850 - MADISON COUNTY, OHIO. JOHN O'DAY. John O'Day has been one of the prominent figures in the field of agriculture in Madison county, Ohio, and his loyalty to the place of his nativity has won for him a place of high esteem in the county in which he lives, and a wide acquaintance among the farmers of that section. Our forefathers left behind them the idea that should be the keynote of useful lives, and it is a relief, in this, age of unrest, to find a man who has lived for over thirty years on a place established years before by his parents. John O'Day was .born, in Pleasant township, Madison county, Ohio, on the 4th of January, 1877. He is the son of James and Sophia (Bennett) O'Day, and assisted his parents on the old home place until his father retired from the active duties of the farm, in 1898, and left the full care of the estate to his son. The common schools of Pleasant township afforded Mr. O'Day his early ,educational advantages. As a youth he had fellowship with hard work and responsibility, but his self-reliance was quickened by these very conditions, and made possible the realization of his ambition to be a successful farmer. Mr. O'Day now owns three hundred and fifty-two acres of land. On the old home place where, he lives be .bas made many improvements, including the installation of gas and electric light, not only for light but for heat. The farm represents everything that is new in modern farming. Mr. O'Day is a breeder of Shorthorn cattle, purebred horses, Duroc-Jersey hogs and Shropshire sheep. On the 30th of September, 1896, the marriage of John O'Day and Unity Jones was solemnized. Unity Jones; the daughter of James and Annette (Bostwick) lone, was born in Fayette, Ohio, July 18, 1876. The six children born to Mr. and Mrs. O'Day are Mary, who is a graduate of the Mt. Sterling high school; Bennett, Annette, James, Grace and John. All of the children are living at home. Aside from his duties on the farm Mr. O'Day has found some time for school affairs and serves as a member of the school board district No. 8. His political interests and enthusiasm are with the Republican party of which he is an active member. In religious belief he is affiliated with the Methodist church: FREDERICK HOLTON THORNTON. Since the subject of this brief biographical record has become a representative among the men of his chosen calling in this community, it may be assumed that he early ,made a plan for his life, and that with undeviating determination he carried out this plan from day to day, until the present time. Frederick Holton Thornton a native of this township, although .his ancestory came. from Virginia. He was born on August. 27, 1863, his parents being Allen and Rebecca (Dountz) Thornton. Allen Thornton was also born in this county, the date of his birth being September 19, 1833. He was reared on the farm, and when grown to manhood' pursued that vocation in Pleasant township. He rented a farm,. and in that way saved enough money to buy land near Mt. Sterling, where he farmed for fifty years. He passed away in 1906. His wife, who was born in 1833, died in 1865. Her parents were Frederick and Isabelle Dountz. Frederick Thornton's .early life was not different from that of the average farmer boy, but his subsequent success has shown what such a boy can do when he is determined to better his material condition. Working under the guidance of his father until 1906, he .then began his independent career by purchasing one hundred and twenty. seven acres of improved land. He now owns one hundred and forty acres of good real estate which he. is still improving. He has a splendid modern home. Mr. Thornton gives much of his time to stock raising, and is a breeder of Shorthorn cattle and purebred Shropshire sheep. Mr. Thornton. owns shares in the First National bank and the MADISON COUNTY, OHIO - 851 Mt. Sterling Grain Company. His industry and thrift have resulted in the accumulation of a quantity of this world's goods, but he has never been too busy to take an active interest in the affairs of the county. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Frederick H. Thornton took place in 1885, his bride being Ella Hunter, who was horn on August 6, 1862, in Franklin county, Ohio. She is the daughter of Charles and Martha (Fitzgerald) Hunter. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Thornton. Lloyd, born in 1888, now engaged in farming on his father's land, and the husband -of Mabel Dennison. The other two children died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Thornton are active church members, attending the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Thornton is a trustee of the Mt. Sterling Pleasant cemetery. He i.8 a Republican and a member of the Knights of Pythias lodge. Though not animated with ambition for public honors Mr. Thornton has fulfilled his place with industry and fidelity to high principles. He and his wife have a large circle of acquaintances who esteem them for their genuine worth. HOMER C. WILSON. Among the representative citizens. of Madison county, Ohio, is Homer C. Wilson, respected for his stability of character and honored because of his practical Christianity and progressive ideas. That he is worthy of the respect shown him by his townspeople is demonstrated by the fact that he served one firm for twenty-two years to a day, leaving at that time to become the traveling representative of the Green-Joice Company, of Columbus, Ohio. He remained. with that firm until 1894, at which time he came to Mt. Sterling, Madison county, Ohio, and accepted the position of clerk in the Clock & Boyd department store. Homer C. Wilson was born on March 28, 1855, in Fairfield county, Ohio, being reared in the town of Rushville, of said county. He began his practical education during his school days, clerking in a general merchandise store While attending high school. For thirty-five years he lived, studied and worked at Rushville, taking up other branches of his education in new fields. Among the emigrants to Ohio, in 1830, were James and Lydia (McBride) Wilson, of Pennsylvania, who upon their arrival located on a farm in Fairfield county, Ohio. James Wilson was born in 1800 and his wife, Lydia, in 1805. It was on their farm near Bremen that John Wilson, their son, first saw the light of day, having been born on December 2, 1832. In 1841 James Wilson passed to his reward, leaving his widow with the responsibility of rearing John, their nine-year-old son, to useful manhood. She performed that duty in an able manner, as all who knew her could testify, and passed, to her eternal rest in 1872. John Wilson grew to maturity and became a farmer, following that occupation until 1860. He selected Mary Ann Patch as his life companion and three children blessed their union : James M. (deceased), Homer C., and Mrs. Lydia Jane Reid, deceased. Homer C., the only surviving child, is now a stockholder and director of the Security Building and Loan Association, of Mt. Sterling, Madison county, Ohio. The citizens of Mt. Sterling have rewarded his efforts in their behalf by electing him to membership in their council, serving in that capacity for .nine years. He also .reports the news of Mt. Sterling, through the columns of. The Enterprise, of London, Ohio. In 1878 Homer C. Wilson. was married to Louise Dekalb, the daughter of Elijah and Rebecca (Tennant) Dekalb, who were natives of Maryland and Virginia, respectively; Louise Dekalb was born and reared at Rushville, Ohio, where she attended the public schools, later becoming a school teacher, in which occupation she was engaged at the time of her marriage. To Mr. and Mrs.. Wilson have been born two. children: 852 - MADISON COUNTY. OHIO. Mrs. Zoa Atkins, who now lives in Mt. Sterling, Madison county, Ohio ; and Edison C., who married Alberta Call, of Mt. Sterling, and is now living in Columbus, Ohio. Mr. Wilson is an active worker and sincere member of the Presbyterian church, in which he is also a trustee. He is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons and of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. W. H. CARL Because of the necessity for temperamental fitness for a few professions, including the ministry and medical science, it cannot appropriately be said that the theme of the present sketch is a representative business man. The latter could not be successful in the profession which the subject of this sketch has followed for some. years. Mr. Carl, like other members of his calling, has qualities of heart and soul that enable him to enter the house of mourning as a friend and to perform his services in such a way as to enlist the appreciation of his patrons. He is one of the best-known undertakers in the county. Born in Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, the son of Jacob and Anna (Thuma) Carl, he is a descendant of natives of that county. Jacob Carl came to Montgomery county, Ohio, where he lived until his death, which took place on January 6, 1870; the wife also passed away there, about two years later. Twelve children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Carl, six of whom are living. These are, Gabriel, residing near Dayton, Ohio ; Isaac, a Minnesota farmer; Sarah Loughman, of Miami county, Ohio ; Mary Ellen Van Cleave, of Dayton, Ohio ; Rebecca Hibbert, living south of Dayton, at Centerville, Ohio. In point of geographical location, the subject has had a varied experience. Educated in the common schools of Pennsylvania, he was early required to leave his books for the plow, for there were many mouths to be fed under the parental roof and the children early learned to carry their share of the burden. For some time after his school days came to an end the subject worked on the farm. His first business experience was in connection with a house-furnishing store. Later he came to Salem, Ohio, and purchased a cabinet shop and undertaking business, and here he lived• for five years. He then removed to West Milton, Miami county, which was his home for the following four years, during which time he was engaged in the undertaking business. Establishing the firm of Carl & Herr, he next took up business activities in Dayton, remaining there for five years. and at the end of that time came to London and established the business in which he is at present engaged. He has been a resident of London for twenty-one years. Mrs. Carl was, before her marriage, Fannie Daniels, of Dayton, Ohio, the daughter of Elisha and Olive (Chase) Daniels, the former a native of Blackstone, Massachusetts, and the latter of Boston, Massachusetts. After marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Daniels lived in Miami county, Ohio, locating on a farm which is now known as Overlook Park. He died in Miami county and at the time of his death was a heavy landholder. His widow moved to California and died there at Angel's Camp. Their children were, Emma Gene, Lucy, Alice and Fannie, the subject's wife. On the Chase side, Mrs. Carl is descended from distinguished ancestry, the paternal grandfather having been a first cousin of the noted statesman, Salmon P. Chase. The Chase family in Massachusetts were distinguished in colonial times and gave valuable service to the cause of the Revolutionists. The Chase family were descended from the three Chase brothers who came to the United States on the "Mayflower," one of these brothers, Isaac Chase, being the progenitor of the subject's wife. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Carl are, Grace and Geraldine, both of whom are at the Ohio Wesleyan College at Delaware, Ohio. Mr. Carl is progressive and in his business has always had equipment that is modern and of the very best quality. He was coroner of Madison county for nine MADISON COUNTY, OHIO - 853 consecutive years. A further evidence of the standing with his London associates is the fact that he has been a leading member of the State Embalmers' Association for a number of years. He is also a director of the London Vault Company. As to his political affiliations, it may be said of Mr. Carl that he is an enthusiastic Republican. He is also a member of the Masonic order, the Independent 'Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias. He and Mrs. Carl are devoted members of the Methodist Episcopal church. There is a peculiar sense in which the person under consideration here ministers to the welfare of the people. Associated with them chiefly in their sorrows, for this reason his field of service is a very broad and a very important one. May we not assume that his daily occupation has emphasized frequently in his line the truth of the following sentiment: Every day of meeting sorrow superbly makes their life more grand. “Every tear that falls from one's own eyes gives a deeper tenderness of look, of touch, of word, that shall soothe another's woe. Sorrow is not given us that we may mourn. It is given us that having felt suffered wept we may be able to understand, love, bless." JOHN N. WALDO. Among the of progressive citizens of Mt. Sterling, Madison county, Ohio, the present leader of this thriving town is distinct in his individuality. It is a source of pleasure to know of one who still holds his own at the age of seventy, and such a man is John N. Waldo, present mayor of Mt. Sterling, who was born on October 21, 1844, in Palestine, Ohio, and has been a farmer, merchant and mayor. Of the six children born to Stacy and Rachel J. (Neff) Waldo, three are now living, namely : John N.; Mrs. Sarah E. Laird, of Wichita, Kansas; and George A., who is a grocery merchant of Mt. Sterling. Stacy Waldo was born on August 3, 1815, in Franklin county, Ohio; he was a tanner by trade, but in 1855 he removed to Madison county where he engaged in farming until his death, which occurred in 1894. His wife, Rachel J., was born during the year of 1823, in Virginia, and passed away in 1884. Mr. and Mrs. Waldo were both members of the Christian church and were sincerely missed by their circle of friends and relatives. The eldest of the children born of this union was John N. Waldo, who was reared on his father's farm and attended the district schools of Pleasant township, Madison county, Ohio. When twenty-six years of age Mr. Waldo purchased a piece of land and decided to become a farmer, but one year later, in 1871, he engaged in the shoe business at London, Ohio, and followed the same for four years, returning to the farm in Pleasant township during the year of 1875. For nineteen years Mr. Waldo resided on that place, which he developed to the best of his ability, his management resulting in more than ordinary success. He came to Mt. Sterling, in 1894, where he became actively engaged in the buggy and carriage business. After meeting with the most gratifying success in this line of endeavor Mr. Waldo sold the business in 1909, to his son, William. In 1901 John N. Waldo was elected mayor and served as such for one year, being elected to that office for the second time in 1914. Laura Heath became the wife of John N. Waldo in 1868, and to them have been born five children : William, a merchant of Mt. Sterling, Ohio; the twin of William who died in infancy ; Edward, deceased ; Mrs. Mary E. Brown, of Mt. Sterling, Ohio; and Omer, who is established in the monument business at Mt. Sterling, Ohio. Laura Heath was born in Pleasant township, Madison county, Ohio, in 1848 and is the daughter of David and Nancy (Thomas) Heath, both natives of Virginia. Mr. Waldo served as a member of the city council for ten years and in 1901 was elected township trustee, serving in that capacity for thirteen years and while a trustee 854 - MADISON COUNTY, OHIO. was elected mayor and served in both offices at the same time. He has always taken an active interest in the upbuilding of Mt. Sterling and his civic pride has been surpassed by none. Mr. Waldo is vice-president and .a stockholder of the Security Building and Loan Association, a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and a loyal supporter of the Christian church, of which he is a member. He is a stanch Republican and has always worked for the advancement of his party. He has figured largely in all the civic improvements of the town and has always been an eager leader in every question pertaining to the betterment of those around him. JOHN M. WILLIAMS. To attain a position of special prominence and influence in the domain of newspaper enterprise. requires intellectual attainments of a broad and thorough nature. When these things are -found in a man. of pleasing personality, they win for him a place of the highest regard in the community in which he lives. John M. Williams has made an enviable record in newspaper work in Mt. Sterling. As editor of the Tribune, Mr. Williams has given high proof of his ability to fill the position tendered him. John M. Williams was born in Highland county, Ohio, on the 23rd of September, 1857. His parents were natives of Ohio, his father, William Williams, having been born in Highland county, in August, 1822, and his mother, whose family name was Riser, having been born in the same county in 1824. John M. Williams was one of three children, his sister, Clara,. died when. she was just. seventeen years old. .The father for a few years conducted, a country store in Elmville, Ohio, but later returned to the occupation of farming, which he continued until his death which occurred in 1901. He and his. wife were members of the. Dunkard. church. The paternal grandfather of John M. Williams was Thomas Williams, a native of Virginia, whose wife, Susan Gall, was also a. native of Virginia. The ancestry of the family has been traced back to Wales. Back of every successful man or woman, is found years of patient toil and thoughtful preparation. Out of this is . built the foundation upon which. everything worth while is based. Mr. William's preparation for success in life has been thorough. He was reared on a farm, attended the district schools of Highland county, Ohio, and the high school of Hillsboro. In 1877 he began to teach school and one year later, in order to prepare, himself more thoroughly for the position. assigned him, entered the normal school at Lebanon, Ohio, where he remained, two terms. Afterward, for ten years, he taught in the district schools. For one term he taught in the Mt. Sterling schools. In 1889 ..Mr. Williams bought a printing office which had been. started. in 1887. Since that time he has given most of his time and attention to newspaper work. The Tribune. has a circulation of over fifteen hundred subscribers.  Mr. Williams has been loyal to the highest ideals of citizenship and has made every effort:to give Mt. Sterling an eminent place in the commercial life of Ohio. He is a director and shareholder of the Security Building. and Loan Company. In his political interests. Mr. Williams is a zealous advocate of the principles. and politics of the Democratic party and has been an active and effective worker in its. cause. For the past fifteen years he has held the position of township clerk. On account of his enthusiasm in school affairs he was elected a member of the school board of Mt. Sterling. On the 30th of May, 1885, at. Marshall, Ohio, John M. Williams was united in marriage to Nannie Carlisle, who was . born on the 4th of February, 1863, near Marshall, Ohio. She is the.. daughter of. James .S.. and Emily (Hill) Carlisle, both natives of Ohio. To Mr. and Mrs. Williams were born the following. children : Carl C., is a linotype operator in Phoenix, Arizona ; Harry is associated with his father in the printing business; Mrs. Donna M: Hayman and Mrs. Grace Zahn reside in Pleasant township; Ruth MADISON COUNTY, OHIO - 855 still remains with her parents. All the children are graduates of the high school at Mt. Sterling. Mr. Williams is a trustee of the Presbyterian church, He is a member of the Knights of Pythias, and takes an active, interest in everything pertaining to, the welfare of Madison county. JOHN R. WILSON As a man whose entire life has been given to agricultural pursuits, and this successfully, and. also. as one whose life and character are such as to command respect John. R. Wilson merits a place. in the present volume. The family name early became identified with the annals of this county, and from the time of its appearance there has been nothing to mar or tarnish its pristine .honor. While the subject of this review has acquired wealth, it has not been done. at the expense of -others, for he has been eminently just and square in his dealings: John R., Wilson was born on December 31, 1844, in Pickaway county, Ohio, and is the son of Abraham N. and Elizabeth (Neff) Wilson. Abraham N. Wilson was born in 1818, in Virginia, and left there with his parents when he was still a small child, their next home being in Pickaway county. Moving to Madison county in 1856 he bought what is known as the old Cook farm of one hundred and eighty acres, and that farm has. been in the family ever since. Its owner passed away there in 1885. His wife, who was born in 1836, died about the year 1867. John R. Wilson. was reared on his father's, farm in Pleasant. township, Madison county; where he attended district school No. 2. He is still farming a portion of that land, now owning sixty-eight acres, and part of his interest has been in graded stock. His home is now near Mt. Sterling. In 1885, the marriage of John R. Wilson and Allison N. Dennison was solemnized, his bride being the daughter of William Dennison. She was born in 1862, in Madison county, Ohio. Two children have blessed this union, Ola, now Mrs., Roberson, of Madison county, and William, who is operating the home farm. Mr. Wilson is a Republican. He is an ardent church attendant, and contributes largely of his means to the work of the Christian church. He is a member of the Odd Fellows lodge. His father was a Mason. By his habit of consideration for others in all of, his dealings, as well as by the Sterling qualities which his character is made up of John R. Wilson has endeared himself to the community which has been his home for so many years. He is a man whom. to know is to admire. William O. Mendenhall was born on February. 8, 1871, at Buckley, Illinois, and is the son of Dr. William O. and Lydia (Hayworth) Mendenhall., His boyhood was spent in the atmosphere o a home where education was a prominent factor, in the life, of each. member. Surrounded by these fortunate circumstances, William O. Mendenhall secured for himself a broad, .liberal education, beginning in the public schools of Illinois, where he continued until eleven years of age. With his parents he then removed to Richmond, Indiana, where he completed his course in the public schools, later taking a collegiate course at Earlham. He is one of five children born to his parents, three of whom are now living. William O. Mendenhall, Sr, was born in 1835, at Lafayette, Illinois, and was reared on the farm. In 1859 he began, a four-years course at the university. at Ann Arbor. Michigan, after which. he entered. Rush Medical College, at Chicago, Illinois, graduating from same, and immediately began the practice of medicine in Illinois. In 1882 he 856 - MADISON COUNTY, OHIO. removed to Richmond, Indiana, where he practiced medicine until his death in 1906. To the union of William 0. and Lydia (Hayworth) Mendenhall, were born these children : Ola and Nora, deceased ; Dr. Edwin H., a physician and surgeon of Richmond, Indiana ; Mrs. Georgia L. (Garver); of Springfield, Ohio ; and William O., Jr. Lydia (Hayworth) Mendenhall, the mother of William O. Mendenhall, was born on February 28, 1845, at Ridge Farm, Illinois, and is now living at Springfield, Illinois. Having decided to devote himself to . the mercantile business, William O. Mendenhall, when nineteen years. of age, removed to Danville, Illinois; where he clerked in a grocery store. In 1893, during the "World's Fair," at Chicago, he turned his steps to that city, where he entered the field of photography for a short time. Remaining in Chicago for three years, he then returned to Richmond, Indiana, where he returned to his former business as clerk in a store until 1900, then he removed to Mt. Sterling, Ohio, and formed a partnership with G. H. Johnson, in the grocery line, which co-partnership continued Until 1912, when Mr. Mendenhall assumed full charge of the business. During the year 1900, which marked the beginning of his independent mercantile life, William O. Mendenhall and Ella Johnson were united in wedlock. No children have been born to this union. A Republican in politics, and a member of the board of public affairs, William O. Mendenhall, in his busy life, devotes much of his attention to other matters, and is a member of the Christian church as well as in the Knights of Pythias lodge and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. The Modern Woodmen of America also claim him as a member, and altogether, his life has been replete with well regulated industry, which his ample education has wrought out to a fine degree of success, ROBERT F. CHENOWETH. Only a glimpse at the external facts of the life of the man above mentioned reminds us that "Defeat is for those who acknowledge it." During the latter years of Robert F. Chenoweth's life, illness incapacitated him from active participation in business, but, despite this affliction, he took a keen interest in affairs to the end, and at. all times endeavored to give the best of his talents and ability to the purposes to which his life was dedicated. When his life's record came to an end it was not incomplete in nobility and oneness of purpose, nor in attainment through struggle. Robert F. Chenoweth, a prominent stock dealer and grain buyer, and one of the best known farmers of this county, died at his home, seven miles south of London, on the Big Plain pike, on February 10, 1913. He was a son of the late F. M. and Margaret (Rea) Chenoweth, both of whom are mentioned elsewhere in this work. His birth occurred on February 25, 1861, in Oak Run township. After his education in the local schools and at Kenyon College was completed, Mr. Chenoweth was for many years engaged in the grain and seed business and in farming. He was widely known as a partner of the late A. Tanner, of the firm of Tanner & Chenoweth and, later, Chenoweth Brothers, being associated with his brother, Rea, who now controls and manages the business. The Chenoweth Brothers partnership extended for nine years, but Robert was compelled to give up a part of his large business interests on account of failing health. He had given his entire attention to agricultural enterprises in Fairfield township until 1892, when he took up a business career in London, where he dealt in hay and grain. But he still retained connection with his farming interest until the fall of 1906, when impaired health compelled him to travel. He was away from home more or less until the spring of 1911 when, with partially regained health, he again took charge of his farm. On October 5, 1887, Robert F. Chenoweth married Geneva Kennedy, the daughter of John H. and Abigail (Mitchell) ) Kennedy. Both of Mrs. Chenoweth's parents are MADISON COUNTY, OHIO - 857 natives of this county and representatives of two of its most prominent and influential families. To Mr. and Mrs. Chenoweth were born two children, Austin, of London, and Lawrence. Austin married Margaret Leonard, and to this union a daughter, named June Rea, has been born. Among the organizations to which Mr. Chenoweth belonged was the Columbus Lodge of Elks. Mr. Chenoweth was conscientious in all that he undertook to do, laboring early and late with an (apparent indifference to fatigue. Personally, he was a man of forceful character and this, together with his genial nature, made him popular among his associates. He had that fine quality of manhood which not only attracted warm friendship, but enabled him to retain the same. WILLIAM D. WOOD. Only a few years more and the tribute to the last remaining veteran of the Civil War will be paid. Father Time is fast thinning the ranks of those brave heroes who saved their country from division. Long after their names are forgotten, the memory of their brave deeds will live in the hearts and minds of those who follow after, inspiring them to kindred acts of patriotism, should their country call. William D: Wood, who was born on February 27, 1841, in Fayette county, Ohio, is one of the remaining few who still live to tell the story of distress and hardship endured during the great conflict. When the call to arms came, William D. Wood responded with patriotic zeal, enlisting at Washington C. H., Ohio, in the Fifty-fourth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was with General Sherman during his entire enlistment, seeing service in every Southern state except Florida and Texas. He was discharged at Little Rock, Arkansas, returning to the home of his parents, in Fayette county, Ohio, and remained with them until 1866. Reared on the farm and attending the district schools of Fayette county, he very naturally turned toward the scenes of his childhood when the horrors of war had ceased. On February 22, 1866, William D. Wood was married to, Mary Parker, who was born in Warren county, Ohio, and at once rented land from his, father, who gave him sixty-nine acres beside. He made improvements on this place and now owns three hundred acres of well-improved land, situated in Fayette county. Mary (Parker) Wood died on July '12, 1871. To this union was born one child who is deceased. con May 2, 1872, Mr. Wood married, secondly, Rebecca Swope. She was born in 1833, in Fairfield county, Ohio. and of this union two children were born, Albert, deceased, and Arley, who is now ,farming in Fayette county, Ohio. Rebecca (Swope) Wood passed away on February 16, 1906. Eleven months later, on December 6, 1906, Mr. Wood was united in marriage to Mary Wissler, who was born on November 8, 1841, in Pickaway county, Ohio. She was the daughter of Jacob and Sarah (Morris) Wissler, both natives of Pennsylvania. No children have been born of this union. William D. Wood treasures a bible that dates back to 1599. He owns property in Mt. Sterling and is a stockholder of the First National Bank. He is a member of the Baptist church. William D. Wood is the eldest of four children born to his parents, Daniel and Tabitha (Leach)' Wood, the other children being, Mrs. Cordelia Yoeman, a widow, living in Columbus, Ohio; Raymond F., deceased; and Marcellus, a soldier of the Civil War, deceased. Daniel Wood, father of William D. Wood, was born on August 10, 1811, in Kentucky, and was brought by his parents to Fayette county, Ohio, when an infant, being reared on the farm near Washington C. H., Ohio. He passed away in 1890. The Wood family were originally from Virginia. Tabitha (Leach) Wood, who was the daughter of Walter and Elizabeth (Francis) Leach, was born on October 4, 1805, in Kentucky, 858 - MADISON COUNTY, OHIO and died on July 12, 1878. The Leach, family were from Maryland and the Francis family from Pennsylvania. William D.. Wood is a Republican, and a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. In the evening of his life, his memories are of a life, well spent. He is a member of Primitive Baptist church. Mr. Wood now lives retired and his only activities are looking after his property. JOHN W. REAY An architect of his own fortunes, depending entirely on the resources of his youth; John W. Real, has built up a reputation for himself of great worth and respect. From small beginnings he has come to the front rank, where his force of character has made Um well known and honored. He has achieved distinct success through well directed effort and intelligent endeavor, so that his name has become a synonym for achievement. Animated by a .desire to improve in every way possible the community in which he lives, he has long been a factor in the social and material activities of Madison county. John W. Reay was born in Pickaway county on the 17th of March, 1849, and is the son of John. and Elizabeth (Neff) Reay, natives of Virginia. His father came to Pickaway county in 1833, and settled at Era, where he continued in the occupation of shoemaker, a trade he had learned in his native state. After ten years of toil at that trade, during which time he was able to set aside: part of his earnings, he bought a small tract of land, covering fifty-three acres, and took up farming, a line of work that had always appealed to him, and which he continued until his death, which occurred in 1884. John Reay was born on January 26th, 1899. Elizabeth Neff, who was born in 1816, came to Pickaway county, with her parents, where she died in 1902. The children born to John and Elizabeth Reay were: Mary, deceased; John, a sketch of whose life is given here; George, deceased; Charles, who lives on the old home place in Pickaway county; Esther, deceased; Henry, who lives in Pickaway county; Mrs. Sarah Hughes, who is a widow. John W. Reay is a man of excellent intellectual powers, and found ample oppor tunity to exercise his talents in the educational affairs of Pleasant township, where he held the position of teacher in district No. .3 for six years. His total teaching experience, however, covered a period of twelve years. He was not interested only in school affairs, but also had due appreciation for the .dignity of the occupation of farming. This fact led him to finally give up school teaching, after he had bought a farm of eighty-five acres in Pleasant township: He began to farm in 1875, and continued to extend the boundaries of his property, until now he has one hundred and, thirty acres of .valuable farm land. Part of his time has been devoted to the erection of a beautiful residence on the. place, which represents everything that is modern in the way of country house improvements. Mr. Reay. has always kept a high. grade of stock, as is the custom with many of the farmers of that vicinity. Mr. Reay has given time and strenuous effort to the principles of the Democratic party, and has as many friends among its members as any man in his community. This fact was proved by his election to the office of township trustee, an office he continued to fill for nine years. Aside from this he has also served on the. school board. His opinions on educational questions are always received with the greatest consideration, owing to his knowledge of school affairs gained through many years of experience with its problems. On the 1st of January 1874 the marriage of John W. Reay to Sarah Wickell took place. Sarah Wickell was born on the 17th of September, 1853, in Mt. ,Sterling, Ohio, and was the daughter of Daniel and Clarinda (Douglas) Wickell. Both her mother MADISON COUNTY, OHIO - 859 and father were natives, of Germany, her father having, been born in that country in 1808. He died in 1855. Her mother was born in 1809, and died in 1895. The children born to Mr. and .Mrs.. John W. Reay. are:. Alvin, who. lives in, Range township; Mrs. Stella, Jones, of Madison county, Ohio; Mrs. Gertrude McCaffarty, who lives in. Pleasant township; Charles, who also. lives in Pleasant township; and ..Rena who remains at home with her parents. The family has always contributed to the support of the Christian church, where Mr. Reay has long been one of its most ardent members. Owing to the pleasure he has found in other lines of social recreation, Mr. Reay has never affiliated himself with fraternal orders. PALMER G. HEWITT. Palmer G. Hewitt, of Mt. Sterling, Madison county, Ohio, is a . fitting example of modern schooling when, taken in hand by a ;young man. of force .and. intelligence, for at the age of twenty years he had passed , through the public schools and attended. two of the leading universities of his state and had already entered the business. world. He was born on February 7, 1882, at Sedalia. Madison county, Ohio and is the son of Washington. T. and Mandain (Grove) Hewitt, who were the parents. of three children: Carl, a merchant at Sedalia, Ohio ; Frank, a salesman of Springfield, Ohio ; and Palmer G. Hewitt, a merchant in Mt. Sterling, Ohio. , Washington T. Hewitt, the father of Palmer 9. Hewitt,. was born on March 16, 1840, in Highland county, Ohio.. and responding, to his country's call,. enlisted in, the great Civil War struggle in 1862, serving ..until 1865, at which time he received his discharge. In 1865, at the close of ,the war, Washington. T. Hewitt engaged in the general merchandise business at Sedalia,. Ohio,. in which, he continued for thirty-five ,years,. he then retiring and, is now residing in the town which contributed so largely to his success. Mandain Grove was born on March 2, 1848, in Piqua, Ohio, and died on December 18, 1907. Reared at Sedalia, Ohio, Palmer G. Hewitt, after he had completed his studies in the public schools of that town, entered the university located. at Westerville, Ohio, and at the conclusion of that course, continued his education at Oberlin University, of this state, returning in 1902 to Sedalia, Ohio, fully equipped. with knowledge gained, and served his. brother, Carl Hewitt, in his general store. Rapidly applying his practical experience, he decided, in 1909, to begin operations for himself and removed to Mt. Sterling, and there began his career as groceryman in the old Snyder building. In 1913 he moved to his present location, where he owns one of the finest and Most complete grocery lines to be found in this section, On March 14, 1907, Palmer G. Hewitt was married to Edna Marie O'Day, who was born on November 14, 1887, and who has become famous as a cultured singer. She is a graduate of the Mt. Sterling schools and has spent one Year at the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music and two years in New York City, where she continued her favorite study of voice culture with the great artists. The results of this training has with her marvelous powers rendered as much happiness to Others as to herself. Her farm of two hundred and sixteen acres, located in Pleasant township, Madison county, Ohio, is under the direct management of Palmer G. Hewitt, her husband. The parents of Edna Marie (O'Day) Hewitt, J. William and Harriet (Busic) O'Day, were both born and lived in Mt. Sterling, Ohio. J. William O'Day was born on May 18, 1860, and was an extensive farmer and a noted stockman of Madison County, Ohio. His death occurred on August 20, 1908.. Harriet (Busic) O'Day was the daughter of Elijah Winfield and Rachel (Rees) Busic and was born on July 12, 1865, and is still living in Mt. Sterling: Ohio. To the union of Palmer G. Hewitt and Edna Marie 860 - MADISON COUNTY, OHIO. O'Day one child came to bless their home, Truth, born on May 30, 1908, in Sedali: Ohio. Palmer G. Hewitt affiliates with the Republican party, and in church affairs he is a member of the Presbyterian church, while in his lodge life he is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, Knights Templar, Mystic Shrine, Elks and the Knights of Pythias. CHARLES ALLEN WILSON. Charles Allen Wilson is a scion of one of the famous old families of this section of Ohio. He was born at Summerford, Madison county, Ohio, July 2, 1864. He is a son of Alexander Hamilton and Isabella (Koogler) Wilson, the former of whom was a son of Valentine and Nancy (Roberts) Wilson, and the latter a daughter of Simon Koogler, of Greene county, Ohio. Alexander Hamilton Wilson was a farmer and influential citizen of Lafayette, Ohio. He served for over twenty years as justice of the peace in Madison county, dying at Summerford in 1895, at the age of sixty-five years. His wife died five years later. They were the parents of five children, Charles A., Laura B., Walter A., Lamar P. and Alice C. Of these children, Walter A. died in Washington, D. C., where he was engaged in the department of civil service. Lamar P. is a farmer residing in Somerford township. Laura B. is the wife of John Johnston, of Osborn, Greene county, Ohio. Alice C. is the wife of Clarence Hering, also of Osborn. Charles A. Wilson spent his boyhood days on the farm. He received his education in the public schools of Lafayette and graduated from the London high school with the class of 1884. The next four years were spent in teaching in the public schools of Deer Creek township, after which he engaged in his present occupation of farming. He resides at "Oak Grove Farm," in Pleasant township, Clark county, Ohio, and is a member of the Somerford Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and Chandler Lodge. Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, at London, Ohio. He is also a member of the Farmers Club and was one of the organizers of this society. One' of the pictures of the club, published in this volume, was taken at his home, eight miles northwest of London. He served fourteen years as a member of the county fair board and was president of the board four years. and secretary two years. On October 1, 1914, Charles Allen Wilson was married to Nellie Evelyn Sweet. daughter of Albert and Clara Sweet, of near London. They have one son, Allen Sweet. born on July 11, 1915. CLEMENT D. FINLEY. It was in the year 1863, while the struggle of the Civil War was being woven into a greater victory, that the birth of Clement D. Finley took place. That event occurred on March 9, in Morgan county, Ohio. His parents, George W. and Nancy J.. (Donahue) Finley, have two children, Clement D., the eldest, and Harry M., who has been cashier of the' Malta, Ohio, Bank, and was a representative, of Morgan county, being the first Democrat elected from that county in forty years, and who is now living at McConnelsville, Ohio. George W. Finley was born on July 31, 1838, in Morgan county, Ohio, and followed farming for years but finally retired and is now living at McConnelsville, Ohio. He was the son of David and Elizabeth (Guy) Finley, who came to Ohio from Pennsylvania; David Finley having been born in Washington county, of that state. They were of Scotch-Irish descent and were all members of the Presbyterian church. Clement D. Finley was reared on the farm and attended the public and district schools of Morgan' county, until 1883, after which he removed to .Pickaway county, MADISON COUNTY, OHIO - 861 where he worked as a farm hand for one year. Mr. Finley came to Mt. Sterling, Madison county, Ohio, in 1884, where he followed the carpenter's trade. He spent one year working at Columbus, Ohio, but in 1888 Mr. Finley began work in a planing-mill at Mt. Sterling, where his initial efforts at that business were as laborer and foreman. As soon as he mastered one phase of his work, he was transferred to other departments until, in 1902, he became thoroughly conversant with the work in all its branches. In 1903 Mr. Finley became a stockholder, director and manager of the present company which was organized at that time. John and Elizabeth (Baughman) Crabbe, were natives of Ohio, and it was their daughter, Julia E. Crabbe, born at Mt. Sterling, Madison county, Ohio, in 1868, who became the wife of Clement D. Finley, in 1886, and to .them were born four children. In 1888, their first-born, Verner L., blessed their union. He is a graduate of the Ohio State University, and is now a student of philosophy. Harvey E., the second child, was born in 1890, and is a graduate of Wooster University, and is now coach at the Dickinson Seminary, of Williams, Pennsylvania.. Leah Maud, who was born in 1892, lives with her parents in Mt. Sterling. George N. was born in 1904, at McConnellsville, Ohio. Clement D. Finley is a Democrat, stanch and true, a member of the Presbyterian church, of which he is an elder, and a member of the Mt. Sterling school board. He is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons and has taken the work in its various branches. Mr. Finley has accomplished much that is worth while and his efforts to succeed have been fittingly rewarded. WILLIS JONES. It is said that "a nation's civilization is the outgrowth of the literature produced by its writers," but greater power than even a nation's literature is that gained through the integrity of the individual and the proper individual adjustment to the needs of the community. The record of each attainment, when the result of earnest endeavor, should be given the public, for the men and women of today find much that is helpful to themselves in the perusal of the battles fought and won by others. The name of Willis Jones, of Mt. Sterling, Madison county, Ohio, may well be listed among those men of integrity who have realized their responsibility toward the community. He was born on February 14, 1865, in Monroe township, Pickaway county. At the early age of seventeen he rented land and began farming for himself. He followed this occupation for five, years and, at the age of twenty-two. removed to Derby, Pickaway county, Ohio, where he engaged in the grain business. He continued in the grain business until 1902, when he returned to Mt. Sterling, succeeding his father, who owned a grain elevator there, and now deals in the selling of grain, coal and seed. In addition to this business he owns an elevator in Derby. Pickaway county, and one in Orient, in the same county. He is also the owner of eight hundred and ninety acres of land in the three counties of Madison, Pickaway and Fayette., the greater part of which is in Fayette and Pickaway counties, only twenty-five acres being located in Madison county. James Jones, the father of Willis, was born in Fayette county, Ohio, in 1836. At an early age he began investing in land and at the time of his death, in 1901, was the owner of eight hundred acres. James Jones was married to Annette Bostwick, who was born in Fayette county, August 26, 1840, and to this union six children were born, five of whom are living, namely : Mrs. E. C. Breyfogle, Willis, Mrs. S. W. Beal, Mrs. Charles H. Clark and Mrs. John O'Day. Mrs. Jones' death occurred on December .18, 1908. After farming for several years. Mr. Jones removed to Mt. Sterling at the time the Baltimore & Ohio railroad was being built, and entered the grain business. which he conducted for many years. He became president of the old Farmers Bank of Mt. Ster- 862 - MADISON COUNTY, OHIO. ling, gaining a reputation for justice and honesty. His parents, Isaac and Unity (Graham) Jones, were also natives of Fayette county. This short review of the principal events in the lives of the parents and grandparents of Willis Jones is necessary that the reader may better judge of the sterling worth of this energetic citizen. Mr. Jones is a stockholder of the Citizens Bank of Mt. Sterling, in which he is also a director. Mr. Jones has always been a stanch Republican, devoting his enthusiasm and time to the interests of that party and to the election of its nominees. In 1895 Willis Jones was married to Lora E. McKinley, who was born on February 14, 1877, in Pickaway county, Ohio. She is the daughter of William F. and Elizabeth (Sherman) McKinley, both natives of Ohio. To Mr. and Mrs. Jones have been born two children, Harold C., a graduate of Mt. Sterling high school, and now attending the Ohio State University, and Elizabeth Annette, who is still living at home with her parents. Mr. Jones is a member of the Knights of Pythias, the Free and Accepted Masons. and the order of the Mystic Shrine. He is a Christian gentleman, finding his religious inspiration in the creed of the Methodist church, of which he is a member of the board of trustees. MILTON L. SHEPHERD. Born from hardy pioneer parentage, on December 1, 1872, in Range township, Madison county, Ohio, Milton L. Shepherd, the son of Isaiah and Susan (Newman) Shepherd, with scant opportunities for an education, has worked up from a fifty-cents-a-day cattle feeder to be an independent, prosperous farmer. To Isaiah and Susan Shepherd were born seven children, the eldest being Milton, L. Shepherd, and the others were: Addie J., deceased; Francis M., who lives in Range township, Madison county ; Edward T., is a professor of the high school. at Range. Ohio; Mrs. Myrtle Call, who lives in Madison county : Russell. deceased; and Horace. who lives in Range township, Madison county. Isaiah Shepherd was born in 1848. in Range township, Madison county, Ohio. and was reared on the farm. He is the son of Andrew and Nancy (Price) Shepherd. natives of Ross county, Ohio, and among the early settlers of Madison county. Susan Newman was born in 1853, in Morgan county, Ohio, on the farm of her parents, William and Adaline (Bell) Newman, both native born Ohioans. Mr. and Mrs. Isaiah Shepherd are living and are active members of the Methodist church. Unselfishly devoting his early manhood, until he reached the age of twenty-two, to the needs of his parents, Milton L. Shepherd, with the education he was fortunate enough to obtain from the district schools, launched out for himself, working the following two years for fifty cents a day feeding cattle. Returning home he married and proceeded to farm in connection with his father-in-law. Shortly afterward he was in full charge of this farm. Flora M. Lockwood, to whom Milton L. Shepherd was married on July 20, 1897, was born in 1876, in Ross county, Ohio, and is the daughter of Henry and Elizabeth (Grubb) Lockwood, both natives of Ross county. Ohio. Mrs. Flora M. Shepherd is the owner, through inheritance, of two hundred and fifty acres of land which her husband superintends, devoting his attention to farming and the raising of a fine grade of cattle. To these thrifty farmers were born four children. Elizabeth F., Edna L., Edgar I. and Ernest A. In a modern house, which Mr. Shepherd erected at Mt. Sterling, the family are all at home, happy and with abundance for all needs. Politically. Milton L. Shepherd affiliates with the Republican party. In church matters he is a Methodist and superintendent of the Sunday school. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias and also of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. MADISON COUNTY, OHIO - 863 MRS. LOVINA WHITE. Possessing high ideals of true womanhood, Mrs. Lovina White is numbered among the most highly respected citizens of Columbus, Ohio, where she is also one of the wealthiest residents. Taking personal charge of her splendid property, consisting of eight hundred acres of fine farm land, Mrs. White handles her business affairs with an executive ability equaling that of any man, and takes a special delight in her agricultural interests.  Mrs. Lovina White, now a resident of Columbus, Ohio, was born on July 30, 1857, near Plain City, Madison county, and was educated first at the public schools, and then attended the Ohio Wesleyan College at Delaware, Ohio. She is highly cultured, public spirited, and takes a sincere interest in all questions of moral good to humanity, her special interest being in connection with the work of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union, at Columbus, Ohio, where she takes an active part in the work. Mrs. White is a member of the First Congregational church at Columbus, of which her daughters are also members. She is a daughter of Alexander and Martha J. (Milliken) Wilson. Her fine tract of land, consisting of eight hundred acres, is located in Madison county, adjacent to the town of West Jefferson, where she was reared and spent her girlhood days.  Alexander Wilson, father of the subject of this sketch, acquired a liberal education, and later became a teacher in the public schools, from which work he saved sufficient funds with which to purchase a farm in Madison county, Ohio, where he spent the remainder of his life. Mr. Wilson was a generous man, and a liberal supporter of the church. His wife was Martha J. (Milliken) Wilson, by whom he had four children, three of whom are living in 1915: H. C., Lovina, Albert W., and Grant died in infancy. H. C. Wilson was born on April 23, 1856, and was educated in the public schools and the Ohio Wesleyan College at Delaware, Ohio, and now follows farming near West Jefferson, Ohio; Albert W. Wilson was married to Winnie Huddle, of Jefferson township, and resides at Columbus, Ohio, and owns a four hundred acre tract of land in Madison county. They have three children, Boyd, Eulah and Leona. Eulah was married to Charles Cupp, in July, 1915.  William D. Wilson, the paternal grandfather of Mrs. White, was born near Summerford, Madison county, Ohio, and was a son of Valentine Wilson, who came to Madison county with his parents, who emigrated from Virginia to Kentucky, settling later in Madison county. Mr. Wilson spent his early youth on his father's farm, and received his education at the public schools, and was united in marriage with Nancy Moore, of Union county, Ohio, Eby whom he had the following children: Alexander, Monroe, Lafayette, Eleanor, Sarah, William, Washington and Taylor. Eleanor Wilson became the wife of Benjamin Morris, and Sarah Wilson was married to John Price. Mr. Wilson ultimately became the largest landowner in Madison county, and was known as the "land baron" of the county, much of his land being purchased for one dollar and twenty-five cents an acre, all of which he ditched, cleared and improved, and is at present the most valuable land in the county. At the time of his death, Mr. Wilson owned nine thousand acres. of which one pasture alone contained twelve hundred acres. He was generous in 'his giving to the poor, but was too modest to wish mention made of it, and gave liberal support to all things for the betterment of the community in which he resided. He was a large dealer in stock of all kinds, and during the war bought horses and mules for the government. He was successful in everything he undertook and at the time of his death was one of the wealthiest men in Madison county.  Daniel Milliken, the maternal grandfather. was a pioneer settler of Madison county, Ohio, but afterwards moved to Iowa, where he died early in life.  864 - MADISON COUNTY, OHIO. Lovina Wilson was married on September 12, 1877, to W. E. White, son of Samuel White. He was born on November 11, 1856, in Illinois, and was educated in the public schools at St. Louis, Missouri. This union has been blest with three children, namely : Minnie Pearl, born on October 11, 1878, is now the wife of Frank C. Tarr, and they reside at Pasadena,. California; Laura M., born on December 10, 1879, and is married to Frank A. Bush, of Oakland, California ; Edith L., born on August 28, 1895, a graduate of Otterbein University at Westerville, Ohio, was married in October, 1915, to James Roy Bridenstine of Canton, Ohio, and they reside in the farm house on "The Little Darby Farm," near West Jefferson. Mrs. White is a quiet, refined lady, who is loved by all who know her, and one who would dignify any station in which she might be placed. Her life has been devoted to doing good wherever possible. LEWIS R. KIOUS. Particular interest it. attached to a study of the life of Lewis R. Kious, because of the fact that he has attained his present enviable position and prosperity by reason of innate efficiency and estimable personal characteristics. When others slept he worked; when others played, he planned, and it was through practical industry, wisely and persistently applied, that he has wrested success from possible failure and prominence from possible mediocrity. By indomitable energy and faith in the future, he has forged .ahead and has done much for the business interests of the county. Lewis R. Kious, a farmer and state representative of the county, was born on the farm which is his present home, on May 9, 1861, and is the son of George and Malinda (Hedrick) Kious. To George and Malinda (Hedrick) Kious were born seven children, namely: Adam, Lewis, Mary, Linda, George H., Pearl and Frederick, who died in infancy. George Kious was a native of Ross county, Ohio, having been born there in February, 1814. His father was Adam Kious, a native of Germany. Although George Kious attended the local district schools of his native county, his education was such as to prepare him for his future activities. Coming to Madison county in about 1840, he became the owner of fifteen hundred acres of land, for which he paid one dollar an acre. In 1865 he built the splendid home in which the subject of this sketch still lives. It is a brick structure, fifty feet square, spacious and yet comfortable, and is the largest in the country. Much of the attractiveness of this beautiful estate is due to the many evergreen trees set out by the builder of the family home. Mr. Kious, Sr.. was an extensive shipper and stock raiser. An example of his energy and persistence is the fact that even nature could place no obstacles in his way which he could not overcome. In driving his cattle from Omaha, Nebraska, to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, he swam on horseback all the streams between these cities. Many times he was washed down the stream, but his physical strength and absolute fearlessness enabled him to survive many serious accidents. He was the leading man of his community in his day, and did much to further the business interests of his home town. In 1866 he was suddenly attacked in his home by robbers, who threatened to kill him, supposedly in order to extort money. They cruelly cut his arm until it was nearly severed, their weapon being a corn knife. Although severely wounded, this man gave chase, thus saving both his life and his property. His wife, who was born in 1828, in South Charlestown, Clarke county, Ohio, was the daughter of Lewis and Ruth (Dickison) Hedrick, natives of England. Her early life was spent on the farm on which she was born. She passed away in 1900. Lewis R. Kious was fortunate in having more than the usual education of his day, for he was a student in the high school at Mount Sterling, Ohio, and in 1884 he MADISON COUNTY, OHIO - 865 took a philosophical course in the University of Wooster, at Wooster, Ohio. Three years later he returned home to take entire charge of the farm. He now owns four hundred and seventy acres of land in Madison and Vinton counties, this state. Mr. Kious is interested in a number of business concerns, of which he is a stockholder. Mr. Kious's public career began in 1914, when, on the Republican ticket, he was elected a member of the Ohio house of representatives, and is now serving his first term. His interests are broad, and it might be said that they center about the measures which have to do with the financial welfare of his constituents. Mr. Kious was married, in 1888, to Lorena Shafer, who was born on July 31, 1865, at Findlay, Hancock county, Ohio. She was educated at Mount Blanchard and in the University of Wooster, where she met her husband, who was then taking the same courses in studies in which she was interested. Her term in college was two years. Mrs. Kious's parents weer Solomon and Elizabeth (Hoge) Shafer, who were, respectively, of German and English descent. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Kious: Clifford, who has attended several schools, including the Staunton Military Academy, at Saunton, Virginia, is now assisting his father on the farm ; Louise married a Mr. Gill, who is a prominent farmer of Range township; Lewis is attending Mount Sterling high school; Lorena is a sophomore in the local high school, and Elizabeth also attends school. Mr. and Mrs. Kious and their family are members of the Presbyterian church, in which Mrs. Kious is one of the most active members. Mr. Kious is a member of the Farmers' Grange. We are told that "There is no excellence without labor." This seems to be true, especially of intellectual attainment. In the present instance it is gratifying to find that compensation for early effort came in full measure to the subject of this review, in the distinguished public honor bestowed upon him by the people. As a member of the general assembly, in whose deliberations he takes no insignificant part, Mr. Kious becomes a figure in the history of the state. In his activities in the legislature he advocated and championed many of the popular measures, and one of his achievements was the introduction of a resolution which culminated in the appointment of a building commission for the erection of an office building in Columbus for the use of various state departments, thereby concentrating these departments under one roof instead of scattered, as heretofore. ALVIN J. BLUE. Practical industry, wisely and vigorously followed, never fails to bring success. It carries a man onward and upward ; brings out his individual character, and acts as a powerful stimulus to the efforts of others. The greatest results in life are often attained by simple means and the exercise of the ordinary qualities of common sense and perseverance. The every-day life with its cares, necessities and duties affords ample opportunity for acquiring experience of the most helpful kind. Its most beaten paths provide a true worker with abundance of material for effort and self-improvement. Alvin J. Blue, a miller, and for many years a successful farmer of Union township, Madison county, Ohio, lives upon his present farm of one hundred acres located on the Midway pike, about one mile from the Madison county court house. Alvin J. Blue was born on October 31, 1849, in Fairfield county, Ohio. He is the son of Harvey A. and Emily (Bowman) Blue, the former of whom was born in Fairfield county, near Pleasantville, July 18, 1816. and the latter in Pickaway county, Ohio, February 26, 1826. They were married on October 21, 1845, and spent the remainder of their lives in Walnut township, Pickaway county, which was then a (55) 866 - MADISON COUNTY, OHIO wilderness. By hard work they cleared the land upon which they settled of the forest trees and developed a splendid farm. They left considerable wealth as a result of their hard work and sagacious management in financial matters. Twelve children were born to them, as follow : Lorain D., Alma R., Alvin J., Celestia E., Herbert W., Julian M., Emily J., Clara C., Harvey O., Orren .P., Clayton E. and Clinton A. The mother of these children died on October 6, 1881, and the father on September 18, 1882. The late Harvey A. Blue was the son of Michael and Deborah (Peters) Blue, the former of whom was born on June 14, 1783, and the latter on January 23, 1786. She was the daughter of Tunis and Fannie- Peters, and bore her husband thirteen children, as follow: Tunis P., Francinah A., Jonathan W., Mary M., Louisa S., Harvey A., Michael, Abigail, Catherine, Absalom A., Deborah H., John Q. A. and William. Michael Blue, the son of Michael Blue, Sr., emigrated with his parents from Hampshire county, Virginia, to Ohio, on horseback, in 1812. They located in Fayette county, Ohio, near Bloomingsburg, where the parents died, and are buried in the Bloomingsburg cemetery. Michael Blue, Sr.; was a soldier of the Revolution. He was the son of John Michael Blue, who was the great-great-grandfather of Alvin J., the subject of this sketch. John Michael Blue was the son of Richard Blue: Richard and Donald Blue were twin brothers, born in the seventeenth century. Richard and Donald Blue sailed from Scotland for America. They encountered a raging storm and were shipwrecked. Lifeboats were used in the rescue, and Richard and Donald Blue were taken on different boats. Later they were landed safely on the shore somewhere along the coast of Smith Carolina. Unfortunately; however, the Blue brothers landed at different points, but, 'after being in South Carolina for a time, they came together again and lived for several years near Charleston.• There they owned some property. They left papers, now deposited in the vault of the old Charles bin court house, which told of their disastrous voyage from Scotland to America. They were married in Charleston, and Donald Blue decided to go west through the southern part of the United States. Richard Blue, the ancestor of Alvin J., decided to go north. He located somewhere near the present site of Richmond, Virginia, at which place he died after having reared a large family of children. One of his sons was John Michael Blue, heretofore referred to. Alvin J. Blue was educated in the public schools of Pickaway county, Ohio, and in the Normal school at Lebanon, Warren county. He was graduated from the busi- ness course, and, after finishing school, engaged in the milling business at London under the firm name of Placer & Blue. The firm built what is now known as the London mill in 1874. They conducted the mill under the firm name until 1879, when Mr. Blue sold out his interests. In the spring 'of 1880, he removed to his magnificent farm on the Midway pike. Here he built a fine house and barn. Mr. Blue's one 'hundred acres 'of land is equal in fertility and appearance to any to be found in Madison county. It is known as "Oak Crescent Farm." Mr. Blue is a breeder of purebred Jersey cattle and Duroc-Jersey swine, as well as Barred Plymouth Rock chickens. On January 31, 1877, Alvin J. Blue was married to Carrie M. Rankin, a daughter of Albert and Margaret (Withrew) Rankin, and who was born on June. 24, 1856. Mr. and Mrs. Blue have had eight children; seven of whom are living. Hartford R., born on May 7, 1878, lives at home. Emily Ann, born on November 24, 1879; is a graduate of the London public schools. Celesta May, born on September 1, 1882, was married on December 28, 1904, to John Welsh, and they have had two children, Ralph G. and Robert E. 'They live in Columbus. Mr. Welsh is a bookkeeper in the water-works department of the city. An infant son, born on May 7, 1884, is deceased. Florence Pansy, born on August 10, 1885, is a graduate of the London public schools, also from MADISON COUNTY, OHIO - 867 the Thomas Normal Training School, of Detroit, Michigan, in music and art, and is a teacher, having taught for the last ten years. Julian Corwin, born on September 23, 1887, was graduated from Ohio State University after two years in the agricultural department. He married Hazel Claire Noecker on March 4, 1911, and they have had one son, Kenneth F. After their marriage they removed to Kansas where Mrs. Blue died on April 27, 1914.. Ellis L., born on November 12, 1889, was graduated from the public schools of London and later married Mary Williamson, August 31, 1910. They have had one daughter, Mary Eleanor. Ellis L. Blue graduated in Osteopathy in June, 1915, and is practicing in Montana. Carrie Gertrude, born on September 29, 1893, is a graduate of the London public schools and is now attending the Ohio State University, where she is taking a course in domestic science. Alvin J. Blue is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and is identified with Madison Lodge No. 70, of London. He is also a member of London Encampment No. 126, the Canton Occidental and the Patriarchs Militant, of Springfield, Ohio, He was elected representative for six years to the grand lodge of Odd Fellows in district No. 58, and was appointed by the grand master for one year. He joined the lodge in 1874, and has been a .member for over forty years. Both he. and Mrs. Blue are members of the Daughters of Rebekah. Mr. Blue is also a member of Oak. Run Grange No. 797. He has been deputy master of Ohio State Grange of Madison county for the last fifteen years. Mr. Blue has organized several granges in Madison county. He is a Republican in politics. He was elected director of the Madison county infirmary and served during a term of two years, or until the office was abolished. He was township trustee and served six years in that office, and also of the Union township school board, in which he served three years. He is a member of the Primitive Baptist church. Mrs. Blue is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church of London. EDWARD T. SNYDER. Woman's emancipation has been a determining factor in. the conservation, of human energy and character that is so often displayed in the business world to today, and there 'is no more striking instance of this than is presented in the career of a husband 'and wife at Mt.. Sterling, Ohio. Edward T. Snyder, funeral director and furniture dealer at Mt. Sterling, has for a business partner his wife, who studied embalming at the same school which he attended, namely, the Boston. School of Embalming, at Columbus, Ohio, and they now have an excellent business and one of the finest motor automobiles in the state, it being the only one in Mt. Sterling. Edward T. Snyder was born on April 12, 1875, .at Mt. Sterling, Madison county, Ohio, and is the eldest child of William H. and Jennie . (Will) Snyder, the youngest being a daughter, Mrs. Bessie Alkire. William H. Snyder was born on March 10, 1841, at Sedalia, Madison county, Ohio, and was the son of John and Elizabeth (Douglas) Snyder. John Snyder was born at Chillicothe, Ohio, and, when a young man, learned the harness-maker's trade, which he followed for some time. After a time he became convinced that success would attend him if he were established at Sedalia. Madison county, Ohio, and in 1837, he removed to that place, engaging in the harness business until 1845, at which time he changed both his commercial affairs and his residence to Mt. Sterling, Ohio. Here it was that he entered the mercantile world, and followed this line of endeaver Until his death, in 1878. At the time of his demise, John Snyder was sixty-eight years of age and lie was succeeded by his sons, Taylor and William H., who conducted the business together. After a few years of successful management, they sold the business and William H. retired from active life and passed away in 1903, content to leave the battle of life, which he had fought so well, to those with youth and hope and strength at their command. His wife, Jennie (Will) Snyder, was born in 1850, at Circleville, 868 - MADISON COUNTY, OHIO Ohio, and passed away in 1885, at the age of thirty-five years. She was the daughter of Robert and Sarah (Nye) Will. Her father, who was a miller by trade, was a native of Scotland. Edward T. Snyder attended the schools at Mt. Sterling and graduated from same in 1893. He began his business career by acting as clerk in a grocery store and, after three years of faithful service, he entered the hardware business, in which, for eight years, he was a successful manager. After severing his conneection with the hardware store, he entered the Boston School of Embalming, at Columbus, where he studied until the completion of his course. In 1904 he entered his profession, and six years later, in 1910, he added a large stock of high-grade furniture to his line of goods. He is a stockholder in the First National Bank. In addition to his interest as a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias, he has always found time to attend the Methodist church, of which he is a member and a steward, and to take a lively interest in all civic questions. On December 7, 1897, Edward T. Snyder was united in marriage to Lillie Johnson, who was born on January 25, 1878, in Fairfield county, Ohio. She is a daughter of H. Clay and Anna (Williamson) Johnson, and received her education in the schools of Mt. Sterling, graduating therefrom in 1897. To the union of Edward T. and Lillie (Johnson) Snyder have been born two children, Lillie Mildred, who was born on December 24, 1901, and Harold Edward, born on January 23, 1904, and who died on September 7, 1914. PEARL V. MOODY In Paint township, Madison county, Ohio, on the Xenia road, three and one-half miles south and west of London, is the farm of one hundred and thirty acres, purchased by Pearl V. Moody in 1905, where Mr. Moody now lives. Since obtaining possession of this farm, Mr. Moody has made many improvements, including drainage and fencing. He now has a well-improved farm and one which is especially adapted to stock raising. Pearl V. Moody was born in Pickaway county, Ohio, January 14, 1877, and is the son of Ira C. and Emma (Frankenburg) Moody, the former of whom was born in Clinton county, and the latter in Muskingum county, Ohio. They were married in Muskingum county, Ohio, and had six children. Granville lives in Lancaster, Fairfield county, where he is superintendent of a lumber yard. Harley is a resident of Lancaster and a teamster for the gas company. Pearl is the subject of this sketch. Daisy is the wife of Homer Judy, of Pickaway county. Elery T. lives in Madison county where he is a farmer. Effie M. is the wife of Paul Reynolds, of Columbus. The father of these children, Ira C. Moody, was a farmer by occupation until 1901, when he removed to Newport and retired. He came to Madison county, Ohio, from Pickaway county in 1898. Pearl V. Moody received a good common-school education at Tarlton, Pickaway county, and was graduated from the Tarlton high school. At the age of twenty-two, he began life on his own responsibility. At that time, in partnership with his brother, Granville, he rented a farm. This arrangement continued for three years, when Pearl V. was married. Pearl V. Moody was married on June 12, 1902, to Ethel B. Cryder, a daughter of William B. and Rebecca J. (Amburg) Cryder, the former of whom was born in Paint township, and who lived there until his death about 1895. His widow is now living in Paint township. Mr. and Mrs. Pearl V.. Moody have had four children, one of whom died in infancy. The living children are Marian C., William C. and Ruth Pearl. Mr. Moody is an intensive farmer and stock raiser. He votes the Republican ticket. The Moody family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Newport. MADISON COUNTY, OHIO - 869 THE BRYAN FLYNN FAMILY. It is seldom that woman, entering the economic field, has the same opportunity to concentrate her thought and time upon the task in hand that man has, because of the household duties she is also forced to assume. It gives the publishers of this work especial pleasure to discover and record lives which have not only been successful in the outer field of action, but which, in heroic self-renunciation, have ministered to the needs of dependent ones. The Misses Ella and Julia Flynn, who successfully supervise a farm in Pleasant township are striking examples of this fact. Miss Ella Flynn was born in October, 1861, in Pickaway county, Ohio, the daughter of Bryan and Margaret (Sullivan) Flynn. As the fourth child of a family of nine, she was not unused to some of the deprivations incident to those living in rural communities in the generation preceding our own. There were many to be sheltered under the parental roof, many little mouths to be fed, and to accomplish this the parents, as well as the children as they grew to maturity, were compelled to be hard working and self-sacrificing. Bryan Flynn was born about 1830, in Ireland, leaving there at the age of twenty-four and migrating to America. For one year he lived near the border line of Pennsylvania and New Jersey. His marriage occurred in New York City, after which he brought his bride to Madison county, Ohio, and for the remainder of his life engaged in farming. After years of industry and economy he purchased ninety-six acres of land in Pleasant township, Madison county, moving to this place from Oak Run township, and on this place he made many extensive improvements. Mr. Flynn did not limit his activities to agricultural pursuits, but took an active interest in the common good. For instance, it was not merely a business consideration which led him to encourage the protective measures necessary along certain rivers, and because of his efficiency and honesty he was chosen to build the first levee on Deer creek, near the pld Stephen Anderson farm, in the fall of 1880. The "good roads" movement had an early advocate in him, for he spent both time and money in the interest of improving local highways. He was very fond of purebred horses and made a study of them. He was considered one of the most industrious men of his locality. Margaret (Sullivan) Flynn was an equally noble character, and an able assistant in all of her husband's interests. Born in County Cork, Ireland, in 1833, she came to this country on the same sailing vessel on which her husband traveled, taking eight weeks to complete the voyage. She was a devoted wife and mother, and passed away in 1913. Both she and her husband were devout members of the Catholic church. To them were born nine children. namely : William, of London, Ohio; Daniel, a farmer of Franklin county, Ohio; Sr. Mary Bernard, a Sister of Charity at Detroit, Michigan; Ella, who remains on the home farm ; Margaret. deceased; Mary, of Columbus, Ohio; Bernard. who died in infancy; John, a farmer, and Julia, who also lives on the home farm. Not only did Mr. and Mrs. Flynn rear and educate their own children, but they took other children under the shelter of their roof and care. Bryan Flynn died on October 23, 1899. Misses Ella and Julia Flynn have been eminently successful in the cultivation of the home farm, on which they are now living in their beautiful home, which is equipped with all modern conveniences and improvements. They have spent all of their lives on the farm, where they have grown up from childhood, having attended the Pleasant township school. Their sister, Mary, now residing in Columbus, Ohio, has been an efficient assistant in helping to care for the aged parents and making the home comfortable. While the home place is not large, consisting of only ninety-six acres, it is exceptionally well cared for, its condition doing credit to the brains and hands of the women who manage it. 870 - MADISON COUNTY, OHIO. The Misses Flynn have never married because of the filial duties which they deemed they owed their parents. Because of the illness and, later, the advanced age of the parents, it was evident to these noble women that they must be provided with a home, and to this task they devoted all of their strength and thought. But even these duties did not consume all of their love and sympathy, for they became the loving guardians of their little nephew, Joseph, born on September 1, 1899, who was the son of their brother, Daniel, taking him into their home after his mother's death. The little fellow, however, died on November 2, 1908, at the age of nine, and at about the same time the wife of John, another brother, also died, leaving a little boy ten days old. The Misses Flynn took this boy to bring up, and he is now a student in the high school at London. This boy, Bernard, was born on July 24, 1900, at Kiousville, Fairfield township. The Misses Flynn have lived too busy lives to give much time to organizations, but they are devout church members, and valued members of the Sodality of the Immaculate Conception. It is impossible for such a chronicle as the above to be more than a bare outline of the lives it describes. The picture must be done in big, bold strokes, portraying merely the facts known to the world. The details—all the "little unseen, unnumbered acts of kindness and of love"—must go unnoticed except by the recording angel. These women may justly be called noble who, in self-forgetfulness, have made life happier and richer and sweeter for those whose health and happiness depended largely on them. For years they devoted themselves to the care of their parents, thus relinquishing much that might have contributed to their own personal happiness. In order to care for those who needed them, they voluntarily assumed burdens, which, through the alchemy of love, have been converted into blessings. KEMPER LEE FOSTER. Kemper Lee Foster, an industrious farmer of Oak Run township, Madison county, Ohio, was born in Oak Run township, April 10, 1867. He is the son of Daniel B. and Margaret (Johnston) Foster, the former of whom was born in Ross county, Ohio, March 7, 1828. Daniel B. Foster was the son of John Foster, Jr., who was born in Ross county, Ohio, March 4, 1802. After spending his boyhood in Ross county, he removed to Madison county in 1833, and located on land a part of which is now owned by his grandson, Kemper Lee, the subject of this sketch. John Foster, Jr. was an early settler in Oak Run township, a member of the Whig party, but subsequently a Republican. He never took an active interest in politics, however, and was an honest and industrious citizen. He died on November 19, 1880. His wife was Eliza Boyer, a native of Pike county, Ohio, and the daughter of Daniel Boyer. They had ten children, of whom Daniel B., the father of Kemper Lee, was the eldst. John Foster, Jr., was the son of John Foster, Sr., a native of Virginia, who came to Ross county, Ohio, about the commencement of the nineteenth century. Daniel B. Foster received a good common-school education, and has lived on his present farm since 1833. He followed farming until the last four years, when he retired. He is still living on the farm at the age of eighty-seven years, and enjoys good health. For many years he has been a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and a class leader in the congregation. He has always been a stanch Republican. Daniel B. Foster was first married, January 22, 1852, to Miranda McCliams. By this marriage they had three children, Bernard, Jennie and Flora, who died in infancy. Jennie married John Van Wagner, of London. Mrs. Miranda Foster died on August MADISON COUNTY, OHIO - 871 13, 1860, and, after her death, her husband married, for his second wife, Margaret Johnston, the daughter of George Johnston. Nine children were born to this second marriage, as follow : Jessie, Allie, Kemper L., Bruce, Eva, W. Irving, Frank E., Maud and Chester Glenn. Kemper Lee Foster received a good common-school education in the district schools of Madison county. He has followed farming all his life. On December 19, 1894, Kemper L. Foster was married to Bessie Riddle, a daughter of Peter and Alice (Busic) Riddle, the former of whom was born in Columbus, Ohio, September 23, 1846, and the latter in Range township, Madison county, November 10, 1848. They were married in Madison county, on December 31, 1873, and had only one child, Bessie, the wife of Mr. Foster. Mrs. Foster's father was a farmer and died on April 12, 1878. The mother is living with her daughter. Mr. and Mrs. Kemper Lee Foster had one daughter, who died in infancy. Mr. Foster owns a small farm in Oak Run township. He is a member of the Odd Fellows Lodge No. 70, and Encampment No. 126; of London. Both Mr. and Mrs. Foster are members of the Grange, No. 877. Mr. Foster is a Republican in politics, and is president of the board of trustees of Oak Run township. Mrs. Foster is a member of the Bethel Methodist Episcopal church. LEON D. LENHART. Perhaps the largest building contractor in Madison county is Leon D. Lenhart, a native of London, who, no doubt, has inherited his inclination for building from his father, who has been a well-known carpenter in the city of London. In fact, Mr. Lenhart was associated for some years with his father, but eventually became an independent builder in and near London, where he has built up a large business. He also did work at Yellow Springs and in the surrounding country and cities. In fact, his operations extend all over Madison county. Mr. Lenhart works eight men the year round, and in 1914 his pay roll was six thousand dollars, the largest, very likely, of any contractor in Madison county. His business aggregates from thirty to thirty-five thousand dollars a year. Mr. Lenhart personally has several rental properties in this city and is a director in the Peoples Commercial Bank. Leon D. Lenhart was born in Loudon, March 16, 1874, and is the son of Henry and Rebecca (Ra ffensberger) Lenhart, both of whom are living in the city of London. Born and reared in London, Mr. Lenhart was graduated from the high school with the class of 1890, when he was only sixteen years old. After having been associated with his father in business for about seven years, he began contracting on his own responsibility. In addition to being a contractor, he is more or less of an architect and is able to make his own plans. On April 8, 1894, Leon D. Lenhart was married to Ora May Watrous, who lived near Kiousville. Mr. and Mrs. Lenhart have one daughter, Phyllis Eleanor, who lives at home with her parents. The Lenhart family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Lenhart is a Democrat and served one term in the London city council, having been elected as a Democrat in a strong Republican ward. Fraternally, he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Junior Order of United American Mechanics, and the London Club. His interests in his own personal business as a contractor, in the bank of which he is a director and in the creamery of which he is a stockholder, take practically all of his time and it may be truthfully said that he works day and night at his business. Mr. Lenhart is interested in baseball and football and to some extent has played the games. 872 - MADISON COUNTY, OHIO HARRY F. FAUVER. A native of Madison county, Harry F. Fauver, well-known real estate and insurance agent of London, has been prominently identified with the agricultural and business Interests of his home county ever since he arrived at manhood's estate, and few men in the county are better known or more deservedly popular than he. Though making his home on his fine farm of three hundred and twenty-five acres in Somerford township, Mr. Fauver has been actively engaged in the insurance and real estate business in London for more than twenty years, during which time he has been one of the pronounced factors in the development of the best interests of his home county nudand consequence, enjoys a very high degree of popular favor throughout this entire section of the state, his acquaintance extending far beyond the borders of his home county. Harry F. Fauver was born on a farm in Union township, Madison county, Ohio, on October 30, 1864, son of Matthew J. and Maria J. (Prugh) Fauver, the former of whom was born near the city of Dayton, in Montgomery county, this .state, and the latter in Somerford township, this county. Matthew J. Fauver, who was born on August 24, 1834, was the son of John and Anna (Johnson) Fauver, natives of New Jersey, the former of whom was born on July 7, 1793, and the latter on June 15, 1797. They were married in 1816, and twelve years later came to Ohio, locating in Montgomery county, in the vicinity' of Dayton, where they spent the rest of their lives, John Fauver dying in March, 1877, and his widow in March, 1879. They were the parents of nine children, Matthew J. Fauver, father of the subject of this sketch, having been the fifth son and the eighth child in order of birth. When Matthew J. Fauver was eighteen years of age he began clerking in a store and thus continued for eight years. He then was engaged in farming for a period of fifteen years. at the end of which time he moved to the village of Somerford, this county, bought property there and engaged in the mercantile business, which he followed with much success for many years. During the time of his residence in Somerford, Matthew J. Fauver was regarded as one of the most prominent and influential men in that part of the county. For years he served as trustee of Somerford township and did much to advance that community in a material way. He and his wife were members of the Christian church and their children were reared in that faith. Mr. Fauver was a Democrat and for many years took a leading part in the political affairs of the county. On May 27, 1858, Matthew Fauver was united in marriage to Maria J. Prugh, who was born in this county on February 17, 1842, daughter of G. W. and Louisa (Wilson) Prugh. His father was born in Somerford township, this county, on June 16, 1816, son of George and Margaret (Markley) Prugh, natives of Maryland, who emigrated, to Ohio in 1812, shortly following their marriage, and located in Somerford township, this county, where the rest of their lives were spent, they being regarded as among the leading pioneers of that section of the county. George Prugh died in 1841 and his widow survived him more than twenty years, her death not occurring until in 1864. G. W. Prugh. son of this worthy pioneer couple, was a prosperous farmer and was trustee of Somerford township for a period of seven years. On February 8, 1838, he married Louisa Wilson, who was born in this county on January 5, 1823. and to this union three children were born, Valentine H., Maria J. and Theodore. To Matthew J. and Maria J. (Prugh) Fauver were born three children, namely: Anna L., born on January 1, 1861; Harry F., the immediate subject of this sketch. and Augusta L., horn on July 27. 1875. Matthew J. Fauver died on October 26. 1898, and his widow is still living at Summerford, enjoying, in the beautiful evening of her life, many evidences of the affection of the entire countryside. MADISON COUNTY, OHIO - 873 Harry F. Fauver received his elementary education in the common schools of his home township, supplementing the same by a course in Antioch College, following which he engaged for a few years with his father in the grocery business at Summer-ford and then, for about ten years, was engaged in the carriage and vehicle business, five years as a traveling salesman and five years located at Mechanicsburg, this state. In 1894 Mr. Fauver located in London, where he opened a real estate and insurance office and ever since has been thus engaged, in that time having built up a business in this line second to none in this immediate section. He continues to make his home in Somerford township, where he owns one of the best-appointed farms in that part of the county and where he and his family are delightfully situated, their fine residence possessing all the conveniences conducive to the fullest measure of domestic comfort. On May 13, 1890, Harry F. Fauver was united in marriage to Alice J. Mitchell, daughter of Charles and Mary E. Mitchell, the former of whom was it well-known and substantial farmer of Somerford township and whose history will be found elsewhere in this work. To Mr. and Mrs. Fauver three children have been born, Gwynneth, Matthew Mitchell and Harry Ordell, all of whom are still at home. Mr. and Mrs. Fauver are members of the Christian church at Summerford. of which Mr. Fauver for years has been one of the trustees, and their children have been reared in that faith. Harry F. Fauver is a Democrat and for years has given close attention to the political affairs of his home county, ever having been an exponent of the best principles of good government. For two terms he was treasurer of Somerford township, his father and grandfather having served in their lifetime as trustees of the same township. His services in that connection were valuable to the public and much appreciated by the people of that township. Mr. Fauver is a Mason, having joined the lodge of that order in Mechanicsburg in 1894, and also is an Odd Fellow, having joined the lodge of that order at Summerford in 1886. In all his relations in life he has done well his part, and few men in the county may rightly claim to have been actuated by a higher sense of civic duty than he. In both his business and social obligations he has faithfully met all the requirements and possesses in full measure the confidence and esteem of all who know him. JUDGE SYLVESTER W. DURFLINGER. Perhaps no greater tribute can be paid to a judge than that his own code of ethics is higher than any written law. In a profession in which one's moral and ethical standards are so frequently and so severely tested, a man of whom this can be said is strong indeed, and deserving of the highest esteem which it is possible for the people to give. To such there is but one ideal of right and justice, and to this he must hold himself as rigidly as he would hold others. The above characterizes Judge Sylvester Durflinger, who was one of the most distinguished citizens of his time, being a widely known and popular lawyer and judge. Sylvester W. Durflinger was born at Lilly Chapel, Madison county, Ohio, on April 20, 1836, the son of Philip and Mary (Lilly) Durflinger, the former a native of Ohio, to which state he came in its early history. the latter •a descendant from a very old Virginia family which was of English and French extraction. Philip Durflinger devoted himself to farming, and after a useful life died in 1839. His wife's ancestors emigrated to Ohio as pioneers and located in Ross county, where they became unusually well known and where they amassed considerable wealth. Lilly Chapel was named for this family, and the ground upon which Lilly Chapel was erected was a generous donation from James Lilly, former county commissioner of Madison 874 - MADISON COUNTY, OHIO. county. Mrs. Mary (Lilly) Durflinger, the mother of Sylvester W., was married, secondly, to Samuel T. Pearce, of London. She passed away in London on August 6. 1891. Sylvester W. Durflinger. was one of a family of two children and was educated in the district schools. He early aspired to be an attorney and made his plans with that in view. Having taken the studies preparatory to a collegiate course he matriculated in the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware when only eighteen years of age, graduating from that famous institution in 1860. Soon afterward he came to London and upon the invitation of the Hon. R. A. Harrison, entered his law office. After seven months of valuable experience here, he removed to Bloomington, Illinois. When the Civil War broke out this patriot was one of the first to enlist as a private in Company A, Thirty-third Regiment, Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Having served four years he was honorably discharged in July, 1865. Returning to his native state he located permanently in London, where the Republican party, in 1866, nominated and elected him county recorder. He was ambitious for higher honors and availed himself of every spare moment to acquire further knowledge of the law, with the result that he was able to pass a creditable examination and was admitted to the bar in 1869. He early formed a partnership with George W. Wilson, a partnership which lasted many years and resulted in a lifelong friendship. In 1871 S. W. Durflinger took the next step in his conspicuous public career by being elected prosecuting attorney, a position which he filled with credit for the following four years. About this time also he became a member of the board of education. By 1883 Mr. Durflinger had become so well known and so popular that it was an easy matter for him to be elected to the state Senate from the eleventh district, comprising Clarke, Champaign and Madison counties. The next milestone in the life of Mr. Durflinger was his election as judge of the court of common pleas, which took place in 1895. Five years previous to this he was appointed by President McKinley as census director. Another honor of which he was proud was his election as trustee of the Central Insane Asylum, an office which he held for many years. Perhaps, however; the greatest public service which he rendered along purely humanitarian lines was in connection with the Ohio Wesleyan University, his alma mater. In this institution he took a keen interest, giving unsparingly of his time and thought as one of its most distinguished trustees. Sylvester W. Durflinger was twice married, his first wife being Eliza J. Silver, a native of Madison county, and to her he was married on October 17, 1867. She died on May 23, 1878, leaving two children: Mary K., now Mrs. Edwin M. Knowles, of East Liverpool, Ohio, and Annie L., now a resident of Copenhagen, Denmark. Judge Durfiinger was married, secondly, to Mary A. Flaunagan, who:is still living, in her beautiful home north of London. Mary A. Flannagan was born. in New York City on November 27, 1858. Three children, were born of this union; namely : Florence, wife of Richard D. Logan, of Toledo, Ohio, her birth having been on December 26, 1880; Lillian, now Mrs. Frank Conway, of London, was born on February 28, 1883, and Clarence W., the youngest child, was born on. September 15, 1892. Mrs. Mary A. Durflinger comes of a family with a very interesting political history, her father having been very active in New York. politics.. She is the daughter of John C. and Mary A. (Maloney) Flannagan, he being a native of Ardagh, County Roscommon, Ireland, and she a native of the ancient city of Galway. John C. Flannagan ran away from school. in Ireland and came to New York City in 1840. Being a man of strong personality and with those qualities which make for leadership, he became one of the, first members of Tammany Hall which was then being organized.. He at first adhered to the principals of the Democratic party, but after much political