at the age of two years and eight months. Florence is the wife of Jay Miller, a farmer in Union county, this state. Walter Austin attended school at Monroe township for three years and the senior year at London; is at present attending the State University. Mary Louise, the youngest of the family, is still attending the district schools of Monroe township. The Burnham children, like their father, are excellent students. Florence took a two-year course in Monroe township and was graduated in the third year from the Rosedale schools and then entered the London schools, having won a Delaware scholarship from the latter place. Walter Austin was graduated from the London high school In the spring of 1914, with honors and in the fall of the same. year he matriculated at the State University, where he is devoting his time to the study of architecture and kindred subjects. In politics Mr. Burnham had always given his allegiance to the Republican party, until the formation of the Progressive party, and while a Republican filled nearly all of the various offices within the gift of Monroe township. He has also been on the township board of education for the past fifteen years, having served that body as treasurer and clerk at various times. Mr. Burnham has filled the various offices bestowed on him by his felloW citizens in a most efficient and satisfactory manner and as a further proof of his acknowledged ability, Governor Cox appointed him a member of the board of tax adjusters for Madison county for the year 1914. Those who know Mr. Burnham best are unqualified in their praise of him, for throughout his life he has proven himself an honorable gentleman in every relation of life. He is uniformly successful in his chosen vocation of farming and his home, located about six miles east of Mechanicsburg and two miles south of Rosedale, is one of the best-managed farms of the community. The approach to his home, comprising a spacious lawn, interspersed with splendid shade trees of goodly variety, presents a very attractive appearance and makes this farm one of the most beautiful of the country estates of this county. Mr. Burnham gives his attention mostly to general farming and in addition to that, raises some live stock. Mr. Burnham is like both his father and grandfather in that he is keenly interested in any movement which is calculated to advance the welfare of his community, and is, perhaps, more strongly interested in the cause of education than any other phase of community life. EUGENE C. CHAPMAN. Eugene C. Chapman, postmaster of Plain City, Madison county, Ohio, was born on March 6, 1853, in the village in which he now resides. and which was then known as Pleasant Valley and Darby Creek postoffice, now Plain City, Ohio. He is a son of Silas G. and Mary A. (Thompson) Chapman. His education was obtained in the public schools of the township, and for the past twenty-five years be has been engaged in the real-estate business. He Worked at house painting and decorating for many years. Mr. Chapman is a stanch Democrat, and has always taken an active interest in local politics. He has been a delegate to state and county conventions for the past forty years and has always been very prominent in public affairs. He was appointed pokmaster of Plain City, Ohio, January 12, 1915, which office he now holds. Silas G. Chapman, father of Eugene C. Chapman, was born at Windham, Windsor county, Vermont, and was united in marriage, in 1832, at Plain City, to Mary A. Thompson, and lived here the remainder of his life. Mr. Chapman was a member of the Presbyterian church, of which he was an elder for many years. Politically, he was originally a Whig, but later became a Republican. He died June 27, 1879, and his wife, Mary A. (Thompson) Chapman, died October 14, 1910. Mr. Chapman, at the first call for soldiers, enlisted during the Civil War, in the three months service. and 622 - MADISON COUNTY, OHIO re-enlisted for three years service. He served nearly two years and was taken sick and was discharged for disability. Silas G. and Mary A. (Thompson) Chapman were the parents of four children. Silas W., who was also a soldier during the entire Civil War, and was orderly for quite tt while. Areminta, who became the wife of U. W. Peck, who died, and she married, secondly, G. A. McDowell, who is also deceased. She resides in Plain City, Ohio. Both her husbands were soldiers in tbe Civil War. Adelaide married Charles DeLeon, and is a widow. She resides .at Plain City, Ohio. Eugene C. is the subject of this sketch. Eugene C. Chapman was united in marriage on March 9, 1891, with Margaret B. Tauber, who was born in Germany and came to the United States with her parents when three years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Tauber located at Cumberland, Maryland. Mrs. Chapman came to Plain City many years ago and was married in Plain City. They had one child, Frieda F., who was a graduate of Plain City high school, after which she attended school at Westville and Ada for one year, and later at Athens, Ohio, and is now a teacher in the Plain City schools, where she has taught for the past five years. Mr. Chapman is one of the most genial and affable men in Madison county, Ohio, where he is held in high esteem as an honorable citizen. MORGAN J. JENKINS, M. D. Dr. Morgan J. Jenkins, physician, of Plain City, Ohio, was bort on November 15, 1853, in the southern pa. rt of Wales, and is a son of Thomas and Anna (Jones) Jenkins. He was the second born of the family, and was ten years old when he came to the United States. His early education was obtained at the public schools of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, where he attended until seventeen years of age. He later became a student of the Ohio Wesleyan University, and later took up the study of medicine, under Dr. P. H. Batter, of Richwood, and While tinder this eminent tutorship completing his medical education at the Miami Medical College. at Cincinnati, Ohio, graduating from the institution in 1878, with the degree of M. D., and immediately located Plaiin City, where he has since practiced medicine with marked success. Doctor Jenkins is a stanch Republican, to which party he has always given his loyal support, representing Madison county for two terms in the Legislature, with great credit to his constituents, and honor to himself. In local politics he has served as a member of the board of education, and as health officer of Plain City, a member of the village council and also of the board of trustees of public affairs. His counsel is sought by many, and his judgment is highly valued. Doctor Jenkins is a member of Urania Lodge No. 311, of which he is a past master; the Knights Templar, of Mount Vernon Commandery; Plain City Lodge No. 193. Independent Order of Odd Fellows; and a charter member of Plain City Lodge No. 159, Knights of Pythias, of which, he is a helpful and well informed knight. He was elected grand outer guard in 1890, from which he has been promoted until he has passed all the chairs in the grand domain of Ohio, serving as Grand Chancellor in 1896 and 1897. He has also been elected colonel of the uniform rank, standing high in its councils. Doctor Jenkins is a member of the County and State Medical Society, and of Union County Medical Society. Thomas Jenkins. father of Morgan J. Jenkins, was a Congregational minister of Wales and was located at Merthyr Tydvil. He emigrated to America in 1864, locating at Johnstown, Pennsylvania, where he had charge of a congregation. His wife. Anna (Jones) Jenekins, was also a native of Wales. They were the parents.of four sons and two daughters. Dr. Morgan J. Jenkins was united in marriage. December 24, 1879, at Richwood, MADISON COUNTY, OHIO - 623 Ohio, with; May Beem, daughter, of Oren and Ellen Beem. She was bornin Union county, Ohio., This union has been blest with two children, Thomas and Rose Jenkins. Doctor Jenkins is, one of the leading and influential citizens of Madison county, standing high, not only in his profession, but with the community as well, living not alone for self, but that he may do good and be useful to others. PHILIP BECKER. The subject of this sketch is a well-known and popular citizen of Monroe township, Madison county, Ohio, And is considered one of the most thorough and up-to-date farmers of his community. He has long since demonstrated that he possesses in a marked, degree the excellent characteristics of honesty and industry, handed down to him by sterling ancestors, and he can point with pardonable pride to his fine farm of two hundred acres situated on the Becker-Dunn pike, for it is owing to his own efforts that he stands possessed of this , excellent tract of land. Philip Becker is a native of the Buckeye state, born in the city of Columbus on May 12, 1864, a son of Peter and Margaret (Kam) Becker, both of whom came from. Germany, the former. from Prussia and the latter from Bavaria., Peter was a , son of Philip and Mary . (Webber) Becker . who emigrated to this country with their: young and growing family when, Peter was eleven.. years of age. None of the children ever, attended school this country, their only education. having been received in their native land,. but Peter had received excellent training in his early years, and on the good educational foundation. thus laid he was able to rear by his own ''efforts a goodly structure as the years. passed by immediately upon coming to this country the, family. came to this state, locating in Columbus, and, there the boy. Peter secured employment, working by the day for various concerns in the then small town. He has been self-supporting since the early of eleven years, and so faithful was he in the performance of every duty, and so carefully did he at that early age lay plans for the future, that he prospered and has accumulated .a pleasing amount of this world's goods. From March of 1864 until, the close of hostilities in the following year, Peter Becker wore the blue which designated him as one of the faithful sons of the Union and saw, active service in the closing months of the Civil War. After receiving his honorable discharge he returned to Columbus and engaged in farming south of that city remaining there but a comparatively short time, however. His next move, was to purchase a farm in Franklin county, west of Columbus, and there, in peace and plenty, he is passing his declining years. This farm consists of four hundred and thirty acres, all most excellently, cared for, and to his own efforts alone is Peter. Becker indebted for the excellent, circumstances in which he finds himself in his old, age. Philip Becker is the eldest of a family of eight children, three of whom are deceased. William. resides in Franklin county, where he, is engaged in farming, Anna is the wife of William Bellinger. John and Louis are farmers in Franklin county, Ohio. Philip was educated in the schools of Franklin county and the early years of his manhood, he spent in farming both on the. home place and on other farms in the community. On March 4, 1890, Philip Becker was married to Mary Wahl, daughter of Jacob Wahl, and whose, wife was a Miss Rieble, On March 17. they came into Madison county and located on the farm: where .they have continued to make their home until the present time. Upon first. coming .here, Mr. Becker rented the farm in question, not having sufficient means at that time to warrant its purchase, but so well did he prosper that the homestead soon became his own., Mr. Becker is systematic and thorough in his method of conducting the work of his farm, believing most fully in every phase of scientific agriculture. 624 - MADISON COUNTY, OHIO. Mr. and Mrs. .Becker are the parents of five children: Louis, Charles, Minnie, Margaret and John, all of whom are at home with the parents. Mr. Becker is a faithful member of the German Lutheran church, holding his membership in the church at Grove City. this state, and to the support of that society he contributes liberally of his means. In politics he is a Democrat. and takes more than a passive interest in the affairs of his party as relating to local matters. He has been connected with the school board for a number of years, serving most. faithfully and efficiently on the same. During the years of his residence here Mr. Becker has proven himself a true man in every sense of the word honest and industrious as relates to his own affairs, it good husband. and father and a worthy citizen, anxious for the advancement of every phase of community life. JOSEPH H. JOHNSON. Among the self-made citizens of West Jefferson, this county, no one is deserving of higher praise than the gentleman whose name introduces this sketch. With very little as a working foundation. Joseph H. Johnson has ably and scientifically managed his agricultural interests, until he now enjoys the distinction of being one of the wealthiest farmers and stock raisers of the West Jefferson neighborhood, and, besides enjoying the comforts resulting from his industry and efforts, has the satisfaction of knowing he has arrived at his present point of affluence entirely through his own tenacity of purpose. Joseph H. Johnson was born on January .19. 1854, in Jefferson township, this county, a son of Lewis and Eliza. (Gardner) Johnson, the former of whom was the son of Jacob and Jane Johnson. Joseph H. Johnson was reared on the home farm, and attended the public schools. After leaving school. lie followed agriculture under the supervision of his father. until the time of his marriage. When he started in for himself, all he had of this world's goods was five hundred dollars and a team of horses. He began in a small way, by buying calves and farming. and has continued to prosper, until he is now the owner of a fine farm consisting of three hundred and eighty acres of as valuable land as there is in time county. Politically. Mr. Johnson has always given the Republican party the benefit of his vote. His fraternal membership is with Madison Lodge No. 221, Free and Accepted Masons. and with Darby Grange No. 779. He for years has taken a warm interest in educational matters mind is serving as a member of the board of education. Lewis Johnson, father of the subject of this biographical sketch, was born in Madison county, and his wife, Eliza J. (Gardner) Johnson. was a native of Ross county, this state, who came with her .parents to Madison county. At the time of his marriage, Lewis Johnson rented a farm, which is the present: site of West Jefferson, and later owned a farm on the Urbana road. His prosperity increased until he was the owner of a fine farm of two hundred and forty acres of land, all fine tillable ground. In addition to his agricultural interests, Mr. Johnson had other valuable investments. He and his wife were the parents of three children, Margaret, who became the wife of Calvin Bradley, Joseph II., and Luther W. Johnson. of Jefferson township. Joseph H. Johnson was united in marriage on March 20, 1878. to Mary Biggert, daughter of Samuel and Mary (Roberts) Biggert. She was born in September. 1852, in Franklin county, Ohio. and was reared at Georgesville. To this union two children have been horn. Samuel, who died at the age of sixteen years, and Carrie, who was educated at the district schools, and is now the wife of Paul B. Holway and the mother of one son, Thorburn Johnson, born on April 13, 1914. Mr. Holway is a graduate of the London high school and of the Ohio State University, and at one time was elected to the office of school superintendent, having taught school for six years. Mr.