550 - HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY ter, Elizabeth, who married Augustus Steckleman, of Marion, Indiana. When the fatherless little Jacob Deitzer was but five years old he also lost his mother, and was then taken by his maternal grandfather, with whom he lived until he was twelve years old. He then went to work for his uncle, Valentine Posz, who was a farmer in Shelby County, Indiana, and remained there until he was eighteen years of age. From his uncle's farm he started out then to work by the month, securing his first employment with Daniel Gayhimer, with whom he remained during one summer, receiving $15 a month. He then worked for two years for Daniel Callahan, also in Shelby County. He was about twenty-one years old when he came to Ohio, and during the first season he worked for John Halterman, near Dayton, Ohio, after which he came to Troy and hired out for one season to William Campbell, and later to both Benjamin and Joseph Enyart. During this time be was seeing considerable of the country, was getting well acquainted with some of the best class of people, and was learning all kinds of farming and saving some money. When Mr. Deitzer was about twenty-five years old he was married to Miss Alice Alexander, a daughter of Henry and Eliza (Boone) Alexander. Henry Alexander was formerly a county commissioner of Miami County. After marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Dietzer moved to what was known as the Tobey farm, south of Troy, where he remained two years. Then, for the following twenty years, he rented other farms, but at length decided to settle permanently, and with this end in view, in February, 1907, he bought the old Stahl farm, from Frank Tenney, its improve ments being the buildings now standing. Mr. Deitzer devotes eight acres to tobacco and raises some stock and excellent crops of grain and hay. Mr. and Mrs. Deitzer have two children : Horace and Raymond. The family belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics Mr. Deitzer is a Republican. For some years he has been a member of the order of Modern Woodmen at Troy. D. L. LEE, United States storekeeper located at Troy, Ohio, was born in this city in 1843, a son of the late A. J. Lee, who was born in Virginia, of the celebrated family of that name, and came as an early settler to Miami County. D. L. Lee was educated in the district schools of Miami County, and had scarcely left school when he enlisted for service in the Civil War, in which be remained from November, 1861, until its close. He entered Company E, Seventy-first Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, as a private, and was mustered out with the rank of sergeant. After taking part in the battle of Shiloh, he participated in the arduous campaign through Tennessee and Georgia and was on every noted battlefield where his regiment was engaged until the battle of Nashville, when be was so severely wounded that it was found necessary to amputate his left leg, the operation being, performed in a field hospital. On one occasion he was captured by a band of guerillas, six companies being forced to surrender to Colonel Mason, at Clarksville. but he was paroled forty hours later. There were few hardships of war that Mr. Lee escaped, the entire record of his service being one to reflect honor on his name as a soldier. AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 551 After his honorable discharge in April, 1865, Mr. Lee returned to Troy, where he learned the jewelry trade and worked at it for two years. He then received his appointment to the United States Revenue department and served six years. In the fall of 1873 he was elected sheriff of Miami County and served two terms, being re-elected in 1873. After that he was engaged in business for several years in Kansas City, and after he came back to Troy conducted a grocery enterprise for six years. Then, under the administration of President Harrison, he was connected with the revenue service again for four years. Following this came four years as township clerk, when he was again appointed to the revenue service and has been an efficient officer in the same ever since. In 1868 Mr. Lee was married to Miss Elizabeth Clyde, a daughter of George C. Clyde, who was a pioneer of Troy. Mrs. Lee died in 1905, leaving two sons : Harry, who is connected with the C. U. Telephone Company, at Indianapolis ; and Fred, who is with the firm of Long & Knight, of Troy. Mr. Lee is a member of the Presbyterian Church. He has been secretary and treasurer of the Seventy-first Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Association, for a number of years, belongs to the Grand Army of the Republic and also is a member of the Odd Fellows and Knights of Pythias, and has been treasurer of both these organizations for a long time. A. S. ROSENBERGER, M. D., a prominent practitioner of the medical profession of Miami County, Ohio, has been located at Covington since March, 1878, and is now serving his second term as a councilman of that town. He was born on a farm in Hancock County, Ohio, May 8, 1848, and is a son of Daniel and Elizabeth (Hartsough) Rosenberger. Dr. Rosenberger was reared on a farm and attended the common schools of his native community. He taught district school during four successive winter terms, and pursued a scientific course in Oberlin College. About the year 1862 he went to West Independence, Ohio, where he taught one year, after which he took up the study of medicine under Dr. Detwiler, of Findlay, Ohio. In the spring of 1871 he was graduated from the Cleveland Homeopathic Hospital Medical College, and immediately thereafter engaged in practice at Carey, Wyandot County, Ohio. He next practiced at Leipsic, in Putnam County, for six years, from which place he came to Covington. He has built up a large and remunerative practice, and has been identified with the development of the community and its institutions. In 1872 Dr. Rosenberger was united in marriage with Miss Sabrina E. Workman, of Holmes County, Ohio, and she died in the spring of 1891, leaving two children, as follows : Charles L., manager of a large chair manufacturing plant at Syracuse, New York ; and Bertha, wife of Dr. J. M. Wine, of Dayton, Ohio. In 1893 the subject of this record formed a second marital union, with Miss Elizabeth Delp, and they have a comfortable home in Covington. Religiously he is a consistent member of the Church of the Brethren, of which he is one of the ministers. WASHINGTON IRVING TENNEY, secretary of the board of the Miami County Fair Association and formerly auditor of Miami County, is a resident of the city 552 - HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY of Troy and has a wide acquaintance throughout this section of the State. He was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, near the Miami County line, in 1833, and is a son of Dr. Eli Tenney. Dr. Eli Tenney. who was auditor of Miami County at the time of his death in 1873. was a well known exponent of the medical profession. and from 1848 until 1871 was in practice at West Milton. He then entered upon his duties as county auditor and moved to Troy. He was a graduate of Starling Medical College, of Columbus. Doctor Tenney was a member of the Legislature of Ohio one term, being elected in 1855. W. Irving Tenney was practically reared in Greene County, Ohio, until his fifteenth year, when, in 1848, his parents moved to West Milton. He attended the district schools and also Columbus High School one year. During the war he was in the 100-day service as a member of the One Hundred and Forty-seventh Regiment. Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He was first elected county auditor in 1873; as successor to his father, and in 1875 was reelected for two years. Upon retiring from that office he purchased a farm just west of Troy, on which he lived and farmed until 1894; be then purchased a small tract of sixteen acres and lived upon it until 1905. when he moved to Troy, although he has since continued to superintend farming operations. He has been a member of the Miami County Fair Board since 1877. and has served as secretary of that body since 1883. He is vice-president of the Mad River and Miami Valley Fair Circuit. He was a member of the Board of Education of Troy for ten years, and still is one of the Board of School Ex aminers. In 1901 he was elected to represent the county in the State Legislature and served two terms with marked efficiency. Mr. Tenney was engaged as teacher for about twenty years, being superintendent at Milford. In 1858 Mr. Tenney was united in marriage with Miss Jane C. Kelley, who died in 1901. The following were the offspring of their marriage: Miss Ida B., a teacher in the high school at Denver, Colorado; Frank \V., a Miami County farmer; Charles Elmer Tenney, D. D. S., who is practicing at Sydney., Ohio ; Alice Bertha, who lives with her father; Mary Estella, who at the time of her death was an instructor in the public schools at Troy; William Harold Tenney, D. D. S., who is practicing at Toledo, Ohio ; Prof. George L. Tenney, who is connected with Lewis Institute, of Chicago, and is a graduate of the University of Colorado, at Denver, where he taught in the public schools several years; and Horace K. Tenney, who resides in New York State. Religiously the subject of this record is a member of the First Christian Church of Troy, of which he was a trustee a number of years. He is also a member of Coleman Post, G. A. R. BENJAMIN I. DU BOIS, who now lives retired from active participation in business, enjoys the comforts of a beautiful home at No. 508 Spring Street, Piqua, of which city he is a well known and esteemed citizen. He was born at Franklin, Warren County, Ohio, April 7, 1842. When eleven years of age, Mr. Du Bois accompanied the family to Miami County and he remained on the home farm until the age of twenty years and then learned AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 553 the blacksmith's trade at Piqua. When Company 0, 147th Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, was formed for the 100-day service, he enlisted, in 1864, and during that period was on guard duty at Arlington Heights, near Washington, D. C. After he returned to Piqua, he worked for a time as a carpenter and then went to Union City, Indiana, where he worked at blacksmithing until 1887, when he came back again to Piqua. For four years he engaged in a farm implement business, after which he resumed carpenter work, which he continued for nine years, and then bought out the Model Laundry, which he subsequently turned over to his step-son, George A. Custer, who continues to operate it. Mr. Du Bois was married March 3, 1875, to Mrs. Maggie A. Custer, a widow, having one son, George A. Her maiden name was Maggie A. Barnes—daughter of Adolphus A. Barnes of Randolph County, Indiana. One son, Lewis A. Custer, died in Denver, Colorado, 1901, aged 31 years. In former years, Mr. Du Bois took considerable interest in public matters and held office, for seven years serving on the Piqua Board of Equalization. He is one of the leading members of the Green Street Methodist Episcopal Church. He belongs to the order of Maccabees. ROBERT M. EVANS, justice of the peace, and one of Monroe Township's leading and substantial citizens, resides on his farm of eighty acres, which lies on the west side of the Dayton Turnpike Road, six miles south of Troy. He also owns a second farm containing forty acres, which is situated in Section 28, Monroe Township, one-quarter of a mile west of his present home. He was born on his father's farm, about one-half mile from his own land, in Monroe Township, Miami County, Ohio, March 18, 1845. His parents were Robert and Mary (Jenkins) Evans. Among the big farm wagons that carried a family of pioneers into Ohio and Massed the lonely log cabins that then represented the present busy city of Dayton, was that owned and probably driven by Joseph Evans, the grandfather of Robert M., who brought his family all the way from Georgia, in 1801, hoping to find a satisfactory place to locate, in a free state. The first stoppage was made in Montgomery County, near the Miami County line,. but conditions not proving altogether to his mind, Joseph Evans resumed the journey and landed his family at Laporte, Indiana. There the pioneers lived until 1804, when they returned to Ohio and settled on what is now the Martin Idemiller farm, on the county line between Montgomery and Miami Counties. There Joseph Evans died some years later and his burial was one of the early ones in the Quaker cemetery at Mill Creek. Robert Evans, father of Robert M., was born February 7, 1789, in Georgia, and hence was fifteen years of age when his parents finally settled in Ohio. When he reached maturity he entered Government land. securing a farm in Montgomery County, on the line, and there he built a typical southern house, two stories in height, probably with double "galleries," as they are still denominated in Georgia, and it is not difficult to believe that he took great comfort in this home. Evidently others thought well of the place as some years later he sold it to advantage and bought land in Miami County, on which the south- 554 - HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY ern half of Tippecanoe City stands. At that time all this land was a thicket, except where Indians had made small clearings. By 1837 he had about cleared up this second farm and he then traded it for the partly cleared northwest one-quarter of Section 28, Monroe Township, the transaction being entered into with John Clark, who then laid out Tippecanoe City. On this farm Robert Evans died in June, 1863. He was a vigorous man into advanced age. He married (first) Eleanor Jenkins, and they had the following children : Thomas J., Joseph, Julia Matilda, Esther, William, Moses, Eli, and Maria, the last named being now the only survivor. She is the widow of Samuel Jay and lives in Indiana. The second marriage of Robert Evans was to Mary Jenkins, who was born August 20, 1839, and seven children were born to this union, namely : Mary, Esther and Aaron, all deceased ; Jesse, who was a member of the Ohio National Guards, during the Civil War, now deceased ; Kerren H., wild" is the wife of Darius Jester, of Montgomery County, Ohio ; Robert Milton ; and Elizabeth, who married William Macy and resides in North Dakota. Robert M. Evans has a vivid recollection of a happy boyhood spent mostly in the fields and woods, with occasional attendance at the district school and of the time thus well spent he has a memento, a little gift which was, presented to him in 1851, by an appreciative teacher, as a reward for good conduct. When he was about eighteen years of age his father died and he inherited the east one-half of the home farm and remained on the place until 1879. He then went to Ginghamsburg, in Monroe Township, where he entered into busi ness with A. C. Beson, embarking in the general mercantile line, they carrying a large stock of farm implements, groceries and dry goods, and operating under the style of Beson & Evans. The partnership continued until August 2, 1894, when Mr. Evans sold out to Mr. Beson. In 1890 Mr. Evans bought his home farm from his father-in-law, Louis Keller; on this place his wife was born and reared. For many years it was known as the old Keller farm and the old brick house is still standing, although, in 1896, Mr. Evans erected his more modern residence. He does not personally cultivate his land, his time being fully occupied with his public duties. On March 2, 1867, Mr. Evans was married to Miss Minerva J. Keller, who died February 6, 1909, aged sixty-three years. She was a lady of Christian life and exemplary character, one who filled every position that life presented to her, with the completeness of a good woman. To this marriage were born eight children, namely : Maris and Howard Virgil, who both died young ; Zenetia B., who died at the age of nineteen years ; Lilly H., wife of Adam Underwood ; Sarah, wife of Harry Barnhart; Laura, the wife of Ira Oaks; Anna P., the wife of William Kendall; and Rhoda M., who resides with her father. Mr. Evans and family are united with the United Brethren Church. Mr. Evans is one of the leading Republicans of Monroe Township. His war record is as follows : In June, 1863, he became a member of the Twenty-fifth Regiment, Ohio National Guards, which was then organized, entering Company G, under Capt. Newell Kerr and Col. B. F. Rossin. In 1864 the regiment responded to the call of the President and for four months AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 555 did duty in the forts in the vicinity of Washington City. This regiment was known at that time as the 147th Ohio Volunteer Infantry. On November 6, 1876, Mr. Evans was elected justice of the peace, an office he has continued to hold ever since. In point of years of service, he is the oldest justice in Miami County. FRED DOLL, SR., a well-to-do farmer of Monroe Township, Miami County, Ohio, resides on the old home place of sixty acres located about six miles southwest of Troy. He was born near the River Rhine, in Germany, May 2, 1838, and is a son of Conrad and Mary (Genslinger) Doll. Conrad Doll was born and reared in Germany and there for some years conducted a vineyard and engaged in the making of wine. Accompanied by his wife and their two sons, he came to the United States in June, 1843, the voyage consuming forty-two days. They moved to Troy, Ohio, immediately after their arrival in this country, making a part of the journey in a wagon. They remained in that city twelve years, Mr. Doll having an interest in a brick yard there. He then sold out his interest and purchased the farm on which our subject now lives of Israel Kessler for the sum of $1,800, the latter having paid but $900 for it the preceding year. But fifteen acres had been cleared and Conrad set about clearing the remainder. It was while thus engaged he lost his life by the falling of a tree, in March, 1861, at the age of fifty-two years. His wife survived him and lived to reach the age of sixty-four, although an invalid for thirty-seven years. They had seven children : Elizabeth, who died in Germany ; Fred ; Jacob ; and four who died young. Fred Doll, Sr., was a small boy when he came to America with his parents, and spent his boyhood in Troy, which then was a small place. He attended school but a short time, then worked in the brick yard for twenty-five cents per day. He also carried water for the men engaged in the construction of the Cincinnati, Hamilton & Dayton Railroad, receiving therefor the sum of eighty-seven and a half cents per day. He moved upon the farm with his parents, upon which small wild game was at that time plentiful. They lived in the old log house which still stands and which Mr. Doll keeps as a relic of the pioneer days. It was originally provided with a clapboard roof, through which the snow would drift, and well does he remember sleeping with his head under the blanket to keep off the snow. He helped to clear the farm, which came into his possession at the death of his parents, and he continued to live in the log house for twenty-two years. He then built the seven-room frame house, in which his son now lives, and is at the present time building a commodious frame house for the use of himself and wife. He has always followed general farming, growing some tobacco, and what they possess has come mainly through their unceasing toil and good management. February 2, 1860, Mr. Doll was united in marriage with Barbara Frank, who was born in the same community in Germany as was he. She is a daughter of Simon and Elizabeth (Farver) Frank, and was seventeen years old when they came to the united States, being thirty days on the water. They arrived in July, 1858, and located at Troy, where Mr. Frank worked and lived until his death at the age of sev- 556 - HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY enty-eight. His wife died first, aged seventy-six years. They had nine children, of whom five died in Germany. Those who came to this country were : Catherine, widow of Jacob Smith ; Barbara, wife of Fred Doll ; Jacob; and Elizabeth wife of Fred Smith. Mr. and Mrs. Doll became parents of the following: Jacob, who married Dora Kerr ; Samuel, who married Flora Rouser, and whose death occurred in 1904; Catherine, wife of Newell Kerr; Mary, wife of George Running; Elizabeth. wife of George Butts ; George, who married Callie Kimmery ; Fred, who married Irma Wheelock ; Charles, a teacher in the schools ; Dora. wife of Harry Fox ; and two who died in infancy. Religiously, they are members of the German Lutheran Church. Mr. Doll is a Democrat in politics. WILLIAM H. FOSTER, president of the Board of Infirmary Directors of Miami County, is one of the representative and substantial farmers of Staunton Township, residing on his estate, which is situated near Troy. He was born at Brent, Miami County. Ohio, in March, 1855. and is a son of the late John H. Foster. who came from Pennsylvania to Miami County in 1853. William H. Foster was reared on his father's farm and farming has been his main occupation through life. In 1862 he settled in Staunton Township and has been identified with the interests of that section ever since. He has been a member of the township School Board for many years, and in November, 1907, was elected township assessor. For six years he has been an active and useful member of the Miami County Agricultural Society. and in November. 1906, he was first elected a member of the Board of Infirmary Directors and two years later was re-elected. On October 17, 1878, Mr. Foster was married to Miss Medora A. Secrest, who was born and reared in Staunton Township and is a daughter of John Secrest, an old resident of the county. Mr. and Mrs. Foster are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Troy. He is a prominent member of the order of Odd Fellows, at Troy, being past noble grand, past chief patriarch in the lodge and a past officer in the Uniform Rank degree. J. GUY O'DONNELL. city solicitor of Covington, and senior member of the well known law firm of O'Donnell and Billingsley, with offices at Covington and Versailles, Ohio, has been a resident of the former city since 1887. He was born in Mt. Gilead, Morrow County, Ohio, April 28, 1875, and is a son of James and Mary (Williams) O'Donnell. He was but two and a half years of age when his father died, he being a marble cutter by trade. J. Guy O'Donnell was reared in Morrow County, Ohio, and there attended the public schools. In 1887 he moved with his mother to Covington. Miami County, Ohio, and was there graduated from the high school in 1.893. He read law under the preceptorship of Hon. W. C. Johnston of Piqua, and was admitted to the bar of Miami County in October, 1896 ; he was admitted to practice in the Federal courts on May 4, 1899. Mr. O'Donnell opened his office for practice in Covington, January 15, 1897, and has since continued here with a high degree of success. July 1, 1902, he formed a partnership with Thomas Billingsley, who has had charge of the Versailles office of the firm and is city AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 557 solicitor of that city. They have an extensive practice, and in addition do a very large fire insurance business. Mr. O'Donnell first served a two-year term as city solicitor, from 1897 until 1899, and since 1902 has served continuously in that office. He was united in marriage with Miss Emma Colbert, a daughter of Peter S. Colbert of Covington, and they have two children, J. Guy, Jr., and Roger C. Fraternally, the subject of this record is a member of the Elks at Piqua, of which he is a past exalted ruler ; Improved Order of Redmen ; and the Ancient and Honorable Order of Gobblers. He has filled all the chairs of these lodges. JOSEPH A. KLOEB, proprietor of a plumbing and heating establishment and manufacturer of gas stoves, has followed this business in many cities and towns, but has been located at Piqua, Ohio, since 1896. He was born in Piqua in 1857, and is a son of Joseph A. Kloeb, Sr., who was prominent among the people of this community about the middle of the last century. The senior Kloeb was born in Germany but came to the United States and followed his trade as a saddler. He came to Piqua from Cincinnati about 1850, and here was one of the pioneer saddlers. He was organizer of the first fire department of the city, and at the time of his death in 1866 was serving in the capacity of street commissioner. Joseph A. Kloeb, subject of this record, was reared and educated in Piqua, where he early in life learned the plumbing business. He has never followed any other business and has worked in thirty-two states of the Union, in the District of Columbia, and in Canada. In 1896 he re- turned to his native city, where he has built up a large and well paying business. He is a man of good business standing and enjoys a high degree of popularity. Religiously, he is a member of St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church. CHARLES A. ROBINSON, township trustee and a prosperous farmer of Lost Creek Township, owns and resides on a fine farm of 2031:, acres, located near the Miami County line. He was born March 17, 1845, in a log house on his present farm and is a son of Michael and Eleanor (Richardson) Robinson. Michael Robinson was born November 11, 1800, in New Jersey, and was there reared to maturity. During his early manhood he came with his mother to Warren Countv. Ohio, where he resided some few years, but did not purchase land. He was there married to Eleanor Richardson in 1826 and about 1834 came with his family and mother to Miami County, where he purchased a tract of timberland at $1.25 an acre. The family made their home in an old log house which stood upon the land and the nearest market was at that time Dayton, Ohio. Here Mr. Robinson engaged in farming the remainder of his life, his death occurring .July 15. 1854, his widow surviving him until August 10, 1890. They were the parents of nine children, namely Lydia A.. married Nathan Jackson, both are deceased ; Andrew J., deceased ; Michael, deceased ; Rebecca, married J. H. Corey, both deceased ; Thomas, deceased ; Edward R.; Eleanor, deceased ; Charles A., subject of this sketch ; and Hannah J., who is the wife of William Le Feever. Charles A. Robinson was reared in an 558 - HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY old log house on his present farm and obtained his educational training in the district schools of Lost Creek Township. When still quite young he gave a helping hand to the work on the farm, and subsequently purchased the land from his father's heirs, the original tract consisting of 180 acres. He has always followed general farming, has erected a commodious eight-room, frame house and has made various other improvements on the land. He has always been a successful farmer and has added to his original purchase, now owning a tract of 203 1/2 acres of rich farming land. Mr. Robinson was united in marriage September 25, 1875, with Ina M. Wright, a daughter of Obadiah and Rebecca (Neibarger) Wright, who were the parents of three children : Dr. C. H. Wright, of Addison, who graduated from the Eclectic Medical Institute of Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1876 ; James G., a resident of Michigan, who is engaged in fruit growing ; and Ina M., the wife of our subject. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Robinson, namely : James E.; Zella, wife of J. G. Scott of Troy, who has one child, Tom ; and Leah, who married Dr. B. Hyde of Addison and has one child, Virginia. Politically, Mr. Robinson is a Democrat and has served two terms as trustee of Lost Creek Township and was for some time a member of the Miami County Fair Board. HON. M. H. JONES, a prominent lawyer of Miami County, who has been successfully engaged in the practice of his profession for the past sixty years, was born in the District of Columbia in 1825. He acquired a good literary education, and after studying law and being admitted to the bar, entered upon the practice of his profession in Piqua, where he soon made a name for himself as an able attorney, which reputation he enjoys to the present day. For a number of years beginning with 1878, he was associated in practice with his son, now Hon. W. D. Jones, common pleas judge, which connection was continued until the latter was appointed by Governor Bushnell to the common pleas judgeship, to fill the vacancy caused by the election of Judge Theodore Sullivan as circuit court judge. For the time of their association the firm enjoyed the leading practice in the city of Piqua and was regarded as one of the strongest possible combinations of legal talent. Mr. Jones's wife was born in New Hampshire in 1828, a daughter of Timothy Davis Wood, who settled at a comparatively early date in Miami County, Ohio. Hon. Walter D. Jones, son of Hon. M. H. Jones, by the above mentioned union, was born in Piqua, Ohio, June 21, 1857. He was reared and educated in his native city, being graduated from the high school in 1872. After leaving school he entered the industrial ranks, learning the printers' trade and was for some time employed in the office of the Miami Helmet, of Piqua. He was also connected with newspapers in an industrial capacity for several years thereafter. While thus self-supporting, he had in the meanwhile entered upon the study of law under his father's direction, and in 1878 was admitted to the bar before the Supreme Court of the State at Columbus, Ohio. As already noted, his first professional experience was gained in partnership with his father, the firm being the leading law firm of its day in Piqua. Mr. Jones's appointment by Governor AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 561 Bushnell to the common pleas bench of the second judicial district of Ohio has been already noticed. In November, 1899, he was elected by the people to fill Judge Sullivan's unexpired term. He was also city solicitor of Piqua for some twelve years, being elected for six terms, and his administration of the affairs of that office gave excellent satisfaction to the people. He was a careful and methodical lawyer, always coming into court with papers well prepared. In his more elevated position on the bench he has won the character of an able and impartial jurist. Upright, honorable and painstaking, his decisions are the result of careful thought and a mind well stored and trained in all the fundamental principles of the law. He is also a man of literary tastes and an able writer, though hitherto he has made no effort to gather literary laurels. A prominent Mason, he has served as worshipful master of Warren Lodge No. 24, F. & A. M., and as high priest of Piqua Chapter No. 31. Hon. Walter D. Jones was married, in 1879, to bliss Laura Harlow of Piqua. Mrs. Jones was born in Tennessee and came to Miami County, Ohio, with her parents, Rev. William D. and Kate (Tuttle) Harlow, when in her eighteenth year. Of this union there has been one child—a daughter, Laura C. A. E. SINKS, who will enter upon the duties of the office of auditor of Miami County, Ohio, on the third Monday in October, 1909, is a well known resident of Troy and has had a long experience in official life. He was born August 28, 1860, in Montgomery County, Ohio, and is a son of D. W. Sinks, who was formerly treasurer of Miami County. Mr. Sinks came with his parents to Miami County, when he was eight years old, and was reared and educated at West Milton. When his father became county treasurer and moved to Troy, A. E., then twenty years of age, became his deputy and served in that capacity from 1880 until September 1, 1884. Mr. Sinks then embarked in the clothing business, in which he continued for twelve years, without, however, giving up his interest in politics and public affairs. In the spring of 1899 he was appointed deputy county auditor and remained in the auditor's office in this position until his own election. His long period of service has made him well known all over the county, and those doing business with the auditor will feel that they are meeting with an old friend. In 1885 Mr. Sinks was married to Miss Maggie B. Tullis, who was born and reared at Troy, and is a daughter of the late 0. M. Tullis. Mr. and Mrs. Sinks have two children : R. W. and Helen A. The family belong to the Christian Church. Mr. Sinks is an Odd Fellow and a Knight Templar Mason. RUFUS FISH, the efficient superintendent of The Knoop Children's Home, which is situated in Section 34, Elizabeth Township, Miami County, Ohio, was born at Sumner, Lawrence County, Illinois, November 24, 1864. His parents were James and Mary (Denman) Fish. The paternal grandparents of Mr. Fish were Luke and Mary (Graham) Fish, and they had a family of twelve children, as follows : William, born November 24, 1.814 ; Margaret, born November 11, 1816 ; Thomas, born December 2, 1818; Elizabeth, horn March 2, 1821; Luke Sidney, 562 - HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY born March 31, 1823; Edward, born August 7, 1825; Mary Jane, born August 15, 1827; James, born August 28, 1829 ; George Washington, born February 22, 1832; Hannah, born July 16, 1834; Henry, born August 24, 1836; and Sarah, born May 28, 1838. The parents of Mr. Fish came to Miami County in his childhood. The father rented farm land northwest of Troy, for twenty-seven years, and later bought forty-five acres near Casstown. James Fish married Mary Denman, a daughter of Richard Denman, and they had eight children, namely : Flora Agnes. born November 23, 1855 ; Frank Leotus, born November 12, 1858; John Clarence, born May 26, 1860 Charles Albert, born July 26, 1862; Rufus ; William Ayers, born June 21, 1868; James Edwin. born August 12, 1870; and Elmer, born August 4, 1875. The parents of this family were members of the Baptist Church, in which James Fish was a deacon. Rufus Fish attended what was known as the Favorite school in his boyhood, and remained assisting his father until he was about twenty-seven years of age. He then went to Troy and accepted the position of weighmaster with the firm of Allen & Wheeler, and remained in that city for twelve years, in the meanwhile, however, not entirely neglecting his agricultural interests. He owns one-half of a farm of 106 acres, situated in Elizabeth Township, not far from Casstown, and he has acquired realty in Troy. In 1903 Mr. Fish became superintendent of The Knoop Children's Home, which includes a farm of 165 acres, with nine buildings and accommodations for 100 children. Its location is on a crossroad from the Le Fever and Springfield Turnpike. The wisdom of selecting a man of Mr. Fish's business capacity and high personal character has been demonstrated during the period of his superintendency. He has devoted twelve acres to orchards, raises a large amount of wheat and enough grain to feed the stock grown on the place for the use of the Home. Employment is constantly given thirteen workmen. Mr. Fish gives his personal attention to everything and satisfactorily fills all the demands of the trustees. In 1890 Mr. Fish married Miss Mary Jane Walker. a daughter of Daniel C. and Amanda Walker, of Piqua, Ohio. They have an adopted daughter, Bernice F. Mr. Fish is a deacon and also a trustee in the Baptist Church. In politics he is a Republican. He belongs to both the Masons and Odd Fellows, at Troy. JACOB KENDELL. M. D., for many years a prominent medical practitioner of Covington, Miami County, Ohio, is now cashier of the Stillwater Valley Bank Company at that place and devotes his entire time to the duties of that position. He has been identified with the institution ever since its inception, first as president and then as cashier, and is entitled to much credit for its great success. Dr. Kendell was born on a farm in Newton Township, Miami County, November 16, 1846, and is a son of Benjamin and Mary (Boggs) Kendell. Benjamin Kendell was a native of Pennsylvania and came to Miami County, Ohio, when a young man. He was a miller by trade and became the owner of what was known as the Sugar Grove Mill. The subject of this sketch was five years AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 563 old at his mother's death, and three years later, owing to the death of his father, he became an orphan. From that time until he was twelve years old he resided in Piqua and since then he has been almost constantly a resident of Covington. He began his education in the public schools and before beginning his preparations for a medical career taught school for two years. He studied medicine under Dr. Weaver of Covington and later attended Miami Medical College at Cincinnati, graduating from that institution with the degree of M. D.. in 1869. In that year he entered into a partnership with Dr. Weaver, which was continued for sixteen years. He then opened an office by himself and won high rank in his profession. He was one of the organizers of the Stillwater Valley Bank Company, and served as first president from January 27, 1908, until November 1. 1908, when he was elected cashier to succeed Mr. A. C. Cable, deceased. He is a man of exceptional business qualifications and well fitted for the responsible position he fills. Dr. Kendell was united in marriage with Sarah Jane Brump, a daughter of Joseph Brump of Tippecanoe City. and they have two sons—Dr. H. W. Kendell of Covington. and Dr. B. J. Mendell of Tippecanoe City. The subject of this sketch is a trustee of the Christian church, of which he has been a member many years and treasurer for thirty years. Fraternally he is a charter member of Covington Lodge, K. of P., of which he was also first chancellor commander. He was for fifteen years a member of the School Board of the city, and for ten years a member of the City Council, but does not now hold any political office. Dr. H. W. Kendell, son of Dr. Jacob Kendell, was born in Covington, Miami County, Ohio, January 4, 1876. He was reared in his native town and was graduated from the Covington High School in 1894. He then entered the Medical University of Columbus, Ohio, now known as the Starling, Ohio, Medical University, and after the usual course of instruction was there graduated in the class of 1898. He was resident physician at the Protestant Hospital of Columbus for a year and in 1899 located in Covington and entered into practice with his father. He married Llora Worley. a daughter of George Worley, and has two children—Elizabeth and Herbert Worley. At the time of his marriage he and his wife took a trip to Europe. the doctor spending several months in the leading hospitals of London and other large cities. He is a member of the Ohio State, the Miami County, and the American Medical societies. He is a stockholder in the Stillwater Valley Bank Company, first vice president of the Covington B. L. Association, and a director in the Covington Home Telephone Company. The Doctor is also a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. ANGUS CAMERON CAMPBELL, deceased. was for many years identified with the dry goods trade in Piqua, Ohio, and other nearby cities and was a man of wide acquaintance, one who held the respect and confidence of his fellow citizens to a remarkable degree. He was a veteran of the Union Army, serving three years as a member of the Eleventh Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was wounded at Chattanooga. Mr. Campbell was born in Piqua, February 14, 1842, and was a son of Robert and 564 - HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY Jane Campbell. He was of Scotch ancestry. He was possessed of many manly attributes which endeared him to the people with whom he was brought in contact, and was well educated and refined. He was a successful dry goods man and held positions with the Rike Dry Goods Company, Dayton, and for many years in Piqua with C. S. Parker & Company, J. W. Brown, the Feible Bros. at Hillsboro, and also in Columbus, where the last named concern had a branch store. Mr. Campbell was first married July 10, 1872, to Cornelia A. Kitchen, daughter of John and Eliza Kitchen, and they had two children : Wirt Campbell of Tacoma, Washington, and a daughter who died in infancy. The mother of these children died in 1875. November 17, 1887, Mr. Campbell formed a second marital union with Miss Sarah Ellen Jarvis, who was born in Piqua and is a daughter of the late Francis and Mary J. (Johnston) Jarvis. One son, Malcolm Campbell, was born to them. Francis Jarvis, father of Mrs. Campbell, is well remembered in Piqua, the city in which he attained the first rank in the business world, as well as the seat of his many benefactions. He was born May 19, 1821, at Downpatrick, County Down, Ireland. At the age of twenty-two, thinking to better his fortunes in the country across the sea, he came to America and endeavored to make his start in the city of Toronto. Being ambitious and becoming dissatisfied with the progress he was making. after a year's residence there, he determined to locate at Piqua, Ohio. From that time until his death he was an active figure in the history of the city and county, a period of fifty-five years. On August 1. 1887, he was chosen to fill the responsible position of president of the Piqua National Bank, succeeding the late J. M. Scott, and he continued actively to direct the affairs of this institution until within a few days of his death, which occurred August 25, 1900. Mr. Jarvis was married March 2, 1847, to Miss Mary J. Johnston, and they reared the following children : J. J. Jarvis, a wool manufacturer who died at Defiance, Ohio, in June, 1903; Mary A., who is the wife of Wallace Alexander, a banker of St. Louis, Missouri ; Frank, who is in the real estate business in Kansas City, Missouri ; Sarah E. (Campbell) ; Elizabeth J., wife of Dr. W. S. Powell of Defiance, Ohio; and W. G. Jarvis, who is engaged in the manufacturing business at Defiance, Ohio. Mrs. Jarvis preceded her husband to the grave, dying July 28, 1895, her death having a saddening influence on the remaining years of his life. The high estimate placed upon Mr. Jarvis as a man is revealed in an article which appeared in the local press at the time of his demise. From it we quote : "Not only does Piqua mourn the loss of a good man, a loyal citizen and a cherished friend, but all through Western Ohio, his great worth will be missed and business men realize that one of their noblest is gone." “Old citizens remember him in his early struggles, and saw him steadily, surely building up that deep character that will live long after his face is forgotten, and that knowledge of business and affairs that has made his opinion carry great weight when a crisis was at hand. Later, in the prime of life, when his own success was assured, he took a deep interest in the growth of his chosen city, and has watched its progress from year to year AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 565 until the present prosperous condition that it enjoys." "There is little need to recite the many deeds of charity, for they are many, that have come from his hand. Generous, openhearted, philanthropic he was, and none in suffering who came to him for relief were turned away. Many of his acts of kindness were never known to others than himself, but sometime, somewhere, they will receive a rich reward. His biography shows that he lived for those who loved him and that no service done him was ever forgotten." RAYMOND A. KERR. a prominent attorney of the Miami County bar and a member of the firm of E. H. & R. A. Kerr, of Tippecanoe City, was born November 10, 1880, at Tippecanoe City, Miami County, Ohio, and is a son of E. H. and Etta (Tenney) Kerr. E. H. Kerr, father of Raymond A., was born near Casstown, in Miami County. His school attendance covered his youth up to fifteen years and later he turned his atten- tion to the law, graduating from the Cincinnati Law School. He began to practice before his graduation, in 1883, and is numbered among the successful members of the Miami County bar. He has been a resident of Tippecanoe City since 1878. He is a son of the late Thompson Kerr, who was a prosperous farmer and popular teacher for a number of years. Thompson Kerr died in 1887, aged fifty-six years. Of his four sons, the youngest, Owen, is deceased, and the other three are all attorneys, namely : Manford : Asbury, residing at Tippecanoe City ; and Ellis H., who is the senior member of the law firm of E. H. and R. A. Kerr. Ellis H. Kerr married Etta Tenney, who is a daughter of the late Peter Tenney, a farmer, who died in Montgomery County, Ohio. To this marriage the following children were born : Loran, who is a railroad man, residing in South Carolina; Vera, who is the wife of Lieut. R. W. Kessler, of the United States Navy, who is stationed at Cincinnati ; and Raymond A. Raymond A. Kerr attended the public schools of his native city and the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware, graduating in the class of 1902. He then entered the University of Michigan, graduating from the law department of that institution in the class of 1905. He immediately became his father's associate and the law business of the firm is very heavy, almost all branches of the law being covered by one or other of the partners. Mr. Kerr is a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity, and belongs also to Lodge No. 174, F. A. M., Tippecanoe City, and to Coleman Commandery at Troy, Ohio. On April 18, 1906, Jr. Kerr was married to Miss Myra Wehrly, who is a daughter of Rev. W. II. Wehrly, of Troy, Ohio.. Mr. and Mrs. Kerr are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics he is in sympathy with the Democratic party. WILLIAM ALONZO COVAULT, whose valuable farm of seventy-five acres lies in Staunton Township, belongs to one of the old families of Miami County, his grandfather, Abraham Covault, being a pioneer settler in Lost Creek Township. William Alonzo Covault was born on his father's farm in Lost Creek Township, Miami County, Ohio, July 1, 1850, and is a son of Erastus and Frances (Shell) Covault. 566 - HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY Grandfather Abraham Covault was born in the old block-house, at Cincinnati. In early manhood he started out for himself and came to Lost Creek Township when the whole surrounding country was one vast wilderness. He cleared up a farm and lived on it until he reached old age, when he moved to Mercer County. where his death took place. He had the following children : William. Sarah. Era stus. Timothy and John. Erastus Covault was born in Lost Creek Township and there passed the whole of his life, making farming his chief pursuit. After he married he purchased a tract of fifty-two and one-half acres of land and on that farm he died April 20, 1861, when in middle age. He married Frances Shell, who was born near Casstown, Miami County, Ohio. She survived until 1896. She contracted a second marriage with Carter D. Hathaway. There were four children born to Erastus Covault and wife. namely : Viola, who married John Smith : Preston ; William Alonzo and Horace P. William Alonzo Covault grew up on the home farm and lived with his parents and attended the district school. Following the death of his father he purchased the home farm, which later he sold and then bought his present farm. which formerly belonged to his mother. He carries on general farming and understands how to make an agricultural life one of prosperity and contentment. His home and surroundings indicate much comfort. On November 3, 1869, Mr. Covault was married to Mrs. Mary Yates. widow of Edmund Yates and daughter of Samuel and Mary (Chambers) Miller. Mrs. Yates had one daughter born to her first marriage, Sylvia Ellen, who is the wife of William Edward Gillespie, and has two children. To Mr. and Mrs. Covault there have been nine children born, as follows: Ottie. who married F. Drake ; Mirtie, who married Charles Campbell; Flossie, who married Charles Derr ; Fleetie, who died aged two years Harry, who married Rose Trabert : Harriet Frances ; Orval, who married Jessie Howard; and Clarence and Clifford. Mr. Covault and family are members of the Union Baptist Church. In politics he is a Democrat. HENRY FLESH, who has attained prominence as a merchant and financier, has been a resident of Piqua, Ohio, for more than half a century, during which time he has identified himself with the development of the city and its resources in a patriotic and public-spirited manner. He was born in Bavaria, Germany, in 1837, in which province his father was a prosperous country merchant. Mr. Flesh received a common school and commercial education in his native land, and was fifteen years of age when he emigrated to America in 1852. Soon after his arrival in the United States, he located at Dayton. Ohio. and for a period of five years clerked in a clothing establishment in that city. He was then for a short time employed in a similar establishment at Troy. Ohio. after which he moved to Piqua in 1858. He accepted the position of bookkeeper and salesman in the clothing house of A. Friedlich. one of the best known merchants of the city at that time, and continued in that capacity until the latter part of the year 1862, when he embarked in business for himself. He began a merchant tailoring business, but as his means were very limited, it was some time before AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 567 he had a store of any great pretensions. He had the ability and the energy necessary to make a success of the venture and the personality to retain the friendships he had formed. As his trade increased his stock was enlarged. and he continued the business without change until 1878. He then disposed of the merchant tailoring branch of the business and confined himself exclusively to ready made clothing and gentlemen's furnishing goods. "Quality" has ever been his watchword and his establishment, which is now probably the largest in Miami County. receives its patronage from the leading class of people in the community. Mr. Flesh's success in this enterprise attracted attention to his ability and in January, 1878, he was elected cashier of the Citizens' National Bank. which position he still retains. He is also president of the Border City Building and Loan Association of Piqua. one of the safest and most prosperous institutions of the kind in this part of the state. and president of the Cron-Kills Company. manufacturers of furniture at Piqua. He served for some time as president of the Board of Trade at Piqua. during which time that body was kept at its highest state of efficiency and accomplished much that has been of lasting benefit to the city. -With a view to giving Piqua an honest business administration it has been the policy of the ward in which he lives to have as its representative in the city council a man of proven worth and ability. Mr. Flesh has been honored with that office many years—a part of the time as president of the council —and at a personal sacrifice has given his time and energy to the faithful discharge of his duties. In 1862 Henry Flesh was united in marriage with the eldest daughter of Moses FriedHell. a representative citizen and business man of Piqua at an early day. Fraternally Mr. Flesh has been very active in the Masonic Lodge, of which he is past master. JOHN DANIEL MILLER, A. M., M. D., a leading physician of Tippecanoe City, was born in Marion County, Ohio, June 18. 1878. and is a son of Lucius O. and Lydia (Haywood) Miller. The parents of Dr. Miller have been residents of Dayton for the past twenty-seven years. The paternal grandfather, Rev. D. R. Miller. is a venerable minister of the. United Brethren Church and at one time was chaplain of the Ohio State Penitentiary. The maternal grandfather, Dr. John Haywood, formerly was a member of the facultv of Otterbein College, filling the chair of mathematics. Dr. John D. Miller has two brothers and three sisters, namely : Winton, who is engaged in newspaper work in connection with the Dayton Herald: Haywood, who is in the employ of the Dayton Manufacturing Company; and Grace, Edna and Marjorie. From the Dayton public schools, Dr. Miller entered Otterbein College, where he was graduated in 1900, and completed his medical preparation in the Hahnemann Medical College at Philadelphia, where he was graduated in the class of 1903. He served for a period of fifteen months as a physician at the New York Metropolitan Hospital. after which he engaged in practice at Dayton until August, 1907, when he located in Tippecanoe City, where his medical skill has brought about his professional independence. He is a student yet 568 - HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY and a close observer of all scientific developments in medicine and surgery, and enjoys his membership in the Dayton and the Miami Valley and Ohio State Homeopathic Societies and Union Clinical Society of Miami and Shelby Counties. Dr. Miller was married (first) to Miss Honori Cornell, a daughter of John B. and Lucinda Cornell. In 1905 he was married (second). to Miss Julia Kelly. Mrs. Miller is a native of New York and prior to her marriage was a trained nurse by profession. Dr. and Mrs. Miller have two children : Helen Ahydell and John Haywood. Dr. Miller is not a politician but he is an active citizen and he votes on public questions with the Republican party. SHERMAN D. CROFT, a prominent lawyer and real estate dealer of Covington, Miami County, Ohio ., has been a resident of this village since 1901 and is numbered among its most progressive citizens. He was born on a farm in Newberry Township, Miami County, January 12, 1866, and is a son of David and Catherine (Whitmer) Croft. David Croft, father of the subject of this sketch, was born in Maryland, where he grew to maturity, and when a young man came west to Dayton, Ohio. He clerked in a store for a time and then moved from that city to Newberry Township, Miami County, where he was married. He became proprietor of a mill and grew to be a man of considerable importance in the community, in which he continued to live until his death in 1881. Sherman D. Croft was reared on the farm and received his primary education in the district schools, supplemented by a course in Covington High School, from which he graduated in 1886. He read law at home and in the office of Judge Johnston at Piqua, and while continuing his professional studies carried on a real estate business in Covington from 1897 until 1901, when he was admitted to the bar of Miami County. During the winter and spring of the latter year he pursued a review course in law in Ohio Northern University at Ada. Immediately after his admission, he began practice in Covington and in the meantime has continued the real estate business with uninterrupted success. He has bought and sold many farms, and has been very active in building new additions. He has always identified himself with the best interests of the place and takes high rank among his fellow citizens. Upon the organization of the Stillwater Valley Bank Company in 1909. he took an active part in the affairs of that institution, in which he is still financially interested. Mr. Croft was united in marriage with Miss Lillie Kauffman, a daughter of George Kauffman of Newton Township, and they have one son, named William Herbert. Fraternally, he is a member of the Improved Order of Red Men, of which he is treasurer; and is also a member of the Ancient and Honorable Order of Gobblers. W. H. COLES, one of the younger representative business men of Troy, identified with large enterprises here and at other points, was born at Troy, Ohio, in 1875, and is a son of T. E. Coles, for many years the leading hardware merchant here and now a most highly esteemed retired citizen. W. H. Coles graduated from the Troy High School in 1892 and then entered Am- AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 569 heist College, where he was graduated in the class of 1897, with the degree of A. B. The following two years he devoted to learning business methods in his father's store and for eight subsequent years served as secretary of the Hobart Company. In 1905 he organized the W. H. Coles Sales Company, for the manufacture and distribution of electrical machinery. He is also general manager and one-half owner of the Skinner Irrigation Company. He has succeeded as a business man both through natural ability and his energy, system and practical knowledge. Mr. Coles was married in 1902, to Miss Fannie Thompson, who is a daughter of W. R. Thompson, of Troy, and they have one daughter, Charlotte Louise. Mr. Coles is a member of the First Presbyterian Church at Troy and is superintendent of the Sunday-school. He is a Knight Templar Mason and belongs to the Troy Club. MRS. MARY A. GREER, one of Elizabeth Township's most esteemed ladies, for fifty years a member of the Cove Spring Christian Church, is the widow of the late John M. Greer, who died on his valuable farm of fifty acres, situated in section 14, Elizabeth Township, Miami County, now owned by Mrs. Greer, on July 24, 1906. Mrs. Greer was born May 31, 1827, in Adams County, Pennsylvania, and is a daughter of William and Elizabeth (Crum) Baldwin. William Baldwin, father of Mrs. Greer, moved from Adams County, Pennsylvania, to Holmes County, Ohio, where he engaged in farming for five years and then returned to Pennsylvania, where he subsequently died. In addition to farming he 'operated a shingle mill for a number of years. He was married (first) to Elizabeth Crum, who was a daughter of Peter and Elizabeth Crum, and they had six children born to them, namely: Mary A., Thomas, John, Samuel, Peter and William. For his second wife he married Katherine Crum, who was also a daughter of Peter and Elizabeth Crum, and seven children were born to this union, namely : Joseph, Isabella, an infant, Ella, David, Jennie and Elizabeth. Three brothers and a half-brother of Mrs. Greer were soldiers in the Civil War and the latter was captured by the enemy and died from starvation. The late John M. Greer was born in Lebanon County, Pennsylvania, June 3, 1820. He was the youngest son of James and Susanna (Essick) Greer. James Greer was born in Ireland and came to Lebanon County, Pennsylvania, in early manhood, married there and reared five children, namely: William, Nancy, Elizabeth, Rachel and John M. John M. Greer grew to manhood on his father's farm and later became a woollen manufacturer. After his marriage and the birth of two children, he and his wife decided to move to Ohio. Their only means of transportation was by wagon and as Mr. Greer wished to take with him his household possessions, together with farm and mill machinery, the load made very heavy toiling over the mountains and Mrs. Greer remembers very distinctly how many weary miles she walked, carrying her little son William in her arms, to ease the load to the struggling horses. It required eighteen days to make the journey. First settlement was made at New Carlisle, in Clark County, where Mr. Greer entered into woolen manufacturing; he 570 - HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY then moved for one year to Midway, and carried on a mill for two years at Lake Branch, moving then to Indiana for a year. He then retired from the milling business and turned all his attention to farming, renting a farm in Elizabeth Township for four years, and moving from there to Lost Creek Township, where he bought eighteen acres. After selling that farm he bought forty acres on Honey Creek, but one year later sold that place also and moved to Addison, buying four acres of ground there with a house and conducting a butchering business for about eighteen months. He then resumed farming, taking charge of the Carver farm for six years and then moved to the farm now owned by Mr. Esty, purchasing seventy-two acres. On that place Mr. and Mrs. Greer resided for eleven years, when Mr. Greer bought the farm of fifty acres. situated in Section 14, Elizabeth Township, on which he died. Mrs. Greer then moved to Troy for a time, renting her farm to a good tenant, but at present she is residing with her son William, in Elizabeth Township. To John M. Greer and wife were born four children. as follows William, who married Elizabeth Gearhart, a daughter of Nelson and Mary Gearhart, and has three children—Thomas Emory, William John and Mary Lizzie ; Thomas, who died in infancy ; and Savannah and Miriam R., both of whom are now deceased. At the time of his death Mr. Greer was eighty-six years of age and he was laid to rest in the Cass-town Cemetery. He was a most worthy man in every relation of life, for years a deacon in the Christian Church and a liberal supporter of its various benevolent enterprises. In his political views he was a Republican, later a Prohibitionist, and at different times he served acceptably as justice of the peace, school director and township trustee. William Greer, the only surviving child of John M. Greer and wife, was educated in the public schools and has devoted himself mainly to farming. He was married March 27, 1873, and for four years afterward continued to reside with his parents. later rented land and then moved on his present farm of fifty-seven acres, which is in Elizabeth Township. He resided in Troy for four years but returned to his farm on February 18, 1908. He owns an additional forty acres together with a house and lot in Troy. He put up all the buildings on his farm, on which he engages in general agriculture, including the growing of tobacco. The Greer family has long been one of the most highly respected in Elizabeth Township. HON. JOHN CORNWELL GEYER, in whose death Piqua lost one of its foremost citizens, was a lawyer of much prominence and large practice. He had a wide acquaintance throughout this section of the state. and was frequently called upon to serve the public in official capacity. He was probate judge of Miami County two terms of three years each, and in the able and conscientious discharge of his duties added largely to his following in the county. Judge Geyer was born in Piqua, June 12, 1860, and was a son of Frederick and Martha (Manson) Geyer. His paternal grandparents, Henry and Elizabeth (Bonner) Geyer, came to Ohio from Maryland in 1824; both died at Germantown, Ohio. Frederick Geyer was born in Emmitsburg, Maryland, in 1814, and was about ten years of age when he accompanied his AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 571 parents to Germantown, Ohio. Thence he moved to Piqua, Miami County, in 1838, and was there engaged in the hardware business for some years. He died in 1875 and was survived for more than a quarter of a century by his widow, who lived to an advanced age. She was in maiden life Martha Manson. and was a daughter of David Jr. and Sarah ( Cornwall) Manson, and a granddaughter of David Manson Sr., who was a native of Belfast, Ireland. The last named emigrated to America in colonial days, and when the Revolutionary war broke out enlisted from Pennsylvania in the Continental army. In 1807 he emigrated to Brown Township, Miami County, Ohio, and here passed the remainder of his days, dying in 1838. He married Miss Jean Johnston, who was a cousin of Colonel John Johnston, the noted Indian agent of Ohio. David Manson, Jr., was a native of the state of Pennsylvania and accompanied his parents to Ohio in 1807. He was a soldier of the War of 1812. He married Sarah Cornwall of Virginia, and among their children was General Mahlon D. Manson, who attained distinction in public life. He enlisted in the Union army during the Civil War, and for gallant services was promoted to the rank of general. He was for several terms a member of the United States Congress from Indiana, and also served as auditor and lieutenant governor of that state. His death took place at Crawfordsville, Indiana, in 1893. John C. Geyer. subject of this biography, was reared in Piqua, and after completing the public school course, entered the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware, Ohio, where he was graduated in 1882. He then pursued a course in law at the Cincinnati Law School, and after his graduation from that institution in 1884, went west to Emporia, Kansas, where he was employed on the Emporia Daily Republican for some six months. In 1885 he returned to his native county and embarked in the practice of law in Piqua, where he thereafter resided until his death, which occurred February 21, 1901. A man of unquestioned ability, he built up a lucrative practice and gained a high standing in the community. An enthusiastic Republican. he was also an active politician and a hard worker for party success. In 1889 he was elected mayor of Piqua, being the first Republican elected to that office in a period of twenty-two years, a fact which is of itself sufficient evidence of his popularity. After holding that office for twenty months he resigned in order to enter upon the duties of probate judge, to which office he had been elected by a handsome majority in November, 1890. Re-elected probate judge in 1893, he served in all six years in a most capable and efficient manner. In 1896 he was prominently mentioned and received strong support for the nomination for member of Congress, but was defeated in the convention after a hard and honorable fight. After the expiration of his term of office he resumed his law practice, which he conducted with great activity and success, notwithstanding the facts that he was never physically strong or robust. Judge Geyer was for many years prominent in fraternal work, especially so in the order of the Knights of Pythias. He served as grand chancellor of that order in Ohio for the year ending in May, 1900, and for a number of years prior to his death he was a director of the Ohio Pyth- 572 - HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY ian Home at Springfield, being for four years president of the board. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge, taking the thirty-second degree at Cincinnati ; he also belonged to the Ohio Society of the Sons of the American Revolution. In 1888 Mr. Geyer was joined in marriage with Miss Binnie Page of Cincinnati, who was a native of Hamilton, Butler County, Ohio. Among her ancestors were near relatives of Daniel Webster and Jonathan. Fellows, and she is also connected with the Fairbanks family, manufacturers of the Fairbanks scales, which are in use the world over. This marriage resulted in the following issue : Frederick P., Martha A., John Cornwall, and Mahlon H. Mrs. Geyer still makes her residence in Piqua, where she is well known and most highly respected, being surrounded by friends of long years' standing. DANIEL C. KNOOP, proprietor of a grocery and bakery at Covington, Miami County, Ohio, has been a resident of this city since 1900 and has built up a large patronage. He was born in Casstown, Miami County, May 29, 1871, and is a son of Samuel and Martha (Brelsford) Knoop. He comes of a prominent family of that vicinity, and his father is a retired merchant of Casstown. Daniel C. Knoop was reared and educated in his native town, and when nineteen years of age went to Troy, where for nine years and three months he was in the employ of McCullough & Company. He then represented a grocery firm on the road for eighteen months, at the end of which time he established a grocery and bakery at Covington. He does his own baking and the trade he has built up is such as to require the use of two delivery wagons, one for each department. He is an enterprising and progressive man, of no mean business ability, and he occupies a place high in the esteem of his fellow citizens. Mr. Knoop was united in marriage with Miss Ruth Rench, a daughter of George Rench of Covington, and they have three children—Ralph Edgar, Mary Margaret, and Irene. Fraternally, he is a member of the Masonic Order and has attained the thirty-second degree. ABRAHAM R. GARVER, a leading business man of Tippecanoe City, carrying on a large manufacturing enterprise, is secretary, treasurer and general manager of the Tipp Furniture Company. He was born on a farm nine miles west of Springfield, Ohio, and is a son of Benjamin C. and Ruth Garver. Abraham Garver, the paternal grandfather, came to Clark County, Ohio, from Maryland, in 1831. By trade he was a farmer. At that time his son, Benjamin C., was a child of two years. He was reared in Clark County and continued to reside there until 1885, when he moved to Harper County, Kansas, which continues to be his home. To Benjamin C. Garver and wife were born eight sons and three daughters, and of this family but two are deceased, Elizabeth and Ruth. The survivors are: John N., residing at Springfield, Ohio, where he is engaged in the real estate business; Abraham R., of Tippecanoe City ; Frank R., who is an electrical engineer with the Westinghouse company at Pittsburg; James L., who carries on an insurance business at Richmond, Indiana ; Walter D., residing also at Richmond, engaged in the AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 573 flour and feed business ; Edward L., who is interested in lumber in Minnesota ; George G., who is a farmer and stock dealer in Harper County, Kansas Clara E., who is the wife of Ora J. McDowell, of Shattuck, Oklahoma ; and Arthur C., who is a farmer residing near Shattuck. Abraham R. Garver obtained his education in the public schools, Wittenburg College and Nelson's Business College, after one year of commercial training, in 1883, accepting a position as traveling salesman for the C. S. Wind Engine & Pump Company. He left the road in 1888 in order to enter into the manufacturing business at Troy, Ohio, and from there came to Tippecanoe City in 1889, since when he has been officially identified with the Tipp Furniture Company. This concern is a stock company, having a capital of $20,000, and is one of the most prosperous and important business enterprises of Tippecanoe City. The well equipped manufacturing plant utilizes a large brick structure and occupies 25,000 square feet of floor space and gives constant employment to a skilled force of some forty-five men. The output is bed room suits, dressers, chiffoniers and wash-stands. Mr. Garver has been a very active business citizen for the past twenty years and is financially interested in other enterprises than the one mentioned, and is a director in the Citizens' National Bank of Tippecanoe City. In 1887 Mr. Garver was married to Miss Ida Rohrer, who is a daughter of Jacob Rohrer, of this city, and they have three children—Ruth E., Karl R. and Jacob C. He belongs with his family, to the English Lutheran Church and is a member of the church council. In his political views he is a Republican but has never been willing to assume the duties of public office. He is prominent in Masonry, belonging to Tippecanoe Lodge No. 174, F. & A. M.; Reed Commandery No. 6; Franklin Chapter No. 24: and Antioch Temple, Mystic Shrine, of Dayton. EDWIN N. RUSK is a well known agriculturist of Staunton Township, Miami County, Ohio, and is the owner of a fine farm of eighty-seven acres. He was born on his father's farm in Spring Creek Township, Miami County, September 13, 1859, and is a son of William and Mary Jane (Anderson) Rusk, and a grandson of James and Sarah (French) Rusk. James Rusk, the grandfather, was of Scotch-Irish parentage, and came from the North of Ireland to Warren County, Ohio, locating near Franklin, where he was married and lived the remainder of his life. William Rusk was one of the oldest of ten children born to his parents and was born in Warren County, Ohio. July 27, 1820. He helped to clear the home farm there and after his marriage moved to West Charleston, in Miami County, Ohio. He later located on a farm in Shelby County, and from there returned to Miami County, purchasing a farm of 112 acres in Spring Creek Township. He sold out after a few years and in March, 1864, purchased of Henry DeWeese the farm on which his son Edwin N. Rusk now lives. Here he passed the remainder of his life, dying in January, 1891. His wife, Mary Jane Anderson, who was born in 1823, died in March, 1890. They were parents of the following children : William Franklin; Lettie, deceased wife of Albert Kinder; Walter Scott ; Edwin Nelson; Luella; James A.; John N.; and two who died in 574 - HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY infancy. Both James A. and John N. were killed in battle in the Civil War. Edwin Nelson Rusk was less than five years of age when his parents located upon the farm on which he now lives, and he received a fair education in the public schools of this district, first attending the old Peterson school. He started to farming at an early age and has since continued with good results. After the death of his parents, he purchased the interests of the other heirs in the home farm, on which he now has made many important improvements. February 21, 1884, Mr. Rusk was united in marriage with Miss Minnie Hart. a daughter of John and Susan (Harritt) Hart, her father being a native of Trenton, New Jersey, and her mother of Greene County, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Hart at an early date became residents of Miami County, where they were married. He was born in 1823, and died in June, 190..5, and Mrs. Hart, who was born in 1834, is still living. They had two children--Joseph G. Hart, of Troy, Ohio : and Minnie, wife of the subject of this sketch. Mr. and Mrs. Rusk also became parents of two children: Lettie M., wife of Frank Weatherhead, of Staunton Township, by whom she has a daughter, Helen Marie and Velva, who died at the age of one year and eighteen days. Religiously they are members of the Christian Church of Troy. In politics Mr. Rusk is a Republican, and has served as justice of the peace and assessor, and in other minor offices. WILLIAM B. HAWN, a leading citizen of Bethel Township, who successfully operates a valuable farm of eighty acres, which lies in Section 19, near Phoneton, on the National Road, was born August 22, 1844, in Bethel Township, Miami County, Ohio, and is a son of John and Margaret (Saylor) ) Hawn. John Hawn was born in Pennsylvania and in young manhood came to Miami County and secured farm work with the old Knoop family. Following his marriage, he moved to Bethel Township and bought 172 acres of land, all of which he cleared. He was a man of unusual energy and robustness : in addition to clearing his land and putting it under cultivation, he engaged in milling and blacksmithing. He also found time and opportunity to serve his country in time of war, and went out with an Ohio company in the War of 1812. returning home unharmed. He died when aged seventy-three years. having been respected from youth into old age. He served his township as school director for a number of years. but would not accept other public office. He married a daughter of John Saylor and they had fifteen children, Elias and William B., the twelfth and thirteenth members of the family, being the only survivors. The remains of both John Hawn and his wife rest in the old Saylor Cemetery. William B. Hawn attended the Fairview school in his boyhood and remained on the home farm until his father died, when the property was sold, each survivor at that time getting his share. For several years he worked at farming by the month, and was then engaged in farming for himself on rented land near Brandt, for three years, when he married. After this he bought his present farm from Mr. Neff, of Montgomery County. He cleared about twenty acres of the land, put in 1,000 rods