MADISON COUNTY, OHIO - 825 In his neighborhood, his efforts in behalf of the schools having done much toward elevating the standards of education thereabout. On March 9, 1853, William C. Hankinson was united in marriage to Hannah Jane Craig, who also was born in Warren county, daughter of Obadiah Craig, a native of that county, son of one of the very earliest settlers thereabout. Obadiah Craig was a well-known farmer, industrious and of untiring energy. He was thrice married and to his first union the following children were born : Ann, David, Margaret, Ely and Mary. To the second union the following children were born : John D., William B., Hannah Jane, Lydia, Archibald, Obadiah and Susan B. To William C. and Hannah Jane (Craig) Hankinson six children were born, namely : Clara, who died on April 3, 1891. unmarried ; Sarah, who continues to live on the old home in the Blue Ball neighborhood, married Thomas Irwin and has one child, a son, John W. ; Craig, a farmer and tile manufacturer, of Blue Ball, married Jennie White and has one daughter, Ruth; Nin, married Charles F. Sanford. of London, this county ; William, of Blue Ball, a farmer, who married Harriet B. Byers and has three children, Mary, Paul and James; and Charles C., the immediate subject of this sketch. William C. Hankinson died on March 9, 1909, and his widow is still living on the home farm, enjoying many evidences of the general esteem in which she is held by all thereabout. Charles C. Hankinson was reared on the home place, receiving his early education in the local schools, which he supplemented by a course in the National Normal University, at Lebanon, this state, after which he began teaching school and for sixteen years was thus engaged. for twelve years having been the teacher in his home school, performing there a service which was regarded so highly throughout the neighborhood as effectually to disprove the general application of the commonly accepted statement that a prophet is accorded little honor in his own country. In 1908 he abandoned teaching as a profession and came to Madison county and entered upon his successful career as a farmer. He bought eighty-six and one-half acres of the old Dunn farm in Deer-creek township, for which he paid fifty-nine dollars an acre, and there he remained until 1913, at which time he sold the place for one hundred and forty-five dollars an acre, having, in the, meantime, improved the place by clearing twenty-five acres of the uncleared portion, draining and fencing the farm and erecting two dwelling houses, a commodious barn and well-equipped outbuildings, making of the place one of the best farms in that part of the county. After selling the farm, Mr. Hankinson and his family moved to London, the county seat, where they have since resided and where they are very comfortably and very pleasantly situated. During the time of his residence on the farm Mr. Hankinson took great pleasure in his agricultural pursuits and gave to the same a degree of intelligent attention which soon caused him to become widely known throughout the county. It was at his active instigation that the celebrated Farmer's Club of Madison County was organized in 1911 and he was elected first president of the same, a position which he has held ever since. In Grange work Mr. Hankinson has been active and influential. For two years he was master of Oak Run Grange and is now master of Pomona Grange, a service in which he takes much delight. To church and educational affairs he likewise for years has given the same degree of thoughtful and intelligent interest and is an elder in the Presbyterian church, while for two years he performed excellent service as president of the Madison County Sunday School Association, a labor of love to which he brought the best powers of his mind. In educational matters there are few men in the county who have been more diligent and for years Mr. Hankinson performed a very signal service to the county as a member of the school board, of which for some time he was president. To the cause of temperance Mr. Hankinson also has lent his energetic and enthusiastic support and in the spring of 1915 was elected chairman of the Madison 826 - MADISON COUNTY, OHIO County Dry Federation, a position in which he was enabled to perform prodigies in behalf of the anti-saloon movement in this county. On December 31, 1895, Charles C. Hankinson was united in marriage to Hattie B. Russell, who was born near Crawfordsville, Indiana, daughter of John M. and Harriett (Cafferty) Russell, both natives of Warren county, this state. John M, Russell was a farmer and was born on January 1, 1828, on a farm near Franklin, Ohio. He being the second son of Joseph and Sarah McCord Russell, whose early home was in Pennsylvania. His wife, Harriett B.. was the daughter of James and Kaziah Cafferty. Several years after their marriage they moved to Whitesville, Indiana, where he was engaged in the grocery business for about nine years, moving back in Ohio in 1866, where they spent the remainder of their lives. His chief characteristics were honesty and uprightness. John M. Russell and his wife, both of whom are now deceased, were the parents of six children, James, Joseph, Findley, Hattie, Eli and Elbert. To Charles C., and Hattie B. (Russell) Hankinson two children have been born. Irene, born on January 9, 1898, who for four years attended school under her father's tutelage, then attended the schools at Lafayette, graduating from the grade schools under the Boxwell law in 1911, after which she entered the high school at London, from which she was graduated with the class of 1915, at the age of seventeen and is now a student in Ohio State University; and Russell, born on November 28, 1903, who is now in the London school. Mr. and Mrs. Hankinson are members of the Presbyterian church and are interested in all good works hereabout. They also take a proper interest in the social activities of the community and are held in the very highest esteem by their many friends in London and throughout the county. CARL C. HEWITT. It has been truly said that "it is not by sleeping, but by working, waking and laboring continually that proficiency is attained and reputation acquired." Were this test to be applied to him whose life record is briefly sketched here, he might be considered an exemplification of the statement, for, from his early manhood, ambition, industry and honesty have been marked characteristics. With faith in himself and in the universal good, he has made his life one of influence and usefulness, and has had the reward of knowing that he enjoyed popular favor. Carl C. Hewitt, a well-known merchant and farmer of this township was born on April 11, 1877, in Sedalia, being the son of Washington T. and Mandane (Groves) Hewitt, whose family is mentioned in the present work in the sketch of P. G. Hewitt. The maternal grandfather of Mr. Hewitt was toll-gate keeper of the Midway and London pike. After finishing his course in the local public schools, C. C. Hewitt attended the business college of Delaware for one term. In 1899 he went into business in Sedalia, establishing a general merchandise store. He started with only a small stock of goods but in 1901 increase of business compelled him to take possession of his new quarters which is thoroughly stocked with a first-class line of merchandise. Besides his mercantile pursuits Mr. Hewitt owns one hundred and two acres of land one and one-half miles south of Sedalia, which he is managing. To do this and at the same time to manage a business which attracts trade from an extensive territory requires extreme industry as well as careful planning. On September 14, 1899, C. C. Hewitt was united in marriage to Lisa M. Dorn, who was born on January 18. 1878, in Ross county, Ohio, and is the daughter of Peter and Catherine K. (Uhrick) Dorn. Her brother's life is reviewed in the sketch of George Dorn in the present publication. The children born to this union are Eloise, born on July 8, 1901, and Max, January 16, 1903: Mr. Hewitt is a Republican and is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. MADISON COUNTY, OHIO - 827 He is a member of the Knights of Pythias; a Shriner of Aladdin Temple, ,Columbus; and a Knights Templar at Washington C. H., the Free and Accepted Masons of Sedalia, of which organization he has been treasurer for fifteen years; and is also a' member of the Odd Fellows lodge. Mr. and Mrs. Hewitt live in a comfortable, attractive home where the spirit of hospitality is constantly in evidence. As a business man Mr. Hewitt is progressive, conducting his business on the principle that "honesty is the best policy." As a citizen he is broad minded and given to generous support of the enterprises which are conducive to better moral and financial conditions. He is, therefore, one of Sedalia's most prominent business men. JAMES R. ANDERSON. James R. Anderson, a farmer of Pleasant township, was born on October 19, 1872, in the township which is his present home. His parents were James B. and Amelia J. (Deyo) Anderson, to whom six children were born: James B. Anderson; one of the most progressive and best-known farmers of this district, was a man of unusual activity. His interest in public affairs and his political importance led to his being elected county commissioner in 1896, in which office he served two terms. His far-sightedness is indicated by the fact that he was among the first to start the interurban lines in Madison county, Ohio. The son of Stephen and Margaret (McCowan) Anderson, to whom ten children were born, he was early compelled to take up ills shave of the burden of making a livelihood. His father was born in May, 1808, in Kentucky, and came to Madison county with his parents when he was only two years of age, and their home was where Mt. Sterling is now located. Later on he had the honor of helping to lay out that village in town lots. Among other enterprises in which Stephen Anderson was interested was a flour-mill, which he built from the savings of his early meager earnings. The beginning of his fortune, however, was in the thirty acres of land which he leased from a neighbor in Pleasant township. With evident foresight and business acumen, he cleared this land and planted it in corn and disposed of his first crop, together with the lease, for two hundred dollars. With this money he bought a team of horses and started on his career as a farmer. thus it would appear establishing the line of activity for the following generations of his family. He owned, at the time of his death, in 1893, six hundred and fifty acres of land. He was a sturdy, hard-working, progressive farmer. absolutely loyal to his friendships. His wife, who was born in 1811, in this county, died in 1875. The father of the subject of this sketch, whose family dates back to Scotch-Irish descent, the family first emigrating to Pennsylvania, was reared on the family farm in Pleasant township, receiving all of the education afforded by the district school and the London high school, which he attended for two terms. In 1857 he was fortunate enough to fall heir to one hundred acres of land. James B. Anderson was twice married, his first wife. Amelia Deyo, being the mother of six children, of whom James R. is next to the youngest. The first. Mrs. Anderson was born in 1839, in Pickaway county. Ohio.. and was the daughter of Jerry and Hannah (Alkire) Deyo. Her death took place in February, 1883. Her children by Mr. Anderson were as follow : Mrs. Margaret A. Matlock. of Pickaway county; Ella. who became Mrs. J. W. Corney, of Union county. Ohio; Jerry S.. deceased; Stephen; James R.; Mrs. Myrtle Rafferty, of Henry county. Ohio. After the death of his first wife, Mr. Anderson married Lacy Alkire, whose family is mentioned elsewhere in this volume, the wedding taking place in 1885. James B. Anderson was a very extensive promoter and, like his father, a progressive man. He was one of a company of men to plan the building of a railroad 828 - MADISON COUNTY, OHIO. across Madison county from Columbus. to Cincinnati, but although considerable money and time was spent in the project it did not meet with success. As a monument to his skill in building, however, the county has several large steel bridges. He was fond of blooded stock, and owned fine Duroc-Jersey hogs. The war record of this patriot was rather unique, in that he felt that he served his country better by remaining at home than he would have done by enlisting and going to the He formed a company of recruits and drilled them at Camp Chase, preparing them for future service. In his zeal for his country, he spared neither time nor money in recruiting and training his company. His energies won him the title of Captain Anderson. After all of these extensive preparations were made, his sympathetic heart was touched by the helplessness of the women and children who had been deprived of the protection of nearly all the able-bodied men. So he laid down his sword, took off his military cap and returned to his ordinary pursuits, at the same time looking after the needs of the villagers. James B. Anderson died on July 15, 1904. It was not until his twenty-eighth years that James R. Anderson left the home of his parents, and after the death of his father, having inherited seventy acres of land, he added to this one hundred and twenty acres on Deer creek, Pleasant township. and thus began his personal career as a farmer. It was not long before he saw an advantage in the purchase of an old grist-mill with twenty-six acres of land which had belonged to his father, and there he lived for three years. In 1908 he bought the farm upon which his present home is located, from his uncle, William. P. Anderson, and moved onto it the following year. He remodeled all the old buildings and built several new. The tract now comprises four hundred acres of land. Mr. Anderson is a stockholder of the First National Bank of Mt. Sterling, besides owning a one-third interest in a hardware store at Harrisburg. Ohio. Mary E. Bower, a native of Madison county, became the wife of James R. Anderson on March 27, 1901. She is the daughter of Jesse and Minerva (Stone) Bower, mentioned elsewhere in this work, and was born on March 12, 1877, in Pleasant township. She was reared in Columbus. Ohio, by her aunt, Mrs. George W. Ray, and was educated in the public schools of that city. The children born of this marriage are James B., born on May 27, 1905, and Francis Earl, April 16, 1909. Mr. Anderson has always been a loyal Republican, a church attendant and a member of the Knights of Pythias lodge, at Bigplain. As a man of strong character and genial nature, Mr. Anderson is widely and popularly known, and such is his reputation for honesty and loyalty that to be his friend is considered an honor. WILLIS R. JUNK It is encouraging for every farmer to know that "The majority of the men who are guiding the destinies of our nation were born and bred in farm homes, under healthy and natural surroundings and influences." As a member of the army of men and women who are providing the food supply of a nation, the subject of this brief biography occupies no small place in the common life. Willis R. Junk, a farmer of Range township, was born on July 25, 1880, on the farm on which he still resides, and is the son of Clinton and Amanda (Alkire) Junk, the former being a prominent farmer of Pleasant township. He and his wife are mentioned elsewhere in this work. Willis R. Junk has lived a quiet, uneventful life, but a life full of usefuness and activity. During his boyhood and early youth he attended the local schools in Range township, and at the age of twenty-one, deciding to start out for himself, rented land from his father. For three years he cultivated this rented land near Chenoweth Corners. Subsequently his father left the homestead and the subject returned and rented that farm, consisting of one hundred and fifty acres. MADISON COUNTY, OHIO - 829 The subject of this sketch has for some time been interested in graded stock, and has become famous for his exhibition of corn and wheat for the past seven years at the Madison county fair at London, Ohio, and also at Mt. Sterling, Ohio. In both places he has won prizes for the excellency of his farm products. This expert has on the average about seventy-five acres of corn each year, and in 1911 he had twenty-five acres of corn which yielded seventy-five bushels to the acre. Willis R. Junk and Irene Lawrence were married on May 29, 1902. Mrs. Junk was born on April 1, 1879, in Bigplain, Ohio. She is the daughter of Lemuel and Elizabeth (Jenkins) Lawrence, who are natives of Ross county, Ohio. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Junk are six in number, these being Paul, Clinton, Myrtle, Kenneth, Seldom and Wilson. Mr. Junk is a Democrat, a church member and a member of the Odd Fellows lodge. Mr. Junk's success in life is due to the fact that he has concentrated his energies upon the tasks early planned by himself. Barring the accident of fate, there is little that comes in this life without strenuous and continued effort. Therefore, it is safe to say in most cases that the successful man is the man of indomitable will power and oneness of purpose. Such a man is the subject of this sketch. THOMAS H. CARPENTER. A common opinion often expressed is that one who cannot succeed at .any other business can operate a farm. This is far from the truth, for there are very few vocations which require more natural adaptability and taste for the effective accomplishments than does farming. One of the essential elements of the successful farmer is a real love for country life, this for the reason that unless he Is contented with his work and his surroundings, no man can hope to do his best, or live up to the full measure of his capabilities. The gentleman whose name heads this sketch is, according to this standard, eminently fitted for his work, as results have shown. Thomas H. Carpenter, a prominent farmer and stock raiser of this township, was born on March 1, 1855, at Darbyville, Pickaway county, Ohio, and is the son of Baldwin and Ann (English) Carpenter. Baldwin Carpenter was a Kentuckian by birth, having been born there on April 21, 1811. When a young man he engaged in the general merchandise business in Darbyville, his worldly wealth at the time he left Kentucky consisting of a horse and bridle and fifteen dollars. He made the journey to this state on the greater part of his property, his horse. When quite a youth he used to drive cattle to New York state, carrying his razor, soap and shaving outfit in his pocket, making the necessary lather from the water which gathered in the tracks of the horses' hoofs. After a brief experience as general merchant, he sold out his stock and started farming in Pickaway county. He became very prosperous, owning at the time of his death, on January 3, 1894, thirteen hundred acres of fairly well-improved land. Ann English was born in New York state on September 29, 1829, and came to Ohio with her parents, Abraham and Hannah (Gratesinger) English. She died on May 21, 1906, leaving eight children, namely : W. S., of Darbyville, Ohio; Mrs. Theodosia Kinnear, widow of N. F. Kinnear, of Bellair, Ohio; Florence, deceased; Simon, of 'Mt. Sterling, Ohio; Cora, deceased, who was the wife of Doctor Boggs; Mrs. Minnie Jobe, deceased, of Columbus, Ohio; Harry, of Ashville, Ohio; and Thomas, the subject of this sketch, who was the third child in order of birth. Thomas Carpenter spent his boyhood and youth in Darbyville, not leaving there until his thirty-second year. About 1883 his father presented him with one hundred acres of land, which he farmed for four years, and then went to Tennessee and engaged 830 - MADISON COUNTY, OHIO In farming for the following two years. Returning to Darbyville he remained there until 1890, when he located on his Own land two miles from Darbyville. He at once began making improvements which increased the value of the property and lived there until 1908. He then bought five acres of land at Mt. Sterling and lived, there until March, 1915, when he moved to his farm one mile south of town. He is a stockholder in the Maplewood Improvement Company; and in the First National Bank, both of Mt. Sterling, In his present farm work; Mr. Carpenter is assisted by his only son, and the family, home is a splendid modern dwelling. Mrs. Carpenter was formerly Amanda Renick, and her marriage to Mr. Carpenter took place on December 31, 1890. ',Mrs: Carpenter's parents were Benjamin F. and Mary (Taylor) Renick, she having been born on October 25, 1857, near Derby, Ohio. She was for some time a student in the high school at Circleville, Ohio, but was prevented from graduating by ill health. Renick G. Carpenter, the only son of Mr. and Mrs. Carpenter, was born on August 3, 1892. He is a graduate of the Mt. Sterling high school and of the Ohio State University, in which institution he took the agricultural course. He is at present operating the farm with his father. Benjamin F. Renick was born in Jackson township; Pickaway county, Ohio. He was first married to Sarah Williams, of Pickaway county, to .which union were born four children, Mary, Cynthia, Milton and Vincent, all of whom are deceased. After the death of his first wife, Mr. Renick was married to Mary Taylor, of Madison county, to which union were born nine children, as follow : Sarah married Dr. J. T. Kirkendall, of. Darbyville; Amanda, wife of T. H. Carpenter ; Jane, who lives in Columbus; Seymour, of Findley ; Job, of Derby; Edward, deceased; Ella married Charles Allen, of Washington C. H. ; Benjamin F., Jr., of Derby and Warner, of Howard, Montana. Mr. Renick was a farmer Sand stockman. He was a Republican, and a member of the Masonic lodge. Mr. and, Mrs. Renick were. interested in. the Presbyterian church. Mr. Renick died on August 7, 1901 and his wife died on January 13, 1911. Mr. Carpenter is a Republican and a member of the Knights of Pythias and the Free and Accepted Masons. His wife, who is a Presbyterian in church membership; is prominent in the circles of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Thus is briefly sketched the career of a man who, by reason of personal gifts and strength of character, has merited the friendship and esteem of all fortunate enough to know him. His life has been characterized by unfailing honesty, integrity of purpose and unflinching sense of duty to the community. He therefore deserves a place among the prominent citizens of this county. HENRY FATTLAR. In the early surroundings of the man whose life is briefly outlined here, there was little to encourage; and very much to discourage, even a strong heart. The father of the subject of this sketch was a hard working man, but the results of his toil were never in keeping with his effort, so it was that Henry. Fattlar had practically nothing to start with. But he was heir to Nature's rich gifts, for "No matter how plain the habitation may have been nor how simple the. fare; the pure air, the bright sunlight, the open country, the trees and flowers; the brooks and forests, the meadows and glens, the Song of the birds, and the incomparable charm of undefiled Nature, are the property of all." The father of Henry Fattlar was a 'native of Germany, having- been born there in 1838; his son, however, was born in this country, the date and place being January 15, 1856, Muskingum county, Ohio,. The parentsare John and Caroline :(Smith) Fattlar. They Were the parents of ten children: John Fattlar was a blacksmith and wagon-maker by trade, and after farming for a few years in this country he returned to his original occupation, continuing in that line MADISON COUNTY, OHIO - 831 of employment until his death, which occurred in 1907. At the time of his death, John Fattlar owned two hundred and thirty acres of well-improved land. His wife also was a native of Germany, coming to this country with her parents, and died a few years previous to the death of Mr. Fattlar; they were about the same age. Henry Fattlar is a well-known farmer in the district in which he resides. Having worked on his father's farm until his twenty-first year, he had but meager opportunities for an education, attending school at Philo, Ohio. When he had reached his majority he came to this county and engaged as a farm laborer, working by the month for from fourteen to seventeen dollars a month. The skill, efficiency and industry with which he labored is evidenced by the fact that he worked for one employer in Range township for a period of nine years. After fourteen years of this kind of employment he rented a farm from Benjamin Harrison for eleven years, and in 1900 had saved enough money to buy seventy-five acres of land in Range township. He immediately began the improvements which have made his farm one of the best in the township. He built a two-story, six-room house, and a barn forty-two by twenty-six feet in dimensions. One of his specialties as a farmer is the keeping of line, graded stock. Sarah (Rowe) Grim and George Grim, natives of Ohio, were the parents of Della Grim, who was born in Fayette county about 1869. Henry Fattlar and Della Grim were married on March 6, 1890. The children born of this union, being three in number, are Shurell, of Richmond, Indiana ; Martha, who was graduated from Midway high school; and Lenna. Mr. Fattlar is a Democrat. He and his wife are church members. Mr. Fattlar belongs to the Knights of Pythias. IRA R. DILLE It seems to make no difference to what business or profession the boys and girls of this country are called, history repeats itself unanimously in favor of these fortunate boys and girls whose early environments and births were on the farm. No matter how humble the old farm home may have been, no matter whether those sons and daughters came into this life and spent their earlier years on the rough, stony hillsides of New England or whether they enjoyed the more favorable sections of the great Middle West, the lives and achievements of these soil-grown sons and daughters, who have imbibed health and strength and character from this invigorating life, stand out so conspicuous in longevity and strength that their careers are marked with success. The youngest of four children born to Zenas and Harriet (Pope) Dille was Ira R. Dille, who was born on June 30, 1877, at West Liberty, Logan county, Ohio, and reared on the farm. where he attended the schools, fitting himself physically and mentally for the profession in which he has been so successful. The other children were: Mrs. Ada Riddle, of Logan county, Ohio; Mrs. Esta L. Cooper, of Logan county, Ohio; and William L., of West Liberty, Ohio. During the year of 1902. when Ira R. Dille was twenty-five years of age, he engaged as a clerk in a hardware store located at West Liberty, Ohio, and in 1903 he and his brother, William, purchased a stock of hardware goods at West Liberty, Ohio, and entered the mercantile field themselves. Seeing the opportunity to invest individually, Ira B. Dille, in 1911, sold out his interests in the store at West Liberty, Ohio, and removed to Mt. Sterling. Ohio, where he engaged in the hardware line, building up a lucrative trade, in which he is now engaged. On December 17, 1913, Ira R. Dille was united in, wedlock to Emma B. Johnson, who was born in November, 1884. in Fairfield county, Ohio, and is the daughter of H. Clay and Anna (Williamson) Johnson. After graduating from the Mt. Sterling schools, Emma B. Johnson served in the office of the local telephone company for several years, 832 - MADISON COUNTY, OHIO. in the bookkeeping department. Only one child was born to the union of Ira R. Dille and his wife, Emma B. Dille. This child died when an infant. Ira R. Dille is a member in two of the most prominent orders of the world, the Free and Accepted Masons and the Knights of Pythias. His political faith is with the Republican party, and he attends church regularly. At the early business age of thirty-eight years, lra R. Dille has placed himself in the enviable class of quick thought and resolute determination, from which he has wrought out an independent career for himself and his worthy helpmeet. HON. CHARLES CAMERON GREEN. Among the citizens of London of whom Madison county is truly proud is the Hon. Charles C. Green, former treasurer of the state of Ohio, and now president of the West Manufacturing Company of London, and an all around spirited man of affairs. On account of the interest which he aroused among the citizens of this city, the Board of Trade was organized and here it must be conceded was stirred the public spirit that has caused the many marked public improvements of the past four years. After serving as cashier in the county treasurer's office at Lisbon, Ohio, for five years, Mr. Green in 1900 became cashier of the office of the state treasurer upon Hon. I. B. Cameron's election to that office. Mr. Cameron served as state treasurer from 1900 to 1904. In 1904, upon the election of Hon. William S. McKinnon to the office, Mr. Green was voluntarily retained, handling approximately twenty millions of dollars annually. After serving in this position for nearly nine years, on the death of Mr. McKinnon, on November 17, 1908, Mr. Green was appointed by Gov. Andrew L. Harris to fill out the unexpired term of his office. In the May convention of that year Mr. Green received the Republican nomination for treasurer of state, but was defeated in the following election, turning over his office to his successor in January, 1909. Charles C. Green was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, at Salineville, April 6, 1873, and grew to manhood in his native county. When about twelve years of age he took a position as office boy in the offices of the Knowles, Taylor & Knowles Company. at East Liverpool, Ohio, the largest pottery plant in the world. After serving in their general office in various capacities for nine years, he took charge of the office of the A. J. Boyce Foundry & Machine Company, manufacturers of clay-working machinery. here he was located for two years. At the end of that period he took the position as cashier in the office of the Columbiana county treasurer, under Hon. I. B. Cameron. After retiring from the position of treasurer of state. Mr. Green became associated with the Merchants National Bank at Cincinnati as their financial agent. The Merchants National Bank is the institution of which the late M. E. Ingalls was the controlling factor. Mr. Green established, in the meantime, the West Manufacturing Company, at Columbus. This company was removed to London in 1911. By turning his attention from politics to industry, he has proved that he is quite as well fitted for the one as the other. Since coming to London he has built up one of the most important enterprises in Madison county. The West Manufacturing Company manufactures metal specialties for the wholesale paper and hardware trade and sells exclusively to jobbers. This company was the first enterprise to locate in London which has developed an export trade—of this business practically one-third is export. The West company manufactures the celebrated "Queen" and "West" Roll Paper Holder and Cutters, and half a million merchants, located in every section of the civilized world daily tear off paper to wrap packages With from this device that has been manufactured in London; from which it can be MADISON COUNTY. OHIO - 833 seen that Mr. Green deserves a good portion of the credit for the general advertising throughout the country which London is getting as a manufacturing center. In this connection it may be stated that it was his coming to London that turned the attention of this locality toward manufacturing. The start had to be made by some one, and Mr. Green made the start in the face of considerable opposition on the part of the town. Madison county did not want to be considered as a manufacturing county in those days. Now things have changed, and with successful-institutions springing up from time to time, the people are realizing the advantages that follow the pay-roll which these institutions bring to the locality. In securing the location of these industries the town did not pay out a single dollar. Mr. Green had "Glade Hill" addition to the town of London laid out, and a few thousand dollars were paid by the more enterprising of the local people for lots in this addition. As the lots are worth more than was paid for them, it can be truthfully stated that these institutions came to London at no cost to the people of London. With the satisfactory transportation conditions which exist in London, it is likely that at some time some keen manufacturer would have seen the advantages to be had from locating at this point. The fact is that when Mr. Green came here no one locally looked at it in that light. Mr. Green was the principal in organizing the London Grave Vault Company, was its president for a number of years and still retains the largest interest in that company. Mr. Green's wife before her marriage was Florence Josephine Rose, of Canton, Ohio. Both their parents are deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Green had three children, as follow : Walter Cameron, Desmond Emerson and Douglass Rose. All in all, it must be admitted that Charles C. Green is one of the livest and most useful citizens of London and Madison county. No man has done more than he to stimulate an interest among the people in developing the natural advantages of this county. He is a man who is highly respected not only in Madison county, but throughout the state of Ohio, where he has many friends and is well and favorably known. FREDERICK W. DORN. That there are those who appreciate the underlying principles of true happiness has been proven time and again by the records of those whose convictions were in favor of the simple life. A chronicle of the life of Frederick W. Dorn should be preserved as an inspiration for his descendants. Reared on the farm and receiving his education in the district schools of Range township, Madison county, Ohio, he grew thoroughly familiar with the vocation which was to become his life work. Frederick W. Dorn was born on August 3, 1875, in Pickaway county, Ohio, arid is the son of Peter and Katherine (Uhrig) Dorn. Confident that success and happiness were to be gained more quickly along the commercial pathway, he, in connection with his father, entered the grocery business, which he followed for four years. Realizing that competition, while the life of a trade, is very often the death of individuality, as well, he returned to a farm near Sedalia in 1900, content to mold his destiny, where Most happiness was to be found. Constant attention to agricultural interests has- been rewarded by an increase in property holdings, and today Frederick W. Dorn is the possessor of two hundred and twenty-six acres of land, well improved by good buildings, proper fencing and ditching. The cattle on this farm are of the Shorthorn variety. In 1899 Myrta E. Pallin, daughter of Samuel J. and Flora A. (Core) Paulin, and a graduate of the Midway high school, was united in marriage to Frederick W. Dorn, (53) 834 - MADISON COUNTY, OHIO. and they are the parents of five children, who are all at home, namely: Herman Kenneth, Leland Paul, Russell Dwight, Hugh Maynard and Delbert LeRoy. Frederick W. Dorn is a stockholder in the Farmers Bank of Sedalia, Madison county, Ohio, and a strong Republican. His fraternal relations are in the Free and Accepted Masons and the Knights of Pythias, which lodges hold him in high esteem. He is identified with the Presbyterian church, taking great interest in its affairs, and the name of Frederick W. Dorn is spoken with respect by all who know him. FLOYD ALKIRE. Few citizens are so widely known in Madison county, Ohio, as Floyd Alkire, for in his mercantile associations he commands the respect of every customer and in his private life he is the soul of honor. The name of Floyd Alkire is closely woven into the hearts of his host of admirers, in that he has that rare gift, a beautiful voice and with that voice he possesses the soul of an artist and the execution of a professional. He has always been most liberal with his talent, singing in church and assisting the home people with their numerous entertainments. Floyd Alkire was born on May 10, 1888, in Pleasant township, Madison county, Ohio, and is the son of William and Nevada (Beatty) Alkire. Four children comprise this family group: Mrs. Essie Claridge, of Nashville, Tennessee; Rife, a farmer in Madison county, Ohio; Floyd, a merchant of Mt. Sterling, Ohio, and Homer, of Mt. Sterling. William Alkire was born on July 20, 1857, in Mt. Sterling, Ohio, and was a prominent Madison county farmer, since retired, and now living on the old home place. The parents of William Alkire, Abraham and Mary J. (Tanner) Alkire, were both natives of Virginia. Nevada Beatty was born on July 29, 1858, at Washington, Ohio. Reared on the farm and obtaining the elementary branches of his education from the public schools at Mt. Sterling, Ohio, Floyd Alkire, realizing the value of a broad, comprehensive training, continued his studies in a general course at Defiance, Ohio, and during that period developed a rich baritone voice of wide range, in the school of voice culture. Actuated from principles of the highest moral and intellectual standards. Floyd Alkire, having acquired the most important attributes for permanent success and continued happiness, continued to maintain his high ethical standards and remained on the farm until 1906. He then entered the Citizens Bank, at Mt. Sterling, Ohio, where he was employed in the capacity of bookkeeper, from which position he resigned in 1907. Desirous of securing a more extended knowledge of business affairs and gaining a more practical knowledge, from personal observation, for a business location, Floyd Alkire, after his resignation at the bank in 1907, made an extended tour of several of the southern states, including Texas, Tennessee and Arkansas, employing his time in the vocation of bookkeeper at different points, thereby obtaining a more general knowledge of the country and its people, than could have been gleaned from a journey of practically continuous travel. Convinced that Mt. Sterling, Ohio, offered satisfactory inducements for future developments, Floyd Alkire returned from his travels and in the old familiar town secured employment in the grocery store of G. M. Fisher and served in that capacity until 1911. At that time he decided to enter the commercial field for himself and with his brother, Homer, purchased a hardware store, which carries a large and well-selected stock of hardware merchandise, and through the courtesy and management of these brothers this establishment has attracted a large patronage from the surrounding country. In 1912 Floyd Alkire was married to Maud Loofbourrow, who was born in 1883, MADISON COUNTY, OHIO - 835 in Madison county, Ohio. She is the daughter of Alvin and Mary (Neff) Loofbourrow. To Floyd and Maud (Loofbourrow) Alkire one child has been born, Juanita. Mr. Alkire is a member of the Christian church. He is an independent voter. Mr. Alkire is affable and popular in all his dealings with the people of this section and willing to lend aid to all deserving enterprises for the best interests of the town and people. GEORGE M. FISHER. What can be accomplished with the proper business acumen has been demonstrated by George M. Fisher, of Mt. Sterling, Madison county, Ohio, who, after five years of diligent effort as a clerk in the general merchandise store of Dury & Crabbe, launched his individual business craft and began sailing the commercial seas' alone. He was born on September 14, 1861, in Pickaway county, Ohio. Reared on his father's farm, he gained what education was available in the district schools and then became a farm hand for his grandfather, whose land adjoined their own. Realizing that worthy character is fashioned from the material at hand, George M. Fisher continued as an employee of his grandfather until he reached the age of twenty-five years, he then removed to Mt. Sterling, where he started on his own business career. He is the son of William and Sarah (Mouser) Fisher, to whom eight children were born, five of whom are now living. William Fisher was born on February 29, 1836, and after a long life of diligent effort as a farmer, in Pickaway county, Ohio, he retired from active efforts in the agricultural line in 1911, and died on August 6, 1915. His wife, Sarah, was born on May 25, 1835, in Fayette county, Ohio, and died on February 26, 1886. Both husband and wife were devout in the faith of the Methodist church. George M. Fisher quickly developed the opportunities afforded him in the capacity of clerk, and at the expiration of five years as an apprentice in the business world; bought a stock of groceries and for fifteen years was a successful merchant, meriting the respect and esteem of all who knew him. So great a following did he have that others realized the advantage to be gained by such an established trade, and Mr. Fisher sold the business, which had taken him so many years to build, to Fisher Brothers, his cousins. Thoroughly familiar with the surrounding country where he had spent forty-five years of his life, George M. Fisher decided to broaden his commercial interests in such a way that he might benefit from the large acquaintance he had made, and proved that his judgment was sound by entering the realty business, in which he is still engaged. In connection with his other interests he writes insurance; and that others may profit by what he has gained, during the many years of his earnest endeavor, he has gathered a great deal of data relative to the public library and the Methodist church history of Mt. Sterling, Ohio. He was appointed clerk of the board of public affairs. In 1892, Katy F. Larey, who was born on November 29, 1864, in Pickaway county, Ohio, became the wife of George M. Fisher. She is the daughter of James and Elizabeth (Troutman) Larey, both natives of Pickaway county, Ohio. Three weeks after the birth of Katy F. Larey, the mother, Elizabeth Larey. passed away. The father still lives and makes his home with the daughter who was deprived, at so early an age, of a mother's tender care. No children have come to bless the lives of George M. Fisher and his wife. Among the many loyal supporters of the Methodist church, the name of George M. Fisher stands as a synonym for esteem and nobility of aim, and in the Knights of Pythias lodge he is recognized as a worthy brother, loyal to the precepts of the order. 836 - MADISON COUNTY, OHIO. BERTHA COOVER AND ESTA COOVER HARVEY. By Mary F. Clark. These two remarkable women, daughters and only children of Allison Jerome and Harriet (Porter) Coover, were born on November 13, 1860, and June 19, 1862, respectively, at the Coover homestead, three and one-half miles west of London, on the Springfield road. Here they lived, enjoying country life, its schools and pastimes, until May, 1876, when the family moved to London into the familiar home on North Main street. They graduated from the London public schools, Adah Bertha in 1878, and Esta Willa in 1880, each with the highest honors of her class. Bertha taught the year following her graduation, in the schools of London, and was preparing for a college course when Mrs. Coover's health, never robust, became seriously impaired. The sisters devoted themselves to the care of their loved and honored mother until death claimed her, May 17, 1895. The father's health, also, failed during this time and he followed the mother, January 15, 1900. The family life of this little circle was a most beautiful and happy one. There was much love and great peace in the home and, by precept and example, the girls were trained to be kind in their estimates of others, broad in their judgment. and most friendly in their relations to all of God's creatures. Friendliness seemed to be their predominating characteristic, since there can be no higher proof of friendship than that which implies a willingness to take trouble, to make sacrifices, to be obliging and generous to one's friends. Jeremy Taylor speaks of friendship as "the greatest love and the great usefulness of which, brave men and women are capable.' St. Basil says: "A good deed is never lost; he who sows courtesy, reaps friendship, and he who plants kindness, gathers love. These sisters merited and enjoyed the respect, approval and love of the entire community. Respect, because of their sterling qualities; approval of their good deeds; and love, because they were so human, so sympathetic and so cheery. Their coming into an assembly was as the coming of the sunshine. While they were eminently reformers and worked heartily with and for any movement that was for the betterment of mankind and the world, yet their keen interest in humanity was so genuine that they could and did differentiate between the sin and the sinner. The anomaly of their attacking a practice. yet retaining friendly relations with the person, was often a result of this ability. Since their interests were so democratic, they belonged to many organizations: The Farmers Institute, several social and literary clubs, the Good Templars and, later, the Woman's Christian. Temperance Union, the Ohio Society of the Daughters of 1812, the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Farmers Club, the Health and Welfare League, the. Daughters of Rebekah and the Woman's Elective Franchise Association. In all these organizations both took prominent parts, serving on committees, as officers and as delegates to state and national bodies. Neither was a member of any church, but they affiliated most closely with the Universalist, loving, as Bertha expressed it, "its beautiful philosophy and rational teaching. Both sisters served as members of the London board of education, Bertha from 1895 to 1898, Esta from 1908 to 1911, inclusive. During all the years of their service neither missed a meeting, regular or special, and both were unusually faithful and efficient in the discharge of their duties. Their father, also, had served the community in a like capacity. The sisters traveled much together, both in this country and in Europe, and. with their wanted comradeship, gave freely and graphically of their experiences and impressions to interested friends. Such was their capacity for enjoyment, that their cup of MADISON COUNTY, OHIO - 837 happiness was as filled to the brim with the beauties of a field flower in the pastures of Madison county as by the glories of a sunrise in the Alps. Bertha was county chairman of the woman's day of Home-Coming Week of Madison county's centennial year, in July, 1911, an honor which she appreciated more than any other ever conferred upon her. The lovely spirit of unity in which the women of Madison county co-operated was a tribute to her tact, her courtesy, and efficient leadership. The status of woman in the political and economic world aroused the deepest interest of these sisters. In her autobiography, Bertha says, "In the belief of equal political rights for men and women in which I was brought up, I found my deepest sympathy. Here, too, I did my best work. In February, 1895, I joined the Woman's Elective Franchise Association, which had just been organized. I served as secretary, president, and treasurer of this body, and often on committees. I was elected to the important office of state corresponding secretary of the Ohio Woman's Suffrage Association, serving for nine years. I attended all the state conventions during that time and most of the board meetings. I made some reputation as a speaker, being often on for an address at state conventions, speaking for resolutions before political conventions and various organizations, and before both branches of the Ohio Legislature at Columbus. It was my privilege to act as state delegate from Ohio to several conventions of the National American Woman Suffrage Association. In Chicago, I believe the year 1907, and at Buffalo in 1910, I served on the resolutions committee with Henry B. Blackwell as chairman. The first year after his death, I not only served on the committee, but was chosen its chairman in 1911 at Louisville, Kentucky. In the summer of 1908 I acted as national press chairman of the association for nine weeks,' during the absence in Europe of the regular chairman. I also assisted in editing Progress, the national organ of the suffrage movement at that time." Thus modestly is set forth a work extending over years of close application, of sacrifice of time and strength, and of a very great and exhausting toil, such as comes to her who is driven by her ideals. Bertha's interest and success in this work was Esta's interest and success as well; for in. all things the sisters worked together. If one seemed to have stepped to the front to occupy some position of trust and labor, the other, in the background, was loyally upholding the worker's hands, attending to the details, performing the clerical work, and in every way clearing away the hindrances, that the other might do the more efficient work. This bond of co-operation and singleness of purpose, was manifested in the two in a remarkable degree. It had existed from infancy and was broken only by Esta's death, which occurred, after a few hours' illness, on the morning of December 5, 1912. Her husband. Elmer E. Harvey, to whom she was married on December 22, 1896, survives her. Bertha's health, always a little precarious, failed under the shock of this great grief and, although she made heroic efforts to regain her interest in her wonted enterprises, life, as she pathetically remarked, "had lost its zest and could not be made to feel worth while any longer." She gradually failed and on February 5, 1915, the portals opened to let this last member of the Coover family rejoin her dear ones. The bodies of the sisters rest in quiet Kirkwood beside their father and mother. Madison county, blessed already by the leavening influence of these beautiful lives. will have reason, as the years go on, to realize more and more how much this whole devoted Coover family loved this community, for, truly, "their works do follow them." The will by which Bertha Coover left the Coover lands and money to Madison county was an expression of her father and mother and sister's wishes, also. In this, as in every plan and thought throughout their lives, the sisters and parents. were as one. They. had discussed as a family, while in health, the needs of the community and how those needs could best be met. The Coover residence and its twelve acres of land on North Main street was given to Madison county as a site for a county hospital, 838 - MADISON COUNTY, OHIO. a sanitarium, an old ladies' home or other similar benevolent institution as the county commissioners may deem best. One hundred and seventy acres of land, including the old home place, was given to be occupied by the county as an experiment farm. Seven thousand dollars were given to the Federation of Women's Clubs of London, to buy, furnish and equip a building for a club house. (This has already been purchased on North Main street.) The organizations to which Bertha and Esta belonged, in which they were interested, or which may be for the general welfare of the community, are to use the club house as a meeting place under proper restrictions. The Ohio State Woman's Suffrage Association received one thousand dollars. The London Woman's Elective Franchise Association; the London Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution; Madisonia Lodge No. 725 of the Daughters of Rebekah; the Universalist church; Trinity Episcopal church; Methodist Episcopal church; First Presbyterian church; and Lutheran church of London were also remembered. Thus passed from our community these two rare and sweet-souled women. Measured by years their time with us was short, but in the hearts of the people they will live; and the good they have done, by their lives and by their thoughtful and loving bequests, will bring to them that immortality which comes to him who loves and serves his fellow man. THE COOVER SISTERS—AN APPRECIATION. By Sallie Dooris. From the breezy, wholesome life of a country home, they came with their parents to the village of London in 1876. Two slender slips of girlhood, somewhere in their teens, possibly sixteen and fifteen years of age. Bertha, tall and willowy, a brunette, with wide-open brown eyes. Esta, the younger, flower-faced and slender; with pink coloring, blue-eyed, flaxen-haired. Just the two girls, without other sister or brother. Companions from babyhood, only something like a twelve-month difference in their ages, they ought have been twins. They were twins in sisterly love, in tastes, studies, occupations. It would be hard to say which was the elder. At school, Bertha was just a step or two ahead; but Esta caught up so fast, they kept well together. Together they read the same books, sang the same sweet melodies; in all things one was the complement of the other. It is such a little way from girlhood to womanhood, and the time in crossing over so swift, that, ere one knew, the sisters had reached the line where life broadened and the outlook on things became more real, more earnest. The girlish tastes gave way to womanly interests; and the welfare of humanity was one that occupied their thoughts. As the years passed, marriage sought and found the younger sister; but Bertha's nature seemed so rounded out and perfect, there was neither time or thought for matrimony. There are such women. Had she married and been the mother of children, she would, as in all other conditions, filled well her sphere of usefulness and motherhood. The Father of all had other uses for her. Prohibition was a paramount topic in their parents' home. The daughters entered heart and soul into the spirit of the work. So, too, in agricultural affairs. Though they had left the farm, it was crops and herds and soil values that kept the house-fires alight and the two sisters, with keen enthusiasm, were members and workers in farmer's clubs, reading essays, singing their sweet ballads at harvest festivals, getting signatures for road improvements and in all things co-workers with their parents. Universalism as a religion appealed to them. In the church at London, they were found Sunday after Sunday in the choir. They visited the sick and aged and comforted the sorrowful. In the intellectual ventures of the town they had their share and did their part well. Their parents were tended and cared for by loving watchfulness, and, when laid MADISON COUNTY, OHIO - 839 side by side in their last, long sleep, the sisters' lives grew, if anything, a little nearer and dearer and Bertha became a member of her sister's and brother-in-law's home. Feeling handicapped in their multifarious work by the lack of the ballot, they worked indefatigably for the cause of suffrage for women. It is hard to write of such women as Bertha Coover and Esta Coover Harvey. So much ought to be said one feels unequal to the obligation of saying all adequately. The sudden passing of Esta, in 1912, was a blow from which Bertha never. rallied. Life's cares and interests, hitherto shared with her sweet sister, became a sorrowful burden, too heavy to bear, and two years later, gladly, thankfully, she joined "the choir invisible." She was the last of her line. Having no needy relatives or immediate descendants, the bulk of the Coover fortune was devised to London and Madison county. What may be called "the joint will" of the sisters was expressed in part, as relating to London and the county, as follow: "In the name of the Benevolent Father of all, I, Adah Bertha Coover, of London, Madison county, Ohio, do hereby make my last will and testament. * * * "Item 4.—I give and devise to Madison county, Ohio, for the uses and purposes hereinafter stated, the following described real estate. * * * The same to be managed and controlled by the county for the following public uses and purposes; primarily, as a site for a county hospital; but if the commissioners should at any time find and decide that it would be for the best interests and welfare of the county to use a part or all of said premises as a site for an old ladies' home or for a sanitarium or other similar benevolent institution or institutions, then in that event it may be used by the county for any or all of such purposes." * * * * * * * Item 5 provides that certain farm lands are to be used by the commissioners of Madison county for establishing and equipping an experiment farm. * * * * * * * Item 8.—I give and bequeath the sum of seven thousand dollars to the London Federation of Women's Clubs, of London, Ohio, to be used to purchase, furnish and equip a building for a club house for the said the London Federation of Women's Clubs; provided, that one room in said club house be set apart and used as a relic room, under the supervision of the Daughters of the American Revolution; and provided further, that the Woman's Christian Temperance Union, the Woman's Elective Franchise Association, the Humane Society and other organiations for the general welfare may also use said club house, as a meeting place, by paying to the said the London Federation of Women's Clubs a reasonable compensation as their respective proportionate shares for the upkeep of said premises." * * * There is a stated mansion in London, compactly built of brick and granite, standing on a commanding site on North Main street. 'Round its walls, and in and out its many rooms. Miss Bertha Coover wove magic dreams. She admired and commended the work of the club women of her town; their efforts to gladden the hearts of little children at Christmas time; the beautifying of the streets and gardens; the inculcation of civic pride, and she wished that that especial house might some day be a club home for women; that from its roof-tree thoughts would be born and efforts issue for the betterment of the town she loved so well. Was it a coincidence, or something higher, that impelled the London Federation of Women's' Clubs to purchase the very spot the testator dreamed of. Standing at the portal of this stately club house, one can almost see, a little way to the north, the roof and chimneys of the old Coover homestead, devoted to the purposes of the Health and Welfare League of making sick people well again. Westward, a few miles from London, Is the spot where the Coover sisters were born, the broad, well- 840 - MADISON COUNTY, OHIO. cultivated acres to be used as an agricultural experiment farm. The Protestant churches the town and societies to which the sisters belonged have not been forgotten in their last will and testament. It is not in the transitory world of fashion and passing show, these two noble women will be remembered. They will live for all time in the town of London and county of Madison. They have joined the Immortals. The name of Coover will live forever. Bertha and Esta Coover have taken their "place in the sun." JOSEPH A. LONG. Madison county has no business institution of which it is prouder than the White Cliff Mills, of which Joseph A. Long is proprietor. Born at Athens, Tennessee, he comes from a family of millers, his grandfather having operated a mill at Athens as far back as the forties and his father having later succeeded in the business of his grandfather. It is no wonder, therefore, that Mr. Long is a practical miller, nor that he has made a phenomenal success of this business. Both he and his brothers, J. R. and W. Z. Long, with whom he was associated in business for many years, were trained in the milling business at Athens. At the age of eighteen years, having some fear of punishment by his father because he wanted to play baseball, J. A. Long ran away from home and finished his apprenticeship as a roller-mill operator in a mill at Morrow, Warren county, Ohio. During the next eighteen years he worked at Morrow, rising gradually from floor sweeper to head miller, in 1897. In partnership with his brother, Mr. Long rented the mill at Morrow during 1897, and the next year came to London, Madison county. In the autumn of 1894. he, also in partnership with his brother, purchased the old buhr mill at Athens. Tennessee, in which was installed a fairly modern roller process of making flour. Two younger brothers were taken into the business at the time. Since coming to London. Ohio, Mr. Long's rise to fame and fortune in a business way presents an unbroken record of success. Like many Southern boys, Mr. Long at the outset of his career was possessed of pluck, energy and ambition. His quick intelligence and ardent application soon made him a first-class miller. No sooner had the Long brothers purchased the old mill at London than new and modern machinery was installed, and the flour manufactured was properly and scientifically milled. Mr. Long called it White Cliff (named for White Cliff springs, in the eastern Tennessee mountains), and so famous has it become that a local poet has proclaimed its stability in this verse: "An author wrote a book, Called 'The Man of the Hour,' A miller ground wheat Into White Cliff flour. The author and his book Have both had their day; But White Cliff flour Has come here to stay." The output of the London mill has grown steadily from a capacity of sixty barrels a day to one hundred and seventy-five barrel capacity. The plant is also equipped with a complete corn meal roller outfit, which uses a carload of corn every day, the product being manufactured for both feed and table use. The table meal is made of white corn. produced mostly in Madison county. A car load of wheat is also used every day. The White Cliff Mills use approximately seventy-five thousand bushels of wheat, purchased of the farmers of Madison county and vicinity. They also buy and ship large quantities of corn, oats and rye, and employ. from eight to twelve men the year round. White Cliff Mills manufacture, as principle brabrands, Whiteiff and London Cream flour. The MADISON COUNTY, OHIO - 841 market for the product is largely local, but carload shipments are made to the remote sections of Ohio, West Virginia and Virginia, as well as to the far Eastern market. This flour is carried by most of the local merchants and is sold in great quantities. Local deliveries are made with a large Kelly-Springfield truck, which replaced four horses. T. J. Long retired from the mill in 1900, going to Mechanicsburg, Ohio, where the Long brothers own the electric light and ice plant, in connection with a flour-mill. They also own an electric light plant in Tennessee, and operate the old mill at Athens under the name of the Long Manufacturing Company. The flour-mill at Mechanicsburg and the flour-mill at Athens, Tennessee, each has a capacity of approximately the same as that of the London mill. The London mill enjoys the distinction of being on a level with the surrounding ground, a fact of great significance to farmers who haul heavy loads. The old-style elevation process is eliminated and farmers drive in on the level and dump their grain into the elevator below the road. Hence the mill on the "level dump" is very popular. This is an innovation, due to Mr. Long's genius, and ft is noteworthy that his competitors have followed the same plan. Mr. Long was married in September, 1889, at Morrow, Ohio, to Carrie Stubb, a member of one of the original Quaker families of Warren county, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Long have had two children. Leslie is a student at Ohio Wesleyan University, Delaware, Ohio. Bessie was educated in music at the Western College for Women at Oxford, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Long and family live in a modern home, attractive from the exterior and beautifully furnished. The family are .popular socially in London and Madison county, and take a lively interest in all the affairs relating to this county. Mr. Long is popular and prominent in fraternal circles. He is a blue-lodge and chapter Mason and is a member of the London Club and formerly was a member of the Board of Affairs. He belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he takes a deep interest, being a member of the official board. Since coming to the great Buckeye state, he has formed a keen affection for this state and for its people. ORLA H. TOOPS. The man whose name appears at the head of this sketch is a prominent farmer of Pleasant township. Madison county. having been born on the farm on which he resides, April 24, 1886, and is the son of Frederick and Eliza (Stone) Toops. Frederick Toops was a son of John and Ann (Bountz) Toops. natives of Ohio, and was born on April 6, 1847, in Pickaway county. Ohio. Migrating to Madison county with his parents he at first tilled the soil which he rented for a number of years. By 1875 he had been able to earn enough to buy his present farm of one hundred and thirty-nine acres, unimproved. and on this he built a one-story and a half house and rail pen, two years later constructing a log barn. It was not long before he was able, by his industry, to place extensive improvements on his farm, including a large and commodious barn, which unfortunately, was destroyed by fire. In 1911 it was replaced by a more modern structure, forty by sixty feet and twenty-eight feet high. At this time also he remodeled and enlarged his house. Mrs. Eliza (Stone) Toops. who is now living with her son, Orla H., is a native of Madison county. Pleasant township, having been born there on .April 16, 1851. She is the daughter of William and Elizabeth (Jones) Stone, mentioned elsewhere in this work. Her father was a native of Ohio. A large family of children blessed the domestic life of this worthy couple. These children are: John W., a farmer of Range township; Mrs. Bertha Morain. of Pleasant township; Armour G., of Pickaway county, attendant of the state farm; Mrs. Bernice Rice, deceased; George N. a farmer of 842 - MADISON COUNTY, OHIO. Paint township, Madison county ; Raymond, deceased; Orla H.; and Creswell, a student of a medical college at Columbus, Ohio, preparing to be a physician and surgeon. With the exception of one year, during which time Orla H. Toops was employed on another farm, he has remained on the farm which is his present home. In 1910 he began the management of his mother's country place, and the same year exhibited his corn at the Mt. Sterling fair. Like his father, he has always been interested in high grade stock, and there has never been a time when he did not own a number. In 1912 Orla H. Toops was married to Golda Tope, a native of Pickaway county, being born there on February 27, 1890. Her parents are Francis and Margaret (Immel) Tope who are descendants of German ancestry. They are well-known farmers in Madison county. Mr. and Mrs. Orla H. Toops are the parents of two children, Kenneth, born on May 8, 1913, and Frederick Orla, May 3, 1915. Politically, Mr. Toops exercises the right of individual choice, for in spite of the strong party lines of his county he has remained an independent voter. He is a church attendant, and a member of the Knights of Pythias lodge. That Mr. Toops has been enterprising in his agricultural operations is evidenced by his present possession. In all of his dealings he is actuated by the principal of honesty and his relations with his fellow men have been such as to gain their confidence and good will, and once having gained these he retains them. GEORGE A. BOICE. With a proper realization, at an early age, that success later on in the mercantile world could only come from beginning at the lower round of the ladder and working up, step by step, until master of the business, George A. Boice, of Mt. Sterling, Ohio, fitted himself with this end in view and then became the merchant and not the employee. His birth took place on November 23, 1875, in Gallia county, Ohio, he being second in age of three children born to Melvin and Mina (Mauck) Boice, as follow : Burt, deceased; George A. Boice, of Mt. Sterling, Ohio, and Mannie (Lyle), of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. Melvin Boice, the father of these children, was born on February 25, 1845, in Gallia county, Ohio, and he was reared on the farm. In August, 1861, at the tender age of sixteen, he responded to his country's call and enlisted at Cheshire, Ohio, in Company H, Fifty-third Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry. After a faithful service for nearly three years, he was wounded at Kenesaw Mountain, on June 27, 1864. His wound was in the left arm and he was discharged from the hospital at Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1865. Following his discharge he returned to the farm and assumed his former occupation of tilling the soil. This farm is located one mile from where he was born and on this property, consisting of one hundred and ninety-five acres, he is still living. Mina Mauck was born on May 16, 1849, in Gallia county, Ohio, and is the daughter of James and Barbara (Rothget) Mauck, natives of Virginia. She is still living. George A. Boice was reared on the farm and attended the district school. When only eighteen years of age, with his mercantile career in view, he left home for the West and in 1893 secured a position as clerk in a general merchandise store at Springhill, Kansas. After serving in that capacity for some time he returned to Cheshire, Ohio, where he clerked in a general merchandise store until 1899. His experience then having fitted him to conduct his own affairs in his chosen profession, he purchased a store in Rio Grande, Ohio, which he sold in 1903, removing to Mt. Sterling, Ohio. Constantly but carefully advancing, he purchased a store at Mt. Sterling and soon had it stocked with general 'merchandise. He is the owner of the building in which his business is located and at this time he is erecting a substantial home. George A. Boice was married; in 1900, to Bessie Fargo, who was born on October 14, MADISON COUNTY, OHIO - 843 1879, at Cheshire, Ohio. She is the daughter of J. E. and Viola (Smith) Fargo and a woman of exceptional attainments. Before her graduation from school she taught one year and after graduation taught in the high school. She has been highly honored by the women of her state, having served as grand worthy matron of the Eastern Star Lodges of Ohio, and in 1914 was elected grand secretary of the same order, now traveling over the state as her duties call her. No children have blessed this union. George A. Boice is a Republican and is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons. He attends the Methodist church, of which his wife is a member. CHARLES W. HODGES. Charles W. Hodges was born on August 1, 1.859, at Circleville, Ohio, son of William J. and Julia (Walker) Hodges. He was one of thirteen children born to them. The names of these children follow in their order : Charles W., William J., Jr., Edward B., Mrs. Florence Alderson (deceased), Mrs. Margaret Smith (deceased), Mrs. Minnie Moor, Thomas A., Mrs. Belle Smith (deceased), Mrs. Nellie Bazler, Paul, Richard, Harry and Mrs. Ada Morgan. Two of these children felt that the trade their father followed was good enough for them, Charles W. and Thomas, who is a blacksmith at Columbus, Ohio. Harry, second to the youngest child, is inspector at the Buckeye Malleable Works, Columbus, Ohio. Mrs. Ada Morgan lives at Youngstown, Ohio. William J., Jr., is a salesman living in the state of Iowa. Mrs. Minnie Moor lives at Farmland, Indiana. Mrs. Nellie Bazler, a widow, resides at Youngstown, Ohio. Paul represents the Northwestern railroad and resides at Toledo, Ohio. Richard Alderson makes his home in West Virginia. Edward B. became a painter and is employed by his brother, Charles, in the business at Mt. Sterling, Madison county, Ohio, where they both reside. William J. Hodges, Sr., was born on February 22, 1832, at Staunton, Virginia, where he was a blacksmith and resided until 1857, at which time he removed to Darbyville, Ohio. There he followed his trade until 1862, when he enlisted as a soldier in Company A, Ninetieth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in which company he served as sergeant. During the war he was wounded and while at the hospital, in 1865, received his discharge, returning to Darbyville, Ohio, where he resumed his work as a blacksmith until 1871. He then removed to Mt. Sterling, Ohio, where he worked as a blacksmith until his retirement in 1882. He died on June 8, 1889. Julia Walker was born on October 11, 1840, in Lancaster, Ohio, and is the daughter of Josiah and Eliza (Ginder) Walker, both natives of Pennsylvania. She lives with her daughter, Mrs. Ada Morgan, at Youngstown, Ohio. Charles W. Hodges was reared in Mt. Sterling, where he received his education in the public schools. He was taught his trade in his father's shop, assuming full charge of the same when his father retired from the business. He is an expert mechanic and takes delight in his chosen profession. Mr. Hodges built his present shop in 1892. In 1882 Charles W. Hodges was married to Eliza Leech, who was born on November 7, 1861, at Mt. Sterling, Ohio, and is a graduate of the Mt. Sterling schools. She is the daughter of William T. and Elizabeth (Bostwick) Leech. To the union of Charles W. and Eliza (Leech) Hodges, have been born five children: May, deceased; Mrs. Gladys Von Loyd, of Columbus, Ohio; Leo, deceased; Fredrick, deceased; and Sherman, who is at home with his parents. Charles W. Hodges is a Democrat, and the respect in which he is held by his fellow citizens is demonstrated by the fact that he has served as a member of the city council at three different times. He is a member of the Presbyterian church, also of the Knights of Pythias. Mr. Hodges owns a modern home on No. 10 West Main street. 844 - MADISON COUNTY, OHIO. ZEBULON D. FISHER. People of all climes are filled with admiration for the man or woman who has ambition and the perseverance to accomplish things worth while in life, and it matters not whether they were of lowly birth or whether today they are of differing social classes, they are honored for their achievements regardless of nationality or creed. To Zebulon D. Fisher, of Mt. Sterling, Madison county, Ohio, falls the approbation and praise for having earned the respect and esteem of his fellow men. Zebulon D. Fisher was born on November 13, 1873, in Pickaway county, Ohio, and received his education in the district schools of Pickaway county. After leaving school in 1893, he served as a teacher in the schools of Monroe township, Pickaway county, Ohio. He followed this vocation for seventeen years, and in connection with his work took up the study of law, with attorney Irvin F. Snyder, of Circleville, Ohio. Difficult as is the teaching of school, demanding as it does much time outside of school hours, Mr. Fisher succeeded in his study of the law and in 1897 he was admitted to the bar, beginning his practice in 1910. at Mt. Sterling. Madison county, Ohio, where he is also interested in the grocery business. In 1908 Zebulon D. Fisher was married to Laura M. Brown, who was born on December 25, 1880, in Fairmount, Indiana. Laura M. Brown is the daughter of Alexander and Mary A. (Jones) Brown, both natives of Cincinnati, Ohio. Alexander Brown was reared in Pike county, Ohio, and was a soldier in the Civil War. Zebulon D. Fisher is the son of Isaac N. and Hulda (Hanawalt) Fisher, who were the parents of seven children, of whom two only are now living. Isaac N. Fisher was born in 1842, in Pickaway county. and engaged in farming until his death in 1878. His wife, Hulda, was born in Union county, Ohio, and passed away in 1911, leaving two. sons, Estal E., a merchant of Mt. Sterling; and Zebulon D., attorney and merchant, the only survivors of her immediate family. In Pickaway county, where he now lives, Mr. Fisher owns seventy-two acres of land. He is the father of two daughters and two sons, namely: Laura E., Zebulon E., Paul R. and Mary A., all of whom are at home. Mr. Fisher is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is a Republican in politics and a member of the Methodist church. SEYMOUR P. YOUNG. Seymour P. Young was born on December 11, 1864, in Pleasant township. Madison county. Ohio, and is of German descent. He is the son of Frederick and Lucinda (Kaufelt) Young, to whom nine children were born, seven of whom are still living. Seymour P. Young is the youngest child and only son. His father, Frederick Young, was born in 1812, in Germany, immigrating to America when a young man and locating in Pickaway county, Ohio, where he bought land and farmed, later removing to Madison county, Ohio. He continued to cultivate the soil until his death, which occurred on April 23, 1866. His mother, Lucinda (Kaufelt) Young, was born in 1825. in Ohio. and died on March 28, 1889. The only son of thrifty German parents. Seymour P. Young possessed but little knowledge of his parents, his father having died when he was but two years of age and he was bereft of a mother when a young man twenty-five years of age. Reared to farm life and obtaining his education at the old Douglas district school of Pleasant township, Seymour P. Young. at the early age of twenty-one years, began farming for himself. He purchased the old home place, on which he made extensive improvements. This property hecultivated most successfully and also engaged in the raising of stock. becoming very prosperous. In 1912 Mr. Seymour removed to Mt. Sterling, Ohio, where MADISON COUNTY, OHIO - 845 he owns a fine home on East Main street. He is a stockholder in the First National bank and is the owner of one hundred and forty-two acres of well-improved land. At the age of twenty-one years, on December 31, 1885, Seymour P. Young took for his life partner Sereatha Bricker, who was born on January 9, 1864, in Madison county, Ohio, and who was the daughter of James and Lydia (Stone) Bricker, both parents being natives of Ohio. To this marriage of Seymour P. Young and Sereatha Bricker, two children were born: Frederick, a graduate of the Mt. Sterling schools, who took a commercial course at Athens, Ohio, and is now with the Mt. Sterling Building and Loan Company; and Myrtle L., who is a graduate of the Mt. Sterling schools and resides with the family. Politically, a Democrat, a member of the Christian church and living up to the precepts of the Knights of Pythias, of which he is a member, Seymour P. Young, destitute of a father's care when only a child, yet with his indomitable will and ability, has paved the way to success and prospered, carefully educated his children and now in the prime of manhood he can rest secure with his wife and family, enjoying the just reward of labors well done. EDWARD EVERETT COLE. The late Edward Everett Cole, lawyer, farmer and scholar, was born on March 17, 1853, at Marysville, Ohio, and died on February 7, 1909. Mr. Cole was a son of Judge Philander Blakesley and Dorothy (Winter) Cole, both of whom were natives of Union county, Ohio. Judge Philander B. Cole was a practicing attorney and judge of the district court. He practiced his profession until the time of his death. Edward Everett Cole spent his early life at Marysville, Ohio, attending the public schools of that place, later becoming a student at Oxford University for two years, and was graduated in 1873 from Ohio Wesleyan University, at Delaware, Ohio. He read law in the office of his father, was admitted to the bar about 1877, and began the active practice of his profession at Marysville. After practicing law until 1899, Mr. Cole's health failed. and he was compelled to spend a year in Europe. He and his wife during this period visited many interesting places, including the leading art galleries of the Old World, and the prominent points of interest. Both were well informed in advance, and was therefore well equipped to get the most of their European tour. Mr. and Mrs. Cole were always much interested in various forms of art, and had Mr. Cole been trained in that direction he might have become a great artist. He had the happy faculty of seeing the humorous side of things, and he also saw the serious side as well, and was strong, well-balanced and learned man. Although the European tour was helpful, Mr. Cole did not resume the practice of law upon his return but after one winter spent in New Orleans, came to the farm the next spring and entered upon the details of farm work and out-door life. He was busily occupied in the management of the nine-hundred-acre farm, and continued its management as long as he lived. He kept abreast of modern farming and was familiar with all the latest processes, devices and methods of agriculture. The Cole home was erected in 1904, under his supervision, and is a model of comfort and convenience, and modern throughout. Even while engaged in farming Edward E. Cole kept up his interest in classical learning and read Latin a great deal. He had also studied French and kept well informed with regard to old-world politics. In all his life his health was never very strong, but in the years that he was engaged in the practice of law he proved conclusively what he might have done if he had been possessed of a stronger body. As it was he became a very successful attorney. 846 - MADISON COUNTY, OHIO. Throughout his life the late Edward Everett Cole was an active campaigner in behalf of the Republican party, and on one occasion was the nominee of his party for the Legislature. He was much sought after as a speaker on Decoration Day. His arguments were clear, his logic convincing and his delivery pleasing. No doubt he would have been a very successful teacher had he turned his talents in that direction. At college he had been a member of the Chi Phi fraternity. Later in life he became a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Free and Accepted Masons and the Knights of Pythias. He passed all the chairs in the subordinate lodge of Odd Fellows. One of the distinctive features of the career of Edward E. Cole, was his humanitarianism. He could not bear to take the life of any living creature, and was frequently heard to say, "Live and let live." Upon one occasion he killed a bird by accident, and the incident made him sick at heart, and he frequently said in describing it that he would not have killed a bird for any consideration. He was a popular and well-liked man, but not a "hail fellow well met." He was ever known as "Mister," and in all his life was never known to have told a salacious story. On January 29, 1887, Edward Everett Cole was married to Mary Beach, the only daughter and child of Doctor Morrow and Lucy Beach. There were no children born to this marriage. Their married life was very congenial, as they enjoyed the same things and from the same point of view. A member of the Presbyterian church, Edward E. Cole was not tied to any creed. He was a man of tolerant religious belief, and broad-minded to a marked degree. He died on February 7, 1909, and his remains were buried in the Deer Creek cemetery, on the Beach family lot. SCOTT O'DAY. In those things which make for self-reliance, business integrity and honesty of purpose, Scott O'Day has been generously endowed. A man of broad human sympathy and marked ability he has brought himself to a place of the highest esteem in the county in which he lives. Not waiting for circumstances to mold or change his fate he has seized upon every available opportunity to better his life conditions, until now he is able to enjoy the fruits of well-directed endeavor. His career has been interesting both from the standpoint of the agriculturist and the business man. Scott O'Day was born on the 19th of June, 1872, in Pleasant township. Madison county, and is the son of James and Sophia (Bennett) O'Day. The schools of Pleasant township furnished the rudimentary education for Scott O'Day, later he attended the Caton Business College, of Cleveland, Ohio, from which he was graduated in-1892. After graduation he returned home and worked on the farm, for awhile, with his father. He then rented a tract of land from his father and farmed independently until he was able to buy a farm of his own. He now owns two hundred acres of valuable farm land in Pleasant township. On this farm he has made all modern improvements, including the building of two large stock barns, one of which is one hundred and twelve by forty feet and the other one hundred and twenty-four by twenty-six feet. In 1892 he began to breed Shorthorn cattle and met with such success in this field of endeavor that he has bred them ever since. He finds a market for these cattle in the West, and also ships a large part of his stock to the South. He always has in the neighborhood of seventy to ninety cattle. On his smaller farm in Mt. Sterling, which consists of just fifteen acres, Mr. O'Day has built another barn of large size, and from this place he ships stock which he buys and sells to the market. At Sedalia, Ohio, on the 12th of January, 1892, the marriage of Scott O'Day and Nettie Core was solemnized. She is the daughter of Andrew B. and Clarinda (Clarridge) MADISON COUNTY, OHIO - 847 Core, and was born on the 17th of December, 1869, in Range township, Madison county. Her father was a native of Pennsylvania and her mother of Fayette county, Ohio. .The father, now deceased, was a farmer, and the mother is now living in Sedalia, Ohio. Mr. Core was a breeder and grower of sheep and also cattle. Mr. and Mrs. O'Day have one child, Freda, born on October 2, 1898, who is a graduate of the Mt. Sterling high school, and is now at Western College, at Oxford, Ohio. In politics Mr. O'Day is an independent voter.. In keeping with the tradition of the family to which he belongs Mr. O'Day continues to take part in the affairs of the Methodist church of which his wife and daughter are members. Mr. O'Day is one of the largest stock buyers and shippers in Madison county, Ohio. FRANK H. HOTT. Frank H. Hott, who was born on May 20, 1873, in Pickaway county, Ohio, sprung from parentage, on his paternal side, that had seen and taken part in the great conflict of the Civil War. He is the eldest child of William H. and Mary E. (Smith) Hott, to whom were born five children, namely : Frank H.; the second child died in infancy ; also the child following; the fourth child, Milton M., is manager of a bakery at Asheville, Ohio; and Earl S., also engaged in the bakery business at Ashville. William H. Hott, was born on September 16, 1847, in Pickaway county, Ohio, and was a farmer boy until, in 1864, he enlisted at Circleville, Ohio, in Company A, One Hundred and Ninety-third Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served his country in the hazardous capacity of scout until the close of the conflict. After peace had been declared, he returned to Pickaway county, Ohio, and engaged in farming for several years and took up the carpenter's trade. Broken in health, he gave up that work in 1896 and opened a small bakery shop, which business he built up to a large and lucrative trade. He was a progressive leader, charitable in his dealings and an honored member of the Grand Army of the Republic, being one of the oldest members of the post to which he paid loving devotion until his death, on March 8, 1914, at Ashville, Ohio. He was the son of William H. and Sarah (Whitsell) Hott, formerly of Virginia, who, in 1808, removed to Pickaway county, Ohio, where they farmed until their death. Mary E. (Smith) Hott, the mother of Frank H. Hott, was born on March 27, 1854. near Fort Wayne, Indiana, and is the daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth (Metzger) Smith, both natives of Ohio. She is now living at Ashville, Ohio, where she is engaged in the bakery business, of which she is part owner. Living at Ashville, Ohio, and receiving his education from the public schools of that town, Frank H. Hott at fourteen years of age, learned the carpenter's trade and advanced rapidly until at the age of twenty years he began contracting on a medium scale, constructing several business blocks and residences. In 1899 he learned the baker's trade from his father, in whose place of business he remained until May 16. 1910, when he came to Mt. Sterling, Ohio, and purchased a bakery very poorly equipped and with practically no trade. Today, as the result of his genius and progressive nature, he owns a thoroughly modern, sanitary baking shop and a comfortable, modern home. In connection with his bakery Mr. Hott has purchased an automobile, for quick delivery to his many customers and his rapidly increasing trade. His genial nature and business acumen have won for him a large patronage and the respect of his associates and the public as well. Lola E. Tanquary, who was born on June 2, 1875, at New Holland, Pickaway county, Ohio, became the wife of Frank H. Hott in 1899. She is the daughter of Benjamin and Carrie (Lee) Tanquary, natives of Ohio and Indiana, respectively. 848 - MADISON COUNTY. OHIO. Her father enlisted in the Civil War during the year 1862, at Washington C. H., Ohio, in Company A, of the Sixtieth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in which he was a corporal and saw most of his service under Captain Black. He was taken prisoner at Harper's Ferry and received his honorable discharge in 1864, after which he returned to New Holland and engaged as a traveling salesman until 1899. About that time it became necessary for him to make a trip to Colorado for the benefit of his health which had been undermined during the war and it was there, in 1905, that he passed away at the age of sixty-two. His wife remained in Colorado and now resides in Denver, of that state. To Frank H. and Lola E. (Tanquary) Hott have been born five children: Alice. Benjamin E. and Louis V., who are at home; William. deceased; and a fifth child who died in infancy. The Democratic party has the support of Frank H. Hott and his enthusiasm is of great assistance to them in their campaigns. He is an earnest and sincere member of the Methodist church. His fraternal relations are with the Knights of Pythias and the Modern Woodmen of America. Frank H. Hott has always been a great worker and an honest man and the respect in which he is held by the townspeople is justly deserved and appreciated. FRANCIS M. CHENOWETH. Francis M. Chenoweth, who died in 1904, was a man well known and his memory still remains in the hearts of many of his fellow citiezns. As a business man, he contributed to London's economic prosperity; as a loyal citizen, he contributed to its general welfare; as a man, he contributed to the happiness of his family, friends and acquaintances. Mr. Chenoweth was a native of this county, having been born on Deer creek, in Fairfield township, in 1833. His parents were the Hon. John F. and Margaret (Ferguson) Chenoweth, who were Kentuckians by birth. Elijah Chenoweth, the paternal grandfather of the subject, and his wife, who was a Foster, were born in Kentucky and came to this state in 1796, making their home in Franklin county, near Harrisburg, when this place consisted of only a dozen houses. Here this patriarch lived and died at a ripe old age. Hon. John F. Chenoweth was one of the foremost men of this county in his day, having a wide acquaintance as a result of his extensive business and public life. He was a large landholder, owning over three thousand acres of real estate, besides being a prominent stock dealer. He often told stories of experiences of his youth, when it was his task to drive cattle over the mountains to the markets in Pennsylvania. For over thirty years he was a justice of the peace, and later was representative of his district in the state legislature. London was honored by his spending the latter part of his life within its borders. He and his wife were the parents of fifteen children. Francis Marion Chenoweth was educated in the local public schools, but remained with his parents until his marriage. After this event he settled in Oak Run township, on a farm of three hundred acres, to which he afterwards added seventeen hundred acres, a part of which was in Fairfield township. In the latter township he lived fourteen years, during which time he was engaged in farming and cattle breeding and selling, the previous fifteen years having been spent in Oak Run township. In 1885 he left the farm and, like so many professional farmers of his time, came to London and built a modern home. This home was on Elm street. From that time until his death the subject was identified with many of the important business enterprises of the city, notably as one of the organizers of the Central Bank of London. In 1856 Mr. Chenoweth took as his life partner Margaret Rea, daughter of Mathew and Ann (Amos) Rea, who were born in Virginia and Maryland respectively. They MADISON COUNTY, OHIO - 849 came to this county with their parents, who were brave enough to endure the hardships of pioneer life. Mr. Rea was one of the wealthy farmers and stockmen of the county, and was widely known. He was prominent in local Democratic circles, in the activities of which he took keen interest. He and his wife were the parents of seven children. Francis M. Chenoweth was twice married, his first wife dying in April, 1893. By her he was the father of eight children, of whom only Rea, the seventh born, is living. The others were Robert F., Emma A., Ada, Annie E., Myrtle, Ella and an infant. The second Mrs. Chenoweth was Mrs. Leslie, of Upper Sandusky, Ohio, and after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Chenoweth moved to a farm in Wyandot county, Ohio. Mr. Chenoweth died on October 24, 1904, at Upper Sandusky. During his lifetime Mr. Chenoweth was public-spirited and capable of valuable service. He was a member of the board of education and held various other public offices. Politically, he was a Democrat and, in religious life, a Presbyterian. He was loyal to the obligations of family and civic life, and did all in his power to further the best interests of the community. ABRAHAM J. DENNISON. Abraham J. Dennison was born on October 1, 1862, in Pickaway county, Ohio, and is the son of James and Sevena (Warren) Dennison, who were the parents of six boys and six girls. James Dennison was born in January, 1827, in Madison county, where he was reared on a farm. When still a young man he removed to Pickaway county, where he first rented and then bought land. His present home is still on the property then acquired. His wife was born on October 25, 1830, near Chillicothe, Ohio, and was the daughter of William and Margaret (Blaney Warren. She died on January 10, 1911. Abraham Dennison was brought up on his father's farm, attending the local schools, and did not leave home until his twenty-fifth year. One year previous to his marriage, he rented land from his father and continued its cultivation for the next fifteen years. In 1901 he bought one hundred and fifteen acres of good farm land in this county, which he made his home. He has always kept a good grade of stock for the market. In 1887 Abraham Dennison was married to Sarah Murphy, daughter of William F. and Roxanna (Crabe) Murphy. Sarah Murphy was born on February 8, 1865. Her father, who is still living with his children, was born on August 10, 1835, in Pickaway county. Her mother was born in the same county on November 13, 1836, and died on December 29, 1913. The children born of this union were three in number, namely : Frederick, born on November 26, 1887, is a student in the Ohio State University; Mabel is the wife of a Mr. Thornton, and was born on July 23, 1889, in Pleasant township; and Ray, born on December 28, 1890, resides at home. Mr. and Mrs. Dennison have erected a beautiful modern dwelling, which is lighted by gas. Abraham Dennison is a church attendant, a Republican in politics and a member of the Knights of Pythias lodge at Mt. Sterling. He was township trustee for two terms. Mr. Dennison is one of the foremost agriculturists of this district. He has identified himself always with the best life of the community in which effort he has been joined by his wife, who is much admired for her genialty and her womanly characteristics. Worldly greatness does not consist in heroic achievement. It may be just as truly found in the careful carrying out of human obligations, though this may be apart from the eyes of the world. In this respect the lives of Mr. and Mrs. Dennison have truly been an inspiration. (54) MADISON COUNTY, OHIO - 825 In his neighborhood, his efforts in behalf of the schools having done much toward elevating the standards of education thereabout. On March 9, 1853, William C. Hankinson was united in marriage to Hannah Jane Craig, who also was born in Warren county, daughter of Obadiah Craig, a native of that county, son of one of the very earliest settlers thereabout. Obadiah Craig was a well-known farmer, industrious and of untiring energy. He was thrice married and to his first union the following children were born : Ann, David, Margaret, Ely and Mary. To the second union the following children were born : John D., William B., Hannah Jane, Lydia, Archibald, Obadiah and Susan B. To William C. and Hannah Jane (Craig) Hankinson six children were born, namely : Clara, who died on April 3, 1891. unmarried ; Sarah, who continues to live on the old home in the Blue Ball neighborhood, married Thomas Irwin and has one child, a son, John W. ; Craig, a farmer and tile manufacturer, of Blue Ball, married Jennie White and has one daughter, Ruth; Nin, married Charles F. Sanford. of London, this county ; William, of Blue Ball, a farmer, who married Harriet B. Byers and has three children, Mary, Paul and James; and Charles C., the immediate subject of this sketch. William C. Hankinson died on March 9, 1909, and his widow is still living on the home farm, enjoying many evidences of the general esteem in which she is held by all thereabout. Charles C. Hankinson was reared on the home place, receiving his early education in the local schools, which he supplemented by a course in the National Normal University, at Lebanon, this state, after which he began teaching school and for sixteen years was thus engaged. for twelve years having been the teacher in his home school, performing there a service which was regarded so highly throughout the neighborhood as effectually to disprove the general application of the commonly accepted statement that a prophet is accorded little honor in his own country. In 1908 he abandoned teaching as a profession and came to Madison county and entered upon his successful career as a farmer. He bought eighty-six and one-half acres of the old Dunn farm in Deer-creek township, for which he paid fifty-nine dollars an acre, and there he remained until 1913, at which time he sold the place for one hundred and forty-five dollars an acre, having, in the, meantime, improved the place by clearing twenty-five acres of the uncleared portion, draining and fencing the farm and erecting two dwelling houses, a commodious barn and well-equipped outbuildings, making of the place one of the best farms in that part of the county. After selling the farm, Mr. Hankinson and his family moved to London, the county seat, where they have since resided and where they are very comfortably and very pleasantly situated. During the time of his residence on the farm Mr. Hankinson took great pleasure in his agricultural pursuits and gave to the same a degree of intelligent attention which soon caused him to become widely known throughout the county. It was at his active instigation that the celebrated Farmer's Club of Madison County was organized in 1911 and he was elected first president of the same, a position which he has held ever since. In Grange work Mr. Hankinson has been active and influential. For two years he was master of Oak Run Grange and is now master of Pomona Grange, a service in which he takes much delight. To church and educational affairs he likewise for years has given the same degree of thoughtful and intelligent interest and is an elder in the Presbyterian church, while for two years he performed excellent service as president of the Madison County Sunday School Association, a labor of love to which he brought the best powers of his mind. In educational matters there are few men in the county who have been more diligent and for years Mr. Hankinson performed a very signal service to the county as a member of the school board, of which for some time he was president. To the cause of temperance Mr. Hankinson also has lent his energetic and enthusiastic support and in the spring of 1915 was elected chairman of the Madison 826 - MADISON COUNTY, OHIO County Dry Federation, a position in which he was enabled to perform prodigies in behalf of the anti-saloon movement in this county. On December 31, 1895, Charles C. Hankinson was united in marriage to Hattie B. Russell, who was born near Crawfordsville, Indiana, daughter of John M. and Harriett (Cafferty) Russell, both natives of Warren county, this state. John M, Russell was a farmer and was born on January 1, 1828, on a farm near Franklin, Ohio. He being the second son of Joseph and Sarah McCord Russell, whose early home was in Pennsylvania. His wife, Harriett B.. was the daughter of James and Kaziah Cafferty. Several years after their marriage they moved to Whitesville, Indiana, where he was engaged in the grocery business for about nine years, moving back in Ohio in 1866, where they spent the remainder of their lives. His chief characteristics were honesty and uprightness. John M. Russell and his wife, both of whom are now deceased, were the parents of six children, James, Joseph, Findley, Hattie, Eli and Elbert. To Charles C., and Hattie B. (Russell) Hankinson two children have been born. Irene, born on January 9, 1898, who for four years attended school under her father's tutelage, then attended the schools at Lafayette, graduating from the grade schools under the Boxwell law in 1911, after which she entered the high school at London, from which she was graduated with the class of 1915, at the age of seventeen and is now a student in Ohio State University; and Russell, born on November 28, 1903, who is now in the London school. Mr. and Mrs. Hankinson are members of the Presbyterian church and are interested in all good works hereabout. They also take a proper interest in the social activities of the community and are held in the very highest esteem by their many friends in London and throughout the county. CARL C. HEWITT. It has been truly said that "it is not by sleeping, but by working, waking and laboring continually that proficiency is attained and reputation acquired." Were this test to be applied to him whose life record is briefly sketched here, he might be considered an exemplification of the statement, for, from his early manhood, ambition, industry and honesty have been marked characteristics. With faith in himself and in the universal good, he has made his life one of influence and usefulness, and has had the reward of knowing that he enjoyed popular favor. Carl C. Hewitt, a well-known merchant and farmer of this township was born on April 11, 1877, in Sedalia, being the son of Washington T. and Mandane (Groves) Hewitt, whose family is mentioned in the present work in the sketch of P. G. Hewitt. The maternal grandfather of Mr. Hewitt was toll-gate keeper of the Midway and London pike. After finishing his course in the local public schools, C. C. Hewitt attended the business college of Delaware for one term. In 1899 he went into business in Sedalia, establishing a general merchandise store. He started with only a small stock of goods but in 1901 increase of business compelled him to take possession of his new quarters which is thoroughly stocked with a first-class line of merchandise. Besides his mercantile pursuits Mr. Hewitt owns one hundred and two acres of land one and one-half miles south of Sedalia, which he is managing. To do this and at the same time to manage a business which attracts trade from an extensive territory requires extreme industry as well as careful planning. On September 14, 1899, C. C. Hewitt was united in marriage to Lisa M. Dorn, who was born on January 18. 1878, in Ross county, Ohio, and is the daughter of Peter and Catherine K. (Uhrick) Dorn. Her brother's life is reviewed in the sketch of George Dorn in the present publication. The children born to this union are Eloise, born on July 8, 1901, and Max, January 16, 1903: Mr. Hewitt is a Republican and is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. MADISON COUNTY, OHIO - 827 He is a member of the Knights of Pythias; a Shriner of Aladdin Temple, ,Columbus; and a Knights Templar at Washington C. H., the Free and Accepted Masons of Sedalia, of which organization he has been treasurer for fifteen years; and is also a' member of the Odd Fellows lodge. Mr. and Mrs. Hewitt live in a comfortable, attractive home where the spirit of hospitality is constantly in evidence. As a business man Mr. Hewitt is progressive, conducting his business on the principle that "honesty is the best policy." As a citizen he is broad minded and given to generous support of the enterprises which are conducive to better moral and financial conditions. He is, therefore, one of Sedalia's most prominent business men. JAMES R. ANDERSON. James R. Anderson, a farmer of Pleasant township, was born on October 19, 1872, in the township which is his present home. His parents were James B. and Amelia J. (Deyo) Anderson, to whom six children were born: James B. Anderson; one of the most progressive and best-known farmers of this district, was a man of unusual activity. His interest in public affairs and his political importance led to his being elected county commissioner in 1896, in which office he served two terms. His far-sightedness is indicated by the fact that he was among the first to start the interurban lines in Madison county, Ohio. The son of Stephen and Margaret (McCowan) Anderson, to whom ten children were born, he was early compelled to take up ills shave of the burden of making a livelihood. His father was born in May, 1808, in Kentucky, and came to Madison county with his parents when he was only two years of age, and their home was where Mt. Sterling is now located. Later on he had the honor of helping to lay out that village in town lots. Among other enterprises in which Stephen Anderson was interested was a flour-mill, which he built from the savings of his early meager earnings. The beginning of his fortune, however, was in the thirty acres of land which he leased from a neighbor in Pleasant township. With evident foresight and business acumen, he cleared this land and planted it in corn and disposed of his first crop, together with the lease, for two hundred dollars. With this money he bought a team of horses and started on his career as a farmer. thus it would appear establishing the line of activity for the following generations of his family. He owned, at the time of his death, in 1893, six hundred and fifty acres of land. He was a sturdy, hard-working, progressive farmer. absolutely loyal to his friendships. His wife, who was born in 1811, in this county, died in 1875. The father of the subject of this sketch, whose family dates back to Scotch-Irish descent, the family first emigrating to Pennsylvania, was reared on the family farm in Pleasant township, receiving all of the education afforded by the district school and the London high school, which he attended for two terms. In 1857 he was fortunate enough to fall heir to one hundred acres of land. James B. Anderson was twice married, his first wife. Amelia Deyo, being the mother of six children, of whom James R. is next to the youngest. The first. Mrs. Anderson was born in 1839, in Pickaway county. Ohio.. and was the daughter of Jerry and Hannah (Alkire) Deyo. Her death took place in February, 1883. Her children by Mr. Anderson were as follow : Mrs. Margaret A. Matlock. of Pickaway county; Ella. who became Mrs. J. W. Corney, of Union county. Ohio; Jerry S.. deceased; Stephen; James R.; Mrs. Myrtle Rafferty, of Henry county. Ohio. After the death of his first wife, Mr. Anderson married Lacy Alkire, whose family is mentioned elsewhere in this volume, the wedding taking place in 1885. James B. Anderson was a very extensive promoter and, like his father, a progressive man. He was one of a company of men to plan the building of a railroad 828 - MADISON COUNTY, OHIO. across Madison county from Columbus. to Cincinnati, but although considerable money and time was spent in the project it did not meet with success. As a monument to his skill in building, however, the county has several large steel bridges. He was fond of blooded stock, and owned fine Duroc-Jersey hogs. The war record of this patriot was rather unique, in that he felt that he served his country better by remaining at home than he would have done by enlisting and going to the He formed a company of recruits and drilled them at Camp Chase, preparing them for future service. In his zeal for his country, he spared neither time nor money in recruiting and training his company. His energies won him the title of Captain Anderson. After all of these extensive preparations were made, his sympathetic heart was touched by the helplessness of the women and children who had been deprived of the protection of nearly all the able-bodied men. So he laid down his sword, took off his military cap and returned to his ordinary pursuits, at the same time looking after the needs of the villagers. James B. Anderson died on July 15, 1904. It was not until his twenty-eighth years that James R. Anderson left the home of his parents, and after the death of his father, having inherited seventy acres of land, he added to this one hundred and twenty acres on Deer creek, Pleasant township. and thus began his personal career as a farmer. It was not long before he saw an advantage in the purchase of an old grist-mill with twenty-six acres of land which had belonged to his father, and there he lived for three years. In 1908 he bought the farm upon which his present home is located, from his uncle, William. P. Anderson, and moved onto it the following year. He remodeled all the old buildings and built several new. The tract now comprises four hundred acres of land. Mr. Anderson is a stockholder of the First National Bank of Mt. Sterling, besides owning a one-third interest in a hardware store at Harrisburg. Ohio. Mary E. Bower, a native of Madison county, became the wife of James R. Anderson on March 27, 1901. She is the daughter of Jesse and Minerva (Stone) Bower, mentioned elsewhere in this work, and was born on March 12, 1877, in Pleasant township. She was reared in Columbus. Ohio, by her aunt, Mrs. George W. Ray, and was educated in the public schools of that city. The children born of this marriage are James B., born on May 27, 1905, and Francis Earl, April 16, 1909. Mr. Anderson has always been a loyal Republican, a church attendant and a member of the Knights of Pythias lodge, at Bigplain. As a man of strong character and genial nature, Mr. Anderson is widely and popularly known, and such is his reputation for honesty and loyalty that to be his friend is considered an honor. WILLIS R. JUNK It is encouraging for every farmer to know that "The majority of the men who are guiding the destinies of our nation were born and bred in farm homes, under healthy and natural surroundings and influences." As a member of the army of men and women who are providing the food supply of a nation, the subject of this brief biography occupies no small place in the common life. Willis R. Junk, a farmer of Range township, was born on July 25, 1880, on the farm on which he still resides, and is the son of Clinton and Amanda (Alkire) Junk, the former being a prominent farmer of Pleasant township. He and his wife are mentioned elsewhere in this work. Willis R. Junk has lived a quiet, uneventful life, but a life full of usefuness and activity. During his boyhood and early youth he attended the local schools in Range township, and at the age of twenty-one, deciding to start out for himself, rented land from his father. For three years he cultivated this rented land near Chenoweth Corners. Subsequently his father left the homestead and the subject returned and rented that farm, consisting of one hundred and fifty acres. MADISON COUNTY, OHIO - 829 The subject of this sketch has for some time been interested in graded stock, and has become famous for his exhibition of corn and wheat for the past seven years at the Madison county fair at London, Ohio, and also at Mt. Sterling, Ohio. In both places he has won prizes for the excellency of his farm products. This expert has on the average about seventy-five acres of corn each year, and in 1911 he had twenty-five acres of corn which yielded seventy-five bushels to the acre. Willis R. Junk and Irene Lawrence were married on May 29, 1902. Mrs. Junk was born on April 1, 1879, in Bigplain, Ohio. She is the daughter of Lemuel and Elizabeth (Jenkins) Lawrence, who are natives of Ross county, Ohio. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Junk are six in number, these being Paul, Clinton, Myrtle, Kenneth, Seldom and Wilson. Mr. Junk is a Democrat, a church member and a member of the Odd Fellows lodge. Mr. Junk's success in life is due to the fact that he has concentrated his energies upon the tasks early planned by himself. Barring the accident of fate, there is little that comes in this life without strenuous and continued effort. Therefore, it is safe to say in most cases that the successful man is the man of indomitable will power and oneness of purpose. Such a man is the subject of this sketch. THOMAS H. CARPENTER. A common opinion often expressed is that one who cannot succeed at .any other business can operate a farm. This is far from the truth, for there are very few vocations which require more natural adaptability and taste for the effective accomplishments than does farming. One of the essential elements of the successful farmer is a real love for country life, this for the reason that unless he Is contented with his work and his surroundings, no man can hope to do his best, or live up to the full measure of his capabilities. The gentleman whose name heads this sketch is, according to this standard, eminently fitted for his work, as results have shown. Thomas H. Carpenter, a prominent farmer and stock raiser of this township, was born on March 1, 1855, at Darbyville, Pickaway county, Ohio, and is the son of Baldwin and Ann (English) Carpenter. Baldwin Carpenter was a Kentuckian by birth, having been born there on April 21, 1811. When a young man he engaged in the general merchandise business in Darbyville, his worldly wealth at the time he left Kentucky consisting of a horse and bridle and fifteen dollars. He made the journey to this state on the greater part of his property, his horse. When quite a youth he used to drive cattle to New York state, carrying his razor, soap and shaving outfit in his pocket, making the necessary lather from the water which gathered in the tracks of the horses' hoofs. After a brief experience as general merchant, he sold out his stock and started farming in Pickaway county. He became very prosperous, owning at the time of his death, on January 3, 1894, thirteen hundred acres of fairly well-improved land. Ann English was born in New York state on September 29, 1829, and came to Ohio with her parents, Abraham and Hannah (Gratesinger) English. She died on May 21, 1906, leaving eight children, namely : W. S., of Darbyville, Ohio; Mrs. Theodosia Kinnear, widow of N. F. Kinnear, of Bellair, Ohio; Florence, deceased; Simon, of 'Mt. Sterling, Ohio; Cora, deceased, who was the wife of Doctor Boggs; Mrs. Minnie Jobe, deceased, of Columbus, Ohio; Harry, of Ashville, Ohio; and Thomas, the subject of this sketch, who was the third child in order of birth. Thomas Carpenter spent his boyhood and youth in Darbyville, not leaving there until his thirty-second year. About 1883 his father presented him with one hundred acres of land, which he farmed for four years, and then went to Tennessee and engaged 830 - MADISON COUNTY, OHIO In farming for the following two years. Returning to Darbyville he remained there until 1890, when he located on his Own land two miles from Darbyville. He at once began making improvements which increased the value of the property and lived there until 1908. He then bought five acres of land at Mt. Sterling and lived, there until March, 1915, when he moved to his farm one mile south of town. He is a stockholder in the Maplewood Improvement Company; and in the First National Bank, both of Mt. Sterling, In his present farm work; Mr. Carpenter is assisted by his only son, and the family, home is a splendid modern dwelling. Mrs. Carpenter was formerly Amanda Renick, and her marriage to Mr. Carpenter took place on December 31, 1890. ',Mrs: Carpenter's parents were Benjamin F. and Mary (Taylor) Renick, she having been born on October 25, 1857, near Derby, Ohio. She was for some time a student in the high school at Circleville, Ohio, but was prevented from graduating by ill health. Renick G. Carpenter, the only son of Mr. and Mrs. Carpenter, was born on August 3, 1892. He is a graduate of the Mt. Sterling high school and of the Ohio State University, in which institution he took the agricultural course. He is at present operating the farm with his father. Benjamin F. Renick was born in Jackson township; Pickaway county, Ohio. He was first married to Sarah Williams, of Pickaway county, to .which union were born four children, Mary, Cynthia, Milton and Vincent, all of whom are deceased. After the death of his first wife, Mr. Renick was married to Mary Taylor, of Madison county, to which union were born nine children, as follow : Sarah married Dr. J. T. Kirkendall, of. Darbyville; Amanda, wife of T. H. Carpenter ; Jane, who lives in Columbus; Seymour, of Findley ; Job, of Derby; Edward, deceased; Ella married Charles Allen, of Washington C. H. ; Benjamin F., Jr., of Derby and Warner, of Howard, Montana. Mr. Renick was a farmer Sand stockman. He was a Republican, and a member of the Masonic lodge. Mr. and, Mrs. Renick were. interested in. the Presbyterian church. Mr. Renick died on August 7, 1901 and his wife died on January 13, 1911. Mr. Carpenter is a Republican and a member of the Knights of Pythias and the Free and Accepted Masons. His wife, who is a Presbyterian in church membership; is prominent in the circles of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Thus is briefly sketched the career of a man who, by reason of personal gifts and strength of character, has merited the friendship and esteem of all fortunate enough to know him. His life has been characterized by unfailing honesty, integrity of purpose and unflinching sense of duty to the community. He therefore deserves a place among the prominent citizens of this county. HENRY FATTLAR. In the early surroundings of the man whose life is briefly outlined here, there was little to encourage; and very much to discourage, even a strong heart. The father of the subject of this sketch was a hard working man, but the results of his toil were never in keeping with his effort, so it was that Henry. Fattlar had practically nothing to start with. But he was heir to Nature's rich gifts, for "No matter how plain the habitation may have been nor how simple the. fare; the pure air, the bright sunlight, the open country, the trees and flowers; the brooks and forests, the meadows and glens, the Song of the birds, and the incomparable charm of undefiled Nature, are the property of all." The father of Henry Fattlar was a 'native of Germany, having- been born there in 1838; his son, however, was born in this country, the date and place being January 15, 1856, Muskingum county, Ohio,. The parentsare John and Caroline :(Smith) Fattlar. They Were the parents of ten children: John Fattlar was a blacksmith and wagon-maker by trade, and after farming for a few years in this country he returned to his original occupation, continuing in that line MADISON COUNTY, OHIO - 831 of employment until his death, which occurred in 1907. At the time of his death, John Fattlar owned two hundred and thirty acres of well-improved land. His wife also was a native of Germany, coming to this country with her parents, and died a few years previous to the death of Mr. Fattlar; they were about the same age. Henry Fattlar is a well-known farmer in the district in which he resides. Having worked on his father's farm until his twenty-first year, he had but meager opportunities for an education, attending school at Philo, Ohio. When he had reached his majority he came to this county and engaged as a farm laborer, working by the month for from fourteen to seventeen dollars a month. The skill, efficiency and industry with which he labored is evidenced by the fact that he worked for one employer in Range township for a period of nine years. After fourteen years of this kind of employment he rented a farm from Benjamin Harrison for eleven years, and in 1900 had saved enough money to buy seventy-five acres of land in Range township. He immediately began the improvements which have made his farm one of the best in the township. He built a two-story, six-room house, and a barn forty-two by twenty-six feet in dimensions. One of his specialties as a farmer is the keeping of line, graded stock. Sarah (Rowe) Grim and George Grim, natives of Ohio, were the parents of Della Grim, who was born in Fayette county about 1869. Henry Fattlar and Della Grim were married on March 6, 1890. The children born of this union, being three in number, are Shurell, of Richmond, Indiana ; Martha, who was graduated from Midway high school; and Lenna. Mr. Fattlar is a Democrat. He and his wife are church members. Mr. Fattlar belongs to the Knights of Pythias. IRA R. DILLE It seems to make no difference to what business or profession the boys and girls of this country are called, history repeats itself unanimously in favor of these fortunate boys and girls whose early environments and births were on the farm. No matter how humble the old farm home may have been, no matter whether those sons and daughters came into this life and spent their earlier years on the rough, stony hillsides of New England or whether they enjoyed the more favorable sections of the great Middle West, the lives and achievements of these soil-grown sons and daughters, who have imbibed health and strength and character from this invigorating life, stand out so conspicuous in longevity and strength that their careers are marked with success. The youngest of four children born to Zenas and Harriet (Pope) Dille was Ira R. Dille, who was born on June 30, 1877, at West Liberty, Logan county, Ohio, and reared on the farm. where he attended the schools, fitting himself physically and mentally for the profession in which he has been so successful. The other children were: Mrs. Ada Riddle, of Logan county, Ohio; Mrs. Esta L. Cooper, of Logan county, Ohio; and William L., of West Liberty, Ohio. During the year of 1902. when Ira R. Dille was twenty-five years of age, he engaged as a clerk in a hardware store located at West Liberty, Ohio, and in 1903 he and his brother, William, purchased a stock of hardware goods at West Liberty, Ohio, and entered the mercantile field themselves. Seeing the opportunity to invest individually, Ira B. Dille, in 1911, sold out his interests in the store at West Liberty, Ohio, and removed to Mt. Sterling. Ohio, where he engaged in the hardware line, building up a lucrative trade, in which he is now engaged. On December 17, 1913, Ira R. Dille was united in, wedlock to Emma B. Johnson, who was born in November, 1884. in Fairfield county, Ohio, and is the daughter of H. Clay and Anna (Williamson) Johnson. After graduating from the Mt. Sterling schools, Emma B. Johnson served in the office of the local telephone company for several years, 832 - MADISON COUNTY, OHIO. in the bookkeeping department. Only one child was born to the union of Ira R. Dille and his wife, Emma B. Dille. This child died when an infant. Ira R. Dille is a member in two of the most prominent orders of the world, the Free and Accepted Masons and the Knights of Pythias. His political faith is with the Republican party, and he attends church regularly. At the early business age of thirty-eight years, lra R. Dille has placed himself in the enviable class of quick thought and resolute determination, from which he has wrought out an independent career for himself and his worthy helpmeet. HON. CHARLES CAMERON GREEN. Among the citizens of London of whom Madison county is truly proud is the Hon. Charles C. Green, former treasurer of the state of Ohio, and now president of the West Manufacturing Company of London, and an all around spirited man of affairs. On account of the interest which he aroused among the citizens of this city, the Board of Trade was organized and here it must be conceded was stirred the public spirit that has caused the many marked public improvements of the past four years. After serving as cashier in the county treasurer's office at Lisbon, Ohio, for five years, Mr. Green in 1900 became cashier of the office of the state treasurer upon Hon. I. B. Cameron's election to that office. Mr. Cameron served as state treasurer from 1900 to 1904. In 1904, upon the election of Hon. William S. McKinnon to the office, Mr. Green was voluntarily retained, handling approximately twenty millions of dollars annually. After serving in this position for nearly nine years, on the death of Mr. McKinnon, on November 17, 1908, Mr. Green was appointed by Gov. Andrew L. Harris to fill out the unexpired term of his office. In the May convention of that year Mr. Green received the Republican nomination for treasurer of state, but was defeated in the following election, turning over his office to his successor in January, 1909. Charles C. Green was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, at Salineville, April 6, 1873, and grew to manhood in his native county. When about twelve years of age he took a position as office boy in the offices of the Knowles, Taylor & Knowles Company. at East Liverpool, Ohio, the largest pottery plant in the world. After serving in their general office in various capacities for nine years, he took charge of the office of the A. J. Boyce Foundry & Machine Company, manufacturers of clay-working machinery. here he was located for two years. At the end of that period he took the position as cashier in the office of the Columbiana county treasurer, under Hon. I. B. Cameron. After retiring from the position of treasurer of state. Mr. Green became associated with the Merchants National Bank at Cincinnati as their financial agent. The Merchants National Bank is the institution of which the late M. E. Ingalls was the controlling factor. Mr. Green established, in the meantime, the West Manufacturing Company, at Columbus. This company was removed to London in 1911. By turning his attention from politics to industry, he has proved that he is quite as well fitted for the one as the other. Since coming to London he has built up one of the most important enterprises in Madison county. The West Manufacturing Company manufactures metal specialties for the wholesale paper and hardware trade and sells exclusively to jobbers. This company was the first enterprise to locate in London which has developed an export trade—of this business practically one-third is export. The West company manufactures the celebrated "Queen" and "West" Roll Paper Holder and Cutters, and half a million merchants, located in every section of the civilized world daily tear off paper to wrap packages With from this device that has been manufactured in London; from which it can be MADISON COUNTY. OHIO - 833 seen that Mr. Green deserves a good portion of the credit for the general advertising throughout the country which London is getting as a manufacturing center. In this connection it may be stated that it was his coming to London that turned the attention of this locality toward manufacturing. The start had to be made by some one, and Mr. Green made the start in the face of considerable opposition on the part of the town. Madison county did not want to be considered as a manufacturing county in those days. Now things have changed, and with successful-institutions springing up from time to time, the people are realizing the advantages that follow the pay-roll which these institutions bring to the locality. In securing the location of these industries the town did not pay out a single dollar. Mr. Green had "Glade Hill" addition to the town of London laid out, and a few thousand dollars were paid by the more enterprising of the local people for lots in this addition. As the lots are worth more than was paid for them, it can be truthfully stated that these institutions came to London at no cost to the people of London. With the satisfactory transportation conditions which exist in London, it is likely that at some time some keen manufacturer would have seen the advantages to be had from locating at this point. The fact is that when Mr. Green came here no one locally looked at it in that light. Mr. Green was the principal in organizing the London Grave Vault Company, was its president for a number of years and still retains the largest interest in that company. Mr. Green's wife before her marriage was Florence Josephine Rose, of Canton, Ohio. Both their parents are deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Green had three children, as follow : Walter Cameron, Desmond Emerson and Douglass Rose. All in all, it must be admitted that Charles C. Green is one of the livest and most useful citizens of London and Madison county. No man has done more than he to stimulate an interest among the people in developing the natural advantages of this county. He is a man who is highly respected not only in Madison county, but throughout the state of Ohio, where he has many friends and is well and favorably known. FREDERICK W. DORN. That there are those who appreciate the underlying principles of true happiness has been proven time and again by the records of those whose convictions were in favor of the simple life. A chronicle of the life of Frederick W. Dorn should be preserved as an inspiration for his descendants. Reared on the farm and receiving his education in the district schools of Range township, Madison county, Ohio, he grew thoroughly familiar with the vocation which was to become his life work. Frederick W. Dorn was born on August 3, 1875, in Pickaway county, Ohio, arid is the son of Peter and Katherine (Uhrig) Dorn. Confident that success and happiness were to be gained more quickly along the commercial pathway, he, in connection with his father, entered the grocery business, which he followed for four years. Realizing that competition, while the life of a trade, is very often the death of individuality, as well, he returned to a farm near Sedalia in 1900, content to mold his destiny, where Most happiness was to be found. Constant attention to agricultural interests has- been rewarded by an increase in property holdings, and today Frederick W. Dorn is the possessor of two hundred and twenty-six acres of land, well improved by good buildings, proper fencing and ditching. The cattle on this farm are of the Shorthorn variety. In 1899 Myrta E. Pallin, daughter of Samuel J. and Flora A. (Core) Paulin, and a graduate of the Midway high school, was united in marriage to Frederick W. Dorn, (53) 834 - MADISON COUNTY, OHIO. and they are the parents of five children, who are all at home, namely: Herman Kenneth, Leland Paul, Russell Dwight, Hugh Maynard and Delbert LeRoy. Frederick W. Dorn is a stockholder in the Farmers Bank of Sedalia, Madison county, Ohio, and a strong Republican. His fraternal relations are in the Free and Accepted Masons and the Knights of Pythias, which lodges hold him in high esteem. He is identified with the Presbyterian church, taking great interest in its affairs, and the name of Frederick W. Dorn is spoken with respect by all who know him. FLOYD ALKIRE. Few citizens are so widely known in Madison county, Ohio, as Floyd Alkire, for in his mercantile associations he commands the respect of every customer and in his private life he is the soul of honor. The name of Floyd Alkire is closely woven into the hearts of his host of admirers, in that he has that rare gift, a beautiful voice and with that voice he possesses the soul of an artist and the execution of a professional. He has always been most liberal with his talent, singing in church and assisting the home people with their numerous entertainments. Floyd Alkire was born on May 10, 1888, in Pleasant township, Madison county, Ohio, and is the son of William and Nevada (Beatty) Alkire. Four children comprise this family group: Mrs. Essie Claridge, of Nashville, Tennessee; Rife, a farmer in Madison county, Ohio; Floyd, a merchant of Mt. Sterling, Ohio, and Homer, of Mt. Sterling. William Alkire was born on July 20, 1857, in Mt. Sterling, Ohio, and was a prominent Madison county farmer, since retired, and now living on the old home place. The parents of William Alkire, Abraham and Mary J. (Tanner) Alkire, were both natives of Virginia. Nevada Beatty was born on July 29, 1858, at Washington, Ohio. Reared on the farm and obtaining the elementary branches of his education from the public schools at Mt. Sterling, Ohio, Floyd Alkire, realizing the value of a broad, comprehensive training, continued his studies in a general course at Defiance, Ohio, and during that period developed a rich baritone voice of wide range, in the school of voice culture. Actuated from principles of the highest moral and intellectual standards. Floyd Alkire, having acquired the most important attributes for permanent success and continued happiness, continued to maintain his high ethical standards and remained on the farm until 1906. He then entered the Citizens Bank, at Mt. Sterling, Ohio, where he was employed in the capacity of bookkeeper, from which position he resigned in 1907. Desirous of securing a more extended knowledge of business affairs and gaining a more practical knowledge, from personal observation, for a business location, Floyd Alkire, after his resignation at the bank in 1907, made an extended tour of several of the southern states, including Texas, Tennessee and Arkansas, employing his time in the vocation of bookkeeper at different points, thereby obtaining a more general knowledge of the country and its people, than could have been gleaned from a journey of practically continuous travel. Convinced that Mt. Sterling, Ohio, offered satisfactory inducements for future developments, Floyd Alkire returned from his travels and in the old familiar town secured employment in the grocery store of G. M. Fisher and served in that capacity until 1911. At that time he decided to enter the commercial field for himself and with his brother, Homer, purchased a hardware store, which carries a large and well-selected stock of hardware merchandise, and through the courtesy and management of these brothers this establishment has attracted a large patronage from the surrounding country. In 1912 Floyd Alkire was married to Maud Loofbourrow, who was born in 1883, MADISON COUNTY, OHIO - 835 in Madison county, Ohio. She is the daughter of Alvin and Mary (Neff) Loofbourrow. To Floyd and Maud (Loofbourrow) Alkire one child has been born, Juanita. Mr. Alkire is a member of the Christian church. He is an independent voter. Mr. Alkire is affable and popular in all his dealings with the people of this section and willing to lend aid to all deserving enterprises for the best interests of the town and people. GEORGE M. FISHER. What can be accomplished with the proper business acumen has been demonstrated by George M. Fisher, of Mt. Sterling, Madison county, Ohio, who, after five years of diligent effort as a clerk in the general merchandise store of Dury & Crabbe, launched his individual business craft and began sailing the commercial seas' alone. He was born on September 14, 1861, in Pickaway county, Ohio. Reared on his father's farm, he gained what education was available in the district schools and then became a farm hand for his grandfather, whose land adjoined their own. Realizing that worthy character is fashioned from the material at hand, George M. Fisher continued as an employee of his grandfather until he reached the age of twenty-five years, he then removed to Mt. Sterling, where he started on his own business career. He is the son of William and Sarah (Mouser) Fisher, to whom eight children were born, five of whom are now living. William Fisher was born on February 29, 1836, and after a long life of diligent effort as a farmer, in Pickaway county, Ohio, he retired from active efforts in the agricultural line in 1911, and died on August 6, 1915. His wife, Sarah, was born on May 25, 1835, in Fayette county, Ohio, and died on February 26, 1886. Both husband and wife were devout in the faith of the Methodist church. George M. Fisher quickly developed the opportunities afforded him in the capacity of clerk, and at the expiration of five years as an apprentice in the business world; bought a stock of groceries and for fifteen years was a successful merchant, meriting the respect and esteem of all who knew him. So great a following did he have that others realized the advantage to be gained by such an established trade, and Mr. Fisher sold the business, which had taken him so many years to build, to Fisher Brothers, his cousins. Thoroughly familiar with the surrounding country where he had spent forty-five years of his life, George M. Fisher decided to broaden his commercial interests in such a way that he might benefit from the large acquaintance he had made, and proved that his judgment was sound by entering the realty business, in which he is still engaged. In connection with his other interests he writes insurance; and that others may profit by what he has gained, during the many years of his earnest endeavor, he has gathered a great deal of data relative to the public library and the Methodist church history of Mt. Sterling, Ohio. He was appointed clerk of the board of public affairs. In 1892, Katy F. Larey, who was born on November 29, 1864, in Pickaway county, Ohio, became the wife of George M. Fisher. She is the daughter of James and Elizabeth (Troutman) Larey, both natives of Pickaway county, Ohio. Three weeks after the birth of Katy F. Larey, the mother, Elizabeth Larey. passed away. The father still lives and makes his home with the daughter who was deprived, at so early an age, of a mother's tender care. No children have come to bless the lives of George M. Fisher and his wife. Among the many loyal supporters of the Methodist church, the name of George M. Fisher stands as a synonym for esteem and nobility of aim, and in the Knights of Pythias lodge he is recognized as a worthy brother, loyal to the precepts of the order. 836 - MADISON COUNTY, OHIO. BERTHA COOVER AND ESTA COOVER HARVEY. By Mary F. Clark. These two remarkable women, daughters and only children of Allison Jerome and Harriet (Porter) Coover, were born on November 13, 1860, and June 19, 1862, respectively, at the Coover homestead, three and one-half miles west of London, on the Springfield road. Here they lived, enjoying country life, its schools and pastimes, until May, 1876, when the family moved to London into the familiar home on North Main street. They graduated from the London public schools, Adah Bertha in 1878, and Esta Willa in 1880, each with the highest honors of her class. Bertha taught the year following her graduation, in the schools of London, and was preparing for a college course when Mrs. Coover's health, never robust, became seriously impaired. The sisters devoted themselves to the care of their loved and honored mother until death claimed her, May 17, 1895. The father's health, also, failed during this time and he followed the mother, January 15, 1900. The family life of this little circle was a most beautiful and happy one. There was much love and great peace in the home and, by precept and example, the girls were trained to be kind in their estimates of others, broad in their judgment. and most friendly in their relations to all of God's creatures. Friendliness seemed to be their predominating characteristic, since there can be no higher proof of friendship than that which implies a willingness to take trouble, to make sacrifices, to be obliging and generous to one's friends. Jeremy Taylor speaks of friendship as "the greatest love and the great usefulness of which, brave men and women are capable.' St. Basil says: "A good deed is never lost; he who sows courtesy, reaps friendship, and he who plants kindness, gathers love. These sisters merited and enjoyed the respect, approval and love of the entire community. Respect, because of their sterling qualities; approval of their good deeds; and love, because they were so human, so sympathetic and so cheery. Their coming into an assembly was as the coming of the sunshine. While they were eminently reformers and worked heartily with and for any movement that was for the betterment of mankind and the world, yet their keen interest in humanity was so genuine that they could and did differentiate between the sin and the sinner. The anomaly of their attacking a practice. yet retaining friendly relations with the person, was often a result of this ability. Since their interests were so democratic, they belonged to many organizations: The Farmers Institute, several social and literary clubs, the Good Templars and, later, the Woman's Christian. Temperance Union, the Ohio Society of the Daughters of 1812, the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Farmers Club, the Health and Welfare League, the. Daughters of Rebekah and the Woman's Elective Franchise Association. In all these organizations both took prominent parts, serving on committees, as officers and as delegates to state and national bodies. Neither was a member of any church, but they affiliated most closely with the Universalist, loving, as Bertha expressed it, "its beautiful philosophy and rational teaching. Both sisters served as members of the London board of education, Bertha from 1895 to 1898, Esta from 1908 to 1911, inclusive. During all the years of their service neither missed a meeting, regular or special, and both were unusually faithful and efficient in the discharge of their duties. Their father, also, had served the community in a like capacity. The sisters traveled much together, both in this country and in Europe, and. with their wanted comradeship, gave freely and graphically of their experiences and impressions to interested friends. Such was their capacity for enjoyment, that their cup of MADISON COUNTY, OHIO - 837 happiness was as filled to the brim with the beauties of a field flower in the pastures of Madison county as by the glories of a sunrise in the Alps. Bertha was county chairman of the woman's day of Home-Coming Week of Madison county's centennial year, in July, 1911, an honor which she appreciated more than any other ever conferred upon her. The lovely spirit of unity in which the women of Madison county co-operated was a tribute to her tact, her courtesy, and efficient leadership. The status of woman in the political and economic world aroused the deepest interest of these sisters. In her autobiography, Bertha says, "In the belief of equal political rights for men and women in which I was brought up, I found my deepest sympathy. Here, too, I did my best work. In February, 1895, I joined the Woman's Elective Franchise Association, which had just been organized. I served as secretary, president, and treasurer of this body, and often on committees. I was elected to the important office of state corresponding secretary of the Ohio Woman's Suffrage Association, serving for nine years. I attended all the state conventions during that time and most of the board meetings. I made some reputation as a speaker, being often on for an address at state conventions, speaking for resolutions before political conventions and various organizations, and before both branches of the Ohio Legislature at Columbus. It was my privilege to act as state delegate from Ohio to several conventions of the National American Woman Suffrage Association. In Chicago, I believe the year 1907, and at Buffalo in 1910, I served on the resolutions committee with Henry B. Blackwell as chairman. The first year after his death, I not only served on the committee, but was chosen its chairman in 1911 at Louisville, Kentucky. In the summer of 1908 I acted as national press chairman of the association for nine weeks,' during the absence in Europe of the regular chairman. I also assisted in editing Progress, the national organ of the suffrage movement at that time." Thus modestly is set forth a work extending over years of close application, of sacrifice of time and strength, and of a very great and exhausting toil, such as comes to her who is driven by her ideals. Bertha's interest and success in this work was Esta's interest and success as well; for in. all things the sisters worked together. If one seemed to have stepped to the front to occupy some position of trust and labor, the other, in the background, was loyally upholding the worker's hands, attending to the details, performing the clerical work, and in every way clearing away the hindrances, that the other might do the more efficient work. This bond of co-operation and singleness of purpose, was manifested in the two in a remarkable degree. It had existed from infancy and was broken only by Esta's death, which occurred, after a few hours' illness, on the morning of December 5, 1912. Her husband. Elmer E. Harvey, to whom she was married on December 22, 1896, survives her. Bertha's health, always a little precarious, failed under the shock of this great grief and, although she made heroic efforts to regain her interest in her wonted enterprises, life, as she pathetically remarked, "had lost its zest and could not be made to feel worth while any longer." She gradually failed and on February 5, 1915, the portals opened to let this last member of the Coover family rejoin her dear ones. The bodies of the sisters rest in quiet Kirkwood beside their father and mother. Madison county, blessed already by the leavening influence of these beautiful lives. will have reason, as the years go on, to realize more and more how much this whole devoted Coover family loved this community, for, truly, "their works do follow them." The will by which Bertha Coover left the Coover lands and money to Madison county was an expression of her father and mother and sister's wishes, also. In this, as in every plan and thought throughout their lives, the sisters and parents. were as one. They. had discussed as a family, while in health, the needs of the community and how those needs could best be met. The Coover residence and its twelve acres of land on North Main street was given to Madison county as a site for a county hospital, 838 - MADISON COUNTY, OHIO. a sanitarium, an old ladies' home or other similar benevolent institution as the county commissioners may deem best. One hundred and seventy acres of land, including the old home place, was given to be occupied by the county as an experiment farm. Seven thousand dollars were given to the Federation of Women's Clubs of London, to buy, furnish and equip a building for a club house. (This has already been purchased on North Main street.) The organizations to which Bertha and Esta belonged, in which they were interested, or which may be for the general welfare of the community, are to use the club house as a meeting place under proper restrictions. The Ohio State Woman's Suffrage Association received one thousand dollars. The London Woman's Elective Franchise Association; the London Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution; Madisonia Lodge No. 725 of the Daughters of Rebekah; the Universalist church; Trinity Episcopal church; Methodist Episcopal church; First Presbyterian church; and Lutheran church of London were also remembered. Thus passed from our community these two rare and sweet-souled women. Measured by years their time with us was short, but in the hearts of the people they will live; and the good they have done, by their lives and by their thoughtful and loving bequests, will bring to them that immortality which comes to him who loves and serves his fellow man. THE COOVER SISTERS—AN APPRECIATION. By Sallie Dooris. From the breezy, wholesome life of a country home, they came with their parents to the village of London in 1876. Two slender slips of girlhood, somewhere in their teens, possibly sixteen and fifteen years of age. Bertha, tall and willowy, a brunette, with wide-open brown eyes. Esta, the younger, flower-faced and slender; with pink coloring, blue-eyed, flaxen-haired. Just the two girls, without other sister or brother. Companions from babyhood, only something like a twelve-month difference in their ages, they ought have been twins. They were twins in sisterly love, in tastes, studies, occupations. It would be hard to say which was the elder. At school, Bertha was just a step or two ahead; but Esta caught up so fast, they kept well together. Together they read the same books, sang the same sweet melodies; in all things one was the complement of the other. It is such a little way from girlhood to womanhood, and the time in crossing over so swift, that, ere one knew, the sisters had reached the line where life broadened and the outlook on things became more real, more earnest. The girlish tastes gave way to womanly interests; and the welfare of humanity was one that occupied their thoughts. As the years passed, marriage sought and found the younger sister; but Bertha's nature seemed so rounded out and perfect, there was neither time or thought for matrimony. There are such women. Had she married and been the mother of children, she would, as in all other conditions, filled well her sphere of usefulness and motherhood. The Father of all had other uses for her. Prohibition was a paramount topic in their parents' home. The daughters entered heart and soul into the spirit of the work. So, too, in agricultural affairs. Though they had left the farm, it was crops and herds and soil values that kept the house-fires alight and the two sisters, with keen enthusiasm, were members and workers in farmer's clubs, reading essays, singing their sweet ballads at harvest festivals, getting signatures for road improvements and in all things co-workers with their parents. Universalism as a religion appealed to them. In the church at London, they were found Sunday after Sunday in the choir. They visited the sick and aged and comforted the sorrowful. In the intellectual ventures of the town they had their share and did their part well. Their parents were tended and cared for by loving watchfulness, and, when laid MADISON COUNTY, OHIO - 839 side by side in their last, long sleep, the sisters' lives grew, if anything, a little nearer and dearer and Bertha became a member of her sister's and brother-in-law's home. Feeling handicapped in their multifarious work by the lack of the ballot, they worked indefatigably for the cause of suffrage for women. It is hard to write of such women as Bertha Coover and Esta Coover Harvey. So much ought to be said one feels unequal to the obligation of saying all adequately. The sudden passing of Esta, in 1912, was a blow from which Bertha never. rallied. Life's cares and interests, hitherto shared with her sweet sister, became a sorrowful burden, too heavy to bear, and two years later, gladly, thankfully, she joined "the choir invisible." She was the last of her line. Having no needy relatives or immediate descendants, the bulk of the Coover fortune was devised to London and Madison county. What may be called "the joint will" of the sisters was expressed in part, as relating to London and the county, as follow: "In the name of the Benevolent Father of all, I, Adah Bertha Coover, of London, Madison county, Ohio, do hereby make my last will and testament. * * * "Item 4.—I give and devise to Madison county, Ohio, for the uses and purposes hereinafter stated, the following described real estate. * * * The same to be managed and controlled by the county for the following public uses and purposes; primarily, as a site for a county hospital; but if the commissioners should at any time find and decide that it would be for the best interests and welfare of the county to use a part or all of said premises as a site for an old ladies' home or for a sanitarium or other similar benevolent institution or institutions, then in that event it may be used by the county for any or all of such purposes." * * * * * * * Item 5 provides that certain farm lands are to be used by the commissioners of Madison county for establishing and equipping an experiment farm. * * * * * * * Item 8.—I give and bequeath the sum of seven thousand dollars to the London Federation of Women's Clubs, of London, Ohio, to be used to purchase, furnish and equip a building for a club house for the said the London Federation of Women's Clubs; provided, that one room in said club house be set apart and used as a relic room, under the supervision of the Daughters of the American Revolution; and provided further, that the Woman's Christian Temperance Union, the Woman's Elective Franchise Association, the Humane Society and other organiations for the general welfare may also use said club house, as a meeting place, by paying to the said the London Federation of Women's Clubs a reasonable compensation as their respective proportionate shares for the upkeep of said premises." * * * There is a stated mansion in London, compactly built of brick and granite, standing on a commanding site on North Main street. 'Round its walls, and in and out its many rooms. Miss Bertha Coover wove magic dreams. She admired and commended the work of the club women of her town; their efforts to gladden the hearts of little children at Christmas time; the beautifying of the streets and gardens; the inculcation of civic pride, and she wished that that especial house might some day be a club home for women; that from its roof-tree thoughts would be born and efforts issue for the betterment of the town she loved so well. Was it a coincidence, or something higher, that impelled the London Federation of Women's' Clubs to purchase the very spot the testator dreamed of. Standing at the portal of this stately club house, one can almost see, a little way to the north, the roof and chimneys of the old Coover homestead, devoted to the purposes of the Health and Welfare League of making sick people well again. Westward, a few miles from London, Is the spot where the Coover sisters were born, the broad, well- 840 - MADISON COUNTY, OHIO. cultivated acres to be used as an agricultural experiment farm. The Protestant churches the town and societies to which the sisters belonged have not been forgotten in their last will and testament. It is not in the transitory world of fashion and passing show, these two noble women will be remembered. They will live for all time in the town of London and county of Madison. They have joined the Immortals. The name of Coover will live forever. Bertha and Esta Coover have taken their "place in the sun." JOSEPH A. LONG. Madison county has no business institution of which it is prouder than the White Cliff Mills, of which Joseph A. Long is proprietor. Born at Athens, Tennessee, he comes from a family of millers, his grandfather having operated a mill at Athens as far back as the forties and his father having later succeeded in the business of his grandfather. It is no wonder, therefore, that Mr. Long is a practical miller, nor that he has made a phenomenal success of this business. Both he and his brothers, J. R. and W. Z. Long, with whom he was associated in business for many years, were trained in the milling business at Athens. At the age of eighteen years, having some fear of punishment by his father because he wanted to play baseball, J. A. Long ran away from home and finished his apprenticeship as a roller-mill operator in a mill at Morrow, Warren county, Ohio. During the next eighteen years he worked at Morrow, rising gradually from floor sweeper to head miller, in 1897. In partnership with his brother, Mr. Long rented the mill at Morrow during 1897, and the next year came to London, Madison county. In the autumn of 1894. he, also in partnership with his brother, purchased the old buhr mill at Athens. Tennessee, in which was installed a fairly modern roller process of making flour. Two younger brothers were taken into the business at the time. Since coming to London. Ohio, Mr. Long's rise to fame and fortune in a business way presents an unbroken record of success. Like many Southern boys, Mr. Long at the outset of his career was possessed of pluck, energy and ambition. His quick intelligence and ardent application soon made him a first-class miller. No sooner had the Long brothers purchased the old mill at London than new and modern machinery was installed, and the flour manufactured was properly and scientifically milled. Mr. Long called it White Cliff (named for White Cliff springs, in the eastern Tennessee mountains), and so famous has it become that a local poet has proclaimed its stability in this verse: "An author wrote a book, Called 'The Man of the Hour,' A miller ground wheat Into White Cliff flour. The author and his book Have both had their day; But White Cliff flour Has come here to stay." The output of the London mill has grown steadily from a capacity of sixty barrels a day to one hundred and seventy-five barrel capacity. The plant is also equipped with a complete corn meal roller outfit, which uses a carload of corn every day, the product being manufactured for both feed and table use. The table meal is made of white corn. produced mostly in Madison county. A car load of wheat is also used every day. The White Cliff Mills use approximately seventy-five thousand bushels of wheat, purchased of the farmers of Madison county and vicinity. They also buy and ship large quantities of corn, oats and rye, and employ. from eight to twelve men the year round. White Cliff Mills manufacture, as principle brabrands, Whiteiff and London Cream flour. The MADISON COUNTY, OHIO - 841 market for the product is largely local, but carload shipments are made to the remote sections of Ohio, West Virginia and Virginia, as well as to the far Eastern market. This flour is carried by most of the local merchants and is sold in great quantities. Local deliveries are made with a large Kelly-Springfield truck, which replaced four horses. T. J. Long retired from the mill in 1900, going to Mechanicsburg, Ohio, where the Long brothers own the electric light and ice plant, in connection with a flour-mill. They also own an electric light plant in Tennessee, and operate the old mill at Athens under the name of the Long Manufacturing Company. The flour-mill at Mechanicsburg and the flour-mill at Athens, Tennessee, each has a capacity of approximately the same as that of the London mill. The London mill enjoys the distinction of being on a level with the surrounding ground, a fact of great significance to farmers who haul heavy loads. The old-style elevation process is eliminated and farmers drive in on the level and dump their grain into the elevator below the road. Hence the mill on the "level dump" is very popular. This is an innovation, due to Mr. Long's genius, and ft is noteworthy that his competitors have followed the same plan. Mr. Long was married in September, 1889, at Morrow, Ohio, to Carrie Stubb, a member of one of the original Quaker families of Warren county, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Long have had two children. Leslie is a student at Ohio Wesleyan University, Delaware, Ohio. Bessie was educated in music at the Western College for Women at Oxford, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Long and family live in a modern home, attractive from the exterior and beautifully furnished. The family are .popular socially in London and Madison county, and take a lively interest in all the affairs relating to this county. Mr. Long is popular and prominent in fraternal circles. He is a blue-lodge and chapter Mason and is a member of the London Club and formerly was a member of the Board of Affairs. He belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he takes a deep interest, being a member of the official board. Since coming to the great Buckeye state, he has formed a keen affection for this state and for its people. ORLA H. TOOPS. The man whose name appears at the head of this sketch is a prominent farmer of Pleasant township. Madison county. having been born on the farm on which he resides, April 24, 1886, and is the son of Frederick and Eliza (Stone) Toops. Frederick Toops was a son of John and Ann (Bountz) Toops. natives of Ohio, and was born on April 6, 1847, in Pickaway county. Ohio. Migrating to Madison county with his parents he at first tilled the soil which he rented for a number of years. By 1875 he had been able to earn enough to buy his present farm of one hundred and thirty-nine acres, unimproved. and on this he built a one-story and a half house and rail pen, two years later constructing a log barn. It was not long before he was able, by his industry, to place extensive improvements on his farm, including a large and commodious barn, which unfortunately, was destroyed by fire. In 1911 it was replaced by a more modern structure, forty by sixty feet and twenty-eight feet high. At this time also he remodeled and enlarged his house. Mrs. Eliza (Stone) Toops. who is now living with her son, Orla H., is a native of Madison county. Pleasant township, having been born there on .April 16, 1851. She is the daughter of William and Elizabeth (Jones) Stone, mentioned elsewhere in this work. Her father was a native of Ohio. A large family of children blessed the domestic life of this worthy couple. These children are: John W., a farmer of Range township; Mrs. Bertha Morain. of Pleasant township; Armour G., of Pickaway county, attendant of the state farm; Mrs. Bernice Rice, deceased; George N. a farmer of 842 - MADISON COUNTY, OHIO. Paint township, Madison county ; Raymond, deceased; Orla H.; and Creswell, a student of a medical college at Columbus, Ohio, preparing to be a physician and surgeon. With the exception of one year, during which time Orla H. Toops was employed on another farm, he has remained on the farm which is his present home. In 1910 he began the management of his mother's country place, and the same year exhibited his corn at the Mt. Sterling fair. Like his father, he has always been interested in high grade stock, and there has never been a time when he did not own a number. In 1912 Orla H. Toops was married to Golda Tope, a native of Pickaway county, being born there on February 27, 1890. Her parents are Francis and Margaret (Immel) Tope who are descendants of German ancestry. They are well-known farmers in Madison county. Mr. and Mrs. Orla H. Toops are the parents of two children, Kenneth, born on May 8, 1913, and Frederick Orla, May 3, 1915. Politically, Mr. Toops exercises the right of individual choice, for in spite of the strong party lines of his county he has remained an independent voter. He is a church attendant, and a member of the Knights of Pythias lodge. That Mr. Toops has been enterprising in his agricultural operations is evidenced by his present possession. In all of his dealings he is actuated by the principal of honesty and his relations with his fellow men have been such as to gain their confidence and good will, and once having gained these he retains them. GEORGE A. BOICE. With a proper realization, at an early age, that success later on in the mercantile world could only come from beginning at the lower round of the ladder and working up, step by step, until master of the business, George A. Boice, of Mt. Sterling, Ohio, fitted himself with this end in view and then became the merchant and not the employee. His birth took place on November 23, 1875, in Gallia county, Ohio, he being second in age of three children born to Melvin and Mina (Mauck) Boice, as follow : Burt, deceased; George A. Boice, of Mt. Sterling, Ohio, and Mannie (Lyle), of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. Melvin Boice, the father of these children, was born on February 25, 1845, in Gallia county, Ohio, and he was reared on the farm. In August, 1861, at the tender age of sixteen, he responded to his country's call and enlisted at Cheshire, Ohio, in Company H, Fifty-third Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry. After a faithful service for nearly three years, he was wounded at Kenesaw Mountain, on June 27, 1864. His wound was in the left arm and he was discharged from the hospital at Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1865. Following his discharge he returned to the farm and assumed his former occupation of tilling the soil. This farm is located one mile from where he was born and on this property, consisting of one hundred and ninety-five acres, he is still living. Mina Mauck was born on May 16, 1849, in Gallia county, Ohio, and is the daughter of James and Barbara (Rothget) Mauck, natives of Virginia. She is still living. George A. Boice was reared on the farm and attended the district school. When only eighteen years of age, with his mercantile career in view, he left home for the West and in 1893 secured a position as clerk in a general merchandise store at Springhill, Kansas. After serving in that capacity for some time he returned to Cheshire, Ohio, where he clerked in a general merchandise store until 1899. His experience then having fitted him to conduct his own affairs in his chosen profession, he purchased a store in Rio Grande, Ohio, which he sold in 1903, removing to Mt. Sterling, Ohio. Constantly but carefully advancing, he purchased a store at Mt. Sterling and soon had it stocked with general 'merchandise. He is the owner of the building in which his business is located and at this time he is erecting a substantial home. George A. Boice was married; in 1900, to Bessie Fargo, who was born on October 14, MADISON COUNTY, OHIO - 843 1879, at Cheshire, Ohio. She is the daughter of J. E. and Viola (Smith) Fargo and a woman of exceptional attainments. Before her graduation from school she taught one year and after graduation taught in the high school. She has been highly honored by the women of her state, having served as grand worthy matron of the Eastern Star Lodges of Ohio, and in 1914 was elected grand secretary of the same order, now traveling over the state as her duties call her. No children have blessed this union. George A. Boice is a Republican and is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons. He attends the Methodist church, of which his wife is a member. CHARLES W. HODGES. Charles W. Hodges was born on August 1, 1.859, at Circleville, Ohio, son of William J. and Julia (Walker) Hodges. He was one of thirteen children born to them. The names of these children follow in their order : Charles W., William J., Jr., Edward B., Mrs. Florence Alderson (deceased), Mrs. Margaret Smith (deceased), Mrs. Minnie Moor, Thomas A., Mrs. Belle Smith (deceased), Mrs. Nellie Bazler, Paul, Richard, Harry and Mrs. Ada Morgan. Two of these children felt that the trade their father followed was good enough for them, Charles W. and Thomas, who is a blacksmith at Columbus, Ohio. Harry, second to the youngest child, is inspector at the Buckeye Malleable Works, Columbus, Ohio. Mrs. Ada Morgan lives at Youngstown, Ohio. William J., Jr., is a salesman living in the state of Iowa. Mrs. Minnie Moor lives at Farmland, Indiana. Mrs. Nellie Bazler, a widow, resides at Youngstown, Ohio. Paul represents the Northwestern railroad and resides at Toledo, Ohio. Richard Alderson makes his home in West Virginia. Edward B. became a painter and is employed by his brother, Charles, in the business at Mt. Sterling, Madison county, Ohio, where they both reside. William J. Hodges, Sr., was born on February 22, 1832, at Staunton, Virginia, where he was a blacksmith and resided until 1857, at which time he removed to Darbyville, Ohio. There he followed his trade until 1862, when he enlisted as a soldier in Company A, Ninetieth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in which company he served as sergeant. During the war he was wounded and while at the hospital, in 1865, received his discharge, returning to Darbyville, Ohio, where he resumed his work as a blacksmith until 1871. He then removed to Mt. Sterling, Ohio, where he worked as a blacksmith until his retirement in 1882. He died on June 8, 1889. Julia Walker was born on October 11, 1840, in Lancaster, Ohio, and is the daughter of Josiah and Eliza (Ginder) Walker, both natives of Pennsylvania. She lives with her daughter, Mrs. Ada Morgan, at Youngstown, Ohio. Charles W. Hodges was reared in Mt. Sterling, where he received his education in the public schools. He was taught his trade in his father's shop, assuming full charge of the same when his father retired from the business. He is an expert mechanic and takes delight in his chosen profession. Mr. Hodges built his present shop in 1892. In 1882 Charles W. Hodges was married to Eliza Leech, who was born on November 7, 1861, at Mt. Sterling, Ohio, and is a graduate of the Mt. Sterling schools. She is the daughter of William T. and Elizabeth (Bostwick) Leech. To the union of Charles W. and Eliza (Leech) Hodges, have been born five children: May, deceased; Mrs. Gladys Von Loyd, of Columbus, Ohio; Leo, deceased; Fredrick, deceased; and Sherman, who is at home with his parents. Charles W. Hodges is a Democrat, and the respect in which he is held by his fellow citizens is demonstrated by the fact that he has served as a member of the city council at three different times. He is a member of the Presbyterian church, also of the Knights of Pythias. Mr. Hodges owns a modern home on No. 10 West Main street. 844 - MADISON COUNTY, OHIO. ZEBULON D. FISHER. People of all climes are filled with admiration for the man or woman who has ambition and the perseverance to accomplish things worth while in life, and it matters not whether they were of lowly birth or whether today they are of differing social classes, they are honored for their achievements regardless of nationality or creed. To Zebulon D. Fisher, of Mt. Sterling, Madison county, Ohio, falls the approbation and praise for having earned the respect and esteem of his fellow men. Zebulon D. Fisher was born on November 13, 1873, in Pickaway county, Ohio, and received his education in the district schools of Pickaway county. After leaving school in 1893, he served as a teacher in the schools of Monroe township, Pickaway county, Ohio. He followed this vocation for seventeen years, and in connection with his work took up the study of law, with attorney Irvin F. Snyder, of Circleville, Ohio. Difficult as is the teaching of school, demanding as it does much time outside of school hours, Mr. Fisher succeeded in his study of the law and in 1897 he was admitted to the bar, beginning his practice in 1910. at Mt. Sterling. Madison county, Ohio, where he is also interested in the grocery business. In 1908 Zebulon D. Fisher was married to Laura M. Brown, who was born on December 25, 1880, in Fairmount, Indiana. Laura M. Brown is the daughter of Alexander and Mary A. (Jones) Brown, both natives of Cincinnati, Ohio. Alexander Brown was reared in Pike county, Ohio, and was a soldier in the Civil War. Zebulon D. Fisher is the son of Isaac N. and Hulda (Hanawalt) Fisher, who were the parents of seven children, of whom two only are now living. Isaac N. Fisher was born in 1842, in Pickaway county. and engaged in farming until his death in 1878. His wife, Hulda, was born in Union county, Ohio, and passed away in 1911, leaving two. sons, Estal E., a merchant of Mt. Sterling; and Zebulon D., attorney and merchant, the only survivors of her immediate family. In Pickaway county, where he now lives, Mr. Fisher owns seventy-two acres of land. He is the father of two daughters and two sons, namely: Laura E., Zebulon E., Paul R. and Mary A., all of whom are at home. Mr. Fisher is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is a Republican in politics and a member of the Methodist church. SEYMOUR P. YOUNG. Seymour P. Young was born on December 11, 1864, in Pleasant township. Madison county. Ohio, and is of German descent. He is the son of Frederick and Lucinda (Kaufelt) Young, to whom nine children were born, seven of whom are still living. Seymour P. Young is the youngest child and only son. His father, Frederick Young, was born in 1812, in Germany, immigrating to America when a young man and locating in Pickaway county, Ohio, where he bought land and farmed, later removing to Madison county, Ohio. He continued to cultivate the soil until his death, which occurred on April 23, 1866. His mother, Lucinda (Kaufelt) Young, was born in 1825. in Ohio. and died on March 28, 1889. The only son of thrifty German parents. Seymour P. Young possessed but little knowledge of his parents, his father having died when he was but two years of age and he was bereft of a mother when a young man twenty-five years of age. Reared to farm life and obtaining his education at the old Douglas district school of Pleasant township, Seymour P. Young. at the early age of twenty-one years, began farming for himself. He purchased the old home place, on which he made extensive improvements. This property hecultivated most successfully and also engaged in the raising of stock. becoming very prosperous. In 1912 Mr. Seymour removed to Mt. Sterling, Ohio, where MADISON COUNTY, OHIO - 845 he owns a fine home on East Main street. He is a stockholder in the First National bank and is the owner of one hundred and forty-two acres of well-improved land. At the age of twenty-one years, on December 31, 1885, Seymour P. Young took for his life partner Sereatha Bricker, who was born on January 9, 1864, in Madison county, Ohio, and who was the daughter of James and Lydia (Stone) Bricker, both parents being natives of Ohio. To this marriage of Seymour P. Young and Sereatha Bricker, two children were born: Frederick, a graduate of the Mt. Sterling schools, who took a commercial course at Athens, Ohio, and is now with the Mt. Sterling Building and Loan Company; and Myrtle L., who is a graduate of the Mt. Sterling schools and resides with the family. Politically, a Democrat, a member of the Christian church and living up to the precepts of the Knights of Pythias, of which he is a member, Seymour P. Young, destitute of a father's care when only a child, yet with his indomitable will and ability, has paved the way to success and prospered, carefully educated his children and now in the prime of manhood he can rest secure with his wife and family, enjoying the just reward of labors well done. EDWARD EVERETT COLE. The late Edward Everett Cole, lawyer, farmer and scholar, was born on March 17, 1853, at Marysville, Ohio, and died on February 7, 1909. Mr. Cole was a son of Judge Philander Blakesley and Dorothy (Winter) Cole, both of whom were natives of Union county, Ohio. Judge Philander B. Cole was a practicing attorney and judge of the district court. He practiced his profession until the time of his death. Edward Everett Cole spent his early life at Marysville, Ohio, attending the public schools of that place, later becoming a student at Oxford University for two years, and was graduated in 1873 from Ohio Wesleyan University, at Delaware, Ohio. He read law in the office of his father, was admitted to the bar about 1877, and began the active practice of his profession at Marysville. After practicing law until 1899, Mr. Cole's health failed. and he was compelled to spend a year in Europe. He and his wife during this period visited many interesting places, including the leading art galleries of the Old World, and the prominent points of interest. Both were well informed in advance, and was therefore well equipped to get the most of their European tour. Mr. and Mrs. Cole were always much interested in various forms of art, and had Mr. Cole been trained in that direction he might have become a great artist. He had the happy faculty of seeing the humorous side of things, and he also saw the serious side as well, and was strong, well-balanced and learned man. Although the European tour was helpful, Mr. Cole did not resume the practice of law upon his return but after one winter spent in New Orleans, came to the farm the next spring and entered upon the details of farm work and out-door life. He was busily occupied in the management of the nine-hundred-acre farm, and continued its management as long as he lived. He kept abreast of modern farming and was familiar with all the latest processes, devices and methods of agriculture. The Cole home was erected in 1904, under his supervision, and is a model of comfort and convenience, and modern throughout. Even while engaged in farming Edward E. Cole kept up his interest in classical learning and read Latin a great deal. He had also studied French and kept well informed with regard to old-world politics. In all his life his health was never very strong, but in the years that he was engaged in the practice of law he proved conclusively what he might have done if he had been possessed of a stronger body. As it was he became a very successful attorney. 846 - MADISON COUNTY, OHIO. Throughout his life the late Edward Everett Cole was an active campaigner in behalf of the Republican party, and on one occasion was the nominee of his party for the Legislature. He was much sought after as a speaker on Decoration Day. His arguments were clear, his logic convincing and his delivery pleasing. No doubt he would have been a very successful teacher had he turned his talents in that direction. At college he had been a member of the Chi Phi fraternity. Later in life he became a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Free and Accepted Masons and the Knights of Pythias. He passed all the chairs in the subordinate lodge of Odd Fellows. One of the distinctive features of the career of Edward E. Cole, was his humanitarianism. He could not bear to take the life of any living creature, and was frequently heard to say, "Live and let live." Upon one occasion he killed a bird by accident, and the incident made him sick at heart, and he frequently said in describing it that he would not have killed a bird for any consideration. He was a popular and well-liked man, but not a "hail fellow well met." He was ever known as "Mister," and in all his life was never known to have told a salacious story. On January 29, 1887, Edward Everett Cole was married to Mary Beach, the only daughter and child of Doctor Morrow and Lucy Beach. There were no children born to this marriage. Their married life was very congenial, as they enjoyed the same things and from the same point of view. A member of the Presbyterian church, Edward E. Cole was not tied to any creed. He was a man of tolerant religious belief, and broad-minded to a marked degree. He died on February 7, 1909, and his remains were buried in the Deer Creek cemetery, on the Beach family lot. SCOTT O'DAY. In those things which make for self-reliance, business integrity and honesty of purpose, Scott O'Day has been generously endowed. A man of broad human sympathy and marked ability he has brought himself to a place of the highest esteem in the county in which he lives. Not waiting for circumstances to mold or change his fate he has seized upon every available opportunity to better his life conditions, until now he is able to enjoy the fruits of well-directed endeavor. His career has been interesting both from the standpoint of the agriculturist and the business man. Scott O'Day was born on the 19th of June, 1872, in Pleasant township. Madison county, and is the son of James and Sophia (Bennett) O'Day. The schools of Pleasant township furnished the rudimentary education for Scott O'Day, later he attended the Caton Business College, of Cleveland, Ohio, from which he was graduated in-1892. After graduation he returned home and worked on the farm, for awhile, with his father. He then rented a tract of land from his father and farmed independently until he was able to buy a farm of his own. He now owns two hundred acres of valuable farm land in Pleasant township. On this farm he has made all modern improvements, including the building of two large stock barns, one of which is one hundred and twelve by forty feet and the other one hundred and twenty-four by twenty-six feet. In 1892 he began to breed Shorthorn cattle and met with such success in this field of endeavor that he has bred them ever since. He finds a market for these cattle in the West, and also ships a large part of his stock to the South. He always has in the neighborhood of seventy to ninety cattle. On his smaller farm in Mt. Sterling, which consists of just fifteen acres, Mr. O'Day has built another barn of large size, and from this place he ships stock which he buys and sells to the market. At Sedalia, Ohio, on the 12th of January, 1892, the marriage of Scott O'Day and Nettie Core was solemnized. She is the daughter of Andrew B. and Clarinda (Clarridge) MADISON COUNTY, OHIO - 847 Core, and was born on the 17th of December, 1869, in Range township, Madison county. Her father was a native of Pennsylvania and her mother of Fayette county, Ohio. .The father, now deceased, was a farmer, and the mother is now living in Sedalia, Ohio. Mr. Core was a breeder and grower of sheep and also cattle. Mr. and Mrs. O'Day have one child, Freda, born on October 2, 1898, who is a graduate of the Mt. Sterling high school, and is now at Western College, at Oxford, Ohio. In politics Mr. O'Day is an independent voter.. In keeping with the tradition of the family to which he belongs Mr. O'Day continues to take part in the affairs of the Methodist church of which his wife and daughter are members. Mr. O'Day is one of the largest stock buyers and shippers in Madison county, Ohio. FRANK H. HOTT. Frank H. Hott, who was born on May 20, 1873, in Pickaway county, Ohio, sprung from parentage, on his paternal side, that had seen and taken part in the great conflict of the Civil War. He is the eldest child of William H. and Mary E. (Smith) Hott, to whom were born five children, namely : Frank H.; the second child died in infancy ; also the child following; the fourth child, Milton M., is manager of a bakery at Asheville, Ohio; and Earl S., also engaged in the bakery business at Ashville. William H. Hott, was born on September 16, 1847, in Pickaway county, Ohio, and was a farmer boy until, in 1864, he enlisted at Circleville, Ohio, in Company A, One Hundred and Ninety-third Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served his country in the hazardous capacity of scout until the close of the conflict. After peace had been declared, he returned to Pickaway county, Ohio, and engaged in farming for several years and took up the carpenter's trade. Broken in health, he gave up that work in 1896 and opened a small bakery shop, which business he built up to a large and lucrative trade. He was a progressive leader, charitable in his dealings and an honored member of the Grand Army of the Republic, being one of the oldest members of the post to which he paid loving devotion until his death, on March 8, 1914, at Ashville, Ohio. He was the son of William H. and Sarah (Whitsell) Hott, formerly of Virginia, who, in 1808, removed to Pickaway county, Ohio, where they farmed until their death. Mary E. (Smith) Hott, the mother of Frank H. Hott, was born on March 27, 1854. near Fort Wayne, Indiana, and is the daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth (Metzger) Smith, both natives of Ohio. She is now living at Ashville, Ohio, where she is engaged in the bakery business, of which she is part owner. Living at Ashville, Ohio, and receiving his education from the public schools of that town, Frank H. Hott at fourteen years of age, learned the carpenter's trade and advanced rapidly until at the age of twenty years he began contracting on a medium scale, constructing several business blocks and residences. In 1899 he learned the baker's trade from his father, in whose place of business he remained until May 16. 1910, when he came to Mt. Sterling, Ohio, and purchased a bakery very poorly equipped and with practically no trade. Today, as the result of his genius and progressive nature, he owns a thoroughly modern, sanitary baking shop and a comfortable, modern home. In connection with his bakery Mr. Hott has purchased an automobile, for quick delivery to his many customers and his rapidly increasing trade. His genial nature and business acumen have won for him a large patronage and the respect of his associates and the public as well. Lola E. Tanquary, who was born on June 2, 1875, at New Holland, Pickaway county, Ohio, became the wife of Frank H. Hott in 1899. She is the daughter of Benjamin and Carrie (Lee) Tanquary, natives of Ohio and Indiana, respectively. 848 - MADISON COUNTY. OHIO. Her father enlisted in the Civil War during the year 1862, at Washington C. H., Ohio, in Company A, of the Sixtieth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in which he was a corporal and saw most of his service under Captain Black. He was taken prisoner at Harper's Ferry and received his honorable discharge in 1864, after which he returned to New Holland and engaged as a traveling salesman until 1899. About that time it became necessary for him to make a trip to Colorado for the benefit of his health which had been undermined during the war and it was there, in 1905, that he passed away at the age of sixty-two. His wife remained in Colorado and now resides in Denver, of that state. To Frank H. and Lola E. (Tanquary) Hott have been born five children: Alice. Benjamin E. and Louis V., who are at home; William. deceased; and a fifth child who died in infancy. The Democratic party has the support of Frank H. Hott and his enthusiasm is of great assistance to them in their campaigns. He is an earnest and sincere member of the Methodist church. His fraternal relations are with the Knights of Pythias and the Modern Woodmen of America. Frank H. Hott has always been a great worker and an honest man and the respect in which he is held by the townspeople is justly deserved and appreciated. FRANCIS M. CHENOWETH. Francis M. Chenoweth, who died in 1904, was a man well known and his memory still remains in the hearts of many of his fellow citiezns. As a business man, he contributed to London's economic prosperity; as a loyal citizen, he contributed to its general welfare; as a man, he contributed to the happiness of his family, friends and acquaintances. Mr. Chenoweth was a native of this county, having been born on Deer creek, in Fairfield township, in 1833. His parents were the Hon. John F. and Margaret (Ferguson) Chenoweth, who were Kentuckians by birth. Elijah Chenoweth, the paternal grandfather of the subject, and his wife, who was a Foster, were born in Kentucky and came to this state in 1796, making their home in Franklin county, near Harrisburg, when this place consisted of only a dozen houses. Here this patriarch lived and died at a ripe old age. Hon. John F. Chenoweth was one of the foremost men of this county in his day, having a wide acquaintance as a result of his extensive business and public life. He was a large landholder, owning over three thousand acres of real estate, besides being a prominent stock dealer. He often told stories of experiences of his youth, when it was his task to drive cattle over the mountains to the markets in Pennsylvania. For over thirty years he was a justice of the peace, and later was representative of his district in the state legislature. London was honored by his spending the latter part of his life within its borders. He and his wife were the parents of fifteen children. Francis Marion Chenoweth was educated in the local public schools, but remained with his parents until his marriage. After this event he settled in Oak Run township, on a farm of three hundred acres, to which he afterwards added seventeen hundred acres, a part of which was in Fairfield township. In the latter township he lived fourteen years, during which time he was engaged in farming and cattle breeding and selling, the previous fifteen years having been spent in Oak Run township. In 1885 he left the farm and, like so many professional farmers of his time, came to London and built a modern home. This home was on Elm street. From that time until his death the subject was identified with many of the important business enterprises of the city, notably as one of the organizers of the Central Bank of London. In 1856 Mr. Chenoweth took as his life partner Margaret Rea, daughter of Mathew and Ann (Amos) Rea, who were born in Virginia and Maryland respectively. They MADISON COUNTY, OHIO - 849 came to this county with their parents, who were brave enough to endure the hardships of pioneer life. Mr. Rea was one of the wealthy farmers and stockmen of the county, and was widely known. He was prominent in local Democratic circles, in the activities of which he took keen interest. He and his wife were the parents of seven children. Francis M. Chenoweth was twice married, his first wife dying in April, 1893. By her he was the father of eight children, of whom only Rea, the seventh born, is living. The others were Robert F., Emma A., Ada, Annie E., Myrtle, Ella and an infant. The second Mrs. Chenoweth was Mrs. Leslie, of Upper Sandusky, Ohio, and after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Chenoweth moved to a farm in Wyandot county, Ohio. Mr. Chenoweth died on October 24, 1904, at Upper Sandusky. During his lifetime Mr. Chenoweth was public-spirited and capable of valuable service. He was a member of the board of education and held various other public offices. Politically, he was a Democrat and, in religious life, a Presbyterian. He was loyal to the obligations of family and civic life, and did all in his power to further the best interests of the community. ABRAHAM J. DENNISON. Abraham J. Dennison was born on October 1, 1862, in Pickaway county, Ohio, and is the son of James and Sevena (Warren) Dennison, who were the parents of six boys and six girls. James Dennison was born in January, 1827, in Madison county, where he was reared on a farm. When still a young man he removed to Pickaway county, where he first rented and then bought land. His present home is still on the property then acquired. His wife was born on October 25, 1830, near Chillicothe, Ohio, and was the daughter of William and Margaret (Blaney Warren. She died on January 10, 1911. Abraham Dennison was brought up on his father's farm, attending the local schools, and did not leave home until his twenty-fifth year. One year previous to his marriage, he rented land from his father and continued its cultivation for the next fifteen years. In 1901 he bought one hundred and fifteen acres of good farm land in this county, which he made his home. He has always kept a good grade of stock for the market. In 1887 Abraham Dennison was married to Sarah Murphy, daughter of William F. and Roxanna (Crabe) Murphy. Sarah Murphy was born on February 8, 1865. Her father, who is still living with his children, was born on August 10, 1835, in Pickaway county. Her mother was born in the same county on November 13, 1836, and died on December 29, 1913. The children born of this union were three in number, namely : Frederick, born on November 26, 1887, is a student in the Ohio State University; Mabel is the wife of a Mr. Thornton, and was born on July 23, 1889, in Pleasant township; and Ray, born on December 28, 1890, resides at home. Mr. and Mrs. Dennison have erected a beautiful modern dwelling, which is lighted by gas. Abraham Dennison is a church attendant, a Republican in politics and a member of the Knights of Pythias lodge at Mt. Sterling. He was township trustee for two terms. Mr. Dennison is one of the foremost agriculturists of this district. He has identified himself always with the best life of the community in which effort he has been joined by his wife, who is much admired for her genialty and her womanly characteristics. Worldly greatness does not consist in heroic achievement. It may be just as truly found in the careful carrying out of human obligations, though this may be apart from the eyes of the world. In this respect the lives of Mr. and Mrs. Dennison have truly been an inspiration. (54)