325 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. William Kissinger, like his father before him, followed brickmaking in his native town, and then operated a distillery. He was successful as a financier, and finally retired from active labor, and removed to Lancaster County, Pa. He died in 1889 at the advanced age of -eighty-three years. He belonged to the Lutheran Church. The mother bore the maiden name of Rosanna Swartz. She was born in York County, Pa., and spent her early years with a family named Icenberger, as her father died when she was quite young. She died at York in 1881. She likewise was a member of the Lutheran Church. Fifteen children were born to the parents, the following of whom lived to mature years, and are recorded as follows, viz: Jacob C., our subject, is the eldest child living; William continues to reside in Lancaster County, Pa.; Benjamin operates an extensive brickyard in York, Pa.; John is farming in Hamilton County, Mo.; Conrad is a blacksmith by trade, and living near Hebron, this State; Philip also follows brickmaking in York, Pa.; Maria, Mrs. Slusser, is a resident of California; Barbara, Mrs. Andrews, lives in Washington, D. C.; Elizabeth, Mrs. Slonneger, is in York, Pa.; Rebecca, Mrs. Van Ostrum, is in Mechanicsburg, this State; Annie is in York, Pa. William and John Kissinger served during the late Civil War in a Pennsylvania regiment from 1862 until the close. Conrad served from 1861 until the elose, and three brothers-in-law, also assisted in the preservation of the Union. One of them, Mr. Andrews, was confined for a time in Andersonville prison. DAVID TURNER. Many of the most substantial residents of Greene County are sons and daughters of its earliest pioneers and still maintain their residence at the old homestead built up from the wilderness by their honored sires. Among these may be numbered Mr. Turner and his estimable wife who are located at a finely-developed farm, once the property of Mrs. Turner's father and located eight miles southeast of the city of Xenia. This embraces one hundred and thirteen acres of land, embellished with good buildings and supplied with all the machinery required for the snceessful prosecution of agriculture. The fertile fields yield the richest products of the Buckeye. State. The farm lies on Caesar's Creek, in the northern part of the township of that name and, it is hardly necessary to state, possesses more than a moneyed value to the present proprietor and his wife. Mr. Turner was born in this township February 20, 1843. His father, Jonah Turner, likewise a native of the same township, was born in 1807, and his mother, who bore the maiden name of Mary Beason, was born in 1804 in the same township. The parents died in November, 1865, within eleven days of each other. Their family consisted of eleven children, eight of whom were reared to mature years. Mercer B. died in Elk County, Kan.; Henry N. is in Xenia; Absalom served in an Illinois regiment during the late Civil War and is now a resident of Edgar County, that State; Joseph served in the One Hundred and Twenty-third Illinois Infantry, and is now a resident of Champaign County, near Sidell; Colby, also a Union soldier, enlisting in an Illinois regiment, met his death at the battle of Ft. Donelson; David, our subject, was the next in order of birth; Sally A. married Samuel Minge, and is now a widow, living in Franklin, Warren County, this State; Jonah is a resident of Edgar County, Ill. Jonah Turner maintained his residence on Caesar's Creek for the long period of fifty years and then removed to Coles County, Ill., where his death took place. He was a Baptist in religion, was first a Whig, politically, then a Republican and a strong Union man during the war. The paternal grandfather of our subject was Joseph Turner, a native of North Carolina, who married Miss Dinah Small. They settled on Cresar's Creek, five miles southeast of Xenia, where Grandfather Turner entered one hundred acres of land from the Government, from which he built up a good homestead and where he spent the remainder of his days; he passed away about 1849. His wife survived him a number of years, her death taking place a short time prior to the outbreak of the Civil War. Grandfather Turner in religious belief was a Quaker. To 326 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. him and his good wife there were born on the old farm four sons and five daughters. Their eldest son, Robert, was born before they settled there and is still living in Clarksville, Clinton County, Ohio, being now ninety-four years old. Grandfather Turner was the son of John Turner, an Englishman who was born near the city of Liverpool and who came to America as a Captain in the British Army. When peace was declared he settled in North Carolina where he probably spent the remainder of his days. On the maternal side of the house the grandparents of our subject were Mercer and Katie (Kains) Beason. They came from the vicinity of Uniontown, Pa. Grandfather Beason was originally from Kentucky and a hanger, participating in the Indian War during 1790. He came to Ohio between 1800 and 1803 and settled on Caesar's Creek, where he and his estimable wife spent the remainder of their lives, living to be quite aged. They had two sons, Henry and John, and several daughters. Mr. Turner remained on the farm in his native county until twelve years old, then went to Illinois and lived with his parents eleven years. In February, 1866, he returned to Ohio and nntil the following year was a resident of Warren County. After his marriage in the fall of 1871, he removed to LaFayette County, Mo., where he spent a year, then returned to his native haunts. In 1881, he purchased a farm in Grant County; Wis., upon which he lived two years. Once more he came back to the home of his childhood and took up his abode on the homestead which he now owns and occupies. The marriage of David Turner with Miss Sarah J. Middleton was celebrated at the bride's home October 2, 1870. Mrs. Turner was born July 11, 1842, at the farm where she now lives, and is the daughter of Thomas and Sarah (Hartsook) Middleton, who were natives respectively of Virginia and Maryland. Mr. Middleton was born in Berkeley County, May 7, 1802, while his wife, Sarah, was born near Hagerstown, January 6, 1801. They emigrated to this eounty in 1827 and located on the land comprising the present homestead of Mr. Turner, and which Mr. Middleton cleared from the forest and brought to a good state of cultivation. He was a man prominent in his community and in polities a stanch Democrat. He served as Township Treasurer and was a devout member. of the Methodist Episcopal Church. To him and his good wife there was born a family of six children, viz.: Elizabeth A., William H., a resident of Wisconsin; Nathan J., of Kansas City; Elijah B., of Nevada City, Mo.; Lewis, Sarah J., Mrs. Turner. The paternal grandfather of Mrs. Turner was Bethuel Middleton, who spent his last years in Ohio. The five children born to our subject and his estimable wife were named respectively, Sylvia M., Sally E., who died at the age of three years, Dora F., Colby M., and Nellie J. Mr. and Mrs. Tnrner are prominently connected with the Methodist Protestant Church. ARTHUR D. HOSTERMAN, head of the firm of A. D. Hosterman & Co., proprietors of the Springfield Republic-Times, the Springfield Weekly Republic and the Lutheran Evangelist, is a journalist of wide experience although so young a man, and occupies a high place in the editorial profession as represented in Ohio. He was born in the town of Shippensville, Clarion County, Pa., April 12, 1860, a son of David R. and Harriet Hosterman. When he was about a, year old his parents removed to Springfield, so that much of his life has been passed in this city. Early displaying an aptitnde for study, he laid the foundation of a liberal education in the city schools, and afterwards became a student in Wittenberg College, from which he was graduated with honor in the class of 1881. Previous to entering college he had worked in a printing office, and during his summer vacations while a student at Wittenberg he was connected with the reportorial staff of the Daily Republic, and during his last year in college he was city editor of the Weekly Transcript. After graduation he retained his editorship six months, and was induced to take a position in the office of Farm and Fireside as compiler and editor of a series of books published by that firm. In the fall of PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM - 327 1882 he threw up that situation, as he desired to see something more of the world, and visiting California he engaged with the firm of Dewey & Co., as Editor of the Fraternal Record, The Ladies' Home Journal, and the Pacific States Watchman. A year-later he went to Santa Barbara. as Editor of the Daily and Weekly Press, and at the end of six months he established the Daily Independent in that city, a paper whieh is still published there. After placing it on a solid, paying basis, he sold it, and late in 1883 retraced his steps Eastward as far as Emporia, Kan., and there he became city editor of the Daily Republican. A year later he went to Sioux City and joined the Sioux City Printing Company, which issued patent inside papers, and dealt in printer's supplies. In January, 1888, our subject ventured into a- similar enterprise on his own account in Lincoln, Neb., where he established a rival institution, known as the Lincoln Newspaper Union. Four months later he sold that business at quite an advance, and returning to Springfield with the proceeds of the sale in his packet he bought the Daily and Weekly. Springfield Republic and the Champion City Times, and consolidated the two papers and has been business, manager of the company that he then formed ever since, and besides superintends the publieation of the. Lutheran Evangelist. His excellent and methodical business habits, his education, keen powers of observation, aud sound judgment in regard to men and to affairs in general peculiarly qualify him for the position he occupies. Mr. Hosterman has established a pleasant home in our midst, and to the lady who makes it a center of comfort and attraction to his numerous friends, he was united in marriage May 6, 1884. 'Her maiden name was Lizzie H. Geiger, and she is a native of this city, and a daughter of Prof. H. R. and Nancy Geiger, of whom see sketch on another page of this volume. Two children complete their household, Helen and Hazel. A young man of more than ordinary intellectual vigor, tact and practical ability, our •subject brings a strong, well-trained mind to his work, and his papers are among the best of their kind published in this part of the State. As a man in his position should with his means for influencing the public mind, Mr. Hosterman takes an ardent interest in politics, and is a leader in the ranks of the Republican party as an active member of the Republican Central Committee. He is an important factor in religious and social circles, he and his wife being prominent members of the First English Lutheran Church, in which they do good work, and he is one of the Board of Directors of the Young Men's Christian Association; he is identified with the college society Phi Kappa Psi, and with the Benevolent Protective. Order of Elks.J JOSEPH B. CUMMINGS. The farming community of Caesar's Creek Township, Greene County, recognizes in Mr.Cummings a man of great industry, who by his diligence and perseverance has become well-to-do. Like many of the most solid residents of this county, he maintains his residence at the place of his birth, which occurred May 31,. 1841. The roof which sheltered him during the days Of his boyhood and youth still remains over his head, and it is hardly necessary to say that the old homestead possesses for him a far more than moneyed value. The parents of our subject were Thomas B. and Mary (Boots) Cummings, who were natives- of Pennsylvania and Ohio and early pioneers of this county. The father was a farmer by occupation and he is still living in this township. Their family consisted of eight children. Mr. Cummings remained a member of the parental household until the outbreak of the Civil War, and then, when a little over twenty years old, enlisted as a Union soldier September 22, 1861, in Company E, First Ohio Infantry. He went with his regiment to the front and participated in some of the most important battles of the war, being at Shiloh, Stone River, Perryville and Chickamauga at the outset. At the last mentioned place he was shot through the left lung and still carries the ball. He also received a wound in his right hand. He was confined in the hospital at Chattanooga until October 15, 1863, when he was brought- home by his father and after good home nursing for a month, 328 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. returned to Camp Denison, his furlough having expired March 24, 1864. He was then transferred to the invalid corps at Washington, D. C., and later was in the Veteran Reserve Corps, in which he was promoted to be First Sergeant. Later he was sent to Lockport, N. Y., to assist in guarding substitutes. At the expiration of his term of enlistment, he received his honorable discharge. Returning now to his native township Mr. Cummings engaged in farming- He was married February 14, 1865, to Miss Ann Humston. This lady was born January 16, 1844, in Clinton County, and is the daughter of Strother G. and Elizabeth (Ford) Humston. There have been born of this union three children,namely : May, Ina, the wife of Thomas RO. Mason of Canton, Mo., and Thomas E. Mr. Cummings is the owner of one hundred and seventy acres of good land, in the cultivation of which he avails himself of modern machinery and realizes therefrom a handsome income. He has served as Township Clerk four years and in the spring of 1880 was elected Justice of the Peace, serving two rerms. In the spring of 1889, he was elected to a third term. In the fall of the same year he was elected Real Estate Appraiser. ADAM R. BICKETT, one of the leading men of Xenia, is the eldest son of William R. Bickett, a pioneer of Greene County, and a man highly respected during his life for his sterling worth, by all with whom he came in contact. The father of our subject was born in Sone Valley, Pa., about the year 1798, and emigrated to Greene County, Ohio, during the early years of its settlement. He was accompanied by his mother, who was a widow. Their first home was on new land in the unbroken wilderness. After clearing sufficient space in which to erect the humble log cabin that was their temporary home, he set to work felling the trees and planting a crop to furnish them with provisions. His arduous toil was crowned with success, and he had the satisfaction of seeing what was once a dense forest, inhabited only by Indians and wild animals, converted into a comfortable and prosperous farm, well fitted for the abode of civilized man. He was married to Miss Isabel Alexander in 1827, and resided on the farm that he had been instrumental in clearing during the rest of his life. In politics, he was a Whig, but had no craving for political preferment, being too busy with his private affairs to burden himself with public duties. During life he was a devoted member of the United Presbyterian Church, and died in that communion in full hope of a glorious life beyond. The subject of this notice was reared on his father's farm, and attended school for three months during each year, spending the rest of the time in the various pursuits incidental to a life in the woods. Notwithstanding the short terms of school, our subject received a good practical education and improved his chances to the utmost. Being the eldest of the family, the burden of farm work fell early on his shoulders, and he became an adept in the mysteries of agricultural methods. In 1867 out subject and Miss Agnes Wright, of Xenia Township, were united in marriage. The union resulted in the birth of three children, named respectively: Clinton W., Mary B.; and Lydia C., who died in 1889 at the age of seventeen years. Mrs. Agnes Bickett was a daughter of John B. Wright, who still lives in Xenia Township. She died in May, 1879, deeply lamented by her sorrowing family and a large circle of friends and acquaintances. January 18, 1882, our subject was again married, taking for his wife Miss Ruth A. Kyle, a daughter of Joseph Kyle, of Cedarville Township, of which he was a very old settler and a highly-respected citizen. Mrs. Bickett is well worthy of the universal respeet in which she is held by all who have the privilege of knowing her. Mr- Bick. ett bought his farm of nearly two hundred acres of land before his first marriage, and has improved it himself. He has now one of the best places in the township, all well fenced and under superior cultivation. He erected one of the largest, most convenient and handsomest houses in the township in the year 1885, and lives in it with his devoted family. Although our subject does not seek office, yet he has been persuaded to serve his neigh- PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM - 331 bors as Supervisor, and. gave excellent satisfaction, and he has also held the office of School Director. In all walks of life he has made friends, and enjoys the respect and esteem of all who know him. He is a consistent member of the United Presbyterian Church, and .his outward life gives ample evidence of the depth of his religious convictions. The Bickett name is honored and loved by all in Xenia, and elsewhere where known. CLARK T. JOHNSON. This name for many years was a familiar sonnd to the older residents of Jamestown and vicinity, among whose people Mr. Johnson moved in and out for nearly a lifetime. After an honorable and useful career he was gathered to his fathers April 22, 1888, hen nearly seventy-seven years old. He was born in Highland County, this State, January 4, 1811, and was the son of James L. and Susannah (Moorman) Johnson, who were born and reared in Campbell County, Va. Both were the representatives of fine old families of English extraction and honorable antecedents. The Johnson family was an offshoot of one to which the famous Ben. Johnson belonged. After their marriage the parents of our subject settled on a farm in their native county, where they lived a few years and then in the early part of the present century came to Ohio and began life as pioneers among the wilds of Highland County. They built up a comfortable home from the wilderness, but about 1820 left the farm and removed to Xenia. Later, after becoming old people, they were taken into the home of Clark T., our subject, and died at his residence in Jefferson Township, Greene County, when ripe in years. They were people greatly respected wherever they had lived and nearly all their lives were consistent members of the Church of Christ (Disciples). The subject of this notice was the oldest son and second child of his parents who reared a large family of sons and daughters. He was a lad of five ears when his parents settled in Highland County, is State, and removed with them to Xenia where he attended the city schools and developed into manhood. When nearly thirty-three years of age he was married,' near Bowersville, to Miss Sarah Vanniman, whose parents were from New Jersey and in early life settled upon a large tract of new land in Jefferson Township where they lived until death overtook them. Miss Sarah Vanniman obtained the best education possible at that time and in that place. She departed this life at her home in Jamestown in 1875. She was a lady of unassuming manners and a consistent member of the Church of Christ. Of this union there were born three children of whom Miss Carrie Johnson is the only survivor, who with tho present Mrs. Johnson, lives in Jamestown, and is a young woman of more than ordinary intelligence, and a member of the same church to which her mother belonged. The subject of this notice followed farming nearly all his life and during the last years of his active labor was largely interested in stock-raising. He was successful in the accumulation of this world's goods and after his removal to Jamestown was largely instrumental in the organization of the People's Bank in 1886 and of which he was a director and large stockholder. Prior to this he had been connected with the Farmers' & Traders' Bank nineteen years and was one of its main stays. Later there seemed to arise the necessity for a new bank and Mr. Johnson was looked to as one in whom the people had abundant confidence to establish it. He proved himself worthy in all respects of time trust which had been placed in him. Politically, Mr. Johnson was a sound Republican. During the administration of President Lincoln he was a Revenue Assessor, discharging the duties of the office with great credit to himself and satisfaction to all concerned, notwithstanding the " Butternut" element sought to annoy him in every way possible and to loosen his hold upon the eonfidenee of the people. He also served as Justice of the Peace and Assessor of Jefferson Township. He was a man loyal to all good principles, to his country and his church, and his death was not only deeply mourned by his family and his friends, but the entire community. After the death of his first wife Mr. Johnson 332 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. was married January 2, 1879, in Sonth Charleston, Clark County, to Miss Rebecca Hodges. This lady was born in Jamestown, in 1832, to Nathaniel and Malinda (Campbell) Hodges, who were natives respectively of Norfolk County,Va., and Maysville, Ky. On both sides of the house she sprang from noted families. Mr. Hodges was of English ancestry and the son of Mathias Hodges, likewise a native of Virginia, but whose parents were born in England. The latter emigrated to America at an early day, settling in Virginia where Mathias was reared to manhood and became owner of a large plantation in Norfolk County, this being worked by slaves. He became a prominent and wealthy man and died at a ripe old age. Nathaniel Hodges was reared to manhood in his native county of Norfolk, Va., but even at the early age of eighteen years he contracted such a dislike of the peculiar institution, that he left his home and went to Maysville, Ky., where soon afterward he enlisted as a soldier in the War of 1812 . Peace, however, was declared before he had the opportunity of engaging in active service. Soon after reaching his majority he settled in Aberdeen, Ohio, where he engaged in general merchandising and was married to Miss Melinda Campbell. His wife was born and reared in Kentucky and was the daughter of Matthew Campbell, a native of Argyle-shire, Scotland. Mr. Campbell emigrated to America at an early day, settling in Maysville, Ky. He was a brother of the well-known Col. John Campbell and a clansman, if not kinsman, of Alexander Campbell, D. D . Matthew Campbell became a prominent man in the State of Kentucky where he spent his entire life. his three sons, Evan, James and John, bore worthily the mantle of their honored father and like him had no little to do in forming the history of their native State. They were prominent both in military and eivil circles and were looked upon as representative men of Maysville. Col. John Campbell, the younger, especially distinguished himself as a military man. Matthew Campbell married Miss Sarah Shelby, who was of English and Freneh ancestry. After their marriage Nathaniel Hodges and his wife lived in Aberdeen, Ohio, until 1829, and were also prominently known to many of the citizens of Maysville, jnst across the river. Nathaniel Hodges was a Mason and belonged to the Lodge in Maysville, Ky. During the year mentioned they changed their residence to Greene County, locating at Jamestown, where Mr. Hodges established an old style woolen-mill which he operated successfully for a number of years. Finally he went to the home of his daughter, Mrs. Dr. Steele, of Xenia, and died there in April, 1859. He was then in the seventy-first year of his age. Politically, he was an old line Whig, a strong anti-slavery man and a devoted member of the Church- of Christ. The wife and mother died at Jamestown in April, 1845, at the age of forty-seven years. She sympathized with her husband in his political views and belonged to the same church. Mrs. Rebecca (Hodges) Johnson was the youngest of five daughters and one son born to her parents, of whom she and her sister, Miranda, a resident of Jamestown, are the only survivors. All the children received a good education and Mrs. Johnson completed her studies at Eminence College, Ky., from which she was graduated in the class of 1860. She subsequently engaged as a teacher in her alma mater and other places, following this profession for the long period of twenty years. She is a devoted member of the Church of Christ, a very amiable and intelligent lady who has seen much of life and learned well from a large experience. Of her union with Mr. Johnson there were born no children. In collecting the names of the early and honored residents of Southern Ohio, that of Mrs. Rebecca Johnson and her stepdaughter Miss Caroline Johnson should occupy a place in the front rank. JOSEPH HICKS. In the city of Springfield, to which he retired a few years ago that he might spend his later years in the enjoyment of the reasonable recreations which a city affords, Mr. Hicks is well-known and highly respected. He was but ten years of age when he came to this county with his widowed mother and . PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM - 333 has lived within its bounds almost continuously since his arrival. He was born in Reading, Berks County, Pa., September, 5, 1833, and in the same county two generations of his progenitors had opened their eyes to the light. The paternal ancestor who preceded them was a native of England, who had emigrated to America in Colonial times. He was a blacksmith by trade and his son Michael Hicks carried on the business for some years.. The latter then built a distillery on his farm three miles from Reading, and operated the estate and distillery until his death. William Hicks, son of the Michael Hicks above mentioned, learned the trade of a stair-builder, at which he worked in Reading, Philadelphia:, and other places. He came to Lancaster, Ohio, on a visit, during which he was attacked by cholera and died, leaving a widow and five small children. His wife had borne the maiden name of Elizabeth Eberly and was a native of the same county as himself. She was a daughter of George Eberly, a German who came to America when seventeen years of age. He married Mary Shaffer who was of German ancestry, but a native of Pennsylvania. They came to Ohio in 1846, settling at Lagonda, where Mrs. Eberly died. The widower afterward made his home with his ehildren and breathed his last with his daughter, in Dayton. Their daughter, Mrs. Hicks, came to this State after the death of her husband and is now living with her daughter, Mrs. Hawker. The gentleman of whom we write being the Oldest of the parental family, began work as soon. as he could earn money and assisted his widowed mother in rearing the younger children. At the age of seventeen years, he began to learn the trade of a carpenter which he followed until 1864. He then went to Ogle County, Ill,, and located on a farm, upon which he resided three years and a half, when he returned to this county and purchased a tract of laud on section 7, Springfield Township, which he occupied and operated until 1887. He theu left his son in charge of the estate and became a resident of the county seat, where he owns seven lots and four houses. At the home of the bride, August 2, 1858, Joseph Hicks was united in marriage with Emily Sheaff, an estimable young woman who comes of a good family and was well reared by worthy parents. She was born two miles from Springfield, her parents, John and Nancy Sheaff, having been pioneers in this county. Both were born in York, Pa.', and her father is numbered among the most prosperous citizens of the county. He is a brother of Leonard Sheaff whose sketch appears elsewhere in this ALBUM. To Mr. and Mr. Hicks two sons and two daughters have been born, named respectively: John W. and Joseph Edward. Ella E. and Carrie E., the daughters, are deceased. WILLIAM BROCK is one of the large landowners of Greene County, in which his long life has been almost entirely spent and where he is well known: as a reliable and trnstworthy citizen, a man of enterprise in worldly affairs and of consideration and kindly feeling toward his fellow-men. His reputation extends far beyond the limits of the county and the name which he represents has been honored in other sections of America. He was born in Madison County, January 8, 1818, but was brought to this county when but five years of age, and reared in the neighborhood of his present home. The parents of our subject were Francis and Sarah (Harper) Brock, the former of whom was born in North Carolina. Mrs. Brock was a daughter of John Harper for whom Harper's Ferry was named. When Francis Brock moved on to his place in Greene County there were but ten acres cleared. The balance of the seven hundred which he owned was cleared during his life which ceased October 10, 1857. His wife survived several years, dying October 9, 1865. Their family comprised five sons and two daughters. The gentleman with whose name this sketch is introduced passed his early years in what was almost a wilderness, seeing the parental estate gradually assume a more cultivated look as the forest gave place to fields of waving grain, and the early dwelling of the family was replaced by one of the first brick houses erected in the county. The school 334 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. which he attended was two and a half miles from' his home. When he grew to manhood he bought two hundred and fifty acres of land, which was mostly in brush and woods. This he put under good cultivation, ere long having a well improved and attractive estate which produced abundantly of first-class crops. In 1859,:a commodious and well-designed brick residence was erected, which is one of the finest on the Federal Pike east of Xenia. Among the features of the home estate is a large orchard which is well kept and furnishes an abundance of luscious fruit. Mr. Brock has owned as high as thirteen hundred acres of land, his home farm now eonsisting of two hundred and ten acres. In addition to this 'property Mrs. Brock holds in her own right two hundred and forty-six acres in Fayette County,which came from her father's estate. The marriage of William Brock and Sydney Hidy was celebrated at the bride's home in Fayette November 30, 1845. Mrs. Brock is a daughter of Joseph Hidy who was born near Philadelphia, to which place his father, John Hidy, had come from Germany. Upon leaving the parental roof Joseph Hidy went to Hardy County, Va., coming thence to Payette where he married Mary, daughter of Martin Carr. Their daughter Sydney is a woman of more than ordinary intelligence, having taken advantage of everyopportunity to increase the knowledge which she obtained in early life: She possesses refined tastes, being especially fond of flowers by which her home is beautifully adorned. Her character is a noble, motherly one, and wins respect from all who know her. The family of our subject and wife comprises four children. A sketch of the oldest child, Owen, is to be found elsewhere in this volume. Louisa is the wife of L. S. Carper, and mother of three children—Idella, Annie and Willie; the family live in a part of the dwelling of our subject, and Mr. Carper works a portion of the estate. Joseph is married and living on a farm of his own in Fayette County; he has seven children—Estella, Burton, Frank, Ethel, Joseph, Earl and Floy. Frank, who is now living in California, is unmarried. Mr. Brock has held the office of Trustee and has been a candidate on the Democratic ticket for Commissioner. He is a sturdy Democrat whose de votion to his party has been manifested for many years. For years he has served as School Director faithfully endeavoring to advance the cause of education. He and his wife belong to the Universalist Church, while their daughter, Mrs. Carper, is a member of the Christian Church. JOHN McKNIGHT. The biographer in migrating among the farming community of Spring Valley Township, Greene County, gnoticed particularly the homestead of Mr- McKnight, who is one of the leading farmers. and stock-raisers of this region. His farm lands he on section 2, east of the village of Spring Valley on Caesar's Creek, and comprises two hundred and twenty-six well-tilled acres, whose general appearance indicates the industry and enterprise of the proprietor. Mr. McKnight, although seventy-nine years old, is remarkably hale and hearty, bright and intelligent, retaining much of the vigor of his younger years. He looked upon this section of the country when it was in its infancy, and while growing with its growth, physically and financially, has contributed his full quota to bring about its present. prosperity. The subject of this notice was born April 17, 1811, at the homestead where he now resides. His parents were William and Jane (Fulton) McKnight, further mention of whom is made in the sketch of Samuel McKnight on another page in this ALBUM. The fine brick residence which Mr. McKnight now occupies, was put up in 1828, upon the site of the first cabin which was built by his father when the country was practically a wilderness. It has been subjected to various remodelings and improvements, and now constitutes one of the substantial and commodious farm residences of the township. Mr. McKnight pursued his first studies in a log schoolhouse with puncheon floor and slab seats, and under -the method of instruction, corresponding with his surroundings. He was taught to make himself useful at an early age, and assisted his father in the development of a farm, growing up into a strong and vigorous manhood, fully able to PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM - 335 cope with the common difficulties of life. Upon reaching his majority, he idontified himself with the old Whig party, and upon its abandonment cheerfully wheeled into the Republican ranks. He was a Union man during war times, a strong Abolitionist, and exercised no small influence in shaping the opinions of men around him. Mr. McKnight was joined in wedlock with Miss Sarah B. Davis, June 12, 1876, at the bride's home in Spring Valley Township. This lady was born in Spring Valley Township, May 12, 1842, to Nathan L. and Harriet (Mercer) Davis, the former of whom was a native of Winchester, Va., and was brought by his parents to this county, when an infant of nine months. His wife, Harriet, was born June 26, 1813, in Spring Valley Township. Mr. Davis was a lifelong farmer, and rested from his earthly labors December 6, 1881. He served as Township Trustee, and was a deeply religious man, belonging to the Methodist Episcopal Chnrch in which he was Trustee many years, and he was also for twenty-one years President of the Spring Valley Bible Society. There were born to him and his estimable wife, three children—William Ed' ward, Sarah B., and LeRoy S. The latter during the Civil War enlisted in the Seventeenth Ohio Battery, and died at Milliken's Bend, Miss. The paternal grandfather of Mrs. McKnight was William Davis, who married Miss Rachel Gorthrop, s native of Virginia, like himself. Grandfather Davis was a professional wheelwright, and left the Old Dominion in 1817, coming to this county and settling one and one-half miles northeast of Spring Valley. He was born October 25, 1770, and his wife, August 6, 1783. They were the parents of seven children, viz: James, Hannah, Nathan L., Mary, Jonathan, William, and Jacob. With the exception of Jacob, all are doceased; he is a resident of Des Moines, Iowa. Grandfather Davis a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which all his children were members. In politics he was originally a stanch Whig, and later a Republican. he departed this life at his home in Spring Valley Township, January 22, 1868, having survived his wife nearly four years, her death taking place February 9, 1864. The great-grandfather of Mrs. McKnight, also named William Davis, died in Philadelphia, Pa., March 18, 1819. His wife, Mary, died in 1815, at fifty-nine years. They were the parents of one son and two danghters. Harriet (Mercer) Davis was a daughter of Edward and Elizabeth (Hickman) Mercer, who were natives of Maryland. Edward Mercer came to Cincinnati with his parents about 1796,and was there married to Miss Hickman, whose father was killed by the Indians in Maryland while leading a company to battle. Edward Mercer, after his marriage, settled at New Town, near Cincinnati, where he kept a tavern nntil 1802. He then removed to a farm on Caesar's Creek, where he spent the remainder of his days, dying in the fall of 1837. There were born to him and his estimable wife thirteen children, ten of whom, four sons and six daughters, lived to mature years. Mr. Mercer was a Baptist in religious belief. His parents were Aaron and Nancy (Carr) Mercer, who were among the first settlers on the present site of Cincinnati. Elizabeth (Hickman) Mercer was a daughter of Capt. Lewis Hickman, whose widow after his death became the wife of John Smith. The latter was the first tavern-keeper in that vicinity, accommodating travelers in a two-story log house. The eleven children of Mr. and Mrs. Mercer were named respectively: Maria, Nancy, Elizabeth, Sarah, Minerva, John, Ann, Harriet, David, James, and Lewis. Mr. and Mrs. McKnight are devout members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. SAMUEL N. TARBOX, who occupies himself as a civil engineer and skilled mechanic, has built up for himself an enviable reputation in this line among the people of Cedarville, Greene County, and vicinity. His efficiency has been acquired by his own efforts and the aid of books, while years of experience have fully established him as one of the most competent surveyors in the township, by which he is regularly employed. He, for many years, operated a sawmill on Massey's Creek, Greene County, and one of the first mills in the county 336 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. with carding machinery attached. The old mill however, has been standing idle for some time, being obliged to give place to the more modern ,methods of conducting these industries. The subject of this notice was born December 3, 1821, in Maine, and is a son of 'John and Lucy- (Merrill) Tarbox. The mother of our subject was born February 14, 1792, and was the daughter of Humphrey Merrill who married Miss Elizabeth McLucas. Grandfather Merrill was the son of Lieut. Samuel Merrill, of Salisbury, Mass., who married Miss Elizabeth Bradbury. The Bradbury history is mainly as follows: The family originated in Derbyshire, England, where there was born to one Robert, a son William, who in turn 'became the father of a son, Robert, whose son, Matthew, was Lord of Wicken. His son, Wymond and wife Elizabeth, daughter of Sir William Whitgift, became the parents of Capt. Thomas Bradbury, who was born at Wicken, England, in 1610. He emigrated to America as land agent and commissioner of Sir Fernando Gorges, as early as 1684. Two years later he settled in Massachusetts and married a daughter of John Perkins, of Ipswich, Mass. Their son, William, married Rebecca Wheelright, daughter of the Rev. John Wheelright, and unto them, in 1677, there was born a son whom they named Jacob. The Rev, John Wheelright, in company with his sister, Mrs. Ann Hutchison, were banished from the church in Boston for heresy, they simply differing from the Church upon some simple doctrine. They took refuge with Roger Williams, in Rhode Island, the latter having been banished for the same offense. Jacob Bradbury married Elizabeth Storkman, and their son, Thomas, about 1749, was Captain of a company in the French and Indian War. He also had charge of the block house on Saco River, Me. In his company was a young. man by the name of Lieut. Samuel Merrill, who fell in love with his daughter, Elizabeth, and in due time they were married. From this union sprang the family who constituted the progenitors of the mother of our subject. The young Lieutenant lived to take part in the Revolutionary War, in which be held the same rank as before, and did gallant service at the battle of Bunker Hill. He lived to be ninety-four years of age and died. in 1822, the year after his wife had passed hence, at the age of ninety-three. Lieut. Merrill was a prominent man in his county, where he held many responsible positions and took a great interest in public affairs. His son, Humphrey, was born June 27, 1750, aud Lucy, the daughter of the latter, became the mother of our:snbject. Mr. Tarbox spent his early years under the parental roof, and when ready to establish a home of his own was married to Miss Ruth L. Jackson. This lady was the daughter of David and Nancy (Nichol) Jackson. Mrs. Jackson was the daughter of John and Ann (Woodburn) Nichol, who were born in Ireland, and emigrating to America in 1789, settled in Westmoreland County, Pa. The father of John Nichol was Thomas, one of seven brothers who fled from Scotland to County Derry, Ireland, on account of religious persecution; he married Isabella Cook, and their son, John, the grandfather of Mrs. Tarbox, was born at Nichol's Hill, Ireland. He emigrated to America in 1789 and in 1800 settled in. Belmont County, this State. His wife, Ann, was the daughter of William Woodburn, of Churchtown, County Derry, and the maiden name of her mother was Margaret Canada. David Jackson, the father of Mrs. Tarbox, was the son of Robert Jackson, who married a Miss McCorkle. The latter was the son of David, whose wife was Elizabeth Reed. This David was a half brother of Gen. Andrew Jackson, and their father was Dr. Hugh Jackson. It will thus be seen that both Mr. and Mrs. Tarbox are descended from honorable ancestry, people who were possessed of fine mental characteristics, and who were prominent in their day and generation. To our subject and his estimable wife there have been born seven children, the eldest of whom, a son, John J., died in 1'872, when a promisiug young man of twenty years; Frank T. makes his home with his parents, and is employed on the detective force of Cedarville, while he also officiates as Constable; Theodore H., a civil engineer by profession, is nnmarried and makes his home in Santa Anna, Cal.; Harry L. married Miss Essie- Daugherty, and is the father of two children, Nellie I. and Frederick N.; he follows the business PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM - 337 of a lime burner in Findlay, this State; David N., a professional ball player, married Miss Mattie Hart and lives near his father ; Lida O., an accomplished young lady, remains at home with her parents; Charles Waldo died in infancy. Mr. Tarbox gives his unqualified support to the Republican party. During the Civil War he, in the capacity of a Lieutenant, assisted in driving John Morgan from the soil of the Buckeye State. He has served as Township Trustee, and with his estimable wife is prominently connected with the United Presbyterian Chnrch, in the doctrines of which church the Jackson side of the house have been educated for generations. MATHEW BERRYHILL. One who has no knowledge of the relative value of soil's or of any matter pertaining to farm life, can yet determine at a glance whether the farm upou which he gazes is valuable And well managed. A visitor to the estate of the above-named gentleman in Sugar Creek Township, Greene County, would know at once that its owner possesses enterprise, perseverance, and skill in agriculture. The entire place bears an air of neatness and order, and of thorough cultivation, while the buildings which have been erected upon it are substantial, well designed and conveniently located. The residence, a brick edifice, was erected in 1837, and other structures now used are of more recent date. The paternal grandfather of our suhject was John Berryhill, a native of Ireland, who settled in Virginia, and there reared a family, among them being Alexander, who was born in Augusta County and became a farmer. He married Rachael Thompson, who was also a native of the Old Dominion, and was a direct descendant of Charles Thompson, Secretary of the Continental Congress. After their- marriage Mr. and Mrs. Alexander Berryhill resided on a farm in Virginia until 1814, when they sold out and came to Ohio. Buying six hundred and forty acres of wild land in this county, now section 5, Sugar Creek Township, a log house was built and clearing begun upon the land. The dwelling being of hewn logs and two stories in height was considered quite an aristocratic residence. Having considerable means and a large family of robust boys, Mr. Berryhill had a large tract of land cleared and devoted his attention whoHy to farming. He and his wife were members of the Presbyterian Church. The death of the father occurred in September, 1823, the mother surviving until 1838. But two of the eleven children of whom they were the parents are now living, these being our subject and his brother Franklin. The family circle once included James, William, John, Alexander, Margaret, Samuel, Archibald, Rachael, Mathew, Elizabeth and Franklin. Mr. Berryhill was a Revolutionary soldier belonging to a Virginia regiment. At the battle of Guilford Court-House he was taken prisoner; after he had surrendered his gun a British officer struck him on the head with his sword and he carried the scar to his grave. His son John served in the War of 1812, and the relatives of Mrs. Berryhill, of this notice, also fought in the last-named struggle for the rights of American citizens. The natal day of Mathew Berryhill was January 7, 1807, and his birth occurred in Angusta County, Va. He was seven years of age when his father eame to this county, in which there were very few settlers and no improvements but a few cabins. There is but one other person now living in this locality who was here when the Berryhill family came. School advantages were very meager at that time and the principal knowledge obtained by the boys and girls was that which they could acquire under the home roofs, and in pursuit of their labors as young assistants to the pioneers. During his boyhood our subject helped to clear the farm of his father and he has never spared himself but has ever been extremely busy and-hard-working. The father having died when our subject was but fifteen years of age, the estate was settled and young Mathew given the portion belonging to him, and from that time transacted all his own business, although he remained at the old home until his marriage. On March 21, 1831, he became the husband of Miss Angelina Tolbert, who was born in Virginia, November 24, 1809, and the young cou- 338 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. ple settled on his portion of the old homestead for a short term. He then sold out and in 1835 bought the farm which he now occupies on section 36, Sugar Creek Township, to which he removed the following year. The farm comprised one hundred and sixty acres, of which one hundred and fifteen acres are now under the plow, having been broken by himself. He has added to the, acreage, now owning four hundred and eighty-eight acres in this township, and he also possesses two hundred and thirty-seven acres in Fountain County, Ind. Although they are now quite old, both Mr. and Mrs. Berryhill enjoy good health, and he has never been afflicted with any disease. They have no children but have been instrumental in helping to bring up those who needed parental care. Mrs. Berryhill has been a member of the Presbyterian Church for over fifty years. Mr. Berryhill has been a Supervisor and has always taken an interest in local politics. His first Presidential vote was cast for Andrew Jackson and he has never missed an election since that time, voting the Whig, and later the Republican, ticket. He and his estimable companion have made several trips to different parts of the West, using a portion of the means which they possess in such an abundant measure, in the enjoyment of varied scenes. They are accorded a due measure of respect by those who know them and are numbered among the landmarks of the county. THOMAS L. BEAL is a dealer in general merchandise in Byron, Greene County, doing the principal business there and manifesting a degree of energy and business tact which gives promise of a bright future. He is also Assistant Postmaster, and does all the business of the office, the affairs of which are left entirely in his hands by J. L. Cosier, who received the appointment of Postmaster, when in 1889, the office was located here. Mr. Beal comes of an old Greene County family, his grandfather, Aaron Beal, a native of Virginia, having located here in 1819. He bought and cleared land on Ludlow Creek, and became the owner of three hundred acres of landed estate. He had followed the trade of a blacksmith in his native State, and continned it in connection with farming after his removal, putting. up a shop upon his farm. He was a soldier in the War of 1812. His son Aaron was born in Beaver Creek Township, and when of a suitable age became a farmer. He bought land near Goes Station, in Miami Township, and cleared one hundred and thirty-five acres upon which he engaged in general farming and stock-raising. In these pnrsuits he was successful and also in buying and selling stock. He departed this life April 18, 1887, respected and mourned. He was an active member of the Reformed Church at Byron. In the maternal line also our subject is of Virginian ancestry, his grandfather, William Oram, having been a native of that State. He was a farmer and cooper, and a mechanic in various lines of woodwork. At an early period in the history of this county he took up his residence here, locating on a small farm in Miami Township, and carrying on a cooper shop until his death. His daughter Annie, who was born in Virginia, became the wife of Aaron Beal, tO whom she bore three daughters and two sons. Her first-born, Mrs. Mary Hopind, lives in Dayton ; Marcellus is a farmer at Fairfield; the third child is our subject; Mrs. Priscilla F. Rheinhart is the wife of a blacksmith at Goes Station; Jessie also lives at that place. The mother, who is now about sixty years of age, lives with a daughter in Miami Township; she is a consistent member of the Reformed Church. T. L. Beal opened his eyes to the light June 16, 1858, in Beaver Creek Township, on the banks of Ludlow Creek. When he was three years old his parents removed to Miami Township, where he was reared and educated, having good school advantages, and in the intervals of study being early put to work on the farm. Upon reaching his majority he rented his father's farm and began cropping it for himself, remaining upon It until 1882, when he rented a farm on Ludlow Creek. A year later he returned to the home farm which he continued to carry on from that time until the spring of 1887. He then bought the old Enniss stand at Byron, remodeled it and put in a new stock of goods, and began his career as a merchant. He carries grocer- PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM - 341 ies and general merchandise, dealing also in produce and flour. Prosperity has attended his efforts and his career has been wonderfully successful for one so young. Mr. Beal chose for his companion Miss Elizabeth Norris, of Dayton, whose intelligence and womanly virtues won his regard and with whom he was united in marriage February 28, 1882. Mrs. Beal is the youngest child of Hezekiah and Susannah (Thumb) Beal, and was born in Dayton, October 5, 1858. Her father is a native of Frederick County, Md., and a carpenter by trade. He came to Xenia a number of years ago, but soon afterward removed to Dayton, where he still lives. He has worked at his trade in different parts of Greene and Montgomery Counties. His wife was also born in Maryland and both are worthy members of the United Brethren Church. They are parents of seven children : Mrs. Anna P. Dunn, of Beaver Creek Township, this county; Aquilla and John, who live in Dayton; Leo J., deceased; Mrs. Sarah C. Archer of Dayton; Joseph M., a groceryman in Dayton, and Mary Elizabeth. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Beal, has been blessed by the birth of three bright children—Lillie B., Bessie T. and Arthur L. Mr. Beal exercises the right of suffrage in behalf of the Democrat party and its candidates. Mrs. Beal belongs to the Methodist Church in Centerville. JAMES F. STEWART, who is now living in Yellow Springs, Greene County, having retired from the more arduous labors of life, was born in Clark County, where he lived for many years. His labors there were crowned with success in the accumnlation of a goodly sharo of this world's goods, and were not without their influence over his fellow-men as an example of strict morality, true religion and usefulness in various departments of life. In 1886 he became a resident of Yellow Springs, occupying a cozy residence which he had erected, and where he and his estimable wife enjoy pleasant intercourse with their many friends. The parents of our snbject were James and Jane (Elder) Stewart, natives of Pennsylvania, whence they removed to the Buckeye State in 1811. They located in Hamilton County, but after a residence of three years sold out and changed their location to Clark County, where they spent the remainder of their lives. Roth were members of the United Presbyterian Church, and possessed noble characteristics which their offspring love to remember, and to which their children owe much of their own uprightness and usefulness. Mr. Stewart was Treasurer of the church to which he belonged for many years, held a similar office in the township for fifteen years, and was an earnest advocate of good schools. He held a prominent place among the farmers of the vicinity, his landed estate at one time amounting to five hundred acres. He breathed his last in 1857, his wife surviving until 1863. Their family comprised ten children, he of whom we write being the fourth in order of birth. The others were: Elijah, now deceased; Robert, who died in infancy; Ann, the widow of Samuel Barnett; Mary, the widow of David Millen; Eliza, the wife of Harvey Jobe; John, whose home is in Nebraska; Susannah, deceased; David who occupies the homestead; and Adeline, the widow of William Caruthers. The gentleman with whose name this sketch is introduced was born on the old homestead in Green Township, Clark County, December 6, 1818. He attended the subscription schools and acquired an excellent common-school education, to which, having a desire for information, he has added a knowledge of general topics and current events throughout his life. He remained with his father until twenty-five years of age, his parent having given him one hundred and twenty-five acres of land, with the understanding that while he remained at home he should have half the proceeds, but that he should pay $50 the first year and $100 the following five years, in order to secure the deed of the property. He did so, and believes the lesson of prudence and self-help which he learned was the best to fit him for his after life and its duties. Among the schoolmates and childish friends of James F. Stewart, was one for whom his regard deepened as they grew to manhood and womanhood, 342 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. and whom he desired as a companion in a closer relation than that of friends. After a successful wooing they were united in marriage December 12, 1843, and at once took up their abode on their own land, having only the farm and the energy of their natures as their capital in life. Mrs. Stewart bore the maiden name of Sarah Jane Bogle, and was born November 25, 1824, receiving an excellent education in the common schools. Her parents, James and Sarah (Stewart) Bogle, were natives of Pennsylvania and Maryland, respectively, and came to Ohio at an early day. They were the parents of seven children who grew to maturity. Mr. Bogle was a farmer of considerable prominence. On the farm where they began their wedded life, Mr. and Mrs. Stewart remained forty-one years, leaving it only for the home which they now oc cupy. The homestead was placed under excellent improvement and cultivation, and added to until the acreage amounted to one hundred and fifty. Mr. Stewart also owns a well-tilled farm of two hundred and twelve acres in Jennings County, Ind., and two hnndred and fifty well-improved acres in Wilson County, Kan.; his realty also includes some fine residence property in Springfield and in Yellow Springs. The income from these various pieces of property is considerable, and insures the couple all the comforts of life, together with an opportunity to exercise their hospitality and benevolence upon many worthy objects. They have never been blessed with children, and expend the affection of their natures upon their fellow-men, especially manifesting their loving kindness to those in need. In 1861 Mr. Stewart began keeping a diary and has kept up the practice ever since, it being a source of practical benefit as well as of pleasure. He and his wife are members of the United Presbyterian Chureh, his connection with that body dating from 1844. He has been an Elder for over forty years, and is now Treasurer of the congretion, having held that office for some years. Both are active in the Sunday-school department, having been teachers for years, and he has held the office of Superintendent for sixteen years. In educational affairs also, Mr. Stewart has been ac tively interested, as he has been in matters political. He affiliated with the Republican party until Cleveland's election to the Presidency, since which time he has been a Prohibitionist. he was Clerk of Green Township, Clark County, for several years, and Trustee of the same at the time of the Civil War and for years thereafter. During the war he belonged to the militia, which was ordered out, but on reaching Springfield he hired a substitute and returned to his home. Although somewhat advanced in years, both Mr. and Mrs. Stewart are in good health, and it is hoped that their useful and honored lives will yet be spared many years. A lithographic portrait of Mr. Stewart may be found elsewhere in the ALBUM. MARK SMITH. The career of the self-made man is finely illustrated in the history of Mr. Smith, who commenced the battle of life dependent upon his own resources and who through the difficulties and drawbacks common to most men, has achieved success. Upon coming to Clark County he in due time acquired a large amount of real estate and began erecting numbers of dwellings, so that he now has over thirty tenement houses besides a large mill building on Mill Creek, which is amply furnished with water power and used for manufacturing purposes. He has been an energetic, wide-awake man, keenly observant of what is going on around him and has contributed his full quota to the growth and development of his adopted county. The early home of Mr. Smith was on the other side of the Atlantic in Clackmannanshire, Scotland, and he was born March 4, 1823, in the little town of Alloa. His father, John Smith, was a native of Yorkshire, England, which was likewise the native shire of his grandfather ,Mark Smith. The latter obtained only a limited education, and when but a boy entered a woolen factory where he learned the trade of weaving and all the other details in connection therewith. Upon leaving his native shire he re- PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM - 343 paired to Alloa, Scotland, where he established a factory, of which he was manager a number of years. Finally he returned to England and there spent the closing years of his life. His wife bore the maiden name of Martha Conyer and she, too, died in England. John Smith, the father of our subject, like his father before him, served an apprenticeship in a woolen mill in his native place and he also when this was completed went to Scotland and was employed in a factory; he, too, established a factory at Alloa. He carried on business a number of years wheu the factory was destroyed by fire, then, in 1855, John Smith emigrated to America and located in the city of Cleveland, this State. A short time later, however, he removed to Springfield and was employed as dyer in a woolen mill, remaining there until his decease, which occurred about 1878. His remains were laid to rest in Ferncliff Cemetery. Mrs. Jane (Mason) Smith, the mother of our, subject, was likewise a native of Alloa, Scotland, and the daughter of John and Ellen (Commery) Mason. Grandfather Mason and his wife were also of Scotch birth and ancestry. Mrs. Smith came to America with her husband and died in Springfield about 1886. The parental family consisted of seven children, five of whom lived to mature years, these being Mark, John M., Jane Ann, Martha Elizabeth and Horatio. Mr. Smith, of whom we write, spent his early years in his native village and, like his father and grandfather, served an apprenticeship in a woolen factory, commencing when a youth of eighteen years and remaining in Scotland until 1849. In the spring of that year he emigrated to America, embark- iug at Greenock on the sailing-vessel "Margaret," March 15, and landing in New York City six weeks later- Thence he proceeded directly to Huron County, this State, and procured employment in a woolen factory as a spinner, remaining there four years. He decided then to investigate the Great Northwest, having in view the Territory of Minuesota. Thither he made his way by rail to Cincinnati and from there by the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers to Winona, whose site was then marked by only one building, and that occupied by a missionary. Mr. Smith entered a tract of Government land seven miles northwest of Winona, and later with others made another claim eight miles from that place where he put up a board house. He had left his wife at St. Louis, but she soon joined him with a year's provisions. They, however, only sojourned there a few months, then returned to the haunts of civilization, settling in Cleveland, Ohio, where Mr. Smith entered the employ of Alexander Patton, a Scotchman engaged in the manufacture of soap. Our subject remained with Mr. Patton for a period of four years as an employe and was then admitted to partnership in the business, continuing there another four years. We next find him in Grand Rapids, Mich., where he remained one year. In 1861 he came to Springfield and establishing a soap factory, at once entered upon a successful business which he conducted a number of years and then turned over to his sons. Mr. Smith was married, in 1843, to Miss Isabella White, a native of his own shire in Scotland. She became the mother of seven children and died at her home in Springfield, October 9, 1886. There are now living of their family three sons and a daughter, viz: James, Mark, Mary and Horatio; all live in Springfield. Mr. Smith has proved himself an able financier and possesses all the sturdy qualities of his substantial Scotch ancestry, of which he has reason to be proud. He is honest and upright in his dealings, has been industrions and frugal in his manner of living and is deservedly in possession of a competence which will fortify him against want in his old age. Politically, he is a supporter of the Republican party and in religious matters believes in the doctrines of the United Presbyterian Church. HENRY CROFT, a life-long resident of Clark County and a son of one of its pioneers, has for many years made his home in Springfield, and is classed among its most estimable, intelligent and substantial citizens. Although he has been connected with the agricultural interests of this part of Ohio and,has been a factor 344 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. in advancing its development in that direction, yet he is better and more widely known as a successful inventor. He was born in Bethel Township, November 13, 1820, a son of George Croft, one of its early settlers, who was born in the town of York, York County, Pa., November 25, 1771. His father, Frederick Croft, was a native of Wittenberg, Germany. He came to America in Colonial times, and cast his lot with the settlers of York, Pa., where he purchased a brewery and operated it for some time. He was loyal to the cause of the Colonists and did good service throughout the seven years of the Revolution. He passed his last years in York. His wife was also a native of Germany, and spent her last years in this country. In early manhood the father of our subject went to Virginia, and was there employed in operating a flour mill in Botetourt County. In 1799 he was there married to Mary Critz, who was born in that State of German parents. In 1804 he emigrated to Ohio with his family, making the journey in a wagon drawn by a pair of horses, and taking provisions along and cooking and camping by the way. Ohio, a new State, was then scarcely more than a wilderness, with dense primeval forests and uncultivated prairies, and deer, bears, wolves and other kinds of wild animals were plentiful, and Indians still made their home here. Clark County then formed a part of Champaign County, and he became one of the early settlers of that portion of it now known as Bethel Township, where he bought a tract of timber land on the banks of Mad River, and at once built a log house. He had brought no furniture from his old home, and all the tables, chairs, bedsteads, etc., in the new one were of his own handiwork. He actively entered upon the 'hard pioneer task of clearing his land for cultivation, and in 1816 erected a wing to a brick house, which is still standing. He resided there until after the death of his wife early in 1846, and -then removed to Donnellsville, where he rounded out a good and trne life in 1855, at the venerable age of eighty-five years. He was one of the first Masons in the county, having joined that organization when a young man, and he was also prominent in the early religious life of the county, being one of the first Lutherans to settle within its limits, and he was instrumental in organizing a society of that denomination here, and in 1842 built a church for its use on his farm. As one of the earliest pioneers of Clark County, and as an important factor in promoting its religious, so cial, and agricultural interests, his memory should always be revered. He was the father of nine children, seven sons and two daughters. The son who forms the subject of this sketch was bred to agricultural pursuits in his native township, and he has a clear remembrance of pioneer hfe here when he was a boy. His mother used to cook delicious meals before the open fire in the rnde old fireplace, and with deft fingers carded, spun and wove wool or manufactured linen for all the clothes used in the family for many years. His father farmed with rnde, simple farming implements, harvesting his wheat with the sickle until the cradle came into use, which he laid aside after the invention of the threshing machine, he having the first one that was worked by horse power in 1828 in the State, and our subject owned the first reaping-machine. It is within his remembrance that the greater part- of the county has been developed, and even when he settled in this city, a little more than twenty-one years ago, there was but little improvement on that part of West Main Street where he now resides. There were no railways here for some years after his birth, and Dayton was the nearest market. He was born before the introduction of the free school system into his native county, and the schools were kept up on the subscription plan, and were conducted in rude log buildings, and one of the first teachers that our subject can remember was a man named Oiler. As a farmer's son, our subject had to assist in the labors of tilling the soil as soon as large enough, and he remained with his parents until he married and established a home of his own. He continued to live on the old homestead until 1859. He rebuilt and altered the dwelling that stood thereon, and otherwise' greatly improved the farm and increased its value. In the year just mentioned he took up his residenee in Springfield, and has since made his home here. He is the possessor of a handsome property, including his present commodious home, which 'he built when he first lo- PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM - 345 cated in this city, besides erecting several other houses, from the rental of which he derives a good income. Our subject has become famous as an inveutor, and being a man of more than ordinary intelligence and mechanical genius, gifted with patience and a resolute will, he has not only made several inventions that have proved to be of great value in the industrial world, but has made many improvements on other inventions that have greatly enhanced their use. Mr. Croft had the honor of iuventing and manufacturing the first threshing machine ever used west of Springfield, and to his handiwork was due the first separator ever made and operated on wheels. He never patented it, however, and others reaped the benefit of his invention- He and his son invented and patented a wiud engine, known as the Croft engine, which they manufactured for a time and then sold the patent and it is now called the Leffel engine. Mr. Croft's inventive genius contrived the razor strap, called the Croft's Seientific Razor Strap, which is the finest ever invented, and he has spent much time and money in making improvements on other invenventions too numerous to mention. That greatest of blessings a good and true wife has been given our subject, as he was married, in 1846, to Miss Lany, daughter of Jacob and Elsie Shale, and a native of this State, horn in Dayton, Montgomery County. Mrs. Croft's parents were pioneers of Bethel Township, to which they removed when she was four years old. Mr. and Mrs. Croft have two children living: Lizzie, who married Frank M. Bookwalter, of this city ; and Henry, who married Clara Long, also resides in this city. An honorable, sagacious, well-informed man, during his long and busy career our subject has been a useful citizen, and by his upright life, guided by principles of honor and truthfulness, he is worthy of the high estimation in which he is regarded by all. By his inventive genius he has been of inestimable benefit not only to this, his native county, but to the country at large. Mr. Croft is a remarkably fine rifleman. When he was a boy he had a gun and used to shoot squirrels, wild turkeys, etc. His interest in such sports waned for some years, but of late he has engaged in rifle practice, and on January 28, 1890, in the contest in which the oldest riflemen took part, he made a score of ninety-nine out of one hundred possible points, and justly lays claim to the championship for men of his age. During his residence in. Bethel Township he took an active part in the management of its public affairs, and served as Township Trustee eight years. He and his wife are members of the First English Lutheran Church, and he was also prominent in religious concerns of Bethel as Elder and Deacon in the church. LUTHER BOYD. This gentleman is widely known throughout the philanthropic world for his prominent connection with the abolition movement in ante bellum days, when his name was the synonym to many of charity, benevolenee and goodness, and was held in reverence by many a poor slave whom he helped to liberty. He was a co-worker with Garrison, Phillips, Lovejoy and others, and was very earnest and active in the cause for which he almost staked his life. He was for many years engaged in the mercantile business, acquiring a handsome competence, and in the city of Springfield, of which he has been a resident for nearly three decades, he has built up a substantial, cozy home, amid whose comforts he is passing the declining years of a well-spent life, reverenced and esteemed by all about him. Our subject was born in this State, in the town of Steubenville, Jefferson County, February 10, 1817. His father, Robert Boyd, was born in Cookstown, County Tyrone, Ireland, a son of William Boyd, who is supposed to have been born in the same county, and to have been of Scotch antecedents, and there he was reared, married and spent the rest of his life. Three of his children came to America, and his son John settled in Harrison County, Ohio, engaged as a farmer and died there. His son William reared a family of twenty-two children, and coming to this country when he was seventy years old he spent his last years with them in Coshocton County. The father of our subjeet was bred to a farmer's 346 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. life, and was twenty-two years old when he came to the United States, and having received a good education in the old country, he utilized it by teaching in Eastern Pennsylvania. and later attended college there. He married in that State, and moved to Ohio in 1805, the removal being made with teams. Ohio was a wilderness at that time, the home of the Indian, and deer, bear,wolves, and other kinds of wild animals were plenty in the primeval forest. Mr. Boyd became a pioneer of Steubenville, and soon arose to prominence in the public life of the county, being elected Clerk of the Court, and also County Recorder, and at the same time he kept an hotel. He resided there till September, 1817, when he removed to Coshocton County, and bought a half section of land in Keene Township, and in the forest wilds erected a log house for the abode of his family. There were no railways or canals in that section of the country in that early day, and Coshocton, several miles distant, was the market and depot for supplies for the people for many miles around. Mr. Boyd cleared a few acres of his land and made his home there till his death in December, 1827, at the age of fifty-seven years, deprived that county of one of its most intelligent and capable pioneers. The maiden name of his wife was Mary McMasters, and she was born in County Down, Ireland, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Janies McMasters. She spent her last years with her children in Coshocton County until six months before her death, which occurred in the home of her son Renfrew M., in Licking County, in 1871, she attaining the remarkable age of ninety-four years. She reared nine children, namely: Sarah, William, Robert, Algernon S., Hervey, John C., Luther, Eliza, and Renfrew M. William, Renfrew, Eliza and our subject are the only representatives of the family now living. The latter was reared to man's estate in Coshocton County, receiving his early education in the common, school, taught in a log building, heated by a rude fireplace, of which the chimney was built with a log foundation and the remainder of clay and sticks; a log removed and the opening covered with greased paper constituted the window, while the benches were made of puncheon, without backs, and with wooden pegs for legs; and around the sides of the room wooden pins were inserted between the logs, and the puncheon laid on them served the larger scholars for a writing desk. The school was conducted on the subscription plan. A youth of quick, warm impulses, large sympathy and a thoughtful mind, our subject early became interested in the condition of the slaves, and identified himself with that noble band of devoted men, the Abolitionists, in 1837, and was with them an active worker till slavery was abolished. He, was prominently connected with the "underground railroad," and, figuratively speaking, laid the tracks and ran the first train on that famous road from bondage to freedom that ever passed through Coshocton and Holmes Counties, and he was instrumental in helping many slaves to escape from their masters. By so doing he jeopardized his life, on account of the animosity often displayed towards the Abolitionists, his friend and co-worker, Rev. George Gerden, being incarcerated in jail, in Cleveland, for aiding slaves to escape, and dying soon after he was' liberated. He remained on the home farm till he was twenty-seven, and then established himself in the mercantile business in Hayesville, Ashland County, and later was similarly engaged in Jeromesville, and remained a resident of Ashland County thirteen years, and from there went to Greene County, where he lived two and one-half years, and whence he came to Springfield October 23, 1861. He located on North Street, and in 1872 bought a home on Bowler Street, where he dwelt till 1886, when he purchased a lot on North Fountain Avenue and erected his present desirable residence, wherein he enjoys the comforts procnred by a substantial income. In his philanthropic work Mr. Boyd found a faithful sympathizer and encourager in his devoted wife, formerly Miss Sarah Taggart, a native of Nova Scotia, to whom he was married September 16, 1844. They have two children living, Salome Elizabeth and Harry. This brief life record of our subjeet is sufficient to show that he possesses a pure, lofty nature that is true to the right whatever betides. His kindly heart still glows with sympathy for the unfor- PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM - 347 tunate, and he is as ready as ever to champion the oppressed and to do battle against wrong in any form. He is a deep thinker and a great reader, and is the author of a famous work that has eaused much discussion in the religious world, the book referred to heing entitled "The Ten Tribes of Israel," which was issued under the nom de plume of Timothy R. Jenkins, and in it is proved conclusively to the intelligent reader that the Indians are descendants of those tribes. Mr. Boyd is a member of the Reformed Presbyterian Church, while Mrs. Boyd and her daughter belong to the United Presbyterian Church. CHRISTIAN K. HERSHEY. The career of this young gentleman, now Mayor of Osborn, Greene County, and editor of the Osborn Local, has been one of painstaking industry, studiousness, and zeal. The lives of few men of his years present so striking an example of the success that can be obtained through determination and good conduct, and to few is greater respect awarded, or a better position secured. The Hershey family is of German extraction, the first of the name whom we note being Abraham Hershey, a farmer and stockman of Pennsylvania. In Lancaster County, of that State, his son, also named Abraham, was born, and there learned the trade of a painter. While a young man he removed to Buffalo, N. Y., where he worked at his trade, and where he married Miss Fannie Long. The wife and an infant daughter died there, and soon after the bereaved husband came to Clark County, Ohio. There he continued his former occupation, and after his second marriage located on a small farm, but still followed his trade, at which he has labored forty years. THe now lives near Medway, and although quite old, is still hale and hearty. He belongs to the Mennonite Church. His second wife died in 1863, and he contracted a third matrimonial alliance. The mother of our subject was born in Bethel township, Clark County, and bore the maiden name Anna Kline. Her father, C. D. Kline, a native of Lancaster County, Pa., ran a tailor shop there until some time in the 30's, when he came to Ohio in a wagon. he settled in the township in which she was born, purchasing a tract of land which he improved, also continuing to work at his trade. Although a poor man when he came here,, he is now worth about $10,000, which has been acquired by his own efforts. He is still living on his farm, and has now reached the age of seventy-eight years. He is a member of the Mennonite Church. When he came to this section, the site of Springfield could have been bought for $500, and he was anxious to purchase it; his brother Samuel had more money than he, bnt would not furnish him security, and he was not able to purchase without it. Mrs. Anna (Kline) Hershey bore her husband two children, the subject of this sketch being the first-born, and the other, a son, who died in infancy. The third marriage of our subject's father, was blessed by the birth of nine children: Mary is now at home; Anna, Mrs. Kauffman, lives in Osborn; Abraham resides in Ansonia, I)arke Connty ; Harry and Andrew live in Bethel Township, Clark County ; Daniel is with our subject; Nettie lives with her sister, Mrs. Kauffman, in Osborn; John and Meno are at home. C. K. Hershey was born January 9, 1861, -in Bethel Township, Clark County, and reared and educated there until eight years old. He then went to live with his grandfather Kline, having good common school advantages until twelve years old, when he was thrown on his own resources. He engaged in farm work summers, and in winters worked for his board and attended school, determined to acquire a better education and fit himself for a good position in life. At the age of sixteen years, he was able to pass an examination and secure a county teacher's certificate, although he did not engage in teaching, but worked at the painter's trade. In 1880 young Hershey came to Osborn and entered the employ of J. H. Barkman, with whom he remained eight years. Beginning as an errand boy, and without a dollar in money, (having spent all for books the previous winter), he worked his way to the position of head clerk within two years. In 1881 he spent two months in attending the Miami Commercial College at Day ton,and in 1882 attended 348 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. three months and was graduated,after which he took charge of the books of the firm, holding the position of head clerk and book-keeper until the fall of 1884. Having saved his money, he then became a partner with a one-fourth interest in the establishment, with which he continued his connection until January, 1888, when he sold his interest. The next enterprise of Mr. Hershey was a jour. nalistic one, as upon selling his mercantile interest he bought the printing office of the Osborn Local, and became its editor. The sheet which he conducts is a seven column folio, which is newsy and popular ; a job office is also run. When Mr. Hershey became of age. he was elected City Clerk, and held the office four years, after which he became Assistant Postmaster. These duties, did not prevent his attention to the mercantile business in which he had embarked. An important step in the life of Mr. Hershey, was taken March 13, 1888, when in 'Dayton he was united in marriage with Miss Lettie L. Kepler, an educated and refined young woman, who makes home attractive, and is a credit to the society in which she moves. She was born in Montgomery County, her father,. William Kepler, being a prominent farmer of Perry Township. Mr. and Mrs. Hershey have one child, Granville, born August 5, 1889. Mr. Hershey belongs to the Knights of Pythias, and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in Osborn, being Secretary of the latter lodge, and a charter member of the former. He is an active Democrat, and a member of the County Central Committee. He belongs to the Lutheran Church, is Treasurer of the Sunday-school, and teacher of the Bible class, his example adding weight to the precepts which he unfolds, and proving an influence for good throughout the entire community. WILLIAM D. JOHNSON, late a prominent and very wealthy resident of Miami Township, Greene County, departed this life at his homestead June 3, 1875. He was born July 10, 1808 in Mason County, Ky., where he was given a practical education in the common school and subsequently occupied himself as a teaeher. On the 16th of January, 1834, he was united in marriage with Miss Hannah M. Brewer, and soon afterward was employed as a dry-goods salesman in Mr. Mill's store. He came to Ohio about 1828. His first business enterprise was as a merchant at Mad River and later he rented the Hertzler mill, which he conducted successfully for two years. Finally he purchased the Clifton mill at Clifton, which he operated for a number of years successfully and then retired from active labor. Mr. Johnson was a man of good business abilities, well informed and was frequently selected to act as administrator in the settlement of estates. He was administrator of the Knott estate and was settling the affairs of the Hertzler estate at the time of his death. For a number of years he officiated as County Commissioner. The Presbyterian Church found in him one of its chief pillars, he serving as an Elder for years. He maintained a warm interest in Sunday-school work and frequently engaged as a teacher. Politically, he was a sound Republican. He was owner of a farm in Miami Township whereon he effected good improvements and which under his wise management became the source of a handsome income. He was successful in the accumulation of property and at his death left his widow with a fortune of over $100,000 besides $50,000 devoted to charitable purposes. His parents were James and Clemeney (Dunavon) Johnson, natives of Kentucky and who spent their last years in Ohio. There was born to them a family of eleven children. Mrs. Hannah M. (Brewer) Johnson was born in Lewis County, Ky., July 20, 1811, and was the youngest child of John and Rachel (Dunavon) Brewer, who were natives of Maryland, where they were married and whence they removed to Kentucky at an early day. The Brewer family was of English descent and the paternal grandparents of Mrs. Johnson were natives of England. After removing to Kentucky Mr. Brewer purchased the old homestead of his wife's father, near Orangeburg, Mason County, and there with his estimable wife he spent the remainder of his clays. The mother died in 1834, after the decease of her husband. They were the parents of thirteen chil-