AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 301 filled until his promotion to the Circuit Bench, which event took place in 1899. Judge Sullivan is still occupying the position of judge of the Circuit Court, Second Circuit of the State of Ohio. Such in brief is the story of the life of the subject of this sketch. Judge Sullivan in all the legal phases of his life has won the encomiums of all. Bred to the law in early life, by careful preparation for its sterner duties, he has merited the several important positions which he has reached. A careful student, a good analytical lawyer and an impartial judge, he has served the people to the best of his ability. His experience at the bar and on the bench has given him a wide range of acquaintance, and his genial and courteous manners have surrounded him with a host of warm friends. He is accessible at all times, and when not engaged in the onerous duties of his position he turns to the best literature for recreation, finding it sometimes an incentive to the more laborious work of the judge. Possessed of a keen legal mind which enables him to grasp the intricacies of the causes which beset judges of our higher courts, he is eminently fitted for the place which he holds today. The laity know little of the real work of those who are called upon to fill the bench of Ohio. These men are too often underrated, and only those who meet them in a legel capacity are fitted to estimate their true worth. Judge Sullivan has reached that period of life when the mind of the trained lawyer is at its best, when it is superiorly fitted to judge between man and man without fear or favor. The home of Judge Theodore Sullivan is always open to his friends. He knows no distinctions of humanity. Rising from the ranks of his own exertions and the endorsements of the people, he is honored wherever he is known. In politics, as has been said, he is a Republican and has often been called into the councils of his party. But he prefers above all things the profession which he has followed so long. Judge and Mrs. Sullivan have one son, Walter, who resides in New York City. WILLIAM H. SOWERS, a highly esteemed citizen of Covington, Ohio, where he has been living a retired life for the past few years, is a veteran of the great Civil War, and was born January 9, 1842, in Covington, Miami County, Ohio, a son of John and Mary (Thompson) Sowers. John Sowers was born in Berks County, Penna., where he was reared, and as a young man came to Covington, Ohio, where he was married to Mary Thompson, who was born in Newberry Township, the daughter of John Thompson. Sylvester Thompson, the grandfather of Mrs. Sowers, came from North Carolina in 1808, and for many years ran a still house on the home farm in Ohio. His son John, who was born in 1798, in North Carolina, accompanied the family to Ohio, and grew up on the farm in Newberry Township, south of Covington, which adjoined that of the Sowers. John Thompson married Katharine Rench, who was born in Pennsylvania, and they became the parents of twelve children, of whom Mrs. Sowers was the eldest; three died in infancy, and but two are now living—Mrs. Catherine Falkner and Mrs. Lavina Marlin of Covington. John Sowers died in 1898, and his widow survived him until 1902, at which time she was the oldest native-born woman in Miami County. 302 - HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY William H. Sowers was reared in Covington, where on April 19, 1861, he enlisted for three months' service in the Eleventh Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry. On October 11th of the same year he became a member of the Sixty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and with that regiment he served until being mustered out of the service October 12, 1864, at Columbus, Ohio, he being stationed for nearly all of that period at Louisville, Ky. After his service, Mr. Sowers returned to Covington, but later went to Bradford, where for some time he was engaged in the mill and grain business, also operating a general store with his father and brothers, the warehouse and store being in one building. In addition to this, Mr. Sowers was agent for the Pennsylvania Railroad at that time. In 1883 he removed with his family to Chicago, where for seven years he was in the employ of the Adams Express Company, and he then took charge of the parcel room and bureau of information at the Union Depot, Chicago, continuing in that capacity until 1905. At this time Mr. Sowers returned to Covington, where he has since lived a retired life. Mr. Sowers has not been in the best of health for the past few years, due, no doubt, to his army service, and he spends his winters at Hot Springs, Ark. In 1862, while at Louisville, Mr. Sowers was united in marriage with Luella Dunning, who is a daughter of James Barry and Sarah (Porter) Dunning, the former a native of Virginia and one of the early grocers of Covington, and the latter a native of Kentucky. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Sowers, namely: Edward, who died at the age of thirteen months and Nettie, who married Winfield Freeman, and died after a married life of one year. W. S. EBY, secretary of the Piqua Granite & Marble Company. doing business at No. 321 West Wood Street, Piqua, was born at Piqua, Ohio, in 1858, and is a son of the venerable William Eby. William Eby was born at Hagerstown, Maryland, in 1825. He learned the carpenter trade and after coming to Piqua, in 1852, did a large amount of work in his line in this city, much of which endures. He has reached the age of eighty-four years and still resides here, one of the oldest and most esteemed citizens. W. S. Eby grew to manhood in his native place and obtained his education in her schools. For about three years in his early business life he was interested in broom making and then went into the marble and granite business with J: F. Hum mel, with whom he continued for nine years. Following this, Mr. Eby carried on a stone contracting business for ten years, after which he formed a partnership with J. A. Flatz, under the style of Flatz & Eby. This partnership existed for six years, when Mr. Flatz was succeeded by Mr. Hauk, and the style became Eby & Hauk, which continued for four years, when the present organization was effected. The Piqua Granite & Marble Company was formed, with a capital stock of $25,000, and the success of the concern is indicated by the almost immediate intention of advancing the capital stock to $35,000, and the erection of a plant, which in construction and equipment, will be one of the most complete in the State. The new plant is to be located on the corner of College and Water Streets, one of the best AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 303 sites for the purpose that could be secured. The officers of the company are all men of substance and reliability : C. N. Adlard, president P. Hauk, manager and treasurer and W. S. Eby, secretary. The board of directors is made up of the following capitalists : C. X. Adlard, J. H. Clark, Paul Hauk, J. A. Flatz and W. S. Eby. The products manufactured by this concern include everything from the marble plaything to the most expensive mausoleum. They give constant employment to twelve men and this force will be greatly increased when their new quarters are completed. Mr. Eby has additional business interests, one of these being the Piqua Furniture Company. In 1881 Mr. Eby was married to Miss Rose C. Duncan, a daughter of George Duncan, of Piqua, and they have four children : Grace D., who is the wife of Paul B. Flack, who is in the coal business in this city; and Edna, Florence and Carroll. Mr. Eby is a Mason and an Odd Fellow, belonging to the higher branches in both organizations. JOHN H. RACER, dealer in real estate and breeder of fancy poultry, at Troy, formerly was very prominently identified with the construction of the leading interurban railroad lines in this section of the State. He was born in 1858, near Little Washington, in Rappahannock County, Virginia, and when sixteen years of age accompanied his parents to Greene County, Ohio, where he lived until grown to manhood. After completing his education, Mr. Racer entered into newspaper work, becoming editor of the Bellbrook Moon, of Bellbrook, Ohio, where he resided for eleven years, identifying himself with the town's various interests, including the building of the Magnetic Hotel. Later he became interested in interurban traction and was the first secretary of the Dayton & Xenia and the Dayton & Spring Valley railroads. There was much opposition to the building of these lines and in all the complications which arose during their construction, Mr. Racer was prominent, the final success of the enterprise being largely due to his tact, judgment and executive ability. He then removed to Dayton and was associated there with Winters & Clegg, in the construction of the Dayton & Troy Railroad, having charge of the securing of the private rights and the franchises through the incorporated towns. He was identified with this road for three years, going then to the Cincinnati & Loveland Railroad in the same capacity. His health becoming impaired, he retired from railroad activity one year later and settled at Troy. Here he embarked in the business of raising thoroughbred poultry, and his yards contain many exceedingly valuable specimens. He breeds the White Plymouth Rock, the single comb White Leghorns, the White Wyandottes, the Barred Rock, the Silver Spangled Hamburgs and others, with the English Ringneck and Golden pheasants. One specimen of the latter is of such beauty and value that Mr. Racer has refused $100 for it. His fowls have frequently been on exhibition and he has the world record of 96 3-4 White Leghorns and 95 1-2 White Plymouth Rocks. During the past year Mr. Racer has done a large business in handling Canadian land, in addition to his other activities. He owns 160 acres of 304 - HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY land adjoining New Dayton, Alberta Province, Canada. In 1901 Mr. Racer was married to Miss Mary E. Enyeart, who was born and reared at Troy. She is a daughter of John L. and Lydia (Martendale) Enyeart, natives of Bedford County, Pa., and Montgomery County, Ohio, respectively. Mr. Racer's fraternal interests include membership in the Knights of Pythias and the Odd Fellows. ENYEARTS—The latter part of the Sixteenth Century, two brothers, younger sons of the Prince of Holland, of noble birth and great wealth, emigrated to America. The elder went to Pennsylvania and settled, the younger to New Jersey. About the year 1816, a descendant of the elder came west to Ohio and settled in Butler County. A few years later several families of Enyearts settled in Ohio, Warren, Butler, Montgomery and Miami Counties and some going to Indiana and Illinois. The Enyearts are lineal descendants of the Black Prince, famous in English History, and of Louis XIV. of France, who, although perhaps very wicked and proud, well deserved the title of "Louis Le Grand" as he was called by the French people. With two such ancestors the Enyearts have every reason to keep a family record. William Enyeart, one of the descendants, married Jane Vorres. William was the father of twenty-one children ; his descendants are James, Joseph, Silas, Benjamin, Thomas, Levi, Abraham, (sisters) Jane, Elenor, Margaret, (half brothers and sister), David, John, William and Jacob, Rebecca. A number did not come west ; the writer cannot give the names of those. James Enyeart, son of William and Jane Enyeart, was born in Pennsylvania, 1787, and was married to Mary Kessler in the year 1809. He emigrated to Ohio about the year 1819, settled on a farm east of Troy, where he lived until his death, in 1831, and was buried in Knoop's graveyard, east of Troy, on Springfield Pike. John L. Enyeart, son of James Enyeart, and familiarly known as "Long John," to distinguish him from a cousin of same name, was born in Bedford County, Pennsylvania, February 2nd, 1812, and came to Ohio with his parents in a road wagon, as there were no railroads then. He married Lydia Martindale, daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth Campbell Martindale, in the year 1840, and moved on the farm, formerly owned by his brother, one mile east of Troy, on the Springfield Pike. He lived there until the year 1853, when he bought 160 acres one mile south of Troy on Dayton Pike. In March, 1864, he bought another farm, which is now in the corporation of Troy, and there lived until his death, January 25th, 1867; he was buried in the beautiful Riverside Cemetery. To this union ten children were born. Sarah married David Coppock, who moved to Superior, Nebraska, and both died there. Hester R. married H. H. Miller and they are both living in Mound City, Missouri. Thomas J. married Elizabeth E. Pearson ; both live in Troy. Elizabeth A. married L. A. McDonald and lives in Troy. William died just after returning from the war. Martha married P. Feidt and lives in Sidney, Ohio. Rebecca S. married Daniel Elliott and died in May, 1883. Samuel died at the age of sixteen. John M. married Margaret O'Conner and both died a few years after their marriage. AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 305 Mary E. married J. H. Racer and they live in Troy. J. A. BRUBAKER & SON. buyers and shippers of grain and dealers in mill feed, coal, flour, drain tile and fertilizers, are representatives of the leading business interests at Rex, Miami County, and their trade relations extend over a wide territory. James A. Brubaker. the senior member of the firm, was born in Virginia. December 11, 1848, a son of Abraham Brubaker, a part of whose life was spent in Virginia. When about twenty-five years of age, Mr. Brubaker spent some time in Illinois, working as truck gardener. farmer and thresher. He came to Ohio, living in Clark County until 176, when he married and moved to Montgomery County and resided near the town of Dayton. Ohio. for five years. From there Mr. Brubaker came to Miami County and rented a farm of 120 acres, situated one mile northwest of Brandt, in Bethel Township. on which he lived for six years. when he moved to a farm of thirty acres on Honey Creek. Bethel Township, which he cultivated for sixteen years. He then sold that property and moved to Brown Station or Rex, as the postoffice was named. and located at his present place of business in 19n-1-. He worked occasionally as a painter and began in his present large business by buying and selling grain and hay. but later bought out 0. L. Sullivan's elevator interests. Mr. Brubaker then admitted his son to partnership and the firm has developed into a very large concern. They have added modern machinery to the original plant and make grinding feed and flour a specialty, in addition to their other indus- tries. Mr. Brubaker is a stockholder in the First National Bank of New Carlisle. He resides on a small place of ten acres in Bethel Township, and also owns a farm of 140 acres in Pratt County, Kansas. James A. Brubaker married Miss Elizabeth C. Arnold, a daughter of Henry H. and Magdalene (Crist) Arnold, and they have the following children : and A., who married Viola Rymon, and has two children, Arthur R. and Walter ; Adria Alice, now deceased, who was the wife of Charles Frantz and had one son, Roy ( also deceased) and two daughters, Arthena and Virgie ; Henry J., who is the junior partner in the firm of J. A. Brubaker & Son; Etta M., who resides at home ; and Carson A., who is a member of the class of 1912 in the Bethel High School. Mr. Brubaker is a member of the German Reformed Baptist Church. In his political opinions he is a Democrat, but in no sense is a politician. Henry J. Brubaker was born in Bethel Township, :Miami County, Ohio, March 6, 1886 and his education was secured first in Glenwood District No. 9, in Bethel Township, later in the Bethel High School, and afterwards in the Dayton Commercial College. at Dayton. Ohio. where he received Iris business training. Upon his return home he entered into partnership with his father and is a very enterprising member of this business house. He is also identified with the Democratic party, but only as a worthy and intelligent citizen. ABSALOM ROUTSON, who was for many years one of the leading business men of Covington, passed out of this life November 9, 1905, and was actively engaged in business when stricken with the 306 - HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY brief illness which resulted in his death at the age of eighty-three. He was born near Fredericksburg, Maryland, December, 1825, and when quite young his parents located for a time in Pennsylvania, later moving to Shelby County, Ohio. In 1843 he came to Covington in order to learn the tailoring business from an elder brother, who died before he had finished learning the trade. He shortly afterward determined to engage in business for himself. although entirely without capital. He. borrowed $2.50 and with a similar amount of his own, went to Cincinnati, where, through letters of recommendation he purchased stock for the store which he opened in Covington. He conducted it successfully for many years, when he merged the store into the largest dry goods store in Covington. Mr. Routson was one of the substantial men of Covington, always taking a deep interest in the promotion of the city's welfare, and enjoyed the confidence and good will of his fellow citizens. He was a member and an elder of the Presbyterian Church of Covington. Mr. Routson was first united in marriage May 7, 1846. with Martha. W. Clark. their union resulting in the birth of seven children, ihree of whom are living —Mrs. James T. Bartmess, of Convington; Henry Ward Beecher Routson of Covington; and Mrs. Dr. Charles Martin of Findlay. Ohio. Mr. Routson formed a second marital union March 31, 1869. with Sarah Margaret Birely, who died January 21. 1906. On March 26, 1907, Mr. Routson was joined in marriage with Ermina Purdy, a native of Covington and a daughter of James L. and Prudence (Billingsley) Purdy. James L. Purdy was born in Perry County, Pennsylvania in 1816 and in 1825 with his father, Thomas Purdy, moved to Miami County, Ohio, where they settled in Washington Township. His education was obtained in the local schools and for some years after completing his education he taught in the Washington Township schools. After his marriage Mr. Purdy came to Covington, where he engaged in manufacturing chairs, and also conducted an undertaking establishment, being for many years the only undertaker in the city. Mr. Purdy was a man of prominence and education, and during his later years assisted in compiling a history of Miami County, the history being in the possession of his daughter, Mrs. Routson. Mr. and Mrs. Purdy were the parents of two children, Ermina, widow of the subject of this record; and Thomas, who was killed in a railroad accident February 17, 1907. 11e married Kate Darner and to them were born four children—Mrs. Grace Brandon, of Piqua ; Lucy, who resides in Covington, and is a stenographer at Geo. Rundle's in Piqua ; Ethel, engaged in the millinery business in Covington; and John. a bookkeeper residing in Dayton. Ohio. HON. JAMES CLARE HUGHES, one of thc most prominent member of the Miami County bar. now serving as mayor of the city of Piqua. was born in Portsmouth, Ohio, February 5, 1875. son of Rev. Thomas L. and Hortense ( Clare) Hughes. His grandparents on the paternal side were Hen. Thomas L. and Ann (Jones) Hughes. both natives of Wales, who were married in Cincinnati, Ohio. The grandfather came to this country when in his thirty-fifth year and for some years was engaged in mercantile business at Oak AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 307 Hill, Jackson County, Ohio. He was afterwards a prominent official and stockholder in the Jefferson Furnace Company, engaged in the manufacture of pig iron. He was a prominent factor in Jackson County politics and at one time was elected to the Ohio State Legislature on the Republican ticket. He became quite well-to-do, and was also a man of good education and literary ability. He died at the age of ninety years in March, 1896. His wife had preceded him to the grave many years before, dying in 1857 when in her thirty-eighth year. They were the parents of five children. Rev. Thomas L. Hughes was born in Jackson County, Ohio, April 27, 1850. After attending the common schools, he entered, at the age of fourteen, the Ohio University, from which he was in due time graduated. Subsequently he took a postgraduate course at Princeton University. He then entered upon the study of law in the Cincinnati Law College and in 1874 he was admitted to the bar in Jackson County, (having previously declined the Republican nomination for the State Legislature ). He practiced his profession in Jackson County for two years. during which time he served one term as city solicitor. He began his theological studies 1876 and was licensed to preach in June, 1877. His first charge was at Eckmansville and he was subsequently pastor of Presbyterian churches at Pomeroy, Ohio and at Shelbyville, Indiana. In the fall of 1892 he became pastor of the Presbyterian church at Piqua, Ohio, where he remained until his death, which took place June 17, 1900. The degree of D. D. was bestowed upon him by Hanover College, and he was a man most highly esteemed for his scholarly attainments, his pulpit power and eloquence and his capability as a practical worker along religious and social lines of endeavor. By his wife, Hortense, who was a native of Jackson County, Ohio, he had six children, namely : James Clare, whose name heads this article ; Catherine, wife of J. B. Wilkinson, of Piqua ; Anna, Thomas L., Mary, and Emma. James Clare Hughes, after laying the foundation of his education became a student at Washington and Jefferson College, at Washington, Penna., from which he was subsequently graduated. He was graduated from Indiana Law School, Indianapolis, in June, 1899, and he was admitted to the bar in June, 1900, beginning the practice of his profession in Piqua. In April of the following year he was elected city solicitor of Piqua, and he was again elected to the same office in 1903. He was first elected mayor of Piqua in 1905 and his re-election in 1907 is evidence that he gave the citizens an honest and capable administration, which may be said, indeed, of his entire incumbency of the office. Mr. Hughes was married September 22, 1904, to Anna Blaushe Matthews, of Piqua, of which union there is one son, Thomas Lloyd Hughes, born May 10, 1906. Mr. Hughes is a Presbyterian in religious belief. As a lawyer he has made a good reputation for ability, and as a citizen and public official he is held in high esteem for his public spirit, his devotion to duty, and his possession in large measure of those magnetic personal qualities which, without any sacrifice of principle, are potent to win and retain friends. All who know him will watch his future career with interest. 308 - HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY E. W. LAPE, who fills the important offices of secretary and treasurer of one of Miami County's largest industries, The Favorite Stove and Range Company, of Piqua, is one of the city's representative business men. He was` born at Cincinnati but in childhood his parents moved to Newport, Kentucky, where he received his early educational training. This was supplemented by attendance at Chickering Institute, at Cincinnati. From school Mr. Lape entered the employ of Nicholas Patterson & Company, with which firm he remained three years, going then to W.. C. Davis & Co., stove manufacturers, and continuing with them and their successors until they came to Piqua from Cincinnati and entered into business as The Favorite Stove and Range Company, and for some years he has been an important official of this enormous corporation. On October 31, 1890, Mr. Lape was married to Miss Florence Jeannette Smith, of Piqua, and they have four children—E. Walter, Martha Taylor, Robert Frame and Catherine Jeannette. Mr. Lape is a member of the Church of Christ and belongs to the official board. He is a Mason, having taken the Knight Templar degree; has served Newport Lodge as Master and was Eminent Commander of Newport Commandery. He is a member also of the Piqua Club. ELIAS BARNHART, one of Concord Township's most substantial citizens, who resides on his splendid farm of 240 acres, which is situated on the Swailes Turnpike Road, about two and one-half miles southwest of Troy, Ohio, was born March 18, 1845, in Montgomery County, Ohio, and is a son of Tobias and Sarah (Basore) Barnhart. The parents of Mr. Barnhart were born, reared and married in Pennsylvania. When they decided to move to Ohio, hoping to secure better farming land than they then owned, they procured great wagons and in them the family and household possessions were brought over the mountains and across the State line and into Montgomery County. Tobias Barnhart bought a small farm near Dayton and while he resided on it took his produce to the market in that city, over roads which no township supervisor or road overseer would countenance at the present day. Finding better farm conditions in Miami County, in 1849, he removed his family to Concord Township and bought 160 acres of the present farm, from a Mr. Dilts, and on this place he passed the remainder of his life. He erected the present comfortable residence after the railway line was built. His death occurred when he was aged eighty-six years, he having survived his wife for some time. They had eight children, namely : William, Tobias and Benjamin, all three now deceased; David, who lives in Miami County; Elias; Susan. who is the widow of James Westfall: Catherine, who is the wife of Jacob Harlacher, of :Miami County ; and Sarah, who re ides at Pleasant Hill. Elias Barnhart was about four years old when his parents came to the present farm and his memory goes back to the long journey in the covered wagon and his ambition to ride on the top of it. With his twin sister, Sarah, he attended the district schools and they were the youngest pupils there. He lived at home until after his marriage and then bought eighty acres ad- AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 309 joining his father's farm of 160,. on the west, and purchased the homestead when his father died. He put up all the excellent buildings on the eighty-acre tract and keeps his whole big farm in fine condition. He carries on a general line of agriculture and gives some attention to growing tobacco. In January, 1871, Mr. Barnhart was married to Miss Rebecca Long, a daughter of Israel Long, who brought his family from Pennsylvania to Miami County. Mr. and Mrs. Barnhart have two children : Ida May, who is the wife of Charles Chase, a well known artist residing at West Milton: and Charles, who operates the eighty-acre farm. Mr. and Mrs. Barnhart are members of the Christian Church and his attendance has been so regular that he secured a medal. in the shape of a gold button. as proof of it. He has seldom cared to leave Miami County and while he enjoyed a trip to Florida in 1907, he was glad to return home. He is a Republican in his political sentiments but has never tared to seek public office. ROBERT M. WILSON. president of the Concord Township School Board and the owner of a farm of forty-five acres of well improved land. which lies three miles southwest of Troy, on the Swailes Turnpike Road. is one of the representative citizens of this section and a member of one of the old and leading families. He was horn in the old log house on the homestead in Concord Township, Miami County. Ohio. March 6, 1849, and is a son of John and Elizabeth (Debra) Wilson. John Wilson was born in Maryland and in boyhood accompanied his father, Robert Wilson, to Miami County. Grandfather Wilson settled in the woods in Concord Township, not far from the farm of Robert M. Wilson, and there built a log cabin, which later gave way to a handsome brick house. Robert Wilson subsequently moved to a farm in Shelby County, on which he lived until his active years were over, when he retired to Sidney and died there when aged eighty-five years. John Wilson, father of Robert M., was one of the older members of a large family. He assisted his father to clear the farm and later cleared one for himself in this township and resided on it until the close of his life, following fanning and trucking, and for a number of years he had customers in Troy who depended upon him for their earliest and best vegetables. His death occurred May 26, 1907, when he was aged eighty-seven years. He married Elizabeth Debra, who was born in Union Township. Miami County, and survived her husband for only three weeks. They had the following children : Robert M., Henry, Ella, William, Charles, Mary, Rijah. Arthur and Walter, twins; and John. Of these Arthur and John are deceased. Robert M. Wilson had but meager educational opportunities during his boyhood, but for a season, while living with his grandfather, he went to school in one of the old log structures where slabs served as benches and greased paper took the place of glass in the window apertures. His father needed his help on the farm, as he was the eldest son, and he worked for him until he was twenty-four years old. In 1874 he purchased the farm from his father and later put up all the present excellent buildings. He carries on general farming to some degree but makes truck- 310 - HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY ing a specialty and for several years ran a wagon to Troy. Formerly he had a nursery of fruit trees and conducted the business as a representative of the Farmers' Nursery Company. On September 17, 1875, Mr. Wilson was married to Miss Allie B. Brown, who was born and reared in Concord Township and is a daughter of George Brown. They have three children, namely : Clarence W., Viona May, and Anna. Clarence W., who lives at Tippecanoe City, was married (first) to Mary Weikert, who at death left one son, Forest H., who lives with Mr. Wilson. He married, second, Ethel Dye and they have two children—Ralph M. and Mabel F. Viona May, who married Howard Robins, of Montgomery County, Ohio, has two daughters, Martha and Mary Anna is the wife of William Hartman, of Concord Township. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson are members of the Christian Church. In politics he is a stanch Republican. For a number of years he has been a member of the School Board and is serving in his second term as president of this important body. Fraternally he is connected with the Odd Fellows and the Elks, both lodges being at Troy. JOHN G. WETZEL, one of Covington's leading business men, whose interests have been centered in this city for the past nine years, was born in Union Township, Miami County, Ohio, on a farm not far distant from the village of Laura, March 8, 1872. His parents were Gottleib and Rose (Trost) Wetzel. The parents of Mr. Wetzel moved from Miami County to a farm in Franklin Township, Darke County, Ohio, in 1874, and there the father died in 1888. The mother still survives and lives on the Franklin Township farm. J. G. Wetzel remained at home until he was twenty-one years of age, helping on the farm and securing his education in the public schools. His first outside work was in a butcher shop at Potsdam, where he was employed for one year and he then bought the business and conducted it for a year and a half, after which he sold and engaged in the wagon and horse business at the same place, continuing until 1900, when he came to Covington. In March, 1902, he suffered considerably from fire, his stables burning down, and, although he succeeded in getting out his own and a number of boarding horses, amounting to thirty-seven head, he lost buggies and all his stored hay and feed. Ever since coming to Covington, his livery stable has been his main interest, although in 1906 he entered into partnership with C. A. Darner, under the firm name of Wetzel & Ditmer, and carried on a carriage and buggy business for one year. Immediately following his fire loss in 1902, he transferred his horses to the Fosdick barn and on the morning following was ready for business again. In the fall of 1906 he purchased the McGowan barn and tore it down, in its place building a fine new barn, into which he moved March 4, 1907. Again misfortune fell upon him, fire destroying his stables for a second time, on May 27, 1908, in which conflagration he lost six head of horses, twenty-two buggies and all his feed and hay, meeting with a total loss of over $4,000. Mr. Wetzel, however, was not discouraged, on the other hand he immediately began the erection of still larger and more substantial stables and by August 10, 1908, he was established AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 311 in his new quarters. He keeps thirteen head of horses, conducts a first-class livery and deals in both horses and buggies. Mr. Wetzel is a good citizen but is not particularly active in politics. He is a member of the order of Red Men. December 29, 1892, Mr. Wetzel was married to Miss Lillian Martzall, of Gettysburg, Ohio, daughter of Martin and Catherine (Hite) Martzall, natives of Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Wetzell became the parents of three children—Bryan, Lova Bell and Nora. Mrs. Wetzell died at Potsdam, Ohio, May 31, 1900. E. E. EDGAR, treasurer of the Hobart Electric Manufacturing Company, one of Troy's leading manufacturing plants, has made this city his home for the past twenty years. He was born in Wilmington, Ohio, in 1870, and is a son of Rev. George M. Edgar, a minister in the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Edgar attended various public schools through Southern Ohio, where his father held charges. until he was eighteen years old. He then came to Troy and accepted a position as clerk with the Troy Buggy Works, going from there to the Troy Carriage Company, which he left in 1904, in order to accept his present office with The Hobart Electric Manufacturing Company. He is interested in other successful enterprises as a stockholder. In 1895 Mr. Edgar was married to Miss Elizabeth Campbell, who is a daughter of John M. Campbell, of Troy. They have one son, John Campbell Edgar. Mr. Edgar is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and he is associated with the Troy Club. He is a. public-spirited citi zen, taking a hearty interest in all that pertains to the progress of Troy. SETH McCOLLOCH, attorney-at-law and secretary and treasurer of the Border City Building and Loan Association at Piqua, has been a resident of this city for the past twenty years. He was born at Ridgeway, Hardin County, Ohio, in 1857, but accompanied his parents to Logan County in his childhood. Mr. McColloch takes a worthy pride in tracing his lineage from those sturdy pioneers who were the fore-runners of our splendid civilization. He is a direct descendant from Robert Zane, who came over with William Penn in 1682, and settled in Philadelphia, and whose great grandson, Isaac, was captured by the Indians, in Virginia. while on his way to school, at -the age of nine years, and who was carried to Sandusky, Ohio, and adopted by the Chief of the Wyandottes and kept until he arrived at manhood; and later married the Chief's only daughter, Myeera, but whose mother was French. Isaac Zane became prominent as a member of the Virginia House of Burgesses, and exerted a powerful influence in bringing about peace between the whites and Indians. Mr. McColloch's grandfather, William, married Nancy Zane, one of Isaac Zane's daughters, and history says that their first child was the first white child born in Muskingum County, Ohio. William and Nancy McColloch removed to Logan County, Ohio, and some of their children became her most distinguished citizens. Mr. McColloch's grandfather was a captain of scouts in the War of 1812, and was killed at Brownstown, now Detroit. After completing the common school 312 - HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY course and the high school course at Rushsylvania, Logan County, Seth McColloch attended Delaware College and the Ohio Wesleyan University. For a number of years Mr. McColloch then taught school, after which he took up the study of law with the firm of Johnson & Johnson, at Piqua, and in 1895 was admitted to the bar. He immediately located in this city, at the same time taking an active interest in city politics and subsequently serving eight years as city clerk. In addition to attending to the demands of his practice, for the past seven years Mr. McColloch has been officially connected with the Border City Building and Loan Company. In 1888 Mr. McColloch was married to Miss Effie G. Wright, of Rushsylvania. Ohio, and they have two children, Frank J. and Gerald W. Mr. and Mrs. McColloch are members of the Presbyterian Church, in which he has been an elder for sixteen years. He is fraternially associated with. the Odd Fellows. the Royal Arcanum and the Maccabees. NATHAN IDDINGS, familiarly known as Nate Wings, president of the Bradford Bank, and a member of the grain firm of Arnold & ldding's, of Bradford, may well he called one of the fathers of the town, of which he has been one of the most prominent and stirring citizens for a period of forty years. or since 1869. He was horn on a farm near Pleasant Hill. in Newton Township, this county, March 17. 1841, son of David and Sarah (Hill) Iddings. His paternal grandfather was Joseph Iddings, whose father (great-grandfather of the subject of this sketch) came to Ohio from South Carolina, settling on a large farm situated on the boundary line between Montgomery and Miami Counties, a part of the farm lying in each county. This immigration occurred in 1796, at which time Joseph, grandfather of Nathan, was but a boy. He followed agriculture, as did also his son, Davis Iddings, who was born in the locality southeast of Pleasant Hill, and who, as has already been seen, married Sarah Hill. The subject of this sketch was reared On the farm .and in his boyhood attended the country schools. He afterwards taught school for four years in Miami County, in the vicinity of Troy and Pleasant Hill, and proved a successful teacher. Subsequently. in the furtherance of a laudable ambition, he took up the study of law, under the guidance of Alexander Long, and after thoroughly mastering the principles of the profession. was admitted to the bar at Cincinnati. in April. 1862. Instead of at once devoting himself to the practice of his profession. he took up the business of court reporting. which he followed thereafter for thirty-five years. serving as court reporter in ten different counties in the western part of the state. He reported in shorthand the first trial in Miami County. at which judge Williams presided. During all this time he made his home in Bradford. taking an active part in the improvement and development of the town, and being generally recognized as one of its foremost citizens as he was also one of its first comers. Indeed it is said that he had but one predecessor—John S. Moore—who opened a grocery store in the place when there was scarcely anything here but a primitive railway station, consisting of a box car set up at the side of the track, and a woodyard, where the locomotives were accustomed to replenish their stock of fuel. AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 313 Mr. Iddings was right on the heels of Mr. Moore, opening a general store almost before the latter had had time to get his trade well started. From that day until the present he has been an active factor in the business life of the town; and not only in its business life, but in practically every part or phase of its development as a progressive community. In the early days. he, with Frank Gulich, organized the voting precincts, and in spite of opposition from the towns of Covington and Gettysburg, had the village incorporated, and the special school district of Bradford, Miami and Parke Counties established. He was one of the members of the first board of education, and was, more than any other member, responsible for the establishment of the schoolhouse on its present site, which result was secured only after a long and determined fight on his part. the question being finally settled by an appeal to the popular vote. An interesting account of this contest may be found in the historical part of this volume —in the chapter devoted to Education. For over thirty years Mr. Iddings has been attorney. for the Pennsylvania Railroad Company. In 1893 he organized the Bradford Bank. of which he has since been the efficient president. He is the owner of a large amount of valuable agricultural property, including some ten farms in Miami and Parke Counties, Ohio, aggregating about 1.500 acres. He also owns about 400 acres south of Pleasant Hill—the old home place—on which farm stands the largest barn in the state, 100x50 feet in dimensions and three stories in height, with mansard roof. During his long and strenuous career, Mr. Iddings has been able to devote a few leisure moments to literary pursuits, and his interesting historical sketches, dealing with local subjects, and embodying for the most part his personal reminiscences of men and things, have appeared from time to time in the local journals to the interest and edification of our citizens. His own life is an integral part of the history of the town—and, it may be said, of the best part of it. He has never shirked his duty as a good citizen, but on more than one momentous occasion, has stood to his guns and maintained his positon in spite of the resolute efforts of those who were opposed to his ideas and who were in the majority ; and this he has done, not from any unreasoning spirit of obstinacy, but from the fact that he had carefully studied the situation and knew that the plan he advocated would in the long run be for the best interests of the community. He has always been a man of action, quick to seize the salient point of a position and profit by his advantage while others were still engaged in reconnoitreing. As General Grant said, when he saw his opportunity at Fort Donelson, "The one who attacks first will win. and the enemy will have to be quick if he gets ahead of me." so Mr. Iddings in every important turning-point of his career, has acted on the same principle.—with what success those who know him will be ready to testify. Mr. Iddings was married in 1868 to Nancy Patty. a daughter of Charles Patty. They have had one child. a son Frank, who married Lillian Miles. and has a daughter, Mildred. In addition to the agricultural property owned by Mr. Iddings, which has been already referred to. he is also the owner of. about sixty houses in Bradford, which 314 - HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY he rents. He is a member of the Masonic Order, and is at once the guide, philosopher and friend of every interested enquirer into the history of the town in which he has for so many years made his home. JACOB P. DOLL, whose valuable farm of sixty acres is situated in Concord Township, about two miles west of Troy, on the north side of the McKaig road, was born at Troy, Ohio, March 26, 1861, and is a son of Frederick and Barbara (Frank) Doll. Conrad Doll was the paternal grandfather and when his son Frederick was about five years old, he brought his family from Germany to America, coming directly to Troy, Ohio, which was then a small village. His house stood on the present site of the big Hauer warehouse, and from there he moved to the present farm of his son, Frederick, which is in Monroe Township, six miles southwest of Troy. He started to clear his land but met with an accident, a tree falling on him, which caused his death fifteen hours later, in March, 1861. He had two children to survive infancy, Frederick and Jacob, both natives of Germany and both living in Monroe Township, Miami County. Frederick and Jacob Doll were both young when they were left fatherless but they had been thriftily taught to be industrious and each one did his share in clearing up the farm, attending school when they could spare the time. Frederick Doll married Barbara Frank, who had accompanied her parents from Germany when seventeen years of age. They lived at Troy until after the birth of their oldest son, Jacob P., and then went back to the farm, where they still reside. Their other children were : Samuel, now deceased; Catherine, wife of Newell Kerr ; Mary, who married George Runnings and resides in Chicago ; Elizabeth, wife of George Butts; George, Fred and Charles; and Dora, wife of Harry Fox. Jacob P. Doll attended the district schools and lived at home until his marriage in 1884, when he went to housekeeping on the present Levi Switzer farm in Concord Township, which he rented for one and one-half years. He then rented the Henry Eyer farm in Lost Creek Township for four years, after which he bought his present farm from the Williams Brothers. A residence was in course of construction and Mr. Doll completed it and later, when the old barn burned down, he rebuilt it. He carries on a general line of farming, giving seven acres to tobacco, and is numbered with the prosperous farmers of the township. On July 24, 1884, Mr. Doll was married to Miss Dora Kerr, a daughter of John C. Kerr, of Miami County, and to this marriage have been born six children, namely: John, who lives in Monroe Township, married Elizabeth Knife, and they have one son, Ralph ; Nina; Clarence, who attends the Troy High School ; Frank, who died when aged two years and eight months; and Mary and Stella. Since he was sixteen years of age, Mr. Doll has been a member of the German Lutheran Church. Mrs. Doll was reared in the Christian Church. In politics he is a Democrat but no office-seeker. CHARLES A. BILLETT, a progressive and substantial citizen of Brandt, where he conducts a general mercantile business, is AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 315 also associated with his sister, Miss Cam-line E. Billett, in a general store at Miami City, of which he is half owner. Mr. Billett was born September 17, 1866, a native of Miami City. Ohio, and is a son of Rudolph and Sarah (Doggett) Billett. Mr. Billett attended school at Alcony until he was fifteen years of age. He then went into the country and worked on a farm until he was twenty-two years old, after which he spent one year in the capacity of salesman for a carriage and buggy firm, selling fruit trees as a side line. Again he turned his attention to farming, buying eighty acres of land in Illinois, but four years later sold out, in the meanwhile acquiring a farm of fifty acres which is situated near Miami City. This he sold in 1898, and became an active partner with his sister in merchandizing, their combined enterprise resulting in the successful operating of two stores. Mr. Billett now is sole proprietor and owner of the Brandt store and he took up his residence at Brandt on March 12, 1900. He is an experienced merchant, having previously conducted a general store at Tippecanoe City and at Kessler Station, disposing of his interest at the latter point in 1899. He is a stockholder in the City Bank of Tippecanoe City and he owns a handsome residence and valuable store property at Brandt. Mr. Billett married Miss Wilda Fern Neal, a daughter of William and Martha Neal, and they have three children, Marie, Homer D. and Floyd E. He is a member of the Lutheran Church, and like his late father, early identified himself with the Democratic party. He is a member of the Odd Fellow's lodge at Brandt. REV. ANTHONY J. MENTINK, the esteemed pastor of St. Patrick Church, Troy, was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, December 11, 1877, being one of the six children of Anthony and Rosalie (Weitershagen) Mentink. His father, a native of Holland and a blacksmith, is now a resident of Cincinnati, where he still follows his trade. The subject of this sketch received his earlier educational training in St. Gregory Seminary and completed his theological studies at St. Mary's of the West. He was ordained to the priesthood in 1902 by the Most Rev. William H. Elder, then bishop of Cincinnati, but now deceased. His first charge was as assistant priest at St. Anthony's Church, Cincinnati, where he remained until 1906, when, on March 30th of that year, he was transferred to his present parish as pastor. This parish, which has an interesting history, dates back to 1858, which year saw the erection of the first Catholic church edifice in this locality. Previous to that date, however, it had been customary for the few Catholics who lived in and near Troy to gather at the home of John Danaher, now deceased, but who then resided on East Main Street. Here the first Holy Sacrifice of the Mass was offered in 1857, the congregation then numbering about twenty families. Divine service was held about once a month. Their increasing number soon made more commodious quarters a necessity, however, and accordingly when the Hon. J. E. Pearson, probate judge, offered them the use of his court room, which was located on the second floor of the building on West Main Street, east of the sheriff's present residence, they gratefully accepted the offer. But while 316 - HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY making use of this room they looked forward to the day when they might have a House of Prayer which they might call their own and which they might enter at any moment to worship the one true God, and all worked with might and main to that end. As the result of their efforts the edifice to which reference has already been made, was erected on the southeast corner of Crawford and Water Streets and was dedicated by the Rt. Rev. Bishop Rosecrans, brother of General Rosecrans of Civil War fame. 'Twenty-five years later. in 1883, the church was enlarged to its present dimensions by the Rev. J. M. Feldmann and rededicated by the most Rev. Archbishop William Henry Elder. The need of the growing parish now demanded a parochial school for the proper education of its youth, and under the able direction of the Rev. F. H. Belle. the congregation w .,eked unitedly and persistently until the present school was erected. completely equipped and without the encumbrance of a debt. There are now sixty pupils in the school, which is in charge of two Sister.- of thc Precious Blood. The members of the Parish include about seventy families, including. about $20 souls. In September, 1908. the congregation celebrated the Golden jubilee of the church—its fiftieth anniversary, upon which occasion suitable services were performed, among them a solemn requiem High Mass for the deceased founders and benefactors of St. Patrick Church.—The parish at the present time is gathering funds for the erection of a new church in the near future. EDWARD L. SWITZER, who very successfully operates his father's farm of 166 acres, which is situated in Concord Town ship, about four and one-half miles west of Troy, on the Troy and Pleasant Hill Turnpike Road, eighty-three acres lying on each side, was born December 11, 1873, on a farm in Newton Township, Miami County, Ohio. His parents, now living retired in great comfort at No. 213 May Street,. Troy, are Levi and Sarah (Zeigler) Switzer. Levi Switzer was born in 1837, in Pennsylvania, and was a boy of fourteen years when the long trip was made from there, in a great covered wagon, to a wilderness farm in Miami County. His father, William Switzer, settled about three miles northeast of Pleasant Hill, in Newton Township, and lived there for many subsequent years. William died at Pleasant Hill. to which he had retired, at the age of eighty-six years. He had accomplished the clearing of the farm, which he sold to his son. Jacob Switzer, who still owns it. He had four daughters and two sons, namely: Mary. who is the widow of Samuel Divens: Cassie, who is the widow of John Varner: Eliza and Sarah, both deceased : and Levi and Jacob. Levi Switzer grew to manhood on the home farm and then married Sarah Zeigler, also a native of Pennsylvania. For some years after their marriage they lived on rented farms but later Levi Switzer bought the farm in Concord Township. from Nathan Frazier and resided on it until he retired from active life. His two sons are Jesse, who resides at Dayton, and Edward L. Edward L. Switzer was twelve years old when his parents came to the farm under consideration and this place has always been his home. He obtained his education in the district schools, after AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 317 which he worked for his father until his marriage, when he took charge. He carries on a general farming line, growing ten acres of tobacco, and feeds considerable stock. On November 12, 1896, Mr. Switzer was married to hiss Bertha M. Wilson, a daughter of R. F. Wilson, a leading citizen of this section. Mr. Switzer and wife have many friends. They are members of the Christian Church. In politics, he is a Republican. JOSEPH E. WILKINSON, a respected resident of Piqua, was born in Shelby County, Ohio, in 1844, son of Isaac A. and Ruth R. (Persinger) Wilkinson. His paternal grandfather came to America from near Antrim, in the north of Ireland. The subject of this sketch, who is the youngest of six brothers, was reared on a farm and remained with his parents until reaching the age of eighteen years. He then enlisted—on August 1, 1862—in the Ninety-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Company C, the regiment being organized at Lima. He served with it in the Kentucky; Tennessee and Georgia campaigns, and participated in the battles of Stone River and Chickamauga. one of his brothers being killed in the latter engagement. On Sunday after this battle, while rendering assistance to a wounded comrade. he was captured by the rebels. After serving a long period of imprisonment he was finally released and returned home in October, 1865. He then attended school for a time and prepared himself for teaching, which profession he followed for about eight years. In 1875 he married Mary A. McKee, of Piqua, Ohio, a daughter of .John and Catherine (Kerns-) McKee, and soon afterwards located at Sidney, where he engaged in the lumber and planing-mill business. In 1881 he sold his interest in this industry to .accept the appointment of postmaster of Sidney. Mr. Wilkinson's family consists of three children, Kather- ine L., John A., and Thomas R. Mrs. Wilkinson died January 4, 1909. Having spoken of his long imprisonment during the war, it is fitting that we speak more fully on the subject, as illustrating some of the horrors and barbarities inflicted by a people of pretended civilization and culture upon the helpless prisoners of war. We will present a sketch of Mr. Wilkinson's life in southern prisons just as he narrated it to us. "I was captured at Chickamauga, September 20, 1863, and conveyed to Belle Island, Virginia, where I was confined a few days. I was then taken to the city of Richmond and confined there until in December, at which time it became understood there would be no further exchange of prisoners, and about five thousand of us were transported to Danville, Virginia, and confined in tobacco-houses until the following April. During our confinement at this place smallpox broke out among the prisoners and proved very malignant in type. Unfortunately I was prostrated by the disease, but passed through it and acted as nurse for several weeks in what they called the "hospital." It did not deserve the name, for we had no medicine whatever, except red pepper pods, which we boiled and administered the tea to the sick, with apparently beneficial results, as it seemed to hasten the striking out of the disease. At this time there were twenty-three of my regiment. with me, but, alas, nineteen of the number died in the prison 318 - HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY pen, and only four ever saw the old flag again. "In April, 1864, we were moved to Andersonville, Georgia, a distance of about seven hundred miles. We were transported over this distance in close box cars, there being from sixty to ninety of us in each car. The trip occupied seven days, and during that time none of us were permitted to leave the cars for any purpose whatever. When we reached Andersonville a number of dead men were found in each car. The sight of this new prison made many of the boys look down-hearted, as they contemplated the evidences of horrid cruelty, and thought of the governmental policy which refused exchange of prisoners. The question, Can we endure another eight months of this torture? was staring us in the face and demanding an answer we could not give. Arriving April 19, 1864, we found but few prisoners on our arrival, but each day brought in old prisoners from other places of confinement. Andersonville is situated about one hundred and sixty miles south of Atlanta, and is quite an obscure place, scarcely worthy of a village name. The prison pen was out in the open field, in which a number of trees and stumps were yet standing. We made good use of the time laying in a supply of wood, which we buried in the ground, and then slept over it to prevent it being stolen. All the time our number increased by the arrivals each week, until in August the number reached thirty-five thousand. We remained until September, 1864, when the advance of Sherman after the capture of Atlanta alarmed the Rebel Government touching our safety, and it was determined to remove us. We were then transported to various points in the south, about one-third being sent to Florence, South Carolina, a similar prison, but one which proved even more destructive to life than Andersonville. With many others I was sent to Charleston, South Carolina, and put in such a position as to defy our government and prevent our army from further shelling the city. After being kept in this position about thirty days, we, too, were sent to Florence. My experience at Andersonville is too horrid to relate, and almost beyond belief. It is sufficient to say the rebel history makes this statement touching the fatality in the prison: April, 1864, one in every seventeen died; May, one in every twenty-six; June, one in every twenty-two ; July, one in every eighteen; August, one in every eleven; September, one in three; October, one in two ; and November, one in every three. Think of it for a moment. To realize it fully put yourself in our position and see the increase of the death-rate, until after risking a thousand chances you find in November that the chances are even, and then think of that mortality which carried off thirteen thousand of our boys. actually starved to death in a land of civilization and plenty. To add one more horror to the picture, recall the infamous and diabolical order of John H. Winder, commander of prisons, who, hearing of the capture of Atlanta, and fearing for our safety, issued the following notice, which he posted prominently before the prisoners : " 'Order No. 13.   The officers on duty and in charge of the Battery of Florida Artillery at the time. will, upon receiving notice that the enemy has approached within seven miles AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 319 of this post, open upon the stockade with grapeshot, without reference to the situation beyond these lines of defense. " (Signed.) JOHN H. WINDER, " Brig.-Gen'l Com'g.' "Think of a man issuing an order for forty guns to open a deadly fire upon thirty-five thousand unarmed, sick and helpless prisoners. It is an infamy so diabolical that history need not be asked for a parallel. It has been said that this man Winder 'died a peaceful death.' Perhaps so; in such. case justice had not yet been meted out to him, and stern must that justice be which will ever pay him back in currency of his own coinage. "At Florence the prisoners numbered about eleven thousand. Most of us had already been imprisoned about twelve months, and were wearing the same clothing in which we had been captured. That clothing had become so ragged and tattered that it scarcely covered our nakedness. Winter was approaching and no prospects of release further than the advance of Sherman. Mortality was thinning our ranks and our prison was a charnel house. Rations were reduced. For four months one pint of coarse corn meal was a daily ration, no salt or meat of any kind. and half the time no sod to cook it. it. All we could do was to mix our meal in water and drink it without boiling or otherwise cooking it. Such surroundings. such starvation and exposure told terribly against us, and the monthly mortality footed up forty per cent. In my eighteen months' prison life none was more severe than that at Florence. "From Florence I arrived at Richmond, March 10, 1865, about one year after leaving it. We were sworn not to take up arms against the Confederate Government until duly exchanged. Six hundred of us were then taken down the James River and turned over to United States officers. Quite a number of these were old prisoners. For myself, it had been eighteen months since I had seen the old flag* beneath which I had marched and fought. We were all sick and weak, but as we came in sight of the starry banner we yelled wildly and crazily at the top of our voices. The rebel authorities threatened to prevent our outbursts of cheers, but we were in sight of our men and could not be restrained. We told them we would yell and every one of us kept our word. The happiest moment of my life was when I stepped ashore. Stepping from the boat we were met by Northern ladies, who had provided sandwiches and coffee for our reception. One of them—she seemed an angel—handed me a cup of coffee, which I gladly accepted and drank, but my stomach revolted at an article it had not known for a year and a half. The lady saw and appreciated my difficulty, and, Y as if I were her own child, she uttered the words 'Poor fellow' so sympathetically that they almost overcame me. Those words were the first I had heard uttered by a woman from the time of my captivity. and they came like an angel 's benediction. "This is all long since passed, but while memory lasts I will not forget that the prisons of the South were conducted by heartless and murderous agents. It is needless to add anything to this brief recital. The words convey horror enough, but a more revolting chapter may be read between the lines. We know that the South, with all the dignity of insulted pride, has denied the charge of inhuman 320 - HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY treatment of war prisoners; but the boys who suffered, as well as the thousands who died, attest the truth of the charge with an unanimity which cannot be challenged by a reasonable man." WILBUR DeBOIS UPDIKE, who farms the DeWeese farm of eighty acres in Concord Township, Miami County, Ohio, was born on a farm in Warren County, Ohio, September 26, 1875. He is a son of Gideon O. and Louisa (Carson) Updike, and a grandson of Jacob Updike. Jacob Updike was born and reared in New Jersey, and there cast his first presidential vote for William Henry Harrison in 1840. Upon his removal to Ohio, he located in Warren County, but the last days of his life were spent in Miami County, on a farm north of Troy. He and his wife both lived to advanced age. They were parents of two children : Gideon Gray ; and Addie, who is the wife of Frank Vandeveer. Gideon Gray Updike was born in New Jersey, on Christmas Day, 1848, and was reared to manhood in that state. As a young man he came west to Warren County, Ohio, and worked at carpentering a few years. One year after his arrival he returned to New Jersey and was married to Miss Louisa Carson, whom he brought back to his new home. They lived in Warren County a short time, then moved to Miami County and rented the Culberson farm north of Troy. After renting for a few years he purchased a farm in Elizabeth Township, near the Children's Home, where they have since lived. He has raised tobacco quite extensively and has done well in a business way. He and his wife became parents of two children : Wil bur D.; and Ada, deceased wife of Larkin Hole. Wilbur D. Updike was about four years of age at the time of his parents' removal to County, where he received his schooling and grew to maturity. As a boy he worked in a nursery and when seventeen years old began farming, continuing MI the home place until his marriage. Since 1906 he has farmed the place of his wife's mother, located about three miles southwest of Troy, in Concord Township, and has made good business progress. He confines his activity to general farming. In October, 1902, Mr. Updike was united in marriage with Miss Ora. J. DeWeese, a daughter of Alexander and Sarah (Sayers) DeWeese. Mr. DeWeese died in 1903 and is survied by his widow. The subject of this record and his wife have one sou, Robert F., who was born. in September, 1904. Religiously, they are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a Republican in politics. He is a member of Troy Lodge No. 43, I. O. O. F.; and Concord Encampment No. 23, I. O. O. F. PETER APPLE, who owns 106 acres of very fine land in Lost Creek Township. the old Isaac Stensman farm, was born March 12, 1849, on his father's farm near St. Paris, Champaign County, Ohio. and is a son of Adam and Mary Ann (Pence) Apple. Adam Apple was born in Pennsylvania, of German parents. He came to Ohio in early manhood and started out in life with a. sole capital of twenty-five cents. all he could call his own. Considering that he lived to be the owner of eleven farms of eighty acres each, his material success was very remarkable. He settled in the neigh- AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 221 borhood of St. Paris, when he came to Ohio, and lived there at the time of his death, when aged seventy-five years. He was twice married and the children born to his first union were: Daniel, John. Adam J., Abraham, Godfrey, Lucy, Sarah, Nancy and David (killed in Civil War). Some are still living. His second marriage was to Mary Ann Pence, who died when aged sixty years. The children of this union were: James, who is deceased ; Peter; Ella; Augusta, deceased, and two that died in infancy. Peter Apple remained at home in Champaign County until his own marriage, working for his father on the farm and in boyhood attended the district schools when possible. His father was a strict and frugal man and expected a large amount of hard work from his sons. After marriage, Mr. Apple lived on his own farm of seventy-eight acres, which was situated in Johnson Township, Champaign County, until 1906, when he sold it to his brother Abraham and then bought his present property, which lies on the north side of the Peter.. son Turnpike Road, in Lost Creek Township. Mr. Apple found it unnecessary to do much improving, as substantial farm buildings were already on the place. He raises the usual grains that do well in this section and enough good stock for his own use. In April, 1869, Mr. Apple was married to Miss Barbara Poorman, a daughter of Jacob Poorman, who came to Ohio from Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Apple have had the following children : Alfred, who lives near St. Paris, married Annie Hawes, and they have four children—Ella, Grace, David and Paul ; Elizabeth (deceased), who married Pierce Maggert ; Maggie. who died young; Jacob, who operates the home farm for his father, married Doska Sturm, and they have two children—Marie and Leon ; and Mary. who married Charles Curtis, a farmer in. Brown Township, and has three children—Goldie and Gladys twins). and Helen. Mr. Apple and family are members of the Lutheran Church at St. Paris. In politics he is a Democrat. JESSE BURKETT, one of Troy's prominent retired citizens, formerly county treasurer and for a number of years a public official of Miami County, is also a surviving officer of the great Civil War, having given a. long period of his young manhood to the service of his country in her hour of need. He was born in 1835, in Jefferson, North Carolina. and was brought to Darke County. Ohio, when he was eleven years of age. In 1847 his parents removed to Fredericksburg, Miami County, and there Young Burkett went to school and worked in his father's blacksmith shop. On August 16, 1862, he enlisted in the Federal Army, from Miami County, contracting for "three years or during the war." and on August 24th he was mustered into Company D. under Capt. R. P. Hutchins. and the Ninety-fourth Regiment. Ohio Volunteer Infantry, under Col. Joseph W. Frizell. Four days later, this regiment, without uniforms or camp equipments, having never even been drilled, was ordered to Kentucky, which State, at that time, was being invaded by Gen. Kirby Smith. The regiment went first to Cincinnati, thence to Lexington, Kentucky, where Col. Frizell succeeded in getting three rounds of ammunition to the man, and. with the assistance of some citizens, 322 - HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY passable quarters. Soon afterward the regiment was assigned to the First Brigade, First 'Division, Fourteenth Army Corps, Army of the Cumberland, and on August 31st, participated in the engagement at Tate's Ferry or Fort. In that first battle, Mr. Burkett was seriously wounded in the left hand, so much so that he was incapacitated for service for some time. On February 15, 1863, he was transferred to Company M, Fifth United States Cavalry, Gen. George H. Thomas commanding. This regiment was later assigned to Gen. Torbett's Division, Army of the Potomac, and participated in the following engagements : Beverly Ford, Virginia ; Gettysburg, Pennsylvania ; Brandy Station ; Todd's Tavern ; Trevelyan Station ; Deep Bottom ; Winchester ; Dinwiddie Court House ; Five Forks ; and Appomattox Court House. On April 9, 1865, Mr. Burkett was again wounded, a gunshot shattering his left foot to such an extent that he had to submit to its amputation and at first suffered untold misery in a field hospital, later being transported to the Armory Square Hospital, at Washington, D. C. In addition to these sad misfortunes of war, Mr. Burkett also suffered imprisonment, being captured by the enemy, at Lexington, Kentucky, at the beginning of his service. Three days later he was paroled and within two months was exchanged. He received his final honorable discharge, at Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania, August 27, 1865, by reason of disability and the close of the war. His service included many heroic actions and his record is one that reflects credit on him as a brave man and a patriot. He is a member of Coleman Post, No. 159, G. A. R. In 1874 Mr. Burkett came to Troy and for four years served in the office of deputy sheriff of Miami County, for seven years as deputy auditor of the county, for fourteen years as deputy treasurer, and then was elected county treasurer and served for two terms (four years) in that office. Since leaving the treasurer's office he has lived retired. He was a conscientious and faithful official and during the long period of public life, enjoyed the confidence of his fellow citizens at large and the hearty friendship of more intimate acquaintances. On December 29, 1874, Mr. Burkett was married to Miss Flora P. Tenney, who died in 1878, leaving one daughter, Adda E., who is the wife of Dr. Marsh, of Gouverneur, New York. Mr. Burkett was married (second), January 8, 1885, to Anna Casley Moody, and they have three sons, J. Earl, Ralph C. and Burton B., all of whom are residents of Troy. In former years Mr. Burkett took quite an active interest in politics. He is one of Troy's best known citizens, to advance the welfare of which place he has given his best efforts ever since becoming a resident. FORREST O. FLOWERS, one of Piqua's progressive and enterprising young business men, who stands very high in commercial circles as the president of the Miller-Flowers Company, clothiers and furnishers, at Piqua, was born in 1881, at Stafford, Ohio. After his school attendance was finished, Mr. Flowers taught school very successfully for three years in Monroe County and then accepted an office position with the Buckeye Manufacturing Company, at Anderson, Indiana. He continued with the Buckeye people for one year and eight months, when the company was merged AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 323 with the Pioneer Pole and Shaft Company, of Piqua. He then came to Piqua and was in their office from 1903 to February, 1908, when he bought Mr. Rogan's interest in the Miller-Rogan Company, and the present firm style was assumed, Mr. Flowers becoming president and J. D. Miller secretary and treasurer. This is the leading firm of clothiers and furnishers in Miami County. On April 16, 1907, Mr. Flowers was married to Miss Essie Mae Miller, a daughter of William F. Miller, a leading business citizen of Troy. Mr. and Mrs. Flowers are members of the Green Street Methodist Episcopal Church. He is active in the Y. M. C. A., is a member of the board of directors of the Piqua Business Men's Association and is identified with the Odd Fellows and the Cosmopolitan Club. HENRY ORBISON EVANS, formerly county surveyor and engineer for Miami County, Ohio, resides on the old home farm in Staunton Township, about three hundred yards from the limits of the city of Troy. He is a man of wide experience in his professional work, which has taken him very thoroughly over the west and southwest and into Old Mexico. He was born in Troy, Ohio, March 20, 1846, and is a son of Albert G. and Nancy E. (Orbison) Evans. Both the paternal and maternal great-grandfathers of the subject of this record were the first of their respective families to become established in this country and came from Wales. The paternal great grandfather and his wife reared the following children : Samuel ; Hugh ; Lavina, Sarah, Richard, Nancy, Amos, Daniel and Sophia. Samuel, grandfather of Henry 0. Evans, was born March 31, 1771, and at an early date settled on a farm near Hillsboro, in Highland County, Ohio, where he lived until his death, August 10, 1853. In 1793 he was united in marriage with Polly Foreman, and their children were John, Nancy, Amos, Elizabeth, Foreman, Simpson, Tabitha, Lavina and Albert G. Albert G. Evans was born at Hillsboro, Highland County, Ohio, March 5, 1811, and spent his boyhood days on the home farm. When a young man he moved to Defiance, Ohio, where he was a pioneer storekeeper and Indian trader. About the year 1841 he located at Troy, Ohio, which at the time was but a small village. With his brother John he engaged in the mercantile business, and later he formed a partnership with William Jay, with whom he continued until 1852 under the firm name of Evans and Jay. He then took into the business as partner, Franklin Elliott, and the firm of Evans and Elliott continued until Mr. Evans retired in 1857. He at that time located on the old John Harker farm in Staunton Township, which he had purchased in 1853 from Mr. Elliott. He died on this place November 29, 1889. He was married October 13, 1842, to Nancy E. Or-bison, a daughter of Henry Orbison, a prominent citizen and well known lecturer of Miami County. Mr. and Mrs. Evans, for a wedding trip, went overland to New York City and returned by way of Cincinnati. The last leg of their journey home was made on a packet on the canal from Cincinnati to Troy, that waterway having but recently been completed. Two children were the issue of this union : Dr. John Rush Evans, formerly of Troy and now of Pittsburg; and Henry 0. Evans, who was 324 - HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY named in honor of his maternal grandfather. Dr. John R. Evans graduated at the Troy High School in 1860 and Miami University in 1865, after which he received a thorough training in the science of medicine in the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, Michigan, and in the Belleview Hospital Medical College at New York City. He practiced many years at Troy, where he established an enviable prestige, and then moved to Pittsburg, where he has been successful in connection with a manufacturing firm. He was first united in marriage with Miss Julia. Denice of Franklin, Ohio, by whom he has four children : Albert G., Edwin B., George D. and Henry 0. His second marital union was with Miss Elizabeth Sharp of Williamsburg, Ohio. Henry Orbison Evans spent his youthful days in Troy, where he attended the grade and high schools. He left high school in his junior year to enter- Miami University, from which he was graduated in 1867 after a four years' course, with the honor of A. B., and in 1887 the degree of A. M. was conferred on him by that university. In 1868 he entered upon his profession as civil engineer, being engaged in railroad work for seven years, when he returned to Troy, and was elected to the office of county surveyor on the Republican ticket, and at the same time served as city and county engineer. He built many of the new pikes in the western part of the county. In 1891 he went to California and until 1894 followed engineering in connection with irrigation work, and then until 1908 worked in many parts of the West and Southwest in railroad construction work. Two years of this time he was in Old Mex ico, and for nine years was in the employ of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad as assistant and division engineer. He returned to Troy in 1908 and established his home on the old farm in Staunton Township, which he purchased from his father's estate in 1853. It is located at the intersection of the Troy-Urbana and Troy-Piqua pikes, on the interurban railway, and the residence is now being rebuilt and improved, and is being made one of the most modern and attractive homes in Miami County. Mr. Evans was joined in marriage in 1875 with hiss Jennie Jefferson, a (laughter of John Jefferson of Fayette County, Ohio. She died in 1883, leaving a daughter, Nannie J., who is now the wife of Philip A. Shaffer of New York City, a chemist by profession, who has charge of the Loomis Laboratory. They reside at Flushing, Long Island, and have a daughter, Jane, who was born in 1907. Mr. Evans formed a second union in 1889 with Miss Ella Hawthorne, who was for a number of years connected with the public schools of Troy as teacher. She is a daughter of George Hawthorne and was born at Morgantown, W. Va. Religiously, they are members of the Presbyterian church. Fraternally, he is a member of Franklin Lodge, No. 14, F. & A. M.; and Coleman Commandery, No. 17, K. T. He is a man of wide acquaintance in the county, and enjoys great popularity. RICHARD LORENZO BROWN, M. D., is a prominent practitioner of Casstown, Miami County, Ohio, where he has been located since March, 1908. He has established a wide acquaintanceship and made many friends during his short residence