(RETURN TO THE TITLE PAGE) 550 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: Mrs. J. Cloyd), Abbott, William and Eliza Dye (deceased, being buried the very day on which she was to have been married to John W. Stilwell) ; Mr. Green, when first married, located on Lost Creek, and bought the half-interest in the grist-mill that his father built, which lie run for a few years, then sold it and bought a farm ; sold the farm and bought the mill again, ran it for a time, then sold out ; he and his brother went into the mercantile trade in Casstown, after a time sold out and bought a grist and saw mill on Indian Creek ; disposing of his interest to his brother; he rented a mill one mile below on the same creek ; while here he lost his wife by death, and then left the mill, buying the farm where he now resides ; he here has a fine farm of 140 acres ; has now resided here forty years ; has good buildings and a very comfortable and pleasant home. JOHN G. HARDENBROOK, farmer ; P. 0. Piqua; was born in Hamilton Co., Ohio, Feb. 16, 1826, and is a son of Peter and Mary (Wagoner) Hardenbrook ; Peter Hardenbrook was born in New Jersey, and came to Ohio about 1819 ; they were the parents of six children, three of whom are now living, viz., John, Phoebe (now Mrs. Kuhl, living in Van Wert Co., Ohio) and Rebecca (now Mrs. John A. Smith, also living in Van Wert Co.) ; Peter Hardenbrook lost his wife by death May 26, 1837; he married, for his second wife, Susannah Merrell, with whom he lived till April, 1865, when she departed this life ; Jan. 13, 1877, he, too, passed away from works to rewards. Mr. Hardenbrook lived with his father till past 30 years of age ; Dec. 17, 1856, he was united in marriage with Rachel Ross, daughter of James and Elizabeth Ross, who were born in Pennsylvania—he March 15, 1792, and Elizabeth (Watson), his wife, born July 29, 1800 ; they were married Feb. 12, 1824, and had seven children, viz., John, Susan, Hugh W., Rachel, Margaret C., Lucinda and Joseph ; Elizabeth. the mother; died July 9, 1874 ; the father, James, is still living with Mr. Hardenbrook, is now 80 years of age, and has lived in the county since 1842. Mr. Hardenbrook, the subject of this sketch, by his marriage has three children, viz., William Otho, born Jan. 7, 1858 ; Charles E., Dec. 18, 1859 ; and George, Feb. 13, 1866. After his marriage, he lived on his father's farm about eight years ; thence to Hamilton Co., where he lived two years ; thence to the farm upon which he now resides ; he owns here 75 acres. of good land, mostly in cultivation, with good buildings, and has a very pleasant home. JOHN T. KNOOP, farmer ; P. 0. Troy ; was born in Miami Co., Jan. 22, 1841, and is a son of William and Rachel A. (Kerr) Knoop. He is a native of this county, and she of Virginia, coming with her parents to this county in 1825. John Knoop, the grandfather; came to this county in 1798, and was a native of Pennsylvania, his mother coming from Switzerland ; he was one of the few pioneers who first settled in Miami Co., at the place where Staunton Village is now located; they erected a block-house, in which they placed their families for safety, while they selected and opened out their farms and built their log cabins. In 1800, John, the grandfather; occupied his cabin, and commenced to make a farm and a home. This cabin is still standing on the old Knoop place, now eighty years since its erection, and is in a very good degree of preservation. The grandfather; John, and wife, Barbara, were parents of seven children ; viz., George, Jacob, John, Elizabeth, Nancy, William and Thomas. Jacob Knoop was born in the block-house Nov. 30, 1798, being the first white child born in Miami Co. This family of the grandfather are now all passed away " to that bourne whence no traveler ,returns ; " their works and labors remain to be cherished by their children, and their lives, like Washington's, will never die, but will be remembered and cherished by the descendants yet unborn. One incident should yet be recorded, showing the sacrificing spirit of the noble old pioneers and grandfather. In the early settling of this county, there came a season of scarcity, especially in the corn crop, but John had a good supply of old corn in store. His neighbors all around him were in want, so he visited them all, and ascertained how much they each one needed, and agreed to furnish them at 75 cents per bushel. In the meantime, grain buyers and speculators were coming there to buy his corn, and offered him $2 per bushel, but he refused their offer and manfully stood by his contract, supplying STAUNTON TOWNSHIP - 551 all his neighbors as he promised. William Knoop, the father; passed his entire life in this county ; he was Justice of the Peace for twenty years, and Clerk of the township for several years. When the war of the rebellion came, he was one of the patriots who went to 'his country's defense, serving for about sixteen months, when he was discharged for disability. He departed this life in November; 1874, being 64 years of age, having, like his father before him, passed an active and energetic life, devoted to the public good of his county and country. His wife is still living on the home place where he died. They were parents of eight children, viz., James M., Henry C., deceased, being killed at the charge on Ft. Wagner; in South Carolina ; John T., Mary B., now Mrs. William R. Saunders, Mark K., Frances C., married to Thomas Scott, but now deceased ; Emma, now Mrs. George W. Scott, in Troy ; Olive A., now Mrs. Hance. John T., the subject of this sketch, lived with his father till 20 years of age, when he enlisted in the 42d 0. V. I., at the commencement of the rebellion, and served through the war. Here we remark that the patriotism of the Knoop family was fully exhibited by their works, by the father and four sons all entering the service, one, Henry C., being sacrificed upon the altar of his country, and the others returning with honorable discharges to their homes. Mr. Knoop was united in the holy bonds of matrimony in May, 1868, with Elizabeth Farver; daughter of John and Margaret Farver, he being born in Maryland and she in Ireland. He first located on the place where he now resides with his father-in-law, where he remained two years, thence to one of the Knoop farms, where he lived about five years, till the death of his wife's father; when he moved back to the old farm, his preseht place of residence. Mr. Knoop is now serving as Land Appraiser. Politically, he is a stanch Republican. CYRUS H. LE FEVRE, farmer ; P. 0. Piqua, was a son of Christian Le Fevre, one of the old pioneers of Miami Co., who was a native of Maryland, and emigrated to this county in 1808, locating upon the farm now owned by Cyrus, his son. This land, when he located upon it, was all a wilderness ; he made the first opening and put up his log cabin, but did not get it plastered, but leaving that to be done after he should get back from Lebanon, where he went to marry his wife, it being near Christmas. After the marriage ceremony was performed he returned, arriving home to his cabin on Christmas Eve ; while on his way home, it commenced snowing, quite a depth of snow falling, then it turned cold and remained so with frequent snows all winter; so that they had to live in their cabin just as it was, with the cold blasts sweeping through between the logs ; they endured it bravely during the winter; cleared up some four acres of timber land, and prepared it for corn the next spring. At this time there were three families by the name of Dye, three families of Knoop, one family of Marti! , and one other of Le Fevre ; these constituted about the entire population of this part of the township ; they braved all the hardships and dangers from wild beasts and savages, and from sickness ; they suffered much from fever and ague. All this they endured that they might make homes for themselves, and hand them down to their posterity. Those were the times when they manufactured their own material for clothing for winter and summer wear; and whatever it wanted in beauty, closeness of texture and warmth, was made up in coarseness and roughness, producing irritation of the surface of the body, and keeping up a good circulation of the life-giving fluid—the blood. They persevered, they were industrious, they were economizing, and they were honest. These qualities enabled them to overcome all obstacles, and procured good homes, with as good soil for productiveness as the sun ever shone upon. Mr. Le Fevre, the subject of this sketch, was born in 1824, and has always lived upon the old home farm, which his father; above mentioned, cleared, and upon which he died, his death occurring February, 1871. Mr. Le Fevre was united in marriage, Feb. 26, 1856, with Caroline M. Babb, daughter of Daniel and Leah Babb, who were natives of Virginia, and came to Ohio nearly fifty years ago ; by this union they have had two children ; viz., Walter and Franklin. He lost his wife by death Feb. 7, 1875 ; Mr. Le Fevre and his father have erected all the buildings on the place, which are large and commodious, arranged for comfort and convenience ; he 552 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES now owns 260 acres of the excellent bottom land of the Miami Valley, of which 200 acres are in cultivation. The selection of this fine quality of land by his father and the early settlers, while it was all in the wilderness, shows the wisdom and judgment they exhibited in obtaining some of the best land that could be found in the State ; and they will be honored and remembered for their noble work by their children's children for ages to come. URIAH B. LLOYD farmer ; P. O. Troy ; was born on the farm upon which he now resides, Aug. 23, 1833, is the son of John and Anna (Deweese) Lloyd ; he was born in Pennsylvania April 1, 1790, and his wife in Virginia about 1797. John, the father, came to this county in February 1814 ; after being here about two or three years, he was united in marriage with Anna Deweese, daughter of Lewis and Mary Deweese, who were born in Virginia and came to Ohio at a very early day. By this marriage they had eleven children, viz., Margaret, deceased ; David ; Mary, now Mrs. H. Puterbaugh, living in Elkhart Co., Ind ; Isabel ; Rachel, now Mrs. D. Counts, living in Troy ; Ruth ; Mehitabel, now Mrs. George Buckles ; Elizabeth, deceased ; Uriah B ; Henry, and Hannah L., now Mrs. William Burton, living in Indiana. After his marriage, he lived one year with his uncle, and then located upon the farm upon which Uriah and Henry now reside ; here he commenced right in the woods, and cut out the first stick of timber, made an opening, built a log cabin, and began a pioneer life ; from day to day and year after year he toiled and labored, enduring the hardships and deprivations, such as pioneers only know and realize ; after sixty years of industrious labor, he died, attaining the venerable age of nearly 85 years ; his works remain as mementoes of his labors, having brought 93 acres from the dense forest into a good cultivation, with good buildings erected and everything quite comfortable and convenient, in contrast to the dreary wilderness of sixty years before. His wife departed this life about three years prior to his death. Uriah B. and two sisters, Isabel and Ruth, all still unmarried, live upon the home place ; also Henry, who is married, resides in another house upon the farm, and have, since the death of their father, continued the management of the estate. SPAFFORD W. MAXWELL, farmer and Justice of the Peace ; P. O. Troy ; he was born in Montgomery Co., Ohio, Oct. 20, 1836 ; is a son of Thomas and Susanna (Jones) Maxwell, who came from New Jersey to Ohio in 1806 ; they were the parents of four children, viz., Stephen J., Martha A., deceased, Rachel and Spafford W. The grandfather, Thomas, was also born in New Jersey. The great-grandfather, Thomas, was a native of Scotland, and came from Edinburgh to New York in a very early day, prior to the Revolutionary war ; he was a tailor by trade. Thomas Maxwell, the father, came to Miami Co. in the fall of 1839, and located upon the same farm upon which Esquire Maxwell now lives. This is one of the old pioneer farms, which was first purchased by Caleb Hathaway, one of the first settlers of Miami Co., who located here in 1798, opened out and cleared up the farm. Thomas bought the farm of Mr. Hathaway at above date (1839), and has always resided here since ; is still living with his son, and is now about 80 years of age. Spafford Maxwell, our subject, remained with his father till his marriage, which event occurred Jan. 8, 1868, when he was united with Rachel A. Devol, daughter of Harrison and Jane L. Devol ; he was born in Ohio, and she in Pennsylvania, but came with her parents to Ohio when about 13 years of age ; by this uhion they have had seven children, viz., Minnie Jane, born Nov. 19, 1869 ; Walter Thomas, born Dec. 13, 1871 ; Sallie E., born Jan. 31, 1873 ; Anna May, born May 7, 1875 ; Bertha and Merta (twins), Feb. 4, 1877 ; Wilbur D. born Aug. 11, 1879. After his marriage, he rented farms until the spring of 1874, when he bought his father's farm, upon which he has since resided. He has an excellent farm, consisting of 103 acres of land with good buildings, and every convenience. Mr.Maxwell is, politicaly, a Democrat ; was elected Justice of the Peace in April, 1876, awl is now serving his second term of office ; he was also one of the patriots who, hi the war of the rebellion, went to his country's defense, enlisting in the 147th O. V. L, in the 100-day service ; he .served four months, when he received his dis- STAUNTON TOWNSHIP - 553 charge, and was mustered out at Camp Denison and returned home.. He holds a membership in the First Presbyterian Church at Troy, his membership dating back for twenty-two years. REUBEN MOORE, farmer ; P. O. Piqua ; was born in this county on the old Moore farm July 8, 1852 and is the son of Rufus and Lydia (Bennett) Moore ; he was born in Butler Co., Ohio, March 13, 1807, his wife coming from the same county Nov. 11,1815; they were married Feb. 17, 1833, and were parents of seven children, viz., Nancy Jane, born Aug. 23, 1836, was married to George W. McMillan, by whom she had three children, viz., Alva E., Harry W. and Elroy C.; Nancy J. died July 1, 1866 ; Mary Ann, born July 12, 1839 ; Lewis, born April 7, 1843, died April 16, 180 ; Elias, born July 17, 1845 ; Theodore, born Oct. 1, 1847 ; Eliza, born Aug. 6, 1850, now Mrs. A. Berryman, of Troy, and Reuben. Gershom Moore, the great-grandfather, was born in 1752 ; his wife, Anna Moore, was born in 1758 ; they were parents of the following children, viz., Lewis' born in 1778 ; Reuben, born in 1791, Elias, born in 1792 ; Phebe, born in 1793; Philip, born in 1794 ; Catharine, born in 1795, Rachel, born in 1797, and Nancy, born in 1800, the ancestry coming from Wales. Lewis Moore, the grandfather, was born in New Jersey Aug. 16, 1778, and Susan Moore, the grandmother, was born in New Jersey July 5, 1786 ; they were the parents of twelve children, viz., Anna, born June 6, 1805, and died June 8, 1845 ; Rufus, born as above stated ; Eliza, born Dec. 17, 1809 ; Sarah, born Oct. 15, 1811 ; Elias, born Oct. 5, 1813 ; Amy, born Nov. 2, 1815 ; Anthony B., born Nov. 5, 1817, and died Feb. 14, 1839 ; Reuben, born Oct. 14, 1819, and died Oct. 9, 1849 ; Samuel, born Jan. 13, 1822, and died July 27, 1823 ; Lydia, born Nov. 29, 1823 ; Stephen G., born Nov. 12, 1825 ; Alpheus E., born April 5, 1828, and died Aug. 17, 1858. Lewis Moore, the grandfather, departed this life May 8, 1859, and Susan Moore, the grandmother, died Dec 19, 1872. George Bennet., the grandfather on the mother's side, was born in Virginia March 3, 1783, and Nancy Bennett, his wife, was born June 10, 1783 ; they were parents of ten children, viz., Henry, born Aug. 25, 1814 ; Lydia, born as given above ; Thomas, born Jan. 7,,1817 ; John, born April 7, 1818, and died Sept. 29, 1818 ; Susannah, born July 21, 1819 ; Amelia, born Jan. 27, 1821, and died July 17, 1825 ; Mary Ann, born June 10;1823, and died July 5, 1825 ; George, born in September, 1824, and died Aug. 7, 1825 ; George, born July 14, 1826 ; Elizabeth Ann, born April 23, 1841, and died in 1874. George Bennett, the grandfather, departed this life March 15, 1814, and Nancy Bennett, his wife, died ̊June. 1836. Rufus, the father, after his marriage, lived for a short time in Butler Co., then moved to Loramie, Shelby Co., where they resided till 1840, when they came and located in Miami Co., on the northwest quarter of Sec. 4, in Staunton Township ; here he cleared the greater portion of the farm, and erected all the buildings, and improved the place till he had a fine farm and comfortable home ; March 9, 1876, he was called away by death, from labors to rewards, being nearly 70 years of age ; his wife, Lydia, is still living on the home place, and is in her 65th year. Reuben Moore lived with his father until his death, and, March 23, 1876, was united in marriage with Florence E. Brandenburg, daughter of Cornelius and Elizabeth A. Brandenburg, who were natives of Maryland, and came to this county about 1852 ; they were parents of two children, viz., Laura A. and Florence E.; by this marriage they have had two children, both dying in infancy ; Mr. Moore, after his marriage, remained with his mother on the home farm for two years, then bought the farm upon which he now lives ; he owns 80 acres of good land, is a young man of energy, and.will doubtless in a few years have a fine and beautiful home. ORA D. ORBISON, farmer ; P. O. Troy he was born in Staunton Town- ship, Miami Co. ; is the son of David W. and Hannah D. (Jones) Orbison ; he was born in this county Jan. 21, 1819, and his wife in Berlin, Mass., Feb. 9, 1820 when 'in her infancy, her parents removed to Marlboro, N. H., where they lived and died ; she received a good preparatory education, then attended the Female Seminary at Holyoke, Mass., where she graduated and received her diploma Aug 554 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 1, 1844; for two succeeding years, she taught high schools for young ladies, in South Adams, Mass., and Winchester; N. H. ; in 1846, she 'came to Troy, Ohio, and engaged as a teacher in the high school ; on the 13th of July she was married to David W. Orbison, with whom she had a congenial Christian companionship for nearly nine years, when the merciless messenger; Death, came, and he passed from works to rewards ; by this union she had five children, of whom three died in infancy; two are now living, viz., Ora D., born Nov. 25, 1849, and David W., Oct. 29, 1856. After Mr. Orison's death, his wife remained on the farm, which had been originally purchased of Gen. Harrison, who, in an early day, owned a large tract of land in this township ; here she managed to support herself and two children, and met the back payments on the place as they became due, making such improvements upon the place as were necessary, for a period of nine years, at the expiration of which, Aug. 24, 1865, she was married to Moses G. Grosvenor; with whom she lived as a true helpmeet till Feb. 1, 1878, when she departed this life with every assurance of a blessed immortality beyond ; she was an active member of the church for thirty-seven years, and was always noted for her zealous efforts in every good word and work. Since the death of their mother , the two sons, Ora D. and David W., have taken charge of the farm, where they have a very pleasant home. RALPH PETERSON, farmer P. O. Piqua ; was born in Hamilton Co., Ohio, Nov. 21, 1800 ; is a son of Harp and Charity (Senteny) Peterson ; he was born on Long Island, and his wife in New Jersey, het ancestors being from England and his ancestors from Holland ; he (the father) was one of the first emigrants into Ohio locating in Kentucky, where he remained only one season ; in the spring of 1794, came to Cincinnati and located, planting a field of corn on ground where the fountain now stands, on Fifth street ; they were the, parents of nine children, of whom five are now living, all located in the Miami Valley except one, who is living in Illinois, viz., Sarah, now living near Glendale, who is eighty-seven years of age ; Elizabeth, four miles north of College Hill ; Ralph, our subject ; Jacob, at Springdale, Hamilton Co.; and Elisha, living in Towanda, Ill. Mr. Ralph Peterson was united in marriage May 31,1822, with Sarah Hardenbrook, daughter of James and Phoebe (Smith) Hardenbrook ; by this union they have had eleven children, seven of whom are living, viz., Mrs. Emily Counts, Madison, John G., Jacob S., Martha Ann, now Mrs. Cushing ; Adeline, now Mrs. Dr. Walton, of Piqua ; and William W. In September, 1827, Mr. Peterson located in Miami Co., on the farm on which he now lives; he commenced right in the wilderness and struck the first blow to fell the timber and make a home ; he built a log cabin, and from year to year cleared and improved, till now he has one of the best farms in the neighborhood, with fine buildings, a very large frame house and everything for comfort and convenience ; this has all been accomplished by energy and industry, Mr. Peterson being one of those active men who never tire. ,During the rebellion, three of his sons went to the defense of their country ; the first one, William, enlisted for three years or during the war, and was one of the first troops who crossed the Ohio River ; he was a prisoner in Andersonville, and suffered untold hardships, almost starving to death ; was among the last shipment of prisoners who left the terrible place ; his sufferings were so great he was made a cripple probably for life ; after he became so far recovered as to be able to do any business, he obtained a Government office as store-keeper three miles below Piqua, which position he still holds ; the other sons, John G. and Jacob S., were in the 100-day service, at expiration of which they returned home ; Mr. Peterson has served as County Commissioner in the early days of the county, and had the superintendency of the building of the first three permanent bridges ever built in the county ; M r. Peterson, politically, is a stanch Republican. JOHN G. PETERSON, farmer ; P. 0. Troy ; was born in this county in May, 1832, and is a son of Ralph and Sarah Peterson. Mr. Peterson lived with his father till about 16 years of age, when he went to learn the stone-cutter's trade in Piqua, which business he followed about thirteen years. He was married, in December, 1856, to Catharine P. Brooks, daughter of Clarkson F. and Sarah Brooks, who STAUNTON TOWNSHIP - 555 were born in New Jersey, but moved into New York State ; thence to Ohio ; then to Illinois, where they lived about sixteen years, and removed to Ohio, where they lived till they died. By this union they have had four children, viz., Ada L., Wil- lis M., Frederick W. and. Sallie E.; the eldest, Ada L., is now Mrs. Shearer. Mr. Peterson left his trade and went to farming on his father's farm in 1861, where he remained till the spring of 1866, when he bought the farm upon which he now resides, and located thereon. He owns 85 acres of good second bottom land. Mr. Peterson was one who, during the rebellion, enlisted in the 100-day service, in 147th O. V. I., in which he served for four months, when they were mustered out, and returned home. He and his family are members of the Christian Church. ISAAC T. ROLLINS, farmer ; P. O. Troy ; was a son of Josiah ,and Nancy (Tucker) Rollins, who were born in the State of New Hampshire. They were parents of ten children, of whom two only are now living, viz., Isaac T. and Hannah, who is now Mrs. Stewart. Josiah, the father; moved from New Hampshire to Vermont, where they resided for a time, and in 1815, came to Ohio, locating in Miami Co., on the farm upon which Isaac now lives ; he bought the farm with just a few acres cleared, on which were two small log-cabins ; the cabin on the east part of the farm is of historic interest. During the war of 1812, they built a substantial stockade around the cabin, and the families, for some distance around, took shelter here every night, for better security from the enemy. The grandfather Joseph, was also born in New Hampshire, but moved into Vermont, where he lived and died ; the grandmother; Hettie, lived to come to Miami Co., with her son Josiah, living and dying on the same farm where Isaac now lives. Mr. Rollins, the subject of our sketch, was united in marriage Nov. 28, 1828, with Eleanor Hart, daughter of Charles and Nancy (Chamberlin) Hart, who were natives of New Jersey, but came to Miami Co. in 1812. By this union they have had seven children, viz., Charles H., Josiah B., Caroline, now deceased ; Leander J., Marion J., Sylvester A. and Horace J. Mrs. Rollins, coming to this county so early in its settlement, remembers distinctly the dangers and trials they passed through during the war of 1812; although but a child, yet the events were indelibly fixed upon her memory. Mr. farm consists of 95 acres of excellent land, and has now been owned by the Rollins family for about sixty-five years. During the war of the rebellion, five out of the six sons of Mr. Rollins enlisted in defense of their country, serving until discharged by sickness, disability, or the close of the war ; the oldest son, Charles H., served four years and nine months, being in some of the hard-fought battles such as Pittsburg Landing, Atlanta campaign, and in the battles of Franklin and Nashville, Term. ; during this service, he was promoted for bravery and meritorious conduct from a private to Captain. The Rollins family, in its history, dates back for nearly 250 years in this country, and then connects with its history in England, where it has had a prominence for many ages past. The youngest son, Horace J., is, by profession, a landscape painter; being a student of the art at the McMicken University of Cincinnati ; he has devoted many years to this art, and has acquired a proficiency in its principles which entitles him to the notice of the public, and especially to those who are students and lovers of this science ; he is author of a book entitled, " Studio, Field and Gallery," " intended as a Manual of Painting for the Student and Amateur; and information for the general reader." Of the merits of this work there can be no doubt, as it is published by D. Appleton & Co., of New York City, who having undertaken its publication, is a sufficient guarantee of its intrinsic worth and value. MADISON ROBINS, farmer ; P. 0. Troy ; was born in Miami Co. Oct. 3, .1834, and is the son of Benjamin and Pamilla (Covalt) Robins ; his ancestors were from New Jersey, and hers from Virginia ; the grandfather; Richard, came to this county at a very early day, and entered the land upon which his grandson, Madison, now resides, making him one of the early pioneers of the county ; the father, Ben jamin, and wife, were the parents of eleven children, of whom six are now living, viz. Sarah. now Mrs. J. Martin, of Springfield, Ohio ; Alvernas, Madison, Erastus, Benjamin. M. and John ; after his marriage, he located upon his father's farm, where 556 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES : he resided for a few years, when he removed into Lost Creek Township, on to the Cromer farm, where he resided about three years, and his son, Madison, our subject, was born ; then he moved back upon the old home farm, where he lived till his death, which occurred in February, 1854; remained with his father until his death. Oct. 14, 1855; he was united in marriage with Elizabeth Earnhart, daughter of John and Elizabeth (Robeson) Earnhart, who were natives of New Jersey, and came to Ohio at an early day ; in 1823, located in Brown Township, where they opened right in the woods in pioneer style, by erecting a log cabin, in which they lived many years ; here on the same farm which they cleared, and, by constant labor and industry, had brought to a high state of cultivation, having procured everything to make home comfortable and pleasant, they passed away from works to rewards. Madison and wife by their marriage have had two children, viz., Lucinda Jane and Sarah Frances ; after their marriage, they located on a farm in Lost Creek Township, where they remained about three years, then to the old home farm for three years, returning to Lost Creek again for two years, finally going back to the old farm, where they remained till 1871 ; removed to Springfield, Ohio, and lived about two years, thence back to the old farm where they have since resided. Mr. Robins and wife are members of the Christian Church, his membership dating back for fifteen years and hers for twenty-five years. WILLIAM B. RUSSELL, farmer ; P. 0. Troy ; was born in Pennsylvania Feb. 3, 1809 ; and is the son of John and Hannah (Hough) Russell, who were born in Pennsylvania ; the grandfather; Elijah, was also a native of Pennsylvania, his ancestors coming from Ireland ; the mother's ancestry were from Cheshire, Eng., and came over in the ships Endeavor and Friendship, in the year 1683 ; The father; John, came to Ohio in 1831, and located in Staunton Township, on the farm now owned by James Gardner; where he lived about twenty-five years, then moved to Elkhart, Ind. where he lived and died; they were parents of three children, viz., William B., John; n H., now deceased, and Newton, also deceased ; Mr. Russell came with his father to Ohio, being then 22 years of age. He remained with his father till June 19,-1833, when he was united in marriage with Martha Hamlet, daughter of Benjamin and Chloe (Kimball) Hamlet ; he being born in Kentucky and coming to this county about the same time with the Knoops, Gerardo, etc., the earliest pioneers of the county; this union they had four children--Hiram dying in infancy ; Mahala, now rs. James Post Hannah and William Riley ; he lost he wife by death in April, 1840. Aug. 19, 1843, was married to Amanda(Simms) Ralston, daughter of Joseph and Mary Ann Simms, who were natives of Virginia ; by this union they have four children, viz., Melissa, now Mrs. James Love ; Sarah, Laura Bell and John dying in infancy ; Mr. Russell after his first marriage located upon the farm where he has ever since resided, making a continued residence of forty-seven years ; when he came to the farm, there were about 25 acres partly cleared standing in a " deadening," with a log house and barn on it ; here he has labored and toiled, enduring the hardships and deprivations of early settlers, till now " he sits under his own vine and fig-tree, " having a fine farm of 149 acres, of which 110 are in good cultivation, and the balance all under fence, with comfortable brick house, good barn and other buildings ; Mr. Russell is, politically, a stanch Republican. WILLIAM F. RUSK, farmer ; P. 0. Troy ; was born in Warren Co., Ohio, July, 1820, and is a son of James and Sarah (French) Rusk ; he was born in Ireland, coming to this country when about 17 years of age ; she was born in Pennsylvania, emigrating to Ohio with her parents when a child. They were the parents of ten children, of whom six are now living, viz., Mary, Eleanor; William F., David, Sarah and Daniel. Mr. Rusk lived with his father till twenty-four years of age. Sept. 16, 1843, he was united in marriage with Mary J. Anderson, daughter of James L. and Elizabeth Anderson, who were born in New Jersey, and came to Ohio at quite an early day, about 1815 ; by this union they have had nine children, of whom five are now living, viz., William Franklin, Lettie, Walter Scott, Edwin N. and Luella L. Mr. Rusk came to Miami Co. about thirty years ago and located STAUNTON TOWNSHIP - 557 near West Charleston, where they remained about five years ; thence to Shelby Co., and lived about six years ; removing to Miami Co., in Spring Creek Township, they resided there for five years, finally going to Staunton Township, upon the farm on which he now resides, having now been here about sixteen years. He has a good farm of 87 acres, with fife buildings, constituting a very pleasant home. During the war of the rebellion, Mr. Rusk furnished two sons for the country's defense, James A. and John N., and both were sacrificed upon the altar of liberty, never reaching their home and friends again. Mr. Rusk is a member of the Christian Church, his membership dating back for twenty years. CLARK E. STEWART, farmer; P. 0. Troy ; was born in New Jersey Sept. 5, 1800 ; is a son of David and Sallie (Clark) Stewart, who were also born in New Jersey, came and located in Staunton Township, in 1817 ; taking a lease of land right in the woods, began to clear it up, built a log cabin and commenced in pioneer style ; their labors were of short duration, being attacked by that fell destroyer; "milk sickness," to which so many early settlers fell victims ; in 1820, or about three years after locating, he and his wife and an only daughter were in three days' time transported from time to eternity ; the only surviving son, Clark, was prostrated with the terrible disease, but his life was spared, and he is still alive and the subject of our sketch, being nearly 80 years of age ; after recovering from his sickness, Mr. Stewart remained with his uncle about three years, then went to learn the mason's trade with Abraham Miller; at Piqua, with whom he remained six years. Nov. 25, 1834, he was united in marriage with Hannah E. Rollins, daughter of Josiah and Ellen (Hart) Rollins. who were born in New Hampshire, and came to this county in 1815 ; the Rollins families were among the very early settlers of this county ; they were parents of ten children, as given in sketch of Isaac Rollins in this work. Mr. Stewart and wife, by their union, have had ten children, viz., one dying in infancy ; Josiah R.; David C., deceased ; Sallie Ann, now Mrs. D. Rusk, living in Troy; Abigail W., now Mrs. J. Whisman ; Mayhew R., deceased ; Elizabeth, deceased ; Mary Jane and Phoebe, now Mrs. John Drake. After their marriage, they lived twenty-one months on the Winans place ; then bought a piece of land adjoining the farm where they now reside, where they remained twenty-one months ; thence to the farm upon which they now reside, and have made a continued residence of fifty-two years, constituting them the oldest residents in the neighborhood. When they commenced in life they had no means, but, with an energy of will and industry, they worked hand in hand together; and have acquired a good farm and homes for themselves and children, always sustaining a good credit. His wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, her membership dating back for sixty-four years. THOMAS B. STEWART, farmer ; P. 0. Piqua ; was born in Pennsylvania Sept. 23, 1840, and is a son of Robert and Sarah (Barnett) Stewart, who were also born in Pennsylvania, living and dying there, both dying in July, 1878, there being only sixteen days' difference in their deaths ; they were the parents of ten children, eight of whom are now living, viz., Robert C., Sarah Jane, Margaret Elizabeth, Nancy Rebecca, Thomas B., Harriet, Caroline and William Calvin. Mr. Stewart, our subject, was married Sept. 30, 1872, to Matilda McElheny, daughter of Samuel and Hannah McElheny, who were born in Pennsylvania ; by this union they have five children, viz., Robert Earl, John J., Sarah Elizabeth, Thomas C. and one infant child ; Mr. Stewart lived with his father till 1872, when he came to Miami Co. and located upon the farm where he now resides ; he served in the war of the rebellion for three years and returned safely home ; he has here a fine farm of 120 acres, with good buildings, constituting a comfortable and pleasant home. Mr. Stewart is, politically, a stanch Republican. JOHN C. WINANS, farmer; P. 0. Troy. Among the early settlers of Miami Co. were the Winans family ; in 1807, Richard W. Winans left his native State, New Jersey, and came to this county and located at Upper Piqua ; he was a son of Samuel and Hannah (Woodruff) Winans, who were also born in New Jersey ; Samuel was born March 20, 1746, and his wife was born June 3, 1749 ; they were ELIZABETH TOWNSHIP - 559 united in marriage Jan. 1, 1770 ; their son, Richard, was born Jan. 3, 1781 ; on June 4, 1807, Richard was united in marriage with Sarah R. Winans, who was born May 20, 1788. In coming from New Jersey to Ohio, they came with ox teams to Wheeling, Va. then by boat to Cincinnati, then by their teams to this county, the time consumed in making the journey being forty-one days ; about two years after; or in 1809, his father; Samuel, came to this county and located on the southwest quarter of Sec. 14 ; shortly alter; his son came from Upper Piqua and located with him ; in the same year; between Christmas and New Year,s, Richard W. and wife were taken into the M. E. Church on probation, being the first persons uniting with the church, in this manner; in Miami Co. ; for several years after locating on their farm, their house was used as a place for preaching and worship ; here they lived and labored in pioneer style, opening out, clearing, and enduring all the hardships, deprivations and dangers of such early settlements ; but the prospects of a better future, the comforts and benefits which they hoped to hand down to their children, renewed their courage from day to day and from year to year; enabling them to bear all their burdens patiently ; finally, in their latter days, they were permitted to enjoy, to some extent, the comforts and conveniences which their labors had won. Samuel Winans, the grandfather, departed this life May 6, 1830, and his wife, Hannah, followed him on Oct. 29 of the same year ; Richard, their son, continued to reside upon the home place till his death, which occurred Jan. 10, 1863. John C. Winans, the son of Richard W. Winans, was born March 8, 1822 ; on June 2, 1869, he was united in marriage with Mrs. Rachel Rollins, who was born Jan. 8, 1830; by this union they have one child, viz., Richard Maxwell, born April 14, 1871. Mr. Winans has always remained upon the old home farm where he was born, and probably will continue here during his life, as he can see no reason to desire any other location, having a beautiful residence and home, with everything to make his life comfortable and pleasant ; Mr. Winans and wife are members of the M. E. Church, his membership dating back for nine years, and hers for thirty-five years. 558 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETHES. JACOB ARMSTRONG, farmer and stock dealer ; P. 0. Alcony ; born in Miami Co. March 27, 1827 ; is a son of James and Hannah (Saylor) Armstrong ; he was born in Virginia, and she in Miami Co., the grandparents being, natives of Virginia. James, the father; came with his parents to. Miami Co., and located here among the early settlers. James and Hannah were parents of eight children, of whom five are living, viz., Jacob, Margaret, Fanny, James and Mary. Mr. Armstrong lived with his father till his marriage, which occurred in the fall of 1847 ; in the spring of 1848, he located upon the farm where he now resides ; he married Jane Ann, daughter of Henry and Mary Beals, natives of Pennsylvania, who were the parents of five children, of whom three are living, viz., Jane Ann, Eliza and Isaac Alexander. Mr. Armstrong and wife had seven children, two are living, viz., Clara Bell and Jacob Albert ; Mr. Armstrong has a fine farm of 150 acres, with good buildings and improvements ; he has been an extensive stock, dealer; probably one of the largest in this section of the country. In former years, he rode a great deal of money in this business, but since met with heavy losses ; but in this connection we would say, although he has worked hard and had a variety of success and reverses in his business, yet he has probably benefited his neighbors and community, by making a market for their stock, and was never known to fail to pay every man from whom he bought stock, no matter what reverses he might meet. WASHINGTON BARNES, Superintendent Knoop Children,s Home, Troy ; born in Adrian, Mich., April 5, 1835, is a son of Saley Seymour and Louisa r ELIZABETH TOWNSHIP - 559 Barnes, natives of New England, the ancestry being of English descent. S. S. Barnes and wife looated in Adrian, Mich., about 1833, and there followed his trade, that of a carpenter; at which he continued to work throughout his life ; in about 1840, removed to Cincinnati, where he remained till his death, which occurred in 1852, his wife surviving him till 1863 ; they were parents of four children, three now surviving, viz., Louisa (now Mrs. Hart), Helen M. (now Mrs. George Clyde) and Washington. Mr. Barnes resided with his father till his death, being then 17 years of age, and soon after went to Xenia, Ohio, as an apprentice in the carriage manufaoturing business ; after becoming proficient in this trade, he continued to work at it until March 1, 1879, when he received his appointment and took charge of the " Knoop Children,s Home," as its Superintendent, which position he has since held ; and we can say that to all appearance, the institution which has just been founded, and is, as it were, in its infancy, is being well managed, and will doubtless, in a reasonable time become established upon a basis and a perfection that will ensure its success, and enable it to fulfill the object of its establishment, to the credit of its founder, its Superintendent, and all who have a controlling power over its welfare. On April 7, 1856, Mr. Barnes married Miss Martha Jane, daughter of James and Sarah Ann Jolly, natives of Ohio, who were parents of two children-Simeon and Martha Jane ; also by a second wife there are three children, viz., Mellie (now Mrs. Hammer; living in Fayette Co., Ohio), John and. Sallie (now Mrs. West, of Casstown). ISAAC A. BEALS, farmer ; P. 0. Troy ; born in Pennsylvania Nov. 26, 1831 ; is a son of Henry and Mary (Day) Beals, who were natives of Pennsylva- nia, where the grandparents were also born. Henry and Mary removed from Pennsylvania to this county in the spring of 1834, and located in Elizabeth Township. They were the parents of five children, of whom three are now living, viz., Jane Ann, Eliza and Isaac A. The parents died in this township, he June 22, 1853, and she Jan 20, 1856. Mr. Beals lived with his parents till their death. On Jan. 31, 1856, he married Miss Mary C., daughter of John and Ellen Gearheart. By this union, they had one child, viz., James Nelson. Mr. Beals lost his wife June 12, 1858. On Sept. 11, 1859, he was married to Miss Nancy, daughter of Henry and Elizabeth Rowe, he being a native of Pennsylvania, and she of Ohio. By this marriage they have had one child, viz., Henry R. Mr. Beals, after his marriage, bought 50 acres of land on Sec. 15, where he resided till 1867, when he bought the farm upon which he now lives ; in this farm he has 202 acres of fine land, 175 acres in cultivation, with good buildings and improvements. In justice to Mr. Beals, we would add that their fine property has been made mainly by his own labor and industry. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, having been such for twenty-four years, and his wife has been connected with the Christian Church for twenty-nine years. REASON BUTT, farmer ; P. 0. Casstown ; born in Greene Co., Ohio, June 22, 1812 is son of Samuel and Ellen (Borders) Butt, he being born in Maryland and she in Virginia, the ancestry coming from 'Germany. Samuel, the father; removed to Ohio an located In -Greene Co., where in 1808, he married Ellen Bor- ders, by which union they had six children, three now living, viz., Reason, Otho and Anna. After their marriage, he was in the war of 1812, and served under Gen. Tupper through the entire war, being in several important battles. He resided in Greene Co. till 1832, when he removed to Darke Co., where he died in 1864, his wife having died in 1835. Our subject lived with his father till May, 1831, when he located in Elizabeth Township, Miami Co., Having learned the milling business, he followed that trade till 1845, then bought the farm now owned by John Lefevre, and in 1850, exchanged it for one in Shelby Co., where he lived until 1860, then removed to his present location, where he has since resided. In 1836, he was united in marriage with Jacqueline, daughter of Mark and Mary Kerr; natives of Virginia, who were early settlers of Ohio, locating first in Montgomery Co., then removing to Miami Co. Mr. Butt had four children, two now living-Jane, now Mrs. I. W. McDowell, living in Shelby Co., and Sarah Bell, 560 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: now Mrs. J. C. Knoop, also in Shelby Co. Mrs. Butt died June 20, 1859. On Sept. 7, 1862, he married Mrs. Maria Sanderson, daughter of Henry and Rachel Ann Harvey, natives of Pennsylvania. They had three children, viz., Eva, Charles and Dora (twins). Mr. Butt is a Democrat, and, having the confidence of the people, has held various offices, was District Land Appraiser in Shelby Co., and in Miami Co. has been Township Trustee one term, and Justice of the Peace for sixteen years. The father; Samuel Butt, was a soldier in the war of 1812, and served through the war under Gen. Tupper; being in some important battles, but returned home safely to his family. HENRY G. CARVER, farmer ; P. O. Troy ; he was born in Miami Co. on the farm where he now resides Nov. 14, 1816, and is a son of Michael and Anna (Lenon) Carver; who were both born in Pennsylvania ; the grandfather Carver; came from Germany and settled in Pennsylvania, where he lived and died ; Michael and Anna were parents of eight children, of whom three are now living, viz., Jacob, residing in Kansas, Benjamin and Henry G. ; Michael removed from Pennsylvania to Ohio and located in Miami Co. in 1799; his wife (as she afterward became), came to this State with the Knoop family in 1796 ; soon after his marriage, he settled upon the farm where his son Henry now lives ; this land he bought from the Symmes purchase ; here he commenced right in the primeval forest, and cleared up the land, enduring all the hardships and deprivations to which those early settlers were subjected ; but by his labor and industry, and the help of his noble family, he was enabled, in his later days, to enjoy some of the comforts of a good farm and the home which his labors had made ; he departed this life Dec. 2, 1843 ; his wife lived till June 6, 1850, when she, too, passed away. Mr. Carver; our subject, lived with his father till his death. On Nov. 16, 1843, he was united in marriage with Milly Knoop, who was born Sept. 12, 1819 ; she is a a 'daughter of Christopher and Catharine (Shidaker) Knoop, he being a native of Pennsylvania and she of Maryland ; the grandfather Knoop came from Germany ; Christopher and Catharine were parents of five children, of whom four are now living, viz., James L., living in Shelby Co.; Abraham ; Henry, living in Dayton, Ohio; and Milly ; Mr. Carver and wife, by this union, have• had six children, of whom three are now living, viz., Mordecai B., George W., and Mary B., now Mrs. L. Nysewander ; Mr. Carver has always remained on the home farm, where he has a fine body of land of 423 acres, mostly in cultivation, and has erected large, commodious buildings ; in connection with his farm, he is also owner of a large, woolen- mill, which he bought over a year ago ; this sketch is the record of two of the old pioneer families of Miami Co., the Knoops being among the first settlers, and the Carvers coming about the same time ; too much praise cannot be given in behalf of these hardy old pioneers, who spent their strength and their lives in bringing out from the wilderness these beautiful farms and homes ; and, as we place their names and record here, we do it that the future generations may read their names and their works and give them due remembrance and honor. Mr. Carver and wife are Members of the Christian Church, having been such for twenty years. ISAAC CLYNE, farmer ; P. O. Casstown ; born in Miami Co. March 18, 1818, on the farm where he still resides ; is a son of Isaac and Olive (Ingraham) Clyne, both born in Pennsylvania ; the grandfather Clyne was a native of Saxony ; the grandfather Arthur Ingraham, of Ipswich, England. Isaac and Olive, the parents, located in Miami Co. in 1809 or 1811 ; they came by river to Cincinnati, and there landed, when there was nothing there but the block-house ; they located upon the farm upon which the son Isaac now lives ; here he cut out the first stick of timber; put up his log cabin, and roughed it in pioneer style, his nearest neighbor being nearly two miles distant, and in other directions much further ; they were parents of eleven children, five of whom are living, viz., Hannah (now Widow Deweese), Elizabeth (now Mrs. Dye, living in Indiana), Letitia (now Widow Crane), Isaac. and Ingraham (now living in Delaware Co., Ind.) ; his death occurred in 1833, from cholera, his wife living till 1852 Mr. Clyne, the subject of this sketch, lived with his father till his death, after which the oldest son came home and farmed the ELIZABETH TOWNSHIP - 561 place one year; and trained up the younger sons, so that they took care of the farm after the first year. April 11, 1839, Mr. Clyne was united in marriage with Elizabeth, daughter of Jonathan and Catharine (James) Knight, born in Pennsylvania, and were among the early pioneers of this county, their ancestry coming from England, and the Jameses of Scotch descent ; her father; Jonathan, cleared up the land on the farm where the Orphans' Home is now erected ; the works and labors of the Knight family come largely into the early history of Miami Co.. by this marriage they have had eleven children, of whom six are living, viz., Co.; Ann (now Mrs. J. M. Studebaker), Nettie (now Mrs. William Frazee), Priscilla (now Mrs. B. F. Hance), Horatio S., William K. and Minerva Ellen ; Mr. Clyne has always resided on the old home place, has improved and cleared up the farm, and brought most of it into good cultivation, erecting fine buildings upon it ; this land has now been in possession of the father and son nearly seventy years. Mr. Clyne is, politically, a Democrat ; has been Township Trustee for many years, and is now serving his second term as Commissioner of the county. He and his wife have been members of the Baptist Church for twenty-four years. JOSHUA H. COTTINGHAM, farmer ; P. O. Tippecanoe City ; was born in this county Noy. 30, 1828 ; is a son of Joshua E. and Elizabeth (Harritt) Cottingham ; he was born Oct. 23, 1792, in Maryland, and she Oct. 24, 1791, in Pennsylvania ; the grandfather; William, was born Feb. 7, 1775, the ancestry being from England ; the grandfather; Harritt, was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. The father; Joshua, came with his parents to Bourbon Co., Ky., when about 5 years of age ; thence to Montgomery Co., Ohio, in the spring of 1807. On June 16, 1814, he was united in marriage with Elizabeth Harritt and located in Greene Co. where they resided till December; 1822, thence to Miami Co., and located on the farm upon which Joshua now lives ; here he died Aug. 11, 1879, nearly 87 years of age ; his wife, Elizabeth, is still living, in her 89th year. They were active members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, he for sixty-two years, find she for seventy-three years. They were the parents of eight children, viz., Mary Leah, William, Robert H., Abigail, James, Joshua H., Elizabeth and Louisa, all living, the father's death being the first in the family. Mr. Cottingham, the subject of our sketch, lived with his father till about 22 years of age. On Feb. 14, 1856, he was married to Elizabeth Bousman, who was born Aug. 28, 1832, and is a daughter of Leonard and Elizabeth (Jackson) Bousman ; he being a native of Virginia and she of Pennsylvania. They were the parents of nine children, seven now living, viz., Mary, Catharine, Elizabeth, William, Eliza, Henry and Harriet. Mr. Cottingham and wife, by this union have two children, viz., Milton A., born Feb. 28, 1858, and Freeman 0., born Oct. 25, 1860. Mr. Cottingham, after his marriage, lived on various rented farms for about seven years ; then rented a farm near Tippecanoe, where they lived for sixteen years ; finally removing to the old home farm, where he has 116 acres of good land, mostly in cultivation. JESSE O. DAVY, M. D., physician, Alcony ; was born in Delaware Co., Ohio, Oct. 18, 1840 ; is a son of Henry D. and Elizabeth (Leatherman) Davy ; he was born in Ohio and she in Maryland, the paternal ancestry coming from England, and the maternal from Germany. Henry D. and wife were parents of ten children, of whom seven are now living, viz., Catharine, now Mrs. Hodgden, in Kansas ; Ruth, now Mrs. Clawson, in Delaware Co., Ohio ; John L., Ezra J., William, Jesse 0. and Mary, now Mrs. Gilmore, of Knox Co. ; he lost his wife by death in 1850, and, in 1851, was married to Catharine Bastater; daughter of Jacob Bastater; born in Maryland ; by this union he has had three children, viz., Alvin J., of Troy ; H. Dolphus, of Cincinnati, and Elias S. Dr. Davy, our subject, received while young a good common-school education ; in 1858, he attended a select school at Olive Green, Delaware Co., and, during his attendance here, determined to adopt the medical profession ; he went to Navarre, Stark Co., where he devoted one year to the study of medicine, and, April 6, 1861, entered Wittenberg College, at Springfield, Ohio, where he graduated in 1868 ; soon after entering the college, in April, 1861, he enlisted in the three-months service, in the war of the rebellion ; 562 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: at the expiration of which he returned to college and remained two years ; thence, again, he enlisted in the 59th 0. V. I., and served till the close of the war; being while in the army most of the time in the Brigade Hospital as Brigade Steward ; his duties. were to examine all the wounded as they were brought back to the hospital for treatment, and to assign them to their proper tents, which afforded him splendid opportunities for future usefulness in treating traumatic wounds ; at the close of the war he returned to the college, completed his studies and graduated as above stated ; from there he went to Cincinnati and attended two courses of lectures at the Ohio Medical College ; removed to Springfield and began practice, meeting with very flattering success, and situated under very favorable auspices ; but, like many others, not satisfied to let " well enough alone," he left his profession and entered upon a manufacturing business, which financially proved very disastrous ; during the settlement of his business affairs, he took an agency with the Champion Machine Company, which he held for about two years ; when he entered again upon his profession, at his present location, Miami City, by buying out Dr. Thatcher; an old resident physician ; he has been in practice here for four years, and is meeting with good success and remunerative returns; from his thorough qualifications for his profession, and the love, interest and energy he displays in its prosecution, there is no question of his future success. On June 30, 1868, was celebrated his marriage with Susanna A. Hopper; daughter of Abraham and Sarah Hopper ; he being a native of New York State and she of Ohio ; they were the parents of four children, of whom three are now living, viz., Johanna, now Mrs. C. C. Johnson, living in Hamilton ; Angeline, now Mrs. Ernsberger; living in Richland Co., and Susanna A. VAN S. DEATON, M. D., physician, Alcony ; born in Champaign Co., Ohio, Aug. 1, 1847 ; is a son of Nathan and Sarah (Schoby) Deaton, he being born in Virginia, and she in Ohio ; the grandfather; George W. Deaton, was also a native of Virginia ; the grandparents Schoby were born in New Jersey, the grandmother Schoby living to be 89 years of age. The ancestry of the Deaton family were from England. Nathan and Sarah were parents of six children, of whom five are now living, viz., Van S., Lydia A. (now Mrs. J. Cutter; of Kansas), Emery G. (also in Kansas), Emma D. (now Mrs. John McMorran, living in St. Paris, Ohio), and William D. (of Clark Co.). Dr. Deaton being only 9 years of age when his parents died, was raised by his uncle, Levi Deaton, till 17 years of age. Then he enlisted in the war of the rebellion, in the 16th Ohio Battery, in which he served till the close of the war, received an honorable discharge and returned home ; he then remained with his uncle for a time, but, having obtained a limited education in his boyhood days, he felt a desire for a more proficient scholarship, and in 1867, entered the National Normal School, at Lebanon, Ohio, taking such a course of study as would prepare him for the profession of teacher ; he continued at this school for two years, and then taught for several terms, during which time he studied medicine under Dr. Thatcher; of Miami City, then attended three courses of lectures at the Cincinnati College of Medicine and Surgery, in the winter of 1871-72 and the spring of 1873, graduating at the close of the latter term ; he located at Addison, Champaign Co., Ohio, where he practiced for four years, then went to Miami City, where he has continued his practice for nearly three years. On March 6, 1876, he married Laura E., daughter of Henry C. and Elizabeth Shidaker; by which union they have had two children, viz., Clarence Ross and Ernest Eldridge. Dr. Deaton, since commencing the practice of medicine, has been favored with abundant success, having, during the seven years of his professional duties, won the favor and a good share of the patronage of the community. The thorough education and qualifications he possesses, coupled with an energy and purpose of will to excel in his profession, will doubtless win for him in the future the favor of the people, and give him a. high standing in the medical profession. JAMES M. DYE, deceased. The name that heads this sketch was one of the prominent men of this county, and will ever be remembered for his many virtues and kind acts ; many years have passed since the name of James Dye was first ELIZABETH TOWNSHIP - 563 known, and his family were among the foremost pioneers of Miami Co. ; the Dyes, as will be seen in the county and township history, were a numerous and energetic people, and to them is due, in a great measure, the prosperity of our county. Mr. Dye was born in Miami Co. Sept. 6, 1805 ; his parents, Benjamin and Elizabeth (Jackson) Dye, were natives of Pennsylvania, and were married in that State ; when he came to Warren Co., he was very poor; but, possessed of indomitable pluck and energy, began accumulating, slowly, means for a livelihood ; they were the parents of ten children, of whom Sarah Meeks, William Benjamin and Maria Jones are now living. During his boyhood, and, in fact, all his lifetime, James Dye was engaged in agriculture, and, from a humble beginning, accumulated wealth rapidly, through good management, until he left a large landed estate of 1,390 acres. His marriage to Miss Letty Cecil, who was born Aug. 28, 1806, was celebrated March 3, 1825 ; her parents were natives of Pulaski Co., Va., and emigrated to Miami Co. in 1812 ; their names were Thomas and Nancy (Grayson) Cecil ; they had thirteen children, of whom Mrs. Letty Dye, the widow of our subject, survives. James and Letty Dye reared a large family ; Thomas C. Dye, their eldest son, was born June 22, 1827 ; Benjamin F., Jan. 28, 1829 ; Gordon C., July 15, 1831 ; Joseph C., April 25, 1833 ; Milton, Jan. 29, 1835 ; Roswell S., March 30, 1837 ; Elizabeth, Feb. 21, 1839; Grayson, Jan. 11, 1841 ; Robert, Aug. 19, 1842 ; Nancy J. May 26, 1845 ; and Webster; Feb. 11, 1848 ; of these, Milton, Gordon, Robert, J., and Benjamin F. are now dead ; the demise of their father; James M., ocourred Nov. 10, 1873 ; he was a man widely known, and his business qualifications brought him in contact with the prominent men of this as well as other counties ; his integrity was beyond question, and he was authority on agricultural topics. The marriage of Benjamin F. Dye and Sarah L. Tally, of Clermont Co., Ohio, was celebrated Jan. 8, 1856 ; Joseph wedded Alice Miller; probably in 1860 ; Grayson married Louisa. Shaffer in October; 1864 ; Thomas was married to Mrs. Catharine Moore, of Vermillion Co., Ill. ; the two daughters, Lizzie and Nannie, live with their mother on the Dye homestead, a beautiful and well-improved farm near Troy ; their residence is a large two-story frame, well furnished, presenting an air of neatness and comfort, which, added to the cordiality of the hostess, makes it a pleasant place to visit. Elizabeth (Jackson) Dye was a native of Redstone, Tenn., and came from that place to Ohio in 1798; her death occurred Feb. 1, 1817 ; Benjamin Dye died July 23, 1843 ; he was aged 64 years. The portrait of James M. Dye appears in this work. BENJAMIN FLINN, deceased ; born in Miami Co., April 2, 1822 ; was a son of John and Agnes (Priest) Flinn, he being born in Virginia, and she in Kentucky. The father; John, with his mother; was captured in Virginia by the Indians, and kept in captivity for fourteen years, during which Mrs. Flinn died ; John, gaining the confidence of the Indians, was granted many privileges to go and come as he pleased, and finally was permitted to visit his friends in Virginia, which he did, and then returned to the Indians ; becoming dissatisfied with them, he went back to Virginia, soon after come West, and became interpreter for Johnson, the Indian Agent, during the war of 1812. It is supposed that he became a settler of Miami Co. prior to 1807, which would make him one of the early pioneers. Here he married Agnes Priest, by whom he had a large family of children, of whom Benjamin was the seventh child. He lived with his father; mostly, till his marriage, which occurred Nov. 20, 1845, with Catharine, daughter of John and Rebecca Smith ; he was born in Maryland, and she in Virginia. By this union they had six children, of whom five are living, viz., Agnes, Rebecca Jane, Charlotte, Franklin and Mary. After their marriage, they located upon the farm where his widow, Mrs. Flinn, now resides. He died March 13, 1879. Since his death, the son, Franklin, and son-in-law, Mr. Pence, are taking charge of the home farm, consisting of 158 acres of fine land, with good buildings and improvements ; also another farm of 89 aores. Mr. Flinn was an industrious, enterprising man ; a kind husband and father; a good neighbor; and one .who had the confidence of the people, as indicated by the offices he held, being School Director for several years, Township Trustee for two years, 564 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES : and filling other offices. He was an active member of the Christian Church for some twenty-five or thirty years, and his wife for twenty-two years. HENRY GARDNER, farmer ; P. 0. Troy ; born in Ireland ; is a son of Charles and Ann Gardner; who were also born in Ireland, and lived and died there. They were parents of six .children, of whom four are now living, viz., John, who is somewhere in America ; William, who came to America, but returned again to Ireland, where he still lives ; Charles, living in Canada ; and Henry. Mr. Gardner; our subject, came from Ireland to America in 1847, and was in Canada about two years, then removed to Miami Co., and located first on the Robert Sproul farm, where he lived about eighteen years; then on the farm where he now resides. On Feb. 28, 1854, he married Rebecca Jane, daughter of Robert and Isabella Sproul. They have had six children, viz., Nancy Bell, Robert Charles, Sarah Elizabeth, William Thomas, Samuel Ellsworth and Elvin Hays. Mr. Gardner has now resided twelve years on his present farm of 150 acres of fine land, with good buildings and improvements. O. C. GARMAN, farmer ; P. 0. Troy ; born in Adams Co., Ohio. Feb. 22, 1843 ; is a son of Peter and Hannah (Countryman) Garman, who were born in Highland Co., Ohio. The grandparents were natives of Virginia, the ancestry originally coming from Germany. Peter and Hannah, the parents, have always resided in Adams Co. They were the parents of six children, viz., Susanna, now Mrs. Bell ; Salome, now Mrs. J. Pulse; Ann, now Mrs. Murphy ; Obadiah C., Daniel H. and Hymen P., living in Kansas. Mr. Garman lived with his father till 20 years of age. In August, 1862, he went to the defense of his country, and enlisted in the 60th 0. V. I.. serving three months, being captured by the rebels, then paroled, and re-enlisted in June, 1863, in the 1st Ohio Heavy Artillery, where he remained till the close of the war. After his return from the army, he attended the National Normal school at Lebanon, Ohio, during the summer; and taught school during the winter; until he graduated, after which he followed teaching for five years, and since, has farmed and taught alternately. On Aug. 21, 1873, he was united in marriage with Mary P. Phillips, daughter of Clark C. and Mary P. Phillips. They had three children, viz., Anna E., Cora May and Clark P. After their marriage, they located in Higginsport, Ohio, where he was the principal of their schools for one year; thence to Patriot, Ind, where he remained two years as principal of their schools, with his wife (who is also a graduate of the same school at Lebanon) as a teacher; then to West Milton, this county, for one year; and afterward to the farm where he now resides. Mr. Garman has 60 acres of land, 50 of which are in cultivation, with excellent buildings upon them. Mr. Garman, though a recent resident of Miami Co., has served as Township Clerk one year. He and wife are members of the Christian Church, having been such for fifteen years. JAMES M. GEARHEART, farmer ; P. 0. Troy ; born in Miami Co., March 10, 1824 ; is a son of John and Eleanor (Beatty) Gearheart, who were natives of Virginia ; the grandfather Gearheart was a native of Virginia, the grandfather Beatty was born in Ireland. John, the father; came to Miami Co. with his parents, and became one of the early settlers, locating a little north of the Dye farm. John located on the farm now owned by Thompson Ely, where he lived about seventeen years, thence to the farm where James now lives ; here he died Aug. 16, 1850, his wife Jan. 3, 1871. They were the parents of five children, of whom two are now living, viz., James M. and John N. Our subject lived with his father until his marriage, Sept. 16, 1847, when he was united with Maria Matilda, daughter of Robert and Isabella Sproul. By this union they had six children, viz., John H., Robert S., William J: (deceased), James E., Thomas B. and Mary B. Mr. Gearheart, after his marriage, located upon the home farm, where he has resided up to the present time. He has a fine farm of 150 acres, 110 acres in cultivation. Politically, Mr. Gearheart is a Republican. Religiously he is a Methodist, his wife and children being Presbyterians. JOHN N. GEARHEART, farmer ; P. 0. Troy; born in Miami Co., Jan. 6, 1826 ; is a son of John and Eleanor (Beatty) Gearheart ; he being born in Miami ELIZABETH TOWNSHIP - 565 Co., in about 1800, and she in Champaign Co.; the grandfather; John, being a native of Virginia, and removing to this county about 1799, contemporary with the Knoops, Gerards, etc., the first plovers of the county. He located on the old Gearheart place, on the west edge of Elizabeth Township, where he lived and died, at the ripe old age of about 100 years. His son John, the father of our subject, after his mar- riage, located on the farm now owned by Thompson Ely, where he cleared up a farm, most of it right from the native forest ; here he remained for many years, and brought the farm into a good state of cultivation ; then located two miles north, on land now owned by Mr. Turner and James Gearheart, where he lived till his death, which occurred when he was about 52 years of age. They were the parents of five children, of whom two are now living, viz., James M. and John N. John. N. our subject, lived with his father till 1849, when he was united in marriage with N., A. Rowe, daughter of Henry and Elizabeth Rowe ; he being born in Pennsylvania, but locating in this county when about 18 years of age ; she was born in this township ; they were the parents of four children, of whom two are now living, viz., Mary A. and Nancy, now Mrs. Isaac A. Beales. After Mr. Gearheart's marriage, he located on a part of his father's place, which Mr. Turner now owns, and resided there some four or five years ; then removed to the farm where he now lives. They are the parents of nine children, of whom eight are now living, viz., John C.; Henry R., dying in infancy ; Elizabeth E., now Mrs. William Greer; Laura J., now Mrs Gross, living in Preble Co.; Nancy C., now Mrs. McNeal ; William M. R., almy F., Nelson E. and Iva B. Mr. Gearheart has a fine farm of 200 acres, and l but 40 acres in cultivation, with good buildings and improvements. Mr. Gear-heart and wife are members of the Christian Church, he having been such for thirty years, and she for thirty-five years. They have also had the pleasure to see all their children but one become Christians and members of the same church. S. DAVIS GREEN, farmer and stock-dealer ; P. 0. Troy ; he was born in Lost Creek Township, Dec. 2, 1823, and is the son of George W. and Nancy (King) Green ; he was born in Pennsylvania, and came to this county and located in Lost Creek Township about 1810 to 1812. He was married three times, first to Martha Gray, by whom he had one child, viz., William ; his second marriage was to Miss Nancy King, by wham he had five children, of whom two now survive, viz., Nancy. now Mrs. Harter; and S. Davis ; his third consort was Mary Hendricks, who had five children, viz., Margaret, Jane, Samuel, Ann and Robert ; the mother of our subject died in 1825 ; about 1831, the father located in Elizabeth Township, and died is 1833. Our subject being only 10 years of age when his father died, he was placed in the care of John C. Dye, with whom he remained until October; 1845, when he was married to Miss Hannah, daughter of Asa and Hannah French, he a native of New Jersey, and she of Kentucky ; by this union they have had five children, viz. Asa, Zelora, Sarah Eliza, now Mrs. A. Thackara, Joseph F., and Glenn. Mr. Greer farmed on rented land for nine years, then bought and located upon the farm where he has now lived for twenty-six years ; he has 170 acres, 140 of which are cleared and in cultivation, and since his occupation has erected a fine brick house a large barn and other buildings for comfort and convenience. Mr. Green and wife are members of the Casstown Baptist Church, having united with it while it was located in Staunton ; it is the oldest Baptist Church in the county, having beer organized in 1804 ; he has been a member of this church for thirty-four years, and Clerk of the same for the past twelve years ; his wife has been a member for thirty six years. BENJAMIN F. HANCE, farmer ; P. 0. Casstown; he was born in MiamiCo., Dec. 24, 1842, and is a son of Joseph and Patsy (Wilson) Hance ; he was a native of Kentucky, and she of Ohio ; the grandfather Hance was born in England and came to America during the Revolutionary war ; Joseph, the father came with his father to Miami Co., about 1812 or 1813, and located in Lost Creek Township, where his father died ; Joseph and wife were parents of twelve children, of whom eight are now living, viz., Lydia, Margaret William, Sarepta, Benjamin F., Seymour; Willis, and Letitia ; Joseph 566 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES died in Lost Creek Township, May 16, 1864 ; his wife died Nov. 5, 1855.. Our subject lived with his father till 17 years of age, when he went to learn the carpenter's trade with his brother Lewis. with whom he remained about four years, thence returned with his father; where he remained till his death. On Feb. 15, 1866, he was united in marriage with Priscilla Clyne, daughter of Isaac and Elizabeth Clyne; by this union they have had two children, viz., Horatio In- graham and William Otho. After Mr. Hance was married, he remained on the old home farm for two years, thence went to St. Paris, Ohio, for two years, and finally settled on the farm where he now resides ; here he has 100 acres of good land with excellent improvements. BENNETT J. HARTER, farmer; P. 0. Troy ; born in Kentucky, Feb. 19, 1819 ; is a son of Jacob and Elizabeth Harter ; he was a native of Virginia, and she of Kentucky. The grandfather Harter was born in Maryland, and the grandmother Harter in Virginia, the ancestry being originally from Germany. Jacob, the father; removed to Miami Co. about 1820, and located in Elizabeth Township, where he followed his trade as hatter; in connection with farming, for about twenty-three years, then sold out and bought a grist-mill and distillery, about three miles southwest from his first locality ; here he carried on the business some ten years, then removed to a farm just east of there, and farmed for a few years, when he retired from active business and located in Troy, and resided till his death, which occurred in 1875. When Mr. J. first came to this county, he commenced with but a few dollars' capital, but by industry and unfaltering energy, enduring faithfully all the hardships and deprivations of those early settlers, his diligence and economy won for him a large competency, so that during the latter years of his life he could enjoy all that money or wealth could procure ; but it is said that he declared that the happiest period of his life was during his first years in Miami Co., when he had to labor the hardest and economize the most. They were the parents of eleven children, of whom four are now living, viz., Bennett J., Samuel K., Catharine (now Widow Randolph), and Franklin L. Mr. Harter; our subject, lived with his father till about 28 years of. age. In 1844, he married Miss Nancy Green, daughter of George and Nancy (Knight) Green ; he was born in Pennsylvania, and she in Ohio ; by this union they have had six children, of whom three are living, viz., Bell S. (now Mrs. Charles C. Royce, of Washington, D. C.), Mary Josephine (now Mrs. E. W. Heywood, of Boston), and Jacob D. After his marriage, he lived on a rented farm for two years, then bought the Smulser farm, where he lived about five years, then removed to the Cove Spring farm, where he has since resided. He has 366 acres of excellent land well improved. JAMES T. HERMAN, farmer ; P. 0. Troy ; born in Clark Co., Ohio, July 4, 1848 ; is a son of Lawson D. and Hannah (Rail) Herman, also born in Ohio, the grandparents being from Maryland and New Jersey ; Lawson and wife were the parents of nine children; three are living, viz., John Wesley, Mary Louisa and James T. Lawson D. Herman lost his wife in 1849 ; in 1852, he married Eliza- beth, daughter of John Flinn, of whom mention is made in the sketch of Benjamin Flinn ; by this marriage they had one child, viz., Lawson A. ; Mr. Herman, the father, lived in Clark and Miami Cos. ; he started in life very poor; his only capital being good health, energy and a determination to gain a home and the comforts of life ; in this he was successful, as he became owner of 400 acres of land and some $10,000 in money besides ; he was born March 2, 1807, and died in Clark Co. Feb. 2, 1874. Our subject lived with his father till .25 years of age ; on Jan. 25, 1874, he was united in marriage with Margaret M., daughter of George and Ruth Ann Mumford ; by this union they have three children, viz., Anna. Bertha, Charlie Wilbert and James Edward ; Mr. Herman, after his marriage, located upon the farm where he now lives, and commenced in a log cabin ; he has everything in good repair, fine new buildings erected and all the conveniences required for a pleasant home. SAMUEL KNICK, farmer ; P. 0. Alcony ; born in Miami Co. Dec. 9, 1832 ; is a son of William and Rachel (Armstrong) Knick, natives of Virginia, who came ELIZABETH TOWNSHIP - 567 to this county among the early settlers ; they were the ,parents of nine childre six now living, viz., William, James, George, Isaac, Samuel and Thomas; M Knick, the father; was in the war of 1812, and, after his death, his widow drew co-pension; he died Dec. 14, 1848, aged 56 years 2 months and 7 days ; she died Oct. 3, 1864, aged 71 years and 7 months. Our subject was 16 years of age at the time of his father's death, after which he worked by the month till about 23 years of age. Oct. 18, 1855, he was united in marriage with Mary Elizabeth, born Feb. 27, 1835, a daughter of David and Catharine Ann Strock, natives of Pennsylvania they were the parents of nine children ; seven are living, viz., Oliver; Mary Elizabeth, Jacob, John, David, George and Addison. Mr. Knick has had six children viz., Melissa, born Aug. 25, 1856 ; Emma J., Oct. 31, 1858 ; Frank, May 18, 186 Charles, Dec. 18, 1865 ; Ella, May 9, 1873 ; and Ida, Sept. 12, 1877. After the marriage, Mr. Knick located on the farm where the Orphans' Home is now located remained about two years, then bought and located upon the farm where they now reside ; they have a fine farm of 140 acres, and good improvements. Mr. Knick, is a Democrat, and has been Township Trustee for four years ; he and wife a members of the Christian Church, he having been a member for fourteen years and she for thirty years. ISAAC N. KYLE, farmer ; P. 0. Troy ; born in Miami Co. June 19, 1832, on the farm upon which he now resides ; is a son of Samuel and Mary (Bell) Kyle he was born in Pennsylvania and she in Virginia ; the grandfather Kyle was also born in Pennsylvania ; the ancestry originally came from Scotland. Grandfather Kyle emigrated from Pennsylvania to Miami Co., in 1807, and located in Concord Township, where he and other members of the family entered five quarter-section of land ; here he died, after a few years' residence, at an advanced age. The father Samuel, remained there till 1814, when he located upon the farm where Isaac now resides; here he opened out in the dense forests, cutting the first stick of timber ever taken from its native growth, and toiling on for years, in pioneer style, make a farm and a home, enduring the hardships and deprivations which on those honored old pioneers of our country knew and experienced. About the time of his locating on this farm, he was chosen Representative of this county to t Legislature, and, having located late in the fall, he had to repair to Columbus before he had completed his log house for a dwelling for his family ; but, leaving instructions for the completion of his house, he started for Columbus on horseba( He was, during his life, a very active and prominent man in the county, being pu lie-spirited, enterprising and taking an active part in everything for the good his county and neighborhood. They were parents of twelve children, of who eight are now living, viz., William H. H., now living in Kansas ; Samuel B., livii in Arkansas ; Mary F., now Mrs. Yount, of Union City ; Elizabeth A., now M J. Yount, living in Iowa ; Logan K., also in Iowa ; Sarah A. now Mrs. McNeal; Nancy C., now Mrs. Furrow, of Iowa, and Isaac N.; Samuel Kyle was an earnest Christian from his early manhood, and was one of the founders of the Christian Church ; a member of the Miami Conference from its organization, he was ordain a minister in the church in 1810 ; was an active, energetic minister of the Gospel for twenty-five years, and probably organized more churches, during this perk than any other man in the county. His Christian work was one of constant labor in his Master's vineyard ; and his death, which occurred April 8, 1836, was that one who believed in the triumphs of a living faith, and had an unfaltering hope a blessed immortality. His wife departed this life in 1862. Isaac N. Kyle, c subject, and the youngest child of the family, has always remained upon the home place, where he now has 160 acres of land, of which 120 acres are in cultivation with fine buildings and improvements. He was united in marriage Jan. 1, 1857 with Elizabeth A. Sayers, daughter of Andrew and Sarah (Talbot) Sayers. They have five children, viz., Barton W., Clara F., Mary A., Maggie A. and Harry Mr. Kyle, like his father; has always been a public-spirited man, who has had I confidence of his people, and is known from one end of the county to the other as 568 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES one who is interested in all public matters and improvements. He was elected a member of the School Board in 1859, in which he has since served. DANIEL McNEAL. farmer ; P. O. Alcony; born in Pennsylvania Oct. 10, 1816 ; is a son of Daniel and Sarah (Brougher) McNeal, who were also natives of Pennsylvania ; the grandfather McNeal was a Scotchman, and the grandfather Brougher; or his ancestry, came from Germany. Daniel, the father; lived and died in Pennsylvania, but his wife, Sarah, came to Ohio and died in this county. They were parents of four children, of whom two are now living, viz., John and Daniel. Daniel, our subject, was only 11 years of age when his father died, but the mother; to her credit, managed to keep her family together till they grew to maturity, and came to Miami Co. Mr. McNeal removed from Pennsylvania to Ohio in 1839. and located on the farm where be now resides ; he first purchased 123 acres of land, most of which was still a dense forest ; he commenced with a capital of $1,000, and from year to year he cleared up and improved his land, from time to time purchasing more land adjoining him, as means and opportunity would permit, till now he is owner of nearly 800 acres of land, the greater portion of it in cultivation. This large amount of property has been accumulated by his own labor; industry and good management, being a good example to the future generations of what may be accomplished by industry and economy, In 1838, Mr. McNeal was united in marriage with Barbara Brechbill, daughter of Frederick and Ann Maria Brechbill, who were natives of Pennsylvania. By this union they had eleven children, of whom six are now living, viz., Maria, now Mrs. Thompson ; Frederick B. ; Louisa, now Mrs. Stafford ; George, James and Marcellus. He lost his wife by death in 1864 ; in 1873, was united in marriage with Mrs. Ann V. Kessler; daughter of Peter and Rebecca Vore, he a native of Pennsylvania and she of Ohio. By this union they have had two children, of whom one only is now living, viz., Henry Ernest. Mr. McNeal has not only been a man of energy and industry, and accumulated a competency of this world's goods, but he has been a man of ability, commanding the confidence of the people of his community and township, as indicated by the offices he has held, having been Township Trustee for many years, and Justice of the Peace for nine years ; he is, at the present time, Township Treasurer and Land Appraiser ; in fact, there is scarcely a township office but what he has held, and no year of his life but what he has held one or more offpelces. He and wife are members of the Christian Church, in which they have been active members for twenty-seven years. A. C. & W. P. MARTIN, farmers; P. 0. Troy ; natives of Miami Co., Lost Creek Township, A. C. Martin being born Dec. 23, 1827, and W. P. Martin Feb. 15, 1830 ; are sons of Joseph and Mary (Clyne) Martin, who were also born in Miami Co. The grandparents came from Pennsylvania at a very early day. Joseph and Mary were parents of three children, viz., Abijah C., William P. and Hannah, now Widow Kellogg, living in Iowa. Joseph and Mary's lives were very brief, being victims of that terrible scourge, the cholera, which visited this section in 1832 and 1833; they were both attacked with the disease, and lived but a few hours, there being less than an hour's difference in their deaths ; he only 27 years of age, being cut off in the prime of life, and the children left orphans when very young ; Abijah C. the eldest, was only 5 years of age, and William C., 3 years old. They were placed under the guardianship of their uncle, who put them to various occupations until they were able to care for themselves. They have, since becoming of age, made farming their principal occupation, having owned three different farms successively in partnership in this and Lost Creek Township. About seven years ago, they bought the farm upon which they now live and have since resided. This consists of 204 acres, mostly under cultivation, with large and commodious buildings attached. Abijah C. was united in marriage March 2, 1859, with Elizabeth Knoop, daughter of Daniel and Lucy Knoop. By this union they have had four children, viz., Mary B., Charles D., John K. and Lucy. DANIEL MORRETT, farmer ; P. 0. Christiansburgh, Champaign Co.; born in Pennsylvania Sept. 24, 18151 is a son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Strock) Morrett, ELIZABETH TOWNSHIP - 569 also born in Pennsylvania, their ancestry coming from. Germany. They were the parents of nine children, of whom seven are living, viz., Catharine, Daniel, Rachel, Jacob, now in Iowa, Elizabeth, Eli, now in Pennsylvania, and Rebecca. Mr. Morrett lived with his father till 23 years of age. In the spring of 1839, he came to Ohio, and in the fall of 1840, was married to Catharine Ann, daughter of John and Susan Slaybaugh, also from Pennsylvania. By this union they have had ten children, seven living—Jacob, John, Alfred, Mary, Fanny, William and Emma Louisa. In 1841, Mr. Morrett located upon his present farm, which he has cleared and improved, has erected good buildings and now has 100 acres in cultivation with all the conveniences needed for a farmer's residence. Politically, Mr. Morrett is a Republican. GEORGE MUMFORD, farmer ; Alcony P. 0.; born in Maryland Feb. 16, 1812 ; is a son of John and Hannah Mumford; he was born in England, his wife being born in Maryland ; he lived and died in Maryland ; the mother came to thi s county, where she died ; they were the parents of fourteen children, of whom three are now living, viz., Hannah, George and Miranda. The subject of this sketch, in the fall of 1833, came to Muskingum Co., Ohio, where he remained about one year; then returned to Maryland, and was united in marriage, Aug. 6, 1835, with Ruth Ann, daughter of Isaac and Ruth Ann Martin, both natives of Maryland ; by this union they had ten children, of whom eight are living, viz., Martha, Josephine, Wilber Harrison, Isaac, Maria M., George, Melissa and Clara Bell ; after Mr. Mumford's marriage, he came to Ohio and located in Muskingum Co., but afterward removed to Miami Co., where he has since resided ; he has been a resident upon the farm where he now lives some twenty-five years ; he has 416 acres in one body, constituting three farms, all having good buildings ; this estate he has accumulated by his own labor; industry and economy, having commenced in life with comparatively nothing but a good constitution, energy and a determination to make a home and the comforts of life, which he has abundantly accomplished. WILLIAM R. MUMFORD, farmer; P. O. Alcony ; born in Miami Co. June 7, 1841 ; is a son of John and Mary M. (Cromer) Mumford, who were born in Maryland, and came to Ohio with his brother George. John, the father; when he came to this county, lived on rented farms for about eight years, then bought the farm upon which his son William now lives, where he died, Sept. 16, 1868 ; his widow is still living with their son William, and is 71 years of age; they were the parents of ten children, of whom five are now living, viz., John P., William, Joseph E. (of Clark Co.), Mary Jane and Sarah Amanda. William R., our subject, lived with his father till his death. On Nov. 7; 1867, he was united in marriage with Olivia, a daughter of John and Sarah A. Schindler ; by this union he has had four children, of whom three are now living, viz., Irving, Eben and Viola ; William R. has always remained on the home place, and had charge of the farm since his father's death, and for many years before, as his father was crippled and helpless for some ten years, from rheumatic affections ; William R. lost his wife Sept. 7, 1876, at 31 years of age. Mr. Mumford has been a member of the Universalist Church for four years ; his mother; Mary M., has been a member of the Lutheran Church for a period of fifty-two years. JOHN H. RAMSEY, farmer and Justice of the Peace ; P. O. Alcony; is a son of Samuel and Ellen (Fletcher) Ramsey ; he was born in Pennsylvania, she in England, emigrating to America when 12 years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Ramsey became residents of Lycoming Co., and while there our subject was born, Feb. 11, 1810. Of nine children born to the parents, six now survive—John H., Jane, Thomas, Mary Ann, Margaret and Harriet. They removed from Pennsylvania to Ohio, locating at Dayton, in 1811 ; thence went to Elizabeth Township, Miami Co., in 1817, where he resided till his death. In the war of 1812, he was a soldier in Hull's army. He was a man of great energy and industrious habits, and, by the help of his sons, cleared over 100 acres of land, and brought it into good cultivation. Our subject lived with his father till 23 years of age. On March 14, 1833, he was married to Miss Dorothy, daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth Neff; he was 570 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: born in Virginia, and she in Pennsylvania ; they were the parents of nine children, three now living—Mary, Dorothy and Elizabeth. As the issue of this union, Mr. and Mrs. Ramsey have two children—William and Sarah. Mr. Ramsey, after his marriage, located upon his father's place, and resided on his several farms for fourteen years ; thence went to the Booker farm for four yearn ; and finally to the farm where he now resides ; became owner of 425 acres of land, and sold 210 acres to his son-in-law, still owning 215 acres. The crowning traits of Mr. Ramsey's life have been energy, industry, economy and honor. Having the entire confidence of the people, they have extended to him many offices of trust ; he has served as Justice of the Peace twenty-four consecutive years ; and, in testimony of his honor as it has been manifested in his official career; we have the evidence of the many compromised cases which were brought before him, threatening extensive law-suits through Mr. Ramsey's pacific efforts between the contending parties, the differences were amicably settled without appealing to law. William, son of our subject, residing at home with his father; was married, March 20, 1868, to Miss Abby, daughter of David and Martha Neff ; they have seven children, six now living--George John, Mary, Charlie, Samuel and Walter. ANDREW S. SAUNDERS, farmer; P. 0. Casstown ; born in Miami Co. Nov. 11, 1816 ; is a son of William and Elizabeth (Sheets) Saunders, born in Pennsylvania ; the Grandfather Saunders removed from Pennsylvania to this county when William was 11 years of age, locating here a few years after the Knoops ; William and Elizabeth were the parents of six children, of whom five are now living, viz., Andrew S., Henry R., Sarah Ann, Catharine Morter and Isaac ; the grandfathers were among the pioneers of the county, having to go to mill for their grist and market their flour at Cincinnati ; but they accomplished their work, and lived to see and enjoy many improvements and comforts. Our subject lived with his father till 18 years of age, then worked by the month till January, 1837, when he was united in marriage with Delilah, daughter of Michael and Sarah Kissinger, who were natives of Virginia and the parents of two children, viz., Delilah and Nancy (deceased). After Mr. Saunders' marriage, he rented a farm of his Grandfather Sheets for about two years, then went to Shelby Co., and has followed farming there and in this county until the present time ; he owns 200 acres of fine land, with good buildings and improvements ; Mr. Saunders has done a large share of pioneer work, having cleared up about 200 acres of land ; he has held several offices, having been Constable, Appraiser; Township Clerk, etc., but he desires to avoid office as much as possible, preferring to attend strictly to his own personal business. THOMAS JEFFERSON SAYERS, farmer ; P. 0. Casstown ; born in Miami Co. Oct. 15, 1808 ; is a son of Thomas and Francis (Dye) Sayers ; he was born in Virginia Dec. 26, 1770, and she in Pennsylvania Jan. 7, 1777. The grandparents removed from Virginia to Pennsylvania when Thomas was only a child, where he lived till arriving at maturity. On April 3, 1795, was celebrated his marriage, and they resided in Pennsylvania till the fall of 1808, at which time they removed to Miami Co., and located on the farm where Jefferson now lives ; here he settled in the woods, his nearest neighbors being the Knoops, located in Staunton Township ; he was in the war of 1812, and served six months ; Mr. Sayers was a man of energy, and toiled and labored to make a farm and a home. They had a family numbering seventeen children, six now living, viz., Andrew D., James, Elizabeth, T. Jefferson, Clarissa and William D. On Oct. 17, 1830, our subject was married to Margaret French, born June 16, 1807, a daughter of Asa and Sarah French ; he was born in New Jersey, and she in Pennsylvania ; they were parents of ten chil- dren, of whom six are now living, viz., Ezekiel, Simeon, Margaret, Jacob, Lewis and David. Jefferson and wife have had ten children, and seven are now living, viz., Ezekiel F., Jbhn H., Harrison, Sarah, Enos, A. Judson and Milton C. During the war of the rebellion, this family furnished three soldiers for the defense of our country, Enos, enlisting in the 26th Regiment, and A. Judson in the 11th 0. V. I., who served through. the war; and Milton C., who enlisted in the navy ELIZABETH TOWNSHIP - 571 and served one year. Mr. Sayers resided on the home farm until 1867, when he removed to Casstown and resided ten years, thence 'to the farm where he still resides. Mr. Sayers bought the farm of his father in 1837, and experienced many hard days' work in paying for it ; but he and his wife never despaired, and now, after many years of toil and labors, are possessed of a fine farm and home. He has also helped each of his children, by furnishing them means. This farm, the home place, has been in possession of the Sayers family for a period of seventy-two years. Mr. Sayers has been a member of the Casstown Baptist Church for forty-six years, and his wife for fpelfty-six years ; he has also been Deacon of the church for forty years. They have raised seven of their children, and have had the pleasure to see them all become Christians and active members in the church. ANDREW D. SAYERS, farmer ; P. 0. Troy ; born in Pennsylvania March 22, 1797 ; is a son of Thomas and Frances Sayers. The parents came from Pennsylvania to this county in the fall of 1808, when our subject was 11 years of age. Mr. Sayers lived with his father till 25 years of age. July 19, 1821, he was married to Miss Sarah, daughter of Sampson and Jane Talbott, who were born in Kentucky, but came to Ohio at quite an early day. By this union they have had eight children, who grew to maturity, five of whom are now living, viz., Sampson, Ezra, Elizabeth, now Mrs. Kyle ; Pressley and Mary. After his marriage, he lived on his father's farm for two years, then on a rented farm in Lost Creek Township ; afterward bought a farm in Brown Township, where he lived five years ; then went into Lost Creek Township, where he resided thirty years ; and finally to the farm where he now lives and has made a continued residence of twenty-two years. He has a fine farm of 160 acres, of which 110 acres are in cultivation, with good buildings and improvements. Mr. Sayers is now nearly 84 years of age, being one of the oldest persons now living in Elizabeth Township. He lost his wife by death Jan. 13, 1879, they having traveled the journey of life together for over fifty-seven years. They had been members of the Baptist Church for nearly half a century. JOHN SCHINDLER, retired, Alcony ; born in Maryland Dec. 5, 1822 ; is a son of John and Hannah (Leatherman) Schindler ; he was born in Germany, and came to Marvland when 11 years of age ; she was born in Maryland. They removed to Ohio in 1852, and located in Clark Co., where he lived and died ; she is still living, and resides in Miami City, this county, at the advanced age of 82 years. They were parents of five children, of whom four are now living viz., Peter A., of Springfield, Ohio ; John ; Daniel L., of Hanover; Penn.; and Louisa C. Mr. Schindler; our subject, remained with his father till 23 years of age, and on March 12, 1846, he was united in marriage with Sarah Ann Rice, daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth (Williard) Rice, who were born and raised in Maryland. They were parents of three children, one only now living, viz., Sarah Ann. Mr. and Mrs. Schindler have had five children, of whom three are now living, viz., Rice, Millard and Mina. Mr. Schindler; after his marriage, rented his father's saw and grist mill, where he remained and carried on the business about seven years ; then followed the millwright and carpenter business for three years ; he removed to Ohio in spring of 1856, and located in Springfield, where he engaged as a partner with his brother in the furniture-manufacturing business, where he continued for five years ; then bought the mill property which he now owns, and located here in 1861, where he and his sons have continued business to the present time. Mr. Schindler is a natural mechanic and machinist, and has always done all his own millwright work, repairing, etc. The mill property he sold to his sons a few years since, who are running a strictly first class custom mill, and with the assistance of the large, practical experience of their father; are enabled to give their customers universal satisfaction. Mr. Schindler has been a man of energy and industry, and had at one time accumulated quite a comfortable property, but met with some reverses, and when he located in this county, nineteen years ago, was possessed of but a limited capital ; by his energy, industry and good management, he has accumulated a competency, and is now able to live retired from active business, enjoying some of the benefits of his past labors. That he has the confidence of his oommunity, is shown by the offices 572 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: he has held, having been Township Trustee one term, and Treasurer of the township for eight years. Mr. Schindler and wife have been members of the Reformed Church for a period of forty years. SAMUEL SCOTT, farther ; P. 0. Troy ; born in this township Dec. 9, 1844 ; is a son of John and Elizabeth (Sproul) Scott ; he was born in Pennsylvania, and she in South Carolina. John located in this township about 1830 ; had a fine farm of 320 acres, where he lived and died ; being one of the early settlers of that neighborhood; they had ten children, who grew up to maturity, nine of whom are now living-William; Isabella; now Mrs. Walker ; Jane, now Mrs. Telford ; Robert; Fannie ; Elizabeth ; Maggie, now Mrs. McCurdy ; Samuel and Thomas ; our subject lived with his father till his death. Dec. 2, 1872, was married to Miss Mary E., daughter of John and Margaretta Farver ; he was born in Maryland and she in Ireland, coming to this country when a small child ; they were quite early settlers of this county .; Mr. Scott and wife by this union have three children-Sarah Nelly, John Gustave and Bessie Margaretta ; they resided on the old home farm till the spring of 1880, when they located on the farm where they now reside ; the Scott family were early settlers, clearing up a large farm right from the dense forests, and, by their own labor and industry, became possessed of a fine cultivated farm and a pleasant home ; have a good competency, and present another example of prosperity, arising from energy and close application to business. WILLIAM SCOTT, farmer ; P. O. Alcony ; born in Pennsylvania Jan. 18, 1822 ; is a son of William and Sarah (Kinney) Scott, who were also born in Pennsylvania ; the ancestry being from Scotland. The parents, William and Sarah, came to this county about 1865, and located in this township, remaining here one year then removed to Troy, where he has resided to the present time, living a retired life, he being in his 85th year ; his wife died in 1876 ; they were parents of nine children, of whom five are now living, viz., William, Mary E., James, Sarah Jane and Margaret Elizabeth (twins). Our subject remained with his parents till 28 years of age, when he was united in marriage with Mary, daughter of Henry and Jane Krimer; natives of Pennsylvania ; they had four children, of whom two are now living, viz., Henry and Sharon Kinney ; his wife died May 29, 1857. On March 5, 1863, was celebrated his marriage with Sarah L., daughter of Zenas and Elizabeth Hart, who were born in New Jersey, removing to this county about 1815, and locating in this township, opening out in the forests a home and farm, and enduring all the hardships of those early settlers ; but he lived to accomplish his work ; obtained a fine farm with good buildings, and all conveniences necessary for comfort ; there he was permitted to enjoy only a few years, dying Nov. 15, 1844, and his wife April 10, 1849 ; they were parents of seven children, of whom five are living-Mary, Levi, William H. Harrison, Sarah L. and John. Mr. Scott first located in this county, where he has since lived, following farming most of the time ; he has a pleasant home and residence, with 50 acres of land all in cultivation ; here they have resided nine years ; they have two other pieces eland of 40 and 50 acres respectively ; Mr Scott has held several offices-was Supervisor several terms, Township Trustee one term, and Postmaster for six years. JOHN K. SHEETS, farmer; P. O. Troy; born on the farm where he now lives Sept. 27, 1833 ; is a son of Isaac S. and Nancy Sheets ; our subject lived with his father till his marriage, which was celebrated June 4, 1861, when he was united with Miss Ann Elizabeth, daughter of Jacob and Sybil Null, natives of Pennsylvania, who came to Ohio when Ann E. was an infant; twelve children were born to them, of whom eleven are now living, viz., John M., Ann E., Frances (now Mrs. Leonard). Jesse, Margaret (now Mrs. Starr), Etta (now Mrs. Smith), Andrew, Alice (now Mrs. Johnson), Leonora (now Mrs. Hooper), Capitola and Grant ; Mr. Sheets after his marriage located on the old home place, by Sheets' Mill, and ran the mill two years; then went to Indiana and lived nine months ; returned to the south part of the old home farm and lived till 1879, finally settling on his present place of residence. Mr. Sheets and wife have two children---Mary Jane and Isaac S.; their farm is composed of 320 acres of excellent land, mostly in cultivation, ELIZABETH TOWNSHIP - 578 constituting two fine farms, with good buildings ; they also have another good farm of 154 acres, in Staunton Township ; he also, in connection with his brother George, owns the grist-mill at the home place, which was built by their father nearly half a century ago, and has always done an extensive business,.being one of the best mills in this section of the country. ELIZABETH SHEETS, farmer ; P. 0. Casstown ; born in Miami Co. Feb. 7, 1826 ; is a daughter of Isaac S. and Nancy (Knoop) Sheets ; he was born in Pennsylvania, and she in Staunton Township. The grandparents were natives of Pennsylvania. The grandfather Sheets removed to Tennessee when Isaac was a child; to Miami Co., in fall of 1812, and located on the farm now owned by Joseph Studebaker; where he lived till about 1832, when he removed to Clark Co., where he died. Mr. Isaac Sheets, after his marriage, lived with his father about two years, then located on what has been known as the " Sheets place," where he resided during 'the remainder of his life. He cleared up all the farm but about 10 acres, upon which were small log buildings. Soon after locating here, he built a saw-mill, and in 1832 erected a grist-mill, where they commenced grinding about the 4th of July, 1834. Mr. Sheets and wife were the parents of seven children, of whom five are now living, viz., Elizabeth, Mary, John K., Barbara Jane and George M. He lost his wife May 3, 1862 ; he died suddenly. Sept. 24, 1876, from disease of the heart, while at Philadelphia attending the Centennial, being nearly 78 years of age. Mr. Sheets was a great worker with both mind and body, and accomplished a vast amount of labor during his life, being a public-spirited man and a leader in all public improvements. At his death he was the owner of over 500 acres of land, with good buildings upon all his farms. He was a very popular man in the community, having served as County Commissioner for two terms. At his death, the subject of this sketch came into possession of 120 acres of land, on which she lives, surrounded by good buildings and improvements. HENRY C. SHIDAKER, farmer ; P. 0. Troy ; born in Miami Co., on the farm where he ndw resides, Feb. 20, 1825 ; is a son of Valentine and Emily (Harter) Shidaker ; he was born in Maryland and she in Kentucky. The grandfather; Michael, was also a native of Maryland, the ancestry originally coming from Germany. The grandfather; Michael, removed from Maryland to Miami Co., in 1805, and located in Elizabeth Township, entering Sec. 14, in the dense forest, with no neighbors nearer than two to three miles, being as it were, an opening wedge in the pioneer work in this section. He died after performing many years of hard labor; and was succeeded by his son Valentine, who continued the work of clearing up and making improvements until he died, in 1846. He and wife Emily had eight children, of whom seven are now living, viz., Mitchell, Catharine, Henry C., Andrew, Jonathan, Sarah and Robert. Our subject always lived with his father till his death, since which he has succeeded him in possession of the old home farm. He was united in marriage, Oct. 8, 1847, with Elizabeth, daughter of Benjamin Edmunds, who came from Virginia. They had three children, viz., Lucy Matilda, Laura E. and Clara F. He has a fine farm of 127 acres, of which 100 acres are in cultivation, with very fine buildings attached. This farm has now been the residence of the Shidaker family for seventy-five years. ANTHONY SNYDER, farmer ; P. 0. Troy ; born in York Co., Penn., Aug. 12, 1818 ; is a son of Philip and Elizabeth Snyder. The ancestry came from Germany. The parents died in Pennsylvania, leaving nine children, of whom six are now living, viz., John, Abraham, Michael, Susan, Mary and George. Our subject was 8 years of age when his mother died ; he was then bound out to Aaron G. Blackford, with whom he lived till 16 years of age, then, until 30 years of age, he worked by the month. March, 1848, he was united in marriage with Sarah, daughter of John and Elizabeth Roller; natives of Pennsylvania, and were parents of six children, viz., Joseph, Mary, Barbara, Rebecca, George and Sarah. After Mr. Snyder,s marriage, he located in Center Co., Penn. till about 1864, when he removed to Miami Co., and in the spring of 1880, settled on the Scott farm, where he now resides. They have had three children, viz., Angeline, James and John 574 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: R. James, the second child, married Jane Walders, daughter of Jacob Walders, by which union they had two children, viz., Flora and Sabin. James also lives on the Scott farm, assisting his father and brother in cultivating it. Mr. Snyder and wife belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church, he having been a member for forty years, and she for thirty years. Their two sons are also members of the same church, ROBERT SPROUL, farmer ; P. 0. Troy ; born on the farm where he now resides Feb. 11, 1826 ; is a son of Robert and Isabella (Hayes) Sproul, who were born in Ireland ; he came to America in 1800, and she in 1793 ; they first located in South Carolina, but, about 1812, removed to Miami Co. ; while here he was drafted for the war and sent to Greenville, doing military duty two months, when he returned home ; in 1813, he located upon the farm where his son Robert now resides ; he died June 14, 1858, his wife April 2, 1868 ; they were parents of twelve children, of whom eight are still living, viz., Sallie Hayes, Nancy, Thomas, James, Isabella, Jane, Maria Matilda and Robert ; when Mr. Sproul took this place he entered it from the Government, commenced in the woods, and spent his life in making a farm and home ; by industry and economy, he had, before he died, a fpelne farm in cultivation, with good buildings and everything necessary for comfort and convenience. Our subject lived with his father till his death, and shared in the hardships of clearing up half or more of the farm. Dec. 8, 1859, he was united in marriage with Martha, daughter of John Hannan, a native of Ireland ; they have had two children, of whom one is living, viz., Sarah Bell ; his wife died Oct. 23, 1863; on Aug. 25, 1870, he was married to Rebecca, daughter of' Robert and Jane Wilson, natives of Pennsylvania ; they had four children, three living-Ann, Jane and Rebecca ; Mr. Sproul has always resided upon the home farm, which has been in the possession of the Sproul family for sixty-seven years. Mr. Sproul and wife are members of the Presbyterian Church. LEVI STALEY, farmer ; P. 0. Alcony ; born in Miami Co. March 27, 1840 ; is a son of Elias and Hannah (Ritter) Staley, who were natives of Maryland, the ancestry supposed to have been from Switzerland ; the father removed from Maryland to Ohio in about 1802, and, in quite an early day, became a citizen of Bethel Township, this county, where he lived and died ; they were parents of seven children, of whom four are now living, viz., Simon, Andrew, John and Levi. Mr. Staley, our subject, lived with his father till after his majority ; in 1867, he was united in marriage with Ann Thompson, daughter of Mark and Rebecca Thompson, who were natives of New York State ; they were parents of seven children, of whom six are now living, viz., Eleanor (now Widow Davis), William, Elmira (now Mrs. Bare), Ann, Giles T. and Minerva (now Mrs. Cromer) ; Mr. Staley and wife have one child-Newton Kiefer. Mr. Staley, after his marriage, located upon the farm where he now resides ; he has 193 acres of land, of which 160 are in cul- tivation with good improvements attached. WILLIAM STEWART, farmer ; P. 0. Casstown ; born in Pennsylvania April 3, 1822 ; is a son of James and Mary (Hayes) Stewart, natives of Pennsylvania, the ancestry being of Irish descent ; James and Mary located in Miami Co. in 1834 ; about one year after arriving here, James died from that dreaded disease, cancer ; the mother died in 1875 ; they were parents of six children, of whom four are now living, viz., William, David Hayes and Eleazar (now in Iowa) and Jane (now Mrs. Maxwell) ; the children all being young when the father died, quite a responsibility came upon the mother to keep together and raise her family, which work she nobly performed until they all arrived at majority. In February, 1852, our subject was united in marriage with Miss Ann, daughter of Robert and Jane Wilson, natives of Pennsylvania ; they have five children, viz., James W., John Hayes, William, Mary Jane (now Mrs. A. Knoop) and Anna R. Mr. Stewart has always remained on the old home farm; the children arrived at majority, Mr. Stewart, being the eldest of the family, bought out the other heirs and became sole owner of the farm ; he has 120 acres of good land, of which 100 acres are in cultivation, with fpelne buildings and improvements ; they are members of the Presbyterian Church. ELIZABETH TOWNSHIP - 575 ISAAC S. STUDEBAKER, farmer ; P. 0. Casstown ; born in Bethel Township, Miami Co., March 23, 1822 ; is a son of Abraham and Elizabeth (Steele) Studebaker, who were both born in Bedford Co., Penn. The grandfather Studebaker was also born in Pennsylvania, but the great-grandfather came from Germany. Abraham came to Bethel Township in 1812 ; bought land on credit to the amount of $500, and worked hard to pay for it, but, becoming discouraged, he proposed to give it up, but was told to keep it and pay for it when he could. By great economy and hard work, he finally paid for his land ; he was industrious, prospered, and purchased more land, and before his death he owned 700 acres of land. On his home place he had good improvements, and everything comfortable and pleasant around him. They were the parents of twelve children, of whom nine are now living, viz., John, Lydia, Samuel, Isaac S., Abraham, Elizabeth, Rebecca and Phebe (twins), and Joseph. He lost his wife, and was afterward married to Barbara Weaver; by whom he had one child, now deceased. Isaac lived with his father till about 26 years of age. On Jan. 25, 1848, he was married to Anna, daughter of George and Catharine (Olinger) Warner, who were born in Pennsylvania, coming to Ohio in quite an early day ; they were the parents of three children, two are now living, viz., Anna and John 0. Mr. Studebaker and wife, by this marriage have had ten children, of whom three are now living, viz., Anna, Priscilla and Martha. After his marriage, Mr. Studebaker located upon the farm where he still resides, moving into a log cabin erected in one day's time; here they began their journey of life, having about 40 acres cleared ; he has 480 acres of good land, of which 340 acres are in cultivation, constituting two farms, with good build ings on both ; the home place having a fine brick house, an excellent barn, and all other buildings necessary for comfort and convenience. Such is again the result of indefatigable labor and industry, coupled with economy and good management, which will stand as a bright and lasting example for future generations. Mr. Studebaker and wife are members of the German Baptist Church, with which they have been connected for twenty-seven years. ARTHUR A. VANDEVER (deceased) ; he was born in Warren Co., Ohio, July 7, 1807, was a son of Arthur and Althea Vandever; natives of New Jersey, who removed to Ohio in a very early day. They were the parents of ten children, two now living, viz., Ann and Charles. Mr. Vandever lived with his father till of age ; and on Aug. 17, 1828, was united in marriage with Eliza M., daughter of Elisha and Isabel Shepherd ; they had nine children, of whom three are now living, viz., Eleanor; William and Arthur ; he lost his wife May 3, 1843 ; on May 20, 1844, he married his seoond wife,Amanda Jane, daughter of Robert and Winnefred Russell, natives of Kentucky, who located in Ohio at a very early day and were the parents of ten children, of whom four are now living, viz., Hinson, Polly, Nancy and Amanda Jane. Mr. Vandever and wife, by this union, had eight children, pf whom seven are now living, viz., Robert Hinson, Martha Jane, Harrisone Tunis Laroy, Amanda Ann, Elizabeth and Firman. Mr. Vandever first located in Warren Co., where he lived about two years ; then went to Miami Co., and located south of Miami City, residing there several years ; finally removing to the farm where he died, March 8, 1880. Mr. Vandever had always been an industrious, energetic man ; having cleared up a great portion of his farm, bringing it into good cultivation and erecting fine and commodious buildings. He was quite successful in accumulating property, and noted for his kindness and generosity ; such was the character of Mr. Vandever; and his name, we trust, will be honored by future generations. CHARLES VOORHIS, farmer ; P. 0. Alcony ; born in Richmond, Ind., Jan, A, 1826 ; is a son of Daniel P. and Ann (Vandever) Voorhis ; he was born in Kentucky and she in New Jersey ; Daniel P. and wife were parents of three children, viz., Lydia, Sarah A. (deceased) and Charles ; Daniel came to Miami Co. and located here in the fall of 1830, where he died April 12, 1855 ; his widow is still living, and in her 81st year. The subject of our sketch remained with his father till his death. On Oct.. 16, 1855, he was united in marriage with Melinda, 576 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: daughter of Howard and Nancy (Stafford) Mitchell, he being a native of Virginia and she of Ohio ; by this union they had two children, one only now living, viz., Sarah Luella, now Mrs. J. 0. Leffel ; Mr. Voorhis, soon after his marriage, located upon the farm where he now resides ; he lost his wife May 15, 1874, and on May 2, 1876, he was united in marriage with Mrs. Amy Fenner; born March 23, 1847, in Troy, a daughter of John and Amy Irwin ; he was born in Pennsylvania and she in New Jersey, and were quite early settlers of this county ; they were parents of ten children, of whom seven are now living, viz., Ferdinand, Washington, John, George, Amy, Mary and Henry ; Mr. Voorhis and wife have One child, viz., Mary C.; they have been residents on this farm twenty-four years ; he has 135 acres, with a fine brick house and other essential buildings, he having erected the house and made most of the improvements during his residence here. Mr. Voorhis has held many offices, as Township Trustee, School Director; member of the Board of Education, etc. REV. THOMAS S. WELLS, minister; Alcony ; born in Virginia in 1815 ; is a son of Silas and Elsie (Skinner) Wells ; he being born in Virginia and she in North Carolina, the grandfather being probably a native of Virginia, and the ancestry coming from England. The grandfather; Samuel, with his family, removed from Virginia to this county in October, 1817, locating in Monroe Township, where he lived and died upon the farm that he first settled on ; he purchased a large tract of land and located his children all near by him ; among them was his son Silas, with his wife, Elsie, who resided in Monroe Township the remainder of their lives ; they were parents of eleven children, of whom nine are still living, viz., William, James, Samuel, Robert, John, Jane (now Mrs. McCullough, of Sidney, Ohio), Sarah Isabella (now Mrs. Angabright Levi, of Detroit), and Thomas S. Rev. Wells, our subject, left home when about 15 years of age, came to Troy and served an apprenticeship at the tailoring business with Maj. Hart, where he remained some three years, then entered a dry-goods establishment as a clerk for several years, but resumed the tailoring business again in Preble Co., Ohio. During the years in which he was engaged in the tailoring business he was procuring a library, and reading theological and religious works preparatory to entering the ministry, having for some time felt himself called for that work. In the year of 1850, Mr. Wells extricated 'himself from all secular pursuits, located in Dayton, and gave himself exclusively to the work of the ministry in the Christian Church. He first supplied the church in Dayton, and also one on Wolf Creek, seven miles west of Dayton, since which time he has filled the pulpits of several churches in Shelby and Miami Cos., living at the various points and places, which his field of work seemed to demand. About three years ago, he located upon the farm where he now resides, which makes him a very pleasant home, and is near the center of his ministerial work ; he is now especially engaged in a missionary work of supplying and building up the weak churches. Mr. Wells has performed a large amount of labor for the building-up of the churches ; but his zeal in the work is unabated, and he desires to continue earnestly in his Master's cause, believing that if he holds out faithfully to the end. his works will be justified, and his rewards sure. SAMUEL R. WOLLERTON, farmer ; P. O. Tippecanoe ; born in Miami Co. Nov. 22, 1836 ; is a son of Ishmael and Jane H. (Ramsey) Wollerton ; he was born in Pennsylvania and she in Ohio, the ancestry probably coming from Wales. Ishmael, the father; removed from Pennsylvania to Miami Co., somewhere about 1833, and on March 1, 1836, was married to Jane H. Ramsey, daughter of Samuel and Ellen (Fletcher) Ramsey, who were the parents of two children, of whom one only is now living, viz., Samuel R. Mr. Wollerton was, when quite young, placed with his grandfather Ramsey, where he lived till his death. On Dec. 24, 1863, he was united in marriage with Sarah Ann McManus, daughter of Benjamin and Margaret McManus, who were natives of Pennsylvania, and removed to Miami Co. in the spring of 1847. They were the parents of five children, of whom two are now living, viz.; Sarah Ann and Margery, now Mrs. Benton Snyder. They have two children, viz., Harry H. anal Jennie R. Mr. Wollerton, after his marriage, WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP - 577 bought the Wesley Heywood farm, where he lived for eight years, but afterward removed to the farm where he has since resided, consisting of 100 acres, mostly under cultivation, with good buildings and improvements. DAVID D. YOUNG, farmer ; P. 0. Tippecanoe ; born in Miami Co., Bethel Township, June 22, 1826'; is a son of Daniel and Elizabeth (Shroyer) Young, who were born in Maryland, the ancestry originally being from Germany. Daniel and Elizabeth came to Ohio with their parents in a very early day, and located first ii Montgomery Co., afterward removing to this county, where the grandparents lived and died, being among the early settlers of Miami Co. Daniel and Elizabeth ar still living in Bethel Township. They are the parents of six children, of whom five are now living, viz., David D.; Louisa, now Mrs. Rudy ; Susanna ; Mary Catharine, now Mrs. H. Hawver, and Benjamin F. David, our subject, lived with hi parents till 30 years of age. On Sept. 31, 1856, he was united in marriage wit Henrietta E. De Long, daughter of George and Elizabeth De Long ; he was bor in Virginia and she in Pennsylvania. They were the parents of fourteen children of whom eight are now living, viz., William ; Christine, now Widow Thayer; livin in Indiana ; Ellen, now Mrs. Surface ; Sarah, now Mrs. Fitch ; Eliza, now Mr Ross ; Henrietta E., Edward and Jefferson. Mr. Young and wife have had fou children, of whom three are now living, viz., Sarah E., George D. and Ada A After his marriage, he located in Bethel Township, on 35 acres of land which I bought, removed to the farm of his mother-in-law, where he lived six years, the went to Tippecanoe in the grocery business for four years, and finally settle on the farm where he now resides. Here he has 205 acres of good land, of whit 154 acres are in cultivation. Mr. Young and wife are members of the Lutheran Church, having been such for twenty and thirty years respectively, and have ha the pleasure of seeing their children become members of the same church. WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP. AMOS ABLEY, manufacturer and dealer in boots and shoes, Piqua. P Abley was born in Pennsylvania in 1837, and came with his parents, Philip 1 and Margaret Abley, to Miami Co. in 1844 ; his parents settled in Piqua, and father still resides here. The subject of this sketch commenced working at the trade as an apprentice when quite young, and has always followed that occupation ; he first began business for himself in 1860, and has continued it success fully ever since ; his shop and salesroom is located on Main street, south of Mark space, where, in addition to his custom work, he keeps a good assortment of " reason made," and is doing a very creditable business. Mr. Abley is not only one of t substantial business men of Piqua, but is also one of its enterprising, public spirited citizens ; he has been a member of the Council for the past three years, a has also held the office of Treasurer of the Fire Department for a number of yea In religion, he is a Catholic ; in politics, a Democrat. He married, in 1860, Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Henry Himken, formerly of Cincinnati, but at that time resident of Piqua ; and, after her decease, in 1877, he was united in marriage with Miss Veronica Becker. C. W. BENNETT, Superintendent of Public School, Piqua. Mr. Bennett is a native of Miami Co., having been born in Washington Township in 1840 ; he is a son of E. Bennett, who is an old resident of Washington Township. The subject of this sketch was raised on the farm, taught two terms of district school, after which he entered the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware, graduating in 1866; was elected to the chair of mathematics in Moore's Hill College, in Indiana, which position he held eight years ; in 1874, he took charge of the Piqua schools, 578 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: which position, as others, he has spelled with credit to himself and benefit to the schools ; the magnitude of his work may be judged from the fact that he has over a thousand pupils, with twenty-five teachers, under his supervision. He was married in 1868, to Miss Louisa Timmons, a graduate of, and, at the time of her marriage, a teacher of music in, the Ohio Wesleyan Female College. PHILOMEN BROTHERTON, grocer; Piqua ; was born in New York in 1815, and when but a child was taken by his parents on an emigration trip to Bartholomew Co., Ind., where he procured his education in the common school. About 1825, his parents removed to Hamilton Co., Ohio ; four years later they located in Miami Co., where the parents both passed away at the age of 93 1/2 years each ; Philomen is the eldest of thirteen children ; in 1835 he engaged in the manufacture of brick, which he followed several years ; ten years since he located on Park avenue, opening out a grocery ; here he has since been favorably known. Aug. 30, 1842, he married Nancy Morton, born in Pennsylvania in 1810 ; the issue of this union was three children-Albert M., born Oct. 16, 1844 ; Franklin P., Oct. 16, 1852, and one that died in infancy. HIRAM BROOKS, livery ; Piqua. Mr. Brooks is a native of Western New York ; came to Miami Co. in 1837, and located in Piqua in 1840 ; in 1846, he bought out his brother James, who was engaged in the livery business here, and has successfully conducted the business ever since, having remained in the same locality, built his present commodious buildings and gradually increased his stock and conveniences to the present very creditable standing ; he is one of the few livery men who have stuck to one place, and is now in very comfortable circumstances ; his residence, on the corner of Wayne and Water streets, is a handsome property. He married, in 1843, Miss Catherine A., daughter of William Atkinson ; they have six children-four sons and two daughters-T. D., a physician at Conroy; W. C., a livery man at Van Wert ; James E., a telegraph operator; now at Cambridge City, Ind.; Geo. A., a member of the bar at Piqua ; Hattie A., now Mrs. Nate C. Perry, of Troy, and Nettie E. BENJAMIN F. BROWN, farmer; P. 0. Piqua ; was the son of James and Martha (Summers) Brown, who were born in Virginia, who, in the early settlement of Kentucky by Daniel Boone, were with their parents among the second lot of emigrants who went with Daniel Boone and settled in Kentucky ; here the grandparents lived and died, except the grandmother on his mother's side, who came to this county before she died ; Mr. Brown's father, James, when 16 years of age, was put into the United States service ; in 1783, with a squad of troops, among whom was Daniel Boone, he came across the Ohio River; at what is now Maysville, and northward through the Northwest, as it was then called, to drive back the Indians, who were-at that time very troublesome ; they went up as far as where West Liberty is now located and destroyed an Indian village there and then returned. At this time there was not a white settler in the Northwest Territory, north of the Ohio river ; James Brown remained in Kentucky until 1805, when he came and located in this county, on the very piece of land upon which his son Berry now lives ; it was then an unbroken wilderness west of the Miami River; and they had to cut out their road through from Staunton, a distance of seven miles, which took them two days; here they commenced to make an opening, built a log cabin, with split-puncheon floors, doors etc., split out of timber ; everything was of the roughest and executed in haste, as the winter was just upon them ; getting it inclosed, they moved into it near the last of November ; cold weather set in before all was completed, but they made out to live through the winter; which was extremely cold and severe; they were much troubled by the wolves, which carried away their pigs, devoured them, and, often during the day time, would drive in their cattle ; they, however; were possessed of one advantage, being able to procure a plenty of wild game for meat ; such was their beginning, but they labored on from year to year; clearing up and making improvements, as time and means would permit ; in the mean time Mr. Brown was giving all aid and support to the early education of the rising generation, being earnestly devoted to schools and the WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP - 579 moral and religious training of his children ; in 1817, he. had made such progress that he built a brick house, which still stands as a part of Mi. Brown's present residence, and is in remarkably good condition ; he lived till the 29th of December; 1846, when he passed away from a life of remarkable activity, of labors and hardships, to one of rest and rewards; Mr Brown, being the youngest child of his father; remained with him till his death. He was united in marriage with Nary Hilliard, daughter of Joseph and Sarah Hilliard, early settlers of this county, Feb. 13, 1840 ; they have had born to them four children, viz., Joseph H., who was in the naval service under Admiral Porter; and died while up the Red River; with typhoid fever; May 8, 1864 ; Thomas, who is married and lives on the home farm ; Nannie J., who is Mrs. Hamilton, living in Newton Township ; and Clara, who is living at home. Mr. Brown, at the death of his parents, bought out the interests of the other heirs, now having 230 acres of good land, with fine buildings for himself and a comfortable new house which he built for his son, who lives on the farm ; Mr. Brown has also a farm of 100 acres in Newton Township, purchased by the proceeds of his own labor and industry ; as far as this world's goods can supply the wants of life, Mr. Brown is amply provided, and has everything needed for comfort and convenience. Mr. Brown was politically a Whig and latterly a staunch Republican ; he has been a very prominent man in public affairs of this township and county, having been County Commissioner twelve years, during which time about 200 miles of turnpike roads were built and others converted into free turnpikes, he having the principal management of the business ; he has also been Township Trustee for nine years ; during this official career; Mr. Brown has located, caused to be located, or superintended the construction of, more public ditches and drainage than perhaps any other man in the county ; he has also had a large amount of )usiness to do in the way of settling up estates of deceased persons ; in fact, the whole life of Mr. Brown has been one of continued activity ; he has had the entire mist and confidence of the people, his one great leading principle in his offpelcial rapacity being to deal honestly and justly by all, without regard to their political Faith or other circumstances; he is now nearly three score years and ten, and has been so largely in public official life, that he has many times, to some extent, neglected his own business affairs. Mr. Brown now feels justified in refusing all public offices, and will devote the remnant of his life to his own interests, but will probably always be an active man, as he is one, who, from his nature and education, can never be a drone, or idle, in any acceptation of the term ; we feel, in placing this record of so active and useful a life upon the pages of this history, that it will stand as a monument and a bright example to all future generations. J. M. BROWN, tanner and dealer in hides and leather ; Piqua. Mr. Brown is a native of Piqua, having been born, in 1835, one door east of where his leather store now stands ; was brought up in Piqua and learned his trade here, and farmed several years in this vicinity ; in 1871, he purchased the tannery on River street, which he has since conducted ; his salesroom is on High street, north side of Market space. Mr. Brown married, in 1869, Sarah J., daughter of Mathew Johnston, also a resident of Washington Township. HENRY C. BROWN, farmer ; P. 0. Piqua; born in Piqua, Sept. 26, 1844, is a son of John and Mary (Knox) Brown ; he was born in Kentucky Oct. 23, 1794, and she in Tennessee, July 8, 1809 ; was his second wife ; his first wife was Turzah Brandon, daughter of Abel and Jane Brandon, who were natives of North Carolina, and came to Ohio in the days of the pioneers; by this union they had seven children, viz., Elizabeth, born April 19, 1821 ; Nelson, born Sept. 22, 1824 ; William Armstrong, born Feb. 12, 1827 ; Martha Jane, born Jan. 6, 1829 ; James Ellison, born Jan. 24, 1831 ; Sarah Ann, born July 30, 1833, and John Madison, born Dec. 17,1835, being all deceased except the youngest-John Madison. He lost his wife by death Nov. 12, 1837, and Jan. 3 1839, was united to Mary Knox, daughter of William and Margaret Knox, who were born in North Carolina and emigrated to Tennessee in a very early day ; from Tennessee came to Ohio, where they lived and died ; by this union they had four children, viz., James Harvey, born Jan. 7, 580 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 1840 (now deceased); Mary Turzah, born Sept. 2, 1842 ; Henry C. and Miles Knox, born Nov. 9, 1846. John Brown, the father; was brought up on the farm now owned by B. F. Brown, whose sketch and history appear in this work ; after his first marriage, he located in Piqua where he followed the hatter's trade, continuing at this business until his death, Which occurred Sept. 15, 1846. Mr. Brown, the subject of this sketch, was only about two years of age at his father's death ; the mother, Mary, remained in Piqua and raised her family ; in 1866, she bought the farm upon which they now reside, and moved upon it the same year ; they have a fine farm of 220 acres, with a good brick house, a very large barn and other buildings, constituting a pleasant and beautiful home. W. W. V. BUCHANAN, Magistrate, Piqua. Mr. Buchanan is one of the present old residents of Miami Co. ; he was born in Montgomery Co., Sept. 15, 1826, and in the following year his parents removed to a farm in Newberry Township, this county, where the son grew to manhood ; he received the benefit of the district schools in his earlier boyhood, and, later; attended the Lebanon Normal, and taught seven years ; he came to Piqua in 1849 ; was a teacher in the Piqua schools until 1872 ; then engaged in the insurance business. In 1875 he was elected Mayor; which office he filled one term, at the same time being Magistrate of Washington Township, which latter office he is still filling. He was married, in 1849, to Miss Phoebe, daughter of Andrew Dye ; they have five children living, of whom A. C. is the eldest ; he was born Oct. 9, 1850, and grew up here in Piqua ; is a graduate of the high school, and also of the Lebanon Normal ; was a teacher for three years in the grammar school at Troy ; he also studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1877, and is now an honored member of his profession in this city. In his school days, Mr. Buchanan studied engineering, with a view of surveying, and has practiced the latter more or less since. He married, in 1874, Miss Anna Belle, daughter of David Shoemaker; deceased ; she is also a graduate of the high school ; Mr. Buchanan comes of pioneer stock, who were animatetd with enthusiastic patriotism, as will be seen by the different sketches of his family connections, which appear in this work. W. W. V. is a member and Secretary of the Upper Miami Valley Pioneer Association, a plain, pleasant, sensible man and respected citizen. HARRIET V. CALDWELL ; P. 0. and residence, Piqua. Harriet V. Caldwell, a native of Kentucky, born near Lexington, in 1802, is the daughter of Caleb Kemper her parents removed to Walnut Hills, near Cincinnati, while she was yet a child; her father was a teacher in the schools of Cincinnati for a num- ber of years, and her grandfather Kemper was the first Presbyterian minister who preached in Cincinnati. She was married to Matthew Caldwell Nov. 7, 1823, and soon after they started for their new home, then in the woods, now Piqua. They first set up housekeeping on what is now the northeast corner of Ash and Caldwell streets, where they lived upward of twenty years, then removed to the opposite corner south, where the widow still resides, his decease having occurred April 26, 1864. Mr. Caldwell was the son of Matthew Caldwell, Sr., who was among the first purchasers of land in this vicinity. Matthew, Jr., was a farmer; and continued to farm until his lands were needed for town lots ; then platted his farm, and sold it out in lots ; the regularity of his plat, rectangular streets, general appearance and convenience of access, shows more wisdom and forethought than was exercised by some who made additions to the town. The present high school building occupies a portion of the old farm, and Mrs. Caldwell now buys grooeries where her husband cleared the ground and cultivated crops in her younger days ; she has lived to see the hand-cards and spinning-wheels superseded by carding and fulling-mills, and these, in turn, by the modern woolen factories. When she came to Piqua, in 1823, they traveled in wagons over what would now be considered impassable roads ; about 1840, she made a visit to her parents, near Cincinnati, going on the " canal packet," a great improvement over the wagon and stagecoach of former years ; when, in 1857, the D. & M. R. R. being completed, she was able to leave home at 6 A. M., and place a jug of fresh cream on her WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP - 581 mother’s dinner table, on Walnut Hills, she felt that the climax was reached, and all were delighted. Mrs. C. is now an old lady, and, while she takes pleasure i recounting the olden times, is grateful for the privileges and improvements wit which modern days are blessed ; she has been a quiet, unassuming but usefu Christian woman and mother; raising a family of four children, three of whom are living—Ann Elizabeth, now Mrs. James Cox, of Redwing, Minn.; Jennie, no Mrs. Thomas Gray, resident of Piqua, and James K., a substantial farmer o Washington Township. JOHN T. CATHCART, farmer ; P. 0. Piqua ; was born in Maryland, in 1827 and, when but 6 months of age, his parents emigrated West, locating in Montgomery Co., Ohio ; there the father; Thomas M., purchased a small farm, which he cultivated until about 1830, at which time he removed to Jackson Township, Shelb Co., purchasing a large farm ; this he took from its wild state to a good degree cultivation ; this farm received his attention and supervision until his death which occurred in 1842, the mother; Elizabeth (McCandles) Cathcart preceding him seven years. After the death of his father; our subject was left on the tide c time to battle for himself, which he did by engaging as farm laborer; in a fee years he became the possessor of a team, and commenced farming for himself in Montgomery Co., Ohio ; in 1845, he located in Washington Township, Miami Co. since, a few changes have been made, but for the past twenty-three years he has resided on his present farm of 75 acres, now in the Second Ward of the incorporate city of Piqua. Four years ago he was elected as Township Trustee, which on he now holds. In 1844, he married Caroline, daughter of Joseph and Mary I Johnson ; Caroline was born in Montgomery Ohio; in 1826 ; their children are seven in number; viz., Mary, deceased ; James Co.,., Louisa C., Martha, deceased John F. Mabel and Joseph E. J. M. CHEEVER, retired merchant, Piqua ; born July 19,1788, in Boston, Mass., was a son of Joseph M. and Eliza (Stewart) Cheever ; his father was a sea-captain mo of his life, and his mother's father also; what is quite remarkable in the history his ancestors, is that, on his father's and mother's sides combined, there were seventeen sea-captains. When Mr. Cheever was 13 years of age, he was apprenticed ber his step-father to Thomas G. Thornton, of Saco, Maine, one of the largest merchant of that day, a man of great political and financial power; being a member of the Legislature, President of insurance companies, and holding other important portions ; notwithstanding his greatness and the high positions held, he was a very haughty, bad man. Mr. Cheever only remained with him about two or three years, returning to Boston, where he learned the baker's trade ; this he did with his parents, knowledge, meeting their disapproval ; he worked at this business sou three years, then started westward to seek his fortune ; with two other men made the journey to Pittsburgh, a distance of 1,200 miles, on foot ; at Pittsburgh he we into the grocery trade, which he followed about three years, meeting with gre success ; bought property, built several houses and made other speculations. He was done during the war under an inflated condition of business, but as the w closed, property shrunk in value, and Mr. Cheever was brought financially in close quarters ; he sold off his property, settled up all his business and had about $150 left ; he bought a small boat, started down the Ohio River all alone, and, on a dark night, in which he could see neither tree nor bank, guided his boat by sour arriving in due time at Cincinnati safely ; here he entered into the auction business, which he followed for a time, then the grocery trade, then in the river tra with New Orleans for some two or three years, then in the pork trade at Cincinnati, in all of which he made considerable money and also lost some. In 1822 he located at Piqua and entered into the mercantile trade. This was when Pip was in its infancy, there being only a few inhabitants and one old tavern stands. Here Mr. Cheever’s energy and business qualities found scope for full play ; dealt heavily in grain, buying thousands of bushels of corn at 10 cents per bush and wheat at 31 cents, also dealt largely in pork. in fact, buying and shipping everything which usually comes in the routine of a trade in a new country, and 582 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES : the same time buying and selling a great deal of property, building houses and working for the general improvement of the town. His life has been one of remarkable activity, passing through many hardships and even hair-breadth escapes with his life from accidents, from war and from contact in those early days with the Indians of the country. Being a man with an iron will, knowing no danger, his vast energy; with industrious habits, has carried him safely through all. He was united in marriage, Feb. 12, 1818, with Helen Harp, and is the father of eleven children, of whom three are now living. He is an active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, his membership extending over the vast period of sixty-two years, forty-five years of which he was a Trustee of the church ; he was one of the prime movers in organizing the church here in about 1823, which had quite a struggle for raising the means for building and other interests of the church. Mr. Cheever's indomitable energy and powerful influence, coupled with his own means, which were freely given, overcame all obstacles, and now he has the consolation of beholding one of the largest and best-finished churches in the city, a good parsonage, separate building for classrooms and not a dollar of indebtedness remaining against it ; the church now has a membership of 400. Mr. Cheever's unconquerable energy has carried him over all the dangers and obstacles of business life, enabling him to accumulate plenty of this world's goods ; that energy has been coupled with a Christian character, and has, with his money, been freely used for the upbuilding of Christianity. Mr. Cheever is now about 92 years of age. HARVEY CLARKE, Piqua. Among the business men of Piqua, Mr. Clarke deserves mention. He is a native of New Jersey, born in Essex Co. in 1823 ; came to Piqua in 1845, and has been identified with the business interests of Piqua ever since. He was for fifteen years a member of the firm of Clarke & Zollinger, grocers ; then became a member of the firm of Rouser, Evans & Clarke. founders and machinists, in which he continued until 1873, when he sold his interest and became interested in one of the valuable stone-quarries south of town, which he still continues, and is also a stockholder and Director of the " Piqua Straw Board and Paper Company," lately organized ; he is now superintending the construction of their extensive buildings, and when the works are completed will take an active part in the business management. His residence is a neat, commodious brick structure, located near the northern terminus of Main street. He married, in 1849, Mary J., daughter of Henry Ketehen, whose biography also appears in this work. They have six children—Mrs. Joseph E. Mendenhall, Harry, James H., William B., Fanny and Allie. A. G. CONOVER; deceased. Mr. Conover was one of the leading, enterprising spirits of Piqua. He was born in Dayton, Ohio, in 1819 ; early in life he came to Piqua and studied engineering ; his first work as engineer was in connection with the Miami & Erie Canal, and after its completion he was more or less engaged upon public works, the Wabash & Erie Canal, the now Panhandle Line, Dayton & Michigan, and Greenville & Richmond Railways being among the most important. In 1862, he was elected a member of the State Board of Public Works, in which capacity he served three years with ability and acceptance. As a citizen of Piqua, he was the first Secretary of the Gas Company, and afterward its President ; a stockholder and Director of the Piqua National Bank, and also of the Northern Ohio Fair Association ; he was also intimately connected with the hydraulic and water-works, and in fact every public improvement made during his career here. " Conover's Opera House " will long remain a monument to his liberality and enterprise. The following is an extract from an obituary, written by one who knew him well : "As a man of business, he had but few superiors, and as a valuable thorough-going citizen, but few equals in this community. Mr. Conover began life as a poor boy, and by energy, much hard work, and a life of frugality, acquired a large property. He was a member of St. James' Episcopal Church, and for many years a vestryman. He leaves a wife and one son,." Mrs. Mary Conover is a daughter of John O'Ferrall, Sr., M. D., a native of Piqua, an estimable, cultured lady. Her marriage with J. G. Conover was celebrated Jan. 10, 1861 ; their only WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP - 583 child, Wilbur G., a promising young man, will this year finish the preparatory course, and next year enter upon the regular course, at Kenyon College. W. L. CRON ; P. 0. Piqua ; Mr. Cron, a native of Miami Co., and son of John Cron, was born in Spring Creek Township in 1826, and remained on the farm until about 19 years of age, when he began his apprenticeship as " cabinet joiner ;" after serving a full term he was engaged at cabinet-making, carpentering and farming until 1862, when he entered the United States army as 1st Lieutenant of Co. A, 110th O, V. I., in which capacity he served until the spring of 1864, when he resigned, returned to Piqua, and resumed farming on the old homestead. In October, 1868, he joined fortunes with his cousin W. L. Cron, who was then operating a small furniture establishment here, having a horse-power with which he run a limited amount of machinery; this, with a small stock of lumber and manufactured furniture, with $1,300 cash, constituted their capital ; from this humble beginning the business has been developed, in spite of unfavorable circumstances, to its present vast proportions, during which W. L. has been the salesman ; at first each made a hand in the shop and did their own work, now their pay-roll includes over 100 names, and the retail salesroom, where W. L. presides, presents a display of furniture which, in point of style, quality and quantity, would do justice to a much larger city, reflect- ing great credit upon the management ; the firm now consists of L. C. & W. L. Cron and John Schneyer, the style of the firm being L. C. & W. L. Cron & Co.; as the biography of each appears in this work, and their factory and business is mentioned at length elsewhere, it need not be repeated here. Mr. Cron has been twice married ; his first wife, a daughter of Jehiel Day, died in 1855. He was married in 1857 to Miss Mary F., daughter of Ebenezer Frost of Spring Creek Township. CROZIER & SONS, carriage manufacturers, Piqua ; William R. was born in Pennsylvania in 1813 ; is the son of John and Sarah Crozier, who were emigrants from Ireland at an early day. In 1815, his parents moved to Ohio, locating in Ross Co., where they remained about nine or ten years, then moved to Auglaize Co., where they remained only about two years, finally locating at Piqua. Mr. John Crozier was a self-educated man, and said to be one of the best penmen of that day ; he followed the occupation of teacher during the most of his life ; after locating at Piqua he was teacher there for several years, also taught various schools in the vicinity ; he purchased a farm about seven miles northwest of Piqua, where he had a good home ; in his later years, as he became too enfeebled by age for the active duties of business life, he retired to his farm, passing the remainder of his life in peace and quiet, until the messenger of death called him hence. Mr. Crozier, the subject of our sketch, remained with his father till about 17 years of age, when he went into the carriage manufacturing business, which he has followed continuously to the present time. In 1837, he was united in marriage with Catharine Stattler, daughter of Christopher and Fanny (Winans) Stattler, in which union they have been blessed with nine children, four of whom are now living, viz., James S., Sylvester, Fanny S. and William G., the latter being now in partnership with his father. Mr. Crozier is the oldest established carriage manufacturer now residing in Piqua ; he has been in the business, and in the same buildings, for nearly a half-century ; his trade extends not only in his own county, but through adjoining counties, and even States ; the " winged messengers " come by mail from various directions, sounding the praises of his excellent work ; we feel warranted in the assertion that the honorable dealings for so many years with his numerous patrons, the constant and growing reputation of his work, will ever keep him in the front rank in this line of business. T. L. DANIELS, deceased. Mr. Daniels was a native of Hamilton, Ohio, born Dec. 22, 1828 ; he came to Piqua when a young man, as the first telegraph operator ; he married, Jan. 11, 1863, Miss Catherine O'Ferrall, daughter of John O'Ferrall, Sr., M. D., and became prominently identified with the business of Piqua, being a member of the firm of O'Ferrall, Daniels & Co., also F. Gray, O'Ferrall & Co., and O'Ferrall & Daniels ; was a member of the City Council, its President for many years, and, at the time of his decease, which occurred May 14, 1873, was 584 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: City Treasurer. His widow and two children survive him ; one daughter Miss Mary H., and a son; John W.; the latter was married Oct. 31, 1879, to Miss Melia, daughter of L. Leonard ; he is a member of the firm of Orr; Leonard & Daniels, whose oil-mill, in point of stability of structure, excellence of machinery, and convenience of arrangement, is not excelled in the world. Mr. Daniels is a young man, but his connection with the above firm proves his ability and assures his success. RACHEL DAVIS, Piqua. Rachel Davis is a native of this place ; her father, James Johnson, a brother of Col. Johnson, was a native of Ireland ; married in Penn- sylvania, June 7, 1798, to Mary Adams, and came to Piqua in 1811. Mrs. Davis, born Dec. 7, 1812, was married to Samuel Davis in 1841, who was born in Butler Co, Ohio; Dec. 10, 1810, and came to Miami Co. when a young man ; he was a contractor in the construction of the canal from Piqua north, his section including the numerous locks in the vicinity of Lockton, all of which was constructed under his supervision ; in the war of the rebellion, while not able to take the field, his patriotism found abundant expression in encouraging others, giving substantial aid to the friends and dependents of soldiers, and Mrs. Davis was prominent in the Ladies' Aid Sooiety ; after his marriage, he engaged in the grocery business in Piqua, in which he successfully continued until the time of his death, which occurred April 4, 1865. Mr. Davis was a man of business, never 'sought public distinction, but was a liberal-hearted, respected citizen ; his residence, on the northwest corner of Wayne and Green streets, now occupied by his widow, is a commodious, substantial building, comfortably and tastefully furnished, and surrounded by a pleasant yard. Mrs. Davis is now one of the oldest present residents of Piqua, and very much respected. SAMUEL L. DAY, farmer ; P. 0. Piqua ; born in Hamilton Co., Ohio; Nov. 3, 1834 ; is a son of Jehiel and Sarah B. (Lyon) Day ; his father was born in New Jersey and his mother in Hamilton Co. ; they were the parents of nine children. viz., Aaron, deceased ; Annis, deceased ; Samuel L. Margaret, deceased ; David H., deceased ; Laura, Jehiel, deceased, and Cynthia A. ; Jehiel, the father; came into Miami Co. in 1834 and located in Spring Creek Township, where he lived until his death, in December; 1867. Mr. Day was married, in 1855, to Susan Robinson, daughter of J. J. and Nancy (Hamilton) Robinson, who were born in Pennsylvania ; by this union they have had six children, viz., William R., Louisa Bell, James Edward, Jehiel, Anna Hamilton and John Andrew. Jehiel, the father; was born in 1803 ; Sarah B., the mother; in 1807 ; the grandfather; Jehiel, emigrated from New Jersey to Ohio in the fall of 1812 ; his ancestors belonged to the old Scotch Presbyterians, who fled from persecution in the old country and sought an asylum in New Jersey; when he came to Ohio; he located in Hamilton Co. ; he helped to organize the church at Sharon, and was an active member till his death, which occurred in 1832, of cholera ; he was in the Revolutionary war; serving as 1st Lieutenant, and, after the war; when pensions were granted, continued to receive one up to the time of his death. Mr. Day, our subject, lived on the old home farm in Spring Creek Township, till the fall of 1873, when he sold the farm and came into. Washington Township, purchasing the farm upon which he now resides ; he owns here 93 acres of good land, with good buildings on it, having built the house since he came to the place ; he has a beautiful home, with everything convenient and comfortable. Mr. Day and wife are members of the Presbyterian Churoh, their membership dating back for thirty years ; he is also a very active worker in the Sabbath school, and has been for many xears. G. VOLNEY DORSEY, physician, Piqua. Godwin Volney Dorsey; physician and surgeon, and ex-State Treasurer; was born in Oxford, Butler Co., Ohio; Nov. 17, 1812 ; his ancestors settled in Maryland more than two centuries ago; and the name has ever since been prominently connected with matters of church, State and national interest throughout the country ; he is the only son of James Maxwell and Martha (McComas) Dorsey ; his father emigrated from Baltimore to Cincinnati in 1809, and in the following year became a pioneer to Oxford; he was a Major in the war of 1812, was for many years Treasurer of the Board Of Trust- WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP - 585 ees of Miami University, and superintended the erection of the college building. Our subject was educated at Miami University, graduated from the Medical College of Ohio in 1836, and at once located in Piqua, where, with the exception of a few years spent in public office, he has since resided ; he ranks among the leading physicians and surgeons of the State ; was for many years President of the Miami County Medical Society ; is a member of the Ohio State Medical Society, and was Chairman of the Committee on Surgery in 1851 ; he is the author of various important professional papers which have appeared in the medical journals of the country. Originally a Jeffersonian Democrat, he was a member of the Committee on Resolutions in the Democratic Convention in 1848, which drafted the celebrated anti-slavery resolution of that year; and, still later; a Presidential Elector on the Cass ticket; in 1849, he was elected from the strong Whig district, comprising the counties of Miami, Darke and Shelby, a Senatorial Delegate to the Constitutional Convention or 1850-51 ; he introduced and carried through that body the present self-regulating apportionment scheme, which has given satisfaction to all parties, and has prevented the constantly-recurring scenes of partisan strife which had previously obtained in a periodic re-apportionment of- districts, with a view to continue in power the party dominant at that time ; he drew up that clause of the Constitution found in Sec. 7, Art. 13, regulating the investment of associations with banking powers ; he was also a member of the Constitutional Convention of 1873 ; in the memorable Know Nothing contest of 1854, he was defeated for Congress, as was every Congressional candidate of his party in the State ; in 1856, he was a delegate to the National Democratic Convention, in Cincinnati, and advocated Mr. Buchanan for President ; was again nominated for Congress when Mr. Buchanan was the standard-bearer of the Democratic party, and, although he polled more votes in his district than did that gentleman, he sustained another defeat ; in 1857, he was the Democratic candidate for State Auditor; upon the ticket with Hon. R. P. Ranney for Governor ; in 1860, he supported Douglas for President ; from the opening of the late rebellion to its close, he was a bold, uncompromising Union man, and wrote the celebrated "Statesman " letter; which was copied by every paper in Ohio; advocating the formation of a Union party, and which, perhaps, did more than any other one thing in effecting its organization in this State ; in 1861, he was elected State Treasurer by the largest majority of any candidate on the Union ticket ; re-elected in 1863, and resigned the office in 1865 ; in 1864, he was a Senatorial delegate to the Baltimore convention, that nominated President Lincoln ; also; in 1863-64, was Chairman of the Republican State Executive Committee ; in 1868, he was chosen by the Electoral College on the Grant and Colfax ticket, to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Gov. Todd ; for twenty years, he was a member of the Board of Trustees of Miami University ; was the first President of the Piqua Hydraulic Company ; and is now President of the Citizens' National Bank, of that city. Dr. Dorsey's ability in his profession, in the field of politics, his educational and business enterprise, may be fairly estimated from this record ; few, perhaps, have ever discharged the varied and responsible duties imposed upon them with greater energy or fidelity, or have so fully merited the confidence and respect of their fellow-citizens ; he is a gentleman of superior scholarly attainments, and has long been known as one of the finest linguists in the country ; his translations from Horace, from the Greek tragedies, and from some of the Latin mediaeval hymns, which have been published in several of the leading journals of the country, have been received with great favor. In July, 1836, he married the daughter of Hon. John McCorkle, of Piqua, who; after having borne him eight children, three of whom are living, died in 1855. Walter McCorkle Dorsey is Teller of the Citizens' National Bank, Piqua ; Margaret M. Dorsey married Robert B. Moores, of Clark Co., Ohio; and Mary L. is the wife of Dr. W. S. Parker; of Piqua. In 1856, Dr. Dorsey married Mrs. L. P. Mor- row, daughter of D. Tuttle, Esq., of Nov.,ndianapolis. JOHN ELDREDGE, veterinary surgeon, Piqua ; was born in Hamilton Co., Ohio; March 16, 1816 ; his education was procured in the common schools in Shelby 586 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES : Co., Ohio ; he was raised to farm labor and handling of stock ; in 1835, he commenced the practice of his profession, which he had previously made a particular study ; from this on, he, by degrees, became prominently known among the stock-dealers of Shelby and surrounding counties. In the fall of 1875, he located in De Graff Logan Co., Ohio ; not seeing proper to remain there, fourteen months later he removed to Piqua, where he has been favorably known in Miami Co., far and near. In 1840, he married Margaret A. Line; years after; she passed away, leav- ing a husband and six children. He aftrward married Elizabeth Proctor; of Logan Co., Ohio ; by this union they have had born to them six children. CHARLES S. ELLIOTT, farmer; P. 0. Piqua ; born in Piqua in 1825 ; is the son of William and Martha (Irvin) Elliott, who were born in Perry Co., Penn. ; his grandfather was Charles Elliott, who was also a native of Pennsylvania ; Mr Elliott's parents came to Ohio and located at Piqua in 1824, where they lived about two years ; in the spring of 1826, they bought 87 acres of land in Sec 32, Washington Township, and after a few years bought more land adjoining on the south in Concord Township, making his farm contain 125 acres. When he came upon the land there was a small portion cleared up, with log buildings upon it ; he continued upon the place, clearing up and making improvements, building a brick house and other buildings, until the year 1851, when his work was ended, and he departed this life, his wife living till 1873, when she also passed away ; they were parents of four children, two of whom are now living, viz., Charles S. and Franklin. Charles, the subject of our sketch, remained with his father till his death, and then became owner of the home place, where he has remained to the present time. Mr. Elliott wets married in the spring of 1851, to Eliza Mitchell, daughter of Thomas and Frances Mitchell ; she lived only about two years, when the merciless messenger; death, took her away. In the winter of 1856, he was united in marriage with Martha Karr; daughter of Robert and Sarah Karr; of Butler Co., Ohio ; by this union they have one child—William F. Mr. Elliott has added more land to his farm by purchase, from time to time ; has also sold of some, but has always lived upon the same farm, and now owns 160 acres of good land in the Miami Valley ; he has resided on the place fifty-four years, over half a century ; brought it into a fine state of cultivation, built a large barn, and other buildings, with addition and improvements to the house, having every convenience to make life comfortable and happy. Mr. and Mrs. Elliott are members of the Presbyterian Church, of over thirty years' standing. HENRY F. ERNEST, electric blasting operator ; P. 0. Piqua ; Mr. Ernest, a native of Germany, born in Hanover in 1845, came to the United States in March, 1862, and soon after his arrival, enlisted in the United States service as drummer; serving until the close of the war; being discharged in July, 1865, after whioh, he went to San Francisco; and was engaged in the mines of the West, where he became acquainted with the use of dynamite, nitro-glycerine, giant powder; etc., for blasting purposes ; he was employed with the force in blasting " Hell Gate," and after that work was completed, returned to the West and operated in the Iron Mountains of Missouri. In 1877, he came to Ohio; and was married, in. Darke Co., to Miss Mattie Berry ; his mining experience not having enriched him any, he felt discouraged, determined to settle down, and accordingly went to work at his trade (basket-making), but his ambition to achieve something in the use of explosives caused him to spend a larger part of his time experimenting, and, after a long time, he succeeded in getting an opportunity of showing his skill by sinking a shaft in Newton Township. It was not until he became employed by the Piqua Straw Board, and Paper Company, that he was enabled to demonstrate the utility of his ideas, and show the superiority of his skill in making rock excavations. An account of his work for the above company, will be found in the chapter on Piqua. Mr. Ernest has a battery, and is supplied with all the necessary materials for making rock excavations ; he is thoroughly posted in his business ; is an industrious temperate and trustworthy man. Any one having rock excavations to make, will save time and money by employing him. He can be seen or addressed at Piqua. WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP - 587 EDMOND FARRINGTON, capitalist ; among the prominent active business men of Piqua, Mr. Farrington has been here the longest; he is a native of New York State, and came to Piqua in 1838, and, in 1840, was married to Catherine M,, daughter of Gen. Robert Young; Mr. Farrington was a prominent contractor on the canal work ; he built the Miami Aqueduct above Dayton before coming to pique, and afterward Completed several important contracts on the canal and other public works ; in 1848, he engaged in business at Piqua, and the different firms of which he has since been the financial principal, have been, and now are, among the most important business interests of the place ; he has not only been the leading capitalist of Piqua, but his operations have extended to other points, being, in fact, the leading capitalist of this part of the valley as far north as Wapakoneta ; he is now the senior member of the firm of Farrington & Slauson, grain dealers, who own their own canalboats for transportation ; Wood, Farrington & Co; proprietors of Piqua Oil Mill, and E. Farrington & Co., distillers ; is. also interested in the grain business at other points ; has loans in different counties in this part of the State ; is, altogether; the largest operator in this part of the Miami Valley ; the strongest capitalist in Miami Co., and is still active in business. His residence is a handsome property, located near the north end of Wayne street. Mrs. Farrington's decease occurred in 1869 ; an elegant Scotch granite monument in Forest Hill Cemetery marks her resting-place, and also that of their only child. D. M. FLEMING, editor Piqua Journal; is the son of Levi and Jane Fleming, and was born in Eden, Preble Co., on the 25th of March, 1827. He received hut a limited education during his boyhood, leaving home at the age of 14, and starting for himself ; he had already served two years in a paper office, beginning when about 12 ; he was, in various places, still following his trade as printer; until April, 1849, when he started the Piqua Enquirer; which was a Democratic paper; and continued to be so under his administration until July, 1860. In that year; immediately after the Baltimore Convention, he left the Democratic party on account of the slavery question in regard to Kansas, and changed the name of his paper to the Piqua Journal, which has ever since been a Republican organ. Mr. Lincoln was the first Republican President he voted for; and he has voted for every Presidential candidate of that party since that time ; his paper at present has a good circulation ; he has two job presses besides his main press, and they are run by water motor. In July, 1865., Mr. Fleming was appointed Assessor of the Fourth Congressional District, but was removed in November; 1866, because of the political troubles of that year ; he was re-appointed to the same office in August, 1868, and held it until February, 1870, being the only person who has held that office twice. Mr. Fleming was married on the 14th of August, 1853, to Miss Tillie Housun, of Piqua, daughter of Joseph Housun, who was Postmaster for many years. They have had six children, four of whom are living, viz., Fannie H., Louise S., Willie P. and Horace G. Mrs. Fleming died on the 25th of May, 1880. She was a member of the Episcopal Church, as is also Mr. Fleming. HENRY FLESH, merchant and banker ; P. 0. Piqua ; was born in Bavaria, Germany; in 1837, the son of a well-to-do country merchant, where he received common-school and commercial education ; he emigrated to this country in 1852, at the age of 15 years ; soon after his arrival in this country he came West, and took a situation as salesman in a clothing establishment in Dayton, Ohio; where he remained for five years ; he removed to Troy, Ohio; occupying a similar situation until 1858, when he came to Piqua, and entered the clothing establishment of A. Friedlich as salesman and book-keeper; which position he held until the fall of 1862 ; in that year he married the eldest daughter of Moses Friedlich, Esq., and soon afterward commenced, with limited means, the clothing and merchant tailoring business on his own account ; this business he carried on, with uninterrupted success, up to 1878, when he sold out his merchant tailoring business, and confined himself exclusively to the ready-made clothing and gent's furnishing goods business, at this time probably doing the largest business in that line in the county of 588 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: Miami. In January, 1880, he was unanimously elected Cashier of the Citizen's National Bank of Piqua, and at present occupies that position, devoting his time exclusively, during banking hours, to that business, giving his morning and evening hours to the details of mercantile business. Socially, Mr. Flesh is held in high esteem, and has held in his own city the most responsible positions of honor and trust ; he has been a member of the City Council for twelve years, and is now, and has been for the past four years, the President of that body ; he is also President of the Board of Trade, and the Border City Building and Loan Association of Piqua, one of the most popular and prosperous institutions of that kind in the State. Mr. F. is a Free Mason in high standing, having acted as Master of the lodge for several years. Mr. F. is regarded by his neighbors as a self-made man, always prominent in every public enterprise calculated to add to the prosperity and improvement of his city. JOHN FRANZ, City Marshal, Piqua ; was born in Shelby Co., Ohio; in 1838 ; when a boy, his parents moved to Auglaize Co., Ohio; where he grew to the age of 17 on the farm ; at this time, he entered the trade of carriage-making, which he completed in Dayton, Ohio; in 1859 ; he devoted a few years to journeyman's work, and in 1863, located in Piqua, where he opened out a shop for himself ; this he conducted until 1866, when he was elected to his present office, which he has since held, except two intervening years, during which he served as Constable of Piqua ; the offices held by him have been duly and honorably filled. Mr. Franz is prominently known as a reliable and successful detective. Upon June 17, 1860, he married Mary Worst, a native of Auglaize Co., Ohio. Their children are John, deceased ; Henry, deceased ; Emma, Clara, Elizabeth, Catherine, Gertrude, Flora and Albena B. MICHAEL FOX, grocer; Piqua ; born in County Clare, Ireland, in 1828, and is a son of Martin and. Bridget (Flynn) Fox. They were both natives of Ireland, and in 1832, they emigrated to the Western Continent, locating in Jamestown, N. Y., where both died. At the time above given, when his parents came to America, Michael was left in his native country with his grandfather; until the age of 12 years, when he, too, came to Jamestown ; he remained in New York until 1852, when he commenced to travel, engaging in various pursuits. He located in Piqua in 1871, in his present business, on the southwest corner of Wayne and High streets ; here he has received a liberal patronage, and the confidence of many of the citizens of Piqua. In July, 1870, he married Johanna McGannon. They have seven children, William, John, Matthew, Mary E., Anna B., Frances and Joseph M. MOSES FRIEDLICH; clothier; Piqua ; was born in Germany, in 1812, where he grew to the age of 20 years, and obtained a German education ; in his boyhood days, he learned cotton weaving, which he followed until the summer of 1834. On August 3 of the same year he landed in New York City, and soon after settled in Bucks Co., Penn., where he engaged in general merchandising ; this he continued until his removal to this city, engaging in the clothing trade ; here he has shown himself as a successful and reliable merchant. In connection with his present business, he has since, in Piqua, devoted a few years to merchant tailoring. He has, for the past few years, been Vice President of the Citizens' National Bank of Piqua, which office he now fills. He has, since a resident here, by habits of industry, economy, etc., financially progressed, and now owns a fine farm of 120 acres in Washington Township, which receives his supervision. Moses married in Pennsylvania, 1839, Emma Abel, of Prussian birth, who died July 8, 1863. The issue of this anion were four children, of whom three are now living, viz., Caroline, wife of Henry Flesh ; Jacob M., and Matilda, now Mrs. Lewis Stern, of Chicago. Ill. A. FRIEDLICH, merchant tailor and clothier; Piqua. Mr. Friedlich, an old resident of Piqua, was born in Germany in 1821, and came to the United States when a young man ; was engaged in clerking, etc., several years, during which he came to Cincinnati and clerked for Moses Heidelbach, who is now a large merchant of New York ; in 1846, he came to Piqua and formed a partnership with Leopold Block, now a popular magistrate of Cincinnati ; the firm of Friedlich & Block did WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP - 589 business about two years, after which a brother of Mr. Friedlich was associated with him a few years, since which he has conducted business alone ; his old stand was in the old National Hotel building ; in 1861, he purchased the lot on the northeast corner of the public square and built the large three-story brick which is a part of the building known as the Commercial Block, the ground floor of which he occupies as a salesroom, the second floor being used in part for his tailor shop, and the balance for telegraph and other offices ; the third floor is occupied by the " Ancient Order of Druids ; " Mr. Friedlich is the oldest clothing merchant now doing business in Piqua, and tells, with evident relish, of "the good old days" when Piqua was the important point between Dayton and Toledo; when settlers brought their grain here from as far as the vicinity of Winchester; Ind., and. returned with their year's supply of goods and groceries ; Mr. Friedlich has been a successful business man and a useful, substantial citizen ; he was, for many years, a member of the school board ; he now has grown-up sons who attend to the details of his business, while he looks on and enjoys seeing them favorably working into business under his advice and general supervision. He married, in 1849, Miss Theresa Schwab, of New York City ; they have ten children living, five sons and five daughters. J. FRANK GABRIEL, M. D., physician, Piqua. Dr. Gabriel is a native of Ohio; born in Muskingum Co. in 1825 ; received a literary and professional education at the seminary at Columbus ; graduated from the Starling Medical College in 1851, afterward graduated from the University Medical College of New York, and spent two years in the hospitals of Europe, attending the lectures of eminent specialists; he came to Miami Co. in 1851 and practiced several years, being located at Lena, Brown Township ; after his return from Europe, he located in Piqua in 1860, where he has practiced ever since, and is now one of the leading practitioners of Piqua ; his office is located on Wayne street, and is a part of his fine residence, which is almost palatial in size and style, while the furnishings and surroundings indicate culture and refined taste. He married, in 1861, Miss Mary, daughter of William R. and Margaret Kirk, whose biography also appears in this work ; he was surgeon of the 11th 0. V. I. eighteen months during 1861 and 1862. S. B. GARVEY, ESQ., Justice of the Peace and Notary Public, Piqua. Mr. Garvey is another of the present old residents and natives of Piqua ; he is a son of John Garvey, who came to Piqua at the close of the war of 1812, having been a soldier and served in this vicinity. He married Ann Marshall ; was a hatter by trade and followed that business here a number of years ; he had a family of eleven children, only three of whom survive--S. B., William M. and a sister; now a resident of New York State. The subject of this sketch was born in 1821, and has been a resident of Piqua fifty-nine years ; he is emphatically a self-made man ; began life for himself at 19, as a drayman ; afterward was a partner of Mr. Shipply, and owned and operated a livery stable here several years ; afterward was elected Marshal of Piqua and Constable of Washington Township, which office he held for twenty years or more ; he has been Mayor of Piqua eight years, and is now Justice of the Peace and Notary Public, and a useful, respected citizen. He married, in 1849, Elizabeth, daughter of Maddux ; they have never had any children, but have raised four; and now have an adopted daughter; a young lady, whom they took when a child. STEPHEN GENSLINGER, Secretary and Treasurer of the Spiker Wagon Works Co., Piqua. Mr. Genslinger, a native of Germany, born in 1831, came to the United States in 1841, with his mother; who Jived at Troy until her decease, which occurred in 1856 ; his father's death occurred in Germany in 1831. Mr. Genslinger came to Piqua in 1846, and was employed first as a store boy, afterward became clerk, and clerked for a time in Fort Wayne, Ind., then returned to Troy, where he married, in 1854, Caroline, daughter of William McNeely ; after his marriage, he returned to Piqua and engaged in the manufacture of turned handles etc., in connection with his brother-in-law Dtwid Ryan, in which he continued until 1860, when he became traveling salesman for O'Farrall, Daniels & Co.; in 1867, he 590 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES : purchased an interest in the grocery firm of J. Zollinger & Co., and remained a member of that firm until 1877, when he sold out and became connected with R. P. Spiker & Co., carriage manufacturers ; when the new stock company, styled the Spiker Wagon Works Co., was organized, Mr. Genslinger was chosen Secretary and Treasurer. Mr. Genslinger has been a useful citizen ; has served the people of Piqua as Councilman one term, is now serving the third year as Trustee of the City Water Works, also the second term as Director of the County Infirmary, and is now, and has been for the past sixteen years, Captain of the Fourth Ward Fire Company, also Treasurer of the Masonic Lodge since 1870. He is a member of the Episcopal Church and one of its Vestrymen. Thus he has risen from a poor, fatherless boy to a useful and respected citizen, and, what seems remarkable, when we consider the numerous official positions he now fills, and has heretofore filled, he never attended school a day in his life. He is the father of nine children-Charles H., Addie, William H., Harry, Wallace, Nellie, Carrie, Kittie and Stephen J. His oldest son is in business in New Orleans ; the rest are members of the family household. MRS. MARTHA GEYER belongs, by birth, to the Manson family ; her grandfather and father were natives of Pennsylvania, and came to Miami Co. at a very early day, settling in Brown Township, on Lost Creek ; in those days David Geyer, the elder, had a large double log house, and to this the settlers came when there was any trouble with the Indians, using it as a block-house. The father of Mrs. Geyer married in 1810, and the subject of this sketch was born in February, 1822 ; her father died about a year after her birth, but her mother lived until 1854 ; they were both Methodists. Mrs. Geyer was married in June, 1841, to Frederick Geyer, and there were born to them two children-John C. and William Henry ; Mr. and Mrs. Geyer lived happily together until his death, which took place in September, 1875 ; since that time, Mrs. Geyer has been residing in Piqua. WILLIAM M. GILLESPIE, farmer ; P. 0. Piqua ; born in Warren Co., Ohio, Nov. 16, 1828, is the son of William and Mary (Miskimmers) Gillespie. His father was a native of Pennsylvania, born June 5, 1782, and his mother was born March 5, 1798. The grandfather, George Gillespie, was born in Ireland, and came over to this country at an early day, about the close of the Revolutionary war: William and Mary, the parents, were united in marriage Dec. 11, 1817, and had eleven children, viz., Jane, born Oct 5, 1818, and died Oct. 10, 1844 ; John, born March 30, 1820, and died Aug. 17, 1849 ; David K., born Nov. 29, 1821 ; Martha, born Dec. 24, 1823 ; Mary P., born Jan. 6, 1827, and died Jan. 22, 1833 ; James, born Nov. 13, 1830, and died Nov. 10, 1865 ; George A., born April 20, 1833, and died Deo. 5, 1865 ; Hamilton S., born Oct. 13, 1835 ; Minerva E., born Jan. 2, 1838, and died Sept. 13, 1849, and Margaret M., born Nov. 30, 1841. William, the father, died, March 5, 1862, and Mary, the mother, died Oct. 3, 1872. Mr. Gillespie, the father, came with his parents to Ohio about 1795 and located first near Cincinnati, where they lived several years, thence to Warren Co., where the parents lived and died. William, the father, lived in Warren Co. till 1838, when he moved to Shelby Co., where he lived and died ; was a soldier under Gen. Harrison in the war of 1812, served through the campaign and was at the treaty of peace at Greenville, under the auspices of Gens. Wayne and Harrison ; as a reward for special services rendered, was presented with a land warrant for 160 acres of land. Mr. Gillespie, the subject of our sketch, was united in marriage with Sallie E. Patterson, daughter of James and Martha (McKnight) Patterson, Nov. 19, 1863 ; they have had born to them six children-Martha Dell, born Jan. 27, 1865 ; James H., born Feb. 10, 1867, now deceased ; William L., born July 6, 1869 ; Mary M., born Dec.19, 1871 ; Maggie L., born July 16, 1874, also Allen H., born April 5, 1880. Mr. Gillespie lived with his father till his death, and has followed farming all his life, with the exception of about four years, during which he was in the grain business at Pontiac, Shelby Co. He came to the farm where he now resides in 1871 ; he has 350 acres, of which about 250 acres are in cultivation, Mr. Gillespie is politically a stanch Republican, and is a member of tlte United Presbyterian Church, of some thirty years' standing. WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP - 591 FRANCIS GRAY, proprietor of Piqua Woolen Mills, Piqua. Mr. Gray, a native of Pennsylvania, was born in 1821 ; in his youth, he received only a very common-school education ; in 1842, he embarked in the lumber business, rafting down the river to Pittsburgh and Cincinnati, at the same time operating a store in Pittsfield, in which he was quite successful ; in the spring of 1850, a sudden and violent flood carried off his logs and lumber and placed him in embarrassing circumstances, making it necessary for him to make an assignment, which he did, making one of his creditors his assignee. The assignee, instead of distributing the proceeds, managed to get away with everything, leaving the other creditors to hold an empty sack. After this misfortune, Mr. Gray placed his family on a raft upon which he was employed, and, very much against his father's wish, went to Covington, Ky., to start anew among strangers ; he landed at Covington in September, 1851, having about $150 ; through his acquaintance with the lumber trade and lumber men, he soon succeeded in obtaining employment for the time being, measuring lumber on the wharfs, and gradually worked into trading by selling shingles, etc., for the raftsmen. The first money he made more than was necessary to keep up expenses, was by selling a 400,000-lot of shingles, for which he received a commission of 50 cents per thousand ; this transaction was conducted one morning before breakfast, and Mr. Gray has never forgotten his feelings that morning when he sat down to the table with the $200 in his possession. This small capital he kept turning in different trading transactions until he had accumulated about $1,000 in cash. In the meantime he had taken a regular commercial course at a mercantile college in Cincinnati ; he then formed a partnership with an acquaintance who possessed about the same amount of capital, and they started a lumber-yard at Covington, having first received assurance from a large river lumberman who was acquainted with Mr. Gray and his circumstances, that they could have all the lumber they wanted on credit, which showed great confidence by him in Gray's ability and integrity, for the debts from the Pennsylvania failure were still hanging over him. The lumber business proved successful, and, as soon as he began to feel the way- open, he went East and arranged with his creditors, giving his notes, with approved security, and receiving a liberal extension of time for payment. In 1859, he was invited by a Mr. J. D. Patch to come to Cynthiana, Ky., and take a half-interest in a flour-mill which he (Patch) was operating or trying to operate ; after investigation, Mr. Gray sold out his lumber interests and went to Cynthiana ; on account of having used a considerable amount of money to pay debts, he had only about $2,000 to take to the new enterprise, and still owed about $2,000 on the old debts ; Mr. Patch allowed him a half-interest upon the payment of $1,000 cash and his individual notes for the balance of the $5,000, which was the price of the half-interest. Mr. Gray remained in Cynthiana six years, during which time the old debts were all extinguished, the half-interest in the mill paid, and a woolen-mill established, all of which he sold in the spring of 1865. Although he had been robbed twice by raiding rebels, he returned to Covington July, 1865, out of debt and having $3,000 capital ; he immediately leased a large building and fitted it up with the latest improved machinery for the manufacture of all kinds of woolen goods ; this he operated there until 1869, when, on account of the difficulty of obtaining water in sufficient quantities, he determined on removal, and accordingly visited the Miami Valley, and made arrangements to come to Piqua, Dr. O'Farrell and Thomas L. Daniels being associated with him in the enterprise here ; their business was quite successful until the depression of 1873, when it became impossible to manufacture woolens without loss ; but here Mr. Gray was equal to the emergency ; having previously had his attention directed to the demand for a really good felt paper mills, he succeeded in obtaining the rudiments for their manufacture from an old Englishman who had worked at the business in England ; he met with unexpected difficulties, his partner, Dr. O'Farrell, opposed the outlay necessary to perfect the arrangement for the manufacturing of the felts as a useless expense which would only result in disaster. So confident was Mr. Gray that, by the help of some 592 - BIOGRAPHICAL. SKETCHES: friends East, he perfected the arrangements, bought out his partner; and although the first year or two witnessed many failures, he succeeded in making felts which are now successfully competing with the foreign manufacturer who formerly occupied the field, to the exclusion of all others ; he has associated with him now his son William C. Gray and H. C. Nellis ; they are now, in addition to their trade in blankets, flannels, yarns, etc., filling orders for felts from all parts of the United States and Canada, and have even shipped some across the Atlantic. Their felt cylinder jackets are pronounced by experienced paper-mill men to be the best in the world, and this industry has become one of the most important in Piqua. S. S. GRAY, M. D., physician and surgeon, Piqua. Among the professional men of Piqua who deserve a more than passing notice is Dr. Gray ; he was born in Montgomery Co. in 1828, and came with his parents to this county in 1839 ; he commenced practice at Lockington in 1854, where he remained four years, then removed to Piqua, where he has continued to reside ever since, enjoying a very satisfactory practice ; he is widely known in his profession, having been a member of the Ohio Medical Society since 1867 ; was its treasurer six years, and has been almost continuously a member of some of the important committees ; he was the first to introduce the use of quinine as a remedy in inflammatory cases, especially pneumonia and croup. During the war; and for a time after its close, he was Government Examiner of Pensioners. He married, April 22, 1856, Miss Rachel A., daughter of Thomas R. Bowen, who was a native of New Jersey, and an early resident of Staunton Township. S. GROSS, of the firm of S. Gross & Co., dealers in dry goods, Piqua ; is a native of Ohio ; was born in Cincinnati in 1840, and was schooled to business from his early boyhood ; he came to Piqua in 1868 and opened a dry-goods store, which he has successfully conducted ever since ; the style, quantity and quality, as well as the general appearance of this store, indicate that the management is characterized by systematic energy and enterprise ; and the fact that the volume of business has increased and is steadily increasing, proves that the wide-awake manner of the firm is appreciated by the people ; Gross & Co. are located at 123 Main street, carrying a very complete line of standard and fancy dry goods and notions, the upper floor being used to store and show their elegant line of carpets and house-furnishing goods. JENNISON HALL, Western traveling agent for the B. & 0. R. R., Piqua. Mr. Hall is a native of Vermont, born in Windsor in 1820 ; his parents removed to Champaign Co. in 1833, where Jennison (or " Chief," as he is known in Piqua,) grew to manhood, and married Miss Rosanna Willard, also a native of Vermont ; her decease occurred in 1857 ; Mr. Hall began life for himself as a merchant at Woodstock ; when the building of the C., P. & I. R. R. was in contemplation, he took an active part in securing it, and became the agent at this place, built a grain house there, and operated in grain ; when the railroad from Columbus was completed to Piqua in 1855, he came to Piqua, having been appointed agent here, and also had the supervision of the construction west, and general supervision of the road from Urbana west ; he was also agent of the D. & M., Piqua then being the termination of both roads ; after the completion of the D. & M. to Toledo in 1859, Mr. H. became the General Agent, with headquarters at Dayton ; from 1863 to 1865, he was in the South, then returned to Piqua, and, in 1868, became the Western traveling agent of the B. & 0. R. R. Co., a position he has since filled, as all others, with credit to himself and great acceptance to his employers ; he has always dealt more or less in grain, and is known over the West as a popular railroad man and extensive shipper. In 1879, the Republicans of his district, composed of Darke, Miami and Shelby Counties, nominated him for State Senator ; notwithstanding he did little or nothing in the canvass, in consequence of there being a known Democratic majority of 1,500 to 2,000, and his opponent was the popular Mr. Moore, of Greenville, he came within 400 votes of being elected, his majority in Miami County being 1,560, the largest given a Republican since the election of Gov. Brough. Mr. Hall's residence is situated on Water street, is neat and com- WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP - 593 modious. He was married to Miss Julia A. Brandon, in 1858, who is the daughter of Armstrong Brandon, the first Postmaster of Piqua. WILLIAM P. HALL, dentist., Piqua ; was born in Montgomery Co., Ohio; in 1822 ; his paternal ancestors were of Scotch and English descent, and among the early colonial settlers of the Carolinas ; his Grandfather. Hall was a soldier of the Revolution, and emigrated to Ohio in 1806, and permanently located in the northern part of Montgomery Co. in the following year ; his father, James Hall, married Henrietta Siddons, also a native of North Carolina ; he was a Captain in militia days, and served a short term during the war of 1812, and afterward became a leader of the Whig party in his county. William P. grew to manhood on the farm in Montgomery Co., receiving such educational advantages as the local schools afforded ; when of age, he determined to make dentistry his profession, and took a course of instructions under the tutorship of Dr. John Jones, then a leading dentist of Dayton, Ohio ; Dr. Hall located in Piqua in 1847, where he has continued to practice his profession since, and, through his skill and many manly qualities, has acquired a well-deserved and somewhat extended reputation ; he is a member of the Mississippi Valley Dental Association, and one of Piqua's most respected citizens. He married, in 1849, Miss Ann M., daughter of Jonas Ward ; they have four children—James Ward, Willis, Mary E. and Clifford ; James Ward was instructed in dentistry by his father; and afterward practiced in Mt. Vernon, Ill., a short time, then removed to St. Louis, where, in connection with his practice, he took a course and graduated from the Missouri Dental College ; in 1876, at the solicitation of a friend, he removed to Shanghai, China, where he is now enjoying a lucrative dental practice ; Willis expects soon to graduate from the St. Louis Medical College and engage in medical practice ; Mary E., a graduate, and Clifford, a student of the Piqua High School, are members of the family household. Mr. and Mrs. Hall have been members of the Green Street M. E. Church for more than a quarter of a century, and are generally esteemed for their many qualities of mind and heart. M. G. HARTER, physician, Piqua. The subject of this sketch was born in Harrison Co., Ky., in the year 1817 ; he emigrated to Ohio; with his parents, Jacob and Elizabeth (Smizer) Harter; in the year 1821, and located six miles east of Troy, in this county ; our subject spent his younger days with his parents on the farm ; not having the advantages of schooling, he was obliged to resort to his own efforts for his education, and became, so to speak, his own instructor; thereby gaining sufficient learning to fit him for all practical business , at the age of 21 years, he began the study of medicine, selecting the eclectic faith, and meanwhile took to himself a wife, Hannah Statler; daughter of Christopher and Fannie Statler; of Miami Co. ; his instructor in the science of medicine was Dr. Steinbarger. The fruits of the marriage of our subject were as follows : Harrison, Fannie, Newton, Daniel and Della, all of whom are in the other world, having passed from this to that better land in infancy, except Della, who lived to attain her womanhood, was married but a short time, when she passed away, leaving one child, who followed its mother in the short space of two years ; soon after Dr. Harter's marriage, he settled in the southern part of Montgomery Co. ; but previously, while pursuing his studies, he worked at blacksmithing, thereby enabling him to support his family ; when the first year had rolled around, he changed his studies to the allopathic school, in which his practice was largely appreciated ; the Doctor was a graduate of the Cleveland Medical College ; from his first location, in the southern portion of Montgomery Co., he moved to Vandalia, where he settled, and continued the practice of his profession one year ; then moved to Ithaca, Darke Co.; thence to Rush Co., Indiana ; and finally removed to Ohio; and formed a partnership with Dr. Darwin, of Gettysburg ; after their partnership expired, moved again to Marion, Ind., engaging in the drug business, at which place he discovered the ague specific known to all parts of the world as Dr. Harter's Ague Cure ; from Marion he removed to Troy, Ohio; and began the manufacture of his specific on quite a large scale ; and, in 1866, moved his business 594 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: interests to St. Louis, Mo., where he added very largely to his prosperous enterprises, forming a stock company for the purpose of manufacturing the late discovery ; the family remained in Troy until 1867, at which time they moved to St. Louis, where they became permanent residents, spending the remainder of the Doctor's life; his skill and energy, as well as his indomitable will, placed him at the head of his profession, and made him a benefactor of the world ; his fame is as broad as the expanse of our universe, and never to be forgotten ; an excellent financier; leaving a very large estate to his estimable widow, who can only mourn his untimely loss, though Time, the great finisher of all living, will, we hope, bring them together where partings are known no more. J. BONI. HEMSTEGER, editor Correspondent, Piqua; was born on the 3d day of September; 1858, in the city of Piqua, being the fifth child in the family. His father removed from West Alexandria, Preble Co., Ohio; to Piqua, about the year 1855, and has since then carried on one of the largest and most prosperous clothing establishments in the county. The subject of this sketch received his first education in the parish schools of Piqua, and then for several terms attended the St. Mary's Institute, near Dayton, Ohio. In December; 1871, his studies were abruptly terminated by a very malignant attack of spinal meningitis, and brain fever; which rendered him utterly helpless for five months, and incapacitated him for any exertions for two years. This sickness also permanently deprived him of the power of hearing. In January, 1875, he accepted a position in a printing establishment of Piqua, where he learned the printing business. In October; 1877, went to Lima, Ohio; working at a German paper in that city ; after six weeks spent in this position, he purchased an interest in the German Stern des Westlichen Ohio; at Minster; Auglaize Co., and assumed the publication of that journal. Finding the business a very unprofitable one, he sold out his share in the same to his partner; in March, 1878, and returned to Piqua, and immediately set about making preparations for the publication of a new German paper. On the 17th day of April, same year; the first number of Der Piqua Correspondent was issued by him, and since that date the paper has been a regular weekly visitor among the numerous German families of the city and neighborhood. Under his management the enterprise has proven a gratifying success. Mr. Hemsteger was married October 30, 1878, to Miss Minnie E. Brands, of Piqua, and has established for himself a very pleasant home in the southern part of the city. JOHN F. HEMSTEGER, merchant tailor and clothier; Piqua ; Mr. Hemsteger is a native of Germany, born in Westphalia, in 1824, learned the tailor's trade when a youth, and served two years in the army of the Kingdom of Prussia ; came to the United States in 1847 ; after about two years, during which time he was engaged at his trade in different places, he was married, in Dayton, to Miss Barbara Newman, who was also a native of Germany ; after his marriage, he settled at West Alexandria, Preble Co., where he established himself in the tailoring business, which he continued until he removed to Piqua, in 1856, where he has since resided, and has been, and still is, one of the leading business men of Piqua ; his establishment is located in the opera house block, where, in addition to a large custom business, he is doing a large trade in ready-made clothing and gents' furnishings. Mr. Hemsteger has been, for eight years past, a member of the Council, and is a highly respected citizen ; he is the father of thirteen children, nine of whom are living-J. Al. and Levi (clothing merchants, of Emporia, Kan.), J. Boni (editor Correspondent (German), Piqua), Theresa (now Mrs. F. R. Frigee (a teacher in the school connected with St. Boniface Catholic Church), Anna (now Mrs. Joseph Kipp, of the firm of Gross & Co.), and Antonio; George, Agnes and Joseph (members of the family household). J. HETHERINGTON, dealer in and burner of lime, Piqua ; is a son of William and Mary A. (Mitchell) Hetherington, who were both natives of Pennsylvania ; their marriage occurred in Miami Co., about 1839 ; soon after; they emigrated to Pennsylvania, where they remained until 1843, when they removed to Piqua ; here he permanently located, and was soon known as a contractor and WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP - 595 builder ; in connection with this, he directed his supervision to his limekiln ; this he continued until his death, which occurred in 1877. The issue of the above union were nine children, four of whom are now living. Our subject, being the eldest, was born in Pennsylvania in 1842, but was raised in this city ; his education was acquired in the schools of the same ; in August, 1862, he enlisted in Co. C, 94th O. V. I., and was' in service three years ; he participated in the battles of Perryville, Ky., Stone River; Tenn., Chickamauga, and Sherman's campaign from Chattanooga to Atlanta, passing through many of the hardships and privations which today ring fresh in his memory ; soon after the return from the war; he engaged in the brick mason trade, which he followed until the death of his father; when he took charge of the kiln, where he is now engaged. In December; 1866, his nuptials were celebrated with Mary E. Smith, a native of Hamilton, Butler Co., Ohio ; by this union they have one child, Mary E., born March 4, 1868. WILLIAM HIGGINS, M. D., retired physician and capitalist, Piqua. Dr. Higgins, a native of Pennsylvania, was born in Westmoreland Co. in 1818 ; his youth was spent on a farm, attending school during winter; and later received the benefit of an academic course ; he graduated from the National Medical College at Washington, D. C. in 1840, and commenced practice the same year at Carlisle, Coshocton Co., Ohio; where he continued until 1848, when he removed to Zimmerman, Greene Co. ; here he remained, enjoying an extensive practice, until 1871, when he removed to Piqua, and retired from practice, having accumulated a respectable fortune ; his time is now occupied in brokerage and looking after his real estate interests, which are quite extensive ; besides owning a number of valuable tracts in this vicinity, he has a fine farm of 500 acres in the Wabash Valley, near Terre Haute, and another near Marion, Ind. Dr. Higgins is emphatically a self-made man, having started in life with nothing, and worked his way up through many difficulties and embarrassing circumstances. He married Aug. 3, 1848, Miss Belle Williamson, of Fairfield, Greene Co., Ohio ; the fruits of this union have been three children-Julius, now a resident of Richmond, Ind., James, who died at the age of 24, and Willie, also deceased. STEPHEN HILL, farmer ; P. 0. Covington ; born in Northampton Co., Penn., July 9, 1817 ; is the son of Isaac and Susan (Barton) Hill ; they moved to New Jersey when Stephen was, a child, where they lived and died. Mr. Hill, when only 9 years of age, was thrown upon the world, and went to live with a family by the name of Deusenberry, where he lived till he was 18 years of age, when he struck out for himself ; he worked at various places in the State, mostly at farming, till he was 30 years of age ; in December; 1847, he emigrated to Ohio; and located in Warren Co. about one mile from Lebanon, where he remained between two and three years, then went to Centreville, Montgomery Co., where he remained about two years, and from there came to Miami Co., worked by the month for a time, when he bought a farm adjoining the one he now owns. Dec. 31, 1855, he united in marriage with Sarah J. Lukemeyer; daughter of John and Alice (Barngrover) Lukemeyer; who were both born and raised in Southern Ohio ; Sarah was born in Clermont Co., Ohio; Oct. 10, 1837 ; by this union, they have had four children, viz., Charles F., born Feb. 14, 1857 ; Frank S., born Nov. 22, 1858 ; George M., born Feb. 2, 1861, and Alice A., born Feb. 8, 1867 ; all single and living at home. Mr. Hill has a farm of 85 acres, which he took right in the woods, and has cleared the farm from year to year; now having 65 acres cleared and in cultivation ; has built his barn and other buildings, and is now comfortably fixed to live ; he has accomplished this by his own industry and economy ; being thrown upon the world when a mere child, with no means, nor advantages of even a common-school education, has worked his way through to a fair competency. MICHAEL HITTLE, farmer ; P. 0. Covington, born in Parke Co., Ohio; May 30, 1842, is the son of Adam and Catharine (Fockler) Hittle, who were born and raised in Miami Co. ; the grandfather; Nicholas Hittle, was probably born in Germany, and came to this country in an early day ; the grandmother; Eve Anna (Boyer) little, was probably born in Pennsylvania. Adam and Catharine were 596 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: parents of two children, viz., Michael and Eve ; Eve was born Nov. 25, 1843 ; she was married Nov. 27, 1866, to George Nill, by whom she had five children; all are living, viz., Catharine, born Feb. 12, 1868 ; Mary, born March 13, 1870 ; Michael born May 20, 1871 ; Christiana, Jan. 6, 1873 ; Margaret, Nov. 11, 1874. She lost her husband by death, June 1, 1874, since which, she has remained with her mother and brother Michael. Adam, the father; died about four years ago. Mr. Hittle, the subject of our sketch, has always followed farming ; he has never married, but seems to enjoy single blessedness. He lives at home with his mother and sister; and takes charge of the farm; nearly his whole life, some thirty-eight years, has been spent in Miami Co., which should give him a right and title among the old settlers of this county. J. D. & J. L. HOLTZEMANN, wholesale liquor dealers in foreign and domestic spirits, Piqua. Piqua, like most cities of its size, is represented by almost every branch of business. J. D. Holtzemann has been engaged in his present business for nearly half a century, during which time he transacted business with several different partners, until his son, J. L., formed the present partnership. During this time, they have been favorably known as rectifiers, compounders of liquor; etc. ; they, in connection with their business, manufacture Holtzemann's reliable and well-known stomach bitters ; J. D., the senior member of the firm, was born in Hanover; Germany, Oct. 22, 1808, where he grew to manhood on the farm ; when but a young man, he engaged in merchandising in Bremen ; this was conducted four years, when his thoughts were directed to the Amerioan continent ; and in 1831, he embarked from Bremen, landing in Baltimore in November of that fall ; there he engaged in handling foreign dry goods until one year later; when he came to Germantown, Ohio; making a few changes up to 1836, when he settled in Piqua. In 1838, he erected a part of his present wholesale house, which has since been enlarged to ninety-five feet deep, front on the corner of Main and Water streets. Sept. 18, 1836, he married Johannah L. Dettmer; born in Hanover; Germany, September; 1808 ; their children by this union are ten in number; six are now living-J. Lewis, Eliza, Gagg, Louisa, Minnie and Helen. J. F. HUMMEL, proprietor steam granite works, Piqua. Mr. Hummel, a native of Prussia, was born in 1841, and came to the United States in 1852 ; his parents located here in Piqua and died here, after which J. F., being a boy, floated about. When the first call for troops was made, he enlisted in the three months' servioe, in the 1st Ohio V. I.; afterward enlisted for three years in the 79th 0. V. I., in which he served until the close of the war. In 1869, he came to Piqua, and worked at marble cutting as journeyman for Daniel Young, whom, in 1871, he bought out, continuing the business here ever since. Mr. Hummel is emphatically a self-made man ; left fatherless at 16, he drifted wherever employment could be got ; learned his trade ; served the Government nearly four years ; commenced without capital in Piqua, in 1869, and from his savings, in two years, bought out the little shop in which he was employed ; has kept steadily on, enlarged his shop, and now has it filled with Scotch polishing machinery operated by steam. He is a thorough mechanic, an excellent designer; a skillful draughtsman, and the extent of his business is second to none in the State. He has a branch office in Cincinnati, C. G. Hummel, agent. He married in 1865, Miss Hannah Baumgarten, of Shelby Co. They have seven children, six sons and one daughter. JAMES W. HUNTER, farmer ; P. 0. Piqua ; born in Miami Co., June 18, 1817 ; is the son of Joseph and Jane (Eaton) Hunter ; his father was born in Pennsylvania, and his mother in Ireland ; the grandfather was also a native of Pennsylvania, but the great-grandfather was a native of Ireland. Joseph and Jane, the parents, had born to them eleven children, one dying in infancy, and ten growing up to maturity, viz., William, Martha and Margaret, all now deceased ; John G., living in Nebraska ; Mary Ann, now Mrs. John Patterson ; James W., Jane Eliza, Joseph Baxter and Eleanor; all three now deceased ; and David Eaton, living in Illinois. Joseph, the father; died in March, 1849, ; Jane, the mother; died in November, 1839. They cache to this county in 1811, being among the early WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP - 591 pioneers ; arriving in company with James Johnston, who is further mentioned it the sketch of William Johnston in this work. They were here during the war sal 1812, and took part, more or less, in scouting after the Indians. Theirs was a life of hardships and danger, coming and opening out right in the wilderness in tin midst of war ; but they' endured it all faithfully, and lived to see the country cleared up, and the comforts of civilized life brought to their doors. Mr. Hunter the subject of whom we write, lived with his father till of age. He was united it marriage, Oct. 25, 1843, with Maria Irwin, daughter of John and Fanny (Nelson Irwin, who were both natives of Ireland. By this union they had eight children of whom six are now living, viz., Joseph Irwin, dying in infancy ; William Emer son, now deceased ; John Irwin, Joseph Allen, married and living in Zanesville Ohio ; Frank E., married and living in Piqua; Fanny J., Maggie E. an Thomas Leigh, single and living at home. Mr. Hunter; after his marriage, located in Shelby Co., where they lived till 1849, when he bought the farm upon which hi still resides ; he now owns 140 acres of land, of which about 100 acres are in good cultivation, and cleared it all himself but about 20 acres, erecting all the building: on the place. Mr. Hunter has\ been a very active, industrious man, and one wh( has encouraged advancement in all improvements ; being the first in this part o the township to use the reaper; the field roller; the sewing machine, the piano; etc He was formerly a Democrat, politically, but was always an Anti-slavery man, whirl of a necessity brought him into the Republican party, where he has since remained He is a member of the Presbyterian Church, his membership reaching over period of forty years. EDWARD HUNTZINGER, druggist, Piqua. Another of the enterprises of the city of Piqua is the pharmacy of Edward Huntzinger; to which we give more than a passing notice ; his " All Right " drug store is located in the Leland Hote building, where he has been favorably known since November; 1879 ; he keeps complete line of drugs and druggists' sundries, and makes prescriptions a specialty He is a son of Edward, Sr., and Elizabeth Huntzinger; both natives of Pennsyl vania, where their marriage occurred. Edward, Sr., devoted his entire life to gen eral merchandising ; his death occurred in 1848, and the widow now resides in the city of Philadelphia ; the issue of this union was two daughters and one son (our subject), who was born in Pennsylvania in 1846 ; his elementary education was acquired in the Schuylkill Haven Village School ; he afterward improved the same at the Military Academy at West Chester; Penn. ; at the age of 20, he took up the study of medicine, under Dr. J. G. Koehler; as a preceptor; three years ; Mara 3, 1868, he graduated from the Medical University of Pennsylvania, after whirh he practiced in the county hospital a period of six years, thereby amply qualify ing himself for his present occupation. His marriage with Fannie V. French was celebrated in January, 1873 ; they have one child-Anne E. ; Mrs. Huntzinger is a native of Maine, a descendant of the Puritan stock, and a daughter of Charles and Ann French, natives of Maine, where they now reside. GEORGE S. HYDE, M. D., physician, Piqua. Dr. Hyde is a native of Vir ginia ; was born in the Shenandoah Valley in 1831, and received a liberal educa tion at the academies of Virginia ; he first studied with a view to becoming and engineer; but, after some experience, concluded to turn his attention to medicine in 1856, he commenced practice in Preston Co., Va. ; his diploma, from the Mary land State University, bears the signature of James Buchanan, he being a mem ber of the board, and was signed by him while occupying the " White House ; ' on the breaking-out of the rebellion, Dr. Hyde went to Maryland, where he remained until the spring of 1865, when he removed to Ohio and located at Lockington, Shelby Co., where he practiced several years, during which he was the chief mem ber of the school board there ; in 1870, he came to Piqua, and has been in practice here since, having enjoyed a very satisfactory and growing practice ; his resi dente is a new brick, on Ash street, near the southeast corner of Broadway. He married, in 1853, Miss Mary A. Newland ; they have had four children, two of 598 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: whom are living—Mrs. Joseph D. Sawyer and R. L., a young but promising dentist of Piqua. WILLIAM JOHNSTON, contractor and County Commissioner; Piqua ; was born in Franklin Co., Penn, May 2, 1804 ; he and four sisters are still living, of a family of six children of Janes and Mary (Adams) Johnston ; his father came from Pennsylvania to Ohio; and located one mile and a half from Piqua, in 1811 where he farmed till 1821, when he bought a farm on what is now called Upper Piqua, where he lived till he died, in December; 1847, aged 77 years. William Johnston received his early education in the old log schoolhouse, which was the best facility afforded in those days, having about three months' schooling each year; the balance of the time was applied to hard labor in clearing up the farm and making a home ; Mr. Johnston remained with his father till he was 31 years of age, when he was united in marriage, April 28, 1835, with Mary Bercaw, and, May 1, 1840, she was snatched from him by the remorseless messenger Death ; in 1842, April 25, he was again married, to Mary Ann Brown, daughter of Aaron and Hannah (Kirk) Brown, who came to Ohio at quite an early day, coming from Fayette Co., Penn. ; about the time of his first marriage, he entered upon the milling business, about three miles from Piqua, in which he continued till 1850, when he rented his mill, and started West across the plains for California, having under his conductorship eighty-nine men ; they left Kansas City on the 8th of May, 1850, arriving at Sacramento City on the 20th of September; following, where he remained till the 1st day of June, 1853 ; while there he was engaged in the grocery trade, doing a very flourishing business, but suffered much loss, being burnt out by the great fire in November; 1852 ; and, in January, 1853, his goods were destroyed by water from the great freshet ; on the 1st day of June, 1853, he embarked on board a steamer for New York City, where, after a twenty-three days' trip, he arrived safely, and from there came direct to Piqua ; from his return to Piqua up to the present time he has been engaged on the public works of the county as builder and contractor on the railroads, canal and turnpikes, and during some five years on the hydraulic works of Piqua ; he is now County Commissioner; having been elected to that office last October ; he was also superintendent on the canal for some four years, and filled various other offices of trust. Mr. Johnston is now about 76 years of age, and is quite hearty and robust, having never experienced any severe sickness during his life, which he claims to be partly the result of his active out-door exercise, having been all his life in very active business ; he has accumulated a great deal of property, has been very liberal to all public and charitable purposes, and still has a goodly portion of this world's goods, sufficient to enable him to pass the remainder of his life in comfort and plenty. He holds his faith with the Episcopal Church of Piqua, to which his father belonged for many years. JOHN H. D. JOHNSTON, deceased. Mr. Johnston was a native of Miami Co., a son of Col. John Johnston, and was born on the old homestead at Upper Piqua in 1820 ; he was reared on the farm, and when grown up remained on the old homestead, it being understood that it should descend to him. He married, nn 1845, Miss Mary J., daughter of Stephen and Elizabeth (McCullough) Dye ; her father was an early resident of Miami Co.; after his marriage, Mr. Johnston received a deed for the old homestead, and continued to reside there until 1857 ; failing health compelled him to relinquish immediate supervision of the place, and he removed to Piqua, having purchased a residence on Caldwell street, where, after a long struggle with that dread disease consumption, he passed away February, 1863 ; he was a modest, unassuming man, and highly esteemed ; was a member of the Protestant Episcopal Church, and a Vestryman in that organization from early manhood to the time of his decease ; his wife and two daughters—Rachel E. and Margaret C., survived him ; Rachel E. married W. J. Vance, but lived only a few years after her marriage ; she left four children—Henry Caldwell, Mary B., Wilson J. and Rachel E. J. The two former are now with their father in Washington, DC., and the two latter are with their grandmother; Mrs. Johnston, who; with Mar- WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP - 599 garet C., resides at the old residence on Caldwell street, between Green and North streets ; Mrs. Johnston is an unassuming but intelligent woman, a member of the Protestant Episcopal Church, and highly esteemed for her stability of character and consistent life. STEPHEN JOHNSTON, lawyer; Piqua. Mr. Johnston's ancestors were from the North of Ireland ; his father; Stephen Johnston, and his uncle, Col. John Johnston, came to Ohio in 1808 ; the former was Government store-keeper, at Ft. Wayne, in the war of 1812, and on the 28th day of August in that year was killed by the Indians near that place. Mary Caldwell, of Kentucky, the mother of the subject of this sketch, was justly regarded as one of the remarkable women of her day ; she was cotemporary with Daniel Boone, Little Turtle and Tecumseh—was well acquainted with them, and of great service to the white population of the community. She was married in 1810, in Miami Co., Ohio; and died in September, 1861, aged 73 years. Stephen, her son, was born at Piqua, Ohio; on the 29th day of September; 1812 ; learned the saddler's trade, and worked at it fourteen years ; in 1841, he was elected Sheriff of Miami Co., and served four years, during which time he began reading law ; in 1845, he was elected to the State Legislature, and subsequently engaged in farming and lumbering for five years ; in 1850, he was admitted to the bar; and opened a law office in Piqua, where he has been in the practice ever since ; April 18, 1861, he entered the army as Captain in the 11th 0. V. I., but resigned his commission in September of that year ; he was early identified with the railroad interests of this section, and in 1849, drafted on a saddler's bench, the charter of the Columbus, Piqua & Indiana Railroad Company, of which he was the attorney for twenty years or more afterward ; in 1868, he was elected President of the Piqua Hydraulic Company; under Mr. Johnston's energetic supervision ; the enterprise, which had been deemed impracticable on account of its magnitude, was successfully accomplished, and the water works, in connection therewith, are unsurpassed for excellence and economy by any in the State ; the enterprise was first presented to the public in an intelligible form, through specifications made by Mr. Johnston, in 1870 ; his name has been prominently associated with every principal public improvement, and he has been the friend of laudable private enterprises as well ; as the agent for an association formed for the purpose of resisting legislation hostile to the canal, he secured the adoption by the Legislature, of a written report which ended the efforts of its enemies for the time being, and will be a formidable barrier to future unfriendly legislation ; he is an agreeable and courteous gentleman as well as energetic, determined and persevering ; as indicative of the latter qualities, it may be stated that for thirty years he fought the Government single-handed, in relation to a claim by reason of a stipulation made by the Pottawatomie Indians in a treaty intended to secure to the heirs of his father; a certain tract of land as a partial atonement for his death as above stated ; finally, in 1863, Mr. Johnston accepted a compromise. In April, 1837, Mr. Johnston married Uretta, daughter of Chester Garnsey, of Piqua, formerly of Rochester; N. Y.; they have had seven children, four of whom are living ; his eldest son, Stephen C. Johnston, has been for several years engaged in the development of a gold mine near Charlotte, N. C., and his son, William C. Johnston, is at present a prominent attorney of this county, and Probate Judge of the same ; many points of great historic interest cluster around this family in its earlier days, which will be found in the text of this work. Politically, Mr. Johnston is a member of the Greenback party, and in 1877 was a candidate for Governor on that ticket ; originally a Whig, he was one of the first to join the Republican party, and in 1864 was Presidential Elector for the Fourth District on the Lincoln ticket ; in 1870, in consequence of the passage of the bill to strengthen the public credit, he voted with the Democrats, but in the canvass of 1876 he voted for Peter Cooper; and is still a persistent advocate of currency reform, and the payment of the public debt according to the laws under which it was contracted ; he is now connected with the Ohio State University, at Columbus, Ohio; as President of the Board of Trustees, and is an earnest friend of the agricultural interests of the State.