PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM - 175 interested in bee culture, making of this a specialty and meeting with line success. He was first married February 23, 1837, to Miss Mary Jane Pence. She was born in Champaign County, this State, and was the daughter of Usury and Eva Pence, who were early settlers of that county. This union resulted in the birth of four children. two of whom are living, viz: Eva A., Mrs. Wilson Myrick, a widow, and a resident of Springfield ; and Mary C., the wife of Jacob Hatzog, of German Township. Jacob, who served in the Union army during the late war, was a member of the Seventeenth Ohio Battery, and died in the hospital at Jefferson Barracks, near St. Louis, Mo., of measles, which he contracted at Milliken's Bend- Zachary died when less than a year old. The mother of these children departed this life in German Township. July 4, 1847. Mr. Kiblinger was married a second time, December 12, 1847, to Mrs. Elizabeth Riegel, wife of the late David Riegel, of Clarke County. Of this union there have been born four children, three of whom are living, and residents of Springfield, namely: Lucinda, the wife of Cooper Ludlow; Sylvanus, and Joana who married Charles Myers; Cornelius died when about nine months old. Mrs. Elizabeth Kiblinger was born January 25, 1823, in Lancaster County, Pa., and is a daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth (Buckwater) Groob, who were likewise native of the Keystone State. Her paternal great-grandfather was born in Germany. The Groob family emigrated to Ohio in 1837, locating in Moorefield Township, Clarke County, where the parents spent the remainder of their lives. Mr. Groob died in 1841, in the prime of life. The mother survived her husband for thirty years, dying in 1871. Their daughter Elizabeth was first married to David Riegel in 1842. Of this union there was born one child, a daughter, Sarah E., who died when young. Mrs. Kiblinger spent her early years in Clarke County, where her parents settled when it was comparatively a wilderness. Their family consisted of five children, only three of whom are living, namely: Nancy, who is Mrs. Baer, of Moorefield Township; Simon, of St. Paris, this State; and Mrs. John Kiblinger. John Kiblinger is a member in good standing of the Baptist Church, with which he united in 1842. The enterprises calculated to upbuild the community, have uniformly received his cordial support. His farm comprises one hundrod and eighty. eight acres of choice land, improved with good buildings, and which under good cultivation yields to the proprietor a generous income besides enabling him to -lay by something for a rainy day. In politics he is a stanch Democrat, and voted for Van Buren in 1836. In those early days people were not so particular as now to wait until exactly twenty-one. For the last eighteen years he has been a member of the Agricultural Board of Clarke County, and is now one of the Directors. He was one of the originators of the Fair, and has done much to promote its growth. CYRUS ALBIN, a native of Clarke County, born here in pioneer times, the son of an early pioneer family of this region, is closely identified with the industrial interests of Springfield, where he established himself in business as a contracting painter more than forty years ago. Twice he has laid aside his vocation at the call of a higher duty. At one time during the late war he served his country as a soldier, and he abandoned military life only to accept a civic position, filling the important office of Sheriff of Clarke County with signal ability for two terms. August 2, 1825 our subject was born in Mad River Township in a log cabin which his father had built in the primeval forests on the homestead that he had bought from the government a few years previously. His grandfather, John Albin, and his father, George Albin, who was a native of Winchester, Va., removed from the Old Dominion to this state in 1810, the removal being made with teams. Ohio was at that time very sparsely populated, the rich soil was covered with forests of primeval growth, or open woodlands, prairies and meadows, and in all the land, where the Indian still lingered, and deer, bears and other kinds of wild game were very plentiful, there was but little sign of the approaching civilization that was to 176 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. make this one of the proudest commonwealths of this great country. The grandfather of our subject settled in the Southwestern part of Mad River Township, where he made his home till death closed his life at a ripe old age. George Albin, the father of our subject selected a tract of heavily timbered government land in Mad River Township, and at once built a log cabin on the place to shelter the family. His wife had no stove and nsed to cook over the fire in the rude fireplace that served to heat the humble abode, and as an adept in all the housewifely arts of the day she used to spin and weave all the cloth used in the family. Mr. Albin cleared quite a tract of land there, and resided on it some years, and then bought a farm four miles west of this city, and in the home that he established there his life was terminated at the advanced age of eighty-two years. He was a man of excellent character and firm principle, was greatly respected by his neighbors and other friends, and was a help in developing the agricultural interests of Clarke County, occupying a worthy place among its pioneers. He had not been in Ohio long when the War of 1812 broke out and he volunteered in the defense of his country, doing good service in the army. The maiden name of the mother of our subject was Elizabeth West. She died on the home farm many years ago. Cyrus Albin passed his early life on the old homestead where he was bred to the -life of a farmer. He wished to gain an education and took every opportunity offered to attend winter school. At the age of eighteen he came to Springfield to learn the trade of. a painter, and served two and one half years for that purpose. After that he worked under instruction in Cincinnati, remaining there a few months and then returned to Springfield and did "jour" work a short time. His next move was to establish himself as a contractor in the line of his trade, and he continued to carry on that business very profitably till May, 1864. Inn that month he laid aside his work to go into service to aid in suppressing the rebellion, enlisting in the Fifty-second Regiment, Capt. Bushnell's company, for one hundred days and went at once to the front in West Virginia, and was with his regiment in much hard service till the expiration of the term of enlistment when he was honorably discharged, having done his duty faithfully at all times whether in camp, or on the march or on the battlefield, aud showing excellent qualities for a Soldier. While he was thus honorably engaged he was not forgotten at home by his fellow-citizens, who placed his name on the Republican ticket for Sheriff of the county, to which responsible office he was elected in the same fall. By the zeal and sound judgement and wise discretion that he displayed in the discharge of the numerous duties devolving upon him while holding that position he showod himself to be the right man in the right place, and in the fall of 1866 he was re-elected, and served two full terms with distinction. After his retirement from -public life Mr. Albin engaged as traveling salesman for the Champion Reaper Company, was with them three years, and at the expiration of that time resumed his old business as a contracting painter, which he has continued to 'the present time, and has thereby accumulated a comfortable competence. Mr. Albin's success in life is due in part to the fact that he has a good -wife, to whom he was united in marriage in 1850. Her maiden name was Charlotte 'Wilkes, and she is, like himself, a native of this county, and is a daughter of pioneer parents, Charles and Delitha Wilkes, natives, respectively, of Massachusetts and North Carolina. Mr. and Mrs. Albin have four children—Belle, Bruce, Rodney and Elmer. Mr. Albin was a well-known figure on our streets, and his whole course throughout a blameless life that has passed its sixty-fifth milestone has been such as to entitle him to the cordial respect and esteem accorded to him on all hands. It has beon his privilege to witness the wonderful growth of this county and of the whole State since his birth, that has transformed the ancient wilderness into a populous and wealthy community, with thriving cities, towns, and villages, and fruitful farms where once stood primeval forests in ill their glory, interspersed with open woodlands and beautiful prairies and meadows that were as nature made them when his parents first took up their abode here. Mr. Albin is a popular member of Clarke Lodge, No. PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM - 177 101, F. & A. M., Springfield Council No. 1 7, and of Springfield Chapter No. 48; he is also connected with the G. A. R. as a member of Mitchell Post, No. 45. J. A. BAUMGARDNER. In reviewing the history of the past fifty years and noting e many improvements which have been made in various departments of science and art, that which preserves the lineaments of our loved ones should not pass unnoted. A marked change has taken place in this art and the country is now flooded with photographs, where not many decades since but a few daguerreotypes and ambrotypes to be seen. It requires mechanical skill and artistic talent to produce pictures which will satisfy the taste of the public in these days, and when we state that the gentleman above named has a fine patronage, it is scarcely necessary to add that he is a master of the art of photography. His studio is pleasant and well furnished, every means being taken by the proprietor to keep up with the times in the conveniences for carrying on this work to the best advantage and adding to the comforts of his patrons. Mr. Baumgardner is of Swiss lineage, his grandfather having been a native of Berne, Switzerland, in which city he was reared and married. He emigrated to America, settling nine miles north of Lancaster, Ohio, where he was numbered among the pioneers. There his son Henry, the father of our subject, was born. Grandfather Baumgardner died a short time after his settlement in America and his widow ere long removed to Fairfield County, purchasing a tract of land in Berne Township, where she reared her family. She contracted a second matrimonial alliance, becoming the wife of a Mr. Caley. She lived to the age of eighty-five years, dying in the township in which she had resided so long. The father of our subject was reared on a farm but learned the trade of a blacksmith which he followed some years. He then purchased a farm and still engaged in farming in Fairfield County. He married Miss Catherine Crook of that county who has borne him seven children—our subject, Agnes, Hunter H., William, Lizzie, George and Talmage. Both parents are members of the German Reformed Church. The maternal grandfather of our subject was John Crook, who was born in 1800 and who died. April 27, 1890. He was bnt a boy when his parents came to the wilds of Ohio and he became one of the pioneers of Berne Township, Fairfield County, where he bought land and tilled the soil. He was very industrious, possessed of sound judgment, and for these reasons accumulated a large amount of this world's goods. J. A. Baumgardner was born in Berne Township, Fairfield County, January 25, 1851. He was reared won the home farm, like other farmer's sons assisted in farm work and attended the common schools. . He remained with his parents until he had reached man's estate and in 1873 went to Iowa, in which State he spent a year. Returning to Ohio he entered a studio at Lancaster in order to learn the art of photography. After serving there eight months his employer sent him to New Lexington, Perry County, to open a gallery. This he did, operating it in their interest sixteen months, after which he engaged in the business on his own account. He remained in that place seven years, after which he came to Springfield, opened a studio and began a business career in this city which has proved remunerative and given him an excellent reputation as an artist and a man of honor in business relations.J JACOB H. HARBINE. This well-known representative of a prominent family in this county, was born at his father's old homestead in Beaver Creek Township, Greene County, and is the son of John and Hetty (Kauffman) Harbine of whom full mention is made in the biography of J. D. Steele which will be found on another page in this ALBUM. He was carefully reared by wise and excellent parents and obtained a good education, attending the High School at Xenia and completing his studies in Oxford University. When twenty-two years of age he and his 178 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. brother Daniel R., succeeded their father in the distillery and grain business combined with which was also pork. packing, and in this manner accumulated a competence. Mr. Harbine is the owner of four hundred acres of fine farming land in this county, besides a sawmill and warehouse, and is looked upon as one of the most enterprising men of this county in whose development and prosperity he has borne a leading part. He still retains his bachelor freedom, making his home in Harbine, Beaver Creek Township. He is liberal is his religious views and politically, a sound Republican. He has, however, refrained from mingling with public affairs, preferring to give his time and attention to his business interests. He is at present one of the leading grain dealers buying at Harbine, and in all respects, as a business man and a citizen, reflects honor upon the name of one of the oldest and most respectable families in Greene County.   SAMUEL R. HOCKMAN. The Eagle City Mills located on Mad River, in German Township, are owned by Mr. Hockman, and the business is conducted under the firm title of S. R. Hockman & Sons. The building is 65x45 feet in dimensions, and three and one-half stories in height. It was originally built for a grist mill, later converted into a distillery, and finally reconstructed into a grist mill. It is operated by water-power exclusively, by means of two turbine wheels with a fall of water of about seven feet. The mill is equipped with the latest improved roller machinory, furnished by the Case Manufacturing Company of Columbus, and was put in at a cost of about $6,000. These mills turn out the best grade of flour inclnding the Bismark brand, also the Eagle brand, which is a second grade, although ninety per cent of the output is of the former. The trade is mostly local, although the firm does a large amount of custom work among the farmers. Besides flour they grind quantities of corn for feed. The mill has a capacity approaching fifty thousand bushels of wheat per annum. Samuel R. Hockman is at the head of the concern, and is assisted most of the time by four sons and one son-in-law, George Swartz. The Bismark brand especially finds a large sale in Springfield and adjoining towns. Samuel R. Hockman, a native of Shenandoah County, Va., was born September 26, 1821, to Pet and Rebecca (Rhodes) Hockman, -who were likewise natives of the Old Dominion. His ancestry on both sides of the house was originally from Germany. He was reared on a farm in his native county, but when reaching his majority, began an apprenticeship at the miner's trade, serving two years, and then started out on his own hook as a journeyman. Thereafter he operated from time to time several mills in Shenandoah County, beginning as head miller in 1847, and sojourning in, that region afterward for a period of twenty years. Mr. Buckman, in 1867, left his native State, and coming to Clarke County, Ohio, operated as head miller for Parkor Bryan two and one-half years at Rhorertown, Champaign County. At the expiration of this time he rented Gabriel Kenton's mill on Mad River, and operated this six years. His next move was the purchase, in 1876, of the Eagle City Mills, where he has built up an extensive business. It is one of the most valuable mill plants in the county, and under the present able management will doubtless in the near future require to he enlarged for a still more extended business. The subject of this notice received only a limited education in his youth, but by his habit of reading and observation of what is going on around him in the world, has become thoroughly well-informed, while as a business man his abilities are unquestioned. He formed matrimonial ties January 29, 1852, being wedded to Miss Eliza Cochenour, who bore him ten children. Of these but eight are living, viz: Milton, John, William, Benjamin, Samuel, Lydia, Emma, and Betty. Mr. Hockman gives his political support to no party, and has held the office of Postmaster several terms at Eagle City, the office being in the mill. His religious views coincide with the doctrines of the German Baptist Church, of which he has been a member since early manhood. He came to the Buckeye State, practically without means, and owes PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM - 181 his success solely to his own persevering industry and good management. Personally he is affable and courteous, most nearly approaching the type of a gentleman of the old school, and bears a striking resemblauce to the venerated Horace Greeley, both in personal appearance, and in various characteristics. He is recognized as an able financier, and the uniform supporter of those measures calculated to advance the people, socially, morally, and financially. HON. ISAAC M. BARRETT. He whose name stands at the head of this biographical record may properly be termed one of the most enterprising and progressive men in Spring Valley Township, Greene County. A lifelong manufacturer and merchant miller by occupation, he possesses not only a theoretical but a practical knowledge of the art and science of merchant milling, the result of which is the building up and equipment of one of the finest milling plants of Southern Ohio. Mr. Barrett fairly obtained his title of Honorable by a service of three terms in the Ohio Legislature, being in the Lower House from 1876 to 1880, and a member of the Senate in 1888-89. He had the honor of being elected the first Mayor of Spring' Valley, served as Assessor of Internal Revenue four years under President Lincoln, commencing in 1862, and has held various other positions of trust and responsibility. The native place of Mr. Barrett was in the town of Half Moon, Saratoga County, N. Y., and the date of his birth May 2, 1827. His father, George Barrett, was born in Danby, Vt., on the 6th. of December, 1796; and his mother, Mahala (Merrett) Barrett, was born on the 15th of October, 1805, in Saratoga County, N. Y. The elder Barrett was a woolen manufacturer, owning and operating his own mill and in religious belief belonged to the Society of Friends. About 1837 he removed from his native place to Middletown, Vt., where he likewise operated a woolen mill until 1839. That year he changed his residence to Delaware, Ohio, still pursuing his occupation of a woolen manufacturer, and placed in various mills sets of improved machinery, operating then as an expert in the latter. Sojourning in the above-mentioned locality until 1843, the father of our subject, coming then to this connty, erected a woolen trill in Spring Valley Township, the first within its limits, and there spent the remainder of his days, his decease taking place in 1874. He was a man of decided ideas, one of the original members of the old Whig party and a stanch Abolitionist. The wife and mother had preceded her husband to the silent land January 30, 1870. Ten children had been born to them, the eldest of whom, a daughter, Maria married Dr. A. B. Butler, now deceased, and lived in Richmond, Ind.; Isaac M., our subject, is the second child; Sarah died when quite yonng; Slocum died after reaching the age of manhood; Mahala M. became the wife of E. H. Swyne, of Chicago, Ill.: John R. is also sojourning in that city ; Merritt H. died in childhood; Calista A. is a resident of Xenia; Mary L. died at the interesting age of twenty years; Rosanna S. became the wife of William H. Ingram, of Xenia, and is also deceased. The paternal grandfather of our subject was Jaazamiah Barrett, who was born January 21, 1752, in New Hampshire. He married Rhoda, daughter of John and Hannah Reed and removed to the vicinity of Danby, Vt. There he prosecuted farming until resting from his earthly labors, October 10, 1834. His wife survived him nearly ten years, her death taking place February 2, 1844, when she was a little less than eighty-four years old, her birth taking place May 24, 1760. ,:Their children were named respectively, John, 'Hannah, Jonathan, Jaazamiah, Abijah, Elchia, Wyman, George, Lucy, Rhoda and Stephen. Jaazamiah is the son of John Barrett and the latter was born in Ireland, April 13, 1728. He died in 1756. His wife was Lucy Ormar and she was born likewise in 1728. The mother of our subject was the daughter of Joseph and Cynthia Merrett, of Saratoga County,,N. Y; The grandfather was a farmer by occupation. The Hon. Isaac M. Barrett, of this sketch, received a good education, being first a student of the High School at Springfield, and later attended Delaware College. He entered upon his business 182 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. career in the woolen mills of his father with which he was connected for ten years. In the meantime he also engaged in mercantile pursuits -and was considerably interested in pork-packing. In 1858, still engaged in mechandising, he also became interested in miH property, purchasing the De Haven Mill, which was destroyed by fire on New Year's Day, 1860. Purchasing then the mill site he erected upon it the Spring Valley Mills, which he has since successfully operated, and he also deals largely in grain. He and his sons are now the largest shippers on the Little Miami Railroad. Mr. Barrett was first married to Miss Rebecca Swyne, a native of Clarke County, this State, and the daughter of Thomas and Eliza Swyne, who spent their last years in Spring Valley, Ohio. The two children born of this union were Thomas S. and Isaac M., Jr., the latter of whom died in childhood. Mrs. Rebecca Barrett departed this life at her home in Spring Valley, January 31, 1854. Our subject was a second time wedded in March, 1856, to Miss Mary Evans, who was born in South Carolina, and when a child came to this county. This lady was the daughter of Robert and Sarah Evans, and of this union there were born eight children, viz: Robert E.; Clara B., the wife of Thomas Harrison, of Richmond, Ind.; Ella, Mrs. R. H. Dolliver, of Chicago, Ill.; John R.; Hattie, Don Carlos and Clifford. Isaac M.,Jr., the fourth in order of birth, 'died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Barrett belong to the Society of Friends. Mr. Barrett is the patentee of an improved method of burning crude oil in stoves, which is apparently destined to be adopted extensively in the near future. A portrait of Mr. Barrett may be found in connection with this sketch. WILLIAM ELDER. In the early settlement of Clarke County the Elder family repro- sented the best elements of its population in as marked a manner as they do at the present -time, and a goodly number of them are written up for the BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM of Greene and Clarke Counties. He who is especially represented in this sketch is a worthy offshoot of the family tree—one who performed faithful service in the late Civil War and who is possessed of more than ordinary intelligence. He has been a reader all his life and is well informed upon the leading events of the day. His occupation from his youth has been that of a farmer, in which he has been successful, accumulating a comfortable home and a competence. The parents of our subject were Thomas and Margery (Anderson) Elder, due mention of whom is made on another page in this volume. He was the tenth child and was born April 22, 1841, at the farm which he now owns and occupies. He spent his boyhood days in attendance at the district school and in the performance of the lighter duties around the home, remaining under the parental roof until the outbreak of the Civil War. In August,. 1862, he entered the Union Army as a member of Company A, Ninety-fourth Ohio Infantry under- the command of Capt. Perry Stewart, a sketeh of whom appears elsewhere in this ALBUM. He went with his regiment to Kentucky after the the rebel general, Kirby Smith, and later fought at Murfreesboro, Chickamauga, Chattanooga, Perryville, Stone River, Lookout Mountain and Mission .Ridge. Subsequently he was detailed to report for duty at Columbus, Ohio, and was engaged in guard duty until receiving his discharge with his regiment in June, 1865. Upon leaving the service Mr: Elder returned to the parental roof and remained there until after his father's death. Then he and his brother Russell bonght out all the heirs except the widow, and later our subject purchased the interest of his mother and brother. He is thus owner of., the original homestead, which possesses for him a far more than moneyed value. He brought a bride to the old rooftree in 1877, being married on. the 15th of March, that year, to Miss Martha J., daughter of Michael Bower. Mrs. Elder was born September 7, 1847, in Wyandot County, this State. to which her parents had emigrated at an early day and where the father still lives. Of her union with our subject there were born four children, viz: Margery; Carrie,who died when six years. old; Kate, who is at home; one child who died in infancy. Mrs. Martha J. Elder PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM - 183 departed this life at her home in Green Township, October 16, 1887. She was a lady of many estimable qualities and a consistent member of the Methist Episcopal Church. Politically, Mr. Elder is a solid Republican and has been quite active in the counsels of his party, serving as a delegate to the county conventions and occupying other important positions. His landed estates embrace two hundred and twelve acres with good improvements and all his surroundings iudicate the perseverance and industry which are characteristic of the man- The fact that he is well spoken of by his neighbors is sufficient indication of his standing in the community.               FRANKLIN H. McDONALD. The subject of this notice was born in the place where he now resides, four miles southeast of Xenia, September 21, 1839. He is a son of Wilford and Martha (Lyon) McDonald, natives of Tennessee and Virginia, respectively. Wilford McDonald was born in 1798, and in 1800, when only two years of age, was brought by his parents to Greene County, Ohio, where they settled on a farm adjoining the one now in possession of our subject. They remained there one year and then removed to the one Upon which the subject of this notice now resides. The parents of our subject spent their last days on that farm, the father dying in 1883. They were the parents of seven children named respectively: Hampton, Sarah E., Frank Willace, Columbus, America J., and Melvin.. Wilford McDonald was a Whig at the time that party was in power and afterward cast his influence into the scale with the Republican party. The Lyon family located in Greene County about the year 1816. The mother of our subject was a (laughter of John and Catherine (Hook) Lyon. The ancestors of John Lyon came from Englaud. Catherine Hook was a daughter of William Hook who was a native of Ireland and emigrated to this country in the last century. Franklin H. McDonald is living on the old homestead, which is now his own property. It em- braces one hundred and ninety-five acres of good land under a high state of cultivation. Our subject is also the owner of a fine stone quarry which is in a paying condition. He has made his home during all his life on the place where he now resides, but in 1862, on the 15th of August, he left his father's house and went forth to do battle for the honor of the old flag which had been so foully dishonored by the rebellious hosts who were seeking to destroy its unsullied purity. He enlisted in Company D, One Hundred and Tenth Ohio Infantry. He served in some of the most severe battles of the war—notably those of Spottsylvania, Wilderness, Cold Harbor, Monacacy Junction, Mine Run, the Rapidan, Petersburg, and was present at the surrender of Lee at Appomatox. He was discharged in June, 1865, as Second Sergeant and at once returned home. He was wounded at Monacacy in the left thigh. In 1875, our subject was united in marriage to Miss Anna E. Heath. Mrs. McDonald is an intelligent, cultivated lady and an ornament to the society in which she moves. She is a daughter of Thomas and. Anna (Hook) Heath, of Greene County, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. McDonald are the parents of one child, Thomas Shem. Mrs. McDonald is a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and a regular attendant upon its services. LUTHER NEER. Among the well developed farms of Pleasant Township, Clarke County, that of Luther Neer should not be passed unnoticed. It is under the able management of a gentleman who, though quite young in years, was reared with a thorough knowledge of agricultural pursuits, and possesses the natural intelligence and judgment which understandingly apply information gained. The farm comprises one hundred and seven fertile acres, and in connection with the work of general agriculture the 'owner raises the best of stock. The subject of this sketch is a member of a family which has been well known in this township for nearly three-fourths of a century, and which had 184 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. been previously numbered among the respectable families of Virginia. The first representative of the family in this county was Amos Neer, who came hither about 1818, settling near Catawba, where he spent the remainder of his life. He was born in Loudoun County, Va., being a son of Henry Neer, a farmer in the Old Dominion. His wife was Nancy A. Cunnard, of the same State. They belonged to ,the Methodist Episcopal Church, and Mr. Neer was a member of the Whig party. He left an estate of one hundred and twenty-five acres. His family consisted of the following named sons and daughters: Jonathan, Nathan; Elizabeth. Ann, wife of Daniel Wynant, of Kosciusko County, Incl.; Susan, wife of Thomas Runyan; Jane, wife of Joseph Ferguson, and Matilda, wife of Andrew B. Runyan. The second of the above-named family was born in Pleasant Township, August 5, 1822, and, beginning his career in life with abont $180, accumulated a landed estate of five hundred and twenty-five acres of valuable land. He was liberal in his support of pnblic improvements, had served his fellow-men as Township Trustee, and by his personal character won respect. In polities he was a Republican, and in religion a believer in the doctrines of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He died November 13, 1886. His wife was Mary J. Hunter, who was born May 2, 1823, and who breathed her last June 23, 1889. Their family consisted of seven children—Levi, William, Miranda, Luther, Charles F., Alonzo W. and Laura J. Levi died when twenty-two years old, and Miranda is also deceased. She was the wife of James H. Engle. Luther Neer was born two miles southwest of Catawba, November 12, 1855, and received a common-school education. When he became of age he began life on a farm, in the spring of 1882, locating where he now resides. Doing honor to the teaching which he had received and in which his judgment concurred, he identified himself with the Republican party and is a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. At the home of the bride September 11, 1879, he was united in marriage with Miss Mollie J. Loveless. This lady was born in Loudoun County, Va.,but has lived in Ohio since her childhood. She is intelligent,well-bred,and well-versed in the practical duties of life. Like her husband she belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church. Two interesting children have come to bless the union, named respectively: Olive L. and Nathan L. In the Old Dominion Charles and Frances (Lowe) Loveless lived upon a farm for some years. In 1868 they removed to Ohio, settling in Champaign County, whence they subsequently removed to this connty. Here they made their home in Pleasant Township, where their daughter became the wife of our subject. ALFRED M. POTTER, M. D. Although of New England birth and, ancestry, the subject of this notice has 'been a resident of Ohio since a child of eighteen months, at which time his parents emigrated from Connecticut and took up their residence in the town of Troy. His father, the well-known Dr. Alfred Potter, followed his profession in Troy for a number of years, and then removed to Springfield, where he pursued his chosen ealling, and built up an extensive business. He departed this life at his home in Springfield, Jannary 9, 1875. The mother had preceded her husband to the silent land a little over a twelvemonth, her death taking place December 12, 1874. Dr. Potter, Sr., was „.born. March 24, 1814, in Connecticut, and prosecuted his medical studies first in Bellevue Hospital, after which he entered the Eelectic Medical College at Cincinnati, from which he was graduated in 1857. The Potter family is of English ancestry. The mother of our subject bore the maiden name of Lovina Murphy, and she was the daughter of Keiskue Murphy, who was of Irish extraction, a native of Ireland, and who spent his last years in Ripley, N. Y. After their marriage the parents of our subject settled in Bristol, Conn., and there their son Alfred M. was born September 17, 1850. The latter pursued his early studies in the public school, and then entered the Normal School at Lebanon, Ohio. Upon leaving this he took up the study of medicine under the direction of his father, and subsequently entered PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM - 185 the Eclectic Medical College of Cincinnati, from which he was duly graduated in 1872. He commenced the practice of his profession at Springfield, and here he has sinee remained, meeting with unqualified sums. He keeps himself thoroughly posted upon all the new theories and methods of pratice, and besides his regular ride, has a thriving office business. Dr. Potter was married in 1878, to Miss Lilly M., daughter of Madison Obenochain, of Bellefontaine, Ohio, and of this union there have been born five children, three daughters and two sons, one son being deceased. The family residence is located at 304 No. South Fountain Avenue, and with its surrounding forms one of the attractive homes of the city. SOLOMON PENTZ. During the early settlement of Ohio the sons of the Old Dominion came hither in goodly numbers and contributed their full quota to the growth and development of the Buckeye State. The subject of this notice forms one of Virginia's most worthy representatives and operates a well-developed farm on section 8, German Township, where, besides prosecuting general agriculture, he makes a specialty of stock-raising. Mr. Pentz was born August 17, 1817, in Shenandoah County, Va. and is the eldest son of. Philip and Catherine (Bowers) Pentz who were likewise natives of that State. The parental family consisted of a large number of children and when but a lad, Solomon, like his brothers and sisters, was required to make himself useful about the home farm, while he obtained only a limited education in the common schools. He remained a member of the parental household until a man of twenty-five years and was then married, in December, 1842, to Miss Caroline Zirkle. Mrs. Pentz was born in the same county as her husband, in April, 1819, and is a daughter of Lewis and Catherine (Brener) Zirkle, who were likewise natives of Virginia and spent the closing years of their lives in Ohio. To Mr. Pentz and his estimable wife was born a family of six children; the eldest of whom a daughter, Anne, died when eighteen years old. Malinda is the wife of WiHiam Bayler and they live in Mad River Tqwnship, Clarke County. William makes his home in the city of Springfield; Lewis is a resident of Champaign County; Catherine is the wife of William Lurton of German Township; Effie remains at home with her parents. The two eldest children of Mr. and Mrs. Pentz were born in Virginia, from which State they emigrated about 1847, settling first in Champaign County, of which they were residents for nine years. They came to Clarke County about 1856, and settled on the farm where they now reside. Mr. Pentz is the owner of one hundred and five acres of land which with the assistance of his faithful and devoted wife he has accumulated by his own industry and good management. He is a man enjoying the esteem and confidence of his fellow-citizens and has served as Trustee of German Township. Mr. and Mrs. Pentz are both members in good standing of the Lutheran Church. Politically Mr. Pentz is an uncompromising Democrat, and socially belongs to the Grange at Tremont City. The paternal grandfather of Mr. Pentz was a native of Pennsylvania, whence he removed to Virginia and there spent his last days. HORACE N. TAYLOR, Postmaster at New Carlisle, is also a Nortary Public and in fact a prominent man generally in his community. Among the people where he now lives he has spent his entire life. He was born in this town May 20, 1847, and is the son of Ezra G. and Elinor (Neely) Taylor, the former of whom was a native of Winchester, Va., and horn in 1806. The paternal grandparents of our subject were Stephen and Mary Taylor, natives respectively of England and Virginia. After marriage they settled in the Old Dominion where Grandmother Taylor died. About 1829 Grandfather Taylor emigrated to Ohio and settled in New Carlisle where he spent the balance of his life, dying in 1855, at an advanced age. He lived in his native Nottinghamshire probably until after his marriage, 186 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. emigrating then to America. Both he and his wife were Quakers in religion. Ezra G., the father of our subject, after coming to this State, occupied himself as a merchant in New Carlisle for more than fifty years. Several times he accumulated a fortune but met with financial reverses. He established the first banking concern in New Carlisle this being known as the Exchange Bank conducted by the firm of E. G. Taylor & Co. He was reared by his parents in the Quaker religion to which he held firmly during life. He was a member of the old Whig party during its existence, later was a strong Republican and all the time an uncompromising Abolitionist. The mother of our subject was born at Carlisle, Pa., about 1818 and died when a young woman in New Carlisle, this State, in 1847. Her parents were Major James and Sarah (Brandon) Neely, who emigrated to Clarke County, this State, during its early settlement. Grandfather Neely honorably earned his military title by serving in a Pennsylvania regiment during the War of 1812. Ezra and Elinor Taylor were the parents of two children only: M. Corwin, a tinner by trade and living in Indianapolis, Ind., and Horace N., our subject. Mr. Taylor of whom we write spent his boyhood and youth in his native town, attending the common school and assisting his father in the store. He thus at an early age gained a good insight into mercantile business and was associated with his father until 1877. He then formed a partnership with another well-known resident of New Carlisle and under the firm name of Garver & Taylor they conducted a successful mercantile business until 1886. Mr. Taylor then became interested in fruit-trees and dealt in them until June, 1889. In the May of that year he received the appointment of Postmaster and still holds the office. For eighteen years he has been the Clerk of Bethel Township and for sixteen years has served as the City Clerk of New Carlisle. For twenty years he has acted as Notary Public. During the progress of the Civil War Mr. Taylor, in 1863, entered the Union Army as a private, enlisting in Company C, One Hundred and Twenty-ninth Ohio Infantry, serving until March, 1864. He then entered the one hundred days' service as a member of Company E, One Hundred and Thirty-first Ohio Infantry. After being honorably discharged from this he, in September, 1864, re-enlisted in the Sixteenth Ohio Battery of Light Artillery and served until the close of the war. He received his final discharge at New Orleans June 10, 1865. His field of operations was in Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, Maryland and Louisiana. He was the youngest man in the service from Clarke County and acquitted himself in a very creditable manner. For five years after the war closed he was Captain of a company of Ohio National Guards of New Carlisle. When a young man of twenty-two years Mr. Taylor chose for a wife and helpmate Miss Clara R. Garver, a very estimable young lady and the daughter of a prominent family in New Carlisle, the wedding taking place December 23, 1869. Mrs. Taylor is a native of the same town as her husband and was born July 16, 1851. Her parents were John and Catherine (Fuller) Garver, natives of Virginia who emigrated to Clarke County, this State, during its earliest settlement and who are now in New Carlisle. There have been born of this union two children, viz.: Clifford, September 20, 1870, and Mary G., March 11, 1874. Mr. Taylor obtained a good education, attending first the schools of his native town and completing his studies at Grier's Commercial College,. Dayton, Ohio, from which he was graduated with honors. He is a man of decided business ability, very popular in his eommunity and occupies an enviable position socially and financially. THEODORE HOHL, senior member of the firm of Hold & Lyon is, with his partner, carrying on a lucrative trade in groceries and other commodities of the kind in Springfield, where he is looked npon as one of the leading business men. He is comparatively a young man, having been born November 14, 1854, and is a native of Newark, N. J., the son of John G. and Anna M. (Hofman) Hold, who were born in the PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM - 187 Kingdom of Bavaria. The latter were of pure German antecedents and grew to mature years in theirnative country where they were married. The parents of our subject emigrated to America in the early part of 1854, locating in the city of Newark, N. J., where the father followed black-smithing for a number of years. In 1868 he came with his family to Ohio, locating in Springfield, and entered the employ of the old firm of Whitely, Fassler & Kelly, with whom he remained until a change in the business and the firm became Warder, Bushnell & Glessner. Mr. Hohl was then employed by the latter as foreman in the rolling department, where he still remains. The mother died in Newark, N. J., in 1865. There are living of the parental family three children, all boys, of whom our subject is the eldest. The others, Albert and Wilber J., are residents of Springfield. John G. Jr., died at the age of seven years. The boyhood days of Mr. Hohl were spent in his native city, where he attended the public school and made himself useful around the home as required. Upon the removal of the family to Springfield he began clerking for the hardware firm of Baker & Brown, with whom he remained three years. Subsequently for the same length of time he also was in the employ of Whitely, Fassler & Kelly. Returning then to the hardware bnsiness he was occupied as a clerk for a period of ten years. In 1887 he formed a partnership with Harvey C. Lyon, embarking in the retail grocery trade which they have since prosecuted successfully. The house is located at the corner of Main and Center Streets, and the firm carries a well-selected stock of staple and fancy groceries. By good management, promptness in meeting their obligations and courteous treatment of their customers they have attained to a leading position in this branch of business and are considered entirely reliable in all respects. Mr. Hohl was married October 10, 1889, to Miss Carrie G., daughter of J. C. Lyon, of Springfield. Mrs. Hold was born November 21, 1859, in Cincinnati, and was there reared and educated, remaining under the parental roof until leaving it to be come the mistress of her own home. Politically, Mr. Hold affiliates with the Democratic party. He has been a member of the Board of Education for the past three years and, socially, belongs to Anthony Lodge No. 455, F. & A. M. ; Springfield Chapter No. 48, R. A. M.; Palestine Commandery, No. 33, K. T., and K. of P. No. 205, Red Star. Mr. and Mrs. Hohl hue a neat and attractive home at No. 103, South Race Street, and enjoy the society of a large circle of friends. JACOB HENRY ZELL. Prominent among the more successful farmers of Spring Valley Township, may be mentioned Mr. Zell whose energy and perseverance have resulted in the accumulation of a fair share of this world's goods, including two hundred and four acres of thoroughly cultivated land: His native place was Harrison County, Va., and the date of his birth March 16, 1827. His parents were John P. and Mary (Tyson) Zell, who were natives of Pennsylvania. The paternal grandmother of our subject, departed this life when her son John P. was an infant of three weeks, and he was then taken to Virginia by a relative, where he was reared and married. He served in the War of 1812, and was present at the battle of Ft. Meigs. Later he followed farming in the Old Dominion, and also occupied himself as an hotel keeper. He finally resolved upon seeking his fortunes in the West, and accordingly, in the fall of 1828, when Jacob H. was an infant of eighteen months, set out overland by wagon, and coming to Warren County, settled near ClarksviHe. He sojourned there, however, but a short time, removing thence to the vicinity of Blanchester. From there, in 1836, he removed to a point a mile and a half south of Waynesville, where he spent his last days, dying in 1851. His wife, Mary. had preceded her husband to the silent land in 1845. To the parents of our subject there was born a family of twelve children, eleven of whom grew to mature years: George M. is a resident of Waynesville; Ruthanah is the wife of Harlan Jones, of Jackson County, Kan.; Olive married Jonathan Jones, of that county, and is now deceased; Ze- 188 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. Hilda who was the wife of David Bonne11, died in Mitchell, Ind.; Mr. Bonnell is also deceased; Oliver is a resident of Dayton ; Edgar lives in Warren County; Jacob H., our subject, was the next in order of birth; Thornton died in Dayton ; and Mortimer in Lebanon, Warren County, the latter holding the office of County Recorder; James H. is a resident of Dayton City ; Benjamin F. lives in Springfield; Enos died when a child of three years. Nine of these children were married, and had families of their own. The father of our subject, politically, was a stanch Democrat. The paternal grandfather, Jacob Zell, was the child of German parents, who emigrated to America at an early day. He was twice married, and by the first wife became the father of three sons and one daughter, John P. being one of the sons. His second wife bore him children, among whom was T. L., the famous author of Zell's Encyclopedia. On the maternal side of the house, Grandfather Enos Tyson was a native of Pennsylvania. His wife bore the maiden name of Ruth Thomas. There were born to them four sons and five daughters, viz.: Dsaac, John, Thornton, Oliver, Lacy, Mary, Elizabeth, Milly, and I'ermelia. Grandfather Tyson was a blacksmith by trade, but also followed farming, and upon leaving his native State, settled near Clarksburg, Harrison County, W. Va., where he purchased seventeen hundred acres of land. He was then on his way to Ohio, but did not reach his destination, dying in the Old Dominion. In religious belief he was a Quaker. After her husband's death, Grandmother Tyson, at the age of sixty years, came to Warren County, this State, on horseback. She died at Rochester, near Morrow, in that county. The subject of this notice was reared as a farmer's boy, acquiring his education in the country schools, and after his mother's death, made his own way in the world, working first on a farm at $7 per month. He occupied himself as a farm laborer, until a man of twenty-five years, then for one year operated on rented land on his own account. In 1853 he made his first purchase of land—one hundred and thirty-eight acres, lying two and one-half miles south of Waynesville. He occupied this for a period of twenty-three years, then removed to his present place, which comprises two hundred and four acres. This under his careful management, has become one of the finest farms in Greene County. The land is highly productive, and Mr. Zell has erected good buildings, and availed him. self of the most approved machinery in the cultivation of the soil. Politically, Mr. Zell votes the straight Republican ticket. With the exception of serving two years as Township Trustee, he has held aloof from the cares and responsibilities of office. The 11th of March, 185-2, was a memorable day in the history of our subject, as he was then wedded to Miss Mary A. McKinsey, the ceremony taking place at the bride's home in Warren County- Mrs. Zell was born July 23, 1831, in Warren County, to Patrick and Elizabeth (Bowman) McKinsey, who were natives of South Carolina and Virginia. Mr. McKinsey was born November 3, 1805, and was brought to Warren County, this State, by his parents in 1807. He there spent the remainder of his life, and died near Waynesville on the 27th of August, 1863. He was a man of considerable prominence in his community, serving as Township Trustee many years, and was also Land Appraiser. To him and his good wife there was born a family of seven sons and three daughters, and one daughter died in infancy. Patrick McKinsey departed this life in August, 1863. His wife survived hiM nearly twelve years, her death taking place in February, 1875. Mrs. Zell's paternal grandfather, George McKim sey, was born March 26, 1762, in South Carolina. The children by his first wife were named respectively, David, Mordecai, Samuel, Nehemiah, George, Abigail, Naomi, Mary, and Sarah. Grandfather McKinsey emigrated from South Carolina in 1807, and settled on three hundred acres of land near Waynesville, this State. He built up a good homestead, where he spent the remainder of his days, dying June 11, 1840- He was of Scotch-Irish ancestry, and served in the War of 1812. A number of his children settled in Indiana. To Mr. and Mrs.. Zell there has been born a. family of seven children, viz: Elizabeth, the wife of Joseph Hawke, of Montgomery County; Frank N., Ray M., of Zenia; James P.; Nellie is the wife of PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM - 191 Thomas H. Evans, Olive Z., the wife of Frank Farr; and Horace T. Our subject and his wife are prominently connected with the Baptist Church, and Mr.Zell has always been noted as a liberal contributor to the enterprises calculated for the good of the Community. SAMUEL N. ADAMS. Of all the gallant soldiers who bravely marched to meet a foe no less determined than themselves, of the patriotic citizens devoting the strength of manhood to their native land, none were more gallant than he whose portrait appears on the opposite page and whose biography is herein narrated. As County Recorder of Greene County he has secured the coufidence of the people, and is constantly receiving evidences of the public approbation. He is always at the post of duty, and with his comprehensive insight into business matters and promptness in executing the details of office work, he is recoguized as a prominent factor in the upbuilding of the city. Being first elected to fill a vacancy in the office of the County Recorder in September, 1881, so ably did he discharge its varied duties that he was duly elected thereto in the fall of 1882. He was re-elected. in 1885 and again in 1888, qualifying each time the following .January. His present term will expire on New Year's Day. 1892. That he is fulfilling the office to the satisfaction of his constituents his continuance year after year amply proves. he does not confine his interest in public duties to the routiue of official cares, but in every measure having reference to the development of Xenia and Greene County, he is enthusiastic. Before more fully outlining the history of Recorder Adams, a few words in regard to his ancestors wiH not be amiss. His father, Samnel Adams, was born in Leesburg, Loudoun County, Va., and when a young man went to Maryland. There he married Miss Nancy Burnston, of Baltimore and made his home for a time in that State. He was a finisher in a woolen factory and removed in order to follow the same business. In 1842 he went to Fredericktown, Knox County, thence to Delaware County, and in 1847 became a resident of Ohio, locating in Spring Valley, this county, where he spent nearly all the remaining years of his life. He breathed his last October 14, 1871, his widow surviving until 1882. They reared a family of eight children, of whom N. G., A. J., Eliza, Mrs. E. Bunting, and our subject are in this county. The others are: Amelia, wife of William Kirkpatrick; Virginia B., widow of J. D. Hepford, of Council Bluffs, Iowa; Mrs. Catherine Kauffman, of Canton, this State, and W. H., whose home is in Arkansas. Samuel. N. Adams, the subject of this biographical notice, was born in Bedford County, Pa., December 15, 1835, and in his boyhood arid youth received such educational privileges as were afforded by the section in which he lived. At the age of twenty-two years, he left the parental roof to begin life for himself, working at the trade of a carpenter, and continuing so emplOyed until after the breaking out of the Civil War, when he enrolled among the defenders of the Union. He became a member. of Company D, One hundred and Tenth Ohio Infantry, under command of Col. J. W. Keiffer, his term of service beginning August 16, 1862. As an integral part of the Army of the Potomac, Mr. Adams participated in numerous engagements, the list including Union Mills (Va.), Winchester Heights, Stevenson's Depot, Wapping Heights, Brandy Station, Mine Run, the Wilderness, Spottsylvania, York. River, Cold Harbor, Petersburg, Ream's Station (Va., Monocacy (Md.), Snicker's Gap, Charleston and Smithfield (Va.), Opequan, Fisher's Hill, Cedar Creek, Cedar Springs, Petersburg (Va.), March 25, 1865, and the assault on the same city April 2. At this contest he was wounded, so severely that his right foot had to be Amputated in Washington ten days later, the left foot also being badly injured. He spent five months in the hospital and was then mustered out in September, 1865, returning to his home in Spring VaHey, this county. Mr. Adams received the appointment of United States store-keeper at Beaver Station, now Trebein's, and served the Government in that ca. pacity there a year, at the expiration of that period 'being transferred to Mt. Holly in the same capacity. He remained in the employ of the Government until 1871, and then went into the grocery 192 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. business at Spring Valley, continuing the business until about 1880. In the meantime he held the commission of Postmaster under Gen. Grant for the term ending in 1876,and also acted as Government store-keeper at Osborn two years. His next move was to the position which he now occupies and in which he has worked faithfully and conscientiously. In Spring Valley, March 11, 1867, Mr. Adams led to the hymeneal altar Miss Amanda Riddell, of that place. She is a daughter of Silas Riddell, an old settler of the town in. which she was born July 6, 1842. Mr. Riddell is now deceased but his widow survives, making her home with her daughter, Mrs. Adams. Of the three children born to Mr. and Mrs. Adams, two are yet living, namely, Rella E. and Gertrude. They will receive all the advantages in the way of schooling that the means and desire of their parents can compass, and such careful home instruction as will ensure their usefulness in the years to come. While residing in Spring Valley, Mr. Adams served the township in the capacity of Treasurer. Certainly the people have manifested their appreciation of his ability and character, and it is with pleasure we record the fact. He belongs to the lodge and encampment of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and to the Grand- Army of the Republic. His wife is a woman of fine character and cultured mind and is esteemed by the entire community. HENRY BALDWIN, JR., M.D. An excellent standing among the physicians of Clarke County, has been already reached by this young gentleman, who is a resident of Springfield. It has been but a few years since he obtained his diploma and began his professional labors, yet he is becoming well known as a member of -,medical societies and boards, and as one who is studious, prudent and successful in practice. He already has a fair share of the medical work of this city and adjacent country, and bids fair to become one of its most popular physicians ere long. The name borne by the subject of this sketch indicates the English lineage of his paternal ancestors. The first of the. family in this section was Jonah, who came. from Virginia in 1804, locating in Springfield, where he was soon numbered among the enterprising business men and where he held the office of Justice of the Peace for many years. He was also one of the Commissioners appointed by the President to meet Chief Tecumseh and negotiate terms of peace between the settlers and the Indians. His wife was Amelia, daughter of Dr. William Needham, one of the first physicians in the village Dr. Needham built the first frame house here and is well remembered by the old settlers, not only as a physician whose practice extended for many miles but as a man of humor and marked characteristics. He circulated many stories and incidents of pioneer times, which being told in' his own peculiar style proved very amusing, particularly as his stuttering speech made. them still more forcible. He retired on to a farm where Lagonda now stands, and after quite a settlement grew up there, the place was for some time called Yillville. Dr. Need ham died in 1832, while comparatively a young man. In the family of Jonah and Amelia (Needham) Baldwin, was a son Henry, who was born in this county in 1830. After reaching mature years, he married Maria Dawson, who was •born in Union. town, Pa., and resided' there until her marriage. She was a daughter of John Dawson of that place and a niece of Littleton Dawson, a prominent attorney and congressman from Pennsylvania. Mr- and Mrs. Henry Baldwin are the parents of six children now living, of whom the subject of this sketch is the second. The oldest is John Dawson,' who is now in Colorado, being a member of the State Legislature. Anna B. the third, and Amelia Needham the sixth child, are at home. Louisa B. is the wife of George S. Dial, Esq.; Richard D. is a student in the Cincinnati law school. Dr. Baldwin first saw the light of day July 17, 1860, in the city which is now his borne, He pursued his studies in the public schools, and after finishing the course therein, entered Wittenburg College, leaving it at the close of his junior year to begin the study of his chosen profession. he entered the office of Dr. E. M. Buckingham with whom he read for some time, prior to his attendance at PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM - 193 the Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia, Pa. He was graduated from that excellent institution in the class of 1883, with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. Returning to his home he at once opened an office and began to work up a practice. The position of City Physician is now held by Dr. Baldwin and he has served with much credit. He was first appointed for one term, but being an ardent Republican was deposed for political reasons. At the end of the year, however, he was again appointed for the term of two years, and is still the incumbent of the office. In the spring of 1889, he was appointed to fill a vacancy on the Board of Education and serves as Chairman of a Committee on Supplies. He also belongs to the medical staff in the Mitchell Thomas Hospital, and is Secretary and Treasurer of the Clarke County Medical Society. He belongs to Clarke Lodge No. 101, F. & A. M., and to Springfield Chapter R. A. M. MILTON TODHUNTER. The family of which Mr. Todhunter is a worthy scion, was in former years of considerable prominence in the Old Dominion, particularly in Loudoun County, where the grandfather of our subject was born. The family is of Scotch aneestry and for generations belonged to the Orthodox Friends Church. Isaac Todhunter married Eleanor Jury, a native of the same county and also of old Quaker stock, but probably of English lineage. In 1805 they left Virginia with their family and emigrated in wagons to Highland County, Ohio, the entire Miami Valley being then, a wild waste known as millitary land. Mr. Todhunter cured about one thousand acres in the midst of this heavy timber, his location being determined by a large spriug- His grandson says this spring was all that could have induced him to stop, as that part of his possessions was almost worthless, being broken and barren, On this large tract of land six .miles from the present site of Leesburg, Isaac Todhunter and his wife passed the balance of their lives, dying full of years and clinging to the faith which they had been taught in early life—that of the Friends' Church. To them were born six sons and three daughters, the second in the family being the father of our subject. This Isaac Todhunter Jr., was born in Loudoun County, and was a young man when his parents removed to Ohio. Here he became of age and married Miss Rachael Reese, losing his birthright in the Friends' Church on account of marrying out of its limits. His wife was also a native of Loudoun County, Va., but had grown to womanhood in Highland County, Ohio, to whieh her parents had come in her youth. After their marriage, Isaac Todhunter; Jr., and his wife began their wedded life upon a farm where they spent some years. Selling it they removed to Montgomery County, living north of Dayton for some years, and afterwards taking up their abode on theWabash River in the western part of Indiana. There Mr. Todhunter died at the age of sixty-five years. He had been well known to the best classes where he lived, his reputation being that of a thoroughly honorable and upright man. After his death his widow went to live with a son, Jacob, in Wisconsin and died at his home when eighty-four years old. She Was a typical wife, mother and woman, her whole life having been a model of correct deportment and nobility of character. She was the mother of seven sons and five daughters, three of the former being all that now survive of that large eircle. Milton Todhunter first saw the light of day in Highland County in 1821. His schooling was limited to six months attendance, but being endowed with excellent natural abilities he has acquired information in other ways, and possesses a fine store of knowledge for one of his opportunities. He grew to maturity in his native connty and there learned the trades of carpentering and coopering, afterward becoming a merchant and finally taking up the stndy of medicine. He, however, practiced but a short time, retiring from the calling on account of failing health. He has had a varied experience, his faculties having been developed by the contact with the world in various ways and a fortune accumulated by his varied methods of employment. All that he has was made by his own efforts, as his parents were very poor. He is now enjoying_ 194 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. his wealth in quietude, his capital being invested in real-estate and loans. For several years he has been living in Jamestown, Greene County, where .he is numbered among the better class of citizens, and receives the respect of all to whom he is known. The wife of Mr. Tod hunter died at their home in Jamestown, November 3, 1883, a few weeks alter they had settled here. She was a native of Highland County, having be( n born near Leesburg in 1819, and bore the maiden name of Margaret Moon. She was a good and noble woman, whose life had been spent in a consistent and faithful discharge of the duties which lay before her, and of whom it may well be said "she hath done what she could." She belonged to the Presbyterian Church. Her otherwise happy union was childless. While he resided in Clinton County, Mr. Todhunter held some of the local ,offices and at one time was Mayor of Port Williams. For two years he has been a Justice of the Peace in Silver Creek Township. In religion he is of the Society of Friends, and in politics a firm Republican. JOHN DUKE. The pioneer days of Moorefield Township, Clark Connty, developed many fine characters, among whom may be mentioned him with whose name we introduce this sketch. He is now one of the most solid residents of .his township, having a good homestead on section 26, where he has surrounded himself and his family with all the comforts of life., He was born November 9, 1809, in Lancaster County, Pa., and is the son of John Q. and Abigail (Kline) Duke, who were likewise natives of the Keystone State. The Duke family is snpposed to have originated in Germany while on the maternal side of the house our subject traces his ancestry to England. The Dukes' were known in Pennsylvania in the primitive days and before a bridge had been built aeross the Susquehanna River, when the crossing was made on a flatboat. Twelve children were born to the parents of our subject, all of whom grew to mature years. Of the eight sons, John is the only survivor. The four daughters are all living, viz: Elizabeth, Mrs. Powders of Franklin County, Pa.; Sarah, Mrs. Mull, a widow, also living in that State; Mary E., the wife of William Griffin of Cumberland County and Margaret, Mrs. Fletcher, a resident of Springfield, Ohio. Mr. Duke spent his boyhood on the farm with his father and when eighteen years old began his apprenticeship at the shoemaker's trade, of which he soon became master and commanded journeyman's wages. In due time he started in business for himself in Cumberland County, Pa., where he conducted a shop many years. He took unto himself a wife and helpmate in January, 1834, being wedded, to Miss Jane M. Parks, a native of Cumberland County, Pa., and born in 1810. This lady was the daughter of William and Elizabeth Parks and by her marriage with our subject became the mother of eight children only four of whom are - living; viz: William K. of Springfield, this State; Sarah E., the wife of James Phillips of Darke County ; Rebecca N., the wife of Jacob Leos of Little Rock, Ark., and Adeline, who is living with her father. In 1853 Mr. Duke with his wife and four children left his native State and coming to Ohio overland with a one-horse carriage, settled in Clarke County' of which he has since been a resident. Their journey consumed eleven days and the travelers stopped wherever night overtook them, at the house of some settler who kindly gave them shelter. Mr. Duke selected the land which constitutes his present farm and since that time has given to it his undivided attention, in connection with prosecuting his trade. He has been the architect of his own fortune,. having, no capital, whatever, and very little education to assist him in his battle with the world. He now has a well tilled farm of seventy-one and three-fourths acres which, in addition to the proceeds froM his trade, affords him a comfortable income. Mr. Duke cast his first Presidential vote for Jackson and continues a steadfast adherent of the Democratic party. He has for many long years been connected with the First Presbyterian Church at Springfield, and is a man ,broad and liberal in his views, giving his support to whatever is calculated PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM - 195 to improve the county and elevate society. His devoted wife after having been his faithful companion for nearly half a century, was called hence July 25, 1881. She was a lady greatly esteemed in her community and was, with her husband, a consistent member of the Presbyterian Church. After the labor of a well-spent life Mr. Duke is passing his declining years at his pleasant home, cared for by his dutiful daughter, Adeline, and frequently enjoying the society of many friends. AUGUST WENDT. The German-born element of Clark County recognizes, a worthy representative in Mr. Wendt, who is the owner of a little over twenty-three acres of land in German Township besides property in the city of Springfield. His land is devoted to gardening in which he is very successful, finding a good demand for his products in the city and among the people of his community. He is at this writing still on the sunny side of forty, having been born July 22, 1851, in Germany, and is the eldest son of William and Amelia Wendt who were both natives of Germany. Their family consisted of five children, only three of whom are living, viz; August, George and Caroline, the latter being the wife of Adam Pifer. George and Caroline are residents of Springfield. The deceased children,- Charles and William, died when about thirty-five and tweuty-two years old respectively. Mr. Wendt left his native country when three years old, his parents having decided npon seeking their fortunes in America. Soon after reaching their destination they came to Ohio and for a number of years resided in Clark County. Not being quite satisfied with their condition, they then, removed to Indiana, but about four years later the family returned to Clark County where the widowed mother with her children has since resided. The father died in Indiana about 1870. Mr. Wendt enjoyed only the advantage of a lim- ited education but he improved every opportunity for reading and obtaining information, and keeps himself posted upon events of general interest. He commenced working at an early age and was employed mostly upon a farm until a youth of sixteen years. From that time until the summer of 1887 he worked in a machine shop, manufacturing agricultural implements at Springfield, for a number of years being in the employ of the William Whitely shops. When a man of twenty-eight years Mr. Wendt took unto himself a wife and helpmate, being married August 7, 1879, to Miss Kate Fetter. The young people commenced housekeeping in Springfield and in due time there were born to them four children—Maggie, Lizzie, Katie and August, Jr. In, 1883 Mr. Wendt purchased his land and started in business for himself. He possesses the qualities of industry and economy which are peculiar to his nationality and while surrounding himself and his family with all the comforts of life, he has the prospect of a competence for his declining years. Mr. Wendt was reared in the doctrines of the German-Lutheran Church of which he remains a faithful adherent, and politically he is independent, aiming to support the men whom he considers best qualified to serve the people. He enjoys in a marked degree the eonfidence of his neighbors and fellow citizens and bears the reputation of being honest in his dealings and one whose word can always be relied upon. JOHN NESBITT. The farming community of Xenia Township is made up of prosperous men—those who have been the architects of their own fortunes and who are amply deserving of the comforts by which they have been enabled to snrround themselves. Many of them were born and reared within its limits as in the case of Mr. Nesbitt, who first opened his eyes to the light July 25, 1853. He is the son of an old and highly respected couple who were early pioneers of this county--Nathan and Clara (Bretney) Nesbitt, the former of whom was a native of the town of Clear Springs, Md., and born in 1809. He came to this county with his parents, and his father, Jacob Nesbitt, secured a tract of land in Beaver 196 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. Creek Township, upon which they settled.' The father was a potter by trade and carried this on in cbnnection with farming for a number of years. Finally Nathan Nesbitt removed to Xenia and operated a pottery. In 1856, however, he resumed farming, locating on the land now occupied by his son, John, our subject. This comprises one hundred and forty-six acres which is very fertile and upon which has been erected a substantial set of buildings. The parental family consisted of nine children, six of whom grew to mature years, viz: Rebecca, the wife of the Rev.. Samuel Brewster; Anna who married the Rev. John W. Mason ; Jennie and Clara, deceased ; Sally, Mrs. John M. Murray, and John, our subject. Nathan Nesbitt departed this life at the old homestead November 10, 1879. The mother is still living and with all her children belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church. She is the daughter -of - Tobias Bretney, who spent.his last years in Ohio.. Nathan Nesbitt in early life affiliated with the Whig party, but died a Republican. John Nesbitt spent his early years in a comparatively uneventful manner, assisting in the labors of the farm and attending the common school mostly during the winter season. He completed his studies in Xenia College and celebrated Thanksgiving Day, 1886, by his marriage with Miss Anna E. Stine. Mrs. Nesbitt was born in London, this State, and is the daughter of John D. and Jennie Stine, the former an ex-editor of the Xenia Torchlight. Mr. and Mrs. Nesbitt are connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church. JOHN R. RANKIN. The name Which introduces this sketch, is one well-known in Clarke I County, being borne by a gentleman who is acknowledged to be an excellent representative of a self-made man, and intelligent agriculturist and fruit-raiser. his home is a small but well managed farm on section 27, Moorefield Township, where he has resided for more than thirty years. He owns thirty-one acres of land, three acres being devoted exclusively to fruit culture, in which he is quite successful. He has won prizes at the County Fair for apples which he has raised, and in this fruit particularly is considered one of the most successful horticulturists of the county. He has been fairly successful from a financial point of view, and has no' reason to complain of the estimation in which he is held by his fellow-citizens. In polities he is a Republican, and in all which tends to advance the material and moral prosperity of the section, he is numbered among the public spirited citizens. Mr. Rankin is a native and life-long resident of this county, having been born in Springfield, Octo ber 31, 125. His father; George Rankin, might almost be considered one of the *founders of that place, to which he came in 1804, when "it was but a small village, and in which he did much building- He and James Dallas built the first court house, and he was not only one of the early builders, but one of the most prominent for a number of years- In his death, 'which occurred in 1840, the county lost one of her earliest pioneers, and most upright and public-spirited citizens. He was a soldier iu the War of 1812. In politics he was an Old-Line -Whig, and strongly opposed to slavery. His wife, Sarah, was like himself a native of the Old Dominion, and had many friends among the early settlers of the county. Their family consisted of ten children, of whom but three are now living. They are: Warren H., of Springfield; our subject; and Eliza A., wife of John Stillwell, of Springfield. John R. Rankin was reared amid scenes of pioneer life, receiving his education in the early subscription schools ofthe county, which did not afford the advantages presented to young men of the present time. He has, however, kept himself well-posted on current events and general topics, by means of reading and observation, and is better fitted for the practical work of life, than many who have received more schooling of a theoretical nature. For the past thirty-five years Mr. Rankin has been engaged in farming and fruit-raising. On April 25, 1858, Mr. Rankin was united in marriage with Miss Mary J. Davey, who ably discharged her duties as a helpmate and companion until July, 1870, when she was called from time to PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM - 197 eternity. She was born in Hampshire County, Va., and was a daughter of Thomas and Nancy Davey. She bore her husband five children: Belle; Fidelia, wife of Joseph Kearns; Henry, Joseph, and John W. After having remained a widower for more than a decade, Mr. Rankin contracted a second. matrimonial alliance, being married November 4, 1880, to Mrs. Barbara A. Zirkle. This estimable lady was born in Champaign County, on the 9th of March, 1839, and is a daughter of Joseph and Amelia Printz, early settlers of that county. By her first marriage, with George Zirkle, she became the other of three children: Charles D.; Mary E., wife of George Andrew; and Elijah. She is an able housewife, a kind neighbor, and possesses the intelligence and amiability which makes her a pleasant companion, and wins regard from those about her. JOHN AMBLER SHIPMAN is the worthy descendant of a noble pioneer ancestry, and it gives us pleasure to insert in this volume an outline of his life. He is one of Springfield's favorite and favored sons, who "native and to the manner born," has been untiring in his efforts to aid his associates in the business world to place this city of his birth in the front ranks with its sister municipalities of this Commonwealth, as regards its commerce, its varied industries, its government, its public improvements, and in all eke that go to the making of a progressive, enterprising and thriving city. While he has thus labored he has advanced his own interests and haS acquired a handsome eompetency; which he enjoys iu the beautiful home that he has established on Yellow Springs Street, where he lives in retirement, free from all business cares, excepting the managemeut of his property and investments. The subject of this biographical review was born in this city August 11, 1829, his father, Clark Shipman, having been an early pioneer of the place, coming here from his native Kentucky when this city was but an insignificant hamlet. In the forest wilds of this region and on the uncultivated prairies, deer, and other wild game were plentiful, and he being a fine marksman, was a suceessful hunter and kept the family larder well supplied with tempting game. He was an intelligent, wide-awake man, and held the rank of Brigadier-General in the State Militia, and his death in 1830, while yet in the prime of life, was a blow to the interests of the little community of pioneers who had settled in wilderness.- His wife survived him for more than fifty years, her death finally occnrring in this city in the home of our subject in 1884, at the venerable age of eighty- four years. By her husband's death she was left a young widow with the care of three children, but nobly did she take up the task that thus devolved upon her and trained them carefully to good and useful lives, so that they might be worthy members of any community wheresoever their lots might be cast. Our subject is now the sole survivor of the family, his brother Warren and sister Annie having both departed this life. His mother, whose maiden name was Ruth Ambler, was the daughter of one of the most noted and active of the early pioneers of Springfield and Of Clark County. John Ambler was one of the earliest settlers of of this city, coming here from New Jersey in 1808, and ever after that he was a prominent figure in the annals of city and county until death rounded out a life that was an honor to himself, his family and the entire community. Soon after coming here he bought a farm in Mad River Township, but agriculture was not to his taste, and he soon sold out and settled in Springfield, buying a large tract of land here, which is now included within the corporate limits of the city. He engaged in the mercantile business and also kept a hotel, beside taking a part in the management of public, affairs. His bold enterprise and large public spirit were moving powers in many a scheme for the advancement of the city and county, and he was always ready with hand and purse to do whatsoever he could for the infant colony. He donated the land for the Presbyterian Church, and contributed largely towards the erection of a house- of worship. When the county seat was removed to Springfield he was elected County Treasurer, and had his office in his kitchen, and as a valuable memento of those early days in the pioneer history of Clark County, 198 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM: our subject has the bookcase in his possession in which he kept the books and moneys collected for public use. John Ambler Shipman, of this sketch, was but one year old when his father died. He remained with his mother and attended school as opportunity offered until he was fifteen years old, when he was apprenticed to learn the trade of a cabinet-maker. He subsequently established himself as a furniture dealer on Main Street, and one year later bought a building on the eorner of that and Center Street. A year after that his business had so increased that he was justified in building for himself, so as to obtain more commodious quarters, and buying a lot on Market Street, between Main and High Streets, he erected a substantial, conveniently arranged, roomy building, in which he carried on a large and steadily inereasing trade, carrying a fine lot of furniture of all kinds to meet the demands of all pulses and tastes. In January 29, 1877, he was appointed Postmaster by Gen. Grant, having secured the recommendations of Senator Sherman and Gen, Keifer. He was reappointed by President Hayes, and continued in office until 1885, giving entire satisfaction to all concerned, showing his eminent fitness for the position by his business' like and methodical management of the affairs of the office, by his close application to his duties in that connection, and by his invariably courteous treatment of those under him and of all with whom he came in contact. Since leaving the office he has lived retired, attending only to his private affairs. Among other desirable property he owns the fine brick residence in which he lives on Yellow Springs Street. He is, as we have noted, liberal and public-spirited, and is generous with the wealth he has acquired, spending money freely in any cause that appeals to his warm heart. He has grown up with the city, and has a large circle of friends, and is of high social standing in this com. munity where he is so well-known and esteemed. he is prominently identified with the Independent Order of Old Fellows, as a member of Springfield Lodge, No. 33, and belongs to Lagonda Lodge, No. 61, Improved Order of Red Men. This sketch of our subject would be incomplete without reference to his devoted wife, the true home-maker, who has shared the joys and sorrows of life with him for thirty years. In 1859 he was united in marriage with Miss Fanny Grant, who is like himself, a native of Springfield, and a (laughter of pioneer parents, William and Nancy (McCormick) Grant, of whom see sketch on another page of this volume. The felicities of their wedded life have been enhanced by the birth of three children—Warren, Annie and Earl. WILLIAM H. ESTLE. Among those who spent their earlier years in industrious toil, •and who are now enjoying the fruit of their labors,. may be properly mentioned the subject of this notice and his estimable wife, who are now retired from active. labor and enjoying the comforts of a pleasant home in Miami Township. They are looked upon as comprising a portion of its best element—people conscientious and upright in their lives, devoted to the interests of their children, and who have always lived at peace among their neighbors, doing kindly acts as they had opportunity. They are eminently worthy of representation in a work designed to perpetuate the names and deeds of the oldest and most solid citizens of Greene County. The subject of this sketch, a. son of one of the oldest pioneers of Green Township, was born at his father's old homestead September 3, 1828. He was the sixth. child of the family, and like his brothers and sisters, acquired his education in the district school. His boyhood and youth were spent after the manner of farmers' sons at that time, when no drones were allowed in the busy hive at home, and he acquired those habits of thrift and industry which have been the secret of his success in later years. He at an early age commenced to lay his plans for the future, and when ready to establish a home of his own was married, October 29, 1850, to Miss Rachel A. Farrow. The young people began the journey of life together on the old Estle farm, and sojourned there, until 1882, removing thence. to Clifton. To our subject and his estimable wife them was