(RETURN TO THE TITLE PAGE) 800 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: of Anson and Lydia Aldrich. His father was born in the same State in the year 1791, and was a son of Luke Aldrich, who was connected with the pilgrim fathers. He lived, died, and is buried in the place of his nativity. Anson was married to Lydia Aldrich, who was born in Rhode Island. He did not permanently settle here until 1843, having previously traveled over the West on foot, wandering as far as Illinois, where he resided four years, then returned to his native place, where he remained a number of years, then again came West, and chose Miami Co. as his home. He first settled on land in Sec. 18, now owned by Tilly Hale, on which he lived a year and a half ; then purchased 100 acres in Sec. 27, on the west bank of the Stillwater, on which he moved his family, and made a permanent home. Soon after added 100 acres to the original purchase. His wife, Lydia, was born in the year 1799, and died in 1878, aged 79 years ; he died in 1879, aged 88 years ; they had three children, two of whom are living, viz., Mary, now Mrs. Huddle, and our subject ; one died in infancy. Mrs. A. had been previously married to a Mr. Capron, by whom she had two children, viz., Carlysle and Sallie A. (deceased). William's boyhood days were spent on the farm in Massachusetts. Upon their arrival here he assisted his father, and the farm was carried on in a mutual way, each receiving whatever was necessary for his especial welfare. In 1861, he married Miss Amanda Bauman, a daughter of Michael and Mary Bauman. Her father was born in Pennsylvania in 1794 ; her mother in the State of Maryland in 1803. They were married in Maryland, and in 1830, removed to Ohio, and settled near West Milton. Mr. B. died in 1846, aged 52 years ; Mrs. B. is living, and resides in Dayton ; they had seven children, four of whom are living, viz., Julia, Ellen, Amanda and Sarah ; the deceased are kargaret, Rebecca and one in infancy. Our subject owns 139 acres of land, which is all in a good state of cultivation. He has filled the office of School Director and Supervisor, and was Second Lieutenant of Co. D, 147th 0. V. I., one hundred day men. His term of service was employed in Ft. Ethan Allen, one of the defenses of Washington ; he was discharged in September, 1864. Mrs. A. was born in this township in 1836 ; they have had eight children, all living, viz., Henry W., Celia, Sarah, Grace Q., Nathan G., Lydia M. Carlysle C. and Crawford B. LEVI AMMON, merchant, Potsdam ; born in Bucks Co., Penn., in the year 1813. Is the son of George and Mary A. Ammon, natives of Pennsylvania. They had two children-John (deceased) and our subject. He was partly reared on the farm, and at the age of 16 years, began learning the shoemaker's trade, and, young as he was, has taken care of himself since ; he followed his trade about twenty-two years, part of the time in Montgomery Co., Ohio. In 1839, he married Margaret Byerly, by whom he has had fourteen children, seven of whom are living, viz., George, Edward, William, Charley, Mary A., Jane and Belle. In 1860, he removed to this county, in which he purchased 80 acres of land, whereon he resided five years, and then came to Georgetown ; he owns in the aggregate 447 acres of land, which places him among the large landholders in the township ; in 1865, he opened a store of general merchandise, and has since supplied the wants of the public from a large and well-selected stock. The fair dealing and popular business habits of the house of Ammon & Sons command for them a full share of the public patronage ; their stock consists of clothing, dry goods, hats, caps, boots, shoes, groceries, and in fact everything usually found in a first-class retail house. Mr. Ammon is one of our self-made men in every sense which the term implies ; he began life without a dollar, but by close application to business, has built up a fortune, a fitting example for others to pattern from. His son William has charge of the post office. Mr. Ammon also carries on merchandising in' Gordon, Darke Co., the business being under the control of his sons Edward and Charley, who are competent and energetic business men. Mr. Ammon owns city property in Bradford, Harrisburg, Castine and Gordon. He is a member of the United Brethren Church, and an exemplary Christian gentleman. SAMUEL P. AXTELL, minister, West Milton ; born near Franklin, Mercer Co., Penn., July 14. 1846 ; is the son of Daniel and Mary Ann (Grace) Axtell. UNION TOWNSHIP - 801 Samuel P. joined the Methodist Episcopal Church Jan. 1, 1872, at Lincoln, Neb.; he received a local preacher's license from Southeastern Indiana Conference in 1874, and is now a local minister of the Cincinnati Conference ; he was educated at the Northwestern University of Evanston, Ill., and at Asbury University, Greencastle, Ind., being a student for two years at Evanston, and studying one year at Asbury University. He settled in this county January, 1877, on Sec. 16, in Union Township. Was married Aug. 10, 1875, to Miss Frances M. Kessler, at West Milton. They have had two children, viz., Leo Ray, born Dec. 29, 1877, and Thomas Maurice, March 10, 1879, and died April 29, 1880. DAVID BAKER, farmer ; P. 0. West Milton ; was born in Montgomery Co., Ohio, in the year 1824, and is a son of David and Salome Baker ; they were born in Bedford, now Blair Co., Penn., in the latter part of the eighteenth century ; they removed to Montgomery Co. about 1809 or 1810, and settled on land in Randolph Township, on which they lived till the death of Mr. B., which occurred just previous to the birth of our subject ; his mother soon after went to Indiana ; then to Greenville, in which place she resided till her death, which occurred in the 63d year of her age. They were the parents of three children, two of whom are living, viz., Andrew H. David and Lavina, deceased. The boyhood days of our subject were spent on the farm, in a manner incident to youth, and, at the age of 15, he was apprenticed to learn the wagon-maker's trade, and labored for awhile in Salem, after which he removed to Euphemia, in Preble Co., at which place he finished his trade, and soon after, in Phillipsburg, founded a shop of his own, in which he carried on wagon-making for eleven years ; then sellmg out, he embarked in a general mercantile business in the same place, and for fourteen years successfully catered to the wants of the public ; in 1869, he removed to the place where he now resides ; he owns 141 75-100ths acres of fine land, which is in a high state of cultivation. He was first married to Julia Fortner, in 1848 ; she died in 1861. His second marriage was with Sarah J. McGrew nee Reed, in 1862. They have two children, viz., Emma and Alma. Samuel McGrew and Miss Sarah J. Reed were married in 1852 ; he died in 1859. To them two children were born, viz., Allen, deceased, and Marley, who resides in Kansas. Mrs. B.'s parents, Jonathan and Sarah R. Reed, were born in New Jersey ; they removed to Montgomery Co., Ohio, at a very early day, and later, to Marshall Co., Iowa, in which place Mr. B. died, in the 72d year of his age ; her mother is still livmg, and resides in the above-mentioned place. They have had nine children, all are living, viz., William, Jonathan, Mary A., Sarah J., Bowman, Esther, Rebecca, Elizabeth and Lucretia. krs. B. was born in Warren Co. in 1831. She is an exemplary Christian lady, and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. B. was a member of the 112th 0. V. I., and, soon after his enlistment, was promoted to a Second Lieutenancy, with instructions to enlist a company ; but, on account of a shortage of men, a consolidation of different companies was effected, which swallowed up Mr. B.'s company, and he was mustered from the service. He is one of our self-made men. Life was begun with small capital, yet energy and indomitable perseverance have accomplished their purpose, and a good home is the fruit of his toil. When Mrs. B.'s father crossed the Ohio River, he had only a dollar in his pocket, and with him came two other gentlemen, possessed of means, who soon lost their all and were penniless. The dollar which constituted Mr. Reed's capital, proved the nucleus of a handsome competency. HENRY BARNHART, farmer and carpenter ; P. 0. West Milton ; born near Greenville, Darke Co., Ohio, in the year 1839 ; is the son of John and Elizabeth Barnhart, who were born in Pennsylvania, the father in 1811, the mother in 1813, and were married in 1835 ; the following year they removed to Montgomery Co., in which they resided two years, then removed to Darke Co., where they resided a year, and finally settled in Concord Township, where they now live ; they had five children, all living, viz., David, Henry, John, Andrew and Anna. Our subject was reared upon the farm, and, at the age of 16 years, learned the wagon-maker's trade, which he followed for three years. Aug. 19, 1862, he enlisted in Co. E, 63d 0. V. I., and was soon after transferred to the front and placed in the 3d Brigade 802 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES : of the 17th Corps ; the regiment took an active part in the thrilling scenes of the war ; Mr. B. participated in the battles of Resaca, Atlanta, Altoona, Kingston, Jonesboro, Kenesaw Mountain, and, in fact, all the engagements in and around this great rebel stronghold ; he passed through three years of active duty, and receiving no scratches, he " veteranized" in 1863 and was discharged in July, 1865, having been promoted to Corporal. After his return home, he took up wagon-making, which he followed for ten years, then burned lime for two years in Davis Wheelock's kiln, after which he located on the farm where he has since resided ; he frequently works at carpentering, plastering, etc., being one of those natural mechanics who can turn a hand to most anything. Feb. 9, 1864, he was married to Sarah Root ; to them six children have been born, five of whom are living, viz., Noah, Nettie, Icy, Ida M. and John W.; Cora deceased. Mrs. B. is a daughter of John and Louisa Root ; the former was born in France, the latter in Germany ; they had but one child, Mrs. Barnhart ; by a previous marriage, Mr. Root had twelve children, part of whom are living Mr. R. is deceased ; Mrs. R. resides with our subject ; she was born in 1802. Mr. and Mrs. Barnhart have been members of the Disciples Church for four years, and are zealous in the cause ; he is also a member of the subordinate Lodge, I. O. O. F., in West Milton. CHARLES F. BEALL, dealer in stoves and tinware, West Milton. The subject of this memoir was born in Greene Co., Ohio, Sept. 20, 1842, and is a son of John I. Beall, who was born in Maryland in 1802, and settled in Greene Co. in 1813, where he resided until his death, which occurred in 1867, aged 65 years. Mrs. Beall was born in Greene Co. in 1805-is still living, and resides in her native county. They had eleven children, of whom eight are living, three having died after gaining man's estate. Our subject's boyhood days were spent on his father's farm, where he assisted in agricultural pursuits until his 18th year ; when the war broke out, he enlisted in Co. G, of the 54th O. V. I., and was transferred to the front in February, 1862 ; his regiment was in Gen. Sherman's gallant division which did its duty so nobly at Shiloh ; here he received a severe wound in the left hip, which kept him in the hospital at Cincinnati for some time ; he was discharged, July,12, 1862; Jan. 12, 1864, he enlisted in the United States Navy, and was placed on board the Cricket in the department of the Mississippi ; from this vessel he was transferred to the Champion, thence to the Benton, and finally to the Gamage. On all these vessels he held the commission of a 1st Lieutenant, and was among the youngest commissioned officers in the navy ; he was in the naval encounter at Fort Harrison, where four vessels were engaged, and after a severe fight, every gun in the fort was dismounted, the works captured and the town laid in ashes. After the close of the war, he received his discharge, Oct. 27, 1865 ; be returned home, and was employed by Shilato & Co. as salesman, remaining one year, when he engaged with Orr & Co. tobacco manufacturers ; in their employ he remained one year ; he soon after studied medicine for two years, under John C. Fall, a very prominent physician of Xenia ; he drifted back to his former business, in which he is still engaged, and removed to this place in April, 1879. His marriage with Carrie Keeler, a daughter of John Keeler, occurred Jan. 25, 1876; she was born Dec. 9, 1852. They have one child, Elsie Fay, born Oct. 13, 1877. Mrs. Beall was a distant relative of the Hon. C.,L. Vallandigham. RICHARD BENNET, proprietor of woolen factory, West Milton. The subject of this memoir was born in Bucks Co., Penn., Dec. 20, 1808, and is a. son of Benjamin and Mary Bennet, natives of Pennsylvania, who emigrated to Huron Co., Ohio, in 1834, where they resided for twenty-five years, and then removed to Williams Co., where Mrs. Bennet died in 1873; her husband died in Huron Co. in 1871. They were the parents of six children, all sons, two of whom are dead. Our subject has had a wide experience in his business, having served in mills since he was 12 years old ; he is thoroughly versed in his business, and is master of every department ; he served an apprenticeship of several years, and since that time has run his own mill. He located here in April, 1862, and soon after purchased his present property, which is situated on the west bank of the Stillwater, half a mile south of UNION TOWNSHIP - 803 West Milton. The mill has a working capacity of about twelve thousand pounds of wool per annum. The power is derived from a number of 'springs, the water from which is concentrated and brought to bear on a twenty-two-foot over-shot wheel. He manufactures a general Assortment of goods, the quality of which is unsurpassed ; owing to his supreme knowledge of manufacturing processes, and his fair way of doing business, he commands a large share of the public patronage. He was married to Diana Weaver April 12, 1832 ; four children have been given to them, of whom three are living, viz., Henry, Benjamin and James ; Charles deceased. A. C. BOBBS, physician and surgeon, Potsdam ; born in Clermont Co., Ohio, in the year 1838 ; is a son of Adam and Elizabeth Bobbs ; his father was born in the State of Pennsylvania, and his mother in this State ; his father is dead, but his mother is yet living and resides in Montgomery Co. ; they were parents of four children-A. J., physician and surgeon, residing in Warren, Ind.; Elizabeth, now Mrs. John Henderson ; Caroline, now Mrs. Dr. Tedrow. The Doctor's boyhood days were spent on the farm, and, at the age of 15, he began the study of medicine under Dr. J. D. Gaines, of California, Hamilton Co., Ohio, who was his preceptor, and for three years he labored under his instruction, solving the mysteries and science of medicine ; he then entered the Cincinnati College of Medicine and Surgery, in which he studied two terms ; then enlisted in the army as Assistant Surgeon, finally entering the Marine Hospital in Cincinnati, in which he remained three years, and here received a broad experience in the profession.; in 1863, he entered a college in Buffalo, N. Y., in which he finished his studies, graduating from this institution in 1864 and receiving his diploma ; he entered on the practice of medicine in Union, in partnership with Dr. Hawkins, with whom he practiced for one year ; in 1865, he located where he now resides, and has built up a large and increasing practice, making a specialty of fevers and diphtheria. In 1865, he was married to Margaret Shellabarger, by whom he has had three children, viz., Charles C., Samuel O. and E. A. ; she is a daughter of Samuel Shellabarger, who is a native of Pennsylvania ; the mother, Elizabeth, is a native of this State ; both are living. When the Doctor settled here, he was without means, but, by strict attention to his profession, he has built up a good practice, and is also in the possession of a fine property ; in 1878, he erected a residence in the village, which, for taste, beauty of design and finish, has no equal, thus making the Doctor and his most estimable wife a very desirable home ; he owns 25 acres of improved land adjoining the village D. W. BOWMAN, merchant, Fidelity ; was born in Miami Co., Oct. 25, 1847, and is a son of Joseph and Mary Bowman ; his father was born in Tennessee in 1801, and, with his parents, came to, and settled in, Clark Co., Ohio, about 1812, where they lived some years, when he died, and Joseph, with his mother, removed to Montgomery Co., Ohio, where she died. Joseph's early life was passed on the farm, and when old enough, he engaged in selling goods, traveling from one point to another. He was a poor boy and his business career was begun on a capital of $10, borrowed money. In 1826, he opened a little store in Frederick, which was stocked with goods brought from a distance, on the back of a pony. Being of an energetic and progressive spirit, he soon overcame many of the disadvantages attached to poverty, and gradually ascended in the scale of prosperity, until he had accumulated a large property, laying the foundation of a business which exists to this day. He was very benevolent, gave largely to the poor, never turning any from his door who deserved his sympathy and help. At his death, his estate amounted to $100,000. He died in November, 1871, aged 71 years and 7 days. Mr. Bowman married in 1821, Mary Sheets, who bore him eleven children, five of whom are living-O. P., J. W., D. W., Ella and Jennie. The deceased are Ann, Caroline, Jacob R., Elwood, Harriet and John. Her mother was born June 6, 1790, and died Sept. 12, 1839 ; her father died Aug. 12, 1851. They were married in August, 1807, and were the parents of five children, two living-Bethany and Mary. The deceased, Daniel, Perry and Nancy. Mrs. Bowman was born in 804 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES : Montgomery Co., Ohio, March 27, 1808, is living, and resides in Frederickstown. Our subject was reared to mercantile pursuits ; his long experience enabling him to successfully Manage his large business. His education was largely attained in the common schools, and in the Normal School in Lebanon. From 1865 to 1871, he was a partner with his father, and at his death assumed management of the business, which is large and increasing, so much so that his cotemporaries find his trade invulnerable, and can survive but a short time. Nov. 24, 1869, he was married to Belle, an accomplished daughter of Abraham and Lydia ( Yount) Turner. Her father was born in Orange Co., N. Y., March 1, 1819. In the spring of 1842, he emigrated to Indiana, where he operated a saw-mill ; April 6, 1843, he came to Frederickstown, and engaged in the same business. Dec. 20, 1846, he was maried to Lydia Yount, by whom he had eleven children ; those living are Jennie, Belle, Sarah, John, Emma, Fremont, Lulu, Clifford and Mary ; Eliza, deceased. Mrs. Turner was born in Montgomery Co., Ohio, June 15, 1826, and is a daughter of John and Nancy Yount, pioneers of the above-named county. By occupation, Mr. Turner was a carpenter and millwright. In 1879, he removed to Shelby Co., Ohio, where they now reside. Belle, wife of our subject, was born in this county June 12, 1849. JAMES P. BRANDON, physician and surgeon, Laura ; was born in Newton Township, Miami Co., in the year 1850, and is a son of Isaiah P. and Sarah Brandon; father was born in Kentucky, and came with his parents when a boy to Newton Township, in which he lived till his decease, which occurred in 1877. when he was 69 years of age ; hismother departed this life in 1853, aged 43 or 44 ; they were parents of twelve children, eleven of whom are living, viz., Mary, Esther, Richard W., Samuel H., Anna B., Sarah, Amos, Robert, Isaac, James P. and Mahala; Martha (deceased). The Doctor's early boyhood days were spent on the farm, and in a manner incident to youth ; his education was received in the district school, and at the age of 18, he began the study of medicine under Dr. A. E. Duncan, a very prominent physician ; he labored with the mysteries of science in medicine during the §ummer, and in winter engaged in teaching school ; thus he labored for four years, making enough by his winter labors to enable him to prosecute his study in medicine during the following summer ; after completing his course of study under Dr. D. he entered the Cincinnati College of Medicine and Surgery, graduating in the Class of 1873; he returned to his home and began the practice of medicine, and for two years successfully discharged the duties incumbent upon the profession, after which he went to the Bellevue Hospital in New York City, and, after a year of close application to study, improved greatly on the subject of medicine and surgery ; returning, he located in Laura, in which place he has successfully built up a large and increasing practice. In 1873, he married Mattie, daughter of the well-known Anson Aldrich, by whom he has one child, viz., Clara A. ; he owns a good city property in Laura, which consists of lots, dwellings, etc. HENRY J. BROWN, dealer in boots and shoes, West Milton ; was born in Lancaster Co., Penn. Jan. 29, 1829, and is a son of John Brown, a native of the same place, who lived, died and is buried in the place of his nativity. He was the father of ten children, of whom seven are living. Henry's boyhood days were spent in the village, and, at the age of 16, he began serving a regular apprenticeship, which occupied two years of his time. In 1849, he came to Ohio, and located in Gettysburg, in Darke Co., in which place he prosecuted his trade for awhile, and was also engaged with his brother William in painting. He came to West Milton in the spring of 1850, and here has since done business ; he carries a full stock of boots and shoes, for ladies, gentlemen and children's wear. He deals in the best of goods, and his long residence and popular habits command for him a full share of the public patronage. For sixteen years he has held the office of Corporation Treasurer, and has also been a member of the School Board. Thus we see that his townsmen have confidence in his executive ability. March 2, 1852, he was married to Melissa Everett, by whom he had three children, viz., Emma C., Elmira and Charles W. Mrs. Brown departed this life May 15, 1863, aged about 39 years. UNION TOWNSHIP - 805 May 20, 1865, Mr. Brown was again married, to Mary J. Wilson, of Montgomery Co., by whom he has had one child, viz., Harry E. J. K. CAMPBELL, of the firm of Campbell & Bro., dealers in grain and seeds, West Milton ; he was born in Perry Township, Montgomery Co., Ohio, March 8. 1836 ; his father, John G., was born in Warren Co., Ohio, June 22, 1806, and died June 25, 1876 ; his mother, Margaret (Ware) Campbell, was born in Montgomery Co. in the year 1820, and is living ; they were parents of nine children, seven of whom are living, viz., Jesse K., John M., Thomas M., Alonzo B., Susan King, nee Campbell, Samantha Davis, nee Campbell, and Alice McKinley, nee Campbell ; the deceased are Orrin E. and Webster C. Our subject was reared on the farm on which he labored for his father until he was 20 years of age, when he and his younger brothers were given their time he leased the old homestead, and for three years was successful in his labors on the farm ; at the expiration of this time, he conceived the idea he was in need of more education ; he left the farm and entered a select school, taught by John Hiller, in his native county, and for one year he labored in his studies under instructors, and then began teaching, all the while pursuing his studies ; for twenty-one years he was largely engaged in the profession, and was very successful, always standing high as an educator ; during vacations, he was employed as a commercial traveler ; thus his time was all occupied ; during one year he traveled and sold goods for William F. Spencer, of Richmond, Ind., another year for Smith, Alvin & Co. - after this he entered mer- cantile life, and for two years did a general merchandising business in Liberty, Ohio ; he then moved his stock in trade to Johnsville, in which he remained two years ; then exchanged his goods and property for a farm in Montgomery Co., in which he labored, during the summer, for five years, and resumed his work in the schoolroom during the winter ; in 1879, he, with his brother, in looking up a suitable location for their business, saw in West Milton the desired point, which they immediately availed themselves of ; the D., C. & T. R. R, was at that time in the course of construction, and by the time the last rail was laid, they were prepared for business, having erected a large warehouse, which is furnished with steam elevating power ; both are gentlemen well qualified for the business, and will handle a heavy percentage of the surplus of crops. May 29, 1864, he was married to Mary A. Hutchinson, who is a daughter of James and Celia A. Hutchinson, old residents of Ohio, both deceased - they were parents of seven children, four of whom are living, viz., Thomas, William, Mary A. and Celia A.; the deceased are James, and two dying in infancy - Mrs. C. was born in Miami do., May 28, 1841 ; to them five children have been horn, all living, viz., Jennie V., Zola, Victor, Celia and Maggie ; at the age of 20, Mr. C. united with the United Brethren Church, with which he has since been identified; wife is a member of the Christian Church, with which she has for a number of years ; Mr. C. is a self-made man in the broadest sense which the term implies. WELCOME M. CAPRON, farmer ; P. 0. Laura; born in Pennsylvania in 1796 ; is a son of Labin and Hannah Capron, who were born in Massachusetts, and afterward settled in Pennsylvania, where our subject was born. They departed this life in the above State, his father, when in the 65th year of his age, and his mother when he was quite young. They were parents of seven children, of whom only Uncle Welcome survives ; the deceased are Wheaton, Amos, Nancy, Hannah, Sylvia and Alpha. By his last marriage he has had six children, viz., Louisa, Emma, Rowena, Adeline, Henrietta and Labin ; Adeline alone survives. Our subject was reared on the farm, on which he labored till past 20, when he came to Ohio, and for one year stayed in Franklin, then came here, in which place he has lived since. His first purchase was 80 acres of land, which was partly improved, and entered 120 acres, 80 of which was in Darke Co. He settled here in 1817, and has resided on his present place fifty-two years. June 6, 1819, he was married to Delana, a daughter of John and Tamar North, by whom he has had twelve children, seven of whom are living, viz., Oliver, Levi, Hannah, Martha, Louisa, Nancy and Sarah ; the deceased are Lorenzo, Labin, Seth, Alpha and Mary. Seth was a 806 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: member of the 71st 0. V. I., from which he was discharged, then removed to Iowa, where he enlisted again, and, after the battle of Nashville, Tenn. in which he was engaged for three days, was taken sick and soot after died in Memphis. He has served as Constable in the township. He and his wife have been connected with the Christian Church for forty-five years, laboring long and earnestly in their Master's vineyard. Their children are members of Christian churches, which affords their aged parents much pleasure. Oliver is an able minister in the denomination of Friends, and Levi, a minister of the Christian Church ; both are men of ability, and have done much in building up the Christian religion. JOHN CARROLL, farmer ; P. 0. Potsdam ; was born on the place on which he now resides in the year 1834 ; his parents, Jacob and Mary Carroll, were born in Maryland, in which State they were married, then removed to Ohio, and settled on land near Union, Montgomery Co., on which they remained some years, accumulating some property ; but, meeting with an accident which crippled him, much of his hard-earned money was consumed ; in 1833, he came to Miami Co., and settled on the place where our subject now resides ; here he remained till his death, which occurred in 1841, aged 56 years ; his mother survived her husband, and departed this life at the age of 67 or 68 years ; they were parents of nine children, three of whom are living, viz., John, Oliver, and Anna, who resides in Marshall Co., Iowa ; Oliver lives in Boone Iowa ; the deceased are Joseph, Samuel, James, Sophia, Sarah and an infant. Co.,r. C. was reared on the farm, on which he labored till he was 23 years old, at which time, in 1857, he was married to Lydia Shanks, by whom he has two children, viz., Lola and Harley. He owns 107 acres of fine land, which is all in a good state of cultivation, and his improvements are far superior to ordinary farm buildings ; his large house and barn, with delightful surroundings, make his the most desirable and pleasant place in the west side of the township. His wife is a member of the Christian Church, with which she has been connected some time. His grandfather, Charles Carroll, was of Irish birth, and a Revolutionary soldier, serving during the war ; he died where our subject now lives; his grandmother was of German extraction ; they were the parents of a. large family—further, nothing is known. Mrs. Carroll was born in 1833. ROWLAND R. CHASE, J. P., West Milton ; born in Cumberland, R. I., Nov. 17, 1804 ; is a son of Elisha and Narcissa (Wilcox) Chase ; his father was born in the same place May 10, 1776, and his mother also in July, 1780 ; they were married in 1802, and were parents of eight children—four sons and four daughters, of whom three sons and one daughter are living ; Mr. Chase departed this life in 1835, his wife in 1.839 ; our subject's early days were mostly spent in Massachusetts, and at the age of 13 years he entered a cotton factory, in which he remained as operator and manufacturer until he came to Ohio in 1851 ; he located in West Milton and found employment in a machine-shop for awhile ; in 1859, he was elected to the Justice's office, and has since filled it with honor to himself and to the satisfaction of the public for whom he has labored twenty-one years, showing good executive ability ; he was Postmaster of this office from 1861 to 1876, with the exception of a short time during Johnson's administration ; also served two years as Township Clerk. April 21, 1831, he was married to Fanny Cobb, a daughter of Ebenezer Cobb, both natives of Massachusetts ; Mr. and Mrs. Chase had four sons and five daughters; seven children are living, viz., David, Daniel, Narcissa, Nancy, Francis, Olive and Mary; the deceased are Wm. H. and Rowland ; Mrs. C. departed this life Dec. 18, 1879 ; she was born Nov. 23, 1808 ; Mr. C. has been connected with the Christian Church for twenty years, and is a consistent Christian gentleman ; his deceased wife was also a member of the same church, and died in the triumphs of her faith. PHILIP CHRISTIAN, farmer ; P. 0. Potsdam; another of the old and prominent settlers in this township ; he was born in Huntingdon Co., Penn., in the year 1815, and is a son of Joseph. and Nancy Christian, who were born in Pennsylvania, near Philadelphia ; they resided in their native State, in which they were married, till the fall of 1824, then removed to Montgomery Co., Ohio, in which UNION TOWNSHIP - 807 they resided two years, after which they came to Miami Co. and settled on Sec. 36, in this township, purchasing 240 acres in this county, and 160 acres lying opposite, in Montgomery Co.; on this land they made their home till their decease ; his father died at the advanced age of 82 years, his mother when she had accomplished her fourscore ; they were the parents of four children, three of whom are living, viz., Philip, David and Mary ; Esther deceased. Our subject's boyhood days were spent on the farm, on which he labored for his father till his 22d year. Aug. 27, 1837, he was married to Mary Warner, by whom he has had ten children, six of whom are living, viz., Harriet, Aaron, Nancy, Samuel, Susanna and Mary ; the deceased are Joseph, John, Sarah and David. In the fall of 1837, he settled on the place where he now resides ; he owned 240 acres, which was bought for $1,700, and has since purchased 80 acres, for which he paid $3,200 ; his land is all in an excellent state of cultivation, but, at the time of settlement, was mostly in the woods, and he informs us that deer would come within gunshot of his door. He has held the offices of Justice of the Peace for nine years, Supervisor and School Director, the latter over twenty years, and has refused to serve longer. His wife is a member of the German Baptist Church, and is a daughter of John and Catherine Warner, who were natives of Pennsylvania, but became residents of Montgomery Co., in which they died ; they were the parents of nine children, four of whom are living—Betsy, Katie, Conrad and Mary ; the deceased are Jacob, George, John, Margaret and Susan. Mr. Warner died at the age of 83 years and 6 months, Mrs. Warner dying when over 70 years Of age. Mrs. C. was born in the year 1821 THOMAS J. COATE, merchant, Laura. The subject of this memoir was born in Newton Township, this county, in 1846, and is a son of Josiah and Sarah C. Coate ; his father was born in this county, his mother in the State of Indiana ; they are living and reside in Newton Township ; they are the parents of six children, five of whom are living, viz., Jesse M., Martha F., Thomas J., David J. and Anna J. ; Mary M. (deceased). Thomas was reared on the farm, and his youthful days were spent in a manner incident to farmers' sons ; he followed farming until 1876, at which time he came to Laura and embarked in the mercantile business, in which he is now engaged ; his stock consists of groceries, dry goods, drugs, etc., in fact, most everything is to be found in his store which comes under his line of trade ; his business capacity is such that he is enabled to control his full share of the public patronage, catering to the wants of a buying public from a well-selected stock. In 1871, he was married to Miss Amelia, daughter of Jacob Stichter, by whom he has had two children, viz., Lenora M. and Birdie (deceased). In 1877, he was appointed Postmaster of Laura, which position he still holds, discharging the duties incumbent thereon with satisfaction to the patrons of the office ; he and his amiable wife are members of the Christian Church, and are exemplary Christian people. Mrs. Coate was born in this county in 1852. DAVID M. COATE, retired, West Milton. The subject of this memoir is another of the old and prominent settlers in this township ; he was born July 9, 1823, and is a son of Henry and Rebecca Coate, who were born in South Carolina, and removed to this county in 1803 ; they settled on land near this place, which is yet occupied by one of the members of the family. To Mr. Coate, Sr., belongs that credit and respect which all pioneers should command from those who come It after them ; he, being a blacksmith of more than ordinary skill, was a very useful man, as his genius enabled him to manufacture edge tools, which the early settlers stood so much in need of ; he manufactured a very superior grain sickle, which was in great demand ; in addition to his trade he carried on farming extensively, and, by his thrift and good management, eventually became one of the larger landholders in the township. He was twice married, first with Mary Haskett, in his native State, by whom he had five children, all deceased. His second marriage was celebrated with Rebecca Wilson, in this county, by whom he had five children, all living and four residents of this township ;y he departed this life in 1848, aged about 75 years. Mrs. C. died in 1827, when in the prime of womanhood, aged 808 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: about 28 years. Our subject was reared on the farm, and remained with his father till he was of age, at which time he began life for himself. Sept. 20, 1843, he was married to Jane Teague ; they were also natives of South Carolina, and were among the early settlers in this connty ; they were parents of six children, five sons and one daughter, of ...Whom all are living but one ; Mr. T. died at the age of 74 years, his wife when 73. After his marriage, our subject was occupied in farming, which he successfully followed till 1865, when he engaged in merchandising in West Milton for a period of seven years ; then he was relieved from active business cares by his sons, and enjoys life free from care ; he is one of the charter members of the D., C. & T. R. R., and has been prominently connected with the same since the idea of a road originated, and is one of the Trustees ; he has held the office of County Commissioner for four years, discharging the duties reposed in him fearlessly, and to the satisfaction of his constituents ; he has been very successful through life, and has accumulated a handsome competency, which is the just reward of his toil ; in all his struggles with the world, he has been nobly assisted by his amiable companion, and together they are enjoying their declming years surrounded by every comfort which would promote their happiness ; they are parents of two children, viz., John and Orrin, the former is engaged in the grocery business, the latter is station agent at this point for the D., C. &. T. R. R. JOHN COATE, merchant, West Milton ; born in this county in 1844 ; is a son of D. M. Coate, whose sketch appears on these pages ; he was reared on the farm and had the advantages of a common-school education in his younger days, after which he entered the Earlham College, in Richmond, Ind. in which he took a full preparatory course. In October, 1872, he was married to Miss Lucinda Everett, by whom he has had the following children: Edgar, Dora and Mabel ; Kittie, deceased, aged 1 year. in the fall of 1866, he engaged in a general mercantile business, in the room now occupied by Hahn & Crew, under the firm name of Albaugh & Coate, which fntrm existed for a period of two years, and built up a good trade; he then entered a partnership with his brother which continued till 1874, when the firm dissolved, and he rested from the worry of mercantile life till 1879, having in the interval been employed as a commercial traveler a portion of the time ; by his integrity and fair dealing, he has won the confidence of the people and controls a full share of the public patronage. Mrs. C. was born in this county, and is a daughter of a well-known resident in Milton. Mr. C. owns 75 acres of of land in this township, all in a high state of cultivation and well improved. JOHN H. COATE, farmer and dairyman ; P. 0. West Milton ; born on the place where he now lives Sept. 24, 1825 ; is a son of Henry and Rebecca Coate. John's early boyhood days were spent in a manner incident to youth, and, after he had attained age and strength, became a valuable auxiliary to his father in the labors of the farm, on which he labored until he obtained his majority. May 20, 1850, he was married to Miss Jane Coppock, who is a daughter of Joseph and Rachel Coppock, who were born in Ohio ; Joseph in the year 1805, Rachel Hollingsworth, his wife, in 1806. They were married in 1824, and settled on a farm in this township, just west of Ludlow's Falls, on which they lived and reared their family of ten children, seven of whom are living, viz., Ephriam, Sampson, Jane, Isaac, David and Elizabeth (twins), and Sarah ; the deceased are Eunice, Mary A. and Benjamin. Joseph Coppock died in March, 1862, very suddenly, from the bursting of a blood-vessel. After his marriage, John engaged in farming and dealing in stock, on the place where he now resides ; he purchased 226 acres at the time, but has since added 40 acres, which makes his farm a very desirable one, and it is well adapted to the use he is making of it ; he also owns a fine property in West Milton, which consists of business houses and dwellmgs. Owing to the superior advantages of his location, he established a dairy in 1877, which he is successfully operating. In October, 1879, he purchased one of Cooley's Creameries, which should, perhaps, be spoken of; it consists of a rectangular box, about 10x3 feet, containing 14 cans, each holding seven- teen quarts ; the milk, after. being heated to a temperature of 120̊ is placed in the cans and reduced to a temperature of 45̊ ; on this plan not more than half the UNION TOWNSHIP - 809 time is consumed to raise the cream, and the products are far superior to the old wa of butter-making ; no skimming is required, as, by the aid of a syphon, which is patent arrangement, the milk is drawn from under the cream, which is left in th bottom of the can. He uses Davis swinging churn, which is without dash, and IN can describe it only this way : the butter is rocked from the cream, and not pounde out. The prodncts of this dairy are much sought after, and for three years Mr. has supplied hotels, restaurants and the officers of the Soldiers' Home with choir butter, supplanting all competitors. His cows are selected with great care, amon which he has some of the favorite dairy breeds, thoroughbred, in all thirty in nun ber. He is assisted by his son, and their combined experience, and superio knowledge of stock, assure to them a complete success in the enterprise. His large and productive farm affords ample provender for his stock, and, as he is th first gentleman to establish a dairy in this part of the State, we feel an extended sketch of this enterprise is not out place. They are parents of four children, three of whom are living, viz., Henry, Warren and Loretta ; Orlestus, deceased. The and their children are members of the Friends' Church, and are every-day Christian people, taking a lively interest in the welfare of their church. HENRY W. COATE, merchant, West Milton ; is another of the old an permanent settlers of this township ; he was born here Sept. 16, 1818, and is son of Henry Coate, who settled here in 1800 ; was a native of South Carolina and by occupation a farmer and sicklesmith ; his ingenuity and skill in the man' facture of the latter gave him much prominence among the farmers, as his wor was very superior. Our subject was reared on the farm, and for four years assiste his father in the shop ; at the age of 21 years, he began life for himself, and chose farming as an occupation, at which he labored for thirty-eight years ; he then, i 1867, engaged in the mercantile business, in West Milton, and for thirteen year has catered to the wants of his customers from a full and perfect stock of good, which includes everything usually found in a first-class retail house ; by fair des ing and an experience of years, he has won the confidence of the people, and is fully entitled to the patronage he receives. He was united in marriage wit Rebecca Miles in 1838. They were the parents of two children, viz., Samuel an Elizabeth, the latter dying at the age of 11 years. Mrs. Coate departed this live in 1841. His second marriage was celebrated with Phoebe Cathron, in 1843. T this union four children were given, viz., Rachel, Phoebe, and two who died i infancy. Mrs. Coate died in 1846. He celebrated his third marriage, with Hanna Pierce in 1851, and to this union two children were given, viz., Clarkson and William, the latter deceased. Our subject has filled the office of Supervisor man terms, thus proving his constituents have confidence m his executive ability. He has three children married, viz., Samuel, Rachel and Phoebe ; each was endowed at marriage with a handsome portion, amounting to $3,500, which, with a father blessing, was a great encouragement to young mariners on the sea of life. WILLIAM COMPTON, farmer ; P. 0. West Milton ; was born in this tows ship, on Sec. 24, in 1832, and is a son of Henry and Rachel Compton. His father was born in Warren Co., Ohio, in 1806 ; his mother in Miami Co., in 1810 ; bot are living, and have resided in this township for more than half a century. The are the parents of nine children, of whom six are living, viz., Martha, Pheres William, Anna, Semantha, Lydia and Isaac. The deceased are Samuel, Nancy A. and one dying in infancy. Our subject was reared on his father's farm, where h assisted in the labors of the same until his 26th year, when he began life for him self, and chose farming as a vocation. His marriage with Sarah J. Hutchms was celebrated in 1861 ; she was a daughter of Daniel H. Hutchins, a resident c Montgomery Co., Ohio. To their union one child was given, viz., Orilla E. Mrs Compton departed this life April 1, 1872, aged about 36 years. She was a minis ter of the Friends' Church, and died in the triumphs of her faith, and in the promises of her blessed Savior. His second marriage was celebrated with Sara J. Gregg, in 1874 ; she is a daughter of William Gregg, a resident of Montgomer Co. After his first marriage he came to the place where he now resides. Hi 810 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES : land he cleared of the dense growth of timber that covered it, and fitted it for the implements of agriculture ; he has 73i- acres of fine land, all in a high state of cultivation, and his buildings are good in every particular. He is a member of the society of Friends, and a very exemplary Christian gentleman. ISAAC COMPTON, farmer ; P. 0. West Milton ; born on Sec. 24, in this township, Feb. 24, 1839 ; was the son of Henry and Rachel Compton, natives of Ohio, in which State they have lived all their lives, and now reside in their residence on Sec. 24. Isaac was reared on his father's farm, on which he labored till his 26th year, when not in attendance at school, at which he was very regular ; he obtained a good common-school education, which enabled him to teach, a profession he followed for some time, and then abandoned on account of the pressing duties arising from the farm. On the 26th day of November, 1864, he wedded Rachel J., a daughter of Henry W. Coate, whose sketch appears in this work, and who is at present one of the leading and successful business men in West Milton ; after the celebration of his nuptials he located on the place where he now resides ; he owns 75 acres of choice farming land, well improved ; to their union three children have been given, of whom two are living, viz., William, born Aug. 29, 1866; Omar C., born Dec. 16, 1872 ; Alice, born May 7, 1875, departed this life Nov. 8, 1878. He, and his amiable wife are members of the Friends' Church, and are every-day Christian people. Mrs. Compton was born in this county, April 14, 1845. JOHN COPPOCK, farmer ; P. 0. West Milton ; born in Monroe Township, Miami Co.. in the year 1823 ; is a son of Moses and Lydia Coppock, who were born in South Carolina, and with their parents came to Ohio in 1806 ; they first settled below Dayton, where they remained for awhile, then came to Munroe Township, in which he lived till 1840, when he removed to a farm near Laura, on which he lived a number of years, then, old age creeping on, took up his abode with John (our subject), with whom he lived till his decease, which occurred in February, 1877, at the age of 89 years and 10 months ; his wife, Lydia, departed this life when her son was a mere child ; they were parents of eight children, of whom five are living, viz., Elizabeth, James, Samuel, John and Mary ; the deceased are Hannah Jane and an infant. John was reared on his father's farm, and labored thereon until he attained his majority, at which time he began life for himself. His marriage with Susan Inman was celebrated in 1844 ; she was born in 1826, and is a daughter of Eli Inman, who was one of the early settlers. After his marriage he remained on his father's farm for some years, then went to Monroe Township, in which he remained three years, then returned to the place where he now resides ; he has 160 acres of good land, of which over 100 acres are under cultivation ; the balance he is improving and bringing to the same condition ; they are the parents of seven children, of whom four are living, viz., Wesley, Moses, James E. and Alice ; the deceased are Eli, Mary E. and an infant. Mr. and Mrs. Coppock are members of the denomination of Friends, as are their children, which is a source of satisfaction to their parents. His grandparents were James and Hannah Coppock, who came to Miami Co. in 1806. ZIMRY COPPOCK, farmer ; P. 0. West Milton ; was born in Union Township in the year 1819, and is a son of William and Charity Coppock, who were born in South Carolina, and, with their parents, came to Ohio in the year 1806 ; they purchased land of Isaac Hasket ; also entered a tract of land adjoining, on which Grandfather Coppock made his permanent home until his decease, which occurred at an advanced age. William Coppock, father of Zimry, made his home on the land purchased from Hasket ; he was married to Charity Hollingsworth, by whom he had eleven children, of whom three are living, viz., James, Rachel and Zimry ; the deceased are Henry, Isaac, Eli, Sarah, Delilah, Esther, Jane, and an infant ; William Coppock departed this life in the 66th year of his age, his wife at the age of 41 years 1 month and 23 days ; he was born on the 10th of 3d month, 1797, she the 25th of 12th month, 1797. Zimry's early days were spent on the.farm, where he labored till his 21st year. He was married to Mary Coppock in the year 1845 ; she is a daughter of Moses Coppock, who was a native of South Carolina, and UNION TOWNSHIP - 811 settled in Ohio at a very early day. Mr. and Mrs. Z. Coppock have had four children, three are living, viz., Eunice, Lydia and Almeda ; Martha (Mrs. Kunkleman) died, leaving three children. After his marriage, Zimry removed to Newton Township, where he owned a farm of 80 acres, upon which he lived some time, then returned to the old home place, where he has since resided ; he owns 113 acres of fine land, which is all in a good state of cultivation, with average buildings erected thereon. He and his wife belong to the denomination of Friends, and are exemplary Christian people. The Coppock family, in connection with the Coates, trace back to the colony established by William Penn, thus giving them a record of which they may well be proud. HARVY COPPOCK, miller, West Milton ; born in this township in the year 1838 ; is a son of Isaac and Elizabeth (Coate) Coppock, who were born in this county ; his grandfather, Benjamin C., and his grandmother, Susana, were natives of South Carolina; they settled in this connty in 1806. Mrs. Isaac Coppock departed this life in 1857, aged about 45 years ; they were the parents of six children, four of whom are living, viz., Harvy, Mary C., Susana and Jesse ; the deceased are Henry and Benjamin. Harvy was reared on his father's farm, on which he labored till his 21st year ; then began life for himself, and, for a short time, labored on the farm. His marriage with Mary J. Coate was celebrated March 1, 1859 ; she was born in 1841, in this township, and is a daughter of Thomas Coate, who was one of the old settlers here ; he now lives in Kansas. After his marriage he became a partner of the above gentleman, and together they operated the flouring-mill south of Milton for three years ; then he returned to the farm, on which he labored three years, after which he purchased the mill he is now operating. He has a good location, with a never-failing power, and all work is done in a scientific way, as his long experience in milling has well fitted him for the business ; he makes a specialty m fine flour, which commands a liberal patronage from the public. They are parents of three children, viz., John W.; Henry, and Clara. He and his amiable wife are exemplary members of the Christian Church, and take a lively interest in the cause and development of the Christian religion; she was born in this township in 1841. CLARK COPPOCK, farmer ; P. 0. West Milton ; born on the place where he now resides, April 13, 1832 ; is a son of James and Jane Coppock. His father was born in South Carolina in the year 1799 ; his mother was born in 1804. James Coppock came with his widowed mother, from their native State, to Miami Co., in 1805 ; their journey was made across an almost impassable wilderness with a very light team, and the elder children were obliged to walk almost the entire distance. Upon their arrival, she entered the northeast quarter of Sec. 7, where Clark, her grandson, now resides. On this land she lived until her death, which occurred when at an advanced age. She had seven children, six sons and one daughter, viz., Eunice, Aaron, Isaac, Layton, John, Joseph and James, who was married to Jane Huntsman, by whom he had twelve children ten living, viz., Chesley D., Calvin, Aaron, Isaac, David C., Lydia, James, Jane, Eunice and A villa ; the deceased are Marajah and Isaac, the latter dymg in Missouri. James Coppock departed this life in March, 1867. His wife survived him, and for several years previous to her death was utterly helpless from palsy. The 9th of March, 1875, her spirit winged its flight, aged about 71 years. Clark's boyhood days were spent in a manner usual to youth, and, as years developed his frame and tonghened his muscles, he grappled with the difficult physical labors incident to the farm. On the 7th day of January, 1855, he led to the marriage altar Miss Emiline B. Niles, a daughter of Ephraim and Fanny Niles, who were among the early settlers in this county. After the celebration of his nuptials, he removed to a farm of 160 acres in Franklin Township, Darke Co., on which he remained two years, and then embarked in the mercantile business in Laura, this county, where he was engaged for four years. Aug. 22, 1862, he responded to the President's call for troops to suppress the rebellion, and enlisted in CO. G, of the 110th 0. V. I., after which he was transferred to the vicinity of Petersburg, Va., where the regiment was placed in the Third Corps, but was soon after transferred to the Sixth, which was commanded by the 812 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: noble Sedgwick, and after his death by Gen. Wright. He passed through the battle of Winchester, where the boys of the 110th were .severely pressed ; he took shelter behind a small sapling, which was only large enough to afford a central protection, thus leaving his body exposed on either side. There he remained only long enough to make a few shots ; but the tree was struck three times, two of the balls glancing, scattering the splinters right and left, one of which passed into his hand. He was at Cedar Creek, Cold Harbor (called by the boys of the 110th Hot Harbor), and was in the ranks during the terrific and ever-to-be-remembered battle of the Wilderness, in which the roar of guns, hissing and screeching of the missiles of death, were incessant for forty-two consecutive days and nights. There he was fired on by a rebel in such close proximity that the powder from the discharge burned his face and almost blinded him ; the bullet whizzed past his head, clipping the tip of the left ear. Here he saw the lamented and brave Sedgwick fall ; heard him say, " I do not apprehend an attack on this part of the line," which were probably the last words he ever uttered, as he fell almost immediately afterward. At Monocacy Junction, his division stood the brunt of the battle, and for awhile held Early's whole army in check ; at Cedar Creek, the rebels made a charge on their lines and captured thirty-two pieces of artillery, which they held till noon, at which time the boys from Ohio returned the compliments of the morning, and captured eighty pieces, besides what they lost in the morning. Here he received a wound from a piece of shell in the right shoulder, which almost straightened him out, but refnsed to go to the hospital, staying on the field until able to take his place in the ranks. This regiment is deserving of more than a passing notice ; but our space forbids, and our ability will only permit us to say, none did their duty more bravely, or passed through greater hardship, than the 110th 0. V. I., which came home with thinned ranks, and with battered and battle-torn banners. He was discharged from the service of his country June 25, 1865, having served nearly three years. Upon his return home, he engaged principally in stock-dealing, which he followed until 1875, at which time he removed to the old home farm, where he now resides. In offices he has been well represented, having discharged the duties of Constable, Supervisor, Trustee and School Director. Mr. and Mrs. Coppock are the parents of five Children, of whom four are living, viz., Francis M., Angeretta, Lewis N.. and Susana P. ; Eldora, deceased. HAVILAH COPPOCK, broker and dealer in stock, West Milton ; born in 1843 ; is a son of James Coppock, one of the early pioneers of Miami Co. Havilah was reared on his father's farm, his early days being spent in a manner incident to youth, and, after years had developed his strength and frame, he became a valuable auxiliary to his father in the labors of the farm. At the age of 20, he began life for himself, and engaged in farming and dealing in stock till 1879, at which time he rented his farm, which consists of 83 acres, and moved to this place, since when he has dealt largely in stock. Dec. 29, 1868, he was married to Mary, a daughter of John Porter, by whom he has had three children, all of whom are living, viz., Wilson, born Oct 17, 1869 ; Louis, born Aug. 9, 1871 ; Leon A., born Aug. 15, 1874. He was Assessor of the township in the years 1878 and 1879. Mrs. Cop-pock was born May 23, 1847. HENRY CAVENDER, farmer ; P. 0. West Milton ; born in Staunton Township in the year 1825 ; is a son of John and Rachel Cavender, who were born in the State of Maryland. They came to Miami Co. about 1804 or 1805, and at the time of settlement Indians were plenty, but all dangers were faced, and a settlement effected. For a number of years he labored on leased land, having had all his money, $700 in gold, stolen while he was on the move from Maryland. Through hard work and frugality, he was soon able to purchase 80 acres of land, on which he made his home till death, in 1840, called him hence, aged 60 years ; his wife departed her life in the 63d year of her age. They were the parents of eight children, of whom four are living—Robert, Abigail, John and Henry ; the deceased are Wesley, Samuel, Mary and Thomas. At the age of 13, our subject was deprived of his father by death, but he remained with his widowed mother on the UNION TOWNSHIP - 813 farm until he was 22 years of age. In 1854, he was married to Louisa Hearn, la^ whom he had six children, of whom three are living, viz.; Charles W., Clara M. am Sylvester G. ; the deceased are William H., George F. and Edward M. Mrs. C departed this life June 8, 1875 ; was born June 30, 1833. His second marriage was celebrated with Elizabeth Amlin, Nov. 13, 1878 ; she is a daughter of Samue and Hannah Amlin ; he was born in New Jersey, she in West Virginia ; they came to Ohio about 1830. and settled in Richland Co. Mr. A. died in 1872, aged 9( years, 5 months and 11 days. Her mother is still living at the advanced age of 83 years. He was the father of thirteen children by three marriages ; the latter with Mrs. C.'s mother, by whom he had four children, viz., Amy A., Alfred. Samuel am Elizabeth. Alfred was a member of Co. A, 35th 0. V. I., and fell in the battle o Mission Ridge, pierced in the breast by. a ball ; Samuel died at the age of 13 months. Mr. C. moved to the place where he now resides in 1861 ; he has 50 acre of fine land, which is situated west of Milton, all being in a good state of cultivation, and his improvements are number one in every particular. The beautiful grounds, commodious house and barn, m conjunction with other improvements of more than ordinary character, tend to make his home a very desirable one. II and his most estimable wife are exemplary church members, and are consistent Christian people, taking a lively interest in the cause and development of th Christian religion. He is one of our self-made men, having begun life without dollar, but, by hard work and good management, he has accomplished the great object in life—made a good home, which is the fruit of toil and frugality, where hi declining years are being spent, surrounded by all the comforts of life. WELLER B. COX, farmer ; P. 0. West Milton ; born in Darke Co. Aug. 1840 ; is the son of Henry Cox, born in 1802, and Anna (Long) Cox, born in 181( and both natives of Pennsylvania. Mr. Cox, Sr., removed to Missouri in 1843 c 1844, and departed this life in Miami Co., aged 60 years ; Mrs. Cox is still livin at the advanced age of 70 years. They were the parents of nipe children, of whoa five are still living, viz., Joseph, Harb D., Alice, W. B. and Minerva ; the decease are Elizabeth, Peleg, Sarah J. and Elizabeth E. Our subject was reared on the farm, which he assisted his father in cultivating until he was 19 years of age. I 1859, he was united m marriage with Louisa M., a daughter of Lloyd N. and Sara N. Conaway, born March 16, 1842 ; her father was a native of Maryland, and we born in 1815 ; he came to Ohio alone, when 16 years of age ; he departed this life i Miami Co., aged 26 years. Her mother, Sarah N. (Aldrich) Conaway, was born i Rhode Island in 1818, and removed to Darke Co. with her parents in 1830; the are livmg where they settled fifty years ago, at a ripe old age. Mrs. Cox's moth( departed this life m Miami Co., in 1871. Her second marriage was celebrate with Joseph Coppock, and to their union three children were given, viz., Amaud J. and Albert A. (twins), the latter deceased, and Francis. After our subject's ma riage, he engaged in farming in Franklin Township, Darke Co., for two years ; the moved to the place where he now resides, in 1861 ; he has 75 acres of choice farming land, all m a good state of cultivation, and his buildings are of more than ordinal character, which, in connection with the beautiful grounds and shrubbery, make the home of Mr. and Mrs. Cox a pretty and most desirable place. He is a member of the Board of Agriculture in the county, and has filled the office of Supervisor for two terms. He and his wife have been connected with the Christian Church for nine years, and are exemplary Christian people. They are the parents of two children, viz., Ada Belle, born May 6, 1860 ; Lloyd, born Oct. 26, 1861. H daughter was married to Frank Huffman, Aug. 8, 1878 ; they have one child, vi; Nelson B. M. CREW, farmer and merchant ; P. 0. West Milton ; born in West Milt( in 1831; is a son of Dr. Benjamin Crew, who was born in Columbiana Co., Ohi in 1799, and departed this life in West Milton in 1833 ; his mother was born 1808. On Aug. 6, 1827, she was married to Benjamin Crew ; two children we the results of their union—Casper and our subject. She was afterward married to John Coate, by whom she had four children, two living, Robert and Benjami 814 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: and two dying infancy. Our subject's boyhood was passed in West Milton, and at the. age of 7 years, he removed to the farm ; at the age of 20 years, he began life for himself, and followed farming till 1853, when he entered mercantile life, and for five years carried on a general store, after which, he returned to the farm where he has since resided. hi 1852, he was married to Susan Syler, by whom he has had four children, three living-Angeline, Harvey and Emma ; Laura, deceased. Mrs. Crew is a daughter of David and Eliza Syler, who were among the early settlers. Mr. Crew owns 80 acres of land, which is all in a good state of cultivation and well improved. His daughter, Angelina, is one of the prominent and successful educators of the county, having taught for several years. In the spring of 1880, he, in partnership with Oliver Hahn, embarked in the mercantile business in West Milton ; they carry an elegant stock in their line, consisting of everything usnally found in a first-class retail house. Mrs. Crew was born in this county in 1833. He and his estimable wife are members of the Christian Church, with which they have been connected twenty-one years, and are exemplary Christian people. F. M. CROMER, dealer in agricultural implements, hardware and harness, West Milton ; was born in 1853, in Lost Creek Township, this county ; Abraham, his father, was born in the above township in 1823 ; his mother, Sarah J. Cromer, nee Cobolt, was born in Auglaize Co., Ohio, the same year as her husband ; both are living, and reside on a farm in Staunton Township ; they are parents of five children, viz., Franklin M., Hannah, Jerusha, Riela and Scott. F. M. was reared on the farm, where he labored for his parents till he attained his majority, receiving, in the meantime, an education in the common schools. In 1877, he was married to Callie Cain, and by said marriage has one child, viz., Tevis ; in 1877, he did an agricultural business in .Troy, from which point he operated successfully, doing a large trade in his line ; in' March, 1880, he located in West Milton, establishing himself in the same business ; he carries a full line of the leading implements, all of improved pattern, that have stood the test ; he also carries a good stock of hardware and harness ; though he is young, we present him to the public as a live, energetic business man, who, by fair dealing and good business princi- ples, is bound to command a full share of the public patronage ; he keeps in his employ a gentlemanly agent, who represents the house in the field. DAVID DAVIS, farmer; P. O. West Milton ; was born on Sec. 17, in this township, Jan. 27, 1831 ; his father, Benjamin Davis, was born in South Carolina Nov. 12, 1793, and removed to Ohio with his parents when only 10 years of age ; his father, Abiatha Davis, born in Wales, was one of the early pioneers of Miami Co., settling here in 1804. Our subject's mother, Margaret (Fetters) Davis, was born in Pennsylvania in 1802 ; her parents died in Pennsylvania, and she emigrated to Miami Co., where she was married to Benjamin Davis ; she departed this life in 1851, aged 49 years ; her husband died Nov. 7, 1876, aged 84 years ; they were the parents of ten children, of whom five are living, viz., David, Susana, Margaret, William and George; the deceased are Sarah, Lavina, Phoebe, Rhoda, and one dying in infancy. Our subject was reared on his father's farm, where he assisted in the duties of the same till his 21st year, when he began his own career in the world and engaged in farming, which he has followed uninterruptedly all his life ; he first purchased 80 acres of land from his father ; on this he labored for twelve years, when he disposed of it,' and removed to where he now resides in 1862 ; he now owns 148 acres of well-improved land, which is all in a good state of cultivation and pleasantly situated. He was united in marriage with Anna Mote in 1852, a daughter of John and Rhoda Mote ; her father was born in Georgia Dec. 31, 1797, and removed with his parents to this county in 1805 ; her mother, Rhoda (Teague) Davis, was born in Ohio April 30,- 1801 ; Mr. and Mrs. Teague, were natives of South Carolma ; they were the parents of three children, of whom two are living, viz., Samuel and Anna M. ; Elizabeth deceased ; her father died Oct, 28, 1859 ; her mother departed this life Nov. 22, 1834. Mr. and Mrs. Davis are the parents of five children, of whom four are living, viz., Osborne. Warren, UNION TOWNSHIP - 815 Laura and Mary ; Lambert deceased ; his wife is a member of the Friends' Church, and is an exemplary Christian woman. ALLEN H. DAVIS, farmer, retired; P. 0. West Milton ; born Sept. 16, 1815, on the place on which he resides ; is a son of Samuel and Dorcas (Jones) Davis. They were born in the State of Georgia, and with their parents removed to Ohio in the year 1803 or 1804. They first settled for a short time in Preble Co., in order that he might prospect here and locate a home. On Section 17, he found the desired place, and was influenced by three springs, which were so situated as to give his sons, who came with him, homes with the advantage of never-failing water. At this time, the face of the country was so densely covered with forest that they were obliged to cut a road through the woody labyrinth of their new home in order to have access to their neighbors, some three miles south. They set to work to erect a cabin, using only such material as the forest would give. Their father, Abiatha, owned a, horse, and he carried his hardy sons provisions, while they were felling the trees, and erecting the house, they camping out while doing the work. After its completion, the family moved into their new quarters, which was either in the fall of 1803, or the spring of 1804. His son John settled at the north spring ; Samuel, father of our subject, at the south one ; Abiatha himself locating at the center one ; Benjamin inherited his father's place at the center spring. On these farms his sons made permanent homes for years, and reared their families. In after years, Benjamin disposed of his and removed to Iowa, where he died in 1876. The other sons John and Samuel remained on their forest homes till their decease. Amos, eldest son of Abiatha, settled in Preble Co., from where he removed to Iowa, where he subsequently died. Samuel Davis departed this life June 30, 1870, aged about 84 years, his wife having died previously. They were parents of six children, three of whom are living, viz., Riley, Allen H. and Mary (now Mrs. Curtis). The deceased are Keziah, Nancy and Lindley. Abiatha was the father of four sons and three daughters, viz., Amos, Rachel, Samuel, John, Sallie, Lydia and Benjamin, Our subject was reared, on his father's farm, and, until he was 16 years of age, labored thereon, then went to Troy, in which place he learned the printer's trade with John T. Tullis, with whom he remained more than a year, when, on account of failing health, he was obliged to abandon the printer's sanctum, and immediately thereafter engaged in teaching, which he followed about seven years, exclusively in this county. Dec. 13, 1838, he celebrated his marriage with Nancy Hale. a daughter of John Hale, who was a native of Maryland ; he removed to this county in 1836 or 1837. After his marriage, our subject followed teaching and farming for a short time, when he was elected Justice of the Peace. The accumulation of official business required so much time that teaching had to be abandoned. In 1840, he located on 120 acres of land, in Section 12, that he had purchased the year previous ; his land was partly improved, and he soon added 40 acres. Here he lived until 1867, at which time he returned to the old home farm, for the pur- pose of making the remaining years of his parents comfortable. He now owns the old homestead, and his declining years are being spent in the shadow of the old dwelling. He has held the office of Justice of the Peace for twelve years, and kas also filled the office of School Director and Superintendent of Public Instruction. His education was received in the common schools, in which, by dint of hard labor and studious habits, he stored his mind with useful knowledge, a great deal of which was obtained without the aid of an instructor. Five children have been given to them, of whom four are living, viz., Olive, N., Malcolm H., Alma A. ; Mary and Martha deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Davis have been members of the Christian Church for ten years, in which they are zealous workers, discharging every Christian duty with cheerfulness. Their children, with the exception of one, are co-workers with their parents in the church, which is a source of satisfaction to their aged parents. MALCOLM H. DAVIS, farmer; P. 6. West Milton ; is a son of Allen and Nancy Davis, old and prominent settlers in this township. He was born in 1842, on the place where he now resides ; he was reared On the farm, attending the usual 816 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: three months' school, in which he received his education. Feb. 22, 1862, he volun teered in Co. B, of the 71st 0. V. I., and was transferred to the front in March, and was in the battle of Pittsburg Landing, in which the regiment lost heavily in officers and men ; they were under Sherman's command, which was so terribly pressed ; soon after, the ,battle of Nashville was fought, and here the regiment was nearly decimated, but Hood was beaten and almost annihilated ; about the close of the war, their corps was sent to Texas, where they were kept till December, 1865 ; he was mustered out of the service January, 1866 ; during the evacuation of Ft. Hymen, he received a severe injury from the falling of a pole of an ambulance wagon, that almost crushed him, which injury is yet severely felt by Mr. Davis. In 1864, while home on .veteran furlough, he was married to Eliza Coate, by whom he has five children, viz., Claudie, Eleanor E., Maurice M., Minnie A. and William A. He and his wife are exemplary members of the Christian Church, with which they have been connected since 1867. He owns 80 acres of good land, which is all in a good state of cultivation and well improved, in fact, the best in the neighborhood. HENRY DIBRA, retired farmer ; P. Q. West Milton. To the subject of this memoir we are pleated to accord a place in the front ranks of the early pioneers of Miami Co.; he was born in Washington Co., Md., Feb. 21, 1803, and is a son of Daniel and Elizabeth Dibra, who were born in the same place. Their parents were born in the province of Lorraine, France, and emigrated to America before the war of the Revolution. Jacob Dibra, grandfather of our subject, was a soldier in the army of Washington, and was the first man that flung the emblem of American liberty to the breeze in the State of Maryland ; for that act he was obliged to secrete himself for fourteen days in order to escape the fury of the merciless Tories ; he was a brave man, a true soldier, and to his country he gave his service without recompense. Daniel, father \of our subject, was married in Maryland to Elizabeth Friend, and removed to Pennsylvania, where they resided nine years, when they came to Miami Co. and settled in Newton Township in 1815 ; they resided here only three years, when they were stricken down with that mysterious complaint, Milk sickness, and died : his father died the 1st of November, aged 45 years, his wife followed him to the grave ten days later. They were the parents of ten children, who, at the death of their parents, were thrown upon the cold charities of the world, and scattered throughout the community, all finding good homes with the Quaker brethren.; they all lived to be men and women, but now only five survive, viz., Susanna, now Mrs. Miles, residing in Kansas ; Elizabeth, now Mrs. Hall, who resides in Indiana ; David, who resides in Iowa ; Samuel, who lives in Newton Township, and our subject. The deceased are Jacob, John, Daniel, Mary and Jonathan. At the death of his father and mother, our subject was only 15 years old, and, young as he was, grappled with the stern realities of life ; and, in times when men of nerve and experience were taxed to their utmost to overcome the obstacles and difficulties that are incident to the lives of frontiersmen, he worked resolutely, and became an expert in cabinet-making, doing mach also at carpenter work, in which trades he labored for thirty years, and was very successful ; about 1850, he abandoned this work, so far as making a business of it was concerned, and turned his attention to farming. He first purchased 65 acres of land in this township, east of the river, which he soon after disposed of, and bought 80 acres more just opposite Milton, which he owned only a month, when he sold, and purchased 72 acres where he now resides, and soon after bought 20 acres adjoining, which now belongs to his only son, Irijah ; he is one of our self-made men, and began life as an orphan, without a dollar in his pocket. Prosperity has rewarded the almost incessant toil, good management, and the assistance rendered by his good wife, who for more than half a century assisted in his toils, shared his troubles and joys alike ; after a journey of more than fifty years, hand in hand, we find them enjoying the shades of retirement, feasting on the fruits of labor gleaned from a well-spent life. His marriage was celebrated with Charity, daughter of Lazarus and Elizabeth Langston, July 3, 1828. They were natives UNION TOWNSHIP - 817 of South Carolina, and removed from there to Georgia, thence to Preble Co., Ohio, in 1806, where they remained until 1817, when they came .to Miami Co., where they lived till their death. Her father departed this life in the year 1845, aged 66 years ; her mother died June 30, 1871, aged 97 years. Mrs. Langston's memory vas remarkably clear, and .the could portray with vivid distinctness some of the scenes of the Revolutionary war. They were the parents of nine children, of whom only four are living, viz., Leonard, Betsy, Charity and Mary. The deceased are Susanna, Nancy, Martha, Rachel and Rebecca. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Dibra seven children have been given, of whom five are living, viz., Elizabeth, Elmira, Minerva, Nancy and Irijah. The deceased are' Mary and Susanna. He and his estimable wife have been life-long members of the Christian Church, and are exemplary Christian people. Their children are all co-workers with them in the cause and advancement of the Christian religion. ABRAHAM DIETRICK, farmer and minister ; P. 0. Potsdam; born in Rockingham Co., Va., in the year 1814, July 7 ; is a son of John and Elizabeth Dietrick, who were born in Virginia, in which State they both met the call of death ; he died when upward of 51 years of age, she in 1825, when in middle age ; they were parents of seven children, five of whom are living, viz., Abraham, John, Nancy, Lydia and Catherine ; the deceased are Elizabeth and one dying in infancy; D. labored on the farm till his 21st year, at which time he began life for himself, and took charge of the old homestead, which he carried on for about seven years. In 1838, he was married to Mahala Judy ; to them ten children have been born, nine of whom are living, viz., Rebecca, Mary (who has been afflicted since infancy with a malady of the mind), Isaac, Sarah, Catherine, Chloe, Samuel and Jacob ; Benjamin (deceased), aged 24 years and 8 months ; in 1846, Mr. Dietrick moved to West Virginia, in which State he made his home twelve and a half years, and was engaged in farming ; in 1858, he came to Montgomery Co., Ohio, settling near Salem, in which place he remained eighteen years, then came to where he now resides in the year 1877 ; in the year 1854, he entered the ministry in the German Baptist Church, in which he has since labored, and by estimate has preached twenty-six hundred sermons, and solemnized one hundred and fourteen Marriages ; he only had the advantage of the common school, but is amply able to perform the responsible duties attached to the ministry , he has belonged' to the church for thirty years, and his wife for a period of thirty-six ; his children, with the exception of two, are members of the same church. JOHN DITMER, farmer ; P. 0. Potsdam ; born in Montgomery Co. in the year 1819 ; is a son of John and Susanna Ditmer, who were born in Lancaster Co., Penn. ; they removed to the above county at an early day, lived there many years, then came to this county and resided till their decease ; his father died at the age of 62 years, his mother at the age of 58 ; they were parents of thirteen children, seven of whom are living, viz., John, Eli, Henry, Cass, Catherine, David and George ; the deceased are Elizabeth, Rosanna, Mary, Jacob, Benjamin and Abraham ; John was raised on the farm, on which he worked till his 24th year. In 1844, he was married to Lydia Mischler' by whom he has had ten children, seven of whom are living, viz., Abraham' Mary, Silas, John, Amanda, Sarah and Martha ; the deceased are Harriet, Jacob and Susana ; after his marriage, he engaged in farming on the place where he resides ; he owns 80 acres of land, which is in a good state of cultivation and well improved ; in an early clay, Mr. D. was a successful hunter, and many deer has he caused to bite the dust, in one instance killing two at one shot ; his wife is a daughter of. Jacob and Mary Mischler, who were born in Stark Co., Ohio, but afterward became citizens of this county, from which they removed to Kosciusko Co., Ind., in which they died—he at the age of 65 years, she at the age of 74 ; they were parents of ten children, seven living, viz., Mary A., Lydia, Lena, Daniel, John, Jacob and Adam ; the deceased, Solomon, Elizabeth, and one who died in infancy ; he and his wife have been members of the German Baptist Church for a period of twenty years, and are consistent Christian people, 818 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: leading exemplary Christian lives ; he has been School Director for twenty years ; also filled the office of Supervisor. ELI DUNCAN, farmer ; P. 0. West Milton ; he was born on the east bank of Stillwater River in 1837, and is a son of Isaac and Elizabeth Duncan. Our subject was reared on his father's farm, and as he died when Eli was only 10 years of age, he remained with the family until his 16th year, when he engaged in picture taking, and was, consequently, away from home part of the time; at the age of 23, he began life fully for himself and chose farming as a vocation ; he located on the land where he now resides, in 1861, and has 33 acres of good land, which is all in a fair state of cultivation, with ordinary improvements erected thereon ; he has an abundance of all kinds of fruit, to which he pays considerable attention ; Mr. Duncan received a very limited education in the district schools, in consequence of which he entered the Farmer College, six miles north of Cincinnati, where he remained a part of two years, completing the common branches, thus fitting him to teach, which he did two wmters in Darke Co. His marriage with Serena Hyer, was celebrated in 1860 ; she was a daughter of Absalom and Elizabeth Hyer ; her father was born in Pennsylvania, her mother in Montgomery Co., Ohio, both deceased ; to Mr. and Mrs. Duncan six children have been given, of whom all are living, viz., Clara E., now Mrs I. A. Vose, Josephine, Maggie, now Mrs. Donnelly, and Fred,; Mr. Duncan has filled the office of School Director eight years. WILLIAM DUNCAN, farmer ; P. 0. West Milton ; he was born in this township on the land where he now lives in the year 1826 ; his father, Isaac Duncan, was born in South Carolina in 1795 ; his early life was spent in Tennessee, and he removed with his parents to Ohio when only 9 years of age ; his father, Samuel Duncan, was born in Georgia in 1751, and upon his arrival in Miami Co. in 1804, entered 160 acres of land, where his grandson, our subject, now lives on this land he reared his family and resided till his death, which occurred in 1832 ; on this land, his sons Isaac and Jesse lived and reared their families; Isaac departed this life in 1847, aged 52 years, Jesse still later ; upon their death, William, our subject, a son of Isaac, came into possession and on this same estate has reared a family of children ; thus this farm has been the birthplace of three generations of children, all of the Duncan family ; Isaac Duncan was the father of thirteen children ; to the first marriage, with Hannah Pemberton, daughter of Isaiah Pemberton, three were given, who are all deceased, viz., Isaiah, Rachel and John. His second marriage was celebrated with Elizabeth Dixon, and to their union ten children were given, of whom only six are living, viz., Jesse, William, Samuel, Amos, Eli and Abigail ; the deceased are Polly, Isaac, Elizabeth and David; Elizabeth (Dixon) Duncan, was born in South Carolina in 1800, and departed this life in 1873 ; she was a second cousin to the grim old warrior, Anthony Wayne, and a direct descendant of the illustrious Adams family, who figure so prominently in the history of the country ; Nicholas Dixon was a military man, and took great pride in army tactics ; he has a good military record and was a commissioned officer in the war of 1812 ; Grandfather Dixon's house was one of the frontier outposts, and there Gen. Harrison frequently satisfied the cravings of the inner man ; the house was a general rendezvous for the early settlers, as it was of strong build, and fitted with loopholes that made it a very, formidable stronghold, and a protection against the ruthless hands of the murderous red man ; he, belonged to the Society of Friends, and because he would not take part in the great struggle and help England to force her rebellious subjects into submission, he was attacked by the Tories, severely beaten, and left on the ground for dead ; but he recovered and came to Ohio, where he passed through all the hardships and dangers incident to pioneer life. Our subject was reared on the farm, where he assisted his father in agricultural pursuits until his 21st year, when he began life for himself and took charge of the old home place, thereby keeping the family together till grown, when they made homes for themselves ; here, in the abode of his fathers, he has lived ever since, with the exception of two years, when he lived in Greene Co., so that his children might\ have the advantage of attending the Antioch College. His marriage was celebrated in UNION TOWNSHIP - 819 1854, with Martha Langston, who is a daughter of Leonard and Francis Langston ; her father was born in Georgia and her mother in Maryland ; Mr. and Mrs. Duncan are the parents of eight children, of whom seven are living, viz., Leonard, Ira, Elmer, Emma, Charles, William and Mary, and Sarah A., deceased. Mr. Duncan has filled the office of' Justice of the Peace for three years, Supervisor one term, and School Director many years ; he and his amiable wife have been members of the Christian Church for a number or years ; they are particularly interested in the advancement of Christianity, and are exemplary Christian people. Isaac Duncan was a member of Co. G, 48th 0. V. I., and in the bloody battle of Pittsburg Landing, Sunday morning, April 6, 1862 ; he fell shot through the heart with his face to the foe ; Jesse was a member of the same company and regiment and returned safely to their home ; Amos was a member of Co. I, 71st 0. V. I.. and soon after his enlistment, was detailed to the hospital, where he was installed as steward ; from there he was promoted to Assistant Surgeon, and given charge of the 9th Tenn. V. C., where he remained until he was mustered out, having passed through the battles and encounters of the Army of the Cumberland ; his regiment captured the notorious John Morgan, who was brought to camp by one of the boys, on horseback. EDWIN J. EBY, of the firm of Eby & Bro., dentists, West Milton ; was born in Pennsylvania, in 1840, where his early boyhood days were spent. At the age of 7 years, he removed to Ohio with his parents, and soon entered mercantile life, which he followed till his location here in 1866 ; since that time he has operated successfully in his profession. Both are gentlemen well educated in their business, all operations being performed with safety, and to the satisfaction of all who patronize them. His education was received in the common schools, where a close application in study and a long experience in active business life, bespeak for him a successful and prosperous life. His marriage with Sarah E., daughter of Thomas Vore, occurred June 26, 1873. Her parents were among the early settlers of Miami Co, DAVID W. ELLEMAN, farmer ; P. 0. West Milton ; born on the place where his father now resides, in Sec. 6, in 1833 ; is a son of Enos and Margaret Elleman. Our subject's boyhood days were spent on his father's farm, where he labored until he was 21 years of age. He was married to Esther Coate in 1855 ; she is a daughter of Elijah and Rebecca Coate, who were born in Miami Co. Her grandparents were natives of South Carolina, and from there made their way to Miami Co., with one horse, bringing their effects with them, one walking while the other rode. They were the parents of twelve children, of whom ten lived to man's estate and had families of their own—William, Joseph, Thomas, Benjamin, Susan, Isaac, Aaron, Elizabeth, Rebecca and Elijah, who is the father of our subject's wife, is a minister of the Wesley,   an faith, and resides in Wayne Co., Ind., where he is laboring in the church, Grandfather Coate lived to be upward of 70 years of age ; his first wife died in middle age, and he was again married to Mary Bangham, by whom he had four children, all deceased. Elijah and Rebecca Coate are the parents of nine children, of whom five are living, viz., Esther, Mary, Linley, Susan and John ; the deceased are—Hiram. Leicester, Joseph and Zelora. After our subject's marriage, he farmed and worked at the carpenter trade until 1865, when he settled on the place where he now resides, and since has paid his attention mostly to farming ; he has 132 acres of choice farming land, with No. 1 buildings erected thereon. He . is one of the present Trustees of the township, having been elected in the spring of 1879. He and his amiable wife are members of the Society of Friends, and are every-day Christian people. They are the parents of nine children, all living, viz., John, Semantha, Horatio P., William, Mary R., Zelora E., Linley M., Horace M. and Francis. John was married to Ann Cress in April, 1877 ; they have one child, viz., Laurenthus E. Semantha was married to Joseph W. Beck in January, 1877 ; they also have one child, viz.. Francis E. Her husband is one of the leading teachers of the county. THOMAS ELLEMAN, farmer ; P. 0. West Milton ; born in this township in 1841 ; is a son of Enos and Margaret (Ward) Elleman ; his father was born in 820 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: Washington Co., Tenn., March 31, 1802. The grandfather, John Elleman, was probably born in the same State in the year 1766, and removed with his parents when quite young to South Carolina, where they remained for some years, and where he married Susanna Coppock ; then returned to Tennessee, and soon after to Warren Co.' Ohio, in 1805; here they raised a crop, then came to Miami Co. in the latter part of 1806, and settled on the southwest quarter of Sec. 7, in this township, where he lived until about 1815, when he removed to Wayne Township, Darke Co. and purchased 40 acres of land, where he lived until his death, which occurred April 16, 1818, aged 52 years. The Coppocks were originally from Pennsylvania, and were members of the colony William Penn planted in the great wilderness of Pennsylvania. grandmother Elleman's maiden name was Catherine Collins, and she was of German birth ; her husband's grandfather, Enos Elleman, great-grandfather to our subject, was born in Wales, but reared in this country ; he had only two brothers, John and Abner ; he was the father of six children, two sons and four daughters, viz., John, William, Amy, Mary, Elizabeth and Hannah. Our subject's grandfather was the parent of twelve children, of whom only two are living, viz., Susanna and his father, Enos the deceased are Elizabeth, Temperance, Drusilla, Hannah, Tace, Enos, Aaron, William, Norman and one who died in infancy. The early days of our subject's father were spent at home until his father's death, which occurred when Enos was only 16 years old ; he labored for some time on the home place, then bound himself out to his brother-in-law, Isaiah Pemberton, who lived in this township, and for him worked four years, when the indenture was canceled before the expiration of time ; he then worked as a farm hand, and did anything he could get to do that was honorable; 1823, he went back to Darke Co., and purchased 80 acres of land in Wayne ownship. He was united in marriage with Margaret Ward, Dec. 9, 1824 ; her father, David Ward, was born in New Jersey, in the year 1785 ; his father, George Ward, was a soldier in Washington's own army, and was through seven years of the struggle ; he was one of the daring and intrepid ones, who, under the leadership of the gallant Wayne, captured Stony Point. He was married to Margaret Swasick ; they were among the early pioneers of Virginia ; the Indians entered their cabin one day and deliberately killed one of the children, a daughter ; Grandfather Ward was knocked down with a club, and his wife, with great bravery and presence of mind, made her escape with two other children. A family by the name of Cananne, who were there, met a sad fate ; the husband was killed and his wife carried into captivity, and only rescued after seven years of imprisonment. After Enos Elleman's marriage with Margaret Ward, he went to work with might and main for a few years on his Darke Co. land ; then he disposed of it and came in 1831 to where he now resides ; here they have resided for nearly half a century, going hand in hand down the pathway of life for nearly three score years, and together they are enjoying their declining years surrounded by every comfort ; they are the parents of nine children, of whom seven are living, viz., Mary, David, William, Joseph, Thomas, Rebecca and Isam ; the deceased are Elizabeth and John. Thomas Elleman (our subject), was reared on his father's farm, where he labored until his marriage, which was celebrated in 1858 with Martha C. Jay, a daughter of Moses Jay, who was born in this township, near Frederickstown ; his father, James Jay, was born in North Carolina, and removed to Ohio in a very early day ; he departed this life on the land he entered, aged about 70 years. His marriage with Martha Coppock was celebrated in South Carolina ; they were parents of the following children, of whom five are living, viz., Mary, Jesse, James, Furnas and Isaac ; the deceased are Elizabeth, Phoebe, Hannah, Jonathan, Enoch, John, Moses, and William, an infant. Mr. and Mrs. Moses Jay were the parents of only one child, the wife of our subject ; her father, departed this life in 1840. Her mother's second marriage was celebrated with Elijah Jay, whose father, Layton Jay, was one of the pioneers, and his remains the first interred in the Union Cemetery. To her second marriage seven children were given, viz., Moses, Joseph, Alfred, James, William and Enos ; Anna (deceased). Mrs. Margaret Jay departed this life April 14, 1874, aged 56 years, UNION TOWNSHIP - 821 her husband is living, and at an advanced age. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Elleman nine children have been given, of whom five are living, viz., Dorry, Ella, Calvin, Allie and Walter ; the deceased are Margaret, Viola, Minnie P. and an infant. OWEN ELLEMAN, retired, Laura ; born on Sec. 18 in this township, in 1823 ; is a son of Isaac and Mary (Jones) Elleman ; they were born in South Carolina—his father in the year 1798, and his mother in the beginning of the nineteenth century ; they came to this township with their parents in 1805 or 1806 ; they were married about 1822, and were the parents of four children, two of whom are living, viz., Owen and Jordan ; the deceased are Dorcas and William W. ; Mrs. Elleman died on the place where Owen was born, in February, 1831, aged about 30 years. Mr. Elleman's second marriage was celebrated with Elizabeth Coppock, by whom he had six children, three of whom are living, viz., Benjamin, Isaac and Rachel C. ; Mr. Elleman departed this life at the age of 61 years. Owen was reared on the farm, his boyhood days being spent in a manner customary with all boys ; after attaining a proper age, he assisted in the labors on his father's estate till he was 22 years of age, at which time he began working at the carpenter's trade, which he followed for six years ; in the fall of 1850, he moved to Cass Co., Ind., where he lived two years and followed carpentering ; he then went to Grant Co., in the same State, and for three years worked in a carding-mill, but afterward worked at his trade for eight years ; in 1863, he returned to Laura, where he has since lived ; on his return, he established himself in the mercantile business, which he has largely followed since ; he was appointed under Lincoln's administration, afterward resigned, and was again appointed under Johnson's reign, but resigned, and was appointed the third time under Grant's administration ; he has filled the Justice's office three terms, and was elected for a fourth, but resigned ; he has also been Trustee, School Director and a member of the Board of Education ; thus we see Mr. Elleman's executive ability is fully recognized by his townsmen, and is fully demonstrated by his frequent re-elections. In September, 1845, he married Rachel McDonald, by whom he had seven children, three of whom are living—Mark, William J. and Joseph A. ; the deceased are Sarah, Jane, Minerva and Caroline. Mrs. Elleman is a daughter of Joseph and Temperance McDonald, who were among the early pioneers of Ohio ; both are now dead ; they were the parents of ten children, of whom only two are living—Rachel and Mahala ; the deceased are Elizabeth, William, Mary, Phoebe, Dennis, Sarah, Aaron and Enos ; Mr. McDonald's first marriage was with Sarah Mote, by whom he had three children, two living, viz., John and Charles ; Mark is deceased ; he died in the 65th year of his age ; his wife, Temperance, departed this life at the age of 60 years. Mr. and Mrs. Elleman are members of the denomination of Friends, and are every-day Christian people. JACOB ETTER, farmer ; P. 0. West Milton ; born in Bucks Co., Penn., in the year 1828 ; is a son of Jacob and Elizabeth Etter; his father was also born in the same county and State. There they were married and lived till their removal to Ohio ; his father died in Germantown, Ohio, in 1833 ; his mother was born in Schuylkill Co., Penn., and was thrice married—secondly, with Joseph Klein, and lastly, with David Landis. After his death, she resided with our subject till her decease in 1865. By her marriage with Mr. Etter, she had five children, three of whom are living, viz., Jacob, John and Levi ; George and Catherine (deceased). Mr. E. was reared on the farm, and after becoming old enough learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed for eleven years. In 1850, he came to Ohio, and settled in this county, following his trade exclusively five years. After which he bought 67.- acres of land, in August, 1854, which he began cultivating in connection with carpentering ; the latter he abandoned after three years, and has since given his whole attention to the farm, and now owns 75 acres of excellent land, which will be well improved. When his house was completed, Dec. 25, 1853, he was married to Hannah Gnodle, by whom he had seven children, six of whom are living, viz., Mary E., Joseph, Lydia A. and Amanda A. (twins), Samuel and Sarah 822 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES : C. ; John H. deceased, aged 1 year 11 months and 14 days. He has never been a political aspirant ; but has held the office of Supervisor and School Director. He and his wife are members of the German Baptist Church, with which they have belonged for a number of ,years. He is one of the Deacons, which distinction he has held three years. Mrs. E. died Jan. 8, 1873, aged 41 years. His second marriage was celebrated in February, 1878, with Mary H. Harlacher ; she was born in Montgomery Co. in 1835, and is a representative of the same church, as is his son George, a promising young, man. LEVI FALKNOR, blacksmith ; P. 0. Laura ; born in Darke Co. in the year 1837 ; is a son of John and Elizabeth Falknor who were born in this State, in which they made their home till their decease. his father was killed in a saw-mill m Phillipsburg in 1849 ; his mother died in the year 1876. They were parents of seven children, viz., Mary A., Harriet, John W., Albert, Margaret and Sarah J. Our subject was reared on the farm, and after his father's death remained with his widowed mother until he attained his majority. In 1857, he was married to Mary McCool, by whom he had four children, three of whom are living, viz., Semantha S., Erskine L. and Emily W. ; Viola, deceased. After his marriage he continued farmmg in Darke Co. for a year, after which he came to this county and still worked on the farm, having, in the meantime, purchased a house and lot in Laura. In 1869, he abandoned the farm, moved to Laura and engaged in the smithing business, which he has since successfully followed. He owns 72 acres of fine laird, 13 acres of which adjoins Laura, the balance near, on Ludlow's Creek. His long acquaintance with the people, combined with his skill as a workman, commands for Mr. F. a full share of patronage. He and his wife are members of the Christian Church, with which they have been connected for eighteen years, always taking a lively interest in the cause and development of the Christian religion. Mrs. F. is a daughter of Richard and Martha McCool ; her father is deceased, but her mother is living, and resides with Mr. Falknor ; both were born in Ohio, but their parents came from South Carolma ; they were parents of four children, of whom only the wife of our subject survives. ANDREW N. FALKNOR, West Milton ; of the firm of Falknor & Hale, dealers in agricultural implements etc., etc.; was born in Montgomery Co. Oct. 5, 1824. At 12 years of age, his father died, and Andrew remained at home assisting his mother upon the farm until he attained his majority, during this time obtaining a good common-school education. He then followed carpentering and farming some eight years in Montgomery Co., and in 1853, came to Miami Co.;1861, he located upon his present farm of 80 acres, two miles southwest from West Milton, where he now resides ; in the spring of 1880, he associated with T. J. Hale in the above business, dealing in all the improved farm machinery, agricultural implements, pumps, wagons, etc., etc. Upon the 9th of December, 18,47, he was united in marriage to Catherine Niswonger, of Montgomery Co. Two children now living-Granville N. and Amanda. HENRY FESS, farmer ; P. 0. West Milton ; born in Montgomery Co., Ohio, in the year 1837 ; is a son of George and Louisa B. Fess, who were born in Germany ; emigrated to this country, and settled in Montgomery Co., where his father died. His mother is living and resides near him. They were the parents of eight children, of whom only three are living, viz., Lavina, Catherine and our subject; the deceased are Mary, Jacob, George, Frederick and John. Mrs. F. was again married, to John Root, by whom she has had one child, viz., Sarah. Our subject was raised on the farm, on which he labored until he was 21 years old, at which time he began life for himself, and engaged in farming. In 1858, he was married to Miss Mary J. Harshbarger, by whom he has had nine children, seven of whom are living, viz., George, Mary, Samuel E., John Jacob, Lloyd and Charles A. ; the deceased are Sarah and Floyd, the latter a twin brother of Lloyd. Mr. Fess owns 80 acres of land, on which he resides, all being in good condition, and fairly improved. He and his amiable wife are exemplary members of the Brethren in Christ Church, with which they have been connected eighteen years, and are con- UNION TOWNSHIP - 823 sistent Christian people ; he is one of the Trustees of the church. Mrs. l parents were born in Ohio, her father in Montgomery Co., in 1815, her mother this country in 1821. They are the parents of five children, four of whom are ing, viz., Mary J., Samuel, Lloyd and George ; Anna, deceased. Mr. H. is a me ber of the German Baptist Church ; Mrs. H. belongs to the Brethren in Chris Mary and George, children of Mr. and Mrs. Fess, are members of the church which their parents belong. GEORGE FILBEY, retired, West Milton ; born in Berks Co., Penn., April 1809 ; is a son of William and Elizabeth Filbey, who were natives of Pennsylvang They removed to Wayne Co., Ohio, in 1855 or 1856, and lived there until th decease ; Mr. F. died April 19, 1858, he was born Aug. 18, 1781 ; his wife, Eli beth Sellers, was born June 11, 1788 ; she departed this life Sept. 20, 1879, aged years 3 months and 9 days ; they were the parents of the following children, of who six are known to be living, viz., John, Mary, George, Ellen, Robert and Cathering the deceased are Thomas, Michael, Oliver, Elizabeth and William. G. F. v reared a mechanic and learned the sadler's trade in Strasburg, Penn., with his um John Seller, with whom he worked five years as an apprentice, mastering his tra and continued with him two years longer. On the 31st clay of March, 1833, married Miss Barbara, daughter of Philip Folckamer, who was a native of Pei sylvania ; after his marriage he opened a shop in Wrightsville, Penn., in which labored for three years, then moved to Jefferson, Greene Co., Penn., where started a shop, and for ten years, successfully prosecuted his business, after whi he removed to Galion, Ohio, where he labored on a farm for three years, then ca, to West Milton in 1849, and immediately engaged in his trade, which he has f lowed nearly all the time since. He owns 74 acres of as fine land as is to be fou in Miami Co. On this he permanently located in 1870 ; since he has regular resided on the farm, which is all in a high state of cultivation. His location good, his house and barns are very commodious, and their construction and fin] prove Mr. F. to be a man of good taste ; his grounds are large and well kept, whi renders his home a very desirable one ; he is one of our self-made men, having beg life without capital. His first shop was started with $10, but by hard work a good management, in which he has been nobly assisted by his amiable wife, th have overcome the difficulties and obstacles met with in life's journey, and mad good home, the fruits of labor and frugality. Together they are enjoying th declining years, surrounded by all that conduces to render old age enjoyable ; their' union nine children have been given, of whom seven are living, viz., Olive Ellen Rebecca, George, Frank, Josiah and Margaret ; the deceased are Samuel and William. The latter was a member of Co. D, 94th 0. V. I. ; he died of small pox, in Nashville, Tenn., May 14, 1863. They were raised in the Lutheran Chun and are consistent Christian people. Mrs. Filbey was born Dec. 9, 1808. JOHN FOUTS, deceased ; born in this township July 22, 1814 ; was a son Henry and ,Susanna Fouts, who were born in North Carolina, and emigrated to Oh settling in this township in 1803. Our subject was reared on his father's farm, which he labored till his marriage with Rosanna Waymire, which was celebrat April. 7, 1836 ; to them nine children were born, seven of whom are living, vi Henry W., Caroline, Davis, John, Lyman, Susanna and Allen C. ; the deceased a Daniel and Harrison. While living, Mr. F. made his home on the place on whi his widow and children now reside ; this place was the home of his parents, al has been m the family name for three-quarters of a century. Mr. F. departed the life April 7, 1857, the twenty-first anniversary of his marriage ; he was afflict many years with dyspepsia, which became chronic and finally terminated in co sumption, which carried him to an early- grave. Mrs. F. was born m 1821, and a daughter of Daniel and Sophia Waymire, who were born in South Carolina, al removed to Montgomery Co., Ohio, about 1804 or 1805 ; here they made their hot until their decease ; he died July 3, 1826, aged 49 years and 2 months ; she depart this life July 19, 1859, aged 76 years 1 month and 4 days. They were the parents thirteen children, nine of whom, are living, viz., Davis, Daniel, John, Katie, Betsy. 824 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: Sallie, Henry, Rosanna and Isabelle ; the deceased are Polly, Rebecca, Frederick, and one dying in infancy. Daniel, son of our subject, enlisted in the beginning of the late war, in Co. E, 48th 0. V. I. ; he passed through some of the hard-fought battles of the war, and, frouvdisease produced through exposure in army life, died in the hospital at Memphis, Tenn;, March 2, 1863 ; was born Feb. 26, 1843. Davis was a member of the 8th 0. V. C., and served eighteen months ; Henry was a member of the 147th 100-day men ; Allen is one of the leading educators in the county, having taught six terms in this township ; he received the rudiments of his education in the home school ; in 1873, he entered the normal school at Lebanon, Ohio, for one term, then taught two terms, after which he entered the Hillsdale College, in Michigan,where he closely applied himself to study for a year and a half ; his eyesight began to weaken, and he was obliged to yield the struggle for knowledge to save the light of day. Henry Fouts was married to Susanna Mast, by whom he had six children, viz., Mary, Barbara, Matilda, Rebecca, Betsy and John. AARON FOUTS, farmer ; P. 0. West Milton ; born in this township Feb. 9, 1830 ; is a son of Henry and Elizabeth (Yount) Fouts ; his father was born in Randolph Co., N. C., in the year 1796 ; his mother was born in this township Feb. 18, 1808 ; Mr. Henry Fouts, with his parents, Michael and Elizabeth Fouts, removed to Montgomery Co., Ohio, in the fall of 1803 ; they were the parents of twelve children, who grew to manhood and womanhood, and the first death occurred at the age of 49 years ; as husband and wife, hand in hand they walked down the pathway of life three score and two years, sharing each other's burdens and partaking alike of each other's joys and sorrows ; the dial of life had marked fourscore and eight years in his existence before the summons came ; his noble wife had borne the fatigues of the day fourscore years and one, amid the countless hardships which are to be encountered by those who make the first settlement in a new country, before her mission was completed ; these two old settlers passed quietly away after a long and eventful life. The father and mother of our subject were married in 1824, and the following year came to this county, in which they made their home till their decease ; his father died in August, 1854, aged 58 years ; his mother departed this life in June, 1875, aged 67 years ; they were parents of four children, two of whom are living, viz., Susan and Aaron ; the deceased are John, aged 11 years, and Amilla Furnas, nee Fouts, aged 27 years. Aaron was reared on the farm on which he now lives ; in 1853, he married Rachel Martindale ; to their union nine children have been born, six of whom are living, viz., Henry, William, Ella, Lizzie, Elam and Robert ; the deceased are Emma, John and Oscar. After his marriage, he located on the old home farm, which had been the home of his parents, and on which he still resides and has grown wealthy, owning in the aggregate 750 acres of land, well situated and most beautifully improved, thus making a most desirable home, embracing every comfort and luxury ; his broad acres make him the largest landholder in the township. Mrs. Fouts is a daughter of John and Amy Martindale, who were early settlers in Montgomery Co., both deceased ; they were parents of twelve children, ten of whom are living, viz., Elizabeth, Robert, Mary, Samuel, Rachel, John, Steward, Martin, Rebecca and Martha. Mrs. Fouts is a member of theChristian Church of more than twenty-five years' standing ; Mr. Fouts' parents were members of the same church. JOHN B. FOUTS, Postmaster and dealer in notions, West Milton; near West Milton in the year 1848 is a son of John Fouts, who also was born born this county ; his father is deceased, but his mother resides near here, on the old homestead, which was pre-empted by the family many years ago. Our subject was reared on the farm, on which he assisted his father in agricultural pursuits till his 17th year, when he enlisted in Co. D, 5th 0. V. I., Feb. 14, 1864 ; he was immediately transferred to the front, where he took an active part in the closing scenes of the war ; he was in the engagement at Kenesaw Mountain, and received a severe wound under the left shoulder, the ball penetrating the lung, in which it is now imbedded, giving Mr. F. much trouble ; after being wounded, he lay in the hospital for thirteen months, after which he was mustered out of the service, in September, 1865. UNION TOWNSHIP - 825 He returned to his home, and has since followed various pursuits in West Milton ; he received his commission, making him Postmaster of this office, Feb. 16, 1880. He has been twice married ; first, with Miss Mattie Jenkins, Feb. 16, 1870, by whom he had one child, ,,,who is deceased ; Mrs. F. departed this life March 19, 1874. His second marriage was celebrated Jan. 21, 1877, with Anna B. Wright ; they have one child, viz., Edgar, born Nov. 17, 1878. JOHN P. FOX, deceased ; born in Indiana, near Indianapolis, Dec. 18, 1822 ; was a son of Elijah and Susanna Fox, both deceased. Our subject was reared on his father's farm, where he labored till his marriage with Sarah A. Waymire, which occurred April 23, 1842, in Montgomery Co., in which Mrs. F. was born ; they resided in the above county about thirty years. Mr. F. departed this life March 6, 1873. They had nine children, seven of whom are living-William W., Eliza J., Daniel W., John H., Albert R., Theodore E. and Lucinda A.; Alvin E. and an infant are deceased. Mr. F. owned 120 acres of land, of which his widow now owns 80 acres, all in a good state of cultivation and well improved ; on her land is situated one Of the best gravel pits to be found on the Stillwater ; she is a daughter of Solomon and Marian Waymire ; her father was born in North Carolina, her mother in Tennessee ; they immigrated to and settled in Montgomery Co. in a very early day, doing much to improve the county ; both are deceased ; he was born Feb. 23, 1791, her mother Sept. 3, 1800 ; died aged about 50 years. They were the parents of four children, three of whom are living-Daniel, Isabelle and Sarah A., Wesley deceased ; by Mr. W.'s first marriage he had four children, one of whom is living, viz.; Nancy ; the deceased are Polly, Henry and Biddy. Mr. F. was a member of the Christian Church, with which he has been connected for a number of years ; his wife is a member of the same church, an exemplary Christian woman ; three of her children, Lucinda, Warren and Jane, are members of the same church ; Daniel and William were soldiers in the late war ; the latter was taken prisoner, and suffered all the cruelties of the infamous Libby Prison ; her son William has five children-Charley E., Fordie E., Mary E., Sarah E. and Emma E. ; Jane, the wife of Amos Daniel, has four children-Benson, Mary, Noah and Family ; Daniel has two children-Anna and Sarah ; Lucinda (Mrs. Kessler) has three children-Lucy M., Estelle and Albert. John was recently married to Mary Greene. TANZY R. FURNAS, farmer ; P. 0. West Milton ; born in Butler Township, Montgomery Co., Oct. 11, 1853 ; is a son of Robert and Beulah Furnas. His father was born in the above township ; his mother in this county, and departed this life when Tanzy was but 8 months old ; his father is living, and resides in Montgomery Co. His second marriage was celebrated with Ann Bowman, by whom he had three children, two living, viz., Rose B. and Mary A.; Dorsey, deceased. Tanzy was reared on the farm, and attended the district school, after which he attended the high school, in Troy, for one term, then entered Holbrook's Normal School, at Lebanon, in which he took a full commercial course, fitting himself to successfully cope with business transactions. In September, 1874, he was married to Elizabeth Rutledge, by whom he has one child, viz., Harvey C. Mrs. Furnas is a daughter of the well-known William Rutledge, of West Milton. In 1875, he was interested in, and operated his father-in-law's woolen-mill ; in 1876, he engaged in the manufacture of tobacco in the same place, and after one year's experience, disposed of the business and came to the place on which he now resides: He owns 157 acres of land, which is all in a fair state of cultivation and well improved. He and his wife are members of the West Milton Christian Church, with which they have been connected a number of years. AARON F URNAS, farmer and stock-raiser ; P. 0. Fidelity; born in Butler Township, Montgomery Co., Ohio, Oct. 17, 1826 ; is a son of John and Sallie (Ivens) Furnas. His father was born in South Carolina in April, 1796, and is a son of Joseph and Sarah Furnas ; Joseph was born in Charlestown, S. C., Feb. 20, 1763 ; Joseph's father, John Furnas, was born at Standingstone, Cumberland, England, March 5, 1736. He was married to Mary Wilkenson, in Wigton Meetinghouse, England, March 24, 1762 ; she was born at Wigton Sept. 19, 1742. They 826 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: emigrated to America, and settled in South Carolina, in which State they died, at Bush River ; he, Aug. 5, 1777 ; she, Oct. 6, 1782. They were parents of seven children, viz., Joseph, Rebecca, John, Thomas, Esther, Robert and William. Joseph and Sarah Furnas were parents of eight children, three of whom are living, viz., Benjamin, Henry and Sallie ; the two former reside in Iowa, the latter in Warren Co.; Joseph F. died about 1812, his wife, Sarah, about 1830 or 1831. John, father of our subject, emigrated to Ohio with his parents about 1805 ; they located in Warren Co. for one year, then came to Newton Township, in this county, in which John, the father of our subject, .was reared. Dec. 3, 1818, he was married to Sallie Ivens ; she was a daughter of Joseph and Esther (Buffington) Ivens. Joseph was born Aug. 20, 1749, died Aug. 31, 1828. Esther, his wife, was born Feb. 1, 1756, died May 30, 1830. They were married Nov. 17, 1773, and were parents of twelve children, viz., Samuel, Hannah, Isaac, Moses, Margaret, Adam, John, Robert, Phoebe, Mary, Aaron and Sallie. John and Sallie Furnas, parents of our subject, had eleven children born to them, eight of whom are living, viz., Esther, now Mrs. William Jay.; Sarah, now Mrs. John Johnston ; Jane, now Mrs. George Miller ; Aaron, Robert, Samuel, Thomas W. and Davis. Our subject's first marriage was with Rebecca C. Bowman Feb. 15, 1851 ; to them three children were born-all deceased, viz., Martha E., born Aug. 22, 1854, died Oct. 6, 1860 ; Omar C., born March 23, 1862; died Aug. 19, 1864 ; Dorsey E., born July 24, 1859 ; died Oct. 1, 1860. Mrs. S. departed this life Sept. 7, 1870, aged 38 years 5 months 18 days. His second marriage was celebrated Oct. 22, 1872, with Lucy J. Mote ; she is a daughter of Zeno and Deborah Mote, old residents of this township. Mr. Furnas had the advantage of the common schools, in which he received the rudiments of an education ; afterward took a course of study in the select school at Frederickstown, and at the academy in Dayton ; he taught one term, but, his health failing, was obliged to seek the out-door employment of the farm, on which he has smce been engaged ; he owns 140 acres of land on the home farm, also 90 acres in Montgomery Co. and a tract of 76 on the west side of Stillwater, making in the aggregate 310 acres of choice farming land. He is a member of the Christian Church, having been a member since 1851, and is a Deacon in the church ; he is very liberal in his views, having donated nearly a fourth of the amount required to erect the fine brick church in Frederickstown. Mrs. Furnas was born in this township March 17, 1835, and is a member of the denomination of Friends. Mrs. Furnas, great uncle, Thomas Wilkenson, represented this county in the Legislature, and was also State Senator. Samuel, brother to Aaron Furnas, has represented Montgomery Co. Robert Furnas, grandson of John Wilkenson, is an ex-Governor of Nebraska. John Furnas, father of our subject, was deprived of a father's counsel at the age of 16, and, being the eldest, was obliged to take charge of the family. He represented Montgomery Co. in the Legislature in 1836, 1850 and 1851. SMITH GREGG, farmer and mmister; P. 0. West Milton ; born in Montgomery Co., Ohio, Dec. 20, 1820 ; is a son of Smith and Sarah Gregg, who were born in Pennsylvania, and removed to Greene Co., Ohio, in 1800 ; in 1812, they moved to Montgomery Co., m which they lived till their death; his father died at the age of 85, his mother at upward of 40 years of age; they had eleven children, four of whom are living-William, David, Andrew and Smith; the deceased James, Martha, Margaret, John, Elizabeth, Sarah and Julia ; Mr. Gregg was raised on the farm, and partially learned the smithing trade, then took up shoemaking, which he followed until he was 25 years old, when he resumed farming. In 1840, he was married to Rachel Hutchins, who bore him eight children, of whom only one, Wilbur, survives ; the deceased are Elwood, Eliza, Martha, Mary A., Willis, Birdie and an infant ; Mrs. Gregg died in 1862, aged 37 years. Mr. Gregg's second marriage was with Margaret Hollingsworth, nee Stanley, in 1863, by whom he had two children, Charley and Mattie ; Mrs. Gregg died April 2, 1879, aged 44 years; his third and last marriage was celebrated with Mary Miles, nee Furnas, April 8, 1880. In 1850, he was recorded as minister of the Friends, Church, and UNION TOWNSHIP - 827 is the oldest recorded minister in the West Branch Quarterly Meeting ; he own: 43 acres of fine land, well improved ; Mary Furnas Gregg, his wife, was born it Newton Township, and is a daughter of Joseph and Patience Furnas ; her father was born in North Carolina, her mother in Warren Co., Ohio ; he died at the age of 68, she in the 67th year of her age ; they were parents of seven children, three living-Mary, Rachel and Sarah ; the deceased-Jason, Charles, Edith and Louisa Sarah is a very noted traveler, having visited Europe and Asia, and when last heard from was in the Sandwich Islands ; she is much of a scientist, and ii medicinal research has developed much, which she imparts by instructive lectures she is certainly a remarkable woman, and one of Miami's illustrious daughters; she was born in 1834, and was never married. Mrs. Gregg's marriage with Moses Miles was blessed with one child, Jos. F. ; he died in 1874, aged 57 years ; shy has a birth-right in the Friends, Church, and is a zealous Christian woman. ISAAC HALE, dealer in lumber and proprietor of saw-mill, West Milton was born in Maryland in 1832 ; his parents', Tilly and Mary Hale, were born ii the same State-his father in 1806, his mother in the year 1808 ; in 1833, the came to Miami Co., in which they have since lived ; to them six children have beef born, three of whom are living-Thomas J., Sarah A. and our subject ; Mr. H. wa raised on the farm, laboring for his father till his 21st year, when he began life fo himself, and for eighteen years succeeding his majority followed the fortunes of the farm ; m 1871, he came to West Milton and engaged in his present business ; b has one of the best-arranged mills in the county, of large cuttmg capacity giving employment to eight regular hands ; he has been twice married-first t Sarah, a daughter of Israel Kessler, in 1859 ; to their union four children wer born-Cassius C., Emma A., Harvey H. and John H. ; Mrs. H. died in 1868 ; she was a member of the Presbyterian Church, and died as she had lived, relying of the promises of her Redeemer. His second marriage was celebrated with Mary Am Everett, in 1873, by whom he has had two children, Allie A. and Roy E. ; Mr. II is a member of -the Presbyterian, Church of twenty years, standmg, while hi estimable wife for ten years has been an exemplary member of the Christiai Church. FREDERICK HISSONG, farmer ; P. 0. Potsdam ; born in Bavaria, Germany in the year 1832 ; is a son of Frederick and Elizabeth Hissong, who were natives c the same place. In 1854, they emigrated to America, landing in New York, thei voyage occupying forty days. They came directly to Ohio and settled in Mont gomery Co., in which they resided. His father departed this life in 1877, aged 7' years ; his mother is living, and resides in Darke Co. They were the parents e eight children, seven living, viz., Catherme, Mary, Frederick, Jacob, George, Lavin and Caroline ; Lewis, deceased. Our subject was reared on the farm, in his nativ country. In 1864, he was married to Harriet Christian, by woom he had eight child ren, seven living, viz., Samuel, Harvey, John, Charley, Lewis, Mary E. and Eary George, deceased. He owns 80 acres of land, which is in a good state of cnltivation and well improved. He and his wife are members of the German Baptist Chard with which they have been connected eleven years, and are consistent Christia people. Mrs. Hissong was born in 1841, and is a daughter of Philip Christian. JOHN C. HENDERSON, farmer, and proprietor of a saw-mill ; P. 0. Pots dam ; born in Brown Co., Ohio, July 22, 1837; is a son of Jonathan and Nancy (Carroll) Henderson. His father was born in Pennsylvania, his mother in Adam Co., this State, in which they were married. They had nine children, six of whor are living, viz., Andrew, Joseph, William, Michael. John C. and Elizabeth. Hi father departed this life in 1865, aged 72 years. His mother is living at the ag of 77 years. Mr. Henderson was bronght-up on the farm in Brown Co., where hi boyhood days were spent, having the advantage of such schools as the country i his day afforded ; he remained with his parents until he attained his 24th year, a which time he connected with the army, serving in the capacity of Wagonmaste for twenty-three .months, when he was obliged to abandon his work on account e failing health. In 1864, be was married to Elizabeth Markly, by whom he ha 829 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES : had five children, three of whom are living, viz., Callie, Emma and Johnny, and two dying in infancy. Mrs. Henderson is a daughter of Adam Bobbs, and sister to Dr. Bobbs, whose sketch appears in this work. Mrs. Henderson had been previously married to Joseph Markly, and to them three children were born, two of whom are living, viz., Victoria, and Joseph, William, deceased. Mr. Henderson, after his marriage, removed to Hamilton Co., in which he resided one year, then went to Darke Co., where he lived five years, and operated a saw-mill in connection with farming, and while there, served as Trustee two years. In 1877, he located in this township, on fifty-seven acres of land, which is all in a good state of cultivation, and has excellent buildings erected thereon, all neat and tasty. He owns a steam saw-mill near his home place, also another in Twin Township, Darke Co., to both of which he gives his own supervision, manufacturing such lumber as the public needs, and in a workmanlike manner. He has also held the office of Trustee in this township for two years. He, and his estimable wife, are members of the United Brethren Church, and are every-day, energetic Christian people, taking much interest in promoting the Christian standard. His daughter, Miss Callie, is also a member of the same church. JOHN P. HERSHEY, farmer ; P. 0. Center, Montgomery Co., Ohio ; born in Lancaster Co., Penn., in the year 1823 ; is a son of Isaac and Anna Hershey, who were born in the same place—he in the year 1801, she in 1804 ; they were reared in the above county, in which they were married ; his mother died in 1849, aged 45, his father in the year 1856, aged 55 years ; they were the parents of eleven children, all living, viz., Fanny, John P., Andrew, Ephraim, Christian, George, Reuben, Eliza, Anna, Sarah and Naomi. Our subject was reared on the farm in Pennsylvania, on which he labored for his father till he was 21 years of age ; then began life for himself. In November, 1846, he was married to Elizabeth Kolp, by whom he has had nine children, eight of whom are living, viz., Mary E., Melinda, Emma, Ella, Charlotte, Sarah, Susan and Frances ; Abraham deceased, aged 2 years and 10 months. In 1849, he came to Ohio and settled on the place on which he now resides ; he owns 160 acres of land, all in a high state of cultivation and well improved ;Ate is another of our self-made men, having begun life with only a. small capital ; he only had the advantage of a common-school education, but he is a great reader, and well posted on the current events of the day ; he has never been a political aspirant, yet he has held some of the offices of the township ; he and his wife are members of the Christian Church ; she is a daughter of David and Fanny Kolp ; Mr. Kolp was born in Pennsylvania in 1780, and died in 1844 ; Mrs. K. was born in the same place in 1792, and is still living they are the parents of the following children, all living, viz., Elizabeth, Samuel, Catherine, Levi, Susan, Sarah, Abraham, Matilda, Martha and Lotta. Mrs. Kolp is a daughter of Christian and Mary (Buckholder) Lieb ; they were born in Pennsylvania, in which they died at the age of 75 years ; they were the parents of six children, viz., Fanny, Mary, Betsy, Kate, Nancy and Christian. W. J. HOOVER, farmer ; P. 0. West Milton ; is a descendant of one of the first and prominent settlers in this locality • he was born near where he now lives in 1835, and is a son of Noah and Michal Hoover ; they were born in North Carolina, and removed with their parents to Ohio in the spring of 1801. Noah was married to Michal Yount, by whom he had eight children, four are living, viz., Enos, Fred, Deborah and our subject ; the deceased are Absalom, May, Celia and Mahala ; his father made his home here through all his life, and died Aug. 8, 1866, aged 71 years 1 month and 15 days ; his mother died June 15, 1863, aged 68 years 4 months and 7 days. Our subject was reared on the farm, on which he labored till he attained his majority, at which time he began life for himself ; he obtained his education in the district school, fitting himself to well perform the business duties of life. In 1860, he was married to Caroline Fouts, by whom he has had three children, viz., Ada, 'Ellis and Bertha ; she is a daughter of John Fouts ; he owns 119 acres of land, which is all in a good state of cultivation and well improved ; in the fall of 1878, he erected a splendid new mill, which, for Man- UNION TOWNSHIP - 829 ner of construction and working facilities, is without a rival on the Stillwater ; it is furnished with the best and latest improved machinery ; the working capacity of the mill is good—a never-failing power, derived from nine springs, the water from which is concentrated and brought to bear on a twenty-six-feet overshot wheel, which gives motion to three sets of buhrs, besides a pony bar, which is used for grinding middlings ; their work is all done on scientific principles, the grinding and bolting being done repeatedly, producing a fine and excellent quality of flour ; the mill is in charge of A. W. Weimer, who is a gentleman well educated in his business, thoroughly understanding every department of the delicate work, knowing how to make a double-extra brand of flour and give satisfaction to their many customers ; their popular mill, in connection with their superior knowledge of the business, commands for th6 a full share of patronage from an appreciative public, their products being always in demand ; we will venture to assert that this is the best mill between Covington and Dayton, and. as such enterprises are worthy of more than a passing notice, we heartily commend the above gentlemen to the public. F. M. HORINE, shoemaker, West Milton ; born in Delaware Co., Ind., in 1842 is a son of Jefferson and Mary Horine, who were natives of Kentucky, and moved to Indiana when it was a howling wilderness. They remained some years in this county and then went to Howard Co., where they remained till they removed to Grant Co., and soon after returned to Howard, where they lived till their decease. His father was a physician, and practiced medicine in these counties for more than forty years ; he died at the age of 69 years, his wife at the age of 71 years ; they were the parents of thirteen children, all living, viz., James H., John A., Ellen B., George M., Harrison D., Thomas J., Samuel M., Nancy A., Nelson B., Francis M., Elizabeth, Cornelius S. and Wright S. Our subject was reared on the farm, and at the age of 19, enlisted in Co. F, 34th Ind. V. I. in 1861. They remained in Camp Jeffersonville for five months, then were changed to several points in Kentucky, and were finally ordered to re-enforce the army in the vicinity of Ft. Donelson. After being on board a vessel for some time, the order was countermanded, and they were sent to Missouri. They were engaged in some fourteen of the hard-fought battles for the Union, of which we mention those that are recorded on the flag of the 'regiment : Riddle's Point (in Missouri), Grand Gulf (in Louisiana), Ft. Gibson, Champion Hill, Bolton Station Black River Ridge, the full siege of Vicksburg, after which they were sent to Mississippi, and were in the last fight at Jackson, then were sent back to Vicksburg, and from there were sent to New Orleans, where they remained some time. They went to Brazier's Point, and soon after had a brush with the rebels at Opelousas, La., drove them out of town and captured their breakfast. From here they were sent to New Iberia, where the regiment veteraned, and soon after was sent home on thirty days' furlough ; afterward reported at New Orleans, and was sent across the gulf to Briar's Island, where they wintered in 1865 ; thence to Brownsville, Texas, where they remained till February, 1866, when they were mustered out. He returned to Indianapolis, Ind., and received his discharge Feb. 22, 1866. He labored on the farm for a year or so, and in that time made a trip to Wisconsin ; on his return, in the fall of 1867, he began his trade in West Liberty, Ind. where he remained for awhile, and on account of failing health took a trip to Kansas' returning the same year and resumed his trade. He came to Ohio in the fall of1870, and was married to Rachel McDonald Jan. 8, 1871. ENOCH HOFFMAN, deceased. The subject of this memoir was born in Perry Co., Penn., Sept. 9, 1809, and was a son of Philip and Anna M. Hoffman, natives of the above State, where Philip died, after which his wife came to Ohio, where her remaining days were passed. They were parents of ten children, four living. Our subject was reared on the farm, and, when old enough, served an apprenticeship in tanning, which business he followed for forty-three years, and to within a few years of his death, which occurred Aug. 23, 1873. Feb. 21, 1833, he was married to Catherine Gilbert, by whom he had five children, three living—Salome, Minerva and Sarah C.; the deceased, Jacob G. and Mary E. They removed 830 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES to Ohio in 1837, and to West Milton in 1839, which has since been their home. Mr. Hoffman has been connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church for forty-Seven years ; he was a leading member and a consistent Christian gentleman. Mrs. Hoffman is a daughter, of Jacob and Elizabeth Gilbert, who were born in Pennsylvania, in which they lived and died, he at the age of 82, she when in the 41st year of her age. They were the parents of six children, four living. Mrs. Hoffman has been an active worker in the Methodist Episcopal Church for many years, and sustains a Christian character above reproach ; she was born Aug. 30, 1812. THOMAS JAY, farmer and minister, West Milton ; born in Monroe Township, this county, on the 22d day of the 11th month, 1813 ; is a son of Walter D. and Mary (Macey) Jay. His father was born in South Carolina, 15th of 7th month, 1786 ; and his grandfather, John Jay, was probably born in the same State, in the year 1752, he died the 23d of 4th month, 1829. Walter D. Jay was married to Mary Macey, in Ohio, in 1809 or 1810. Grandfather John Jay first settled in Warren Co., in which he lived for a short time, then came to Miami Co. and settled in what is now Monroe Township, in 1804. Walter D., after his marriage, settled on 100 acres of land, which they improved, cleared up and made their home for fourteen or fifteen years, after which they moved to an adjoining farm on the west, where they resided till 1866 or 1867, then removed to the residence of their son-in-law, Samuel Jones, with whom they resided till their decease. Walter Jay was quite an extensive farmer, and was among the larger landholders of the township. Thomas remained with his father on the farm until he was 25 years of age. On the 22d of 4th month, 1840, he was married to Sarah Yount, a daughter of Henry and Elizabeth Yount ; they were from North Carolina, and were among the early pioneers of Montgomery Co.; they were the parents oiseven children, six of whom are living, viz., John, Rebecca, Davis, Enos, Andrew and Sarah; Jesse, deceased. Mr. B. was born the 4th of 9th month, 1793 ; his wife, Elizabeth Hoover, was born on the same day, the same month, and in the same year ; he died in 1863, his wife in 1871. Before his marriage, Thomas was engaged in milling, which he followed till 1849, the time of coming on the place where he now resides ; 111 acres was the size of the farm at the time, but he has added by purchase till 'he now owns 140 acres of fine land, which is all in a state of good cultivation. He and his wife were reared in the Friends' Church, and he has labored in the ministry for twenty-four years. She was born in Montgomery Co., Ohio, the 15th of 4th month, 1819. In an early day, Walter D. forbade the use of intoxicants on his premises ; his logrollings and house-raisings were ever after accomplished without its use. Of six sons none ever used liquors, tobacco or indulged in profane language. DANIEL JENKS, farmer ; P. O. Laura ; was born in Rhode Island March 24, 1820 ; he is a son of George and Alpha Jenks, who were born in the same State, where they were also married ; in 1831, they came to Ohio and settled in this township ; Mr. J., Sr., returned to his native State, in which he died at an advanced age ; his mother departed her life in this township when upward of 70 years of age ; they were the parents of four children, two of whom are living—Reuben and our subject ; the deceased are Wilson and Labin. Daniel was reared on the farm, and, although he was only 11 years of age at the time his father came to Ohio, he had plenty to do in assisting his father to clear the farm ; at the age of 17, he began life for himself ; he followed boating on the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers for several seasons, his route being between Cincinnati and New Orleans ; after he abandoned the river he returned to the farm, on which he remained till 1850, when he made a trip to California, via the Isthmus ; in 1852, he returned and again engaged on the farm, where he has been occupied since ; he owns 164 acres of land, which is situated in the extreme northwest of the township ; his land is all in a good state of cultivation, his buildings being second to none. In 1852, he was married to Louisa Cavender, by whom he has had eight children, five of whom are living—Emily, Ellen, Sumner, Labin and Julia; the deceased are Orville, Clara and one in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Jenks are members of the Christian Church, which they have been connected with for five years. His brother, Wilson, was a UNION TOWNSHIP - 831 member of Co. E, 48th O. V. I., but only served a part of his time, on account of sickness. DAVID JONES, farmer and miscellaneous laborer ; P. O. West Milton. The task of writing an autobiography is one from which I almost shrink, thinking that it would not much interest the general reader, and that, being different from a diary or journal, it seems to savor of egotism. I was satisfied with the authorship of my township's history ; but the kindness and courteous request of the authors of our county history induces me to write a brief biography of myself. I know, however, that it will be materially different from that of any other, because I know of none other who has so closely combined physical and scholastic labor as I have done. I was born on the 4th day of October, 1815. An unbroken wilderness, tenanted by its wild inhabitants, such as deer, wolves, wild turkeys, etc., then and for many years after, remained in the west, enabling me to contrast the wild domains of nature with the beautiful scenes of civilized life. I was the only son, the fifth and last child of my mother, whose life was taken by a stroke of lightning before I was 2 years old. I have no recollection of her, and have often thought I would walk to the seaside most willingly, if, by so doing, I could have her image painted upon the tablet of my memory. A step-mother succeeded her, whose memory I honor ; but no one can occupy, in the heart, the place of mother. As soon as old enough, I was sent to subscription schools, at West Branch, where I learned to read at an early age. I possessed an almost insatiable thirst for knowledge, and read and studied every useful book I could get. I read " Robinson Crusoe " and the " Pilgrim's Progress " when 8 or 9 years old, and was much delighted with them. Being the oldest son and possessed of excellent health, with much physical vigor, I was able to bear the mantle of hard labor that descended upon my shoulders in my 10th year. My father's constitution being nearly wrecked by incessant and excessive labor, I took the plow from his hands, and allowed him to follow his trade of chair-making with more regularity. Having access to an excellent library, I read the works of great authors, such as Homer, Virgil, Milton, Pope, Thomson, Young, Cowper and other poets. I also read the works of that intellectual giant, Dr. Johnson, with great interest Goldsmith's " History of the Earth and Animated Nature " delighted me. The " Spectator " I considered of great value, particularly Addison's writings. These books, with many others not named, I had read in part, and with thoroughness, before reaching 15 years of age. From my 10th year to the close of my minority, I used the ax and maul, or beetle, in clearing, and the plow in cultivating the soil. My mornings, noons, nights and Sundays mainly devoted to mental improvement. Even when following the plow I would hold converse with eminent men (long since dead), through the medium of their writings. I found delight in felling gigantic trees and all athletic feats, knowing how much they developed physical manhood. Excellent health, at my present period of life, is the fruit of my activity, regularity and temperance during the last half-century. As remarked,' I continued and still combine literature with labor, and find as much enjoyment from newly acquired knowledge as I did in my earlier life. After reaching my majority, I engaged a portion of my time in the teaching of common schools. Being desirous to travel, I have taken several trips to the South and East, exploring Mammoth Cave and ascending Table Rock, on Table Mountain. My limits forbid a description of either of those great wonders of nature. I have seen Niagara, and heard its terrific thunders. During the political campaign of 1840, I was engaged in teaching at the mission school in Kansas Territory, the children of the Indians, who, ten years before, had lived in the northern part of Miami Co. In the year of 1843, I was married to Eunice, the daughter of Davis W. Thayer, a citizen of this township. Of eleven children, eight are yet living, viz., five sons and three daughters. Having brought them up to habits of industry, economy and temperance, I indulge the pleasing hope of seeing them all filling their places as worth5r members of society. Possessing a birthright of membership in the Society of Friends, I yet recognize good Christians among all the denominations around me. I consider sacred literature the highest of human studies, and to 832 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES understand the teachings of the.Bible in its fullness, the highest of human attainments. In like manner thought the great Isaac Newtoh. In conclusion, during the last sixty years, I have seen the greater part of this county rescued from the wilderness, and covered with fertile fields, with handsome abodes, schoolhouses, churches, and a teeming population. I have seen our country's population increase from eight to nearly fifty 'millions of people, occupying the highest position among nations. In view of the grand discoveries in art and science, one may well inquire what will, or what will not, be discovered next. ALLEN KELLY, farmer; P. O. West Milton ; born in 1821, in this township is a son of Samuel and Mahala Kelly ; his father was born in South Mendon, Mass., about 1796 ; his mother was born on the Ohio River in 1802, and was a daughter of Frederick Yonnt. Our subject's grandfather, Kelly, was also a native of Massachusetts, in which he lived and died ; .his father, when a young man, came to Ohio, and localed in Milton, near which he built a factory, being a machinist by bade ; he also built the old brick factory in Milton, which stands near the river, and is the one that William Rutledge occupies as a woolen-mill ; they were the first mills built in Milton, but he had operated one which had been previously bnilt, near where Elam Yount now lives. This was the first cotton-mill erected in this section of the State, and for thirty years proved a source of profit. The woolen-mill was operated by Allen and John (his sons), who constructed the machinery by which wool, in its natural state, was converted into cloth; yarn, etc. His father occupied much of his time in building mills, erecting one north of Milton, now owned and operated by Harvy Coppock ; he also built a mill in Greenville about 1860 ; he removed to Logan Co., Iowa, and at Iowa Falls built a woolen-mill, which he operated in partnership with his sons, Enos and Leonidas ; Mr. Kelly departed this life in 1870, aged 74 years ; his wife died in 1858, aged about 56 years; were the parents of seven children, of whom four are living, viz., Allen, Joh, Leonidas, and Mrs. Mary Edwards, widow of Prof. W. N. Edwards, late Principal of the Troy High Schools ; she is teaching the natives in Southern Africa. The deceased are Daniel, Seth and Enos. Our subject's early boyhood days were spent in various ways, havinhaving workedactory, saw-mill and machine-shop until 1852, at which time he purchased 100 acres of land, and soon after disposed of it and purchased 70 acres adjoinmg, on which he resides. In 1846, he was married to Jane Rutledge, by whom he has had ten children, six of whom are living, viz., Walter, Samuel, John, Mary, Asa and Jennie ; the deceased are William, Omar J., Anna and one in infancy. He and his estimable wife are members of the Christian Church of West Milton, with which they have been connected since 1859 ; they take a deep interest, and are zealous, untiring workers in the cause. Mrs. K.'s parents, Richard and Jane Rutledge, were born in England, and emigrated to this country in 1828, and settled in this county in 1836, in which they lived till their decease ; they were the parents of eight children, of whom only two are left, viz., William and Jane ; the deceased are Mary, Anna, Joseph, Richard, John H. anal Mary. KELLOGG & JONES, law firm, West Milton. Edward Payson Kellogg, the senior member, was born Nov. 3, 1830, in Jamaica, Windham Co., Vt. ; came to Ohio Dec. 6, 1852, and entered upon the profession of civil engineering, for which he was educated ; he commenced, in December, 1859, the practice of law in West. Milton, where he has followed his profession ever since. He married Anna Maria Nishwitz Oct. 25, 1854, the daughter of George Nishwitz, then a merchant of West. Milton; their children were Frederick Albertus, born Nov. 12, 1855, died April 1, 1859 ; Mary Emma, March 30, 1858 ; Frances Hilenrenrietta 20, 1860 ; Clara E., Nov. 6, 1862 ; George Nishwitz, Dec. 21, 1864 ; Charles White, Sept. 23,. 1867 ; Willis Arthur, Nov. 3, 1869, and Newton Esta, July 6, 1877. Samuel C. Jones, the junior member of the firm of Kellogg & Jones, was born Jan.. 21, 1855, in Union Township, Miami Co., Ohio ; his father was a farmer and reared a large family of boys, training them to habits of industry on the farm, but giving to each a liberal education ; among them are one physician, one lawyer and two UNION TOWNSHIP 833 preachers. Samuel married the eldest daughter of his law partner, and has one child, .a boy-Victor W., born Aug. 7, 1879. He was admitted to the bar April 1, 1879. EUNICE KENDALL, West Milton ; she was born in this township in December, 1808, and is a daughter of Joseph and Rachel Mendenhall, who were born in Newberry District, S. C., and removed to this county in a very early day, their trip being made with team and wagon ; they settled on land in this township, on which they lived till Mr. M.'s decease, which occurred in 1850 in the 78th year of his age; after his death, his wife resided with her daughter, Mrs. Henry Compton, with whom she lived until her death, which occurred several years after her husband's, at an advanced age ; they were parents of nine children, of whom only three are left, viz., Rachel, now Mrs. H. Compton ; Anna ,now Mrs. Macey, and onr subject ; the deceased are Thaddeus, Joseph, Mary, Tamar, Lydia and Ruth. Eunice was- united in the holy bonds of matrimony with John Kendall, who was a native of Ohio ; after their marriage, they settled on 80 acres in Sec. 25, on which they lived for about fourteen years ; at that time their land was all in the woods, which they cleared in part and improved, then sold out and purchased 80 acres where she now resides ; Mr. K. departed this life aged about 60 years ; they were the parents of eleven children, of whom eight are living, viz., Mary A., now R. Pearson James ; Thompson ; Martha, now Mrs. F. Harshbarger ; Isaac, Albert, Cyrus and Warren ; the deceased are Joseph, John T., and Emanual who was killed in a machine shop in Dayton, by the explosion of a boiler ; he left a wife and two children to mourn his untimely death ; Mrs. K. owns 80 acres of land, which is well improved, and is carried on by her youngest son, Warren, and with him she makes her home ; she was reared in the good old Quaker Church, in which she has labored faithfully for almost a lifetime, and is a very exemplary Christian woman ; her father was captured by the Indians, during the war of the Revolution, and held a prisoner for six months ; his whereabouts was subsequently ascertained ; his father sold his land, and with the money, $350, bought his freedom ; with them he learned the Indian language, which he never forgot, and would recount, to his chil- dren the experience of a captivity that is always revolting to hearers ; he was only a lad at the time he was captured, and at night a blanket was placed on the ground and he was laid upon it, another was spread over him, and on each side a dusky warrior reclined ; thus fastened, escape was impossible. MATHIAS KERN, farmer ; P. 0. West Milton ; born in Baden, Germany, in 1831. Is a son of Joseph and Elizabeth Kern, who were born in the same place in which they lived, died and are buried. Mr. Kern was reared on the farm on which he labored till 1850, the time of his emigration to this country ; he landed in New York, his voyage occupying forty-two days, and located in Lancaster Co., Penn., in which he lived eleven years, engaged in farming. In 1855, he was married to Susanna Douglass, by whom he has had ten children, eight of whom are living, viz., Elizabeth, Fanny, Joseph D., Anna, John, Charity, Mathias and Susanna ; Eli and Henry, deceased. In 1861, he came to this county and township, in which he has since lived. He owns 32 acres of land, which is improved with buildings, orchards, etc.; he previously owned other land, which he sold, and worked much on leased land, having lived nine years on land owned by John Haskett. Mr. Kern is a good farmer, and a gentleman who understands his business. He and his wife are members of the Evangelical Church, with which they have been connected eleven years, Mr. Kern having previously been a member of the Catholic Church, in which he was raised ; he is a gentleman who is well versed in church history, and is fully up to the times on all topics of interest. Mrs. Kern was born in Lancaster Co., Penn., in 1834. ISRAEL KESSLER, farmer ; P. 0. Troy ; born in North Carolina in the year 1808 ; is a son of John B. and Susanna Kessler ; his father was probably born in Virginia, his mother in the State of North Carolina. His grandfather, Joseph K., moved from Virginia to North Carolina, thence to this State, and settled in Montgomery. Co. John B., with his family, came at the same time, hut remained in the 834 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: above county only a short time, then removed to this county and located on the extreme west side of Monroe Township, where he lived for a nnmber of years, then moved to Troy, in which he lived till his decease, which occurred in September, 1867, aged nearly fourscore years ; his mother departed this life in 1850, aged 63 years ; to them ten children were born, five of whom are living, viz., Israel, Rebecca, Elizabeth, Susan and Rachel ; the deceased are Mary, Henry, Catherine, Anna and Samuel. Our subject was only 3 years of age at the time of his father's removal to Ohio, and, as a matter of fact, young Israel had his full share of the hardships of pioneer life to endure. Indians were plenty but peaceable, and gave the settlers no trouble. He remained with his parents on the farm, assisting them in cultivating it, till he was 22 years of age. On Dec. 2, 1830, he was married to Ruth Jenkins, by whom he had four children, one living, viz., John Q. ; the deceased are David J., James H. and Ruth. Mrs. Kessler departed this life in 1837, aged about 24 years. His second marrige was celebrated with Margaret E. Adams, July 24, 1838 ; to them one child was born, viz., Sarah H., deceased. Mrs. K'. died Sept. 7, 1844, aged 34 years. His third marriage was celebrated with Eleanor Murry June 24, 1845, by whom he had one child, viz., Mary A. Mrs. K. died April 1, 1867, aged about 60 years. His fourth and last marriage was celebrated with Anna M. (Smith) Hart March 17, 1870: By her union with Wilson C. Hart, March 15, 1849, she had four-children, one of whom is living, viz., Charles L. ; the deceased are Howard, Augusta and Mary. Mrs. K. is a daughter of Lester and Electa Smith, who were born in Connecticut, emigrated to and settled in Montgomery Co., Ohio, from which they removed to Troy, where Mr. S. died. Mrs. K. was born Jan. 29, 1827. In 1870, Mr. K. came to the place on which he now resides ; he owns 90 acres of land, which is in a high state of cultivation and well improved. He and his amiable wife are members of the Christian Church, with which they have been connected about eight years. Both were formerly members of the Presbyterian Church, in which he was a Ruling Elder for thirty years. They are every-day Christian people, and take a lively interest in the cause of religion. His paternal great-grandfather, with his brother, emigrated from Germany, and upon their arrival in Philadelphia were sold to Pennsylvania planters to pay their passage, and as Joseph was young, he had to serve three years longer than common, on account of his inability to do manual labor. His maternal great- grandfather, Fess, was also born in Germany, and the probability is that he was so to pay his passage. Jacob Fess, grandfather to our subject, was a soldier during the Revolutionary war. Grandfather Kessler was robbed of all his property by the British soldiers. JOHN W. KESSLER, farmer ; P. 0. West Milton ; was born in this township in the year 1836 ; and his father, Henry, was born in this county in 1811 ; his mother, Sarene, was born in the State of Virginia in the year 1815 ; they were married in 1835, and were parents of twelve children, nine of whom are living, viz., John W., David A., Mary A., now Mrs. Buffington ; Susan E., now Mrs. Pearson ; Thomas J. Michael N., Martin S., Rebecca E,, now Mrs. Eishart ; and Chas. W. ; the deceased are James D. and two infants ; his father lived a long and eventful life within a mile of his birthplace, his departure from life occurring Jan. 12, 1878 ; his grandparents, both on the maternal and paternal sides, came to Ohio in a very early day ; Grandfather John Kessler entered, upon his arrival here, about 1,000 acres of land, and soon after returned to his native South, but the love of freedom and the productive soil of Ohio influenced his return to. this county, in which he lived till his decease, which occurred in September, 1866 ; he was a very liberal man, and his vast wealth was generously lavished on worthy institutions, giving to the Methodist Episcopal Church in Troy about $40,000, and to the Delaware College about $15,000, besides giving his children good homes and money ; he was one of the, first Justices in the township, and a very prominent man. On March 31, 1858, our subject was married to Harriet Puterbaugh ; to them nine children have been born, six of whom are living, viz., Dora M., Sarah A., George P., Henry C., Charley L. and Ira 6. ; the deceased are Owen E., aged 19 years ; Lulu M., UNION TOWNSHIP - 835 aged 3 months ; and Anna M., aged 2 years. After his marriage, he settled on 82 acres, where he has since resided ; he is no political aspirant, but has held some of the offices of the township ; he is a member of the Christian Church, with which he has been connected ,sixteen years, and an exemplary Christian gentleman, taking a lively interest in the church, and a zealous worker in the cause ; Mrs. K. is ,a daughter of George Puterbaugh, of Parke Co. DAVID A. KESSLER, farmer ; P. 0. West Milton ; born in this township in the year 1839 ; is a son of Henry and Sarena Kessler. Our subject was reared on his father's farm, where he labored till his 21st year ; in 1859, he was married to Lydia C. Pearce, by whom he has eight children, all living, viz., Sarah J., now Mrs Lemuel Younce; Gainor H., Charley E., Sarena E., Della A., David D., Marcellus and George F.; Mrs. Kessler is a daughter of Gainor and Jane Peirce ; her mother is dead, but her father is living and resides in West Milton, being one of the prom inent and influential men of the township. After his marriage, Mr. Kessler carried on his father-in-law's farm for eight years ; afterward, he purchased 72 acres of land, on which he now resides; his land is all in a good state of cultivation. an well improved, tieing the reward of his industry and good management ; in offices he has held his full share, having served as Trustee for eight years, and is the pres ent incumbent, and also held the office of School Director for many years. He and his wife are members of the Christian Church, with which they have been con nected for ten years ; both are exemplary Christian people ; she was born in 1839 W. W. KESSLER, teacher and liveryman, West Milton ; born in Randolph Township, Montgomery Co., in the year 1833 ; is a son of Samuel S. and Margare Kessler ; his father was born in North Carolina in 1804, and, with his parents, camp to Ohio in 1811 and settled in Montgomery Co.; our subject's great-grandfathe was born in Switzerland, and was sold to pay his passage ; Joseph M. Kessler, grand father to W. W., entered land upon his arrival in Ohio, and lived on it until hi dease, which occurred when at an advanced age ; he was the father of twelve children, six sons and six daughters, of whom only two are living—Benjamin an Jonathan. In 1836, Samuel, father of W. W., removed to Miami Co., purchase( 160 acres of land, and lived upon it till 1849 ; afterward, he resided in variou places in the county, and finally purchased 72 acres just west of West Milton, upon which he lived till his death ; they were the parents of four children, two of whom are living—Wm. W. and Fannie (now Mrs. Axtell) ; the deceased are John am Mary ' - Mr. Kessler departed this life in the 68th year of his age. W. W.'s early boyhood days were spent on the farm ; he attended, every year, the usual three months, school ; in the intervals between terms he was employed on the farm, on which he remained with his father until he attained his majority, when he begat life for himself ; he had, while in school, improved his time fitting himself for th duties of a teacher, and in 1856 he entered upon the profession which he has sine successfully discharged ; in 1878, he stocked a livery barn in West Milton, whic contrails a number of fine turnouts, and is attended by his son Frank, who know how to conduct an establishment of this kind. His first marriage was celebrate with Martha Hale in 1857 ; she was a daughter of Tilly and Mary Hale ; to then two children were born—Frank and Clara ; Mrs. Kessler died in 1872, aged 3 years. His second marriage was celebrated in 1874 with Sallie D. McCollough, daughter of Lysander-and Eleanor McCollough, who are natives of Baltimore Co Md.; in 1842, they came to Ohio and settled near the falls of Ludlow, but, o account of the climate, were obliged to return to Maryland, where they now reside they are the parents Of eight children, seven of whom are living—Sallie, William, Martha, Maria, Clara, Nellie and Vinton - the deceased, Frank, spent three yea' in Milton, and while here was in the employ of Isaac Hale ; in February, 1878, h went to Iowa, where he died very suddenly, the May followmg, from cerebro-spinal meningitis ; his remains were taken to Maryland for interment ; he was 25 years of age, and universally beloved and respected by all who knew him. WILLIAM H. KESSLER, M. D., West Milton ; born in Monroe Townshi Jan. 13, 1839 ; was raised to farm labor until 21 years of age, during which dm 836 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: he obtained a good common-school education ; he then attended school two years in Tippecanoe City, after which he engaged in teaching and the study of medicine until July, 1862. Then he enlisted in the 94th 0. V. I., and went forward to battle for the Union, participating in fourteen hard-fought battles ; he was with Sherman on his march through G eOrgia to the sea, thence north through the Carolinas and Richmond to Washington ; after the grand review of the army, he returned to Camp Dennison and was mustered out as Sergeant in July, 1865. He then commenced the study of medicine with Dr. Jennings ; in 1869, he entered the Buffalo Medical College, New York, and in the spring of 1870, graduated from the College of Medicine and Surgery, at Cincinnati ; he at once located at West Milton, where he has built up a large and lucrative practice. He married Lydia A. Crutty in 1860, and has one child, Althea M. now living. WILLIAM B. KESSLER, farmer ; P. O. West Milton ; born in Montgomery Co., Ohio, in the year 1824 ; is a son of Henry and Elizabeth (Hart) Kessler, his father a native of Virginia, and his mother of Pennsylvania ; they removed to and settled in Montgomery Co., in which they lived a number of years, then came to this county and took up their abode for awhile ; removed to near Little Rock, Ark., and finally back to Southern Indiana, in which State his mother died, aged about 40 years ; after her death, his father came to this county, and lived till his death, which occurred at the age of 72 or 73 years ; they were parents of six children, three of whom are living, viz., Melinda, Wm. B. and Henry ; the deceased are Joseph, John and Cyrus ; his father's first marriage was with a Miss Fetten, by whom he had four children, three living, viz., Nancy, Lucinda and Sarah ; Mary deceased ; his third marriage was celebrated with Elizabeth Rublia, by whom he had one child, Amanda ; his fourth marriage was with Nancy Robinson, by whom he had one child, a son, Franklin. Our subject was reared on the farm, on which he labored until he was 19 years of age, at which time he was in Indiana, but returned to this county and worked as a hand on the farm for about four years, after which he learned the shoemaker's trade, which he followed for several years. In 1846, he was married to Mary Albaugh ; they had eight children, seven of whom are living, viz., Clara, Calvin, Cyrus, Walter, Aaron, William and Samuel ; Susanna, deceased. After his marriage, he continued at his trade, and, in a small way, did something at farming. In 1847, he came to the place on which he now resides ; it was only partly improved but, by dint of hard labor, he has cleared up and subdued his land, besides erecting good, comfortable and substantial buildings ; he also owns the old Albaugh homestead, which contains 80 acres ; this, in connection with the other, makes him the possessor of 182 3/4 acres of fine land ; his wife is a daughter of Samuel and Anna Albaugh, who were among the early pioneers of this county; Mr. Kessler is one of our self-made men, having begun life empty handed, and, with slight assistance, he has by energy and frugality, combined with good management, amassed a fine property, the fruit of honest toil. Mrs. K. is a member of the Christian Church, and an exemplary Christian woman. SAMUEL KESSLER, deceased ; was born in South Carolina in 1804, and removed with his parents to Miami Co. in 1809 ; his father, Joseph Kessler, was born in Pennsylvania, as was his wife ; they emigrated to South Carolina, and soon after to Ohio, as above stated ; they were the parents of eleven children, of whom only two are living, viz., Benjamin and Jonathan. For sixty-six years our subject continuously lived in this county, and, when not actively engaged in manual labor, gave the farm his supervision ; he was not a very robust man, but bore all the ills of the flesh, and the hardships incident to pioneer life, with heroism ; at the advanced age of 68 years he was gathered to his fathers, having lived a well-spent life, and leaving to the surviving members of his family a memory that will ever be cherished. He married, May 21, 1829, Margaret (Porter) Siler, a daughter of James and Anna Porter, natives of Tennessee, who removed to Ohio in 1808 or 1809 ; Mr. Porter died in St. Joe, Mo., aged 63 years ; Mrs. Porter departed this life in Miami Co., aged 51 years ; they were the parents of nine children, who lived to grow up to man's and woman's estate ; of these only five are left, viz., John, Alex- UNION TOWNSHIP - 837   ander, Adeline, Martha and Margaret. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Kessler four children were given, of whom two are living, viz., William and Frances ; the deceased are Mary (Mrs. Hickman) and John H. Mrs. Kessler was previously married to Henry Siler in October, 1826 ; to this marriage one child was given, viz., Maria, now Mrs. William Hall ; Mr. Siler was born in 1804 and died in 1827; Mrs Kessler was born in 1806. Frances was united in marriage with Samuel P. Axtell, Aug. 10, 1875 ; to their union two children have been given, viz., Leo Ray, born Dec. 29, 1877, and Thomas Maurice, born March 10, 1879. Mr. Axtell was born July 14, 1846 ;Mrs. Axtell was born Jan. 26, 1848. Mrs. Hickman left an infant child, Mary J., who was adopted by her grandmother, Mrs. Kessler, and has lived with her ever since.   AMOS KLEPINGER, farmer and carpenter ; P. 0. West Milton ; born in Montgomery Co., Ohio, in the year 1831; is a son of John and Elizabeth (Boyer) Klepinger ; his father was born in Pennsylvania, his mother in Virginia. Mr. John Klepinger with his parents, came to Ohio and settled in the above county in 1808, in which they now reside ; they were parents of nine children, all living, viz., Amos, Frank, Newton, Samuel, Harvy, Oliver, John, Matilda and Harriet. Amos was reared on the farm, and remained with his father till he was 18 years old, then began learning the carpenter's trade, which he followed extensively for about seven years, then took up farming again. In 1853, he was married to Magdalene Ruse, by whom he has had ten children, nine of whom are living; viz., 'Charley M., Sarah B., John C., Frank R., Cynthia A., Jesse T., Cora E., Jeannette and Mary ; Clara deceased. In 1864, he purchased 80 acres of land, on which he now resides, and has since added by purchase, till now he owns 95 acres, which is all in a good state of cultivation and fairly improved ; he has paid considerable attention to his trade, and many fine buildings bear witness to his skill ; Mr. Klepinger is one of our self-made men, having begun life without capital, and with only slight assistance he has made a good home and is surrounded by all the comforts of life. He and his wife are members of the German Baptist Church, with which they have been connected upward of twenty years ; both are exemplary people, and are much interested in he cause of Christ. The parents of Mrs. Klepinge,r John and Sarah Ruse, are deceased ; they were parents of eight living children viz., Elizabeth, Eve, Lydia, Jesse, Susan, Mary, Phoebe and Magdalene.   HARVEY KLEPINGER, farmer ; P. 0. Potsdam; born in Montgomery Co., Ohio, in the year 1842 ; is a son of John and Elizabeth Klepinger ; he was born in the State of Pennsylvania, she in Maryland. They emigrated to and settled in Montgomery Co. in which they now live. He was born in the year 1802, she about 1810. They were parents of nine children, all living, viz., Amos, Franklin, Newton, Matilda, H. A., Samuel, Harvey, John and Oliver. Harvey was reared on the farm, on which he labored until he obtained his majority, after which he began life on his own responsibility and engaged in farming. He was a member of Co. K, 179th 0. V. I., serving till the close of the war ; discharged in 1865. In 1870, he was married to Sarah J. Hyer, by whom he has had four children, viz., Hattie M., William A Dora B. and Rollin. In 1872, he moved to the place where he now resides. He owns 80 acres of land, which is all in fine condition, and well improved. His education was received in the district schools, in which he fitted himself to discharge the duties which attach to life. His estimable wife is a member of the German Baptist Church, and is a"., daughter of Moses and Rebecca (Stoner) Hyer, who reside in Montgomery Co. They are the parents of four children, three of whom are living, viz., Amos, Sarah J. and Susanna ; Willis, deceased. His wife was born in 1850.   JACOB KREIDER, farmer ; P. 0. Potsdam ; born in Lebanon Co., Penn., in the year 1836 ; is a son of Peter and Catherine Kreider, who were natives of Pennsylvania, in which they lived. His father died in 1844, aged 42 years ; his mother was born in 1808 and is still living, as, also, is her mother, who is 90 years of age. They were the parents of eight children, four of whom are living, viz., Jacob, Joseph, Catherine and Eliza ; the deceased are Sarah, Mary, Henry, and one in infancy.   838 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES :   Our subject was reared on the farm in Pennsylvania, where he labored till he was 19 years of age, at which time he removed to Montgomery Co., Ohio, where he lived two years, employed on the farm as a "hand ;" he then came to this county, and engaged in farming on his own responsibility. In 1859, he married Elizabeth, Hoke, by whom he had three children, viz., Susanna and Mary (twins) and Elias. Mrs. Kreider departed this life in 1862, aged 25 years. His second marriage was celebrated with Eliza Spitler, Nov. 14, 1865, by whom he has had five children, viz., Willie, Cora E., 011ie E., Lola B. and Charley. Mrs. Kreider is a daughter of the well-known John Spitler, whose sketch appears in this work. Mr. Kreider has followed the fortunes of the farm all his life, and for twenty years has resided in this county ; he owns 75 acres of land, which is all in a good state of cultivation, and handsomely improved with more than ordinary buildings. He is one of our self-made men, in the broadest sense which the term implies, having begun life with only small capital. He invested in a steam saw-mill, which was destroyed by fire, involving him in a loss of $2,000. His farm and stock are the fruit of his own hard labor and good management.   BENJAMIN LANGSTON, farmer ; P. 0. West Milton ; born on the place on which he now lives Jan. 16, 1829 ; is a son of Leonard and Frances (Christ) Langston ; his early boyhood days were spent on the farm, but his father paid rather more attention to• educating his children than was common with early settlers ; April 11, 1848, he left home to learn the carpenter's trade, his worldly possessions consisting of two suits of home-spun and 25 cents in money ; he labored hard at his trade during the summer, and when winter drew her icy curtains round, and the shivering blasts of the north wind whistled through the chinks of the old log schoolhouse, Benjamin occupied a seat therein, and strove with might and main to penetrate the misty depths of knowledge, which was so difficult to delve down into in those days ; in March, 1850, he began practicing his trade on his own account, which he continued in until March, 1851. March 29 of the same year, he was married to Rebecca Wheelock, a daughter of Lyman Wheelock, an old settler, who died Nov. 25, 1850 ; our subject has adopted and reared one daughter Rosella ; also adopted and partially reared four others, viz., John Westfall, E. G. Langston, M. Pearson, deceased, and Geo. W. Beck ; the latter, however, only remained with him from his 16th year until he was 19 years old ; Mr. Langston worked on leased land till March, 1853, at which time he purchased the old homestead farm for the sum of $2,300, paying $1,000 down ; here he remained until August, 1860, when he sold his personal effects, moved to the Brush Creek settlement and, during the years 1861, 1862 and 1863, worked at his trade and discharged the duties of some of the township offices ; in November, 1863, he returned to his farm, and May 2, 1864, was called on by Gov. Brough to accept a Second Lieutenantcy in Co. D, 147 0. N. G., which was soon transferred to the scenes of war, and placed in charge of Fort Ethan Allen, which was situated in Virginia, near Washington ; his regiment participated in the battle before Fort Stevens, July 12, 1864 ; his time was occupied in usual garrison duty style, having charge of the company a portion of the time ; he was mustered out at Camp Dennison, Aug. 30, 1864 ; the home-guard companies were continued, of one of which he was elected Captain in July, 1865 ; he was mustered from the service of the State May 2, 1866, by ,proclamation of the Adjutant General of Ohio, thus ending his military career. Upon his return home he resumed his labors on the farm ; he owns 83 acres of land, which is finely improved and in a high state of cultivation ; Oct. 8, 1878, he was elected one of the County Infirmary Directors, which position he now holds ; he and his estimable wife have been members of the Christian Church since August, 1851, and are exemplary Christian people ; he is, and has been, an earnest worker in the cause of Sabbath schools, as well as a powerful champion in the cause of temperance ; he has been remarkably healthy, never paying but $2 to a physician, with the exception of one case—a chronic complaint, which was completely eradicated by Dr. A. E. Duncan, of Yellow Springs ; Mr. Langston has traveled exten-   UNION TOWNSHIP - 839   sively, having been over eleven different States, and ;visited many of the large cities in the Union.   DAVID LANGSTON, farmer ; P. O. West Milton ; born in this township Aug. 16, 1834; is a son of Leonard and Frances (Christ) Langston ; his father was born in Georgia, his mother in Maryland ; they came to Ohio in 1807, and left their, native home in a two-wheeled vehicle, but, while crossing the mountains, the cart broke down, which necessitated its abandonment ; their earthly effects were transferred to the backs of their steeds, as were also grandmother and the children, who were unable to endure the fatigue of travel, while grandfather, rifle in hand, made the entire journey on foot ; they first settled in Preble Co., in which they lived for awhile, then removed to this township, in which he entered 160 acres of land in Sec. 17 ; while on a return trip to Preble Co., the wolves made a raid on his flock of sheep, and devoured every one; they were the second lot of sheep brought to the township ; a Mr. Duncan had brought a few previously ; he moved his family into a cabin, and began the great labor of clearing ; he was without means, having spent the last shilling for tobacco, when he crossed the Ohio River ; his rifle was his support, supplying both food and raiment ; he was a great hunter, and the crack of his rifle was never heard but what some inhabitant of the forest would fall a victim to his prowess and unerring aim. They were the parents of eight children, seven daughters and a son. Grandfather L. died in the spring of 1840, aged 60 years ; his wife died at the advanced age of 96 years ; to her descendants she used to describe scenes of the Revolutionary war, in which she had carried water to the famished soldiers who were worn with fatigue, or the more unfortunate ones who were burning with fever, caused either by gaping wounds or the malaria which arose from pestilential swamps. Peace be to the ashes of these veteran pioneers. They have done a good work ; like the gladiators of the arena, they bared their arms for the conflict, and, with measured strokes, hewed their way into the heart of a wilderness, in whose winding labyrinths perils of every nature met them at each advancing step. David's father is living, and resides in Darke Co.; they are the parents of ten children, of whom all are living but one, Leonard ; the living are Benjamin N., John C., Martha, David, Henry C., Mary A., Hannah E., Jesse S. and Parolee ; Leonard was a member of the 8th O. V. C., and was one of the daring and successful spies and scouts of the Union forces, who did so much for the success of our armies ; he was frequently with the enemy in disguise and was one of them, so far as he could further, his purpose. In one instance, he was taken prisoner by our own men, and would have suffered death, had not his brother recognized him ; the blood of the boys was up, and they would listen to no explanation he might make, thinking they had caught a spy, and were bound to have an execution ; he passed through every danger incident to his calling, and was, in November, 1864, decoyed by a company of the enemy who were dressed in blue uniform, and flying the stars and stripes ; upon discovering their true character, he refused to surrender, knowing death would be his portion if he did, made the attempt to cut his way out, and, after slaying their Captain and others of the party, he himself was shot, and soon after died from the effects of the terrible wounds he received. His remains were brought home and interred in the cemetery on Greenville Creek. Our subject was drilled for two years in the Covington Blues, after which he was appointed drillmaster m the 11th Ohio, assigned to Co. E, and given a Sergeant's commission. He was afterward 2d Lieutenant of Co. B, 110th 0. V. I., and still later was promoted to 1st Lieutenant, which he held till sickness compelled his resignation. Word of his decease was taken to his regiment. The Chaplain summoned the boys, and David's funeral sermon was preached in good earnest. Upon his return to health, he was given the commission of a 1st Lieutenant, in Co. G-, 147th Regiment, 100-day men, in which he served his time ; he was in the engagement at Ft. Stevens ; the commanding officer was suddenly taken sick (?), and the command devolved upon David ; he was discharged from the service of his country in September, 1864. His first marriage was celebrated with Rachel Hyer, in March, 1857, by whom he had   840 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES   one child, viz., Daniel W. Mrs. Langston died Jan. 2, 1.860. His second marriage was celebrated with Lucy Slade, April 7, 1864. He owns 26 acres of land, which is in a good state of cultivation and well improved. Mr. and Mrs. Langston belong to the Christian Church. ,Four of his brothers were in the army during the late war ; John was Captain. of Co. E, 11th 0. V. I. afterward Captain of Co. B, 44th 0. V. I., and was mounted at Lewisburg May 23, 1862. Benjamin was 1st Lieutenant of Co. D, 147th Regiment, 100-day men. Henry was a member of Co. D, 147th 0. N. G., and Jesse served three years in the 110th.   BENJAMIN LONGANECKER, farmer ; P. 0. Potsdam ; he was born in what is now Juniata Co., Penn., in 1817 ; his parents, Henry and Anna (Hart) Longenecker, were also born in the same State ; there they were married, and in the year 1834, removed to and settled in Newton Township, this county, on 160 acres of land, on which they resided till their decease ; his father died Oct. 1, 1872, aged 81 years 3 months and 11 days ; his mother departed this life Dec. 25, 1863, aged 69 years 11 months and 14 days ; they were parents of ten children, seven of whom are living, viz., Benjamin, David, Henry, Sarah, Anna, Fanny and Susan ; the deceased are Esther, Isaac and Elizabeth. Our subject was reared on the farm, assisting in its cultivation until he was 24 years of age, and then began learning the smith's trade, which he followed about twelve years. Dec. 13 1838, he was married to Rebecca Welbaum ; they have had six children, five of Whom are living, viz., Sarah A., Jeremiah., Samuel, Joseph and Henry (twins); one died m infancy ; Mrs. Longenecker departed this life July 26, 1848, aged 31 years 6 months and '9 days. His second marriage was celebrated with Magdalene Welbaum, April 4, 1850 ; they have eight children, viz., Caroline, Susanna, Ephraim, Davis, Ezra, Harvey, Ella and Willie ; Mrs. Longenecker was born Nov. 1, 1825, and is a daughter of Abraham Welbaum, who came from Pennsylvania and settled here at an early day ; he died Sept. 24, 1863, aged 60 years 6 months and 12 days ; her mother, Rebecca, is now the wife of Emanuel Martin ; to Mrs. L.'s. parents eleven children were born,- eight of whom are living-Magdalene, Lydia, Fanny, Eve, William, Joseph, Levi and Rebecca ; the deceased are Barbara, Obadiah and Amos ; his first wife was a daughter of Charles and Elizabeth Welbaum, whose sketch appears in this work under the head of Jacob Welbaum ; after he abandoned the shop, he settled on the place on which he now resides, which was in March, 1856 ; he owns 310 acres of land, 70 of which is situated in Newberry Township ; the land is all in a good state of cultivation and well improved ; his buildings on the home farm are of more than ordinary character ; a large house and commodious barn, with their pleasant surroundings, make his home a very attractive place ; he has held some of the offices of the township, of which we mention School Director, Supervisor, etc. Mr. and Mrs. Longenecker are members of the German Baptist Church, he having been connected with it for a period of forty years, and is one of the Deacons of the church ; she has been a member for twenty-six years ; both are Christian people and take great interest in the welfare of the church ; his children-Joseph, Henry, Sarah, Caroline and Susanna-belong to the same church ; Samuel is a minister in the Christian Church and resides in Frederickstown, this county.   W. J. MAST, dealer in lightning rods, West Milton ; was born in Montgomery Co., Ohio, Feb. 13, 1825 ; his father Absalom Mast, was born in Randolph Co., N. C., in 1796. David Mast, father of Absalom, was probably born in Lancaster Co., Penn., in 1761, and removed with his parents to the Newberry District, N. C., where he was reared, and from which he removed to Ohio in the spring of 1831. They were parents of the following children, all deceased, viz., Obedience (Mrs. John Quilling, who gave birth to the first white child born north of Dayton), Rebecca (Mrs. David Sheets), Sarah (Mrs. Solomon Waymire), Nancy (Mrs. Yount) and Absalom. The latter was married to Mary Johnn, of Montgomery Co., in the year 1818, by whom he had ten children, six of whom, are living, viz., Elizabeth, Johnson P., Wesley J., Cynthia A., Asher C. and Mary J. The deceased are Harriet, David, Madison and Arabella. Mary Johnn, wife of Absalom Mast, was born in Lancaster Co., Penn., in 1799, and with her parents came to Ohio and settled on   UNION TOWNSHIP - 841   Wolf Creek, in Montgomery Co., in 1810 ; she died Aug. 23, 1846. In an early day, Absalom Mast had command of a Light Horse Company, of which he was Captain. He was a good horseman and a lover of the equine race. He died at the residence of his son, Asher C., Dec. 15, 1877. Our subject was reared on the farm, laboring for his father till his 21st year, when he opened a hotel in West Milton, which he conducted for ten years, after which he dealt extensively in stock, and was also proprietor of a livery stable. In 1859, he abandoned these pursuits and turned his attention to the lightning-rod business, and since 1870 has given his full attention to this business. Jnly 7, 1847, he was married to Sarah, daughter of Burrell Pickering. They have four children, Josephine (now Mrs. Will H. Frink), Georgiana (now Mrs. Benson Mote), Fordney and Lewis L.)   ELIZA MENDENHALL, retired, West Milton ; born in Virginia in the year 1809 ; is a daughter of John and Elizabeth Garber. Her father was born in the State of Pennsylvania ; her mother in Maryland ; they removed to and settled in Ohio, in which State they lived till their decease ; he died at the age of 76 years, she in the 74th year of her age. They were parents of seven children, four of whom are living, viz., Jacob, who resides in Menard Co., Ill.; Nancy ; Mary, now Mrs. Moshier ; and our subject. The deceased are Christian, Catherine McCool nee Garber, and one in infancy. Her grandfather was born in Germany, and was 3 years old when his parents came to this country. Mrs. Mendenhall has been twice married ; first, to David Syler, in 1829, by whom she had four children, two of whom are living, viz., Milton and Susan ; the deceased are John and Joseph. Mr. Syler departed this life in 1835, aged 34 years. Her second marriage was celebrated with Thaddens Mendenhall in 1840. To them four children were born, one of whom is living, viz., Priscilla ; the deceased are Angeline, Thaddeus and Emily Mr. Mendenhall died in 1846, aged 45 years ; was born in North Carolina in 1801 and is connected with the Mendenhalls whose very interesting sketch appears in this work. Mary Garber was married to David Pearson in 1838, by whom she had one child-Milton, deceased. Mr. Pearson died July 12, 1840, aged 24 years Her second marriage was celebrated, in 1844, with Peter Moshier ; to them five children were born, all of them deceased, viz., William, Eliza A., Mary C., Elmira and Elizabeth. Eliza and Nancy are members of the Christian Church, of more than 30 years, standing, and are exemplary Christian ladies, taking much interest in the cause. Their sister, Mary, is a member of the Methodist Epfscopal Church, and like her sisters, has been a long worker in the vineyard of the Lord. Mrs. Menden hall owns 76k- acres of land, all well improved, thus making her a comfortable home in which to enjoy her declining years. Her sisters, Nancy and Mary, were burn& out on the 10th of April, 1880. They are now erecting a new home on the site o the old one. Mary was born in Virginia in 1815 ; Nancy, her sister, in the same State in the year 1812.   JACOB T. MILES, physician and surgeon, Laura' "born in Newton Township h the year 1845 ; is a son of Wade and Mary Miles. His father was born in this county his mother in the State of Indiana ; his father died in 1855, aged 35 or 36 years ; hi mother was born about the same year, and departed this life at the age of 30 years They were the parents of eight children, of whom five are living, viz., Abijah W. Sarah, Charity, Vachti and Jacob T.; the deceased are Jane, Naomi, and one h infancy. His boyhood days were spent on the farm ; and, at the age of 18, h, enlisted m Co. K, of the 86th 0. V. I. ; his regiment was in the Army of the Ten nessee, under Burnside's command. While on a scout in Western Virginia, h received a wound m the right knee, which deprives the Doctor of the free use of hi limb ; he also lost one eye while in the service, from the effects of small-pox ; after his return home, he studied and taught school until 1870, at which time he begs] the study of medicme under Dr. A. E. Duncan, who is a very able physician ; unde his instructions he read medicine four years, then entered the Cincinnati Colleg of Medicine and Surgery, studying in the classes of 1873-74 and graduating fror the class of 1875 ; he returned to Laura, in which place he began the practice o medicine, since when he has built up a large and increasing practice. His   842 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES :   marriage with Susan Coate was celebrated in 187.3, by whom he has had two children, viz., Harry L. and Mary R. Mrs. Miles is a daughter of Elijah Coate, who was born in this county, in which he lived until 1860, then removed to Indiana, where he has labored mach in the ministry. Mrs. M. is an exemplary member of the Christian Church, and a consistent Christian woman.   DAVID MILLER, farmer ; P. O. West Milton ; he was born in Montgomery Co. in 1813, and is a son of Michael and Sarah Miller ; his father was born elose to the Pennsylvania and Maryland line ; his mother was reared in Clermont Co., Ohio ; Michael, with his parents, went to Kentucky when he was only 10 years old, in which State they remained seven years, then crossed the river and took up their abode in Clermont Co., in which they lived some time ; they then went to Montgomery Co., Ohio, in which they lived till their decease ; his father died at the age of 74, his mother, when 46 years of age ; they were the parents of twelve children, nine of whom are living, viz., John, David, Jacob, Michael, Daniel, Abraham, Benjamin, Andrew and Aaron ; the deceased are Joseph, Mary and Nancy ; by his second mariage, with Elizabeth Brumbaugh, he had ten children, six of whom are living, viz., Emanuel, Sarah, Elizabeth, Isaac, Esther and Solomon; the deceased are Catherine, Susan, Lydia and Samuel. When the old homestead was sold, eighteen children and one son-in-law were present. Our subject was reared on the farm, on which he labored until he was of age, at which time he began life for himself, and worked as a day laborer, in which way he made enough to purchase the land whereon he now resides. In 1839, he married Nancy Longenecker ; to them ten children were born, nine of whom are living, viz., Sarah E., John A., Mary A., Frances, Michael, gamuel, Mahala, Isaac and Catherine, and David, deceasea, Mrs. Miller died in 1862, aged 43 years 8 months and 14 days. His second marriage was celebrated with Elizabeth Falknor in 1862, who died in 1877, when upward of 60 years of age. His third marriage was celebrated with Catherine Bowser in 1877 ; in 1840, he settled on the place on which he now resides, and at that time his land was all in the woods; he has made it what it is; a beautify place, well cultivated and improved ; Mr. Miller began the struggle with the worlu empty handed and from his father's estate received only a small portion he and his wife are members of the German Baptist Church, with which they have been connected many years, and are every-day Christian people. His deceased wives were also members of the same denomination, and died relying fully upon the promises of their blessed Savior ; his children, John, Sarah E. Mary A. and Michael, are also members of the same church, which affords their aged father much satisfaction. Mrs. Miller was born May 12, 1816 ; she is a daughter of John and Anna Long ; he died in 1870, she in Pennsylvania, in the year 1825 ; they were the parents of seven children, four living, viz., Peter, Abraham, Elizabeth and Catherine ; the deceased are David, Isaac and John. Mrs. M. was married to Henry Bowser, in 1836, by whom she had six children, viz., Mary, Elizabeth, John, Catherine, Matilda and William ; Mr. Bowser died in 1874, aged 64 years 1 month and 15 days ; he was born in 1810 ; all of her children are members of the German Baptist Church.   JOHN A. MILLER, farmer ; P. O. West Milton ; born in this township in the year 1844 ; is a son of David Miller, whose sketch appears in this work. He was reared on the farm, on which he labored for his father till his 21st year, when he began life for himself, and continued farming on leased land. He lived on the farm belonging to D. M. Coat for fifteen years. In 1864, he was married to Sarah J. Fortner, by whom he has had nine children, seven of whom are living, viz., Mary B., Charles, Ella, Maggie, Harry, Claude and Loren; the deceased are Laura, aged 7 months, and Anna, at about the same age. Mrs. M. is a daughter of John and Elizabeth Fortner, who were among the early settlers of this county ; both deceased. She was born here in 1844. They are members of the German Baptist Church, with which they have been connected twelve years, and are consistent Christian people, and endeavor to discharge every Christian duty.   UNION TOWNSHIP - 643   JOHN H. MILLER, farmer and thresher ; P. O. West Milton ; born in Berkeley Co., Va., in 1823 ; is a son of Zechariah and Mary Miller, who were born in tle same State in which they were married. In 1835, they emigrated to Ohio, and settled in this township, in which they made a permanent home. He is still living at the advanced age of 79 years ; his mother departed this life in 1863, aged 62 or 63 years. They were parents of five children, all living, viz., John H., Elizabeth J. Jacob, Maria and George N. ; John H. was reared on the farm, his early boy- hood days being spent in a manner incident to youth, remaining with his father until he attained his majority, after which he engaged in cabinet-making, which he followed for awhile. His health becoming poor he abandoned the work, and began carpentering, which he followed seven years. In 1852, he was married to Maria A. Fennel, by whom he had two children, one living, viz., Mary F. ; Jennie, deceased. Mrs. M. is a daughter of Hugh and Rachel Pennel, who were residents of Cass Co. In the winter of 1852, he came to the place on which he now resides ; he owns 77 acres of good land, on which are erected excellent buildings. He has been extensively engaged in thrashing for a number of years, and is the oldest thresher in the county, having followed it for thirty years, always giving his Atrons satisfaction, by doing a No. 1 job. He and his wife have been members of the Christian Church for twenty years. Mrs. M. was born in Ohio in the year 1830. Their daughter, Mary F., is the wife of George W. Beck, who resides near, and is one of the educators of the county.   JACOB MILLER, undertaker, and dealer in furniture West Milton, ; is another of the old settlers of Miami Co. ; he was born in Virginia, in 1826, and is a son of Zechariah Miller, who is a native of the same State, and was born in 1801 ; he removed to this county with his family in the fall of the year 1832, and is yet a resident of the county. His wife was born in 1802 and departed this life in the year of our Lord 1866 ; they were the parents of five children, who are all living. Our subject's boyhood days were spent on the farm, where he assisted his father in cultivating it until his 20th year, when he began to serve an apprenticeship in the carpenter trade in this village ; he labored twelve years here, and then returned to the farm after his mother's death, so as to make his father a home ; here he remained for twelve years, when he returned to West Milton and engaged in the manufacturing of furniture in connection, he does a general undertaking trade ; his business relations in Miami Co. cover a period of forty years and by fair dealing he has won the confidence of the people, who give him a liberal patron- age. His first marriage was celebrated with Sarah Worts in 1848 ; they have one child, viz., Anna M., now Mrs. A. J. Pearson ; Mrs. Miller departed this life in 1853, aged about 30 years. Mr. Miller's second marriage was celebrated with Mary Pennel in 1855 ; two children are the fruits of their union, viz., Ida M. and Edgar P. ; the former deceased, aged 18 months. He owns 60 acres of fine land in the country, which is in a good state of cultivation ; also owns a fine property in the village of West Milton. He and his amiable wife are members of the Christian Church of fifteen years' standing.   HENRY H. MORSE, farmer; P. O. West Milton ; born in Bennington Co., Vt., in 1815 ; is a son of John and Abigail (Himes) Morse ; the former was born in the State of Connecticut, and removed with his father, Noah Morse, to Vermont, in a very early day. Jedidiah, a brother of Noah, was the author of the first school geography, and the electrician S. F. B. Morse was a relative of our subject. His parents made Vermont their home ; there they reared their family ; there they died, and there their bodies were consigned to the tomb ; his mother lived to see fourscore and ten years ; they were the parents of ten children, of whom only three are left, viz., Nancy, Denier and Henry ; the rest died of consumption, as did their father. Henry's boyhood days were spent on the farm, assisting in its cultivation ; he grappled with the heavy tasks to be found ; in 1850, he removed to Montgomery Co., Ohio, where he engaged in school-teaching, in the vicinity .ol Dayton; here he labored for some years, after which he moved to Monroe Township, in Darke Co., where he purchased 120 acres of land, on which he lived fox   344 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES   ten or eleven years, and taught two terms of school in Miami Co.; selling this land, he removed to the place where he now resides, in 1862 ; he has 108 acres of land, which is all in a fine state of cnltivation, with good buildings erected thereon. In the year 1841, he married Miss Catherine, a daughter of Jacob Laruse. who was a resident of Montgomery Co. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Morse six children have been given, viz., Aldeba, Mary, Clara, Alice, Minerva and Laura. Mr. M.is one of our self-made men, having begun life empty-handed, but by industry and good management, coupled with frugality, he has accomplished the great object in life—made a good home—and is now enjoying the shades of retirement.   LUKE SMITH MOTE, farmer ; P. 0. West Milton ; was born Aug. 21, 1812,. in Randolph Township, Montgomery Co., Ohio ; his parents were David Mote and Miriam (Mendenhall) Mote ; they settled first in Montgomery Co. in 1811, but in 1822 moved to Miami Co. Persons bearing the surname Mote (more correctly Motte) and those in marriage connection with the family, were numerically large, and bore a conspicuous part among, the first settlers in Union Township, Miami Co., Ohio, not only in clearing out farms in the forest, but also in making up its first church and civil organizations ; the first emigrants of this name came over from England, near London, to Pennsylvania, soon after its first settlement ; they were three brothers, John, Jonathan and William ; John went into the Southern States, and settled in Northern Georgia ; William died of small-pox while in service of the Colonial army (unmarried) ; Jonathan remained m Pennsylvania, livng in Chester Co.; the early settlers in this township bearing the family name, were his descendants ; his son David, who married Dorcas Nichols, also removed to the South, and settled in Columbia Co., Ga.; they had ten children born to them, six sons and four daughters ; their names and relative ages are as follows : iMargaret, David, Rachel, Jonathan, Mary, William, John, Jeremiah, Dorcas and Jesse ; all reached adult age (except Dorcas, who died in childhood), and were married and raised up families (except David, who died in his 27th year) ; David Mote, Sr., aforesaid, or Grandfather David, as he was called, lived most of his days on the borders of civilization, where mnch wild game abounded, and therefore became very expert in the use of the rifle ; he mentioned, among other items of his experience in hunting, that he had killed two deer at a shot thirteen times, and twice he had killed three ; this expertness in the use of the rifle was apparently handed down to some of his descendants, a few of whom delighted in the chase, and could number the slain of the wild herds of the forests by the score, and even hundreds ; in person, he was of medium height, of square and rather heavy build, thoughful and given to taciturnity; he and his wife accompanied their children when they came to Ohio in 1802 ; his mental and physical faculties were little impaired as ripe age advanced, his step being elastic and his eyesight clear up to the close of life ; he died at his son John's, of gastritis, on the 4th of March, 1817, aged 84 years, being the oldest of the first emigrants in this township ; his wife, Dorcas, died the following November, in her 86th year_ As above stated, said David Mote, Sr., and his sons and daughters and their families, were of the first emigrants in these parts ; Jeremiah and William, accompanied by their father and mother, came in September, 1802, and the rest soon followed them. This part of the county being noted for its many large cold springs, which discharge their waters, tumbling over the rocks, into the time-worn gorges some fifty or sixty feet on their way to the river, affording many mill privileges, were early sought out and selected for homes and sites for mills ; Jonathan Mote took those on the farm now owned by Mrs. Thomas Vore ; he built the first brick house there on this river, north of Dayton, in 1810, which is still standing ; he died there away in April, 1839, of gastric derangement, like his father, in his 81st year ; none bearing the family name of his descendants remain in these parts. William Mote's farm adjoined his brother Jonathan's on the southwest ; John's and Jeremiah's farms were three miles directly sonth, on the Montgomery Co. line. John was a physician, and widely known as Dr. Mote the early settlers were much afflicted With ague, chills and malarial fevers, from impurities of the atmosphere caused by   UNION TOWNSHIP - 845   stagnant water and decaying timber ; he being the only doctor in these parts, his time was much taken up in administering to the sick and afflicted ; hence his large practical experience in that day ; there was a greater mortality in his family, after his children had married and settled in life, from pulmonary disease. Jeremiah was also accounted a good muse among the sick, and more of a ready writer than ordinary in that early day.; he was Clerk or Secretary of the Friends, Monthly Meeting at West Branch in its first organization, and the old church records are in his ,handwriting ; his wife was Mary Butler, a native of Durhamshire, England ; they had the following children born to them, viz., William, David, Aaron, Ann and Dorcas (twins, died in infancy), Jeremiah, Isaiah, Mary, Susanna, Sarah, Miriam, Hannah and Enoch, all of whom grew to mature age, were married and had families ; he removed to Vigo Co., Ind., where he died in 1820, aged 50 years; their sons and daughters nearly all remained and lived in that State. Daniel Motte, Jr., son of Jeremiah, married Miriam Mendenhall, daughter of Caleb and Susanna Mendenhall, and settled in Randolph Township, Montgomery Co., adjoining Miami Co.; they had five children (sons) born to them, viz., Luke Smith, Zeno, Marcus, Linus and Enos, who all grew to adult age, married and settled in life ; in 1820," he removed to Vigo Co., Ind., but, on account of malarial fevers, that attacked all the early settlers in those Western prairies, he returned to Ohio in the fall of 1822, and settled in this township ; he was a prominent member of the old Friends' Church at West Branch, as its records show ; he lived on a farm, but had a carpenter shop, being handy with tools ; he made house fnrniture, worked part of his time at the carpenter's trade and in the machine-shop, setting up machinery for woolen-mills ; he taught, also, his eldest boys the use of tools ; hence they always had employment enough in rough weather in his shop ; he often spoke of the disadvantages he labored under by lack of more literary knowledge ; very few of the early settlers had any opportunity for school learning, save in the common rudiments ; he profited by what little he did get, and was accounted competent to teach some of the early schools, and was careful that his children should have better educational advantages than he had; died at his own homestead, adjoin- ing the church lot at West Branch, Sept. 23, 862, in the 70th year of his age ; three of his sons live in that vicmity. Luke Smith, the eldest, married Charity Jones, daughter of Elisha Jones, from South Carolina, in October, 1834 ; their children are Elisha J., Arenah E., William Alden, Celestia S., Mary M., Arrie L., M. Benson and Cordelia B., three sons and five daughters ; the eldest, Elisha J., is a photographer, in all its branches, in Richmond, Ind.; William A. is a portrait painter in the same place, both claiming to do no work of the ordinary class ; the daughters are handy in floral and ornamental work. L. S. Motte is the originator of some very choice seedling apples and some other kinds of fruits ; the love of the fine arts and the culture of the finer fruits and flowers, with him, appears to be innate in his children ; having studied and practiced medicine when younger in his life, Doctor is often prefixed to his name, but of later years he declines following this occupation, except in certain cases in women and children. Marcus Motte, third son of David, Jr., is a portrait painter of note, also paints in superior style fruits and flowers ; the choice of this occupation was innate in him, having followed it from boyhood. The family was rather noted for longevity, also for that trait of drawing conclusions and arriving at a judgment free of all bias of mind, by external pressure. There are but few of this large family connection bearing the family name, living m the township at this writing ; the greater part emigrated westward in Indiana and further westward. Some families are in Delaware, Montgomery and Parke Cos., Ind., and a few in Illmois. Mary lies interred in the old graveyard at West Branch. Great-grandfather David and wife and their sons Jonathan, William, Jesse and John, and daughters Mary and Rachel, besides many children, grandchildren, etc. rest in profound repose beneath its grassy mold. The Mote family in the early settlement, and its family connections, owned a large body of land south of Milton to the county line, and for half a mile over the line,   846 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES :   and considerable west and north of the village also. But at this time the major part has passed out of their hands.   The families of Samuel and Francis Jones, from Georgia, Wallace Jones, and all those of the Pattys and some others are related to the Mote family.   Caleb and Joseph Mendenhall, who lived near West Branch, were the sons of Phineas Mendenhall, who was the son of James Mendenhall, who was the son of Aaron, who was the son of John Mendenhall, the emigrant from England.   This brief statement is made to shorten a long genealogical account, running back through four or five genes ations of this family in America. A book of history and pedigree of it lies before me, running back to the thirteenth century. The name was recorded, at that remote period, Mile de hale, afterward Mildehall, and, more recently, Mildenhall. Some branches of the family in England retain the last-named mode of spelling up to the present time ; but the American families spell it Mendenhall. The family residence in Great Britain was in Wiltshire, and, the town and vicinity where they lived, took the family name of Mildenhall.   Those two brothers, Caleb and Joseph, married sisters—Susanna and Rachel Gardner.* The Mendenhalls emigrated to Pennsylvania about the same time William Penn came to America, and were residents of Chester County. Phineas, father of the afore named brothers, went south, where his wife and part of his family were killed by the Indians in Georgia, during one of the wars with the Creeks. + Caleb Mendenhall came out prospecting in the Northwest Territory early in 1801, and passed through the Miami Valley ; he came to Ohio the next spring. Stopping awhile at Waynesville, Warren Co., he removed into what was afterward Miami County, the following September (1802) and settled on the farm now owned by Thomas Jay. His .brother Joseph came out the next spring (1803).   The children of Caleb Mendenhall were Miriam (wife of David Mote, and mother of the writer of these notes), Griffith, William, Susan (Wisener), Grace (Thomas), Tamar (Thomas), Caleb, Charity (Watts), Rhoda (Dulin) and Kirk ; the sons all removed to Indiana and died there, and part of the daughters ; only two of the last are living, of all the family, at this writing.   Joseph Mendenhall's children were Mary (Brown), Tamar (Russell), Thaddeus, Lydia (McDonald), Anna (Macy), Ruth (Bolinger), Eunice (Kendall), Rachel (Compton) and Joseph ; all deceased except three daughters.   The characteristics of those two brothers above named were quite dissimilar in many points. Caleb was more disposed to study, quietude and retirement, spending considerable of his time in reading and acquiring information, although he only had a limited education. Joseph, on the other hand, was stirring and more noisy, running around, seeing to his farming and other business. Caleb was a lover of the fmer fruits, and brought with him from North Carolina some choice, selected apple-seed ; from these he raised trees for his orchard, which produced many choice varieties. ++ His apples, in that early day, were known far and near as the finest in the country,; so it was an easy matter for him to dispose of his surplus. Joseph was noted as the first tanner in those parts, though perhaps he knew little more about the trade than his brother Caleb ; he generally hired his work done, and, when ready for sale, it had none of the finish or completeness about it that leather has in our day, neither was it devoid of that plentiful liquid called water, in that kind termed the ".sole." But people were impatient of delay in the drying process, and, as this was the only tan-yard in reach, they would risk paying 50 cents a pound for tincture of oak bark. Hence, Joseph was enabled, from time to time, to add acreage to his landed estate, from this certain income.   * Emigrated from Nantucket.   f The Indians, surrounding their premises in the evennng, shot and killed Abia, the eldest son, turning the grindstone for his father, who was grnnding an ax, and the mother out In the milking-lot, where she was milking the cows. The family left, scattered, fled and secreted themselves. The darkness of the evening coming on assisted them In making their escape, all except Joseph; he was knocked down and taken prisoner, and was kept by the savages some months, till ransomed by his father.   From one of these, the "Stillwater Sweet," his grandson, L. S Mote, reproduced those two noted seedlings described by Dr. Warder, viz., "Mote's Sweet" and "Celestia."   UNION TOWNSHIP - 847   Caleb sold his farm and removed to near Richmond, Ind., where he died some ten years afterward, about 1848, of inflammation .of the pleura, in his 79th year. Joseph died on the old premises, where he first settled, in 1850, of paralytic affection, near the same age of his brother Caleb   Mention will not be out of place here of the   WEST BRANCH FRIENDS' CHURCH.   The first organized church in Union Township was the Friends, of West Branch, in 1804. Religious meetings had been held some time previously, at the houses of the early settlers. The first meeting-house put up there stood northeast of the present brick, a rude log structure, 20x30 feet, built cabin fashion. The next one stood west, of larger dimensions, 22x44 feet, of hewed logs, with. shingle roof, built in 1808. The third and present one, of brick, 40x60 feet, was built in 1818. People would come from miles around to attend these meetings, of every persuasion, professors or non-professors ; they were not so prejudiced in those primitive days as now, in regard to worship and preaching, neither did distance, stress of weather and difficult roads debar them this privilege. The first resident minister was William Neall, from Tennessee. A monthly meeting was established there early in 1809, and a quarterly meeting in 1812, which are still continued. The first person buried in the churchyard was Mary Newman, wife of Thomas Newman, in 1807. Some of the more prominent church members at said meeting at West Branch, were David Motte, Sr., Samuel Jones, Sr., Benjamin Iddings, Sr., Samuel Brown, Jeremiah Motte, Caleb Mendenhall, Dr. John Motte, Frederick Yount, James Patty, David Motte, Jr., Elisha Jones, Isaac Hasket, Wallace Jones and others, in its early history, and, later, some of their descendants and other persons who came in by request or certificate.   WILLIAM M. MOTE, merchant, Laura ; born in Monroe Township, Darks Co., in 1841 ; is a son of Alexander and Rhoda Mote. His father was born in the year 1818 ; Alexander's parents were born in Georgia, and were the third family to settle in Monroe Township, Darke Co. He (Grandfather Mote) died in the home of his adoption ; his wife afterward married a Mr. Penny, who removed to Indiana, where she afterward died. Alexander Mote lived in Parke Co. until 1864, at which time he departed to Iowa, and settled in Le Grand, Marshall Co., where he died the following year ; his wife, Rhoda, departed this life in Parke Co., in the year 1852, aged 29 years. They were parents of two children, viz., Harry and our subject. William's early days were spent on his father's farm, and at the age of 15 years, he entered mercantile life in the employ of George W. Sigafoos, wntth whom he remained five years, becoming acquainted with all the different phases of a mercantile life ; after severing his connection with the above gentleman, he returned to the farm in Parke Co., on which he labored two years, then selling out he came to Laura and went into business under the firm name of Mote & Longanecker. They continued in business till 1871, when he withdrew, and went to Weaver Station, in Parke Co., and engaged in merchandising under the firm name of J . & W. Mote ; this firm did business for three years, when he withdrew, and again returned to Laura in 1875 ; in September, 1876, he opened a store here, in which he has since successfully followed his business ; he carries a complete and perfect stock of almost everything to be found in a first-class retail house, and his long experience and fair dealing command for him a full share of the public patronage. He has supplied the wants of a buying public in this place for nine years, and in an adjoining town five years, thus making fourteen years he has been before the people. In 1861, he was married to Sarah A. Longanecker, by whom he has had seven children, six of whom are living, viz., John L., Vinnie P., Alexander H., Myrtle E., Benjamin and William W.; Emma J., deceased. Mrs. Mote is a member of the German Baptist Church, and an exemplary Christian woman.   L. M. MOTE, drnggist, West Milton ; born in Miami Co. in 1841 ; is a son of Zeno Mote, one of the early pioneers, his father having located here about 1800 ; his grandfather Mote was of Georgian birth, his grandmother from South   848 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:   Carolina ; both departed this life in this county at advanced ages. Zetio Mote was born here about 1812, is living and resides near West Milton. Our subject, remained with his father on the farm till he was 20 years of age, at which time he began life for himself, and engaged in the mercantile busineAs in Le Grand, Iowa, in which place he did business for six years, then returned to this place in 1872 and embarked in a gendral drug and stationery business, in which he is yet• engaged. In 1870, he was married to Miss L. M. Lynde, their nuptials being celebrated in Iowa. Her parents were born in New England, but at present reside in Knox Co., Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Mote have one child, Edna, born in July, 1874. Mr. M. received his preparatory course in a high school in Indiana, with which he was connected one year ; the balance of his education was received in this county.   LEWIS F. NILES, dealer in clocks, watches and jewelry, West Milton ; was born in this county June 12, 1837 ; his father, Ephraim Niles, was born in Massachusetts about the year 1791 ; his mother, Fanny (Collan) Niles, was born in the same State in the year 1800 ; their marriage was celebrated in Massachusetts in 1824 ; they emigrated to Miami Co. in 1830, and located in West Milton, where he kept hotel for awhile, and then removed to the farm where he resided until his death, which occurred in August, 1839 ; his mother departed this life Sept. 6, 1863 ; they were the parents of five children, four sons and one daughter, all of whom are living. Our subject was reared on his father's farm, where he assisted in doing the work, and attended the usual term of school until his 16th year, when he began to learn the carpenter trade, which he followed, at irregular inter- vals, for several years ; in 1859, he established himself where he is now located and engaged in his present business. Jan. 7, 1869, he married Frances L., youngest daughter of Rowland R. Chase ; two children are the fruits of this union, viz., Nina A., born Oct. 7, 1869, and Daniel R., born Jan. 17, 1876.   JOSEPH OLWIN, farmer ; P. 0. Laura ; was born in Cumberland Co., Penn., May 1, 1828., His father, Anthony Olwin, was born in Pennsylvania, July 18, 1783, and departed this life in April, 1869 ; his mother, Elizabeth Olwin, was born in the same State Sept. 1, 1790, and died in June, 1854 ; they removed to Montgomery Co., Ohio, when Joseph, was only 6 months old, in which they lived till their decease. They were parents of ten children, three of whom are living, viz., Joseph, Catherine and Susanna. The deceased are Daniel B., John, Abram, Jacob, Adam, Esther and David. Joseph was reared on the farm, his boyhood days being spent in a manner incident to youth, and, after years had developed his frame and muscles, he became a valuable auxiliary to his father in the labors on the farm. Nov. 2, 1854, he was married to Margaret Ann Hiestand, by whom he has eleven children, of whom seven are living, viz., Anthony, Isabelle, Samuel J., Sherman, Nina M., Lora Pearl, and James. The deceased are Joanna, Elmer E., Jessie E. and John E. Anthony is one of the leading educators, having taught four years in the district and graded school of the county ; his education was received in the common schools, in which he fitted himself to perform well the responsible duties that devolved upon the profession. Mrs. Olwin is a daughter of Samuel, and Mary (Prizer) Hiestand. Her father was born in Lancaster Co., Penn.; her mother in the State of Maryland ; they came with their parents to Montgomery Co. in a very early day ; he was born Oct. 13, 1796, and departed this life Sept. 24, 1854 ; her mother died in the year 1842, aged 36 years. They were parents of six children, of whom five are living-Benjamin, Jesse, Hiram, Rachel and Margaret A.; Mary and Jesse, deceased. In 1863, Mr. Olwin removed to Crawford Co., Ill., in which he resided seven years, then came to Miami Co., and purchased 155 acres of land, on which he now resides ; his land is pleasantly situated, and all in a high state of cultivation, which, taken in conjunction with the beautiful surroundings, commodious house, barn, etc., prove Mr. Olwin to be a man of cultivated tastes as well as one of Miami's successful farmers. Mr. Olwin has filled the office of Trustee four years, Supervisor and School Director many times. His amiable wife is an exemplary member of the Adventist Church, and a consistent Christian lady ; her husband belongs to the Christian Church.   UNION TOWNSHIP - 849   JOSHUA PEARSON, farmer ; P. 0. West Milton ; born on the place on which he now resides, Nov. 7, 1834 ; is a son of Moses' and Sarah Pearson. His father was born in Bush River, S. C., Dec. 27, 1798 ; his mother was born in Mon--roe Township, this county, Sept. 7, 1805. They were married in the above township in May, 1823, and settled where our subject lives, in the same year. In 1837, he was sent by the annual meeting of the Friends' Church, as a missionary among the Indians on the Western frontier ; he took with him his wife and five children, .of whom Joshua was the youngest ; in the missionary field, he remained three years, the appointed time, and for which he received $500 per year; returning to his home, he again assumed the labors of the farm ; and on the 7th day of February, 1844, was called to mourn the departure of his wife, in the 39th year of her age. 'They were parents of eight children, four of whom are living, viz., Mahala, now Mrs. Jay ; Anna, now Mrs. Kelly ; Joshua and Abraham ; the deceased are Rhoda, 'Timothy, Nathan and Sarepta ; Abraham and Nathan were born on the missionary farm in the Missouri Territory, the former in July, 1837, the latter in June, 1840. Timothy was a member of the 5th Kan. V. I., and was also given charge of wagon teams, but on account of disability was discharged, returned to his home, and soon after died. Nathan was a member of the 44th 0. V. I., was twice wounded, after which was stricken down with small-pox, at Knoxville Tennessee, from which he died ; he entered the service as a private and rose to Color Sergeant, and was finally elected Captain, but did not live to serve. Abraham was in the 100-day service, and assisted in the capture of the notorious Morgan; he now resides in Washington, Iowa, and has represented his county in the Legislature. Anna's husband, Kelley, resides in Parke Co., Ind., which he has represented. Mahala, Mrs. Jay, is a graduate of the Antioch College, having won the degree A. M.; she has been Principal of the Earlham College, at Richmond, Ind. Joshua spent one year in the Oberlin College, after which he entered the Antioch, and took the full English course, fitting himself for the profession of teaching, which he followed for twenty years, beginning when he was 18 years old. His father was again married, to Emma Macy, by whom he had five children, of whom only one survives, viz., Obed A.; the deceased are Orlando, Hosea, Zimry and an infant. Mr. P. died July 19, 1874. In 1858, our subject was married to Susan E. Kessler ; to them ten children have been born, eight of whom are living, viz., Florent J. Emma J., Martha M., Homer E., Charles L., Anna S., Mary H. and Dorcas ; Cordelia B. and Nathan deceased. Mrs. Pearson is a daughter of Henry and Sarena Kessler, who were among the early settlers in this county. Mr. Pearson owns an interest in 130 acres of land which is in a good state of cultivation and well improved. He and his wife have been members of the Christian Church for ten years.   ALFRED PEARSON, farmer and stock-raiser ; P. 0. Troy ; born in the place where he now resides, in the year 1831; is a son of Robert and Mary Pearson. His father was born in Virginia, and with his parents came to Ohio in a very early day, being among the first settlers in this township. His grandfather settled in Newton Township, in which he resided till near his death, which occurred in this township when upward of 80 years of age. Robert Pearson settled on the farm, on which his son and our subject now reside, at a time when the magnificence and splendor of the great forest were unmarred. On this land Robert made his home till his decease, which occurred in 1852, at the age of 51 years. His wife is still living at the advanced age of 74 years. They were parents of eight children, three of whom are living, viz., Alexander, Alfred and Martha J., now Mrs. Dibra ; the deceased are Eliza, aged 10 months and 27 days ; David, aged 4 years 3 months and 14 days ; Sarah, aged 4 years 5 months and 2 days ; Abijah, aged 2 years and 26 days ; Carry, aged 27 years 11 months and 27 days. Mr. Pearson's early boyhood days were spent on his father's farm, on which he labored till he was 21 years of age, at which time his father died. He remained with his widowed mother for three years, and assisted in the duties of the farm. Jan. 25, 1855, he was married to Susanna Long, by whom he had five children, four of whom are living, viz., William L., Joseph L., Webster E. and Amanda ; Robert H. died Jan.