(RETURN TO THE TITLE PAGE) 500 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: Miami Co., where he is now located, and has a farm second to none in the township, in quality of soil and in various improvements ; his farm is arranged so that stock can be watered in each field, either by spring or by the wind-engine, which he has erected over a well on the highest summit of the farm ; Mr. White takes particular pride in keeping a good class of stock, as well as in keeping up and cultivating his farm, on a systematized plan ; on his farm is a young orchard, of fide acres, of good selections of fruits of various kinds. He also takes an active part in all public interests of the county. Sept. 6, 1856, he married Lucinda McKinley, who was born in Champaign Co., Ohio, July 12, 1838 they have eight children, viz., William P., Samuel H., Rosa, Rhoda F., Clara M., Mollie, Nora and Grant. J. W. WHITE, saw-milling, Conover ; J. W. White commenced business in 1870, by buying one-half interest of S. White, and in 1878, he purchased the other half of B. H. White ; in the year of 1878, the boiler exploded, and he underwent a loss of about $1,200 ; Mr. White, being, an energetic man, soon had his mill in running order, and is doing first-class sawing, and has a liberal patronage. Our subject was born in Champaign Co., Ohio, March 11, 1842, and is a son of George and Mary (Anderson) White. Mr. White was born in New Jersey, Mrs. White in Pennsylvania. They emigrated to Ohro about 1830, and settled in Champaign Co.; April 4, 1850, they removed to Miami Co. locating on Sec. 3, Brown Township, where they both died-Mr. White Oct. 3, 1862, and Mrs. White in 1878. They were the parents of eleven children, of whom ten are now living. J. W. was brought up to farm labor and received a common education ; at the age of 21 he entered the path of life for himself, and has since financially progressed to the amount of his present property, which consists of a good house and lot of 8 acres, in Sec. 12, Brown Township, and as good a mill as can be found in the township. His marriage with Rebecca Hagerman was celebrated upon Sept. 16, 1863 ; she was a native of Ohio, born in 1845, and died Dec. 3, 1868 ; they, by this union, had two children, viz., Mary J. and Lillie M. Mr. White married for his second wife Mrs. Jane Webb, a native of this county, who was a daughter of William' and Harriet (Harvey) Covault, who were natives of Pennsylvania. BENJAMIN L. WOLCOTT, retired farmer ; P. 0. Conover.; is a son of John H. Wolcott, whose history will be seen in the sketch of George L. Wolcott in some part of this enterprise. Our subject was born in Warren Co., Ohio, May 18, 1819 ; was raised to farm labor in Brown Township, Miami Co., and obtained a common education ; after his majority, he followed carpentering for a period of twenty years ; in 1844, his present farm of 80 acres was deeded to him by his father, where he has since chiefly resided ; this has always undergone his supervision. Oct. 22, 1846, he married Jane Boyd, who was a native of Bucks Co., Penn. ; born Feb. 20, 1827, and died in Brown Township, Nov. 27, 1866. They had five children, of whom William died at the age of 3 years, 7 months and 14 days ; four are now living, vit., John G., born Feb. 20, 1851 ; Lewis F., born Jan. 2, 1853 ; Emma J. Aug. 22, 1855, now Mrs. John Michaels ; and Jared, born Jan. 31, 1858 ; John G. and Lewis F. were raised on the farm, and (as well as Jared) assisted their father in opening and cultivating it. They procured a common-school education, and are now fond of books. Dec. 3, 1876, John G. married Hannah L. Wells, who was born in Champaign Co., Ohio, Jan. 1, 1855 ; one child, Maudie D., was born to them, Jan. 7, 1878. Hannah is a daughter of Martin and Pamelia (Flowers) Wells ; they emigrated from Pennsylvania to Champaign Co., Ohio, about the middle of the nineteenth century. Lewis F., the second son, born Nov. 7, 1878, married Rachel C. Evairs, who is a daughter of John and Catherine (Kiser) Evans, both deceased ; their children were five in number, three sons and two daughters, of whom two sons and one daughter are now living. GEORGE L. WOLCOTT, farmer ; P. 0. Allen's ; one of the early pioneers of Miami Co.; he was born March 15, 1823, on the farm he now owns in Sec. 5, Brown Township ; he is a son of John H. Wolcott, who was born in New Jersey, March 6, 1786, where he was raised on a farm and received a liberal education ; in 1807, he emigrated to Ohio, and settled in Butler Co., remaining a few years, after which he BROWN TOWNSHIP - 501 removed to Warren Co. Ohio. He was one of the patriots of the struggle of 181 under Capt. Maltbie. In 1820. came to Miami Co., and in 1821 settled on the fang above stated. During life he was honored with the most prominent offices of t counties and townships in which he resided, which he filled with credit and hon to himself; and benefit to the community in which he labored. Early in the nineteenth century he married Sarah James, who was born in Berkeley Co., Va., July 1786. Their children were seven in number, of whom, two died in early life, a five are now living. John Wolcott during life, by good business habits, industry and economy, accumulated considerable wealth. Dec. 19. 1866, he depart this life, having been a master wheel in the communities where he resided ; wife survived him until July 18, 1879, when she, too, passed away. Our subj, was brought up to farming and the culture of fruit trees. In early life he received a common education, and has always resided on the farm he now owns, which hired at his mother's death ; he lived up to the example of his father, and has public transactions of the township and community entrusted to his care. November 27, 1849, he married Rachel Merritt, who was born in Warren Co., December 1822. Three Children have been born to them. WILLIAM J. WOLCOTT, retired farmer and grain dealer ; P.O. Allen's ; born in Warren Co., Ohio, Feb. 26, 1816, and is a son of John H. Wolcott, wh name will be seen in the sketch of George L. Wolcott. William J. was raised agricultural pursuits, and received a limited education ; after his majority, improved his education to a degree sufficient for teaching, which he followed intervals twenty years ; during this time, he attended to the duties of his farn 80 acres in Brown Township, Sec. 6, Town 2, Range 11, where he located in 18: from 1860 to 1873, his entire attention was directed to his farm ; in March, if be began to handle grain near Conover, on the Cincinnati, Columbus & In& Central Railroad, where he did a good business in his line ; this he continued in the spring of 1880, when he retired from its duties, and now lives retired on farm. Aug. 23, 1838, he married Miss Rachel Merritt, who was born in War Co., Ohio, and is six years his junior ; they have three children, of whom all living, viz., John, Mary A., now Mrs. S. C. Nixon, and Isaac ; Mrs. Wolcott i daughter of Isaac and Margaret Merritt (both deceased). JOHN WOLCOTT, farmer ; P. 0. Conover ; who was born in Brown To ship, Miami Co., March 19, 1821, and is a son of John H. Wolcott, whose hist will be seen under the sketch of George L. Wolcott, in some part of this volu Our subject was reared on the farm and obtained a common education ; he, in earlier years, duly assisted his father in clearing up his farm and in the cult tion of fruit trees, which are now yielding fruit all over our own and the surrounding counties. Mr. Wolcott remained at home until May 17, 1846, when his nuptials were celebrated with Ann Graham, who was born in Bucks Co., Penn 1820 ; they have three children, viz., Sarah M., Louisa and Joseph G. Mr. Wolcott, since his marriage, through his own industry and the assistance of his far has accumulated and hired 120 acres of good land, of which 40 acres lie in 12, and 80 acres, on which he lives, in Sec. 6, Brown Township, Miami Co. Wolcott is a daughter of Joseph and Maria (Duer) Graham ; they were natives of Pennsylvania, and immigrated West to Ohio in 1833, and settle Champaign Co., where they both died. GEORGE H. WYLAND, farmer and stock-raiser ; P. 0. Allen's ; was in Greene Co., Ohio, Oct. 5, 1828, and is a son of Daniel and Margaret (Howard) Wyland. Daniel was born in Greene Co. Ohio, in 1802, and Mrs. Wyland in their marriage was celebrated April 11, 1824 ; eleven children were born to t viz., Mary, Nov. 21, 1824 ; Susannah, Sept. 27, 1826 ; George ; Jane, Oct 1830 ; Harriet, March 3, 1833 ; Catharine, Aug. 8, 1835 ; Margaret, Feb. 3, 1 Moses B., June 10, 1840 ; John D., March 25, 1842 ; Irena, May 26, 1844 Elizabeth E., Jan. 31, 1848 ; the parents are both deceased, the mother in and the father in 1877. Our subject was raised on the farm, and his edud was obtained in the common school ; in the spring of 1849, he entered the 502 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: of carpentry, which he followed until 1854, when he engaged in farming, and four years later he moved to Elkhart Co., Ind., where he purchased a small farm and cleared it from its wild state ; in the spring of 1880, he purchased his present farm of 90 acres in Sec. 3, Brown Township, Miami Co., he is well situated, with farm buildings, and farm under good cultivation. Co.; 10, 1853, he married Marium McKee, who was born Feb. 16, 1836 ; four children have been born to them-Jeremiah F., July 12, 1855, and July 26, 1879, married Olive L. Jones ; Daniel W., born May 31, 1860 ; Edie E., May 4, 1864 ; and William H., Jan. 23, 1874. Mrs. Wyland is a daughter of Jeremiah and Hannah McKee. SAMUEL S. YATES, farmer ; P. 0. Conover ; was born in Lost Creek Township, in 1830, and is a son of Nezer S. and Priscilla (Sayres) Yates. Our subject was brought up on the farm and attended to the duties connected with farm life ; thus half a century has been passed by him. Samuel S. has been a landholder of Miami Co. since 1851 ; in the mean time he dealt in land to considerable extent, by buying unimproved and improving, then selling, leaving many open fields which were cleared from their wild state by his labor and supervision ; he now owns 230 acres in Secs. 7 and 12, Brown Township, Miami Co., where he lives. March 9, 1851, his marriage was celebrated with Phebe A. Shanks, who was born in Brown Township in 1830. They have six children, viz., Alice J., now Mrs. G. W. Brecount ; Florence E., who died at the, age of 17 ; Mary A., now Mrs. Joseph Wolcott ; S. Frank, Clara B. and Earl A. Mr. and Mrs. Yates spent their early winter days in the same school, and were raised in the same vicinity.; they have been consistent members of the Baptist Church of Lena for over a quarter of a century, during which time he has held the office of Deacon for nearly twenty years ; their family have been brought up in the doctrines of the same church. SPRING CREEK TOWNSHIP. J. W. BURTON, retired farmer ; P. 0. Piqua ; was born in Franklin Co., Ohio, Feb. 19, 1826 ; is a son of John and Mary (Wilson) Burton, who were both born in Pennsylvania, he in 1796 and she in 1804; the, by this union, had ten children, of whom all reached maturity, of whom J. W. is the only one now living in this county ; his grandfather (Joshua Burton) was one of the patriots of the Revolutionary struggle, and died in 1835, in Franklin Co., Ohio ; the subject of this memoir was brought up to farming, and received an ordinary education ; he, in 1863, came to this county, and now owns a fine farm in Sec. 25; where he is nicely located, across the river from Piqua, at an elevation of about seventy-five feet above the level of the city, thereby affording a good view of the same. On April 20, 1848, Mr. B. married May Giberson, who was born in Franklin Co., Ohio, March 6, 1827, and Oct. 12, 1861, departed this life ; they, by this union, had four children, viz., Margaret J., Francis A., Almead J. and Ella D. ; March 15, 1864, Mr. Burton married, for his second wife, Sarah J. Wiley, who was born in this county, Aug. 12, 1830, and is a descendant of the Wiley family, whose genealogy will appear in this work, under William J. Wiley's sketch ; Mr. and Mrs. (Wiley) Burton have two children, viz., Arabelle and Sarah W. JOSEPH CAMPBELL, farmer ; P. 0. Piqua ; was born in Virginia Jan. 19, 1811, and is a grandson of Andrew and Elizabeth (Karr) Campbell, who came to Shelby Co., Ohio, in 1835 ; he died about 1837 and she in 1840 ; they were both interred in the Sidney Cemetery ; Joseph C. Campbell is a son of William and Jane (Wynkoop) Campbell, he being born in Virginia, where he died in 1813, at the age of 26 years ; she was also a native of Virginia, born about 1800, and died in 1862 ; the fruits of this union were four children, of one (our subject) is the only one who came to Miami Co ; came here in 1835, and Dec. 6, 1837, mar- SPRING CREEK TOWNSHIP - 503 ried Sarah J. Garhard, a native of Miami Co. ; she died Dec. 15, 1876 ; they were parents of three children, Mary E. (born Sept. 18,1839, and died, March 1857), Laura E. (born Oct. 22, 1848, became Mrs. Coffing, and died Nov. 30, 187 Eliza C., born April 13, 1840, and still remains with her father; who owns 9 acres of good land in Sec.-Sec. 21. JOHN M. CAVEN, farmer ; P. 0. Piqua ; was born in Spring Creek Toy ship Dec. 9, 1848 ; was a son of John and Asenath (Ross) Caven ; John Cav wCavenborn June 7, 1812, and died Jan. 5, 1872, oh the farm now owned by 1 widow, and which he had improved ; they were the parents of six children-Mary born Oct. 26, 1834), George R. (born Nov. 15, 1836), Sarah E. (born Dec. 1840), Margaret J. (born March 26, 1843), John M. and Asenath Ortensa (twins) April 21, 1853) ; John has always remained at home, and since the death his father has carried on the farm, giving his mother all necessary assistance. MRS. A. D. CLARKSON, Sec. 25; P. O. Piqua ; another of the pioneers of Mia Co.; was Joseph 0. Wiley, the first husband of our subject, he was born in this cow April 20, 1833;• ad pon April 6, 1854, their marriage was celebrated, he bei now deceased. Mrs. Wiley afterward married J. J. Clarkson, who is now engaged in editorial work in Dayton ; they by this union have two children-Robert born May 29, 1862 ; and Maggie, June 7, 1868 ; Mrs. Clarkson is a daughter Robert and Maria (Drake) Smith, who were both of English birth ; Mrs. Clark: is also a native of England. THOMPSON COX, farmer and stock-raiser ; P.O. Piqua ; was born in Han ton Co., Ohio, November; 1822, and is a great-grandson of Gershom and Mary C she died in 1804, and he in 1807 ; he is a grandson of William Cox, who was 134 in New Jersey Sept. 21, 1778, and during his life followed milling and sto masonry ; was in the war of 1812. On Feb. 23, 1800, he married Mary Lafer; was born March 6, 1780 ; he died at the age of 82 years, and she at a very old a two children were the fruits of their union-Martha A., and Tunis, the father Thompson, was born in New Jersey in 1802, and during life was a brick and st( mstonen, and in 1829, married Nancy Sparks, who was born in 1800, and died 1841, and he in 1861 ; they by this union had twelve children, viz., Willi Thompson (our subject), Mary t(., Sarah, Gershom, Andrew, Elizabeth, Isa Martha, Harriet, George W. and Catherine ; Thompson was raised on the farm r received an ordinary education, and in 1844 married Susan Patterson, who born Nov. 22, 1822 ; they are the parents of four children, of whom Alice is dead, Nancy J., Memery and Edmond are now living. Mr. Cox came to this county 1852, bought a farm of 140 acres, and has since been largely engaged in buy and selling land, and now owns 188 1/2 acres in Secs. 23 and 17 well improved. L. C. & W. L. CRON & CO., dealers and manufacturers of furniture, Piq There are probably but few of the successful merchants and manufacturer: the city of Piqua who are equal in energy, enterprise and a clear conception the wants of the public to the firm of L. C. & W. L. Cron & Co., manufacturers all kinds of plain and fancy house furniture, and also of all classes of office furniture, desks, cases, etc. ; this firm has also one of the largest business rooms the city of Piqua, located at No. 144 Main street, where they have as fine a sty of furniture as any house in this part of the State. L. C. & W. L. Cron & Co. amply prepared to furnish anything in the undertaking line ; they drive a hea second to none in the city. In 1868, the above business was opened by L. Cron, which he managed and carried on until 1869, when he took in his pres partners, and the firm's name since has been unchanged ; this firm have, for past eleven years, run their factory to almost its full capacity, and now feel need of a more commodious, convenient and substantial structure, which is r being erected ; it will, no doubt, be one of the best of its kind in the State ; completion is anticipated during 1880 ; this factory, though not located in the corporation limits of the city of Piqua, possesses all the advantages of those in corporation, such as hydraulic conveniences, gas, etc. The gentlemen of this firm are of the most substantial and reliable men in the place. L. C. Cron, the senior 504 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: member of the above firm, was born in Piqua Sept. 16, 1836, and was a pupil of the city schools, where he received a good business education ; early in life he commenced working under instructions at his present trade, which he has since put to good use, and is now the master-wheel of the furniture department of Piqua. In 1861, he entered the United States Army, where he spent three years ; while in, the service he participated in the battles of Cedar Creek, Ft. Petersburg, and many others of less renown, passing through various hardships as a soldier. Since his return to Piqua, he has filled the most important offices of the corporation in which he lives, and is at present Justice of the Peace. The marriage of L. C. Cron and Margaret Ginn was celebrated Sept. 29, 1859 ; their children were five in number. viz., George L., born Aug. 27, 1864 ; died Feb. 15, 1867 ; Maggie E., born March 12, 1866 ; Charles L., born Sept. 26, 1867 ; Jackson C., born June 18, 1869 ; Albert M., born Dec. 27, 1871 ; died July 25, 1878. Mrs. L. C. Cron was born in Miami Co., Ohio, Sept. 7, 1838, and died Dec. 27, 1873. L. C. Cron married, for his second wife, Marcella Edmonds, of Dayton, Ohio ; their marriage was celebrated Aug. 11, 1874 ; she was born Dec. 4, 1847; they, by this union, had two children, viz., Hattie B., born July 27, 1875, and Minnie A., born Sept. 19, 1878 ; died July 1, 1879. JOHN CRON, retired farmer ; P. 0. Piqua. To another of the pioneers of this county we are pleased to record a space for the above-named. He was born in Virginia in 1803, and in 1808 came with his parents to this county. They were both natives of New Jersey, born about 1776 ; the father Jacob Cron, died in this county in 1837, and the mother; Mary (Davies) Cron, at a very old age. They were the parents of five children, of whom four reached maturity and are now living. Our subject, soon after coming to this county, began to enjoy the limited privileges of a short term of school in the winter months, and his summer months were devoted to agricultural pursuits, which were his chief occupation during life; about 1825, he bought his present farm of 50 acres in Sec. 18, where he soon afterward settled, and has since resided, excepting four intervening years, which time he occupied one of his dwellings in Piqua. Mr. Cron, in 1824, married Matilda Tucker ; she was a native of Pennsylvania, and died in this county in 1871. They had by this union, eight children, of whom two are now living. Mr. Cron, for his second wife, married Mrs. Martha Brelsford, who was born in Montgomery Co., Ohio, about 1807, and died in 1873. He afterward united in the bonds of wedlock with Mrs. Ruth Overleas, who was born in Pennsylvania, and died of heart disease, on New Year's Day, 1876. For his fourth wife, he married on April 1, 1877, Mrs. Lovina Stapleford, who was born in Shelby Co., Ohio, in 1818 ; Mrs. Cron is a daughter of John and Elizabeth (Hendershott) Kunard. He was a native of Maryland, and died in Champaign Co., Ohio, in 1865, and she was born in Kentucky, and died in Shelby Co., Ohio, in 1855. A. J. CRON, cabinet-maker; Piqua ; foreman of the bench-hand department of L. C. & W. L. Cron & Co.'s furniture manufactory. This gentleman was born in Hunterville July 1, 1852, and is a brother of L. C. Cron, under whose sketch the genealogy will appear. He was brought up to his trade in youthful days, and has devoted the past twelve years to his present position and employment, which he has filled with benefit to the company and pleasure to himself. July 31, 1873, his marriage with Miss Almeda Noland was celebrated. She was born March 7, 1853, and is a daughter of James and Martha E. (Beck) Noland. Four children have been born to A J. Cron and wife, viz., Raymond F., July 15, 1874 ; James N., Feb. 19, 1876 ; Leonard J., Nov. 23, 1877 ; Mabel A., Feb. 17, 1880. WILLIAM DILBONE, farmer ; P. 0. Piqua ; was born in Spring Creek Township Feb. 1, 1837, and is a son of John and Pamelia Dilbone, and a grandson of Henry and Barbara (Millhouse) Dilbone. John was born Nov: 25, 1806, and came with his father and mother to this county in 1807 ; they were subsequently the parents of four children-John, Margaret, Priscilla and William ; the last named was only in his 7th month when their parents were massacred by an Indian, Aug. 18, 1813 ; after dinner; Mr. Dilbone went up to the spring some distance SPRING CREEK TOWNSHIP - 503 northeast of the house, to get some water to take to the flax patch southeast of the house, where his wife and children were to meet him ; John took care of the rest of the children while his father and mother were engaged in pulling flax in the southeast corner of a cornfield ; toward evening they were aroused by the sharp bark of a young dog, and, on looking up, a shot was fired from the corn on the north by an Indian, who dropped his gun and rushed forward with knives and tomahawk to complete his villainous deed ; the father, though pierced through by the shot, escaped to the woods on the south ; the mother ran into the corn on the west, but was overtaken and tomahawked and scalped the Indian then came near the children, who were sitting in the shade of a walnut stump, but, at this juncture the report of a gun was heard at no great distance to the southeast, and the red villain fled, not even stopping to get his gun. The second child, Margaret, had been sent home on some errand, and was just returning, when she met her brothers and sister on their way to the house ; on reaching home, they met Mrs. Winans to whom they related what they had seen and heard and what they supposed had happened to their parents. This lady then informed a neighbor; William McKinney, who came and had John go with him to see what might be the fate of his father and mother. They found her dead body lying in the corn. The neighbors in wild excitement, collected together late in the evening and went with the children to a place near Troy, where they stayed for a short time till all became quiet again. The next day a party of men went in search of Mr. Dilbone, who was still alive, but died Aug. 20. He was found lying between two small oaks, on which his name was afterward carved. One of the trees having died was recently cut down, the other is still green and has long since overgrown the name. After this sad affair; the children were taken to a kind of block-house near where their grandfather Millhouse lived. In this neighborhood, John stayed until, some time in 1826, he married Pamelia Denman and moved on the farm entered by his father. Here our subject was born and raised and still resides, owning 6 1/3 acres of the old farm besides 70 acres in Sec. 2. On the 24th of January, 1858, he married Alvira Balzell, who was born in Mercer Co. in 1840, and left an orphan quite young, when she was brought to Miami Co.; for some years previous to her marriage, she supported herself by weeks' work ; she was an exemplary and happy wife until her health declined. In April, 1875, while at church, she was attacked with a faintness, and was never able to sit up a whole day at a time until death called her to that land whence no traveler returns ; the last six weeks of her life she suffered unspeakably, not being able to turn in bed without assistance ; notwithstanding, she bore her afflictions with meekness and patience, departing this life Dec. 21, 1875, a consistent member of the Christian Church. She was the mother of seven children, leaving four to the care of her husband-Mary E., born Aug. 30, 1858, now Mrs. Leckey ; Joseph F., April 14, 1861, who met his death by the accidental discharge of a gun while hunting on the day of his sister's wedding, Jan. 16, 1878 ; Emma J., Sept. 8, 1863, and Elmer W., May 17, 1870. Since her sister's marriage, Emma has been her father's only help. W. A. DUNCAN, farmer ; P. 0. Piqua. The above-named is a native of Miami Co., born Dec. 9, 1845, and was brought up to agricultural pursuits ; received a common education. On June 26, 1871, united in marriage with M. J. Leonard, who was born in May, 1840, and is a daughter of John and Margaret (Avery) Leonard ; Mr. and Mrs. W. A. Duncan are the parents of one son, S. Franklin, who was born November; 1873 ; at the time of his marriage, Mr. Duncan owned no real estate, but since has purchased and now owns 100 acres of fine land in Sec. 26, with good buildings ; he is finely situated, and prepared to enjoy life comfortably. SAMUEL DUNCAN, farmer ; P. 0. Piqua ; born Nov. 9, 1815, in Miami Co., and is a son of Amos Duncan, born in North Carolina, Feb. 27, 1782, and during life engaged in farming ; in 1805, came to Greene Co., Ohio, where he united in marriage with Rachel Coats, who was born in North Carolina; in 1808, came to Miami Co., where he died July 1, 1868, and his wife in 1843. Mr. Duncan 506 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: remained at home, devoting his summer months to farming. attending school in the winter. In 1840, married Elizabeth Gilbert, who died Dec. 4, 1841. One child was the fruit of this union. In January, 1843, he united in marriage with Catherine Haines, who was a native of Pennsylvania, and by this union have two children, Francis C., born April 16, 1856, and W. A., whose sketch appears in this work. About 1840, Samuel Duncan began to accumulate some wealth and now' 'owns 370 acres in Miami Co., of which 198 acres lie in Sec. 20, where he now resides. GEORGE DAVIS EDGE, born in Clifton, Greene Co., Ohio, was the son of George D. Edge and Sarah (Adams) Edge, who settled in Miami Co. in 1803 ; George D. Edge, Sr., was a native of Appomattox Co., Va., where his father was also born in 1750 ; Obadiah Edge, the grandfather of George, Jr., settled in Delaware about 1730, the family originally coming from England. Obadiah Edge, the grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was a strong patriot during the Revolution, but, being a minister of Methodist, one of the earliest-was not in the service ; in the war of 1812, Mr. Edge's father responded to the call of his country, and while in the service contracted a disease, of which he died, leaving a widow and two sons, Jesse and George D., the latter being only 6 months old ; his widow (Mr. Edge's mother) survived him over sixty years, living to the 90th year of her age. Mr. Edge was married to Sophia Woodward in Fairfield, Ohio, by Rev. James Laws, April 7, 1833 ; they are the parents of eight children, viz., James Laws, George D., William M., Anna Maria, Louisa Jane, Charles Elliott, Henry Clay and Sarah Ellen. After teaching school two years in that vicinity, Mr. Edge emigrated, with his young family, to the then wilds of Northern Indiana, and in South Bend engaged in the tanning business ; in 1843, he removed to Greenville, Ill., only stopping there a short time, and going back to South Bend, and remaining there until 1849, when he removed, with his family, to his present location, where he has continued to reside. Mr. Edge is a fair sample of the typical American, coming up from nothing to a fair competence ; three of his sons, James, George and William, were in the Union army ; his four boys, as well as himself, are all Republicans. Although always a strong partisan, he has never been a candidate for office. ROBERT GINN retired weaver, Piqua. The subject of this sketch was born in Ireland in 1805, and, when quite young, learned the weaver's trade ; at 17 years of age, he emigrated to America and engaged in the above business in Philadelphia ; meeting with fair success, he, by economy, laid by a small sum of money ; in 1833, he came to Ohio and located in Steubenville, and, in 1839, removed to Miami Co. and settled in Piqua, where he has accumulated property amounting to some $5,000, and resides on Main street, Lot 1,051. His marriage with Jane Graham was celebrated in Philadelphia in 1825 ; she was born in Ireland in 1803, and came to Philadelphia in 1824 ; she died in 1835 four childten were born to them, of whom three are deceased ; the living one, Frances, was born Sept. 13, 1829. He married, for his second wife, Margaret Brown ; she was born in Pennsylvania about 1804, and died in 1879 ; they, by this union, had two children, viz., Eleanor, born in Piqua, July 5, 1842, died in 1861, and Margaret, now Mrs. L. C. Cron, whose biography appears in this work. On Dec. 25, 1879, he celebrated his third marriage, with Charlotte Strafer ; she was born in Germany in 1830 and came to America in 1835. In 1824, Mr. Ginn's sister came from Ireland and was married to Mr. Moore ; he being deceased, she now resides with her brother. LEVI HOUSER, farmer and stock-raiser ; P. O. Piqua; was born in this county May 20, 1823, and is a son of John Houser, now deceased. Levi was raised on the farm and received a common-school education ; at 26 years of age, he had accumulated nearly $600, which he invested in his present farm of 80 acres, in Sec. 23lbSpring Creek Township ; this farm he has transformed from a wild state to a good degree of improvement, and is now in easy circumstances ; for the past few years, his time has been directed to handling stock, which he has made a success. His marriage with Christena Whitney was celebrated March 29, 1849; she SPRING CREEK TOWNSHIP - 507 was born in Warren Co., Ohio, Sept. 26, 1829, and is a daughter of Francis and Abigail Whitney ; Mr. and Mrs. Houser are the parents of five children, viz., Ephraim W. born March 11, 1850 ; Martin J., born Nov. 28, 1852 ; Margaret E., born March '12, 1855 ; Samuel A., born Dec. 28, 1860, and Abbie A., born Sept. 3, 1862 ; Mr. Houser has, for the past few years, resigned the working of his farm to his two sons, and it is now cultivated by Samuel A., who is an industrious and dutiful son. JOHN B. HOUSER, farmer ; P. O. Piqua ; was born in Montgomery Co., Ohio, April 13, 1821, and when but a boy, came with his parents to this county, locating on Sec. 5, where he nobly assisted his father in opening out a farm, and waving fields of grain are now seen where the unbroken forest stood. About 1848, John B. bought his present farm of 80 acres, in Sec. 11, which has undergone a great change since in his possession ; good barns and a substantial house have taken the place of the round-log house and stable. Sept. 12, 1850, he married R. B. Whitney, bOrn in Warren Co., Ohio, March 7, 1831, and who departed this life, March 5, 1880 ; by this union they had one daughter, now Mrs. Speelman, who, since the death of her mother, has resided with her husband and family, on the farm with Mr. Houser. W. B. HUNTER, farmer ; P. O. Piqua ; was born in Miami Co., November 1831, where he was brought up to agricultural pursuits, and united in marriag( with Susan E. Hanna, November, 1854, she being born in Pennsylvania December, 1830, dying in 1870, was interred in the Upper Piqua Cemetery. Mr.. and Mrs. Hunter were the parents of four children-Laura L., Emma E., now Mrs Woollen ; Samuel W. and Clara C. Our subject, being the only child of his parents at their death inherited their estate, and now owns 70 acres of land in Sec. 26 valued at about $5,000. J. W. KEYT, farmer; P. O. Piqua; was born in Piqua in 1822, and is a son of Johi Keyt, who was born in New Jersey about 1788 ; the elder Mr. Keyt removed, ii 1808, to New York City, where he engaged in carpentering until 1814, at whiel time he came to Piqua, continuing the same trade ; in 1817, he married Margare Widney, who was born in Pennsylvania on April 21, 1799 ; .eight children were born to them, of whom five are now living ; in the spring of 1850, John Key went to the Far West with a view of obtaining gold, and in the following July h passed from the stage of life ; his widow survived in Piqua until March 9, 1857 when she, too, passed away. Our subject was brought up to agricultural pursuit: which has been his chief occupation ; in 1846, he bought his present farm in See 31, and has since added to it by purchase, until he now owns 165 acres, from which he receives a good annual income. In February, 1846, he married Rachel Barring ton ; she was born in Piqua in 1824 ; they had five children, all now living-John W., William R., Sarah J., Caroline R. and Emma E. The parents of Mrs. Key William and Jane (Robb) Barrington, were natives of Philadelphia, and in 1821 immigrated to Ohio and settled in Piqua, where Mr. Barrington started the fin weekly publication of the place, in 1824, entitled the Piqua Gazette; he severed h final connection as editor of this paper in 1839, when he retired from the press an was elected Justice of the Peace, which office he was holding at his death in 184( Mrs. Barrington survived him until 1859, when she, too, passed away. JOHN P. JOHNSTON, farmer and stock-raiser ; P. O. Piqua ; was born Shelby Co., Nov. 13, 1837, and is a great-grandson of Stephen Johnston, native of Scotland, who went as drummer-boy with the Scotch Army to Irelan If time and space would permit, we could give many interesting scenes of his life having at one time been engaged in a very laborious task, he became quite fatigu^ and seated himself on his drum to rest ; a cannon ball came rolling and boundii over the stones and elevations of the earth, knocking the drum from under hi] leaving the boy for a moment without a drum ; soon recovering himself, he seiz. the..drum and was again ready for duty ; after the close of the Scotch and Iri struggle, he returned to his native place, where he was united in marriage, al after a few years concluded to make his future home in Ireland. He became t 508 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: possessor of 8 acres of land, which made him quite a wealthy man. He was the father of two sons, Christopher and Stephen, and, according to the laws of their native country, Christopher, being the eldest son, inherited his father's estate, where he lived and died. Stephen, the younger son (our subject's grandfather) learned the cabinet-maker's trade, and married, in 1810, Ann Armstrong ; they had two sons born in Ireland-Christopher, born in 1812, and John in 1814 ; removes ing to St. Johns' New Brunswick, their family increased to eight in number. While in New Brunswick, Mr. Johnston's eldest son, and several others, one day-boated to an island some distance, to cut what was known as bog-hay, taking provisions sufficient to last a reasonable time. After being on the island a short time, the party rowed for home leaving Mr. Johnson and son. In a few days, they were in need of food and suffered much. Finding an old and apparently almost worthless boat that had been washed ashore by the tide, they .gathered grass and plugged the holes in it, and were soon rowing for their home to meet their anxious family. Here ;they remained until 1830, when the family, with the exception of two married members, came to Miami Co.; thence to Mercer Co., Ohio, where Mrs. Johnston died ; in 1864, Mr. Johnston and children again came to Miami Co., where Christopher, John's father, is now living. In January, 1863, John P. married Nancy L. McDaniel, of Mercer Co., and by this union have four children, viz., William R., Fannie, Frank W. and George. During Mr. Johnston's younger days, he learned engineering and carpentering, but, since 1865, has devoted his attention partially to farming and stock-raising, on,his farm of 95 acres, in Sec. 33. JOHN G. LINDLEY, farmer ; P. 0. Piqua born in Spring Creek Township, Miami Co., Aug. 30, 1838 ; is a son of Daniel and Eleanor (Goble) Lindley ; he was born July 12, 1800, and came here in a very early day with his father, Zenas Lindley, who entered 85 acres of land in Sec. 7, Spring Creek Township, and settled on it with more Indians than whites for neighbors ; Daniel and his brother Demas did the principal part of the clearing, and, when grown to manhood, Daniel entered 80 acres adjoining the home farm on the north ; of this he cleared about 55 acres. On the 9th of June, 1825, he married Jane Constable, with whom he had one child, which died in infancy. And March 15, 1827, he was united in marriage with Eleanor Goble, born July 12, 1800 ; by this union they had nine children: William and James (deceased), Jane, Caleb, Abram, John G., Ellen, Susan and Jeremiah ; John always remained at home and followed farming, which, by his industry and skill, he makes a success. On June 1, 1865, he married Laura A. Birely, who was born in Piqua, Miami Co., Dec. 25, 1848 ; the fruits of this union are five children-William M., born May 24, 1866 ; Edward F., Oct. 1, 1868 ; Charles L., June 6, 1871 ; Mary E., Sept. 5, 1874 ; Jennie A., July 5, 1877. GEORGE W. LOONEY, farmer and stock-raiser ; P. 0. Piqua ; was born in Champaign Co., Ohio, Feb. 9, 1819 ; he is a son of Jonathan Looney, who was a native of Virginia, and emigrated to Ohio early in the nineteenth century ; he settled in Champaign Co., where he married-and remained there until 1833, when he contracted for 500 acres of land, where the city of Quincy, Ill., now is located ; soon after contracting for the above he started to pay for the same, and on his way at Louisville, Ky., was stricken with cholera and died ; his money was stolen (it is supposed, by his nurse) this misfortune left the family in very straitened circum- stances ; in 1834, the widow and family emigrated to Allen Co., Ohio, where they entered 80 acres of wild land ; all hands assisted in clearing away the dense forest, which in time was accomplished ; there they remained until 1853, at which time they came to Miami Co., and in the following year G. W. purchased 95 acres of his present farm ; he has since added to it by purchase, until he now owns 217 acres in Secs. 19 and 25,which is valued at about $100 per acre ; he has erected fine, substantial farm buildings, second to none in the township ; on his buildings and contents he carries ,a policy of insurance of $12,200. Mr. Looney's marriage with Charlotte Hardman was celebrated, in 1845, after which they cared for his mother until her death, which occurred in 1857 ; Mr. and Mrs. Looney spent many hard days' work sm his present farm ; she nobly assisted him in opening out the farm, SPRING CREEK TOWNSHIP - 509 but after all the toilsome years, in 1875, she was called hence. Mr. Looney married, for his second wife, Mary Negley ; by this union they have two children, viz., George W. and Lee B.; the ancestors of the Looney family originally came to this country with William Penn. M. C. LYON & SON, farmers ; P. O. Piqua. M. C. Lyon was born in Hamilton Co., Ohio, Oct. 22, 1808, and is a son of Samuel Lyon, who was born in New Jersey in 1780, and was brought up to farm labor, receiving a medium education ; in 1792, he emigrated to Cincinnati, where he married Margaret Pendry ; in 1831, they came to Miami Co., where he died in 1860, and she in 1865 ; their children were ten in number, of whom all lived to maturity. Mathias Lyon, the grandfather of our subject, was of English birth, and came to America about the middle of the eighteenth century, stopping in New Jersey, where he married, and where he and the most of the family, probably, died. M. C. Lyon was brought up to hard work, and received a limited education ; he came to Miami Co. about the time that his father came, and located in Spring Creek Township, where he has spent nearly half a century ; since residing in this county, many changes have taken place, a part of which was done by the manual and physical exertions o M. C. Lyon ; he has, through industry and good management, accumulated nearl 300 acres of good land, of which 55 acres lie in Sec. 14, where he has good, substantial farm buildings, and is well situated. Upon Dec. 15, 1831, his marriage with Cynthia Ann Day was celebrated; their children are nine in number, o whom seven are now living. J. D. Lyon, the junior member of the family, wa born in Miami Co. May 11, 1839, and was brought up to farm labor, receiving Medium education. On Sept. 17, 1861, he enlisted in Co. K, 1st 0. V. I., to shoulder the weapon of war and defend his native country ; while in the service he participated in the battles of Pittsburg Landing, Chickamauga, Mission Ridge and all the trials and hardships of Sherman's march from Chattanooga to Atlanta soon after this his time expired and he was discharged ; thus we record an outline of J. D. Lyon's military life and hardships, that may be handed down to ou future generations, that they may look back over the pages of this history, an learn through what difficulties and trials their ancestors have passed. Upon Dec 28, 1864, J. D. Lyon married Martha McKee ; she was born in Shelby Co., Ohio her death occurred March 3, 1866, leaving husband and one child to mourn he loss ; he for his second wife married Mary It. Morrow ; she was born May 1847 ; they have by this union three children. JAMES L. LYON, farmer ; P. 0. Piqua ; was born in Hamilton Co., Ohio, Jur 21, 1826, and is a son of Samuel Lyon, whose biography will appear under M. I Lyon's memoir. J. L. was brought up to farming, and came to this county 1 1831. June 26, 1849, married Caroline Smith, who was born in Rockbridge Co., Va., May 7, 1827, and came to Ohio about 1842 ; the fruits of this union hal been seven children, of whom two are now dead, viz., Anna M., born Nov. 28, 185 died March 21, 1853 ; Carrie P., born June 29, 1866, died Sept. 6, 1868 the living are W. R., born Nov. 7, 1850 ; Margaret E., born Aug. 3, 1854, now Mrs. R. I Knox ; Mary B., born March 1, 1857, now Mrs. A. S. Tabler ; Samuel P., born Aug. 1859, now in dry-goods store in Sidney ; Clark M., born Oct. 22, 186 Our subject and family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. It is nicely located on his farm of 74 acres, in Secs. 15 and 21. WILLIAM W McFARLAND, retired farmer ; P.O. Piqua. To another of the ear settlers of Miami Co. we are pleased to record a space ; he was born in Greene C Ohio, Dec. 5, 1804, and is a son of William McFarland, a native of America, bo April 6, 1763 ; he was one of the patriots of the Revolutionary struggle, and al in the war of 1812. In 1785, he married Rebecca Kirkpatrick, who was born ejf 4, 1770 ; they had a large family of children, of whom William W. is the or one now living. William McFarland, Sr. (the grandfather of our subject), NI born in Ireland, and married Elizabeth Kirkpatrick, who was a native of Wale they came to America at a very early day, where he died at the age of 102 yes and she, also, living to a very old age. William W. McFarland came to this corn 510 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES : in 1830, and purchased 40 acres of land ; by good business habits and industry through his transactions in buying, entering and selling land, he has increased his real estate until he now possesses over 200 acres of land, of which, 18 acres ajoin the corporation of Piqua, in Sec. 31. The marriage of Mr. McFarland with Freelove Rall was celebrated Dec. 20,1828 ; she was born in Clark Co., Ohio, April 4, 1811 ; their children are as follows, viz., Jacob B., born Nov. 11, 1829, died March 26, 1840 ; William, born June 11. 1832, died Jan. 12, 1875 ; John H., born July 8, 1834, died Oct. 3, 1865 ; Sarah, born Sept. 4, 1836, died Nov. 5, 1836 ; Louisa J., born Oct. 21, 1837, now Mrs. Riffle ; James B., born Aug. 17, 1840 ; Smith S., born Jan. 22, 1842, died Sept. 18, 1849 ; Delila A., born Dec. 25, 1844, died May 26, 1849. WM. J. McKNIGHT, farmer; P. 0. Piqua ; who was born in Shelby Co., Ohio, Aug. 18, 1837, is a son of Joseph and Mary McKnight ; he was brought up on a farm, and has always followed that business. On the 12th of October; 1858, he married Elizabeth A. Bull ; she died May 6, 1868, leaving three children-Joseph T. (born April 5, 1860), W. R: (born March 23, 1862), and E. E. (born March 21, 1864) ; the two older are attending school at Ada, Harding Co., Ohio ; at the death of his wife, Mr. McKnight's sister stayed with him and kept house, taking care of the children until Jan. 4, 1871. He was again united in marriage with Mary E. Morrow, daughter of James and Mary Morrow, residents of Shelby Co., who was born Nov. 12, 1838 ; the fruits of this union are three children-Ida L. (born July 6, 1873), Araminta (born Feb. 25, 1875), Mary L. (born July 25, 1877). Mr. and Mrs. McKnight and the two sons are .worthy members of the United Presbyterian Church. DAVID MANSON, farmer; now Township Trustee ; P. 0. Piqua ; was born in this county in 1823, and is a son of Morton Manson, who was born in Pennsylvania Jan. 5, 1796 ; early in the nineteenth century he came with his parents to this county, where he, on Dec. 31, 1818, married Catherine Smith, who was born June 25, 1796 ; she died about 1855, and he in the same month followed her to her long resting-place. David was brought up to farming, and received an ordinary education, and, in 1848, married Elizabeth Covault, who was born in Montgomery Co., Ohio, in 1833, and is a daughter of Thomas B. and Phebia Covault; he was a native of this county, and she of Virginia ; David Manson and wife are the parents of eight children, viz., Catherine, Clara C., James L., John H., Iza D., Harle W., Memery M. and Rilla M.; in 1857, they located where they now live, and own 80 acres of land in Sec. 12 ; he has for nine years held his present office of Township Trustee. ELIAS MILLER, retired farmer ; P. 0. Piqua ; was born in New Jersey Nov. 9, 1792, and is a son of Jacob and Lucretia (Marsh) Miller ; their marriage was celebrated during the war of Independence ; Jacob was a native of New Jersey, born March 18, 1747, died May 2, 1814 ; Lucretia was also a native of the same State, born March 19, 1759, deceased the ancestors of Lucretia were originally from Wales ; the children of Jacob and wife were eight in number; viz., Sarah (born Dec. 21, 1778, died April 2, 1839), Joanna (born July 2, 1782, died July 5, 1871), Jacob (born July 23, 1787, died Feb. 12, 1814), Joshua (born June 3, 1790, died March 1, 1824), Elias (born Nov. 9, 1792); Hannah (born Nov. 25, 1795, died April 17, 1834), Huldah (born May 4, 1798, died about 1856 Ellis (born Aug. 17, 1800, died July, 1862). Elias was brought up to farm labor ; in 1838, he came West, purchased his present farm of 160 acres, in Sec. 11, Spring Creek Township, which he greatly improved, and has for many years enjoyed the fruits of his labors. On Dec. 26, 1816, in his native State, he married Catharine Moore ; they, by this union, had nine children, viz., Rebecca A. (born Dec. 17, 1817, died 1852), Ellis (born Jan. 24, 1819, died Sept. 22, 1872), Lucretia (born May 19, 1821), Hannah (born Oct. 2, 1823), Phileth (born Nov. 11, 1826), Philip (born April 2, 1828), Mary (born Feb. 18, 1830), John (born April 27, 1832), Elias J., (born July 13, 1834) ; Elias and Catharine have of their descendants forty-four grandchildren and twenty-seven great-grandchildren ; of the great-grandchildren, Mary Hetzler is the only one now married ; her marriage with Freeman SPRING CREEK TOWNSHIP - 513 Weatherhead was celebrated Dec. 25, 1879 ; they now live with their great-grandparents, and assist in caring for them ; on Nov. 9, 1879, Mr. Miller; to his utter surprise, was met in his house by many of the above descendants, and other friends and relatives to celebrate his 87th birthday, each one coming with their baskets bountifully filled a table was soon spread with the rich and substantial viands which kind hands had brought ; the table was first surrounded by the eldest, next by the younger; etc., to the youngest ; the afternoon was enjoyed in social entertainment. Mrs. Miller was born in Kentucky Jan. 24, 1795 ; she is a daughter of Gershom and Anna Moore ; they were the parents of nine children, of whom Catherine is the only one now living. WILLIAM MILLER, farmer ; P. 0. Piqua ; was born in Lost Creek Township, Miami Co., Nov. 10, 1811; is a son of Abram Miller and a grandson of Phelix Miller; who was of English descent, and born in Baltimore, Md., about 1727 ; in 1741, he entered upon an apprenticeship at gun smithing, and followed his trade until about 1747, when he enlisted on a British man-of-war ; was promoted to Lieutenant in the subsequent part of his service, which terminated in 1754 ; he then returned to Baltimore, and, in 1758, married Elizabeth Horn ; she was of German birth, and born in 1738 ; eleven children are the fruits of this marriage ; of these, ten lived to the age of maturity ; after his marriage he kept a hotel in Baltimore, until, in 1779, he sold out and again commenced working at his trade, which he followed the remainder of his days ; his death occurred in 1794, but his widow survived until 1821, when she, too, passed away. Abram Miller was born in Baltimore, Md., April 21, 1781 ; he received a liberal education, and, in 1795, went to work at the mason's trade, which he followed through life ; in November of 1806, he emigrated to Warren Co., and the following spring built the foundation and chimneys of, and plastered, the first house of worship built by the Shakers in that county ; he came to Miami Co., settling in Lost Creek Township, in 1809, and built the first stone chimney in the village of Troy (there were no bricks to be had there at that time) ; having moved near Piqua, in 1816, he built the first brick house erected in Spring Creek Township. In 1801, he was united in marriage with Eleanor Manson, who was born in York Co., Penn., in April, 1781; by this union they had twelve children, of whom eight lived to rear families he died in October; 1847, and she in September; 1855. Mr. Miller received an ordinary education, and turned his attention to agricultural pursuits in 1834, he bought 40 acres of land in the vicinity of Piqua, which he sold and bought 94 acres in Sec. 32, where he now resides ; Mr. Miller also followed teaming for a number of years. In 1840, he married Martha Hawthorn, who was born in Miami Co. in 1825 ; they are the parents of twelve children, of whom three died in infancy and three in youth ; two of the remaining six are married and four are at home. C. R. MILLHOUSE, farmer P. 0. Piqua ; was born in Miami Co. Feb. 7, 1832, and is a grandson of John Millhouse, born in Pennsylvania in 1746; married to Margaret De Farn, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1758 ; they had six children, of whom five came with their parents to Ohio in 1806 and settled near Dayton, but, in 1808, came to Miami Co., being among the early pioneers of this county ; they bought a quarter of Sec. 21, in this township, where John Millhouse died in 1825, and his wife in 1831. C. R. is a son of David and Louisa (Gearhart) Millhouse; he was born in Pennsylvania March 2, 1802, and she Oct. 21, 1809 ; they had eleven children, viz., John, deceased Oct. 16, 1837; Margaret A., became Mrs. Sethwood, died May 12, 1864 ; Morris, born June 21, 1830 ; C. R., David L., deceased Aug. 4, 1837 ; Jacob J., now a practicing physician in Shelby Co., Ohio ; Leander; deceased Sept. 12, 1849 ; George R., now a physician in Allen Co., Ohio.; Mary E., now Mrs. Kefer; of Indiana ; Isaiah, now a resident of this county ; Jennie deceased at the age of 20 years 7 months and 15 days. Our subject, ,C. R., united in marriage with Sarah A. Winans Nov. 6, 1856, and they are the parents of eleven children, viz., Mary E., born May 20, 1858, David E., born Sept. 21, 1859 ; John H., born Dec. 29, 1860 ; Charles F. born May 1, 1862 ; Laura J., born Dec. 7, 1863 ; Lillian L., born Sept. 21, 1865, F., Jan. 29, 1866 ; Louisa C., 514 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: born July 18, 1867 ; Jacob V., born Feb. 16, 1869 ; Edgar, born Feb. 28, 1871 ; Alma, born Feb. 19, 1873 -, George A., born Jan. 2, -1877. Soon after Mr. Mill-house's marriage, he moved to Shelby Co., Ohio, where they remained until 1877, when they located an the farm where they now. reside, in Sec. 21, Spring Creek Township. MADISON MILLHOUSE, farmer and stock raiser ; P. 0. Piqua ; who was born in Miami Co., on the farm he now owns ; his birth occurred Aug. 14, 1843 ; he is a grandson of John Millhouse, who was a native of Maryland ; there he arrived at manhood and married ; his wife died near the close of the eighteenth century ; in 1800, John Millhouse emigrated to Ohio and entered Madison's present farm ; he then returned to his native State, where he remained until 1801, when he the second time came West ; in a few months, he married Miss Margaret Boyer, who was a native of Virginia ; her father, Lewis Boyer, was one of the patriots of the Revolutionary army ; also one of Gen. Washington's life guards in 1776 ; John and Margaret Millhouse were the parents of eleven children ; this family endured all the hardships of pioneers of Miami Co. ; John Millhouse died about 1845, and Margaret in 1866. Madison Millhouse is a son of Jacob Mill-house, who was born in Miami Co. May 8, 1814 ; he was brought up to agricultural pursuits and nobly assisted his father in clearing away the unbroken forest, where, in 1880, waving fields of grain are seen ; the marriage of Jacob Millhouse with Frances Johnson was celebrated about 1841; Frances was born in Clinton Co., Ohio. March 28, 1815, and died in Miami Co. March 28, 1844 ; Jacob Millhouse departed this life June 20, 1871 ; by the above marriage, there were two children, viz., Margaret, born Nov. 27, 1841, died Dec. 1, 1860, and Madison ; he being the only heir at his father's death, he inherited his estate. Madison, in his boyhood days, received a limited education, and was taught the principles of farm life by his father, which he applies on his land, in Secs. 6 and 12, Spring Creek Township ; this farm, previous to falling in his possession, was under good cultivation, but has greatly improved under his care, and acquired many valuable buildings. His marriage with Sarah W. Furrow was celebrated April. 17, 1867 ; they, by this union, have one child-Albertie, born Feb. 24, 1868 ; Mrs. Millhouse was born June 25, 1845, in Spring Creek Township, Miami Co., Ohio. WILLIAM C. MOORE, farmer ; P. 0. Piqua. He was born in Pennsylvania in 1810, and is the son of Jacob Moore, who was a native of Virginia, born in 1787. In 1809, he married Isabelle Chestnut, who was born in Virginia about 1785, died in Shelby Co., Ohio, in 1878, and he in the same county in 1858 ; eight children were born to them, of whom five are now living ; William C., is the oldest, who, Feb. 1, 1838, married Hannah Miller, who was born in Pennsylvania, April 9, 1818, and is the daughter of John B. and Sarah Miller, who were of German descent ; they both died in this county, she March 21, 1841 ; he survived her until April 9, 1846, when he, too, passed away ; six children were born to them, of whom four are yet living ; Mr. and Mrs. Moore have by their union one son, who was born in Shelby Co., Ohio, July 11,1.838, and was brought up on a farm. Aug. 21, 1858, he married Josephine Fletcher, who was born in Maryland Dec. 16, 1835, and came to Ohio in 1858 ; they are the parents of three children, viz., William E., born March 23, 1862 ; Mellie B., Oct. 20, 1864 ; Charlie G., Sept. 31, 1870. Mr. Moore came to this county in 1860, and bought his present farm, which at that time consisted of 128 acres, and has since added to it, until he now owns a full quarter of Sec. 15, which is well tilled and produces a good annual income. PAUL N. S. PENCE, teacher and farmer ; P. 0. Piqua. He was born in this county in 1835, and is the son of Paul Pence, Sr., who was a native of Virginia, born in 1800, and came to Warren Co., Ohio, in 1811, with his parents ; he afterward came to this county, and in 1821, married Mary Newport, who was born in :Warren Co., Ohio, in 1801 ; they were the parents of eight children, of whom Paul is the seventh, who was brought up to agricultural pursuits, and in 1865, married Margaret A. Sayers, who was born in this county in 1841, and is a SPRING CREEK TOWNSHIP - 515 daughter of Samuel and Jane (Sims) Sayers; Mr. Sayers was born in this county and his wife in Virginia. Mr. and Mrs. Pence have by their union three sons, viz., Arthur L. M., born Jan 15, 1870 ; Harry B., May 31, 1872 ; Frank M., July 31, 1874. Mr. Pence is located on his farm of 112 acres in Sec. 18, where he held the office of Township treasurer eleven years, Trustee one year, and has taught school since 1854. with the exception of two winters. GEORGE W. RUSSELL, farmer ; P. 0. Piqua ; was born in Spring Creek Township, Miami Co., March 28, 1834; is a son of Vinage and Mary (Weeks) Russell ; he was born in Pennsylvania, and came to this county at a very early day, with his father, who entered 160 acres of land in Spring Creek Township, and, by the aid of his family, cleared and improved it. On Dec. 25, 1828, Vinage Russell was united in marriage with Mary Weeks, who was born in Virginia March 26, 1812 ; they have been married and have lived together over fifty-one years ; their golden wedding was celebrated Dec. 25, 1878, at which time, also, the marriage of the eldest daughter of George W. Russell was solemnized ; there were about seventy-five guests present ; twelve of whom were over 60 years old, and one couple whose golden wedding had been celebrated the previous year. They are the parents of four children-John W., of Toledo, George W., James, deceased, and Mary Jane, now Mrs. Rhodehamel, of Indianapolis. Mr. Russell has always lived on the old farm and now occupies the house in which he was born. By his indomitable energy and economy, he has succeeded in getting 110 acres of the old farm, and about 175 acres besides, in three separate tracts, making in all about 285 acres of good land, and well improved, with only about 34 acres of timber. On the 10th of January, 1856, he married Mary A. Caven, a native of Spring Creek Township, born Nov. 26, 1834; she was a daughter of David and Keturah (Denman> Caven, who were also old settlers here. The fruits of this union are four children -Flora, born Oct. 28, 1856 ' • Mary Jane, Sept. 9, 1860 ; Alice M., June 3, 1862, and David Ward, March 23, 1866. Mr. Russell, wife and daughters, are exemplary members of the Baptist Church. JOHN SCHNEYER, P. O. Piqua. Among the important features of enterprise in Miami Co., is the extensive furniture manufactory of Cron & Co., of whom Mr. Schneyer is the eldest member ; this firm has a capital of upward of $50,000, and is composed of the following members, viz. : John Schneyer and L C. and W. L. Cron ; our subject was born in Germany March 22, 1814, and is of. German descent, his father being the second son of a family of four children ; he was born in 1792, and during his life was prominently engaged in the distillery, brewing and hotel business, in connection with farming ; he died in 1872, at the advanced age of 80 years, his wife having died eight years previous ; they were the parents of ten children, of whom the following lived to years of maturity, viz. : John, Tobias L., Anna M., Mary, George, Christiana, Caroline and Catharine ; Mr. Schneyer, as is customary in Germany, was apprenticed to learn a trade, and, after completing the same, remained in his native country until 1840, when he emigrated to America, landing in Baltimore ; after being employed six months as farm laborer in Pennsylvania, he came to Piqua, and for four years was engaged in the manufacture of wagons ; he then engaged in the brewing business, and followed the above branches of business until 1866, when he purchased his present farm of 160 acres, upon which he then located and where he has since lived ' • in 1869, he associated with his present partners in the furniture business, which has been very successful ; a card of the same will be found in the directory of Piqua, in another part of this work. Mr. S. has been twice married, the maiden name of his first wife was Catharine Christ, their marriage being celebrated in Germany in 1834. Upon Jan. 9, 1844, his marriage was celebrated with Elizabeth Roth, a native of Switzerland, born Feb. 15, 1822 ; her father, Samuel Roth, was born in 1790, and served in the army under Napoleon Bonaparte, for a period of four years ; his marriage with Anna M. Howalt, was celebrated in 1811, and by this union had nine children, of whom all save Mrs. Schneyer are deceased, viz., Rosanna, born 1810, died 1852, leaving nine children 516 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: -A. Barbara, born 1811, died 1859, leaving two children ; John, born 1813, died 1860, leaving three children ; Mary, horn 1817, died 1853, leaving nine children Jacob, died in infancy ; Elizabeth, now Mrs. S. ; Anna, died in infancy ; Jacob,; born 1825, died 1856.; Joseph died in infancy. . Mr. and Mrs. Schneyer are the parents of nine children, viz., Lewis, born Nov. 18, 1844, died Oct. 9, 1848 ; Carlie M., born Sept. 10, 1846, now Mrs. John Beissmann ; Carl, born Sept. 10, 1848 ; Ernest A., Dec. 25, 1850 ; Lewis J., Feb. 20, 1853 ; August J., Dec. 15, 1856 Amelia C. Sept. 3, 1858; Herman J., March 12, 1862; Franklin F., April 9, 1865. CHARLES SCHOPPMEIER, retired farmer ; P. O. Piqua ; was born in Germany, in 1814 and is a son of John and Frecy (Lesman) Schoppmeier ; he was born in 1790, and died, 1832 ; his wife was born 1784, and died, 1833 ; five children were the fruits of their union, of whom Charles is the only one now living in America. In 1836 and 1837, he served as Messenger under the present Emperor of Prussia, and in 1847, landed in New York City, thence to Dayton, Ohio after making several changes, he, in 1858, came to this county, and in 1860 bought his present farm in Sec. 18, which first consisted of 100 acres, but since, he has sold 50 acres. On July 22, 1851, he married Anna Anda, who was born in Reading, Penn., in 1822, and in 1834, came to Ohio ; one child is the fruit of their union, viz., Anna, born in 1852, and Jan. 22, 1876, married John Freirdman, who was born in this county in 1855 ; they have now three children, viz., Anna M., John J., Frank A. JOHN SHARP, farmer ; P. O. Piqua.. To the above name, we are pleased to accord a space in this volume ; he was born in Ireland in 1814, and is a son of William and Jane (Ginn) Sharp, who were both natives of Ireland, where they lived and died. John was the only child born to them ; he was raised to farming, and in 1833, emigrated to United States and located in Piqua, this county, where he, in 1852, married Sarah A. Correll, who was a native of New Jersey, and is a daughter of John B. and Sarah Correll, who were both born in New Jersey, and are now dead. John and Sarah Sharp are the parents of four children, viz., Sarah J., Mary E., Rebecca C. and Bayard. After the above marriage, they made several changes, bought and sold land several times, mostly out of this county, but in 1870, bought their present farm of 80 acres, in Sec. 15, whereon they moved, and are now comfortably situated for life. CHRISTIAN SHULZ, farmer ; P. O. Piqua ; born in Germany Dec. 20, 1833 ; he is a son of George Shulz, who was born in Germany, 1801, and was brought up to agricultural pursuits, Which he followed through life, until his death in 1866. In 1833, he married Catherine Stine, who was born in Germany in 1810, and died in 1878 nine children were born to them, of whom seven are now living-Christian is the only one now living in United States, where he came in 1855, and followed various pursuits, but finally learned the cooper's trade, which he followed thirteen years ; in 1875, he bought his present farm, in Secs. 25 and 30. March 31, 1859, he married Catherine Stine, who was born in Germany in 1833, and came with her parents to United States in 1846, who are now both dead. Seven children are the fruits of Christian and Catherine Shulz's union, viz., Charles F., George H., Edward J., Emma U., Catherine M., William C. and Albert. JOHN SMALL, retired farmer, Sec. 23 ; P. O. Piqua ; was born in Warren Co., Ohio, June 16, 1801, and is a son of Andrew Small, who was born in Scotland Feb. 17; 1756, where he spent hrs boyhood days in the Scotch school, and, at the age of 12 years, came with his parents to Pennsylvania, where they located in 1868 ; there they lived and died ; and Andrew, about 1785, in Pennsylvania, married Margaret Long, who was a native of that State, born about 1765, and died in Warren Co. April 12, 1823, and he died March 1, 1840. They had nine children, of whom three are yet living ; the oldest sister, who now lives on the old horn-farm in Warren Co., Ohio, at an advanced age ; one brother, in Shelby Co., Ohio, also quite old, and John, who came to this county in 1833, and settled in the woods, on a part of what is now known as the Madison Millhouse farm, and a part of what is to-day known as the James Patterson farm ; this he improved from its SPRING CREEK TOWNSHIP - 517 wild condition to a good degree of cultivation; in 1855, he sold it and bought his present farm of 80 acres, where he has since resided. Mr. Small has in his life been a remarkable hunter of deer, and such other kinds of game as might be found in the regions were he traversed. The first inducement for him to go to some hunting-point was to regain his health, which he did through the advice of his family physician ; he was to drink the blood of the deer, and since that period, which has been a number of years, he has taken a hunt each autumn until the last two ; sometimes to the mountains of this State and several times to Minnesota ; even now, though nearly fourscore years of age, he takes a walk of four or five miles, with his gun, every suitable day, and enjoys good eyesight and health. His marriage with Miss Margaret K. Betson, was celebrated in Montgomery Co., Ohio, on Sept.. 26, 1822; she was born in New Jersey Nov. 13, 1801, and when but about 11 months Old, her parents came to Ohio ; they were both natives of New Jersey ; the father was born in 1779, and died at the age of 68 ; the mother was born about 1785 and died at the age of 73. Mr. Small and wife have had ten children, viz., John B., born Aug. 9, 1823, died 1827 ; Andrew L., born July 28, 1825, died Dec. 4, 1875 ; Martha A., born Dec 1, 1827 ; Daniel P., Dec. 3, 1829, died Oct. 17, 1868 ; David B., born Nov. 3. 1832 ; James T., Jan. 4, 1836 ; Francis M., Oct. 26, 1838 ; John Betson, Jan 9, 1841, died June 26, 1879 ; Mary M., born Sept. 23, 1845 ; Lewis C., Jan. 13, 1848. Jan. 1, 1880, about 10 A. M., on looking through their window, they beheld, with utter surprise, carriages, buggies, etc., almost at their door, which conveyances were loaded with their children, relatives, friends and neighbors from far and near, each one coming with their basket well filled with rich and luscious eatables, and soon a table was erected, on which were placed the contents of the baskets, and about the proper hour for refreshments the table was surrounded. Mr. and Mrs. Small have trod the happy pathway of married life for nearly three-score years, and are now living a retired life in their quiet home, which is partly occupied by David B., their son, who, on May 13, 1858, married Ellen Conklin. May they live and see many more happy days together, is the wish of the writer. WILLIAM SNODGRASS, farmer ; P. O. Piqua ; was born in Miami Co., Ohio, Aug. 24, 1826, and is a son of Thomas and Lucinda (Meighers) Snodgrass. Thomas was born in Virginia Jan. 9, 1795, and Lucinda, near Pittsburgh, Penn., April 24, 1805. They were among the early pioneers of Miami Co., where Thomas followed farming chiefly during life, which ended in 1870. They were the parents of eight children-six are now living, of whom William is the eldest. He was raised to agricultural pursuits, and obtained a fair education ; he purchased his present farm of 160 acres, in Secs. 8 and 9, Spring Creek Township, a part of which he has owned for the past twenty-nine years ; in his early life, he taught school a few years, and since residing on his present farm, filled the official duty of Justice of the Peace seventeen years, Township Trustee, etc. The marriage of William Snodgrass and Eunice Sanders was celebrated March 13, 1851. They by this marriage have had six children, three are now living-Henrietta, now Mrs. W. F. Sims, Lucinda now Mrs. H. Houser, and Franklin. Henrietta, when at home, through respect to and for remembrance of her ancestors and friends, accumulated locks of hair from which a beautiful wreath was manufactured ; this is now an ornament to the room and is highly prized. THOMAS J. STATLER, farmer ; P. O. Piqua. His paternal grandparents Christopher and Christena Statler, were both natives of Pennsylvania ; they emgrated to Ohio in 1801, locating in Washington Township, and were among the firs settlers of the county ; here they endured the privations of pioneer life for maw years, and passed from the stage of life at advanced ages. The maternal grand parents of T. J. Statler were Samuel and Hannah (Moss) Winans, both natives o New Jersey ; they emigrated West in 1809, locating in Staunton Township, Miam Co.; they were well advanced in years when death seized them. T. J. Statler is son of Christopher, Jr., and Frances (Winans) Statler ; he was a native of Pennsylvania, and she of New Jersey. They both came West with their parents as above 918 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: stated ; their marriage occurred in Miami Co. May 29, 1810, and soon after they settled on the farm now owned by D. C. Statler (Washington Township) ; there, 'Christopher; Jr., at once commenced to open out a farm from the unbroken forest, .and in 1880, fine houses and barns have taken the place of the rude log huts and cabins ; on this farm he labored until his death, which occurred Oct. 5, 1840, and his companion now survives at the advanced age of 89 years. Thirteen children were the issue of this union, of whom eleven are now living, T. J. Statler being the eldest. He was born in Washington Township, Miami Co., April 8, 1815, and raised to agricultural pursuits ; his education was that of a common-school course. In his minority, he learned the tanner and currier trade, which received his attention for nine years ; since retiring from its duties, he was engaged in coopering for a short period ; in 1839, he went West, and took up his headquarters, in Platte Co., Mo., remaining until 1841 ; during his residence there, he assisted in surveying that country and laying-out the present Platte City, at the Falls of the Little Platte River. For the past thirty-nine years, he has been a permanent resident of Spring Creek Township, Miami Co., where farming Juts received his entire attention ; he is now located on his farm of 80 acres in Sec. 23, well improved, and perhaps as fine an apple orchard of 50 acres as any in the county. On Feb. 13, 1842, he married Maria P. Horton, born in Westchester Co., N. Y., Sept. 20, 1814 ; she died in her native county, Oct. 27, 1849. Two children were the fruits of this union ; one died in infancy, and the other; M. Frances, died at the age of 2• years 3 months and 11 days. Mr. Statler married, for his second wife, Elizabeth. V. Moore, Dec. 25, 1849. She was born in Rockbridge Co., Va., Aug. 9, 1829 ; one year later; her parents located in Orange Township, Shelby Co., Ohio, where she grew to maturity. Mr. and Mrs. Statler's children are Josephine H., born June 28, 1851 ; Elizabeth J., born Jan. 15, 1853 ; and Napoleon B., born June 18, 1855. JAMES WAGONER, farmer ; P. 0. Piqua ; was born in Montgomery Co., Ohio, Sept. 14, 1824, and is a son of John Wagoner; who was a native of Ohio, born June 9, 1801, and died in 1874 ; in 1818, he located in Montgomery Co. In 1823, he married Catherine Houser; who was born in Virginia in 1805, and died in Montgomery Co., Ohio, in 1861 ; they were the parents of seven children, of whom two are dead and five living, of whom James is the oldest ; he was brought up to farming, received a limited education. Feb. 2, 1854, he married Miss Elizabeth Miller; who was born in Greene Co., Ohio, and died Dec. 7, 1856, at the age of 27 years. One child was born to them, John F. born Nov. 18, 1854. Our subject again married, for his second wife, Josephine F., who was born in Piqua, May 3, 1845. They have two children, viz., Catherine J. and Anna B. Mr. Wagoner came to this county in 1848, and has since bought 30 acres of land in Sec. 17, on the Piqua & Urbana Pike. WILLIAM J. WILEY, farmer and stock-raiser ; P. 0. Piqua ; was born in Spring Creek Township, Miami Co., Ohio, April 21, 1829. William J. is a great-grandson of Samuel Wiley, who was born in Maryland in 1749 ; there he grew to manhood, and in 1776, seeing the need of having an independent country, went forth to battle for the same, passing through all the hardships connected therewith. After the most severe part was over; he returned home and married and with-his wife, soon after emigrated to Pennsylvania ; there they had born to them three sons. Mr. and Mrs. Wiley remained in Pennsylvania until 1812, when they came to Ohio in 1813, locating on Sec. 25, Spring Creek Township, Miami Co., where they departed this life at an advanced age. William J. Wiley is a grandson of William and Jane (Johnson) Wiley; he was born in Pennsylvania, March 16, 1779, and she in Ireland, March 16, 1780their marriage was celebrated about 1800. Twelve years later, they emigrated West, and in 1813 located on the above-named section, taking refuge in a rude log cabin that had neither doors nor floor; and passing through many hardships connected with the early settlers of Miami Co. William Wiley, while a resident of this county, held some of the most important offices of the county and township of Spring Creek ; he was one of the patriots SPRING CREEK TOWNSHIP - 519 of the war of 1812, passing through and seeing many frightful scenes, no doub He and wife passed from the stage of life in 1869, in Spring Creek Township Samuel J. Wiley, the father of our subject, was born in Pennsylvania Oct. 21 1803, and at the age of 9 years, he, with his parents, came West and spent hi earlier life at home in assisting to open out a farm from the unbroken wilderness. In 1828, he married Margaret McKnight, who was born in Ireland in 1795. The children were six in number, of whom William is the oldest. He was brought up to agricultural pursuits, and received a fair education ; he has always bee willing to assist in all public interests of welfare in his community ; he has, during his life, held the more important offices of the township, which were filled wit impartial feelings to all with whom he transacted business. William J. has his farm of 144 acres in Sec. 25, Spring Creek Township, under good cultivation, an is finely situated one mile northeast of Piqua. He, in 1859, married Elsie Burns, who died in January, 1862, leaving husband and one son. William married, for his second wife, Penelope McKee, who was born in Miami Co., Oct. 1 1834. Three children have been born to them, viz., Harry S., Mary L. and Nellie M. JOSEPH S. WILEY, farmer ; P. 0. Piqua ; was born in this county Oct. 12, 1840. and is a brother of William J. Wiley, whose sketch appears in some part of the work ; J. S. was brought up to farm labor; and devoted a part of the winter months of his early life to the privileges of school, thereby receiving a fair education ; he has, for a number of years, been the owner of a fine farm of 100 acres in Sec. 25, which is well improved ; since his majority, has been elected to and filled several township offices. Oct. 10, 1871, married Nancy Robison, who was born in this county Sept. 15, 1844 ; two children have been born to them-Howard G. and Maggie B. E. SAMUEL M. WILEY, farmer ; P. 0. Piqua ; is a brother of W. J. Wiley, whose biography appears in this work. Samuel M. was born in Spring Creek Township, Miami Co., April 22, 1834 ; he was raised to agricultural pursuits, and had the usual elementary training, which was acquired in the district schools in his native county ; during life he has been a devoted farmer; residing on his parent farm of 125 acres in Sec. 25, Spring Creek Township, where he was reared. During the late rebellion, he participated in service 100 days. He was married Aug. 27, 1874, to Susan A. White, born in Franklin Co., Ohio, May 13, 1844. T issue of this union is one son and two daughters, viz., Budd, born March 21, 187 L. Gertrude, March 13, 1877, and E. Clifford, March 3, 1879. Mrs. Wiley is daughter of Jeremiah and Elizabeth (Chiles) White ; he was born Dec. 31, 1813, and she Sept. 8, 1816, both natives of Pickaway Co., Ohio. They were married Dec. 7, 1834, and now reside in Auglaize Co., Ohio. A. J. WILLIAMSON, farmer ; P. 0. Piqua ; he was born in Greene Co., Ohio, October; 1832, and is a grandson of Hugh Williamson, who was of Irish birth, and when but a boy emigrated to New York, where he, near the close of the eighteenth century, married Isabella Miller ; they both lived and died in New York ; there son, Samuel Williamson, the father of A. J., was born in 1794, and early in t nineteenth century emigrated to Ohio, locating in Greene where he engaged blacksmithing, which was his chief occupation during life. In 1817, he marri Mercy Cozad, of Greene Co., who was born July 11, 1800 ; they by this union h eleven children, of whom Mr. Williamson is the seventh ; he was brought up farming, and received a common education after his majority, he improved educational qualities to that of an academical course ; he has, for nearly one so years been a resident of Miami Co., and since coming here has accumulated considerable property, of which a part, 118 acres, lay in Sec. 24, where he now located ; he owns 80 acres in Shelby Co., Ohio. In 1860, he married Miss Isabel Andrews, who was born in Logan Co., Ohio, in 1836, and died in this county 1868 ; by this union there were three children, viz., James, Sarah and John the second marriage of A. J. Williamson was celebrated in 1869, with. Mrs. Marl Deweese, who was born in Miami Co. in 1836. 520 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: ELIAS WOLF, retired farmer ; P. 0. Piqua ; was born in Montgomery Co., Ohio, Nov. 9, 1805, where he received a medium education by the privileges of winter months' school ; during the summer, his time was occupied in agricultural pursuits ; in 1839, he came to this county and bought his present farm in Secs. 18 and 12 ; he has, by good farming, business habits and industry, since added to his farm, until he now owns over 200 acres. December, 1827, Mr. Wolf married Elizabeth Kaylor, who was born in Montgomery Co., Ohio, April 9, 1812, and have had eight children, viz., Lovina, born Oct. 12, 1828 ; Lucinda, born March 15, 1831, who died April 29, 1851 ; Mary A. born July 21, 1834 ; Elizabeth, born Nov. 20, 1837 ; John H., born Feb. 11, 1843, whose signature is given for this work ; Daniel K., whose biography will appear in some part of this work ; Catherine A., born Jan. 22, 1847, who, in 1854, was consigned to the silent tomb ; and Samantha A., born Feb. 10, 1850. Elias Wolf is the son of Peter Wolf, who was born in Pennsylvania, in 1780, and during life followed farming. About the close of the seventeenth century, he married Catharine Kaylor, who was a native also of Pennsylvania ; early in the eighteenth century, they came to Montgomery Co., Ohio, where they both lived and died, she in 1864, and he in 1845 ; by this union they had six children that reached maturity, of whom Elias is the oldest. DANIEL K. WOLF, manufacturer of sorghum molasses, and farmer ; P. 0. Piqua ; was born June 9, 1845, and is a son of. Elias Wolf, whose biography will appear under John Wolf's memoir ; he was brought up to agricultural pursuits and received a liberal education ; when a young man, learned the carpenter trade, which he afterward followed several years ; he now devotes most of his time to cultivating the farm and manufacturing molasses ; his farm is located in Sec. 18, at the Jordon Switch, on the C., C. & I. C. R. R., which took its name from the landowner at the erection of the road. Our subject, on Nov. 19, 1863, married Harriet Hilliard, who was born in this county May 17, 1845, and is a daughter of Thomas J. and Helen Hilliard, who are now both dead. Five children have been born to Daniel K. and Harriet Wolf, viz., Ella F., born April 17, 1865 ; Elmer E., born Sept. 6, 1867 ; Harley 0., born April 12, 1872 ; Emery G., born June 4, 1875, and died July 21, 1876 ; and Mary M. B., born July 20, 1877. LOST CREEK TOWNSHIP. WILLIAM BUCKLES, farmer ; P. 0. Conover ; born in Miami Co. May 8, 1833 ; is a son of James and Margaret (Northcut) Buckles, he coming from Ohio, and Mrs. Buckles from Kentucky. The grandfather on the father's side was a native of Virginia, and the grandmother of New Jersey ; the ancestry originally from England ; on the mother's side, the grandfather was from South Carolina ; grandfather Buckles entered the northeast quarter of Sec. 10, upon which William now lives, during Monroe's administration, it being then all in the woods ; here they commenced their pioneer life, living in a log cabin. James, then being a stout young man, and the grandfather in feeble health, took upon himself the bulk of the work. From year to year he labored on, enduring the hardships and deprivations of such rough life, till eventually, he had the pleasure of seeing the forests disappear, and beautiful fields of waving grain take their place ; better and more comfortable houses replace the rude log cabins, and plenty and comfort prevail. James and Margaret were the parents of 'fine children, of whom six are now living, viz., Robert M., living in Nebraska, Eleanor, George, Cynthia Ann, now Mrs. J. W. Loy ; William and Mary. William, our subject, was united in marriage Dec. 24, 1854, with Olivia Kirby, daughter of Joel and Hannah Kirby, of Champaign Co.., Ohio, who were born in New Jersey, and were the parents of seven children, of whom two are now living, viz., Elizabeth, now Mrs. John Snodgrass, living in Nebraska, and Olivia. By this union, William and wife have become parents of LOST CREEK TOWNSHIP - 521 four children, of whom three are living, viz., Horace Ward, Charles E. and James S. After marriage of Mr. Buckles, he located on his father's farm, where he has since resided. Politically, he stands with the Republican party, and has been Justice of the Peace for six years, and Township Trustee one term. He belongs to the Baptist Church, having been a member for twenty-eight years. JOHN M. BURKHOLDER, miller, Casstown ; was born in Dauphin Co., Penn., April 13, 1836 ; is a son of Felix and Elizabeth (Moyers) Burkholder, who were also born in Pennsylvania, their ancestry originally coming from Switzerland. Felix and Elizabeth were the parents of nine children, six of whom are now living, viz., John M., Catharine, Felix M., Michael M., Elizabeth and Mary. Mr. Burkholder, our subject, remained with his father, and learned the milling business, his father being a miller by profession. Jan. 25, 1859, was celebrated his marriage with. Catharine Lukenbach, born March 30, 1837, daughter of Rev. Levi and Anna, (Driver) Lukenbach, who are also natives of Pennsylvania, the parents and grandparents all hailing from that State, but the ancestry originally coming from Germany. Rev. Lukenbach and wife were parents of six children, of whom four are living, viz., Elizabeth, now Mrs. Moses Dohmer ; Catharine ; Abraham, living in Pennsylvania, and Anna, now Mrs. George Royer, living in Portage Co., Ohio. John M. and wife, by their union are the parents of twelve children, viz.: Calvin Franklin, born in Potter Township, Center Co., Penn., Dec. 5, 1859, parents' residence Potter's Red Mills ; Elizabeth Emma, born in Potter Township, Center Co., Penn., March 23, 1861, parents' residence Potter's Red Mills ; Anna Mary, born in Newton Township, Miami Co., Aug. 3, 1862, parents' residence Sugar Grove Mills ; Felix Edwin, born in Newton Township, Miami Co., Ohio, Jan. 21, 1864, parents' residence Sugar Grove Mills; Levi Daniel, born in Springfield Township, Clark Co., Ohio, Aug. 7, 1865, parents' residence Snyder's Mills ; John Harvey, born in Newton Township, Miami Co., Ohio, Nov. 21, 1867, parents' residence Sugar Grove Mills ; Michael Elmer, born in Elizabeth Township, Miami Co., Ohio, Feb. 11, 1869, parents' residence Sheet's Mills ; Abraham L., born in Lost Creek Township, Miami Co., Ohio, Feb. 7, 1871, parents' residence Lost Creek Mills ; George Washington, born in Lost Creek Township, Miami Co., Ohio, Oct. 17, 1872, and died Sept. 3, 1873, aged 10 months and 16 days, buried at Casstown Cemetery, Miami Co., Ohio ; Otto 0., born in Lost Creek Township, Miami Co., Ohio, Jan. 11, 1874, parents' residence Lost Creek Mills ; Catharine Ellen, born in Lost Creek Township, Miami Co., Ohio, Dec. 4, 1876, parents' residence Lost Creek Mills, and Willis Oliver, born in Lost Creek Township, Miami Co., Ohio, July 22, 1879, parents' residence Lost Creek Mills ; also we add the name of Mary Krimer, a child raised by Mr. Burkholder, who was born in Philadelphia, Penn., about 1851 ; her mother dying when Mary was only 3 years of age, she was taken charge of by Mrs. John Teatsel and taken to Center Co., Penn.; when about 8 years of age was placed in the care of Mr. Burkholder and wife, who have raised her, and with whom she still resides. After Mr. Burkholder's marriage, he remained in Pennsylvania about three years, then removed to Miami Co., near Covington, at Sugar Grove Mills, where he remained three years ; thence to Snyder's Mills, in Clark Co., where he remained nine months ; thence to Squire Coppock's Mills, where he stayed fifteen months ; back to the Sugar Grove Mills again, remaining one year ; thence to Sheet's Mills, where he lived two years ; finally he removed to his present location, Lost Creek Mills, where he has been in business for ten years. Mr. Burkholder, was raised in the milling business from a boy, and has followed the occupation through his entire life ; he is running strictly a custom grist-mill, a three-run mill-stone, and, from his great experience and excellent style, is probably second to but few millers in the county. Mr. Burkholder is a member of the "Brethren in Christ," or " The River Brethren Church," his membership dating back for twenty-one years. WILLIAM BURTON, farmer ; P. O. Casstown ; born in North Carolina Dec. 23, 1799 ; is a son of Thomas and Phoebe (McCrary) Burton, both probably born in North Carolina ; he lived and died in his native State, but she came to Ohio, where she departed this life in the house now occupied by William ; the 522 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES : ancestry on the father's side were probably from Wales ; Thomas and Phoebe were parents of only one child—William ; the mother; Phoebe, with her second husband, Z. Brevard, removed from North Carolina to Miami Co., in November, 1816, and located in Elizabeth Township ; thence to Lost Creek Township, and finally to Troy, where they died in 1840 ; they had one child—Thomas ; Mr. Burton, our subject, came to this county with his mother and step-father; and remained with them till October; 1823, when his union with Elizabeth Saunders was celebrated ; she was a daughter of Theodore and Catharine (Holstrin) Saunders, who were born in Pennsylvania ; by this union they had ten children, of whom six are now living, viz., Joel, Phoebe, Martha, George, William and John ; he lost his wife by death in 1841. In 1842, was married to Elizabeth Knoop, daughter of Benjamin and Christiana (Holstrin) Knoop, who were among the very earliest pioneers of the county ; the daughter; Elizabeth, born April 13, 1799, was the first white female child born in Miami Co. ; he lost his second wife by death Nov. 7, 1860. Aug. 11, 1861, was celebrated his third marriage with Mary Collins, daughter of Cornelius and Nancy (Keith) Collins, who were natives of Virginia, by which union they have two children, viz., Joseph and Nancy ; Mr. Burton, after his first marriage, located in Elizabeth Township, where he resided till 1827, when he bought the farm upon which he now lives—where he has resided fifty-three years ; he has an excellent farm of 130 acres ; Mr. Burton is one who has had the confidence of the people, having held the offices of Supervisor; Township Trustee and Justice of the Peace, the latter of which he held for nine years. In religious belief, he is a Universalist, having been a member of the church for over thirty years ; politically, he is a stanch Democrat, having, as he says," been such from his mother's breast." We here have the record of another of the early settlers of Miami Co., by marriage connected with the very pioneers of the county ; his second wife, as stated above, was the first white female child born in this county. JOEL BURTON, farmer ; P. 0. Casstown ; born in Miami Co. April 9, 1826; is a son of William and Elizabeth (Saunders) Burton, who was born in' North Carolina, and she in Pennsylvania ; they were the parents of nine .children, of whom six are now living, viz., Joel, Phoebe, now Mrs. A. J. Shidaker; living in Troy ; Martha, now Mrs. D. Griggs, living in Illinois ; George, living in Illinois; William, living in Indiana ; and John, living in Illinois ; Mr. Burton lived with his father till about 22 years of age. In November; 1847, he was united in marriage with Sarah D. Rogers, daughter of Lewis and Elizabeth Rogers; Mr. Rogers was born in Ohio, and Mrs. Rogers in Virginia, coming to Ohio with her parents when only 3 years of age by this union they have had seven children, viz. Elizabeth, now Mrs. William Simpson ; Catharine, now Mrs. C. Lower ; John T., Lewis R., George W., Andrew W. and Flora M.; after Mr. Burton's marriage, he followed farming on rented property for two years ; then he bought 80 acres of land in Staunton Township, upon which he lived about three years ; then sold, and bought the property upon which he now resides ; here he has a the farm of 471 acres, upon which, when he bought, there was a saw-mill, run by water-power; which he and his father transformed into a steam-power mill ; this mill he sold in 1858, bought it again in June, 1875 ; rebuilt it almost entirely and erected a circular-saw, with capacity and conveniences equal to any mill in the county. Mr. Burton is one of those quiet, unpretending men who desire no political office, or fame in that direction; has been Constable and School Director; and thankful that he has had no other office, desiring to attend to his own business, enjoy his own home and family, dealing honestly and straightforwardly with all men. HENRY DERR, farmer ; P. 0. Casstown ; born in Maryland June 4, 1825 ; is a son of John and Elizabeth (Haupt) Derr; who were also natives of Maryland ; the ancestry were originally from Germany ; John and Elizabeth were the parents of nine children, of whom five are now living, viz., David, Ezra, Elizabeth (now Mrs. William Keller; living in Maryland), Henry and Joshua. Mr. Derr remained with his father till his death, which occurred in the latter part of the summer of 1845 ; in October, 1846, he was united in marriage with Elizabeth A. C. Flook, LOST CREEK TOWNSHIP - 523 daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth Flook, also natives of Maryland, and removed to Miami Co. in the spring of 1853, where they lived and died ; they were the parents of eight children, of whom five are living, viz., Isaac H., Mary E. (now Mrs. William Shibbitts), Joanna (now Mrs. Philip Hyatt, living in Tiffin, Ohio), Susan (now Mrs. James Hyatt, living near Tiffin, Ohio) and Daniel P. Mr. Derr and wife are the parents of ten children, of whom only one is now living, viz., Charles F., who is married to Frances Frazee, by whom he has had five children, of whom four are now living, viz., Irena Almeda, John Elmer; William Arthur and Charles Hartley. Mr. Derr; after his marriage, remained in Maryland about six years, when he moved to Miami Co. and located in the east part of Lost Creek Township, where he resided till 1871, then located on the farm where he now lives ; he here has a farm of 80 acres, and a nice, pleasant home ; on Feb. 4, 1880, Mr. Derr lost his wife by death ; she was a member of the Lutheran Church for twenty-six years, and prior to that was a member of the German Reformed Church for about eight years, living a very devoted Christian life ; Mr. Derr has been an active member of the Lutheran Church for thirty-eight years. JOHN M. DEWEESE, farmer ;. P. 0. Casstown ; was born on the farm where he now lives in February, 1841; he is a son of William and Susannah (McDowell) Deweese ; Mr. Deweese is a native of Virginia, and Mrs. Deweese of Ohio ; the grandfather; Lewis, came to this county with his son, William, about 1806, being among the early pioneers of the county ; William and his wife were the parents of ten children, of whom John M., Mary Ann and Harriet E. survive ; the father located upon the farm where John now lives about 1831, commencing in the woods, in a log cabin, in pioneer style ; he toiled and labored for years to subdue the forests, enduring the many hardships and deprivations which only those old settlers knew and experienced ; his industry and energy overcame all obstacles, and, before his death, he was enabled to enjoy the fruits of his labors, having a fine farm of 160 acres, 120 acres in cultivation, with good brick house and other buildings, constituting a pleasant and comfortable home ; his death occurred Feb. 17, 1874, aged 69 years, and his wife died Dec. 16, 1873. Our subject lived with his parents till their death. Feb. 11, 1875, he married Miss Sarah M., daughter of William and Deborah Hearst (see sketch of Matthew Hearst) ; Mr. Deweese has taken the home farm ; has bought out part of the heirs, and intends to make this his permanent home. Here we add a record of another pioneer family to the many honored ones, whose lives and labors were spent in opening out the wild forests of Miami Co., and whose memories will be cherished by their descendants for generations to come. JOHN W. DYE, farmer ; P. 0. Casstown ; born in 1837 on the farm where he now resides ; is a son of Andrew and Ann (Hatsel) Dye. His ancestors were natives of Pennsylvania ; they had seven children, viz., John, dying in infancy ; Thomas, Elizabeth, now Mrs. R. Wray, -living in Shelby Co.; Isaac, deceased ; -John W., Mathias and William. The father, Andrew, located upon the farm upon which John now lives, in an early day, and cleared the most of it. The grandfather was also an early settler in Elizabeth Township, having built one of the first grist-mills in this section of the country ; they hauled a great deal of flour to Cincinnati with teams, there being no railroads, in that day. Andrew, the father; departed this life in 1844. John being only 7 years of' age when his father died, ' was, with his brothers and sisters, kept together by their mother till grown to manhood. John always remained upon the home' farm. In 1869, he was united in marriage with Sarah. daughter of Jesse and Mary Wray, who were natives of Pennsylvania. By this union they have had one child, viz., Eva E. Mr. Dye has a beautiful home ; the energy he has exhibited in his business life and the connection his ancestors have with the early settlement of this county gives their history a significance worthy of being recorded for the benefit of future generations. JOSEPH W. GRAY, farmer ; P. 0. Lena ; born in Miami Co., on the farm upon which he now lives, Jan. 22, 1846 ; is a son of Frederick and Ann (Chamberlin) Gray, who were both born in New Jersey. The grandparents, Samuel and 524 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: Hannah Chamberlin, were also born in New Jersey, their ancestry coming from Germany. The grandfather; Frederick Gray, was also from Germany, but the grandmother Gray came from England. The parents, Frederick and Ann, came to Ohio in a very early day and located in Warren Co., where they lived several years, and while there their marriage occurred ; thence came to Miami Co. and located upon the farm where Joseph now lives, which was nearly half a century ago ; he came upon the place with very little cleared, merely a log cabin on it, and here he commenced to make a farm and a home ; by his labor and industry, he was permitted to see the forests disappear, and waving fields of grain to appear in their stead, good houses and barns to take the place of the log cabins ; in his later years he has been enabled to enjoy some of the benefits of his hard toils, and feel a satisfaction in leaving to his children comforts which he in his younger days did not have. They were parents of eight children, of whom five are living; viz., Samuel C., living in Indiana ; Hannah. Jane, now Mrs. Charles McGuire, living in Ne w Carlisle, Ohio ; Sarah ; Henry C., living in Indiana, and Joseph W. Joseph W., our subject, was united in marriage Nov. 12, 1873, with Viola Roberts, daughter of William and Louisa Roberts, natives of Pennsylvania. They were the parents of three children, viz., Viola, Ida and Daisy. Mr. Gray and wife by their union have had two children viz., Jessie and Edith Ann. After their marriage, Mr. Gray located upon the home farm where they still reside. He is politically a Republican. WILLIS N. HANCE, farmer ; P. 0. Casstown ; born on the farm where he now resides, Sept. 27, 1836 ; is a son of Benjamin and Nancy (Frazell) Hance ; Mr. Hance was born in Kentucky Sept. 22, 1791, and Mrs. Hance Oct. 17, 1790 ; the grandfather; William, was a native of England, and emigrated to this country about the time of the Revolutionary war, settling in Kentucky, and subsequently in Miami Co., where he lived and died ; Benjamin removed from Kentucky to this county in 1810 ; was in the war of 1812, under Gen. Hull ; after the war, he bought 160 acres of land for his father; which has since been known as the Uncle Joe Hance Farm, and is now owned by Soloman McKee ; about the same time, he bought the farm for himself, upon which our subject now lives, since known as the Uncle Ben Hance Farm ; in 1814, he visited his native State; Kentucky, and on Feb. 15 of that year; was married, and, with his wife, returned to his farm on March 15 of the same year ; here they commenced to make a farm and a home right out of the dense forests, in the roughest pioneer style, being very poor; and having to endure all, and perhaps more, hardships than almost any one of the first settlers ; his first large iron kettle was bought in Urbana, and carried on his shoulder twenty-four miles to his home ; his first bushel of salt was bought at the same place and carried home in the same manner ; very few would or could endure such hardships now ; but those days are past ; their labors and industry won for them good farms and homes, and their children's children may enjoy the fruits of their many labors ; he died May 5, 1877, aged 86 years; were parents of ten children ; five are living, viz., William, Alfred, Joseph, Mary (now Mrs. Hetzler), and Willis. Our subject was married March 15, 1859, to Miss Sarah S., daughter of John and Elizabeth Lefevre ; by this union they have had five children, of whom three are now living—Dora L., Charles C. and John Benjamin ; Mr. Hance has a fine farm of 158 acres, with good buildings and improvements ; this farm has been in the ownership of the Hance family for sixty-seven years. M. M. HARBAUGH. This gentleman is a resident of Casstown ; he is a native of Virginia, having been born at Harper's Ferry in 1808 ; his ancestors came from Switzerland in 1736 ; his grandfather; Leonard Harbaugh, was a noted architect, and superintended the erection of the War and Navy Department buildings in Washington, prior to their destruction by the British in 1814. In 1835, the subject of our sketch married Caroline Routzahn, of Frederick Co., Maryland, who still lives ; in 1850, Mr. Harbaugh and his family removed to Ohio, making the journey across the Alleghanies and Blue Ridge in the primitive stage coach; he settled LOST CREEK TOWNSHIP - 525 at Piqua, where he engaged in merchandising till 1856, when he removed to Cass-'town, the present home; Mr. Harbaugh has four children living, all sons, Samuel, Theodore, Charles and Thomas ; the last-named is well known as a poet and journalist; his poems have gained for him the title of " The Poet of the Miami ;" Theodore is engaged in merchandising in Williamsport, Ind., and Samuel has served as Clerk of Lost Creek Township for near, twenty consecutive years ; Mr. Harbaugh is one of the oldest citizens of the township. CHARLES A. HARTLEY, M. D., physician, Casstown. Of the medical profession of Casstown, we mention Dr. C. A. Hartley, who was born in Columbiana Co., Ohio, Sept. 8, 1847 ; he is a son of W. L. and Esther A. Hartley, who were born in Bucks Co., Penn.; the grandparents and their ancestors being of the denomination of William Penn, Quakers, and of English descent ; the parents removed from Pennsylvania to Ohio, in about 1845, and located in Columbiana Co. remaining only a few years ; thence to Warren Co., Ohio, again to Miami Co., and finally located in Casstown in August, 1877, where he resided till his death, which oocurred March 24, 1878 ; the mother is still living, and with her son, Dr. Hartley. They were parents of eight children, three of whom are now living, viz., Alonzo. Sarah, now Mrs. Tannehill, of Delphos, Ohio, and Charles A. Dr. Hartley,s father being a physician, our subject had his attention early called to the profession and the study of medicine. Receiving a liberal common-school education, at the age of nineteen years he attended a course of lectures at the Western Reserve College, Cleveland, Ohio, after which he attended the Eclectic Institute of Cincinnati ; Feb. 7, 1871, he graduated, and with his father; entered upon the practice of his pro- fession in Warren Co., Ohio. In the fall of 1871, they removed to Casstown, where he has since remained in practice, having from the first done a good business, which from year to year has steadily increased. From his ample qualifications, his mild and affable manners toward his patrons, we can safely predict for him a growing practice and a successful future. His marriage with Miss Sarah M., daughter of Joseph and Catharine Allen, was duly celebrated Jan. 27, 1875 ; they have two children, viz., Charles Allen and Clara Esther. MATTHEW HEARST, farmer ; P. 0. Casstown ; was born upon the farm where he resides, April 13, 1840, and is a son of William and Deborah F. (Mayes) Hearst, who were born in Pennsylvania ; came to this county, locating at Piqua, May, 1832, where he remained about seven years, thence to the farm upon which he and Matthew now reside ; here he commenced to make a home, with four or five acres cleared and a log cabin upon it ; in this cabin they lived, till in 1850, he erected a good frame house ; two years previous, had built a good barn, and now began to live in comfort and enjoy the fruits of their many years of labors and deprivations. They were the parents of nine children, viz., James, Rebecca, (deceased), Mary Elizabeth, dying in infancy ; Jane, John, Matthew, Sarah M., Deborah Isabella; dying in infancy, and Kate M. They have 160 acres of excellent land, 115 acres in good cultivation, with all the conveniences of a nice home and farmer’s residence. Matthew has always remained on the place with his father; who is now nearly 80 years of age, and the mother 75 years ; they are members of the Presbyterian Church for over sixty years ; the children all became members while young. This is the record of another family of early settlers of Lost Creek Township, whose labors, enterprises and lives are fully identified with the early improvements and interests of this township, and whose record here deserves a prominent place in its history. WILLIAM K NICK, stock-dealer; Casstown ; born in Miami Co. Dec. 10, 1822 ; is a son of William and Rachel (Armstrong) Knick (see sketch of Samuel Knick) ; he lived with his parents till about 25 years of age. On April 4, 1850, he was united in marriage with Martha Dye, daughter of John and Eliza (Green) Dye. Mr. Dye was born in Pennsylvania, and was one of the pioneer settlers of Miami Co. By this union they had three children, of whom two are living, viz., Albert D. and Jennie E., now Mrs. J. Shibbitts ; after Mr. Knick’s marriage, he located in Casstown, but shortly afterward located on a farm about two miles 526 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: south, where he resided three years, then sold out and went to California in February, 1854, remaining there till January, 1856, when he returned home, where he arrived Feb. 4, 1856, and located in Cass Township, where he has since resided, engaged in the butchering business and a dealer in stock ; he lost his wife by death July 8, 1877, since which time his daughter and her husband have lived with him. Mr. Knick has been School Director; was Constable for some three years, also Township Clerk and Township Trustee one term. Politically, he is a Democrat. PAUL F. KNIGHT, farmer ; P. O. Casstown ; born in Hamilton Co., Ohio, Oct. 3, 1814 ; is a son of Jonathan and Catharine (James) Knight. The grandfather; William Knight, was among the early pioneers of Miami Co., and first located on the farm where the Orphans' Home is now situated ; here he endured all the hardships of the early settlers ; his first crop of corn was raised by keeping his gun within a few feet of him, and, as he came up to it, he would carry it a few feet in advance again, and so on through the field, so as to be ready for defense against the Indians ; these were days of trials and dangers, of which the present generation know nothing ; the father; Jonathan, located in Hamilton Co., lived and died there ; after the father's death, the son Paul, and elder brother William, were brought to this county ; Paul was raised and cared for principally by his uncle, John E. Cory ; Paul remained with his uncle for several years, after which he made his home with his mother; and worked out by the month for from $7 to $10 per month, a day's wages being one bushel of corn. April 6, 1837, was celebrated his marriage with Charlotte Ensminger; daughter of Philip and Mary Ensminger; who were born in Pennsylvania and removed to Greene Co., Ohio, thence to Miami Co., and finally to Jay Co., Ind., where they lived and died ; by this union, Paul and Charlotte became parents of nine children, viz., Catharine (now Mrs. R. Winters, living in Indiana), Stephen (dying in infancy), Benjamin F., Caro- line (now Mrs. 7W. H. Cavault), Joseph, Mary (now Mrs. J. Fuller), Charles L., William and Lorenzo. After Mr. Knight's marriage, he located on the farm where they now reside, and here have made a continued residence of forty-two years, Mr. Knight, politically, is a stanch Republican ; religiously, he and his wife are Baptists, having been members of that church for about twenty years. HENRY C. KNOOP, farmer ; P. 0. Casstown; Henry C. Knoop was born in this county Dec. 4, 1842, and is a son of Daniel H. Knoop, whose sketch and family history appear in full in this work. Henry C. Knoop, our subject, lived with his father till his marriage, which was duly celebrated Feb. 24, 1869, in which he was united with Almeda Odaffer; who was .born Dec. 7, 1848, and is a daughter of John and Mary (Sword) Odaffer; who were born in Pennsylvania, and came to this county at quite an early day ; they were parents of nine children, of whom six are now living, viz., Elizabeth, now Mrs John Price, living in Clark Co., Ohio; Catharine, now Mrs. M. Bennett, living in Springfield, Ohio ; David, deceased ; Harriet, now Mrs. J. Routzahn; Eleanor; deceased ; Sarah, now Mrs. Alexander Long ; Emi- line, now Mrs. William Beamer; living in Iowa ; Mary, married to D. J. Whitmore, but now deceased ; and Almeda J. Henry C. and wife have had two children, viz., Charles V., born June 8, 1871 ; and Mary C., born Nov. 11, 1872 ; after Mr. Knoop's marriage, he located upon the farm, where he now resides, of 118 acres, with good buildings, constituting a pleasant farmer's residence ; Mr. Knopp is Township Treasurer; and has held the office of Township Trustee for two terms. He and his wife are members of the Lutheran Church, their membership extending over a period of nine years. JOSIAH KNOOP, farmer ; P. 0. Casstown. He was born in Lost Creek Township, Miami Co., and is a son of Daniel H. and Cassie (Jackson) Knoop, whose history and biography are fully written in the sketch of Daniel H. Knoop, contained in this work ; Mr. Knoop resided with his father till about thirty-three years of age. Nov. 28, 1878, he was united in marriage with Martha Fuller; daughter of James C. Fuller; who was born and raised in Clark Co., Ohio ; after his marriage, Mr. Knoop settled on the farm where he now resides ; here he has a beautiful location, being only a short distance from Casstown, convenient to church, LOST CREEK TOWNSHIP - 527 school, post office, etc. Mr. Knoop has served in the office of Township Trustee ; he is a member of the Lutheran Church, having been connected with it sixteen years. SAMUEL KNOOP, general store, Casstown. As one of the representative business men of Casstown, whose family history is connected with the early settlement of this section of the county, we mention Samuel Knoop, who was born in Casstown Jan. 27, 1840 ; he is a son of Daniel and Lucy Knoop ; Mr. Knoop was born in Miami Co. Sept. 19, 1806; and Mrs. Knoop in Pennsylvania June 30, 1809 ; the grandfather; Benjamin Knoop, who was born in Pennsylvania, with his brother; John, were among the first pioneers of Miami Co.; they located in Staunton, building the block-house, and in the spring of 1798, placed their families in it for protection from the hostile Indians, Benjamin being the father of the first white female child born in the county, of which mention is made in sketch of William Burton ; their ancestry were from Germany ; Daniel and Lucy were parents of nine children; of whom eight are living—William, now in Missouri ; George ; Elizabeth, now Mrs. A. Martin ; Samuel; Mary C., now Mrs. McPherson ; John C., now in Shelby Co.; David B. and Horace; Daniel, the father; was a carpenter by trade, and many of the barns and other buildings were erected by him in this section in that early day ; soon after his marriage, which occurred May 12, 1831, he commenced the mercantile trade in Casstown, and as an illustration that " small beginnings " are not to be despised, we would say that he commenced business by the purchase of one kit of mackerel, which he sold ; from this, step by step he increased his stock and sales both in quality and variety of goods, until he became one of the largest merchants in the section at that day ; in connection with his mercantile trade, he became an extensive stock dealer and trader ; he was energetic, industrious and patriotic, the latter quality of which was exemplified during the war of the rebellion ; when, having five sons of an age suitable for military duties, he told them all to go and defend their country ; he would have entered the service himself had not his advanced age forbade it ; the five sons all entered the service, returning safely to home and friends with honorable discharges ; Mr. Knoop continued his active business life until after the war broke out, when he sold out ; Oct. 1, 1872, he passed away from works to rewards. Samuel Knoop, our subject, remained with his father till the breaking-out of the war; when he enlisted in the 11th 0. V. I., being the first man who enrolled his name from this part of the county ; after the three months' service, he re-enlisted in the 44th 0. V. I., serving altogether three and one-half years, when he received his discharge and returned to his home and friends ; he entered as a private, was promoted to Corporal, then to Sergeant ; in 1862, when sick and in the hospital at Lewisburg, Va., Gen. Heath, of the rebel army, opened fire upon the Union forces just at break of day; the cannonading awoke Mr. Knoop, who, grasping his arms, rushed into battle, which proved a quick victory to the Union forces ; Mr. Knoop, sick and pale, fought with the energy of a robust soldier; and had the honor to capture one officer and three privates ; for this meritorious conduct, was offered promotion to Lieutenancy, but refused it, as his brother was already holding such office in the same company, and Mr. Knoop declined to have too much honor bestowed upon one family. After Mr. Knoop's return from the army, he engaged as a dealer in nursery stock, which business he followed some ten years ; finally located in Cam-town at his present place of business, and carried on a general merchandise trade which he has successfully conducted for six years ; here with pleasure we have recorded the history, of another branch of the Knoop family, whose lives were full of labor and usefulness in the early settlements of this county, and their patriotism exhibited in the defense of their country in its time of danger deserves to be held sacred and worthy of praise from future generations. DANIEL H. KNOOP, farmer ; P. 0. Casstown ; born in York Co., Penn. Nov. 6, 1806 ; is son of Jacob and Frances (Hursh) Knoop, who were also born in Pennsylvania ; the grandparents were American born, but the great-grandparents came from Germany. The father; Jacob, lived and died in Pennsylvania, but the 528 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: mother came to Ohio with her sop Daniel and died here. They were the parents of six children, of whom our subject, Daniel, is the only one now living; he removed to Miami Co. in the spring of 1832 and located upon the farm where he still resides, having made a continued residence of nearly half a century ; he bought, when he located, 160 acres, of which about one-half was partly cleared ; at the time he arrived there were but two houses, and they were log cabins, in what is now called Casstown. Mr. Knoop was united in marriage Feb. 2, 1843, with Cassandra Jackson, daughter of William and Elizabeth (Criddlebaugh) Jackson, who were both natives of Pennsylvania, and came to Ohio at quite an early day ; they were parents of eight children, of whom four are living, viz., Elizabeth, now Mrs. Bousman ; Cassandra, Henry, and Maria, now Widow Havens. Daniel and wife are parents of five children, viz., Henry C., Josiah, George B. (deceased), William M. and Albert. Mr. Knoop has borne his share of the hardships and deprivations of those early days-raising corn and selling at 15 cents per bushel, hauling to market over the mud roads, taking flour to Cincinnati and selling it at $2.50 per barrel ; these were times which required labor; industry and economy. Most manfully did they fight their battles through, enduring all trials and dangers. But now they see things existing quite differently ; where once the forest stood, now waving fields of grain are seen, fine houses and barns have replaced the old log cabins, comfort and pleasure reigning unalloyed with the trials and dangers of those early days. Mr. Knoop's labors have been crowned with success ; he now owns 635 acres of fine land, mostly surrounding the village of Casstown ; in fact, the south part of the town is built upon his land ; he also owns 360 acres of land in Indiana ; this has nearly all been accumulated by his own labors and industry ; in this respect, his life will stand as a shining example to all future generations. Mr. Knoop has been one who has had the confidence of the people, having been Director in the National Bank of Troy for nine years, also of the Hydraulic Works, Turnpikes, etc., holding at one time five Directorships, and has also been Township Trustee for several terms. Mr. Knoop and wife are, members of the Lutheran Church, their membership covering a period of thirty-five years or more, they being among the constituent members of the organization of the church in Cass-town. This is a record of another of the early settlers, one of the Knoop family, who are classed among the fathers of Miami Co., whose history and record of labors, success, honest dealings and life of Christian work, add to the laurels of the Knoop family. CHRISTIAN LE FEVRE, farmer ; P. 0. Troy ; born in Miami Co. Oct. 12, 1826;, is son of Christian and Jely (Meloy) Lefevre. Mr. Lefevre was born in Maryland June 7, 1786, and Mrs. Lefevre in Pennsylvania May 17, 1789 ; the father Patrick Meloy, was born in Ireland May 25, 1762, her mother Elizabeth, born June 16, 1762, and married March 17, 1808. Christian and Jely Lefevre were parents of thirteen children, viz., Sarah, born March 15, 1809, deceased ; John, born Oct. 12, 1810 ; Elizabeth, born Jan. 20, 1812, deceased ; William C. M., born Jan. 11, 1814, deceased ; Naomi, born April 29, 1815, deceased ; Amy H., born March 1, 1817, deceased ; Rezon M., born Aug. 16, 1818, and James V., born April 24, 1820, both deceased ; Alfred, born April 23, 1822, now a physician in Tippecanoe; Cyrus, whose sketch appears in this work ; Christian ; Solomon G., born Aug. 23, 1828, deceased, and Mary, born July 12, 1830, deceased. Christian lived with his father till 27 years of age. Oct. 13, 1853, was celebrated his marriage with Nancy E. Cecil, daughter of John and Rebecca Cecil, who were natives of Virginia and came to this county at an early day. They were the parents of thirteen children, of whom three only are living, viz., Mary, now Mrs. A. J. Ryne, living in Kansas ; Letitia, now Mrs. Hart, living in Dayton, Ohio, and Rebecoa, now Mrs. Gardner; living. n Illinois. _Christian and Nancy, by this union, have had six children, viz., Charles B., born Sept. 13, 1854, deceased ; Cory S., born Dec. 24, 1855 ; Cordelia Edna, born April 27, 1858, now Mrs. Deweese ; John C., born Dec. 26, 1860 ; Nellie May, born Feb. 18, 1868, and Mary C., born Feb.27, 1872. After their marriage, they lived two years on his father's place, and LOST CREEK TOWNSHIP - 531 in February, 1856, located upon the farm where he now lives, having made a continued residence here of over twenty-four years. He has 162 acres of excellent land, all in cultivation, with comfortable brick house, good barns and everything required for comfort and, convenience. They are members of the Presbyterian Church, his membership extending over a period of thirty-six years, and is now an Elder in the church. The father; Christian, being one of the pioneers of this county, enduring the many hardships and dangers of that day, we take pleasure in placing the names of their family upon the pages of history. The Christian character and works of this family are worthy of being followed by the generations of the future ; the father having been an Elder in the church most of his life, five of his sons following his footsteps, in active Christian work, and Elders in the church. EDMOND D. LEWIS, farmer ; P. 0. Casstown ; born in Lebanon, Warren Co., Ohio ; is the son of William C. and Elizabeth (Davis) Lewis ; he was born in New Jersey and came to Ohio with his parents at an early day ; she was born in Warren Co. William Lewis assisted his father during the war of 1812, hauling supplies for the army ; his ancestors were from England, and his wife's from Germany. William C. Lewis, the father; followed wagon-making during his life ; he lived to be only about 37 years of age, dying October; 1832 ; his wife died about seven years previous. They were parents of four children, viz., Edmund D., Thomas, Cassie, and Elizabeth, dying in infancy. The subject of this sketch, being only 13 years of age when his father died, was bound out till he should arrive at majority, to Michael McGinnis, a wagon-maker ; here he served his apprenticeship until 21 years of age, partly in Warren Co. and Brown Township, this county. When of age, Mr. Lewis established a manufactory of his own in Casstown, which he carried on for fifteen years, then sold out and bought the farm upon which he now resides. He was united in marriage, Jan. 26, 1843, with Deborah, daughter of Albert and Caroline (Throckmorton) Howland, who were natives of New Jersey, coming to Warren Co. soon after the war of 1812, and thence going to Miami Co. By this union they have had four children, viz., Cassie Ann, now Mrs. D. J. Whitmore ; William A. ; Lizzie M., now Mrs. Alonzo Hartley, living in Troy ; and Thomas D. Mr. Lewis has been on the farm twenty-four years. He is a Republican, has held the office of Township Trustee six or seven terms, and last fall, was elected Real Estate Appraiser for this township, thus showing the confidence reposed in him by the community in which he lives. He has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for ten years, and his wife for eleven years. DAVID S. LONG, farmer; P. O. Christiansburg, Champaign Co., Ohio ; born in Blount Co., Tenn., Dec. 20, 1811 ; is a son of James and Sarah Long, who are fully written of in sketch of Moses E. Long in this work. He came to Miami Co. in 1830, and lived with his parents till their death ; David has always remained upon the old home farm, has kept up all improvements, and added to his possessions by the purchase of another farm, so that now he owns 180 acres of good land, and is one of the enterprising farmers of Lost Creek Township, with excellent provision for all the comforts of life, Mr. Long is a member of Social Lodge, No. 139, of I. 0. 0. F., of Addison, Ohio ; has been through all the chairs and the Encampment, having been a member for twenty-nine years. MOSES E. LONG, farmer ; P. O. Christiansburg, Champaign Co.; born in Tennessee Dec. 26, 1813 ; is a son of James and Sarah (Mackey) Long, who were born in Ireland, coming to this country in 1783 ; he remained a short time in Pennsylvania then went to Virginia, where he was married ; in 1805, he removed to Tennessee, and, in 1816, came to Ohio, locating at what is now Cumminsville ; November; 1830, he went to Miami Co. and settled on the farm now owned by David S. Long, where he lived till his death, which occurred Aug. 3, 1860, his wife Sarah, departing this life in May, 1864. Mr, James Long was born July 4, 1770 ; was made a Master Mason March 3, 1790 ; received the Chapter and Encampment degrees May 13, 1791, and " declared off" the same day ; when he died, he was over 90 years of age, and for seventy years a Mason, being at his death perhaps the oldest Mason in Ohio ; he was the father of twelve children, of whom four are 532 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: living—Samuel II., David S., Moses E. and Elizabeth J. (now Widow Overton), living in Addison, Ohio. Moses E. Long was married July 6, 1837, to Martha Howell, daughter of Daniel and Phoebe Howell, natives of Virginia, who came to Ohio at an early day. but during the Indian troubl6 were driven out, taking refuge again in Virginia ; after a time they returned, locating in Miami Co., where they lived and died ; they were parents of nine children, of whom five are living_ Martha, Andrew, Huldah, Naomi (now Mrs. Bowers, living in Ohio,) and Daniel C. Daniel Howell was strictly a pioneer, opening out in the wilderness, and living in a log cabin, when there was but one road—the old State road opened by Gen. Wayne in the early campaigns—their neighbors being five to six miles distant at Casstown ; they went to mill on horseback many miles to Mad River, following "blazed paths" through the woods ; the present generation know but lit le of the hardships these first settlers endured, and future generations can have but a faint conception ; the blessings received from their labors will ever deserve their most grateful praise and remembrance. Moses E. and wife were parents of nine children, of whom five are living—Isabel E. (now Mrs. J. Johnson), Laura L. (now Mrs. Williams), Phoebe A. (now Mrs. Kennedy), Sarah J. and Volney D.; Mr. Long lived with his father till 1842, removing to the "Thomas farm" for ten years, coming back to the home farm for two years, thence going to Addison for eleven years, where he engaged in the saw-mill and lumber business ; in 1865, he settled on the farm where he has since resided ; this-farm consists of 80 acres of good land, which he has improved, and erected good buildings, so that he has a very pleasant and comfortable farm residence. Mr. Long is a member of Social Lodge, No. 139, I. O. O. F., of Addison, Ohio ; has been through all the chairs and Encampment, having been a member for thirty years. JOHN W. LONG, farmer ; P. O. Christiansburg. He was born in Tennessee in 1807, and is a son of William and Mary Long ; Mr. William Long was born in Ireland in 1772, coming to this country with his brother James, who is mentioned in the sketch of Moses E. Long ; they left Ireland, at the time of the rebellion, for the safety of their lives ; Mary, the mother, was born in Pennsylvania, her ancestry coming from Scotland. They were married in Virginia, and in 1804 removed to East Tennessee ; they removed to Ohio in 1816, at what is now Cumminsville, then going, in 1826, to Miami Co., on to the farm where John now resides ; there he lived and died, departing this life May 16, 1857, his wife Mary dying April 3, 1854 ; he was a pioneer of this section, striking the first blow with the ax in the unbroken forests, where he made a home. He was one of the volunteers from East Tennessee in the war of 1812, and served four months for the protection of the frontier settlements ; they were the parents of six children, of whom four are living, viz., John W., Margaret Ann, now Widow Fordyce, living in Piqua ; Isabella, now Widow Shidler, with her children, in Cincinnati and Evansville ; and Francis E. ; William was a member of the fraternity of A., F. & A. M., having become such in Ireland when quite young, and continued in the order till his death. John W., our subject, married Mary Shidler March 4, 1832, daughter of John and Susanna Shidler ; Mr. Shidler was born in Pennsylvania, his ancestry coming from Germany ; they were parents of twelve children, three now living—Aaron' living in Indiana ; Susanna, now Widow Winters, living in Chattanooga, Tenn.; and Isaac, living in Cincinnati ; John and wife are the parents of six children, of whom four are living—Sarah Bell, Susanna Ellen, now Mrs. Downey ; James Judson and Julius C.; the son, James Judson, was married to Jennie Hill Sept. 30, 1869, daughter of Harry Hill, 'of Addison, Ohio ; she was born in Piqua, in 1852 ; they reside with the father on the home place ; William P., a son, deceased, lost his life in the battle of Stone River, in the war of the rebellion ; he was a member Co. A, 2d O. V. I. Mr. Long lost his wife by death, Jan. 28, 1874. He has been Township Trustee two years and is, politically, a Republican. He is a member of the Baptist Church, having been connected with it for forty years, and Deacon for thirty-five years. GEORGE G. McDOWELL, farmer ; P. O. Casstown ; he was born in Miami Co. Feb. 26, 1819, and is the son of Alexander and Mary (German) McDowell ; LOST CREEK TOWNSHIP - 533 he was born in Virginia, and his wife in Maryland ; the grandfather, Mark, was born in Pennsylvania, but the great-grandfather came from Ireland ; Alexander and Mary were parents of twelve children, of whom five are now living, viz., Jane, now Mrs. James Estey, living in Darke Co., Ohio ; George G. ; Alexander ; James D., now in California ; Samuel D., also in California. Alexander, the father, came to this county and located in Lost Creek Township in March, 1818, being one of the early settlers ; he settled right in the woods, and cut out the first stick of timber, built a log cabin and commenced in pioneer style ; at the corner of the McDowell farm, in the early settlement, they erected a block-house for the protection of the families of the neighborhood against the Indians ; he has been a resident here for sixty-two years, constituting him one of the oldest residents now living in the township ; Mr. George McDowell lived with his father till about 24 years of age. Feb. 14, 1843, was celebrated his marriage with Mary Weatherhead, daughter of James and Margaret Weatherhead ; Mr. Weatherhead was born in Kentucky, his wife in Maryland, coming to this county at quite an early day ; they have had eight children, viz., Frances Jane (deceased), Samantha A., William, James A., John N., Henry H., Alice Oniska and Edith Armitta ; Mr. McDowell, after his marriage, lived on rented farms for about six years, then he bought the Hatfield farm, upon which he lived fourteen years ; he then went to the farm where he now is and has since resided. Mr. McDowell is,. politically, a Democrat, an d has been Township Trustee for four terms and Assessor for three terms. LEWIS C. MANNING, farmer ; P. O. Casstown. Among the names of the early settlers of Miami Co. we find that of John Manning, who was born in Maryland in 1742, and was a son of John and Sarah (Hall) Manning, who removed from Maryland to Loudoun Co., Va., when John, their son, was about 6 or 7 years of age ; soon after their arrival, they died, leaving John and a younger brother, Edmund, orphans ; they were then taken and raised by a Mr. Hutcheson, and, when arriving at majority, were among the first pioneer settlers of Red Stone country, in Pennsylvania; here John was united in marriage with Sarah Shauhan, by whom he had four or five children, two of whom lived to grow to maturity ; the eldest, Amos, was a teamster in Gen. Wayne's campaign against the Indians ;` was taken sick and died at Greenville in 1796 ; Betsey, the other child, was married to Bethuel Covault : John, having lost his wife -by death, was afterward married to Elizabeth Harnett, by whom he had thirteen children, ten of whom grew up and married as follows Sarah, married Charles Hilliard ; John, married Jane Berry ; Enos, married Grasse] Cox ; Nancy, married Daniel Hilliard ; William, married Ruth Julian ; Benjamin. married Harriet Denman ; Edward, married Mary Danford ; Amos, married Rachel Dills ; Nathaniel, married Sarah Line ; and Elias, married Sarah Frost. The four first mentioned were born in Pennsylvania, and the others in the " Northwest Territory." Mr. Manning lost his second wife by death, and was married the third time, to Elizabeth Hamlet, by whom he had one child, viz., Margaret, who grew uf to womanhood and married T. J. Larsh, of Preble Co., Ohio ; in the establishment of the " Mason and Dixon Line," Mr. Manning was employed, as an axman, in cut ting through the heavy timbered lands, and, while performing this duty, toot observations of this Red Stone country on the Monongahela River, where, a short time following, he settled as above related ; for some time he dealt extensively it furs and ginseng, they being at that time chief articles of export of that country afterward, he erected a grist-mill, which was the first one ever in that country which he ran successfully till 1789, when he sold out, and removed to what was then known as the Northwest Territory, locating at the mouth of the Miami, at r place called Columbia ; here he remained about three years, then went up the rive] about eight miles to a place called Round Bottom ; here he erected a grist-mill which was probably the first mill on the Little Miami ; this mill he ran till 1799 when he sold out to John Smith, who was one of the first delegates to Congress from this Territory ; afterward, he located at what is now Piqua, in Miami Co., ano here he soon erected a saw and grist mill, being the first mill in what is now Miam Co. ; in the erection of this mill, the stone was hewn out of a bowlder, and the 534 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: spindles made from old iron hinges taken from the fort at Greenville, after its reduction ; the bolting-cloths he obtained by riding to Lexington, Ky., on horseback ; under all these disadvantages to obtain materials for the building of the mill, through the enterprise and energy of this pioneer, the work was accomplished, which proved so great a, blessing and convenience to this new settlement ; their appreciation of the benefits of this mill in the settlement was evidenced by the anxiety manifested for its preservation during the great freshet of 1805, which threatened its destruction, as it was surrounded by water from the overflow of the river ; Squire Caldwell, the first Justice of the Peace of Washington Township, recommended passing a cable around the mill and making it fast, to secure its safety ; but the mill stood unscathed, and remained for many years to serve the community; Mr. Manning, with the assistance of Armstrong Brandon, in 1807, platted and laid out the town of Piqua, Mr. Brandon receiving, for his services in this work, each alternate lot; in April, 1817, Mr. Manning's labors were finished, and he was called from works to rewards. Here ended the life of one of the most enterprising pioneers of Miami Co., whose whole life was made up of the greatest activity, and who, not satisfied with the slow routine of old settlements, continually sought wider fields for activity and usefulness ; in the opening-out and establishing business in pioneer settlements, like Washington, his name will be handed down to future generations for praise and admiration. Enos, the father of our subject, came to Ohio with his father when only 2 years of age, and to Piqua when about 13 years of age ; here he remained with his father till the war of 1812, when he entered the army as a teamster; and was in active service as such during the war ; was at Detroit at the surrender of Hull's army, and there lost his team, his only property, for which he afterward received remuneration from the Government ; after the close of the war; he engaged in the mercantile trade in Piqua for several years, but, financially, proved unsuccessful ; he was one of the proprietors, and laid off in lots the North Addition of Piqua ; he, like his father; was a very active, energetic business man, and seemed to possess the same proclivities for the milling business, having, during his life, erected three mills in the vicinity of Piqua ; though not financially meeting the same success as his father; he lived through the panic, or convulsions of the war times, never wholly prostrated financially, as he had an energy and business, tact which enabled him to overcome all obstacles. He was united in marriage May 16, 1816, with Grassel Cox, daughter of Benjamin S. Cox, a native of Maryland ; by this union they had nine children, of whom two are now living, viz., Lewis C. and James S. (now living in Dayton, Ohio) ; Mr. Manning lost his wife by death in 1840, and, Oct. 24, 1854, he, too, passed away, with out one moment's warning, by a stroke of palsy. Lewis C. Manning was born in Piqua March 23, 1817, and remained with his father till his death. In June, 1855, he was united in marriage with Mrs. Elizabeth Williamson, daughter of William and Elizabeth Mendenhall, who were early settlers of this county ; by this union they had two children, viz., William and Harry ; in October; 1870, he lost his wife by death, and, in 1873, was married to Mrs. Melvina Beamer; daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth Rossiter; who are fully mentioned in the sketch of B. V. Rossiter in this work. After Mr. Manning's first marriage, he located in Piqua, and, like his father and grandfather; engaged in the milling business ; this mill he ran till 1864, then going to Shelby Co., where he ran a grist and saw mill for four years ; then back to Piqua, where he served as Justice of the Peace for six years, finally settling on the farm upon which he now resides ; this farm consists of 120 acres, and is the old Rossiter homestead farm ; here he anticipates passing the balance of his life in agricultural pursuits, looking upon this occupation as one of the most independent and pleasant pursuits man can engage in. Mr. Manning, in his childhood days, obtained but a limited education ; as he possessed a naturally quick and perceptive intellect, through application and observation, combined with study, he is now a man of, more than ordinary attainments, quite well read in law, and possessing a general knowledge of business, political and civil government. We have here made' quite an extended sketch of the Manning family, because, as a pioneer family of LOST CREEK TOWNSHIP - 535 Miami Co. of more than ordinary interest, and of active lives of labor and useful ness, they deserve special and prominent place in this history. JESSE MEEK, farmer ; P. 0. Christiansburgh, Champaign Co. ; born ix Pennsylvania Nov. 18, 1800 ; is a son of Basil and Diana (Evans) Meek, who wen also born in Pennsylvania, the grandparents being from England ; the parent: removed to Ohio in the spring of 1804, when Jesse was 3 years of age, locating first in Hocking Co., where they resided about ten years ; then going to Miami Co., locating on a farm near Tippecanoe, soon after the close of the war of 1812 here he continued until his advanced age demanded that he should retire fron hard work and active life ; he placed the care and management of the farm with his son John, living with him, and the other children, during the remainder of his life in November; 1863, he died, being nearly 88 years of age, and his wife, living till March, 1864, aged 85 years ; both now lie in the family cemetery, upon thy farm of Jesse Meek ; they were parents of nine children, of whom three are nov living, viz., Jesse, David and Dr. Isaac Meek, of Troy ; Jesse lived with his father till 23 years of age. Oct. 23, 1823, he was united in marriage with Sarah M. Dye daughter of Benjamin and Elizabeth (Jackson) Dye, who were born in Pennsylva nia, and came to Ohio, becoming among the early settlers of Miami Co. ; were contemporaries of the Knoops, Gerards, Martins, etc., of pioneer notoriety of Miami Co.; by this marriage Mr. Meek and wife have become parents of nine children, o whom five are now living, viz., Diana (now Widow Morris, residing in Troy), Benjamin Dye (living in Indiana), Sylvester; William W. and John L. ; after Mr Meek's marriage, he located upon the farm where he now resides, which he tool right in the thick, heavy timber; his nearest neighbor being two miles distant soon others located near him, where they toiled and labored, aiding one another it their log-rollings, etc., being true neighbors in those days ; now, Mr. Meek has beautiful farm, having by his labor cleared some 90 acres, and erected good build ings, with all necessary improvements ; he has now made a continued residence here of fifty-seven years, and is nearly 80 years of age ; he has given the manage went of the farm to his son John, who is married and lives with him on the place Mr. Meek and wife are members Of the Baptist Church, having been such for forty five years. REV. ADOLPHUS. B. NIXON, minister ; P. 0. Casstown ; born in Booths ville, Marion Co., W. Va., Aug. 6, 1846 ; is a son of Robert P. and Catharine Caroline (Hayhurst) Nixon, who were also born in Virginia, the grandparents coming from the same State, the ancestry originally from England ; the grandfather (Hayhurst' is still living, at the advanced age of 94 years ; he was in the war of 1812, and passed through many conflicts with the Indians ; Robert and Catharine are still residents of West Virginia ; he was in the Union army in the war of the rebellion, through its entire service ; they were the parents of thirteen children, 01 whom ten are now living, viz., Sebastian C., Adolphus, Harman A. (residing in Illi nois, a minister of the Gospel), William A., Ella C. (now Mrs. Robinson, of West Virginia), John S. (also of West Virginia), Addie M. (living in West Virginia, Alice C. and Harvey R., twins (now living in West Virginia) and Wayland L. ; Rev. Nixon lived with his parents till 24 years of age ; he engaged in the occupation of farming having obtained a good common-school education and one year's course at the Academy at Pruntytown, he now entered the Denison University, at Granville, Ohio, where he remained three years, when his health failing, he was obliged to desist from further prosecution of his studies ; he came to Miami Co., engaged in the occupation of teaching, which he followed about one year; and during this time was called to preach the Gospel, making his first effort in the Baptist Church at Casstown : on Dec. 20, 1873, was regularly ordained as a minister of the Gospel. March 26, 1874, was united in marriage with Sarah Alice S. Barnes, a daughter of Abel R. and Mary Barnes, who were born in Ohio, and were parents of four children, of whom two are, now living, viz., William Crozier and Sarah Alice S. Samuel T., now deceased, was in the war of the rebellion, where, from exposure and hardships, he contracted disease which caused his 536 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: death five months after his return from the army ; his was one of the many lives sacrificed in the defense of our country. Rev. Nixon •and wife have had one child, viz., Mamie Pearl, now deceased. Soon after their marriage, they removed to Chicago, and he took a ,course of study in the Theological Seminary, being engaged there one year. Having retained his pastorate in the church at Casstown and also at Lena, he returned to Casstown and took charge of these churches, remaining their pastor to the present time ; during his pastorate here the membership of the Casstown Church has increased from sixty-eight to one hundred and forty members, and that of the Lena Church from seventy to two hundred and fifty members, showing a remarkable progress, and we may hope that as he is still a young man in the Master's vineyard, that, as a watchman upon the walls of Zion, the great and good work he has done may be but the beginning of a greater work in the future, and at the last great day he may have " many stars in his crown of rejoicing." ANDREW. RALSTON, farmer ; P. O. Fletcher born in Miami Co. Jan. 26, 1839 ; is son of Barnabas and Melinda (Welchhans) Ralston. He was born in this county Aug 9, 1807, being probably one of the oldest men now living who was born in Miami Co. His wife, Melinda, was born in Warren Co., Ohio. The grandfather, Allen Ralston, was born in Scotland, and came to this country with his parents when only 3 years of age, arriving in the last ship which was permitted to come over prior to the Revolutionary war. The mother of Barnabas was a . daughter of Barnabas Blue, of pioneer history in the early settlement of this county. Barnabas and Melinda were the parents of five children, viz., Jacob, David, Catharine, deceased ; Mary, deceased, and Andrew. Barnabas, the father, has always from his birth lived upon the same section of land, Sec. 22, and after his marriage he settled, cleared and cultivated the farm from its native woods. Mr. Ralston, our subject, has lived with his father most of his life, being unmarried, and having taken charge of and carried on the farm for several years. Politically, he is a Democrat. In August, 1862, during the war of the rebellion, he enlisted in the 110th O. V. I., and served till the close of the war ; he was in the battles of the Wilderness, Spottsylvania Court House, Cold Harbor, Petersburg and several engagements under Gen. Sheridan in his Shenandoah Valley campaigns of 1864 ; he was sent back to the Potomac army, with which he remained, taking part in the many engagements that occurred up tc^ the close of the war ; in the final engagement at Petersburg it was their 6th Corps, as declared in a speech of Gen. Mead, that broke the rebel lines and caused the evacuation of Petersburg, and, consequently, of Richmond ; then followed the surrender of Gen. Lee, which glorious sight was gladly and fully witnessed by Mr. Ralston. REV. ELIJAH M. RAPP, minister, Casstown ; born in Miami Co., Ohio, on the farm where he now resides, Oct. 14, 1836 ; is a son of Barnett and Mary (Wersler) Rapp, who were born in Pennsylvania, and removed to this county in. spring of 1836, locating on the farm where our subject now resides. The grandparents were also natives of Pennsylvania, the ancestry originally corning from Germany and Scotland. Barnett and Mary were parents of ten children, of whom five are now living, viz., Benjamin F., Caroline V., Elijah, Laura C., now Mrs. James H. Stratton and Oliver B. When they located on this farm there was but a small portion cleared, with log buildings, in which they lived for several years, clearing and making improvements as time and means would permit.; being a blacksmith by trade, he worked more or less at that in connection with farming during the greater portion of his life ; he succeeded in getting most of his farm under cultivation, and erected comfortable and convenient buildings. The father departed this life Aug. 27, 1875, and the mother Aug. 16, 1876 ; they had been active Christian workers in the church for many years, having united with the Valley Baptist Church of Chester Co., Penn., in September, 1832 when, locating here, united with the Lost Creek Baptist Church by letter. Mr. Elijah Rapp, at 18 years of age, went to learn the carpenter trade with James Long, with whom he ..served one year, then with his brother Benjamin, with whom he served two years ; LOST CREEK TOWNSHIP - 537 he and his brother entered into partnership and carried on the business about months, when he bought out his brother and managed the business till 1859 ; returned home and farmed his father's place till 1862, when, at the call of country he enlisted in her defense in the 94th O. V. I., serving through the N He was united in marriage Dec. 25, 1859, with Mary F. Sayers, born June 1841, being a daughter of Benjamin and Emiline (Tytus) Sayers, he being b in Miami Co., and she in New Jersey. They were parents of only one ch Mary F. Elijah and Mary by their union have had four children, viz., Elmer Elsworth, Barnett Augustus, deceased, Charles Estus and William Hartley. Ai Mr. Rapp's return from the war, he located on a piece of land about one n north of the home farm, being a place the family had purchased while he was in army ; here he farmed this piece of land in connection with working at his tr till September, 1867, when he was ordained a minister in the Christian Church filling ministerial duties in the church since that time. In the fall of 1870, Mr. Rapp sold their property and located in Casstown, where he resided till the spring of 1878, when he moved back to the home farm, where he has since resided. They have been members of the church since the spring of 1858. CHARLES P. ROGERS, farmer ; P. O. Casstown ; born Oct. 18, 1818, in Clermont Co., Ohio ; is the son of Asa and Rebecca (Parker) Rogers, who were bi born in New Jersey, and came to Ohio after the war of 1812, locating in Clermont Co., where he remained till about 1825, when he moved into this county located in Lost Creek, remaining there until his death, July 31, 1874, aged near 83 Years ; his wife died Dec. 15, 1872, aged 75 years ; they were the parents eleven children, viz., Charles P., Isaac (deceased), John, Furman (deceased) Jarvis S., Mary Ann (now Mrs. Hammon, living in Troy), Joseph P., Lewis (deceased), Nancy (now Mrs. Sayers, in Troy), Harriet S. (now Mrs. Dr. I. Dev living in Troy), and Sarah Jane, now Mrs. George W. Cosley, of Troy. When Mr. Rogers, the father of our subject, located in this county, he settled in the woo where there was a' log cabin, into which they moved ; he cleared the farm, set e a good orchard, and had all in good cultivation. In the spring of 1847, he moved into Casstown, where he died. Our subject lived with his father till 19 years of age, when he left home and went to Addison to learn the blacksmith's trade, remaining there till 21 years of age ; then he worked as a journeyman in different places for about two years, when he went home to his father's, where, after a time he built a shop and carried on blacksmithing until 1846 ; moved then to Casstown and there carried on the business until 1863, when he left his trade and went on to a farm, since which he has devoted himself to agricultural pursuits ; he localed at his present residence in February, 1866 ; he now owns 223 acres of land, in good repair. Mr. Rogers was married Sept.30, 1846, to Sarah, daughter of George Cox; they had one child, viz., Furman C. Mr. Rogers lost his wife Aug. 11, 1849, and Sept. 10, 1850, was united in marriage with Mrs. Eliza Ann Walker, daughter of George and Sarah Markley, who were natives of Pennsylvania ; they have had seven children, viz., Lewis (deceased), Florence (deceased), Irene, (now Mrs. A. B. Thackera), Madison (deceased), Theodore L., Gilbert M. and Sherman T. Mr. Rogers is, politically, a Republican. BAINBRIDGE V. ROSSITER, farmer ; P. O. Casstown ; born in Miami Co., July 18, 1838 ; is son of Thomas W. and Elizabeth (Wesler) Rossiter, who were born in Pennsylvania, the grandparents were also natives of Pennsylvania ; the ancestry on the father's side were probably from France, and on the mother's side from Germany. They were parents, Thomas and Elizabeth, removed to this county in October, 1835, where they resided till the death of Thomas, which occurred in July 1869 ; the mother is still living, and is now 77 years of age. They were parents of seven children, of whom four are now living, viz., Melvina E., now Mrs. L. C. Manning ; Byron P. ; Mary A., now Mrs. D. Eyer, living in Iowa ; and Bainbridge V. Mr. Rossiter lived with his parents till his marriage, which occurred May 20, 1862, when he was united to Catharine Eyer, daughter of Samuel and Esther Eyer, who were born in Pennsylvania, but located in this county at an early day. They 538 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: were the parents of nine children, of whom four are living, viz., Sarah, now Mrs. Levi Simmons ; David, living in Iowa ; Elizabeth, now Mrs. William Howell, also in Iowa, and Henry. May 20, 1864, the second anniversary of their marriage, his wife Catharine was taken away by death. In April, 1867, Mr. Rossiter was united in marriage with Harriet Deweese, daughter of William and Susannah Deweese, who were natives of Virginia, but settled in this county at an early day. They were parents of ten children, of whom three are living, viz., John, Mary A., and Harriet. By this union they have three children—Elmer B., born May 26, 1868 ; Harry G., born Sept. 9, 1871 ; and Marvin T., born Nov.4, 1876. Thomas, the father of our subject, was a carpenter by trade, which he followed more or less for many years, in conjunction with farming ; but later in life he took up the practice of medicine, which he followed several years, till, his health failing him, he retired from all active business. He was a very active Christian worker ; organized the first Sabbath school, ever held in Lost Creek Township, of which he was Superintendent for many years. Mr. Rossiter; our subject, after his marriage, located upon the farm where he now resides, comprising 135 acres with two good houses, barns and other buildings. Politically, Mr. Rossiter is a Democrat. He and his wife are members of the Christian Church ; he having been a member for twenty years, and she for eleven years. BYRON P. ROSSITER, farmer ; P. 0. Casstown. Byron P. Rossiter; son of Thomas W. and Elizabeth Rossiter; was born on the banks of the Schuylkill River; in Chester Co., Penn. ; settled with his parents in this county in-1835, in Lost Creek Township, Sec. 14. JOSHUA ROUTZAHN, farmer ; P. 0. Casstown ; born in Maryland Oct. 31, 1832 ; is a son of Adam and Mary (Poffenberger) Routzahn, who were also born in Maryland and still reside there. They are the parents of seven children, viz., Isaiah, Joshua, Elizabeth M., Catharine R., Carlton C., David B. and Manzella S. The grandparents came from Germany. Our subject lived with his father till his majority, then came West to Ohio, and located in this county and township ; he worked a few months for Henry Yates, then went to John Odaffer's, where he remained about fifteen years, working the farm on shares, at the expiration of which time he bought the farm where he now resides. On Sept. 16, 1857, he was married to Harriet Odaffer; daughter of John and Mary (Swords) Odaffer; both born in Pennsylvania. They were parents of eight children, viz., David (deceased), Elizabeth, Catharine, Harriet, Mary (married to D. Whitmore, hut now deceased), Sarah, Emiline and Almeda. The family of Odaffers were early pioneers in this county, coming here in about 1826. Mr. Routzahn and wife are parents of one child, viz., Minnie K. He has a farm consisting of 80 acres, good buildings and everything needed to make a pleasant home. He is one who has the confidence of the community in which he lives ; has been Township Trustee three years, and Asessor three years. Mr. Routzahn has been a member of the Lutheran Church for thirty years ; his wife has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for nearly twenty years. JOHN R. STRATTON, farmer ; P. 0. Casstown ; born in Miami Co., Ohio, on the farm upon which he now resides, Nov. 27, 1831 ; is a son of Orange and Isabella (Long) Stratton, he being born in Pennsylvania and she in Virginia. The grandparents on the father's side were born in. Connecticut, on the mother's side in 'Ireland, coming to this country with their parents when about 10 years of age ; the grandparents on the father's side came to Ohio and located in Hamilton Co. in about 1820, where they lived and died ; on the mother's side they came and located in Miami Co. in about 1830. Orange and Isabella, the parents, located first in Hamilton Co., Ohio, where they lived about ten years, going thence to Miami Co., and locating upon the farm now owned by John; they had nine children. five of whom are living, viz., John R. James H., De Witt Clinton, Huldah M. (now Mrs. John E. Walker) and Martha H. Mr. Stratton, our subject, remained with his parents till 17 years of age, when he went to Cincinnati, into Roberts & Moffatt's dry-goods establishment, where he clerked for four years, then went to LOST CREEK TOWNSHIP - 539 New Orleans, clerking in a wholesale grocery two years ; removing to St. Louis, he clerked two years ; arriving at Davenport, Iowa, he clerked six years ; thence going twenty miles into the country, he rented a farm, where he remained two years. In August, 1862, he enlisted in the 20th Iowa V. I., and served through the war of the rebellion ; wad in the battle of Vicksburg, when that place was taken, and at the taking of Ft: Morgan, and other engagements ; at the close of the war he received an honorable discharge, and returned home ; he then located upon the home place with his parents. He was united in marriage, Dec. 13, 1866, with Jennie A. Walker; daughter of John and Margaret Walker; who were natives of Pennsylvania, and came to this county about 1850 ; they were the parents of six children, of whom three are now living, viz., Josiah, John and Jennie A. Mr. Stratton and wife by this union have had four children, viz., Othniel (dying in infancy), Eugene Clifford, Curtis W. and Susan Viola ; they remained with their parents till their death, the father dying Oct. 1,1875, and the mother April 4, 1879, since which time John has farmed the place ; he has 80 acres of good land, with comfortable buildings, constituting a pleasant farmer's residence. Politically, Mr. Stratton is a Republican ; religiously, he is a Presbyterian. JAMES M. STUART, blacksmith, Casstown. Among the business met of Casstown, and one of the most prominent blacksmiths of the town, is James M. Stuart, who was born in Armstrong Co., Penn., March 21, 1834 ; he is a son of James and Hannah (Moore) Stuart, who were natives of Pennsylvania ; the grandfather came from Scotland, and the grandmother was born in Pennsylvania, but her ancestry also came from Scotland. James and Hannah were parents of nine children, of whom five are living—William J. living in Sharon, Penn.; David P., of Clarion, Penn.; John G., of Shelby Co., Mo.; Alexander S. and James M. The parents lived and died in Pennsylvania ; the mother dying when James was only two years of age, but the father still kept house and took care of his children, till James was twelve years of age. when he was placed with his married sister; with whom he lived till sixteen years of age ; at this age he went to learn the blacksmith's trade with Henry Crumb, of Kittanning, Penn., where he served, an apprenticeship of four years ; thence came to Ohio, located in Brown Township, this county, and carried on his trade one year ; then worked as a journeyman for one year ; tried farming for five years. May 16, 1859. was united in marriage with Frances W. Roberts, daughter of Israel and Elizabeth Roberts, natives of Pennsylvania ; by this union they have had eight children, of whom six are now living, viz., Alice E., Charles C., Mary M., Effie J., Lee and Bessie B. After Mr. Stuart's five years of farming had expired, he again went to his trade, which he followed about one year ; Aug. 5, 1862, he enlisted in the 94th 0. V. I. and served through the war; being with Gen. Sherman in his raid through the South ; was in the battles of Perrysville, Ky., Stone River; Tenn., Lookout Mountain, Mission Ridge, Ringgold, and Resaca ; at the latter place his regiment lost every fifth man, being a very severe engagement ; was also at the siege of Atlanta and in other battles ; his life was spared, and at the close of the war he was permitted to return to his home and friends. He then located in Addison, Champaign Co., Ohio, where he worked at his trade two years; came to Casstown, where he has carried on business to the present time ; he has been in business here thirteen years, has a good run of custom and is doing well. Mr Stuart is a member of the Baptist Church, his membership covering a period of twenty-two years. WILLIAM TYLER, blacksmith, Casstown ; born in England, April 28, 1830 ; is a son of Francis and Jane Tyler; who were born in England, and were parents of seven children viz., Fannie, William, Mary Ann, Elizabeth, Emma, George and Eliza, all residing in England except William, who, in May, 1852, emigrated to America. He had served a seven-years apprenticeship at blacksmithing under his father; according to law and custom of that country. He located at Kenton, Ohio, worked at his trade two months ; then went to Springfield Ohio, where he worked at horse-shoeing exclusively for about three weeks ; removed to Dayton, and worked two to three years, being employed in every shop but one in Dayton, his object 540 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES : being to learn all the ways and modes of the trade in this country, and to become thoroughly acquainted with the wants of the people, and the trade as it exists here. He located at Pleasant Hill, this county, thence going to Preble Co., thence to Troy, afterward to Wisconsin, finally to Casstown, where he has carried cn thy, business fourteen years. About the year 1858 he was united in marriage with Miss Effie, daughter of Peter Banta, by whom he has had four children, of whom three are now living, viz., Caroline, George and Charles. Mr. Tyler has, during his many years of trade in this town; done a good business ; his efficiency, by the length and thoroughness of his apprenticeship in England, constitutes him a master workman at his profession he has accumulated a competency and is prepared to live and enjoy the fruits of his labors ; he still works and carries on a good business, preferring work to idleness. GEN. JOHN WEBB, farmer ; P. O. Casstown. Gen. John Webb, who was born in Mason Co., Ky., May 7, 1793, is son of John and Rachel (Davis) Webb, he being a native of Virginia, and she of Pennsylvania ; the ancestry on the father's side were from England, and on the mother's side from Wales. The father, John, removed from Kentucky in 1797, and located near Dayton, Ohio, where he resided till 1811, when he started on horseback to come to Miami Co., to view and purchase some land ; his horse becoming frightened, he was thrown to the ground and killed, right in sight of his family, Nov. 28, 1811. Gen. Webb, the subject of our sketch, located in this county in 1807, and engaged in teaching a school, which was the first in Lost Creek region ; the school-room was a small log house with windows made by holes cut through the logs, and sticks placed perpendicularly, with greased paper pasted over them, through which they received the light ; the seats were hewed timbers with legs put into them, constituting benches for the pupils. In this kind of schoolhouses our subject, John, attended, and obtained the limited education qualifying him for his work of teaching, and acquired, prior to 16 years of age, at which time he taught the above-mentioned school ; he followed the occupation of teaching for seven or eight years. In the spring of 1812, he bought 128 acres of land, where he now lives, residing in the log cabins then on it. In 1813, he enlisted in the war, expecting to go to Detroit, but the Indians became so dangerous through this section that they had to build block-houses, and reserve a great portion of the soldiers for the home defense. John was among those sent to Greenville, where he served about 6 months ; he returned to his farm and mother, who resided with him till her death. On Nov. 14, 1815, he celebrated his marriage with Priscilla Knight, daughter of William and Priscilla (Corbly) Knight, who were natives of Pennsylvania. By this union they had eleven children, viz., Lewis R., William K., Thomas, Benjamin F. and John Shelby, both deceased, dying in California ; Jabez S., dying in infancy ; Anna, Eliza, dying at 10 years of age ; Elvira, now Mrs. Jacob Weatherhead, living in Shelby Co. Ohio • Ellen Maria, deceased, and Julia Ann, deceased. His wife, Priscilla, departed this life from a stroke of palsy, in January, 1870. Gen. Webb has passed through all the trying ordeals of a pioneer life, but his labors have been crowned with success he has a good farm and everything to make life comfortable and happy ; he has been spared to the advanced age of 87 years: In his military life, he passed through all the grades of offices from a common soldier to a Major General. In civil life he has held the offices of Assessor, Appraiser, Constable, Township Trustee and Justice of the Peace; the latter office he held for thirty years ; he has been an active member of the Baptist Church for fifty-three years, and its Clerk for forty years, also Clerk of the Mad River Association for about forty years. SAMUEL WEBB, retired ; P. O. Casstown ; born in this township and county ; is a son of Elisha and Mary Webb, he being a native of Pennsylvania, she of Maryland, whose ancestry is mentioned in the sketch of John Webb, in this work , Elisha, the father, was born Jan. 25, 1778, and came to Miami Co. with his mother and brother John at the date stated in John's sketch, being among the early pioneers ; he located on a farm one-half mile north of Casstown, where he cleared a LOST CREEK TOWNSHIP - 541 farm and made a home from the primeval forests ; Mr. Webb was a man of peculiar home habits, being a very industrious, hard-working man, very devoted to his home interests and his family ; he never even went to Troy, a distance of four miles ; the canal having then been built twenty years, he had never seen it until one day, by great coaxing of some of his neighbors, he was induced to go with them and see it ; he was religiously very devoted, knowing the Bible almost by heart, yet never attended church, but ever extending his hospitality to the ministers, bringing up his family to be constant attendants of church services ; in his later years he became possessed of considerable means, and often loaned money to his neighbors, but would never take a note therefor, believing that if a man's word was not good neither was his note ; these were some of his peculiarities, but he was or undoubted character, an excellent neighbor, and one whose life was a benefit to his generation. They were the parents of ten children, eight of whom are living—Hannah (now Mrs. J. Martin), John (now living in Michigan), Samuel B., Rachel (now Widow Cregar, living in Seneca Co., Ohio), Nancy (now Mrs. Jones), Joseph D. (living in Mercer Co.), Pamelia (now Mrs. Young) and James T.; Mary Webb, the mother, departed this life March 17, 1873, and Elisha Oct. 13, 1873. Mr. Webb, our subject, learned the carpenter's trade while young ; at this trade and farming he spent most of his life, until 1867 ; then he became a dealer in nursery stock, which business he followed for nine years, since which he has lived in Casstown mostly, retired from active business. On Sept. 21, 1876, he was united in marriage with Jennie Pyfer, a daughter of John and Mary Ann Pyfer, he being a native of Virginia and she of Maryland ; Mr. Pyfer is now a resident of Mercer Co., Ohio ; Jennie, their daughter, and wife of our subject, received a good education and taught school for sixteen years, until her marriage with Mr. Webb. DAVID J. WHITMORE, farmer and stock-dealer ; P. O. Casstown ; born in Miami Co.; is a son of Henry and Sarah (Jones) Whitmore ; Mr. Whitmore was born in Virginia and his wife in Kentucky ; in 1831, he bought and located upon the farm where his son David now lives ; they were parents of five children, viz. : Mary Jane (deceased), David J., Elizabeth (now Mrs. Thomas. J. Webb, living in Indiana), Sarah E. and Martha A. (twins—deceased) ; his wife died in 1843, and, in 1845, he was married to Mary Stephenson, daughter of Jacob and Rachel Saylor ; Henry, the father, took his farm mostly in the woods, cleared the land and erected all the buildings by his own labor and industry, but, in his later years, was enabled to enjoy the fruits of his labors, and to leave to his children a nice home ; he died Sept. 21, 1879 ; his wife is still living with David. Mr. David Whitmore was united in marriage, in 1858, to Mary W., daughter of John and Mary Odaffer, who were born in Pennsylvania, and came to this county at an early day ; they had two children, viz., Henry M. and John C. (deceased) ; Mr. Whitmore lost his wife in 1864, and, in 1866, was married to Cassie A., daughter of Edmund D. and Deborah M. Lewis ; they have had three children, viz., Mary L., Edmund S. and Estella V. Mr. W. has been Township Treasurer one year, and Township Trustee for seven years. JOHN H. WILGUS, farmer ; P. O. Conover; born in Warren Co., Ohio, Oct. 5, 1831 ; is a son of Thomas and Anna (Hunt) Wilgus, whose sketch appears in full in this work. Mr. Wilgus, our subject, lived with his father till his marriage, which event occurred Aug. 23, 1856, when he was united with Dulcena Frazee, daughter of Lewis and Rebecca (Wolcott) Frazee, who were both born in Ohio, the Frazee family and the Wolcotts being among the early settlers of Miami Co.; the ancestry of the Frazee family were originally from France, and of the Wolcott family from Wales ; Lewis and Rebecca were the parents of eight children, of whom five are now living, viz., Jerusha, now Mrs. John Mitchell, of Brown Township ; Dulcena ; Moses, living in Urbana, Ill. ; Sarah, now Mrs. Seise, living in Champaign Co., III., and Morris, also living in Illinois ; Mr. Wilgus and wife, by this union, have had nine children, of whom six are now living, viz., Lewis F., John Franklin, Rousseau, Thomas, Ralph and William. After his marriage, Mr. 542 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: Wilgus first located on the Frazee farm, where they lived till about 1864, when he came to his present location, where he has since resided ; he has 152 acres of excellent land, upon which he has erected a fine brick house, constituting a beautiful farmer's residence. Politically, Mr. Wilgus is a Republican ; he has been Township Trustee and held several other offices. THOMAS WILGUS, farmer ; P. O. Conover ; born in New Jersey Sept. 18, 1807; is a son of William and Mary (Wright) Wilgus, natives of New Jersey ; the grandfather; John, was from England, and the grandmother; McCabe, was of Irish descent ; William was born Feb. 29, 1776; he and his wife removed from New Jersey, and landed at Cincinnati June 9, 1815, locating in Warren Co., where they lived and died, he departing this life March 9, 1866, being 90 years of age, and his wife in September; 1843 ; they were the parents of ten children, of whom seven are living, viz., Thomas, William, James, Daniel (living in Xenia, Ohio), Mary (now Mrs. Joseph Nedry, living in Warren Co.), Lydia (now Widow Dunham, living in Illinois) and Harriet (now Mrs. Sabin, living in Warren Co.). Mr. Wilgus, our subject, was united in marriage Oct. 29, 1830, with Anna Hunt, daughter of John and Jane (Phillips) Hunt, natives of South Carolina and early settlers of Ohio ; they had three children, now all deceased, Anna, the wife of Mr. Wilgus, departing this life Oct. 29, 1834 ; Mr. Wilgus and wife had two children—John H. and Mary (now Mrs. J. Babb). June 16, 1836, he was united in marriage with Hannah Robinson, daughter of Richard and Lydia Robinson, natives of New Jersey ; they had four children, of whom three are living—William, Michael R. and Thomas. Mr. Wilgus, after his first marriage, lived in Warren Co. two years, then in Miami Co., on the place where he now resides ; this farm, upon which only 25 acres were cleared when he located, with a log cabin, in which they lived for several years, now has 130 acres in cultivation ; in 1855, he erected a large frame house, which enabled them to live in comfort ; in 1862, his fine house was destroyed by fire, but, with his accustomed energy and industry, he went to work, and, in a short time, had erected his present large house about the same time, he purchased 250 acres of land adjoining his farm on the south, constituting a farm of 570 acres of excellent land ; this he has accumulated by his own labor and industry. Mr. Wilgus and wife have been members of the M. E. Church for twenty-five years. CHARLES P. YOUNG, tailor; Casstown ; born in Maryland May 20, 1829 ; is a son of Peter and Charlotte (Geisinger) Young, both natives of Maryland, where they lived and died. The grandparents were also natives of Maryland, but the ancestry came from Germany and England. Peter and Charlotte were parents of ten children, of whom six are now living, viz., Sarah Jane, now Mrs. J. W. White ; Cassandra G., now Mrs. H. T. Rudy ; Ellen ; Ann Louisa, now Mrs. Shaffer ; Charlotte Elizabeth, now Mrs. Kefauvre; and Charles P. ; the five daughters all living at present time in Maryland. In 1850, Mr. Peter Young was Deputy Marshall, and took the census of Middletown and Catoctin Districts, of Maryland. Mr. Young, our subject, lived with his father until 21 years of age, and during this time learned the tailoring business, at which profession he has devoted himself the most of his life ; he followed his .trade in Maryland till 1864, when he removed to Springfield, Ohio, thence to Miami Co., then back to Springfield, remaining some two years ; back to Miami Co. again, where he has since resided, following his trade, having continued the business here for sixteen years. Jan. 13, 1870, Mr. Young was united in marriage with Pamelia P. Webb, daughter of Elisha and Mary Webb, who are mentioned in sketch of John Webb in this work. Mr. Young, has had a life experience at his trade, and is now considered one of the best workmen in the county, having all the work he can attend to, doing a large amount of custom work for Kaufman & Ellis, of Troy. Mr. Young is a stanch Republican, and has been Justice of the Peace for three years. HARRISON YOUTSEY, farmer ; P. 0. Casstown ; born in Maryland Jan. 20, 1821 ; is a son of John and Catharine Youtsey, who were probably born in Maryland, the ancestry originally coming from Germany. John and Catharine removed from Maryland to Miami Co. in 1831, and located upon the farm where STAUNTON TOWNSHIP - 543 G. G. McDowell now resides ; there he lived about seven. years, then went to the farm which has since been known as the Sanderson place, and resided three years, after which he resided with his children until his death, which occurred in January, 1859. Mr. Youtsey lived with his father until 20 years of age. Nov. 9, 1843, he was united in marriage with Sarah Ann Saunders, daughter of William and Elizabeth (Sheets) Saunders, by which union they have had eleven children, of whom five are now living, viz., Maria Ellen, now Mrs. Amos Cromer ; William H.; John C. ; Clara, now Mrs. William Linton ; and Andrew S. Mr. Youtsey, after his marriage, located for a few months in Elizabeth Township, near Sheets' Mills, then went on a farm south of Casstown, where he resided about four years, afterward going on, to a farm near Miami City and residing four years, finally settling on a farm where he now resides. When Mr. Youtsey was married and started out in life, he was possessed of barely enough means to keep house and live in the most humble style ; now he owns five good farms, embracing 724 acres, all excellent land, and most of the farms have good improvements with excellent buildings ; on his home place he has a large, fine house, which he built since he located upon the farm. This large amount Of property has mostly been accumulated by his own energy and industry in the space of thirty-five years. STAUNTON TOWNSHIP. JOHN D. BATTSON, farmer ; P.'0. Troy ; was born in Montgomery Co., Ohio, March 14, 1835, and is a son of William and Eacy J. (Donavan) Battson. Mr. Battson was born in Virginia and Mrs. Battson in Pennsylvania, coming to Ohio at an early day. They were parents of two children, viz., John D., and Joseph, dying in infancy. Mr. Battson, the father; was first united in marriage with Sarah McCann, daughter of James and Ann McCann ; by this union they had seven children, of whom five are living, viz., Rachel, James, Mordecai Milton, Maria and Jonathan. He came to this county in 1838, and located in Elizabeth Township, where he remained about three years; thence into Staunton Township, where he lived and died, departing this life Nov. 5, 1854. Mr. Battson, our subject, lived with his father till his death, and then with his mother till Aug. 28, 1856, when he was united in marriage with Catharine J. Ullery, daughter of Adam and Mary Charlotte Ullery, who were from Germany, coming to this country in 1823 ; they located in Pennsylvania, then in Ohio, near Dayton, where he lived a short time, finally removing to Miami Co., where he lived and died at the advanced age of 89. He was one of the first of Napoleon's soldiers, and was in several severe engagements under that distinguished warrior and conqueror. When he came to this county, he opened out and cleared a farm from the native forest. Here they met all the hardships and dangers of pioneer life, their nearest neighbors being the Indians, wolves, bear; deer; etc., which infested the forests where they came to make a home ; but from year to year the forests disappeared, and other settlers came nearer to them, till, in his latter years, he enjoyed the comforts of a good home, good neighbors and excellent conveniences. John D. Battson and wife are parents of eleven children, ten of whom are living, viz., Clara Jane, Jonathan Homer; John Sherman, Joseph Morton, Mary Maud, Hattie Emily, William Ellsworth, Dora Bell and Flora May (twins) and Daisy Dean. Since Mr. Battson's marriage, he has followed farming on rented farms in Miami Co. (with the exception of eight years, during which he lived in Darke Co.) until three years ago, then he bought the farm upon which he now resides. He, like his father before him, is an industrious, straightforward man, having the confidence of his neighbors and the community where he lives ; he has been Justice of the Peace for seven years, and Township Clerk for five years. 544 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: CYRUS T. BROWN, farmer ; P. 0. Troy ; was born in Miami Co., June 13, 1844, is a son of Daniel and Eliza H. (Telford) Brown ; Mr. Brown was born in Rhode Island May 9, 1809, and his wife in this county Dec. 10, 1816 ; the grandfather; Arnold Brown, was also born in Rhode Island, emigrating to Ohio in 1834, and locating in Hamilton Co., where he remained about four years, then going to Miami Co., on the farm where Cyrus now lives ; the farm was nearly all in the woods, with a log cabin on it. He was father of six children ; here he and his son Daniel commenced to clear up and make a home. They started from the commencement in the dairy business, making butter and cheese, some of which they marketed near home and some in Cincinnati ; there being no railroads, they had to go through with teams. Daniel, the son, was married June 13, 1843 ; by this union they had six children, viz., Cyrus T., Cornelia J., Mary B., now a physician in New York City ; Rebecca 0., now deceased ; Arnold 0. and Harry W. Mr. Brown, the father; always remained upon the home place with his father till his death, which occurred April 13, 1869, he being about 83 years of age, after which he still continued upon the farm till Dec. 24, 1877, when he, too, was called away by death. His sons now have the management of the, place, which their fathers have improved and-brought into a fine state of cultivation, with good buildings and many conveniences. Mr. Brown, the father; first bought 160 acres, and from time to time added more to it, by purchase, till he became owner of 1,000 acres ; at various times portions were sold, until now they have 500 acres, one of the largest farms in Staunton Township. Mr. Daniel Brown was one of the moving spirits in the leading business enterprises, and one of the originators of the First National Bank of Troy, holding some $20,000 of stock in the same ; was also one of the organizers of the Gas Company. He erected the " Beehive Corner," or Brown's Block, as it is usually known in Troy ; during the building of this block, Mr. Brown met with an accident, from which his life was miraculously saved ; he fell from the third story to the pavement below, striking on his feet and sliding into the cellar. The fall was caused by some mismanagement of the derrick in raising material to the top of the building at which he was working ; he was thrown head foremost over the walls of the building, but catching by the ropes, turned himself, striking upon his feet ; although badly hurt and jarred, his life was saved. Daniel Brown's mother departed this life Sept. 21, 1862. The death of Mr. Daniel Brown was a great loss to the community, he being one of its most public-spirited men. J. D. COUNTS, farmer ; P. 0. Troy ; was born Aug. 17, 1816, in Miami Co., and is a son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Frame) Counts, who were born in Kentucky, coming to this county in June, 1816, and locating upon the farm now owned by John. Jacob, the father; was in the war of 1812, and was with Gen. Harrison's army when he passed all through this section of the country ; he formed such a favorable impression of this valley and dislike to the institution of slavery, "then existing in Kentucky, that he resolved to come and locate in this county • when he settled here, there was but little oleared land, with a log cabin upon it ; he built a new log house, cleared up the farm, and erected a good barn, and making other improvements, living here the remainder of his life ; he died in December; 1872, being in his eighty-third year. The grandfather; Jacob, also located on this farm at the same time as his son, in 1816 ; he was born in Maryland, but while a young man went to Virginia and from there to Kentucky, where he lived till above date (1816), when he located in Miami Co. The great-grandfather came from Germany, and on the mother's side the ancestry came from Ireland. Mr. Counts, the subject of our sketch, always remained with his father till his death. He was united in marriage, in August, 1843, with Mary Marshall, daughter of Martin and Eleanor Marshall, who were born in Pennsylvania by this union they have had two children, viz., Caroline, now Mrs. Rollins of Troy, and Walter; still living at home. Mr. Counts is a stanch Republican, like his father before him, who was representative from this county in 1842 and 1843 ; was Justice of the Peace for eighteen years. The history of the Counts family exhibits lives replete with activity, and so connected with the early settlers of this county, that it stands forth with great STAUNTON TOWNSHIP - 545 prominence to future generations, in the history of their ancestors and early pion¬eers. Mr. Counts and family are members of the Presbyterian Church at Troy, his membership dating back for forty years. His parents were also very active Christian workers in the church, and their character and example stands forth as bright and shining lights for all future generations. ANDREW DEWEESE, farmer ; P. 0.Troy ; he was born in Miami Co. Nov. 1, 1827, is a son of Thomas and Ruth (Dye) Deweese ; he was probably a native of Virginia, she of Pennsylvania, and came to this county among its earliest settlers ; they were the parents of seven children, viz., John, born May 5, 1823 ; Mary, born Sept. 15, 1825, now Mrs. George W. Fuller; living near Urbana ; Andrew ; Elizabeth, deceased, was married to John Croy, by whom she had three children ; David, born March 7, 1833 ; Melissa, born Aug. 21, 1835, deceased ; Thomas, deceased. Mr. Deweese first located upon the farm now owned by Statlers, where he resided about seven years, thence going to the farm adjoining it on the north, upon which the sons, Andrew and David, now live, where he lived, and died, Feb. 17, 1838, his death being caused by a runaway team, throwing him from a sled ; he was dragged quite a distance and so much injured that he died the next evening. Wher Thomas came upon this farm it was all in the wilderness, and they commenced, it pioneer style, in the log cabin, toiling and laboring from year to year; till at lag they were permitted to see some 50 acres cleared, a good brick house erected, and everything brought into such improved condition that it became a very comfortable and pleasant home. Andrew and David have now managed the farm for about thirty-five years, and, during this time, have bought out the other heirs, being entire owners of the farm for many years. Andrew was united in marriage Sept 5, 1866, with Elizabeth Hart, daughter of Wilson and Laura Hart. Andrew anc David have an excellent farm, in fine cultivation. After the death of Thomas Deweese, Ruth, his wife, was left with a large family of seven children, one being an infant, while the eldest was but 15 years of age ; with this charge upon he: hands, it called forth all the energy and good judgment of her well-balanced mind to keep her family all together; raise and train them aright ; but she was a woman fully qualified for the undertaking, and well did she do her work, managing till farm, educating and training the children in so successful a manner that her car' and teaching can never be forgotten by them, her labors and good works deserving a place upon these pages to be handed down to mothers of future generations on Dec. 21, 1876, her labors being done, at her Master's call, she quietly passed away from the toils and cares of earth to joy and peace beyond. GEORGE W. DEWEESE, farmer ; P. 0. Troy ; was born in Staunton Town ship in 1828, and is the son of Joshua and Mary (Gerard) Deweese ; he was bon in Virginia, and his wife in this county ; the date of his birth is Dec. 4, 1796, am she was born April 21, 1800, being the first white female child born in Miami Co. The grandfather; Samuel, was from Virginia, and came to this county, locating in Staunton Township in 1812 ; he was a Baptist minister; and lived in thi county till about 1820, when he departed this life. Joshua and Mary were married in 1818, and resided on the home place of his father's, where he lived an died, departing this life May 3, 1859. They were parents of fourteen children, o whom eleven are now living, viz., Samuel, Martha, Sarah, Catharine, Henry G George W., Rachel H., John B., Joshua H., Joseph, Mary A., deceased, Thomas W., Mary A.. deceased, and James W., deceased. Mr. Deweese lived with hi father until 21 years of age, then went to California, where he remained abou three years and a half, thence back to this county. Sept. 4. 1855, he was unite in marriage with Eliza J. Stillwell, daughter of Elias and Elizabeth Stillwell, wh were born in New Jersey. By this union they had five children, viz., Milford, George, deceased, Alma, Horace, deceased, and Wilbert T. Mr. Deweese, after hi marriage, located on the farm now owned by S. Cecil, where they lived till 187l when he sold out and bought the farm upon which he now resides, this being th old home farm of his wife's father; upon which he settled in 1819. 546 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: HENRY G. DEWEESE, farmer ; P. 0. Piqua ; was born in Miami Co. Jan. 8, 1826 ; is a son of Joshua and Mary (Gerard) Deweese, he being a native of Virginia, Dec. 4, 1796,. and coming to this county when only 10 years of age, in 1806. She was born in Ohio April 21, 1800, being the first female white child born in the county. Her father was one of the earliest settlers, locating in this county in 1798. They were the parents of fourteen children, viz., Samuel, born July 14, 1819 ; Martha, Feb. 1, 1821 ; Sarah, April 27, 1822 ; Catharine, Feb. 16, 1824 ; Henry, Jan. 8, 1826 ; George W., Jan. 1, 1828 ; Rachel, July 7, 1829 ; John, Feb. 19, 1831 ; Joshua, Sept. 1, 1832 ; Joseph, May 30, 1834 ; Thomas, May 5, 1839 ; Mary Ann, Jan. 30, 1841, deceased ; Mary Ann, born July 18, 1849, deceased ; and James, born. Nov. 9, 1853, deceased. Mr. Deweese lived with his father until 21 years of age, when he " struck out " for himself, working for $8 per month for about four months, then rented a farm for about two years, when he bought 100 acres of land,' but had only $200 to pay down on it ; he was told by his father and brothers that he could never meet the payments for the balance, but he went to work with energy, and before it was all due, he had all paid for. He was united in marriage, Aug. 26, 1848, with Lucy Ann Estey, daughter of David and Ann (Knoop) Estey, who were born in New Brunswick. By this union they have had nine children, viz., Aminta J., born July 16, 1849 ; Zelia A., April 10, 1851, deceased; Jotham W., born Jan. 16, 1853; Franklin A., Sept. 19, 1854 ; Henry H., May 17, 1856 ; Maggie A., May 2, 1860; Florence E., Sept. 8, 1862 ; Dooia Ellen, Sept, 18, 1869 ; and Alvah Watson, March 13, 1873. Mr. Deweese, with but little capital on which to start, has labored and accumulated from year to year; till now he has 264 acres of good land, fine buildings and everything required for comfort. Mr. Deweese and wife are members of the Christian Church, their membership dating back for twenty-five years ; have been active members both financially and otherwise. GRAYSON DYE, farmer ; P. 0. Piqua; a descendant of the old Dye family, of pioneer history ; was born in Miami Co. Jan. 11, 1841, and is the son of James M. and Letty (Cecil) Dye ; he was also born in Miami Co. and she in Virginia, but came with her parents to Ohio when a small child. They were united in marriage March 3, 1825-the day before that upon which Andrew Jackson was inaugurated as President of the United. States ; by this union they had thirteen children, of whom six are now living, viz., Thomas C., Joseph C., Roswell S., Elizabeth, Grayson and Nancy J. The grandfather, Benjamin, was born in Pennsylvania, but left there and came to Cincinnati in 1798, thence to Miami Co. in 1799, being one of the earliest of the pioneers i they located upon the same section upon which Grayson, the grandson, now lives, and on the very road which was cut out through the then wilderness, during the war of 1812, by Gen. Wayne ; "these were the days that tried men's souls." The father; James M., and the son, Grayson, both were born on the same section, making a continued residence of the Dye family upon the same land of eighty-one years. Grayson Dye was united in marriage, Oct. 12, 1864, with Louisa Sheafer; daughter of Eckert and Rachel Sheafer; who were born in Pennsylvania and came to Ohio in 1848 ; by this union they have three children, viz., Thomas A., Pamelia, James M. Mr. Dye owns a good farm of . 199 acres of excellent bottom land, and also has charge of his mother's farm of 220 acres, thus giving him the superintendency of 419 acres of land ; he is largely engaged in stock-raising, having 700 sheep and the best blooded stock ; he is an active, thorough-going farmer; believing that successful farming requires knowledge and scientific attainments. SIMON ESTEY, farmer ; P. 0. Troy ; was born in Miami Co. January, 1824, and is the son of David and Ann Estey, who were born in New Brunswick, but came to this county, about 1823, and located in Lost Creek Township ; the grandfather was also a native of New Brunswick ; David and Ann were parents of eleven children, of whom ten are now living, viz., James, Michael, Charles, George, Simon, William, Mary, Lucy, Jotham and Maria ; Mr. Estey remained with his father till 1844. In September of that year; he was united in marriage with Sarah STAUNTON TOWNSHIP - 549 M. Deweese, daughter of Joshua and Mary Deweese ; he was born in Virginia ; his wife was the first female white child born in this county, as mentioned in sketch of H. G. Deweese in this work, her father being one of the earliest settlers in the county, and her ancestors coming from Wales at a very early day ; Mr. Estey, after his marriage, located on ode of his father's farms in Lost Creek Township, where he lived about four years ; then bought a farm in Staunton Township, where he remained for nineteen years ; sold out and bought the farm upon which he now resides ; he owns 130 acres of excellent land on the Miami Bottoms, with fine buildings all in good condition. JAMES FOSTER, Superintendent of Infirmary ; P. 0. Troy ; was born in Pennsylvania March 26, 1830; and is a son of James and Sarah (Boher) Foster; who were also born and raised in Pennsylvania, but came and located in Miami Co. in the fall of 1854 ; they resided in Troy till their death ; Mr. Foster dying Dec. 31,'1876, and his wife in February, 1878 ; they were parents of seven children, four of whom are now living, viz., Elizabeth, now Mrs. Miller, living in Nebraska ; Susan, now Mrs. Burkholder; of Troy ; John H. and James. The ancestry on the father's side came from the North of Ireland, and on the mother's side from Germany. Mr. Foster; the subject of this sketch, remained with his father in Pennsylvania till of age ; receiving a limited education in the common schools. Sept. 15,1851, was celebrated his marriage with Rosanna Miller; daughter of John and Theresa (Obold) Miller; who were also natives of Pennsylvania ; by this union they have had five children, viz., Mary E., now Mrs. H. G. Knoop, living in Casstown ; Sallie, now Mrs. J. A. Sterrett, of Troy ; Theresa Helen, now Mrs. James Brooks, residing in Dunkirk, Ind. ; Jennie and Maggie. Mr. Foster; after his marriage, remained in Pennsylvania about three years, and in the spring of 1854, came to Ohio and located at Troy, and, in the immediate vicinity of Troy, entered upon and followed agricultural pursuits for fifteen years ; when by appointment of the Board of Directors of the Miami Co. Infirmary, he became Superintendent of that institution, which position he still holds, having held this office now for eleven years. WILLIAM GREEN, farmer ; P. 0. Troy ; he was born in Jackson Co., Ohio, January, 1809, is the son of George W. and Martha (Gray) Green ; he was born in Pennsylvania, and his wife in Ireland ; George W. Green, the father; came to Miami Co. just prior to the war of 1812, locating in Lost Creek Township, where he lived thirty years or more, thence went into Elizabeth Township, where he passed the remainder of his life, dying in 1837; he commenced right in the woods, clearing them and built a log cabin, and had to endure all the trials and dangers of the early pioneers ; a war being in progress, he would bar the door of his cabin as securely as possible, and take his ax to his bedside, in readiness for defense against the Indians ; during the war, his brother Timothy contracted to furnish pork for the army at Detroit, at a stipulated price ; George and a Mr. Rogers went his security for the proper delivery of the pork, but to their misfortune, in a short time pork advanced in price, so that he met with a heavy loss, and George and Rogers each had to pay $3,000 ; the former's whole estate was not worth over $1,000, but after about fifteen years' exertion George paid off his entire indebtedness ; Rogers, not living very long after; never was able to pay off his indebtedness ; George was one whose energy knew no bounds ; he was always busy and working for the public good ; during his life, he built three saw-mills and one grist-mill, in the meantime supporting a large family, as he was father of seventeen children. Mr. Green, the subject of this sketch, lived with his father until 23 years of age. In 1832, he was united in marriage with Cassia Sayers, daughter of Thomas and Frances Sayers, who were natives of Pennsylvania, and located in Miami Co. among the early settlers ; by this union they had four children, viz., Joseph, Ellen (now Mrs. Ziegler), Clarissa (deceased), and one dying in infancy ; he lost his wife by death Dec. 29, 1838 ; March 1, 1840, he was married to Priscilla French, daughter of Asa French, who came to Ohio in a very early day ; by this union they had five children, viz., Martha J. (now deceased), Sarah Maria (now