AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 375 sons and two daughters—Henry, John, Jacob, Polly and Elizabeth. Henry Shroyer later was appointed constable in Bethel Township, and met death from an assault made on him while he was making an arrest. John married Eliza Rawl and both lived and died in Bethel Township. Polly married a Joseph Shroyer and Elizabeth married Elias Stockstill, of Shelby County. Ohio. Thomas Shroyer acquired a farm of 160 acres in Bethel Township and cleared up almost all of it. He was one of the leading men of his section at that time. Both he and wife died on their pioneer farm and were buried in Bethel Cemetery. They were worthy members of the German Reformed Church. Jacob Shroyer, father of John William, was a young man when he came to Miami County and when his father died he came into possession of a generous portion of the home estate and to this he subsequently added until he owned 700 acres in Bethel Township. He was a leading Democratic politician and as a public man was held in the highest esteem. For forty years he was elected to the office of township treasurer, for ten years was a trustee and at one time his party put him forward as its candidate for county treasurer. He died in old age, in February, 1889,. and was interred at New Carlisle. Bethel Township remembers him as one of her most honest and useful men. Jacob Shroyer was thrice married. His first union was to a Miss Black, who, at death, left six children—Thomas, Matilda, Catherine, Annie Maria, Henry and Harriet. His second marriage was to Susan Stockstill, a daughter of Thomas Stock-still, and there were six children also born to this union—John William. Oscar, Sarah, Rebecca, Camelia and Jacob. This wife was buried at New Carlisle. His third marriage was to Priscilla Mann, who left no issue. All three were women of most estimable qualities. Jacob Shroyer was a member and liberal supporter of the Reformed Church. John William Shroyer was reared on the home farm and spent his school days in Bethel Township, where he secured what was considered a very fair education. He continued to assist his father until his marriage, when he settled on his present farm, one which was already cleared with the exception of a few acres and improved with substantial buildings. The county ditch runs through his property and thus ensures excellent drainage. As his land lies only four miles east of Tippecanoe City, Mr. Shroyer and family are able to enjoy both rural and urban advantages and these are appreciated as he has a family that is more than usually intelligent. Shroyer devotes his large farm to general agriculture and to stock raising. In 1868 he was married to Miss Margaret Anna Williams, who is a daughter of :John and Anna Williams, and they have had the following children : Hershel, who married Clara Mumford. and has six children—Marie, Hazel. Carl, Parker, William and Raymond ; Ida, who married William Wray, and has two children—Laverne and Maurice; Anna, who married Benjamin Kissinger ; Glendora, who married Leroy Gross ; Jacob. who married Ada Ledgeworth. daughter of James Ledgeworth; Bessie. who resides at home; Irwin Franklin, who is a member of the class of 1910 in Starling Medical College. at Columbus, Ohio : Marvin. who lives at home: Leroy, who is a student in the 376 - HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY Bethel High School ; and Margie, who attends Glenwood school in Bethel Township. Mr. Shroyer and family attend the Methodist Episcopal Church. In his political views he is a Democrat but he takes no very active interest in public matters and the only office he was ever willing to accept was that of school director, in former days. He is one of the township's most esteemed and respected citizens. GEORGE W. CONRAD, a quarter-century resident of Troy, is one of the representative business men of this city and is extensively interested in real estate and fire insurance, with offices at No. 122 West Main Street. Mr. Conrad was born February 22, 1851, at Columbus, Ohio. In 1852 the parents of Mr. Conrad moved to a farm near Monroe, Michigan, from which they removed seven years later to Versailles, Missouri, the long journey being made in covered wagons. This was an unfortunate change of home, resulting in the death of the father, in the fall of 1861.. He was a man of pronounced Union views and for the expression of these was killed by a band of Quantrell's guerillas. His distracted widow took her little sons and went back to Marysville, Ohio, and there George W. Conrad grew to manhood. His education was secured in the public schools and as soon as old enough he made himself useful in his brother's carriage blacksmith shop, subsequently learning the trade. In 1.885 he came to Troy, accepting at that time the position of foreman of the blacksmith department of the Troy Buggy Works, and continued with that firm until 1892, when he went with the Troy Bending Works, continuing there until that plant was sold out in 1902 to the Pioneer Pole and Shaft Company, with which he remained two years longer. On account of ill health amounting to an attack of nervous prostration, Mr. Conrad was then forced to give up all business for three years, and when he resumed his activity in October, 1907, he bought out the fire insurance business of A. R. Hawthorne, widened its scope and has conducted it ever since. He represents the Home, of New York, the Aetna, of New York, the Springfield Fire and Marine, the Pennsylvania of Philadelphia, the Newark of Newark, New Jersey, the Aachen Munich, of Aix-la-Chapelle, Germany, and the Fidelity and Casualty, with many others. He owns three farms in Miami County and handles much realty both in the country and city. He has been an active citizen and has served in the City Council. In 1881 Mr. Conrad was married to Miss Mary Nichol, of Marysville, Ohio, and they have four sons : Herman W., who is in business in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is a graduate engineer of the Ohio State University ; John Leonard, who is a student of music at the Conservatory at Oberlin College ; George Edward, who is taking a course in architecture at the Ohio State University ; and Albert C., who is a student in the Troy High School. Mr. Conrad and wife are members of St. John's Evangelical Church at Troy, of which he is treasurer. JOHN THOMAS McKEE, a leading agriculturist of Bethel Township, residing on his rich farm of 105 acres, which is situated in Sections 3 and 4, was born in Knox County, Ohio, April 25, 1848, and is a son of John and Catherine (Crawford) McKee, and a grandson of Robert McKee. AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 377 Robert McKee was born in the north of Ireland and when he came to America about 1814, he settled in Harrison County, Ohio, where he spent the remainder of his life. He became a man of large landed estate, owning 280 acres, a large part of which still remains in possession of the McKee family. He died in 1855 and was buried at Cadiz, Ohio. He married Catherine Miller, who died in 1852 and they had thirteen children, namely: James. Archibald, Robert, John, Thomas, George. Margaret, Hannah, Rachel, Eliza, Rebecca, Jane and Emma. John McKee was born in Harrison County, Ohio, attended school at Cadiz and then assisted his father until his own marriage, after which, in 1832, he settled in Knox County, where he entered two tracts of land from the Government, one of 130 and another of 240 acres. He continued to live on his land in Knox County until his death, which took place in ]861. His widow survived until 1859 and both were buried at Mt. Vernon. They were worthy members of the Mt. Vernon Methodist Episcopal Church. John McKee married Catherine Crawford. a daughter of George Crawford, and they had for children, namely : Robert. James, Emma and John Thomas, the last named being the only survivor. In politics the grandfather had been a Whig and the father was a Republican. John Thomas McKee was educated in the public schools of Knox County and Martinsburg College, after which he assisted his father in his large agricultural operations. On April 20, 1889, he came to Miami County and settled on his present farm, which he has greatly improved, building his present handsome residence and remodeling the other farm structures. He has laid some 400 rods of drain tile and carries on the cultivation of his land according to the best accepted methods. Mr. McKee was married (first) in March. 1868, to Miss Mary Wallace, a daughter of David Wallace. She died June 14, 1900, and was interred at Utica. She was the mother of three children: Clyde D.. who married Pearl Coults, and has one daughter. Lucile; Arthur Texas, associated with his father; and an infant, deceased. Mr. McKee was married (second) December 26, 1901, to Mrs. Ida Jones, widow of James Jones and daughter of John and 'Sarah E. Keizer. Mr. and Mrs. McKee are members of the Presbyterian Church. In politics he is a Republican. CAPT. JOSHUA L. BABB, one of Troy's best citizens, now living retired, is an honored member of the Grand Army of the Republic, having won distinction in the great Civil War. He was born July 22. 1833. at Babb's Mills. six miles east of Troy. Ohio. Daniel Babb, father of Captain Babb, was born in Pennsylvania a short time after his parents landed in America from Germany. The family soon moved to Virginia. where Daniel was married. After their second child was born they made the long overland journey from Virginia (now West Virginia), in pioneer style to Ohio, and before he settled permanently, he spent a year in Piqua.. He then bought a mill in Bethel Township, which had been put up in 1818, and which he remodeled and operated until his death many years later, this mill giving the name to the little settlement around it—Babb's Mill. He 378 - HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY also owned a large farm and was the leading man of his section. On his father's farm in Bethel Township, J. L. Babb grew to manhood. The call to arms in 1861 aroused his feelings of loyalty and he resolved to offer his services in defense of the Union. He enlisted in Company C, Seventy-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and for four years bore the hardships and faced the dangers of a soldier's life. He participated in many of the most memorable battles of that great struggle and his valor was recognized by frequent promotions. From a private in the ranks he climbed step by step until in 1863 he was commissioned captain of his company and served as such until he was mustered out. He took part in the battles of Shiloh and Stone River and was in the whole campaign in the Army of the Cumberland from Nashville to the fall of Atlanta, after the latter being sent to San Antonio. He was finally mustered out in the fall of 1865. He did not entirely escape injury, being wounded by a shell at Shiloh. A short time after his return from the army, Captain Babb entered the manufacturing firm of Warder, Bushnell & Glessner, at Springfield, Ohio, as general manager on the road, and continued his association with this house for thirty-five years. After resigning his office he resided some six years in New Jersey, but, as he advanced in years early ties made themselves felt and three years since, he returned to this section which had been his childhood home and took up his residence among those who had been the friends of himself and family for a long period. He found a hearty welcome awaiting him. ORA BEAVER, general farmer, residing on a valuable property containing ninety-nine acres of excellent land, which is situate() in Section 30, Bethel Township, was born July 21, 1875, in Monroe Township, Miami County; Ohio, and is a son of Jacob Beaver. Jacob Beaver, father of Ora, was born in Pennsylvania and after he came to Ohio he settled on a rented farm in Montgomery County and moved from that to one in Bethel Township, Miami County, where he yet resides. He married Sarah Nolen and they have had the following children: Oliver, who married Winnie Priest, daughter of William Priest, and has three children —William, Charles and Harry William, who married Bertha Widener, daughter of Miller Widener, and they have two children—Elmer and Donath, the latter an adopted child; Ora, subject of this sketch; Jacob, who married Della Horneback, daughter of James Horneback, and they have one son, Ernest Mary, who married George Flick, and has two sons, Francis and Jacob Stella, who married Lyle Snider, now deceased, and she survives him and has one child, Margie Ellen; Walter, who lives at home and Ida and Annie, both deceased. Ora Beaver obtained a good public school education, attending the Shilo school in Montgomery County and later the Antioch school, and the Frog Pond and Oak Grove schools. He then gave help to his father on the farm and later worked for three years for A. L. & M. Jackson. He then served an apprenticeship of three years to the carpenters' trade at Phoneton, after which he visited the West, being induced to go so far from home on account of the call of the western farmers for work- AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 379 ers in their harvest fields. In this capacity he visited North Dakota, Missouri and Kansas for four seasons and knows all that country well. When he returned to Phoneton he resumed carpenter work and for two years was foreman for the Dayton & Toledo House Wrecking Company, of Dayton, Ohio. After his marriage he took up his residence on his wife's farm and here he has made a number of improvements, remodeling, building and painting. This property is admirably located, being within two and one-half miles of Tippecanoe City. On December 15, 1908, Mr. Beaver was married to Miss Bertha Brown, who was born in Greene County, Ohio, and is a daughter of William and Hannah Brown, the latter of whom died October 14, 1879, and was buried at Maple Hill. William Brown resides at Yellow Springs, in Greene County, where he conducts an extensive nursery. Mrs. Beaver owns the farm of ninety-nine acres on which she and husband reside and also owns a farm of 145 acres which is situated in Section 31, Bethel Township. Mr. Beaver is identified with the Democratic party. A. B. CAMPBELL, a leading attorney of Troy, Ohio, has been a resident of this city for the past fourteen years. He was born in 1876, on a farm one mile south of Troy, and is a son of William Campbell. The father of Mr. Campbell was born in Pennsylvania. From that state he came to Ohio and in 1860 he settled in Miami County, where he continues to carry on his farm enterprise. A. B. Campbell was reared on the home farm and obtained his early educational training in the country schools and at Troy. He then entered the Ohio Northern University, where he was graduated from the law department, May 30, 1900. He had secured his higher teacher's certificate, prior to this and taught school for three years. After his admission to the bar he located for practice in Troy and has been prominent here both professionally and politically. In 1902 he was elected prosecuting attorney and was re-elected in 1905, resigning the office of justice of the peace in order to accept the later honor. He has been a successful attorney in many important eases before the courts, while, in his public capacity, he has been a faithful official. On April 10, 1901, Mr. Campbell was married to Miss Anna M. Heist, and they have one daughter, Phyllis Louise. Mr. Campbell is a member of the Elks and the Knights of Pythias, and also of the Elk Club. W. A. HAINES, a representative member of the Miami County bar, enjoying a substantial practice at Troy, has been a resident of this city for about seventeen years. He was born February 28, 1869, on his grandfather's farm in Concord Township, Miami County, Ohio, and is a son of Theodore Haines, who was born in Kentucky and died in Miami County in 1874. W. A. Haines completed his literary course at the Southern Illinois State University at Carbonville, in the early eighties, graduating in the high school teachers' course. For seven years and three months he then devoted himself to teaching school and then turned his attention to the study of law, preparing with Attorney W. S. Thomas, of Troy and being admitted to the bar in 1895. Mr. Haines returned to teach- 380 - HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY ing for one year longer, having been exceedingly successful in that profession, and then spent one year in Judge Williams' law office. In 1897 he was elected city solicitor and after serving one term he found his time sufficiently occupied with private business and has closely applied himself to his professional work ever since. He is a member of the Miami County Bar Association and practices in all the State and in the Federal Courts. In 1900, Mr. Haines was married to Miss Blanche Bousman, of Miami County, and they have two daughters, Mildred and Helen. Mr. Haines is identified with the Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias, the Elks, and the Troy Club. JOSEPH J. SCHMIDT, general farmer and dealer in hard wood lumber, resides on a small farm in Bethel Township, near Brandt, but owns a second farm which contains 144 acres. He was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, June 12, 1856, and is a son of Henry and Christina (Miller) Schmidt. Henry Schmidt was born in Germany, where his father, George Schmidt, owned considerable of an estate and operated a large flour mill. The great-grandfather was a merchant and ship owner and, with a brother, helped to supply the vessels that brought the Hessian soldiers to America during the Revolutionary War. George Schmidt never came to the United States ; six of his children found homes here : Adam, Justice, John, Lewis, George and Henry. The latter was twenty-three years of age when he reached Baltimore, Maryland, where he first secured work by the day. He married and later bought a grocery store at Dayton, which he conducted for a few years, coming to Brandt in 1859. He operated a hotel and grocery at Brandt until 1880, and then sold out to William Serell. He died at Dayton and was buried there. He was a worthy member of the German Lutheran Church. While he always voted with the Democratic party, he never sought office nor took any active part in public movements. He married Christina Miller, who survives and resides at Dayton, but still owns a farm in Bethel Township. They had four children, namely : Joseph J.; Elizabeth, who married Charles Bond, of Dayton; Minnie, who married Charles A. Snyder, of Brown Station; and George M., who married Lillian Kaufman. Joseph J. Schmidt attended his first school at Brandt, second and later at Dayton, where he was a student for one and a half years. He then began to take a settled interest in farming. After his marriage he moved to Brandt for a year and then returned to the homestead, on which he has made all the improvements. In addition to tilling his land he deals in lumber, timber and land, being one of the township's most active business men. Mr. Schmidt was married to Miss Anna E. Black, a daughter of Adam and Julia (McEfee) Black, and they have four children—George Harold, who married Dora Mumford ; Raymond, who married Lena Gantz ; Carrie M., and Joseph G., living at home. Mr. Schmidt and family are leading members of the Lutheran Church at Brandt, with which he united when he was sixteen years of age. He is an elder and has always taken a deep interest in the Sunday-school, teaching a class, and for eighteen years served as superintendent. He belongs to the Masonic lodge at AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 381 New Carlisle. In politics a stanch Democrat, he has frequently been elected to public office, has served as treasurer of Bethel Township and for eight years was a member of the Board of Education. CHARLES W. TOBEY, proprietor of the Tobey Drug Store at Troy, Ohio, is a man of state-wide reputation in his profession and has long been prominent in connection with the affairs and interests of his home city. He was born in Dayton, Ohio, in 1655, and is a son of Nathaniel Tobey, who is well remembered as one of the foremost men of Troy. Nathaniel Tobey was for many years head of the drug firm of N. Tobey Son, and was financially interested in various enterprises and manufacturing plants of the city. he was one time president of the Troy Business Men's Association, and also served in the City Council. His death occurred in 1903. Charles W. Tobey received his early education in the public schools of Dayton and Troy, his parents moving to the latter. place when he was ten years of age. He received a careful education as an analytical chemist, being graduated from the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy in 1876. He immediately thereafter embarked in the drug business in partnership with his father, they at that time purchasing the store of E. F. Rinehart, in Troy. The firm of N. Tobey & Son continued with uninterrupted success until the death of Nathaniel Tobey in 1903, since which time the name of the establishment has been the Tobey Drug Store. Mr. Tobey has always identified himself with the leading interests of the city and county. He was one of the founders of the Ohio Pharma ceutical Association, of which he was chairman of the first executive committee; he was the first delegate of that body to the American Pharmaceutical Association, and was at one time president of the organization. He also was the first delegate to the National Retail Druggists' Association. He was twice appointed to the Ohio State board of examiners for pharmacists, and is serving his second term as president of same. He was one of the original promoters of the Island Outing Club. In 1879 Mr. Tobey was united in marriage with Miss Ellie R. Reed, a daughter of Browning Reed, of Troy. Fraternally, he is a charter member of Troy Lodge, Knights of Pythias; and is affiliated with Blue Lodge, F. A. M., and the Knights Templar. ISAAC DUNRIDER, township trustee and representative citizen of Bethel Township, where he manages a farm of eighty acres for his mother, was born in Bethel Township, Miami County, Ohio, January 12, 1855, and is a son of John and Sarah (Karns) Dunrider. John Dunrider was born in Germany and died in Bethel Township, Miami County, June 21, 1885. When he emigrated to America he landed in Maryland and from there made his way to Dayton, Ohio, and shortly afterward accompanied Abraham Studebaker to Bethel Township, Miami County. He worked as a farm hand for one year with Mr. Studebaker and for two years with the latter's brother, Michael. After his marriage he settled first in Bethel Township, and then moved to near Tippecanoe City, remaining on that farm for five years. He then moved to a farm near Casstown for five years more, after 382 - HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY which he bought a farm of 160 acres situated in Section 15, just north of the one now owned by his widow. It was on that farm that he died and his burial was in the Hickory Grove Cemetery. He was a highly respected man and was a worthy member of the Brethren Church. His widow survives, after the death of her husband, purchasing her present well improved farm in Bethel Township, from G. Heltzer. John Dunrider was married April 2, 1854, to Miss Sarah Karns, a daughter of John Karns, and they had the following children : Isaac ; Catherine, who married Korah Shafford ; Lydia, who married George E. Beathley ; an infant, with Samuel and Mary, all three deceased ; John, who married Clara Arnold ; G. W., who resides in Bethel Township ; Sarah, who married P. P. Peters, of California ; and Emma M., who married I. J. Boone. Isaac Dunrider in his boyhood attended the district schools, which were situated near Tippecanoe City, at Casstown and at Hickory Grove, after which he took up the duties on the farm and gave his father assistance as long as the latter lived. Since then he has done the same for his mother, cultivating and improving her land and attending to all business matters for her. The present buildings were standing when she took possession, but he has remodeled them and under his management the whole place presents a fine appearance. Mr. Dunrider is a Democrat in politics and he takes some interest in township affairs and for eleven years has served as township trustee. C. M. HUNT, who is doing a large business in farm implements at Troy, is a representative citizen and a member of the Troy Business Men's Association. He was born in 1868, in Darke County, Ohio, where he passed his early years on a farm and received his education in the public schools. He is a son of Ralph and Lydia (Walker) Hunt, both of whom were born in Ohio. Mr. Hunt's grandparents came from Virginia to Ohio and were among the pioneer settlers here, building their home in the woods. When Ralph Hunt married he also built a cabin in the woods. He was three times married. The subject of this sketch has one brother, James Aldis ; four half brothers—Harvey, Abraham, Theodore and A rlistus ; one sister, Almeda, and one half sister, Phebe Jane. After retiring from farming Mr. Hunt was engaged in the butchering business at Laura, Miami County, for some years, later was in the grocery line at Spring Valley and for four years was in the hardware and farm implement business at Xenia prior to coming to Troy in 1904. Mr. Hunt is established at No. 11 North Market Street, where he carries a large stock of all kinds of farm implements, including wagons and buggies. In 1887 Mr. Hunt was married to Miss Elvira Wright, of Darke County, Ohio, and they have five children, namely : Myrtle Viola, who is the wife of Earl McDonald, of Xenia, Ohio, and has two children, Jaunita and Charles ; Hiram and Harry, both of whom assist their father in his business ; and Robert and Dewey, who attend school. Mr. and Mrs. Hunt are members of the Christian Church. He is a man of social nature and is identified with the Odd Fellows, the Elks, the Knights of Pythias, and Franklin Lodge No. 14, F. and A. M. AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 385 JOHN GAHAGAN SENOUR, M. D., was born in Troy, Ohio, July 4, 1855, and died April 21, 1904. His father, William Senour, was a native of Kentucky; his mother, Clara Maria Gahagan, a native of Troy. They were united in marriage in 1854. Two children—John Gahagan and Lillie Mahala—were born to this union. The latter married Mr. Frank Edwards, of Chicago, in 1879, and they resided there until her death, which occurred in 1884. In 1865 Dr. Senour's mother was married to Mr. Frank L. Horter, who died in 1888. Mother Horter died in 1901. He was of pioneer stock and a man greatly beloved by all the members of the family. Dr. Senour acquired his preliminary education in the Troy schools, after which, in 1873, he entered the drug store of Dr. Horace Coleman. He commenced the study of medicine two years liter under Dr. Joseph Green, of Troy. Having secured a good fundamental knowledge of medicine, he attended the Ohio Medical College at Cincinnati, and was subsequently graduated from the Bellevue Medical College at New York City. He at once returned to Troy, purchased the home and office of Dr. Green, corner of Franklin and Walnut Streets, with whom he had studied, and commenced the practice of medicine, April 18, 1879. On December 11, 1879, the Doctor was united in marriage with Miss Sadie L. Ross, daughter of John Wilson and Frances Elizabeth Ross, at the family residence, corner of Franklin and Walnut Streets. To them two daughters were born—Lillie Mahala and Laura Beall. The former's span of life was brief, as she passed away at the early age of fifteen years when in the dawn of lovely womanhood. Of a quick, responsive mind and sweet, lovable disposition, she was a prime favorite with all, old and young alike, and her untimely departure cast a gloom over many hearts. Her memory lingers yet, like a precious fragrance that shall long abide, and those in whose hearts it is enshrined feel, with the poet, that " 'Tis better to have loved and lost Than never to have loved at all." Dr. Senour was ever a close and thorough student in his profession and worked his way upwards to a commanding position in the front ranks of the medical fraternity. His efforts were blessed with success. In politics he was a Democrat, and he was elected coroner in 1884. In all life's relations he commanded the esteem and confidence of his fellow men. Dr. Senour's mother, Clara Maria Gahagan, was a granddaughter of William Gahagan, who entered the land (now comprising the east half of Troy, from the public square to the Bradford Bridge) the original deed of which was signed by James Madison. The site of Troy at that time was known as Staunton. He came through the place; forded the river. The Indians shot his horse from under him, but as he was unharmed, and having despatches of importance in his possession, he walked all the way to Cincinnati. After fulfilling his commission he returned and purchased the land where he was so mercifully spared. He had three sons—Solomon, William and John. Clara Maria was the daughter of John Gahagan, from whom Dr. Senour was named. 386 - HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY JOHN WILSON ROSS (deceased) was prominent for many years among the up-builders of Troy's commercial interests. He took a notable part in the development and improvement of the little city which he had elected to make his home. As a man of public spirit throughout his active career, this aid and influence could be counted upon in favor of any practical measures for the moral or material benefit of the community. He was born June 6, 1820, at Zanesville, Ohio, of Scotch-lrish parentage. his grandfather Ross coming direct from Scotland, the grandfather John Wilson direct from Ireland. He was about twelve years of age when his parents died in New Carlisle, this State. ills early manhood was spent in that village, where he learned the tailor's trade under Mr. Moorhead, with whom he made his home. At the age of twenty-one he came to Troy, Miami County, in which city his subsequent life was spent. Mr. Ross was married in 1546 to Frances Elizabeth Louthan, in the parlors of the Hatfield House. Troy, Ohio, which was then called the “Washington Inn," the family residence of her sister, Mrs. Sarah Hatfield. Mrs. Ross was a native of Winchester, Virginia, born September 2, 1S26, and accompanied her parents to Miami County in childhood. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Ross removed to New Carlisle, Ohio. Five children were born into their household—Charles, Anna, Ella, Sadie and Howard. They subsequently—in 1867—came back to Troy to rear their children, and purchased the fl home now occupied by Mrs. Ross, who survives her husband, at No. 29 South Walnut Street, which has been her home for almost half a century. After his return to Troy Mr. Ross engaged in the nursery business, and for long afterwards the firm of J. W. Ross & Co. was the leading one in that line of industry in this section of Ohio. Mrs. Ross has been an active woman all her life. She was one of the founders of the Altrurian Club of Troy. Her library is well filled with the best and choicest of standard works; her love for and knowledge of history made her a valuable club worker. She has always conducted her own business affairs, in which she has shown great ability and has in various other ways shown herself to be possessed of remarkable ability. After her husband's death, and when the children were all in homes of their own—between sixty and seventy years old. she took up Chautauqua work, wits graduated and passed through the Golden Gate at Chautauqua in the class Mr. and Mrs. Ross were ideal parents : the love and welfare of the home was their mutual abiding thought. The following. is a brief record of their children : Charles, the first-born, who died in June, 1908—known as a loving, loyal, devoted son. brother, husband, father and friend—married Seba Wagner, one of Troy's sweet singers, in 1883, and they had five children—J. Wilson, Harriet, George, Howard and Anna. To their home in 1902 a crushing sorrow came in the drowning of their son George. The grandson, J. Wilson Ross, named after the subject of this sketch, is now one of the leading young men of Troy, both as regards business and social activities. He is employed as cashier by the Hobart Electric Manufacturing Company, the leading industry of Troy, and is well known and highly esteemed for his sterling qualities. Anna Ross was married in 1872 to F. AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 389 P. Brechbill, who died in 1898. He was a prominent groceryman of Troy. She has a daughter, Frances P., who is the wife of John K. De Freese, assistant cashier of the Troy National Bank. Ella Ross was married in 1876 to Dr. W. A. R. Tenney, now of Cincinnati, Ohio. She has three children—Wilson Ross, well known in the newspaper world; Charles, a promising young lawyer, now in the Philippines; and Helen. Sadie was married in 1879 to Dr. John Gahagan Senour, by whom she has had two children— Lillie Mahaia and Laura Beall. Howard is single and resides in Montana. The subject of this sketch was an old-time Democrat and a man of sturdy vir- tues. Although not a member of the Pres- byterian Church, he was one of its most ardent supporters, working untiringly for the good of the church in every possible way. He was both a Mason and an Odd Fellow. His loyalty to Troy was evident in a marked degree ; never failing to stand for the business interests of the different mercantile enterprises, expressing himself at all times to the effect that loyalty in patronizing home trade and allowing home merchants to make the profit by ordering through them, was certainly the most substantial way to show one's loyalty to one's home town. E. F. SAYERS, one of Troy's most esteemed retired citizens, residing in his pleasant home at No. 318 Lincoln Avenue, is a member of one of the old pioneer families of Miami County. He was born September 23, 1831, in Elizabeth Township, Miami County, Ohio, and is a son of Thomas Jefferson and a grandson of Thomas Sayers. Grandfather Thomas Sayers was one of the pioneering Pennsylvanians who came to Staunton Township, Miami County, in 1807, taking up 160 acres of Government land. Until July, 1908, this land remained continuously in the possession of the Sayers family. Thomas Jefferson Sayers was born in October, 1808. Both father and grandfather were men of local importance, serving as justices of the peace and taking an active part in the material development of this section. E. F. Sayers has spent his entire life in Miami County with the exception of four years, from 1880 until 1884, when he resided in Lee County, Illinois. He attended the district schools and became a practical farmer on the homestead, continuing his agricultural activities until August, 1S93, when he moved to Troy. He has served occasionally in public office, for six years being a member of the Board of Infirmary Directors, but has never sought political honors. As a stockholder he is interested in several business enterprises and is one of the directors of the Troy National Bank. In 1837 Mr. Sayers was married to Miss Caroline French, a native of Kosciusko County, Indiana, who died in 1878. Five children were born to that marriage, namely Martha. A., who married Horatio Klyne, of Troy ; Carrie, who is now deceased ; Altezera, who married Theodore Rodgers, of Miami County ; Maggie, who married C. D. Free, of Spring Creek Township, Miami County; and Harry Lincoln, who is a resident of Miami County. In 1880 Mr. Sayers was married (second) to Miss Catherine Knight, of Champaign 390 - HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY County, Ohio. Mr. Sayers is a leading member of the Baptist Church at Troy, being a member of the Board of Trustees and a deacon. JOHN M. HEFFNER, general farmer and tobacco grower, resides on a tract of thirty-one acres of land located on the Brandt and Addison Turnpike Road, in Section 14, Bethel Township, and also owns 67 acres of the old Bethel Township homestead. He was born August 25, 1856, near Brandt, Miami County, Ohio, and is a son of Henry and Margaret (Hawn) Heffner. The pioneer of the Heffner family was the grandfather, Michael Heffner, who came with his wife from Maryland, the journey being made over the mountains in great covered wagons. He settled in Bethel Township and built his house, one of brick, in which he conducted also a general store, and it is one of the oldest landmarks in Brandt, where a number of houses stand on what was once his farm. He was a charter member of the Lutheran Church at Brandt and undoubtedly was one of the town's most useful and progressive men. In politics he was a stanch Democrat. He married Elizabeth Fry and they had the following children : Edward, Henry, Joseph, Michael, David, Myra, Catherine, Harriet, Lydia Ann, Washington, John, Thomas, Betsey, Ezra, Daniel, Elizabeth and Jane. Henry Heffner, father of John M., attended the Sheets school when he was a boy and then assisted his father on the home place until his own marriage, after which he settled in Section 17, on Honey Creek, where he lived for several years, moving then to the Dimmitt farm and then to a farm of 124 acres one and one-half miles west of Brandt. He took possession of that farm in 1855 and remained on it until his death. He was a Democrat in his political views and served as constable for several terms. He was a member of the Lutheran Church and was one of the early members of the Masonic fraternity at Brandt. He married Margaret Hawn, who died November 28, 1890, whom he survived until August 4, 1904. They had eight children, namely : Libeon, unmarried; Jane, wife of Thomas Ginn ; Rebecca, wife of Samuel Crider ; John M.; George, unmarried ; Isaac, who married Emma Kew ; Matilda, who married George Parson ; and Jacob. John M. Heffner has spent his life in Miami County and since leaving school has devoted himself to quiet pursuits. After his marriage he settled on his grandfather's farm for about four years and then purchased a place of his own in Brandt, on which he lived for sixteen years, for eight years of this time operating a well drill. When he retired from Brandt he settled on his present place and has been engaged in general farming and tobacco growing, giving the larger part of his attention to the latter. He has put all his buildings into good shape and has enough warehouse room to take care of a large tobacco crop. On December 22, 1881, Mr. Heffner was married to Miss Amanda L. Maugans, a daughter of John and Mary Maugans, and they have had four children, as follows: Anna M., who is now deceased, married Ray Mann and their infant child is also deceased ; Jacob ; Harrison F., who was married October 18, 1909, to Ada May Cullars, a daughter of Jerome and Nora AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 391 Cullars ; and John Edward, who resides at home. Mr. Heffner is a member of the Brethren Church at Hickory Grove. He casts his vote with the Democratic party. THOMAS CALVIN DAVIS, whose excellent farm of eighty-eight acres is situated on the southwest corner of Section 7, Elizabeth Township, three miles northwest of New Carlisle, was born in Elizabeth Township, Miami County, Ohio, May 12, 1856, and is a son of Stephen and Eleanor (Thompson) Davis. Stephen Davis was born in Bethel Township, Miami County, Ohio, where he lived until after his marriage, when he moved to Elizabeth Township and later to Illinois. He subsequently returned to Elizabeth Township and bought the present farm of eighty-eight acres, on which he died, in 1872. He was a worthy man in every relation of life. In politics he was a Democrat and served in township offices, for many years being a member of the School Board. He married Eleanor Thompson, a daughter of Mark and Rebecca Thompson, former owners of the farm under consideration. To this marriage two children were born—Martha Ann and Thomas Calvin. The mother died in January, 1906, and she was buried by the side of her husband in Saylor's Cemetery. Thomas Calvin Davis attended school until he was twelve years old but from the age of fourteen he has been farming for himself on his present property, which he has placed in fine condition. He had some clearing to complete and put down about 200 rods of tiling and also erected all the present substantial buildings. Each year his farm has grown more valuable. He takes only a good citizen's interest in politics and casts his vote for candidates of the Democratic party. JOHN A. McCURDY, an ex-treasurer of Miami County, Ohio, has been a prominent resident of Troy since 1874. Farming was for many years his principal occupation, and he is owner of the old John Scott farm of 320 acres and an additional tract of eighty acres in Elizabeth Township. His residence is at 304 W. Main Street, and he has a comfortable home. Mr. McCurdy was born near Casstown, Miami County, in 1841, and is a son of James and Mary (McDonald) McCurdy. His father was born in Ireland and was young when he moved to Montreal, Canada, from whence in 1832 he came to Miami County, Ohio. Here he was married to Mary McDonald, who was a native of South Carolina. John A. McCurdy was a child when his parents moved from Staunton Township to a farm in Concord Township, four miles west of Troy, and there he was reared to maturity. When a young man he worked out by the month as a farm hand, and being ambitious and industrious, looked forward to better things. He became a citizen of Troy in 1874, and after his marriage in 1879 was for several years engaged in the nursery business there with good success. He also for a time was interested in the Troy Buggy Works. He early in life took a deep interest in public affairs and politics, and was a stanch Democrat until the Civil War. He then became a stanch Republican and was twice elected to the office of county treasurer, serving from 1875 until 1879. In 1897 he was honored by the party with election to 392 - HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY the office of representative to the State Legislature, and capably served two terms in that office. In 1879 Mr. McCurdy was united in marriage with Miss Margaret Scott, a daughter of John and Elizabeth (Sproul) Scott, of Miami County. Fraternally he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He served one year in the Union Army, late during the Civil War, and is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. ELMER E. THOMSON is one of the foremost business men of the City of Troy, in which he has lived all his clays. The furniture and undertaking business, of which he is the head, is extensive, its patronage coming from all parts of Miami County. Mr. Thomson has always interested himself in the affairs of the community in a progressive and public-spirited way, and has frequently been called upon to serve in various official capacities the family name has long been known to the people here, and his father, Joel T. Thomson, was equally prominent in affairs. Joel T. Thomson vas born in Troy, Ohio, in 1819, and was a son of Andrew and Catherine (Tullis) Thomson. His father was born in Virginia and about the beginning of the nineteenth century came with his parents to Miami County. He was a soldier in the War of 1812, leaving a wife and two small children to go to the front. Upon his return he soon after moved to Indiana, where he remained three years. He then returned to Troy, and on the day following passed away. Joel T. Thomson being very young at his father's death and the care of his mother devolving upon him, he was bound out for five years to learn the trade of cabinet maker. After two and a half years' apprenticeship, he bought his unexpired time and went to Cincinnati, where he completed his trade. He returned to Troy in 1840, and almost immediately took a forward position in the ranks of business men, which he maintained during his long and useful life. He engaged in cabinet making and gave employment to a number of men; in 1861, he announced to his workmen that he would close shop and enlist in the defense of his country. Inspired by his enthusiasm and patriotism, they at once determined to enter Inc service and prevailed upon him to remain at home and look after those dependent upon him. His men went to the front and le o closed up the cabinet making plant and embarked in the undertaking business. He \vas immensely popular with the soldiery, as is attested by the fact that of the eighty-one who died while in the army and were brought. home for burial. seventy-eight were carried to their !hail resting place by him. He was a ;Jig-hearted, liberal-minded man. and he enjoyed the unbounded condense and esteem of all who knew him. His death in 1900 was mourned by the people throughout the county. Elmer E. Thomson was born in Troy, March 8, 1862, and was reared in that city. He attended the graded schools and was graduated from Troy High School, after which he studied medicine two years under Doctor Green. He attended Columbus Medical College one term, and Starling Medical College a like period, but gave up his preparation for that procession for business reasons. He entered into partnership with his father in the furniture and undertaking business, and the firm established an enviable prestige. In 1900 AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 393 the subject of this record became the sole proprietor of the establishment and has continued it with uninterrupted success. He also established a branch store at Addison, and is partner in an undertaking business at Pleasant Hill. He and his father were originators of arterial embalming, a system which has been much followed. Mr. Thomson has a number of diplomas as an embalmer. He takes an active interest in politics, and has served as infirmary director of the county, member of the Board of Health of Troy, and as sealer of weights and measures of Troy. In 1888 Mr. Thomson was married to Carrie J. Riley, who was born in Troy and was for some years a teacher in the schools. They have a son, Clifford Thomson. Religiously, they are members of the Presbyterian church. He is a Past Exalted Ruler of the Elks ; Past Worthy President of the Order of Eagles, of which he is also treasurer ; a member of the board of trustees of the Modern Woodmen; Past Chief of Knights of the Golden Eagle; and Past Sachem of the Improved Order of Red Men. He is also a trustee of the Order of Elks, and is president of the Troy Business Men's Association. WILLIAM BALDWIN, one of Bethel Township's most respected citizens, who now lives retired on his valuable farm of 144 acres, which lies in Sections 30 and 36, was born October 7, 1833, at Gettysburg, Adams County, Penna. His father was William Baldwin and his grandfather was Thomas Baldwin. Thomas Baldwin was born in England and when he came to America, settled in Adams County, Penna., and took part in the Revolutionary War, serving for a long time but escaping all injury. His tombstone, as well as that of his wife, may be found in the old Adams County Cemetery. They had three children: William, Rebecca and Jennie. William Baldwin spent his whole life in Adams County, Penna., and was a general farmer there. He lived to be seventy-seven years of age. He married Elizabeth Crum, daughter of Peter Crum, and she died in 1840. They had six children, namely: Thomas, John, Mary, Samuel, Peter and William. They were consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church and were worthy in every relation. of life. William Baldwin, who bears his father's name, alternated through boyhood and youth in attending school and helping on the home farm. When twenty-one years old he went to Franklin County and spent about six years working by the month on different farms, and then reached Miami County and worked for two years in Elizabeth Township. From there he next went to Indiana, where he was engaged in farm work for thirteen years and during this time was married. For six years after marriage he resided in Richmond, Indiana ; from there went to near Indianapolis and later returned to Miami County, where he purchased his present farm of 144 acres. When he took possession he found the place run down and in need of much improving, and all this he remedied in a few years, enriching the land and carefully looking after its cultivation and either building or remodeling all the farm structures. For some ten years Mr. Baldwin has lived retired from active farm. labor. Living within two miles of Tippe- 394 - HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY canoe City, he finds plenty of interests to occupy his time whenever overlooking the farm becomes monotonous. On December 17, 1862, Mr. Baldwin was married to Miss Emily Chatteman, a daughter of Charles Chatteman, and they have a family of seven children : Elwood, Samuel, Harry, William, Annie, Cora and Effie. In his political views, Mr. Baldwin is a Republican. He has always taken an interest in public affairs in a general way, but he has never consented to hold office. JACOB KRAYER, who is engaged in the grocery business at No. 111 East Main Street, Troy, and is one of the representative citizens, was born in Germany, in 1853, and obtained his education in the excellent schools of his native land. When sixteen years of age, Jacob Krayer came to America, locating first at Piqua, Ohio, where he learned the cigarmaking trade, at which he worked for two years, after which he came to Troy and entered his brother's grocery store. He remained a clerk for William Krayer from 1871 until 1880, when he was admitted to partnership, under the firm style of Krayer Bros., which continued until 1886. In July of that year he entered into business for him- self, having erected his present building for that purpose, and here he has carried on a most satisfactory enterprise ever since. He keeps on hand a large and varied stock of both staple and fancy groceries and maintains the high standard of excellence, which has been one of the foundation stones of his success. In 1880 Mr. Krayer was married to Miss Emma Hartmann, who was born at Sidney, in Shelby County, but was reared at Troy. Mr. and Mrs. Krayer have six children, as follows : Anna, Frederick, Augusta, Walter, Marie and Emma. Frederick assists his father in the store and is receiving excellent practical training for business. Mr. Krayer and family are members of the German Lutheran Church. S. S. MAKEPEACE, for the past thirty years a resident of Troy, where he is a prominent grain dealer and proprietor of the Troy Feed Mills, on West Main Street, near the city limits, was born December 12, 1862, in Madison County, Indiana. Mr. Makepeace secured a good common school education and was seventeen years of age when he left his native place and came to Troy. He had learned the milling business prior to this, in his own State, and after reaching Troy entered the employ of I. N. Hoagland and worked for two years in his flour mill. He then made a short trip to Texas, but not finding business prospects encouraging, he turned North and settled at Cumberland, Ohio, where he was employed in a flour mill for two more years. From there Mr. Makepeace went to San Diego, California, and for some six years was engaged in a mercantile business, after which he returned to Troy and was engaged in a tile and brick manufacturing business until October, 1908, when he bought the present feed mill, which he has operated ever since. Mr. Makepeace owns a valuable farm of fifty acres in Miami County. He has been a very active and useful citizen and has served on the City Council. In 1900 Mr. Makepeace was married to Miss Lizzie Howell, of Cumberland, Ohio, and they have one daughter, Catherine. He is a Royal Arch Mason and is also a member of the Order of Eagles. AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 395 REV. JACOB COPPOCK, a minister of the Brethren Church, residing on his farm of 160 acres, which is situated in Section 22, Bethel Township, Miami County, was born in Monroe Township, Miami County, Ohio, August 8, 1844. His parents were Samuel and Delany (Blickenstaff) Coppock. The Coppock family came originally from England and its early religious association was with the Quakers. Samuel Coppock, father of Jacob, was born in Monroe Township, Miami County, Ohio, in 1817, and spent almost all his life on his farm there, his death occurring March 13, 1903, his widow surviving him but a few years. They both were interred in Maple Hill Cemetery at Tippecanoe City. Late in life he became a minister in the Brethren Church. He married a daughter of Jacob Blickenstaff, and they had six children, as follows : Moses A., who married Isabel Iddings ; Jacob, our subject; John W., who married Mary C. Hickey ; Mary, who is the widow of A. G. Martindale ; Elias, who married (first) Elizabeth Wells, and (second) Nancy Horst ; and Elizabeth, who married M. P. Identifier. Rev. Jacob Coppock attended the Pearson District School on the Pearson farm, one mile west of Tippecanoe City, in his boyhood and afterward assisted his father on the home place. After his marriage, in 1868, he settled first near Tippecanoe City and then located on his present farm, on which his wife was born. It contains 160 acres and is managed by the sons-in-law, Mr. Coppock giving all his time to his work as a minister, having charge of three churches, with a membership of 500 individuals. From early youth his mind was directed into serious channels and since October, 1881, he has been an accepted minister. He is a well informed man and one who is particularly well fitted to fill the office that has been bestowed on him. He gives all his time and all his energies to his people and they, in turn, respect and love him. Mr. Coppock married in Miami County, on January 16, 1868, Susan Studebaker, the estimable daughter of S. S. and Nancy Studebaker, and they have six children, as follows : Mary Effie, who married H. B. Landis; Nancy May, who married J. S. Flory ; Nettie Delany, who married Sumner Senseman ; Fern, who resides at home; and a twin of Fern and another babe died in infancy. Mr. Coppock has taken much interest in educational matters, affording his children excellent advantages and giving service on the School Board aggregating twelve years. He is in sympathy with the principles of the Republican party. The following is a history of Hickory Grove Church, written by Mr. Coppock HICKORY GROVE CHURCH, MIAMI COUNTY, OHIO. From the year 1827 the territory now known as Donnel's Creek, Lost Creek and Hickory Grove were one organization presided over by Elder Christian Frantz. In the part now called Hickory Grove Isaac Darst was a minister in the second degree and John Studebaker, deacon; in all about twenty-five members. In 1830 Henry Harshbarger, David Landis, deacons, and Isaac Karns, elder, moved in. Then what is now Hickory Grove church was organized with about forty members under the care of Isaac Karns. In the fall of 1832 Isaac Darst died. In 1833 John Studebaker died. Soon after Abraham Studebaker was elected deacon. In 1835 Henry Harshbarger moved out and David Landis was elected to the ministry. In 1836 David Shelabarger, Adam Stinebarger and Henry Rubsom, ministers in the second degree, moved in, and Isaac Karns moved to Indiana. Shelabarger's certificate of membership contained in addition to the usual recommendation the staetment that he was sufficiently established to be ordained, but it had not been done for want of help, and though a novice he was ordained (which was the key to years' trouble in the church). In 1837 James Ward and Daniel Arnold were elected deacons. Ward at this time insisted on the ordination of Darst, so that their children could be married in English. Some time later Ward moved out. About 1849 the interest in the good cause grew so low that for a 396 - HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY time there were no regular preaching services held, though there were three resident ministers; but by the efforts of David Bowman, John Darst and Peter Nead the work was again established, David Shelabarger being in charge. In 1853 David Landis and David Shelabarger moved out, and Joseph Arnold and Jacob Snell were elected deacons. David Studebaker, a minister in the second degree, moved in. He proved a minister of great influence, and being dead yet speaketh. Now there were about eighty members. In 1855 the present house of worship was built. Prior to that time services were held in private homes. In 1856 Abraham Studebaker died. In 1858 Joseph Arnold was elected to the ministry, S. S. Studebaker deacon, and Henry Rubsom and Adam Stinebarger ordained. From the time David Shelabarger moved out until the above ordination the church was under the care of Elder John Frantz, of Donnel's Creek. In 1860 John Crist was elected to the ministry and Samuel Coppock and Jacob Frantz, deacons. In 1861 Jesse Studebaker, minister in second degree, moved in. He remained three years. In 1862 John Crist was advanced to the second degree, and soon moved to Illinois. In 1863 0. W. Studebaker moved in and labored here for two years, then moved to Indiana. ln this time the death of David Studebaker occurred, which was deeply lamented. There were now one hundred members. About this time (1865) Rubsom and Stinebarger were relieved of their ministry by a committee from Annaal Meeting and H. D. Davy and Abraham Flory placed in charge; Flory remained in charge until the division of '81. In 1866 Samuel Coppock was elected minister. Jacob Hawier and John Filburn, deacons. In 1872 Isaac Studebaker. minister in second degree, moved in. In 1873 0. F. Yount was called to the ministry and labored here until 1876. The Middle District was formed; he and Samuel Coppock .A ere living in that territory. In 1871 Jos. Arnold was ordained and Jacob Coppock and. S. Filburn were elected deacons. In 1880 Henry Gump was called to the ministry and Harrison shill. a deacon. moved in. In 1881 the memorable divide took front its about thirty members. including Elder Flory. our minister, and three deacons, leaving the church with Henry (jump, minister and two deacons; in all about one hundred members. The church now called Elder John Smith to take charge. The experiences had in the division were such that the church was knit together with a very strong feeling of love that, barring a few little incidents along the way. exist, today to a very great degree. In 1881 Jacob Coppock was called to the ministry and Henry Gump advanced to the second degree. In 1882 the first series of meetings was held by the assistance of I. Rosenberger. The meetings were hell with many fears on the part of some and deep anxiety on the part of others; they resulted in twenty-eight accessions and greatly confirmed the members. In 1885 D. S. Filburn was eafled to the ministry and Jacob Denlinger and John Tanreuther were elected deacons, and after a short service in their official capacity they both went to their reward. In 1886 Henry Gump was ordained and Jacob Snell elected deacon. In 1891 Samuel Studebaker, Jr., and Geo. Zimmerman were called to the deaconship. In 1893 Samuel Gump was called to the ministry. The official board now stands: ministers, Henry Gump, Jacob Coppock, D. S. Filburn and Samuel Gump; deacons, Jacob Hawver, Jacob Snell, George Zimmerman and Samuel Studebaker. There are now about 150 members. During this time there have been two committees from Annual Meeting to settle difficulties. We now have three points of regular preaching, with a fair attendance and interest. At no period in the history of the church was there a greater per cent of the Brethren's children in the church than now. THOMAS JEFFERSON PENCE, V. S., who has been a resident of Troy for a period covering quite twenty-two years, has devoted himself almost exclusively to his profession during this time and is well known all over the county. He was born in Lost Creek Township, Miami County, Ohio, where he still owns two excellent farms, February 24, 1647, and is a son of James T. Pence and Nancy (Shidler) Pence. The late James I. Pence was born in 1St, in Warren County, Ohio, and came to Miami County in the early thirties. He was a carpenter by trade and also engaged ill fanning. His death took place February 24. The mother survived many years, dying April 21, 1905, aged eighty-eight year: three months and live days. T. J. Pence was educated in the district schools and afterward engaged in farming. For some forty years he has been a veterinary surgeon and since coming to Frey has given his entire attention to this profession, in which he has been more than usually successful. Dr. Pence was married March 15, 1892, to Miss Eliza Lillian Roach, who is a daughter of Revel Roach. who was a prominent farmer in Clark County, Ohio, where Mrs. Pence was born and reared. She is a member of the Presbyterian Church at Troy. W. H. ALEXANDER, deceased, who bore an honorable record for service in the Union Army during the Civil War, was a prominent retired citizen of Troy and in former years was actively identified AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 397 with the affairs of Miami County. He served two terms as county commissioner, held various township offices, and for eight years was treasurer of the Miami County Fair Board. His death took place March 2, 1909, when he was in his sixty-fifth year. Mr. Alexander was a direct descendant of one of the earliest settlers of Miami County, and was born in Troy, August 6, 1844. His early life was passed on the farm and he obtained a good educational training. In answer to Lincoln's first call to arms, he was one of the first to respond, enlisting in Company H, Eleventh Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, under Captain Drury. He was in the service for more than three years and participated in the following engagements : Cotton Mountain, Big Sewell, Bull Run, South Mountain, Antietam, Lookout Mountain, Smoke Gap, Rocky Face, and Resaca. He was wounded at Chickamaugua, but continued in the service until he was honorably discharged at Camp Dennison, Ohio, June 20, 1864. W. H. Alexander was married March 16, 1862, while home on a furlough, to Miss Eliza Boone, and they became parents of the following children : Allie, wife of Jacob Deitzer, a farmer of Concord Township, Miami County ; Lillie May, wife of M. H. Miller, of Troy, Ohio ; Isaac G., paymaster for the Nickel Plate Railroad, with headquarters at Cleveland, Ohio ; Carrie, wife of W. C. Elleman, of Union Township, Miami County; Mary, wife of O. C. Elleman, also of Union Township ; Lulu, wife of P. H. Newman, of Miami County ; and Eva Irene, wife of Charles Kelley. of Troy. Mrs. Alexander was called to her final rest in 1879. In 1885. Mr. Alexander formed a second union with Mary J. Curtis, and their comfortable home was at No. 739 West Main Street, in Troy. The subject of this sketch was formerly secretary of The Soldiers' Relief Association of Miami County, and a stockholder in the Troy National Bank. Fraternally he was a member of the Knights of Pythias, and of the Grand Army of the Republic. He was a man of wide acquaintance over the county, and was most highly esteemed. CHARLES EMORT TROSTEL, a member of the board of trustees of Elizabeth Township, who resides on a valuable farm of 143 acres, situated in Section 26 and located on a cross road between the Tippecanoe City and Springfield Turnpike roads, was born July 8, 1872, at New Carlisle, Clark County, Ohio.. His parents are Jacob A. and Jacob Anna (Peters) Trostel. The father of Mr. Trostel was born near the historic city of Gettysburg, Penna., where he engaged in farming until he enlisted for service in the Civil War, in 1861. He remained in the army for more than three years and during this period was once seriously wounded. After his marriage he settled in Clark County, Ohio, where he worked as a teamster, a thresher and nurseryman and later retired to New Carlisle, where he is engaged in the furniture and undertaking business. He is a representative citizen and has always been identified in his political views with the Republican party. He married Jacob Anna Peters and five children were born to them, namely : Mary, Charles E., George, Margaret and Norris. Charles E. Trostel was reared at New 398 - HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY Carlisle and lived at home until his marriage, in the meanwhile securing a good public school education. Following his marriage he settled first as a renter on his father-in-law's farm and later rented other farm, both north and west of Carlisle. He then removed to near Piqua, in Miami County, then to the Sproul farm, near Troy, and in 1907 came to the present place, known as the Pleasant Run Farm, which is owned by Mrs. Mary Link, of Troy. Mr. Trostel is an experienced and practical farmer and stockraiser and each season he feeds about fifty head of hogs and a large number of cattle. Mr. Trostel has a very pleasant domestic circle. He married Miss Bessie Funderburg, a daughter of George and Martha Funderburg, who resided near New Carlisle, and they have six children : Sibyl, Erdine, Irvin, Wilson, Robert and Helen, five of them being bright students in the public schools. Like his father, Mr. Trostel is a supporter of the Republican party. He has capably filled several township positions and for the past two years has been a trustee of Elizabeth Township. The farm is conveniently situated four miles northeast of Tippecanoe City. J. B. McCOOLE, president of the City Council of Troy, Ohio, has been very prominently identified with the public affairs of this city during his residence of fifteen years here. He was born in 1855, near the village of Kessler, in Miami County, Ohio, and is a son of the late William McCoole. William McCoole was born in 1833, in Miami County, Ohio. He was a veteran of the Civil War and his death was in directly caused by an injury received during his three years of service. He was a member of Company B, Ninety-fourth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and his record is that of a brave and efficient soldier. In politics he was a radical Republican. J. B. McCoole began to take care of himself when he was not over twelve of age, hiring out to farmers during the summer seasons, and during the winters attending the district school. By the time he was nineteen years old he was ready to teach and a very pleasant and profitable portion of his life was the period of eighteen years which he spent in educational work. He taught for six consecutive years in one district and has many friends there still. In 1893 Mr. McCoole went into the lumber business, for three years being with W. H. Francis, since which time he has been with a Mr. Crofoot. He has been a very active citizen and his civic worth has been recognized by his fellow citizens. He was elected to the City Council from the Third Ward, later was councilman-at-large and is now serving in his third year as president of the City Council. He has also been interested in State military matters, for eighteen years being a member of the Ohio National Guard, entering as a private and being advanced to the rank of captain of Company K, Third Regiment. Mr. McCoole was married in April, 1878, to Miss Mary Lettie Van Tuyl, of Miami County, and they have one son, Edgar, who is with the Hobart Manufacturing Company of Troy. He married Miss Bertha Van Noy, of Troy, and they have one daughter, Ruth. Mr. and Mrs. McCoole are members of the Christian Church. He belongs to the Knights of Pythias, the