PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM - 351 dren of whom Hannah M. is the only survivor. She received only. limited educational advantages and was reared to womanhood under the parental roof, receiving careful home training: and becoming thorough mistress of all useful household duties. Of her union with Mr. Johnson there were born no children, but Mrs. Johnson has taken and reared several little ones, bringing them up as her own. Mrs. Johnson like her husband, united with the Presbyterian Church early in life. Since her husband's death she has had charge of all the property and has managed it in a remarkable wise and judicious manner. She gives liberally to the poor and unfortunate and is always willing and anxious to assist those who will try to help themselves. As a prominent member of the Woman's Missionary Society she, with her large resources, is able to do much good. She has been quite an extensive traveler, and keeps herself posted upon the important happenings all over the world. Although approaching the seventy-ninth year of her age, she is remarkably active, with a clear, bright mind, and bids fair to live and attend to her business for many years to come. JAMES WALLACE COLLINS. Among the citizens of Greene County, who not only I were born here, but have passed their entire existence within its limits, prominent mention is due the subject of this biographical notice, whose portrait is presented in connection with. his personal sketch. He is a successful agriculturist, and an educated Christian gentleman, whose integrity of character and kindness of disposition have won for him friends wherever he has been. The farm adjoining his present homestead was the early home of Mr. Collins, and there he was born February 16, 1832. His father, William Collins, was the son of another William, who came from York County, Pa., to this section about 1812, when the father of our subject was twelve years old, lie having been born in 1800. The grandparents of our subject settled on a piece of land near Clifton, about seven miles northwest of Xenia, on what is now known as the Fairfield Pike. There they reared a family of ten children, the brothers and sisters of our subject's father being: Joseph, Samuel, John, James, Mary (commonly "called Polly), Elizabeth (Betsey), Elinore, Grace and Ibbe. William married Miss Mary, daughter of Squire George Galloway, whose cousin, Maj. James Galloway, was of National fame. Her parents came to Oldtown from Louisville, Ky., about the beginning of the nineteenth century, having come from County Antrim, Ireland, some years previously. After their marriage William Collins and his wife settled on the homestead where our subject was born, the husband having bought a farm, which he at once began to clear and improve. There his wife died at the age of fifty-four years leaving four children—George, James W., Lydia C. and Martha. The latter, who is now deceased, became the wife of David Bradfute; Lydia is now the widow of Henry Corry. The father made a second marriage, choosing as his companion Mrs. Catherine Hoy, who also bore him four children. James W. Collins, the subject of this biographical notice, was educated with a view to entering the ministry, but owing to somewhat feeble health lie was obliged to adopt a vocation which would give him exercise in the open air. He therefore chose a farmer's life, becitizens eighty-five acres of the old homestead, to which he added sixty-six acres, and still more recently fifty-three more. The most of the land has been taken by him from the forest, placed in a state of thorough cultivation and furnished with excellent improvements, which include all needful buildings, fences, fruit, etc. For fourteen years he lived in the city of Xenia, but returned to his farm in 1886, his wife being then in very poor health, and only living about two years after their return to their former home. The death of Mrs. Collins took place October 30, 1888, after a happy wedded life of a quarter of a century, her marriage having been celebrated in 1863. She bore the maiden name of Mary J. Gordon, was born in York County, Pa., and was a daughter of Andrew Gordon, for whom her only child is named. The son is now a young man, 352 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. and living with his father on the farm on which hiS early life was spent. He has an excellent common-school education, and having a taste for farm life, will probably continue in that line of business. Mr. Collins and his son belong to the United Presbyterian Church, of which the deceased wife and mother was also a member. She was reared under the old school Presbyterian teachings, and Mr. Collins in that branch of Reformed Presbyterianism popularly known as the Seceders Church. He belongs to the Republican party, and has always voted that ticket. His father was one of three men who voted the first anti-slavery ticket in this county, and was a director in the great under-ground railroad. Our subject well remembers that when he was a lad of some seven years he helped hitch up the team to convey a party of colored people who had been hidden in their house, to-the next station, on their flight for-liberty. There were six women and one man in the party. JOHN A. BARBER, a son of the earliest pioneers of Greene Country, and at present residing in Cedarville Township, was born within a mile of where he now lives, first opening his eyes to the light December 23, 1823. His father was John Barber, Sr., and his paternal grandfather was William Barber, a native of Ireland, who crossed the Atlantic at an early day, and settled. in Washington County, Pa. In that county the father of our subject was born, and lived until reaching man's estate. Then starting' out for him-self, he proceeded to Pittsburg, and thence went down on a raft or flatboat to Cincinnati, from which point he traveled to Xenia, this State, on foot. John Barber, Sr., commenced his battle with the world dependent upon his own resources, and upon arriving in this county, secured work in 9. sawmill in the hamlet of Xenia, which was then the site of but four houses. He was employed by a Mr. Campbell, who put up the first mill in this county, this being located on Shawnee Creek, near Xenia. John Barber worked in the mill for several years, and in the meantime,. in company with his brother-in-law, Alexander Foster, purchased four hundred acres of Government land, for which they paid $1.25 per acre. In due time they moved upon this and commenced its improvement and cultivation. They were joined by the father and the balance of the family, who took up more land adjoining, and there the old people spent the remainder of their days. John Barber after a time sold a part of his farm and purchased other land, which subsequently became the property of his son, Samuel, who is now deceased. That, is still familiarly known OS the old Barber place. The mother of our subject bore the maiden name of Sarah Martin. Of her marriage with John Barber there was born a family of eleven children, one of whom died young. The remaining ten grew to mature years, and seven are yet living. John A., like his brothers and sisters, was reared under the home roof, and at an early age was taught the hab-its of industry and economy which followed him all through life. When setting about the estab-lishment of a home of his own, he was wedded to Miss Eliza, daughter of Andrew Galloway, one of the earliest settlers of this county. To them there were born two children, only one of whom is living, William H., who is married and residing on his farm, a half mile west of Cedarville.; he has no children. Mrs. Eliza Barber departed this life at the homestead in '1866. Our subject was again married, in 1868, to Miss Sally, daughter of Enos Townsley. The latter was the son of John Townsley, one of the earliest pioneers of Cedarville Township. Of this union there were born two children, both daughters, Eva and Florence, who are attending the school in Cedarville, and making their home with their parents. The mother of Mrs. Barber was in her girlhood Sarah McCoy, daughter of James McCoy of Scotch-Irish ancestry, and a native of Kentucky. Mr. and Mrs. Barber are most worthy representatives of the pioneer element in this county, born and reared in the log cabin, and in the early days when people went to mill on horseback. with a jug in one end of the bag, and their grist in the other. Those times called forth all the natural kindness and hospitality of humanity, when each man had an interest in his PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM - 353 neighbor's welfare. Mr. Barber before his marriage worked on a farm west of Cedarville, but this he soon sold and purchased that where his son now lives. The latter comprises one hundred acres, and was all in timber when coming into Mr. Barber's possession. It is now a finely cultivated farm, and valuable. After his second marriage, Mr. Barber removed to a farm of one hundred and .fifty-seven acres lying on the Columbus Pike, a mile and a half east of the village, and which was a part of the first farm opened in the county, and known as the Enos Townsley place. Mr. Barber is a Prohibitionist with Democratic proclivities, and both he and his estimable wife are prominently connected with the United Presbyterian Church of Cedarville. TRINITY METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, Xenia. On September 19, 1863, at a quarterly conference of the Xenia Methodist Episcopal Church, it was resolved "That it is the duty of this charge to erect a second church in Xenia." The matter had been discussed some years before, and on November 14, 1863, the Rev. William I. Fee appointed as a Board of Trustees for the new church, Alfred Trader, William Sweeney, Alfred Thirkield, M. D. Gatch, Charles R. Merrick, William F. Pelham, Samuel Newton, John L. Connable, and Henry Barnes. The subscriptions having reached $15,000, a beautiful lot on the northwest corner of Main and Monroe Streets, was secured, and the contract let to Messrs. Tobias Drees (See sketch) and Patterson. The corner stone of the new building was laid May 14, 1864, with appropriate ceremonies. The first pastor to what was now called Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church, was the Rev. George C. Crum, who organized a society of one hundred and twenty-three members, one hundred and nineteen by transfer from the First Methodist Episcopal Church, and four by letter. The first religious service was held in the college chapel, September 18, 1864, the sermon being from II. Thessalonians, ii. and iii. chapters, beginning with the words "Now the Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God, even our Father," and concluding "Finally, brethren, pray for us that the word of the Lord may have free course and be glorified." The Sunday-school was organized in the spring, with William Sweeney as Superintendent; and A. Thirkield, Assistant Superintendent. The lecture room of the new church edifice was completed November 30, 1864, and the first sermon preached therein by the Rev. J. L. Grover, pastor of the First Church. On October 1, 1865, the completed building was dedicated by Dr.Wiley, of Cincinnati, whose text on that occasion was Luke, 7th chapter and 5th verse. Pastor Crum asked for $10,000 with which to meet their liabilities, and his request being responded to by $12,000, the church was dedicated free from debt. An elegant parsonage was built in the summer of 1878, adjoining the church, under the leadership of the Rev. W. N. Brodbeck, now of Boston. During the pastorate of the Rev. D. W. Clark, in 1885, the lecture room was altered and improved, and in 1888, under the pastorate of the Rev. A. N. Spahr, the audience room was thoroughly reconstructed, making it a beautiful room indeed. The present membership of the society is two hundred and twenty. REV. A. N. SPAHR. While this section of country was an almost unbroken wilderness, Edward Spahr and his family came here from Virginia. Locating four miles east of Xenia, he cleared off a tract of land in the forest, and there spent the remainder of his life, dying more than twenty years ago. Among the members of his family was a son Gideon, who was but a child when he came to this county, in which he grew to maturity, and became well known and highly honored. Upon reaching a suitable age, he adopted the occupation of a farmer, which he has prosecuted during his life, although he has also been engaged in another and far different sphere of labor. In early life he identified himself with the Methodist Episcopal Church in this city, and many years ago he became a local preacher. But few local preachers have been more useful than he, and no man of Greene County is better known or more highly respected. He is now living a retired life in the village of Lumberton, Clinton County, his noble companion surviving 354 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. with him. This lady bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Kyle, and to her care and training the children owe much of their fine character and useful acquisitions. The gentleman with whose name this sketch is introduced, is the eldest child of the Rev. Gideon and Elizabeth Spahr. The other children of the family are: Mrs. Cornelia Smith, of Van Wert, Ohio; Robert S., of Xenia Township, who won an honorable record in the service of his country during the late war; the Rev. S. K. Spahr, a leading minister of the Protestant Methodist Church, who has within the past year been transferred to Long Island, N. Y.; Mrs. Julia Cummings, of Jamestown ; Sarah, who is unmarried and living with her parents; Dr. D. E. Spahr, of Clifton; and James Clinton Spahr, a farmer in Clinton County. The subject of this notice was born in Greene County, near Xenia, August 27, 1835, his home being on a farm until he became a student in Cedarville Academy. He was admitted to the Cincinnati Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in 1855, his first charge being the New Burlington circuit. Since that time he has been engaged in pastoral work, among other appointments, preaching in Cincinnati six years, three years in Wesley Chapel, which is the mother church of Methodism in that city and three years in the York Street Methodist Episcopal Church. Three years were spent by him in Urbana, Champaign County, the beautiful Grace Church being built during his pastorate. He traveled the Springfield District for four years as Presiding Elder, and is now in the midst of the fourth year of his pastorate of Trinity Church, Xenia. For thirty-five years he has been in the Cincinnati Conference, and in this last appointment he is preaching almost in sight of the place of his birth. It would be supererogation in the biographer to multiply words regarding the character or ability of the Rev. Mr. Spahr. "By their fruits ye shall know them," is as true as other utterances in the Divine word, and the many who have sat under the teaching of our subject, and felt his influence, can testify better than any words of ours to the purity of his life, and the reality of his Christian faith. The marriage of the Rev. A. N. Spahr and Miss Mary A. Osborn, was celebrated August 19, 1856, at the home of the bride's father, A. W. Osborn, an old resident of Cedarville. Mrs. Spahr lived until September 20, 1880, when she was called hence, the husband being at that time pastor of St. Paul's Church at Eaton, Ohio. She not only left behind her the memory of a loving and devoted wife and mother, but in whatever society she was thrown she won respect and good will. Of the children whim she bore, five are yet living. They are: Joseph W., now in business with P. P. Mast & Co., of Springfield ; Alice Luella, wife of Mr. Maurice E. Baird, of Troy, Ohio; Mary F., wife of Dr. H. F. Rose, of Paulding, Ohio; Miss Albertie A., and Paul R. JOHN BELL MASON. In the ranks of the substantial farmers of Greene County, this Igentleman is worthy of prominent consideration, having by frugal living and prudent management acquired a fine property, which brings him a comfortable income. He is serving his second term as Justice of the Peace, having been first elected in 1884, and discharging the duties of the position with such ability and faithfulness as to ensure his re-election. He has also filled the office of Township Clerk for six years, besides serving as Assistant Assessor under John T. Hogue of Xenia, and as a Constable of this township. Religiously, Mr. Mason affiliates with the Society of Friends, and in political matters, casts his ballot and influence in favor of the Republican party. He served as a musician during the late war on the Union side, enlisting May 1, 1864, in Company G, One hundred and Fifty-fourth Ohio Infantry, and by his inspiriting national ballads contributed to enthuse the soldiers. The father of Mr. Mason, Joseph by name, was born in Columbiana, Hamilton County, Ohio, October 21, 1800, and was orphaned at the early age of four years. After that sad event had deprived him of his natural protectors, he came with his uncle, Joseph Chenoweth, to Waynesville. In the homestead established by Mr. Chenoweth the lad grew to a stalwart manhood, and then, embarking PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM - 355 in life for himself, came to Bellbrook, and clerked in a store for Jeoffrey Truman. He had first entered the employ of Mr. Truman in Waynesville; but when the hitter removed to Bellbrook, his clerk followed him. He was in the employ of Jerry Gest after his marriage until 1834, when he commenced operations as a farmer. Joseph Mason, in 1836, located on a fifty-acre tract of land, where his son, John B. now resides. On this homestead, which is situated one-half mile south of Spring Valley, and which he embellished by modern improvements, he passed the remainder of his life and there died January 30, 1871. He held the office of Justice of the Peace to which he was elected in 1838, for a period of more than thirty years, and served as well as County Assessor two terms, and Town Clerk and Assessor. He was at one tithe Mayor of Bellbrook, and was a stanch Democrat, during his early years, but when President Jackson vetoed the National Bank bill, he turned over to the Whigs, and later entered the ranks as a strong and prominent Republican. He was an ardent supporter of the Lincoln administration. Our subject was one of three children, but besides himself only one was reared to years of maturity, Marilla, who is the wife of Joseph Rust, of Dayton, Ohio. The mother, Mary Bell, was born August 25, 1808, in Lycoming County, Pa., to Stephen and Hannah (Scudder) Bell, natives respectively of New Jersey and Pennsylvania. His occupation was that of a millwright, and at an early day he came overland to the Buckeye State, thence down the Ohio River on a flatboat, and stopped temporarily at Xenia. About the year 1814 he located on a farm of ninety acres, and on it laid out the town of Bellbrook. He served in the War of 1812, but otherwise worked uninterruptedly at his trade and on his farm. Eleven children came to his wife and himself and were named respectively: John S., William, Charles, Aaron, Rebecca, (Mrs. A. Lehman) Mary, Naomia, (Mrs. Brandenburg), Permelia, who first married William Shoemaker and later became the wife of Morton Brown; Cassandra, who married J. P. Sanders; Benjamin, and Franklin J. Stephen Bell died in Springfield, this State, in 1852. His wife had departed this life in 1839, when sixty-three years old. The Bell family trace their ancestry back to Wales. In the town of Bellbrook, which derived its name from his grandfather, John Bell Mason was born June 13, 1831, and was reared to man's estate on the farm where he now resides. He attended the common school, and later was a student in the High School in Springfield. He passed three winters there, in the meantime devoting the summer season to farm work. After he left school, he engaged as a teacher for one term, and was finally graduated from the Dayton Commercial College April 20, 1853. After leaving college, our subject began to clerk in a store in Spring Valley, and in June, 1854, went to Muscatine, Iowa. In that city he was married, April 22, 1855, to Miss Mary Jane, daughter of Joseph and Phoebe Jane (Wallis) Cook, who were natives of Washington and Cayuga County, N. Y. His occupation was that of a carpenter and farmer, and his death occurred in Iowa, December 18, 1874. All his children are now living, and are ten in number, five daughters and five sons. Below we give their names: Lydia, (Mrs. Herald) Stephen W., Mary J., Julia M., (Mrs Hobert) John P. Joseph B., Sarah H., (Mrs. Seeker) George D., Frank S. and Clara B. (Mrs. Smith). The Cook family settled at a very early period in New England, and Joseph B., was one of five who first located in Calhoun County, Mich., where he served as Treasurer, also Surveyor, and was one of the organizers of the county. Three of his sons served in the Civil War. A family of children came to bless the union of our subject and his estimable wife, and they are recorded as follows : Manilla J., who became the wife of John T. Brown, of Centerville, Ohio; Lizzie B., the widow of Ephraim Hartsock, of Warren County ; Joseph C., a resident of Montana; D. Mont and Frank E. at home. They rank among the first families of their community and are accorded the highest respect among their numerous circle of friends. The paternal grandfather of our subject was James Mason who married Eleanor Chenoweth, a native of the Old Dominion. He had emigrated from Tennessee to Ohio, and his wedding was cel- 356 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. ebrated near Waynesville, the latter State. Five children came to bless the union, namely Philip, Joseph, James, Srnia and Maria.. They all married, and with the exception of James, who died when young, became the parents of families.. The mother of our subject now lives with him. She has in her posession, a piece of calico purchased by her grandmother Scudder at seventy-five cents per yard. ROBERT C. WOODWARD, City Librarian, Springfield, is eminently fitted by his culture and executive ability for this important office, and he stands preeminent among the gifted and enlightened minds who are potent in advancing the educational, social and religious interests, and in other ways promoting the welfare of this his native city. Mr. Woodward is the descendant of well-known pioneers of this county, and was born in Springfield, June 3, 1829. His father, Jacob Schenck Woodward, was a native of Chester County, Pa., though of New England parentage, and in early life learned the trade of a spinner and weaver. He came to Springfield, when quite a young man, in the early years of its settlement, and followed his trade here for a time, and then engaged in the mercantile business, and was actively identified with the same until his death in the month of September, 1829, when a valuable citizen and a true Christian gentleman was early removed from the sphere of his usefulness. The maiden name of the mother of Robert C. Woodward was Sarah Christie, and she was born in New Hampshire, in the town of New Boston, Hillsboro County, in 1808. She was a daughter of Maj. Robert Christie, who came to Springfield, in 1817, bringing with him his aged father, Jesse Christie, who lived to the age of eighty-eight years. Maj. Robert Christie was reared in New Hampshire and went from there to Washington, Vt., whence he came to Ohio in 1817, the removal being made with teams to the Allegheny River, and thence down that river to Pittsburg and the Ohio River in a flatboat, to Ft. Washington, the present site of Cincinnati, and thence in wagons to Springfield, which at that time was included in Champaign County, subsequent to the organization of Clark County. Maj. Robert Christie soon after his arrival in Springfield settled on a tract of heavily-timbered land northwest of the city, a part of which is now included in Ferncliff Cemetery, and for some time after he located on it he could shoot deer and other game within its limits, the surrounding country being in a very wild, sparsely settled condition. Maj. Christie was a resident of Springfield until his death, bearing an honorable part in its upbuilding in the early days of its settlement. The maiden name of his wife was Sarah Goodrich, and she spent her last years in this city, where she died in 1852. She was the daughter of the Rev. Sewell Goodrich, a well-known divine of the Congregational Church, and, with her husband, was an original member of the First Presbyterian Church, at Springfield. An earnest, consistent Christian, she was dearly loved and widely respected. R. C. Woodward, the subject of this biographical review, was only three months old when his father died, and then the care of him devolved entirely upon his mother. She nobly took up the task of rearing her two sons, and as a teacher earned the money for their support, and gave them the advantages of an excellent rudimentary education. After her second marriage with J. I). Nichols, which took place in 1837, her son Robert attended the Ohio Conference High School, and was subsequently one of the first students to enter Wittenberg College. He studied hard during his attendance at that institution, and gained a high rank in his classes, and it was with regret that he felt obliged to relinquish his cherished hope of a completed college education. For two years thereafter he was engaged in setting type in the Republic office, and at the end of that time he was promoted to the position of foreman. Three months later the Cincinnati Commercial offered him a place as a compositor on account of his ability to read shorthand, and he acted in that capacity in that office for three months, and at the same time pursued a commercial course with R. S. Bacon. After a year's experience in selling books and papers on the Little PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM - 357 Miami line of railway, establishing a route for the sale of daily papers, he accepted a position as book-keeper in Davenport, Iowa,where lre remained for nearly two years. After his return to Springfield he went into business as a bookseller in 1859 buying out a store, and managed it until September, 1861, when he removed to Lima, Ohio, where he engaged in the same business. During his residence there his first wife, a lovely and beloved woman, died, her death occurring in Springfield, June 1, 1865. In 1869, our subject, in company with his step-brother, W. G. Nichols, repurchased his old book store, and united with it a job printing office, which they managed successfully for nearly two years, when Mr. Woodward retired from the firm. In 1877 the City Council, through the Board of Trustees, appointed him City Librarian. Mr. Woodward found the library in a "pi-ed" condition when he first took charge of it, but with characteristic vigor he at once entered upon its improvement, and by his devotion to his duties and his practical and systematic methods of work he has evolved order out of confusion, and has made it one of the best conducted libraries in the State. In order to give the reader an idea of the work accomplished by himself and faithful assistants, we append the following from the last annual report : " As in the lives of individuals, so with public institutions there are periods which lead on to success, or mark the beginning of retrograde movements. Thirteen years ago this library stood on the eve of such a period with its 4,797 volumes, without catalogue, proper classifrcation or systematic methods. A change was decided upon and removal to present quarters made. Without specifying in detail the difficulties that had to be overcome in establishing plans of modern improve ment, the extra unrequited toil the work required, the criticisms while the work was in progress that often brought discouragement to those employed, let me briefly review what has been accomplished. For another period of the library's history has come, when the library again is to be removed, and take possession of a most royal gift wherein the library, if wisely conducted, will occupy broader fields of usefulness and give still richer mental feast to all the inhabitants of our city. Among the grand results thus far attained may be justly mentioned an increase of nearly 10,000 carefully selected books, making a total of nearly 14,000 volumes, with 6,000 card holders, and an annual circulation that has reached 80,000; the adoption of a unique classification which requires fewer frgures and less work than usually found in libraries of this size; a delivery system for receiving and issuing of books, which has been highly complimented for its rapidity and accuracy ; a great card catalogue with its ample index, in which are recorded on cards, the title, author and full description of every volume; the uniform observance of rules and the ease and regularity of the system employed in the work, receiving appreciation and praise from patrons and visitors, and placing this library on the list of the best conducted of similar institutions in our country." Mr. Woodward has been twice married. He was first wedded, April 10, 1860, to Miss Abbie Elizabeth Crooker, a native of Chelmsford, Mass. She was well educated and taught in the Springfield schools five years with great efficiency. During the war she was actively and prominently identified with the Women's Christian Commission, at Lima, and many a poor soldier had cause to bless her kindness and charity. A woman of large heart, refrned sympathies, and of lovely personal qualities, her death, in 1865, was deeply mourned by a large circle of friends. Mr. Woodward's marriage to his present wife occurred October 10, 1876, and to her devotion and sympathy he owes much of the comfort and happiness of his life and he finds her of great assistance in his duties as a librarian. Mrs. Woodward's maiden name was Harriet De Witt, and she is a native of this State, born in Wyandot County, a daughter of John C. and Artemesia (Mason) DeWitt. She is finely educated, possesses strong mental endowments and a high character, and as a teacher in the Springfield schools, which position she held for several years previous to her marriage, she showed a special fitness for that profession. The only grief of the wedded life of Mr. and Mrs. Woodward has been the death of their only child in infancy. Wherever his lot has been cast Mr. Woodward has always identifred himself with those who are most earnest in advancing the highest interests of the community. While in Lima he was a leader among the Presbyterians, and was for some time 358 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. Superintendent of the Sunday-school connected with the church of that denomination. In his native city he has been closely identified with the Congregational Church for many years, assisting as its youngest member in the organization of the church in 1852. In his political views he was a Free-Soiler in his early years, and cast his frrst Presidential vote for John P. Hale, and he has been a member of the Republican party since its forma-tion. BENJAMIN SEEVER. This aged Christian and veteran in the work of spreading the Gospel, has been a resident of Clark County since 1855. For a time he resided in Enon but at the close of the Civil War he purchased a home in Springfield, where he is still living. He still preaches occasionally, although he has practi-cally abandoned ministerial labors in which he has been engaged for upwards of forty years. During that extended period he has organized societies in different parts of Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia and North Carolina, and by the blessing of God has been the means of bringing many souls from dark-ness into the glorious light and. liberty the gospel truth proclaims. The Rev. Mr. Seever is of German ancestry, his grandfather having been either born in the Fatherland or of German parentage. Peter Seever, the father of our subject, was born in Shepherdstown, Va., and being left an orphan at a very early age, accompanied his oldest brother, Henry, to Kentucky when lre was eight years old. There he remained until of age when he came to Ohio and identified himself with the pioneers of Liberty Township, Fairfield County. This was long before the era of railroads or canals in this country and the frontiersman was surrounded by wild animals, among whom were many foes to man. A tract of timber land was purchased by Mr. Seever, and a hewed. log house erected in Which the subject of this sketch was born, September 10, 1814. His mother bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Keller, and was also of German descent her birthplace being near York, Pa. She rested from her labors December 17, 1857, the husband and father surviving until February 20, 1859, when he too laid down the burdens of life. Both parents were interred in Refugee Baptist burying ground, in the township where they resided. They were the parents of fourteen children, of whom thirteen reached years of maturity. The maternal grandparents of the Rev. Mr. Seever, were Henry and Catherine (Sitz) Keller, who were also pioneers of Fairfield County, their home being in Pleasant Township. There were no free schools during the boyhood of our subject, and he attended those which were conducted on the subscription plan in the traditional log schoolhouse. At an early age he began to assist his father in clearing the land and tilling the soil, and until he had reached man's estate resided under the parental roof. When about twenty years old, he had attended a camp meeting on Pleasant Run, and there became persuaded of the truth of the Gospel and obedient to it. He united with the Christian Church and ere long had determined to devote his talents to the promulgation of the glad tidings of salvation. From that time until he had passed some distance down the hill of life he continued his beloved work in the sections before noted. Upon becoming a resident of Springfield, Mr. Seever purchased twelve acres of land extending from Main Street south to Washington Street, a greater part of which has since been sold by him in town lots. The first Presidential vote which he cast was for Martin Van Buren, and at the forma-tion of the Republican party he became identified with the new political body with which he-has since acted. His life has been that of a devout follower of the Master in whose service he was engaged, and all who know him, or are acquainted with his labors, acknowledge that he has ever endeavored to make his practice correspond with the precepts in which he believed and which lre inculcated in the minds of others. The marriage of Mr. Seever and Miss Mary J. Johnson took place July 1, 1851, and has been blessed by the birth of two children—Isaac Newton and Mattie Pearl. Mrs. Seever was born in Hampshire County, Va., December 18, 1820, her father, David Johnson, having- been a native of the PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM - 361 same county. He was the son of a Scotchman who came to America in Colonial days and spent the later years of his life in the Old Dominion. The father of Mrs. Seever was a farmer whose entire life was spent in his native county, where his mortal remains repose in Timber Ridge Cemetery. His wife, Catherine Bruner, was born in the same county and. was a daughter of George Bruner of German ancestry. Her body was deposited by the side of her husband to await the resurrection morn. Both she and her husband were members of the Christian Church, and their daughter was early taught the great principles and Christian virtues which 'Hake life honored, useful and happy. HON. ROSWELL FENTON HOWARD. Xenia is the home of many attorneys, whose varied knowledge and keen perceptive qualities have rendered them conspicuous in the bar of the State, but perhaps the most prominent among them is this gentleman, who commencing to practice here in 1837, has not only been in active practice longer than any other lawyer, but is, doubtless owing to his long residence here, also the best known of all those conspicuous in this profession. The senior member of the firm of Howard & Howard, his legal ability is unquestioned and his forensic talents have been often displayed before judge and jury. His extended knowledge has won for him the degrees of Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts, while his service in the legislative halls have won for him the title of Honorable, by which he is familiarly known. A worthy scion of a family that has given this nation men of brains and upright character, he enjoys the esteem of those to whom he is known, and has gained a a worthy position in life. The immediate progenitor of our subject was Cyrus Ifoward, a native of Vermont,. whence he removed to Hamilton County, Ohio, at an early period in its history. As one of the pioneers of that section he carried on the labor incident to developing a farm from the heavy timber of the primeval forest, making for himself and family a comfortable home in the midst of the surrounding wilderness. He married Miss Lucy Fenton, whose home was near North Bend, and they became the parents of a large family of children. The cause of common schools found in him an ardent advocate, as it did among all those sturdy residents of New England, and he aided in introducing the first school into that locality. The people out of their scanty means subscribed a sufficient amount for the erection of a good brick building, and after its erection, the school was maintained an entire year, a very unusual circumstance even in older communities. Mr. Howard was a strong Whig, and voted for John Quincy Adams and William Henry Harrison. His ideas were quite in the advance of those times, and his influence was great, although lre avoided public honors. his death occurred in February, 1851, his widow surviving him until April 25, 1885, when she passed from earth at the extreme old age or ninety-two years. She was a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The eldest son of this worthy couple was Solomon, who was a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and a distinguished scholar and educator. He received his diploma from Augusta College, Ky., after which he was elected Principal of the Grammar school. He taught school at St. Charles, Mo., in the Academy at Springfield, Ohio, and in the Wesleyan University at Delaware, Ohio. For more than twenty years he was the honored President of Ohio University at Athens, and while there received the degree of Doctor of Divinity from Miami University and the degree of Doctor of Laws from Iowa State University. He died August 11, 1873, at San Jose, Cal., mourned by the many to whom his talents and upright character had endeared him. The gentleman whose name initiates this sketch was born in what is now College Hill, Hamilton County, Ohio, July 20, 1814, and was in his youth the recipient of more than ordinary advantages in the way of culture. He was a student of Latin and Greek while still at home, and while acquiring a good understanding of the usual branches taught in the lower grades of his home school. He entered Miami University but left in his junior year, 362 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. and going to Augusta, Ky., completed the college course at the school there, from which he was graduated in 1832, with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. He afterward received the degree of Master of Arts from the same college. After leaving college Mr. Howard taught for a time in the Woodward High School, at Cincinnati, later taking up the study of law under Daniel J. Caswell and Jacob Piatt. Entering the law school at the same place he was graduated in 1837 with the degree of Bachelor of Laws and at once established himself for practice in Xenia. This city at that time contained a population of about fifteen hundred, to whom the young lawyer was totally unknown. Without money, friends or influence, he located here and has made his way to prominence in a court that was attended by brilliant attorneys from adjoining counties. he has been in practice here for fifty-three years, the longest period of any living resident. Although he has given most of his time to his profession, Mr. Howard has held some public offices. He was a member of the Council and Mayor several years, as well as a member of the Board of School Examiners. In 1866 he was elected to the Legislature on the Whig ticket, serving one term Older the old constitution and two under the new. While in the legislative body he was appointed on several important committees, among them being the Judiciary and Penitentiary. He still continues his professional work, and although one of the the veterans, is yet energetic, keen and discriminating. In Miss Margaret Steele, of this city, Mr. Howard found the qualities of mind and heart that he thought desirable in a companion, and to her he was united in marriage May 2, 1848. She was a daughter of Prof. Thomas Steele, who taught here until old age compelled his withdrawal from such arduous duties as accompanying the profession of a teacher. Mrs. Howard was the recipient of an excellent education, and was a lady of culture. To her and her husband were born nine children, of whom two are yet living. Charles Fenton, the eldest, was educated for the bar, but owing to poor health, has not practiced actively. He is, however, a man of high legal ability. He is now Mayor of Xenia, having been elected in 1888, just fifty yea after his father received the same honor; he w re-elected in 1890, and is serving to the entire satisfaction of the community. His administration is characterized by the active interest he takes in all public measures relating to the social and commercial prosperity of the city. Another son, William Steele, was educated in this city and after reading law with his father, entered the law school at Cincinnati fifty years after his father had entered the same school and was graduated from that institution just fifty-two years after our subject received his diploma. He is now a member of the law firm of Howard & Howard. Subsequently to the death of his wife our subject married Miss Mary Hanna Pollock, whose home was near Belle Center, Logan County, Ohio. She is the daughter of William and Fanny Pollock, and was born in Carrol County, this State. She possesses the estimable character and cultured mind that fits her for the position she occupies in society and at the head of the family. The handsome home over which she presides is adorned by one of the finest libraries in this part of the State, comprising volumes that embody the best thoughts of the sages, poets and scientists of different centuries, and is a source of recreation as well as instruction to Mr. Howard, his family and friends. A lithographic portrait of the Hon. Mr. Howard appears elsewhere in this volume. SAMUEL NAWMAN. This life-long resident of Clark County is one of those energetic, public. spirited and worthy men who gain the esteem of their fellow-citizens and who are pointed out as excellent representatives of the farming communities. his home is located on section 7, German Township, and comprises a part of the old Nawman estate. It includes sixty-four and seventy one-hundredths acres of productive land under good cultivation, and bearing such improvements as are usually made by men of ability. Mr. Nawman is of respectable German lineage in both ancestral lines, and in his veins flow the PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM - 363 blood of patriot soldiers. Both Grandfather Nawman and Grandfather Baker were Revolutionary soldiers, and his father participated in the War of 1812. His parents, Thomas and Catherine (Baker) Nawman, were born in the Old Dominion, whence they emigrated to Clark County, Ohio, in 1806. They were among the very first settlers of German Township, in which Grandfather Nawman also made a permanent settlement in 1809. He died about twelve years afterward. A house was built of small round logs, a puncheon floor put in, and the Nawman family took up their residence in this primitive structure, which was subseqently replaced by a better dwelling made of hewn logs. On January 28, 1863, Thomas Nawman joined the "sheeted nations of the dead," an excellent citizen and indistrious pioneer being thereby removed from the midst of his fellow-men. He was a Republican during the lattet years of his life, and had formerly been a Whig. Of the children born to him and his good wife, the only survivors are the subject of this sketch and Magdaline, now Mrs. Birks, whose home is in 'Springfield Township. On February 3, 1819, the eyes Of Samuel Nawman opened to the light of clay, and amid the scenes of pioneer life he grew to manhood. In the labors of development which were going on around him he bore a part as his strength increased, and many a scene of pioneer life does he recall. A great change has taken place in the country with which his childish eyes were familiar, and he takes a just pride in the development of which he has been an eye witness and to which he has contributed. In common with his companions he attended the subscription schools which were held in the traditional log schoolhouse, also enjoying some of the public-school privileges which are one of our nation's pride at this day. The pupils of those early schools almost invariably became anxious to keep step with their county, and by reading and observation have increased the store of knowledge which they acquired in boyhood. This is the case with our subject, who is well posted on general topics of information. The estimable companion of Mr. Nawman bore the maiden name of Louisa M. Rhonemus. They were united in the bonds of wedlock August 26, 1855. Mrs. Nawman was born September 28, 1838, on the Blue River in Indiana, her parents being William Rhonemus (now deceased) and his wife, Matilda. During her girlhood her parents removed to Clinton County, Ohio, and after residing there a few years took up their abode in Clark County. She is a notable housewife, a kind neighbor, and devoted to her family. She united with the Christian Church when thirteen years of age, and her life has been marked with a consistent endeavor to walk worthy of her high vocation. Mr. Nawman is a believer in the principles laid down in the Republican platform. A large family has been born to Mr. and Mrs. Nawman, the survivors being Thomas W., Henry B., Emma, Charles C., George W., Jasper G. and Ollie. The eldest daughter is now the wife of Irvin Bymaster. REV. ADAM HAWKER. In addition to being an efficient minister of the Reform Church, the subject of this notice is also recognized as one of the leading farmers of Beaver Creek Township, Greene County. Of this he has been a life-long resident and is approaching the seventy-seventh year of his age, having been born November 1, 1813. His father's old homestead was the farm adjoining that which he now owns and occupies. He has thus grown up with the county, becoming one of its solid landmarks and has contributed in no unworthy manner to its growth and development. Andrew and Susan (Coy) Hawker came to Beaver Creek Township with the well-known Coy family in 1800, two years before Ohio was admitted into the Union as a State. They settled on a half section of land in the western part of the township, where Andrew Hawker spent the remainder of his life, dying in 1850, at the advanced age of eighty-two. years. He served in the War of 1812, and lived to see Southern Ohio transformed from a wilderness to the abode of a civilized and prosperous people. To the parents of Mr. Hawker there were born family of ten children, viz: Elizabeth, the wife of 364 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. Abram Morgan; Mary, Mrs. John W. Wolf ; Jacob who died 'near. LaFayette, Ind.; Frederick; Catherine the wife of Emanuel Retter; Susannah, Mrs. John Arey; Eve the wife of John Weaver of Dayton and now deceased; Adam, our subject; Barbara Mrs., William S. Vancleaf; Abraham and Otto. The mother was the daughter of Jacob Coy and survived her husband a, number of years, dying in 1868, in the ninety-third year of her age. In making the journey hither the two families setting out from Guilford County, Tenn., traveled overland to Wheeling and then took a flatboat to Cincinnati. Thence they came by teams to this county. Indians were numerous, also wild animals. When Mr. Hawker harvested his first crop of corn, the wild turkeys and squirrels ate it nearly as fast as he could husk it and throw it on the ground. The Hawker family is of German origin. The subject of this sketch spent his early days amid the wild scenes of pioneer life, receiving only the ad.vantages of a limited education and remaining at home with his parents until his marriage, at the age of twenty-three years. This event occurred November 10, 1836, the bride being Miss Hannah Westfall. She likewise was a native of Beaver Creek Township and was born June 15, 1819. Her parents were John and Mary (Shinepp) Westfall who spent their last years in Ohio. This union resulted in the birth of eight children, one of whom —Susannah, died in infancy. Mary C. is the wife of Valentine Costler; Harriet J. is the wife of Joseph H. Kable of Clark County; Permelia, Mrs. Christopher Haverstick; David W.; John A. of Dayton; Jacob L. and John A. The mother of these children departed this life at the homestead October 11, 1883. Mr. Hawker contracted a second marriage in Carroll County, April 8, 1887, to Miss Martha S. Hamm, a native of Maryland and the daughter of Henry and Hannah M. Hamm who are now de-ceased. Mr. Hawker commenced his ministerial labors as a local preacher of the Reformed Church and was regularly ordained in October, 1871. He identified himself with the Independent Order of .0dd Fellows twenty-five years ago and is a warm admirer of the principles of the order. In politics, he is an uncompromising Democrat, He held the office of Township Trustee five years. His farm comprises one hundred and sixty acres of choice land which yields him a comfortable income. He is recognized as one of the leading citizens of his township and his name will be held in remembrance long after he has been gathered to his fathers. BENONI. NESBITT. Xenia is honored in being the dwelling-place of a man whose ability is recognized and whose character is established to the extent which is true of the Hon. Mr. Nesbitt. It is now forty-three years since he opened a law office in this city, since which time he has gained a high rank among the members of the bar in this vicinity and has demonstrated his understanding of legal lore, his skill in the management of causes, and his tact and acuteness as a pleader. He is one of the oldest attorneys in Greene County. He has held various positions of public responsibility, and had he been desirous of public life, might have held still more. The father of our subject was Jacob Nesbitt, one of the pioneers of Greene County, who settled on Beaver Creek, in 1815 or 1816. Jacob Nesbitt was born in Washington County, Md., near the foot of North Mountain, in 1781. There he married Miss Catherine Tyler, who was born in Virginia about 1785. Some years after their marriage they drove to Ft. Pitt, now Pittsburg., whence the family household goods, farming utensils, etc., were taken by a flatboat to Cincinnati. The fa-ther with the horses came overland through Zanesville and Chillicothe to Cincinnati, where by a strange coincidence he arrived on the same day that that the flatboat did. The family spent the first and probably the sec-ond year of their residence within this State on a farm on the Big Miami, near a village then called Colrain, in Hamilton County. Thence they re-moved to a farm now occupied by David Gray, seven miles northwest of Xenia, which was then almost a wilderness. There were but few settlers in this part of the county and but about six families within two or three miles of the Nesbitt. The PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM - 365 father continued the improvements which had previously been begun, and by dint of energy and hard labor brought the three hundred acres which he occupied to an excellent state of productiveness, and it ranks to-day as one of the finest farms in the county. There the father lived until 1845 or 1846, when he retired from active life, sold his farm and removed to Xenia, then a town of twenty-five hundred inhabitants. The five sons and daughters who Comprised the family of Mr. and Mrs. Nesbitt having married, the father and mother lived alone until the death of the mother in 1849, her decease having been occasioned by cholera. Soon afterward the father went to live with his daughter Elizabeth, wife of William Balentine, in Kenton, Hardin County, where he subsequently died about 1856. In politics he was a sterling Whig. He was a Deacon in the Methodist Episcopal Church, and for fifteen or twenty years had circuit preaching in his house, as there was no church edifice in the neighborhood. The gentleman with whose name we introduce this sketch was born October 18, 1814, and was a babe in his mother's arms When the family changed their residence to this county. Although there were no Indians in this vicinity at that time, game was abundant, from bear, deer and wolves down to the various classes of small game. His father was one of the prime movers in getting a subscription school located on his farm, and there the subject of this sketch obtained' the greater part of his schooling. The school was held but three months in the year, put this length of time was sufficient when well spent to instill a desire for greater knowledge and lay a good foundation. At the age of twenty-two years young Nesbitt left the parental roof, going to Springfreld, where he embarked in a mercantile pursuit with his brother-in-law, John B. Carrick. who had married his eldest sister, Nancy. He also continued his reading and studying, adding to the knowledge which he had obtained in the school-room a considerable fund of information. He remained at Springfield until March, 1837, when he sold out his business interests and came to Xenia, where he has since resided. He engaged in merchandising here until 1843, when he sold and read law with, R. F. Howard. In 1845, at Springfreld, he was admitted to the bar, being examined at the same time with John Sherman and with him becoming a full-fledged lawyer. In his early life, the Hon. Mr. Nesbitt was a Whig and on the disintegration of that party became a Republican. He wrote one of the first Republican platforms in the State of Ohio at a Congressional Convention at Xenia, which was adopted by it as well as by the surrounding counties. He has been a member of the State Board of Equalization for the landed property of this Senatorial District, and was Mayor of Xenia for many years, holding that office during the terrible cholera epidemic of 1849. He was a delegate to all the State conventions for about twenty years, when he was more actively engaged in political work. With these exceptions he has confined himself strictly to his law practice, which has been sufficient to demand all his energies and has afforded him a competence. In August, 1864, Mr. Nesbitt was commissioned by President Lincoln a Captain of Cavalry, and assigned to the duty of Provost Marshal of the Seventh Congressional District, with headquarters at Columbus. He retained his official station until six months after the close of the war and sometime after the troops were mustered out of service, being the last Provost Marshal mustered out, and closing up all their business before he returned to his former home. The title which he then received is one by which he is familiarly known to this date. At the home of the bride, January 16, 1839, Mr. Nesbitt was united in marriage with Mrs. Rachael B. Crosby, nee Maden, their union being blessed by the birth of six children, of whom three are still living. Their son, William B., volunteered four days after Ft. Sumter was fired on, becoming a private in the Twelfth Ohio Infantry, in which he served three years. He went to the field in May, participating in the memorable battles of the Second Dill Run, South Mountain and Antietam. After the second battle he was promoted for gallantry on the field, first becoming a Second and then a First Lieutenant. He was mustered out of the service in 1864, and soon after Gov. Brough tendered him the commission` of Lieutenant-Col- 366 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. onel of the One Hundred and Seventy-sixth Ohio Infantry, which had enlisted for a year. With it he again went to the field, joining Thomas at Nashville and participating in the battle with Gen. Hood, one of the last contests of the war. At the end of the year he was mustered out and returned to his home. Shortly afterward, Secretary Stanton tendered him a Lieutenant's commission in the regular army, and accepting, he was assigned to one of the new regiments, with which he served two years. Having married he then resigned, came to Xenia and went into the hardware and agricultural implement business, in which he is yet engaged. Albert J., another of the surviving sons of Captain and Mrs. Nesbitt, resides in Dayton, and Walter L. is traveling for the Peninsular Stove Manufactory, in Minnesota and Dakota. The loving mother and faithful companion was removed from her loved ones by death in 1882, at the age of sixty-five years. J. DARWIN EDWARDS, M.D. This gentleman is an old resident of Xenia, where he first located for practice in 1860, and where he continued actively engaged in his profession for twenty-five years,. having since gradually withdrawn from it. He has been eminently successful, both in establishing a. fine reputation as a physician and in his financial accumulations. He has been called to many distant points, and during seasons when diseases were prevalent, he has not been able for weeks at a time to obtain a night's sleep. He is President of the Citizens' National Bank, of which lre was one of the organizers, that being the first business enterprise outside of his profession, which he had engaged in since he was graduated. The father of Dr. Edwards was born in New Jersey about the year 1772, marrying Miss Betsey Meeker, and removing to Ohio about 1806, locating in the new country of Clermont County. Caleb Edwards hewed a home from the wilderness, working hard to clear enough land for a farm, which he put under good improvement and mad his home until his death in 1859. His widow survived until 1876, five of their children being ye living at the time of her death. The natal day of Dr. Edwards was September 16, 1820, and his birthplace Bethel, Clermont County, Ohio. He lived on the farm until his fifteenth year, when he left the parental roof to begin work at a trade. During his boyhood he had acquired a bitter education than was usual to those of his age, and in acquiring his trade also he progressed rapidly and became proficient. He finally entered Augusta College, from which he was graduated in the class of 1839, with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. He engaged in teaching for a short time, and then began the study of medicine With Dr. Edwards. of Greenfield, Ind., taking his medical lectures at Cincinnati, and there receiving his degree of Doctor of Medicine. In 1850 Dr. Edwards crossed the plains from St. Joseph, Mo., via Salt Lake, going through from the Missouri River to Sacramento in ninety days with mules. The only stopping places where they found people, except the city before named, were Fts. Bridger and Kearney. Dr. Edwards located in Sacramento, but was afterward at Michigan Bar, Stockton and at Angels. He became interested in mines, but also had a drug store and practiced his profession. He continued in practice as long as he was in California, his fees being good and enabling him to buy an interest in a quartz mine that had many fine pockets. he returned to the States in 1859, intending only to spend a short time in visiting, but after receiving his diploma from the medical college, he was united in marriage with Mrs. Ruth McFarland, February 2, 1860, and in the spring located in Xenia. The bank of which Dr. Edwards is President, opened its doors for business November 15, 1881, J. W. King being President, and Dr. Edwards Vice-President. Upon the death of Mr. King, in July, 1883, the Doctor was elected to succeed him and has held his present position continuously since that time. Since youth he has belonged to the Republican party, in which he has been an active worker, although not an aspirant for political hon. ors. Against his will he was made a member of PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM - 367 the City Council, representing the Second Ward two years. He has been Vice-President of the State Medical Society, and for many years President of the Greene County Medical Society and the Xenia Academy of Medicine. While thoroughly practical in his ideas and his qualifications for a, business career, Dr. Edwards possesses an artistic nature, and a decided talent in re-producing his ideals. His skill in manipu-lating clay has been demonstrated by a very fine bust which he modeled from clay taken out of his cellar, and which shows in a marked degree his artistic taste. The most wonderful work which he has accomplished, however, is a statue, three and three-fourths inches high, weighing six grains, and cut from the pith of a cornstalk. It is called the Catholic Missionary Presenting the Cross to the Heathen, and represents a man in priestly garb holding out a cross in a very natural position, ev-ery detail being perfect, and the pose of the figure, as viewed from every side, being easy, natural and graceful. This wonderful little work of art received very favorable mention from artists at the Ohio Centennial at Cincinnati, and was pronounced by all to be of nearly perfect conformation. Dr. Edwards was first married to Miss Dorcas Edenfield, who died, leaving one son, Frank, who is now living in Xenia, and has a family of his own. SAMUEL DINGLEDINE. A snug little farm of forty-seven acres, in German Township, Clark County, is the home of the gentleman above named, and under his thorough tillage is producing a better income than many estates of greater extent but less careful management. Both grain and stock are raised upon the estate, every part of which bears evidence of the taste and thrift of its owner. In connection with his agricultural labors Mr. Dingledine is engaged more or less in teaching vocal and instrumental music, of which he formerly made a specialty. He is a native of Clark County, in which he was born October 22, 1837, but was reared to manhood and educated principally in the schools of Champaign County. Having a love and talent for music he took a special course of instruction at an institution in Xenia, in 1872, and for a number of years taught both instrumental and vocal music. His reputation as a teacher and performer is widespread, and he will long be remembered throughout this section of the country for the sweet strains with which he has charmed his auditors. Mr. Dingledine chose for his wife Miss Cather-ine A. Myers, with whom he was united in marriage January 22, 1863. This estimable lady is a daughter of Jacob N. Myers, of Dialton, and possesses those qualities which make womanhood honored. She is the mother of five children, two of whom have left the parental roof for homes of their own. Lida A. is the wife of Charles V. Blose; Sarah C. married W. E. King. The other members of the family are: Mary B., Charles A. and Edson G.. Mr. Dingledine belongs to the Reformed Church at Tremont City, and to the Grange Lodge at the same place. His political adherence is given to the Prohibition party. In the Shenandoah Valley, Va., lived Phillip Dingledine and his good wife, to whom, on July 13; 1810, a son was born, who was given the name of Jacob. This son grew to manhood in his native place, receiving but a, limited education, as his ad-vantages were not equal to those of the present day. He acquired an excellent knowledge of farm pursuits, which he made useful in securing a comfortable estate as years rolled by. In 1832 be emigrated from his native State to Clark County, Ohio, where for a short time he was in the employ of a Mr. Gard, on Mad River, as a farm hand and laborer in a sawmill. Having purchased land near Terre Haute, Champaign County, he settled upon it, remaining there a number of years, but returning permanently to Clark County in 1863. He settled in German Township, on the farm now occupied by Henry Rockel, and resided there until 1877, then selling this he purchased the William Baker farm, where he lived until 1887, when he removed to Tremont City, where he died January 16, 1889. He was ever A hard-working man, and during his earlier life did more or less of the labor incidental to the development of a comparatively 368 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. new country. He was noted for his hospitality and kindness toward the poor, while the interest which he took in the advance of civilization was equally well understood. He served as Trustee, Treasurer and Assessor, and as a public officer and private citizen endeavored to discharge every duty in a worthy manner. In politics he was a Democrat. He was a member of the Reformed Church, in which lre served as an Elder a number of years. His death removed from the county a reliable citizen, and from his family one who hail been affectionate and kind to wife and children. The first wife of Jacob Dingledine was Elizabeth Baker, a native of this State, who bore him seven children. Of these the survivors are: John E., whose home is in Darke County ; Rachael A., wife of Simeon Jones, of Tremont City; and he whose name introduces this sketch. The second wife was Sarah Baker, who still survives, her home being in Tremont City. JAMES M. AUSTIN, M. D. The medical fraternity of the Buckeye State embraces many men of marked talent, and among them may be properly numbered Dr. Austin, who since 1881 has been pursuing a profitable and extensive practice throughout the city of Springfield and vicinity. His native place was near Wilmington, Clinton County, this State, and the date of his birth December 24, 1848. His immediate progenitors were William R. and Elizabeth (Darby) Austin. The father of our subject was born in North Carolina, in 1808, and removed with his parents to Clinton County, Ohio, in 1812. The paternal grandfather, William Austin, Sr., was one of the early pioneers of Ohio, and a local preacher in the Methodist Episcopal Church. He spent his last years in Clinton County. The mother of Dr. Austin was born in Maryland, in 1809, and is still living, making her home with her daughter in Clinton County. Her father, William Darby, became a resident of Clinton County in 1820, where his daughter was reared to womanhood and married. Of her union with William Austin there was born a family of seven children, three sons and four daughters. Five of these are still living, the youngest being James M., our subject. Dr. Austin spent his boyhood and youth on his father's farm, in his native county, pursuing his early studies in the district school. Later he attended a graded school for two years and afterward occupied himself as a teacher. He at an early age decided upon the profession of medicine, and commenced his studies with this end in view, in the office of Dr. Jonas Watkins, of Blanchester, Ohio. When sufficiently advanced he repaired to the Eclectic Medical Institute of Cincinnati, from which he was graduated in 1874. Returning then to his native county he commenced the practice of his profession in Westboro, remaining there eight months. Thence he removed to North Hampton, Clark County, where he conducted a successful practice from 1874 until 1881. In the above mentioned year Dr. Austin decided upon another change of location, and accordingly established himself in Springfield, where he formed a partnership with Dr. Reynolds, which continued two years. Since 1883 he has practiced singly and alone. He has fully established himself in the confidence of the people, and enjoys a liberal patronage in a city where good physicians are the rule instead of the exception. The Doctor belongs to the Ohio State Eclectic Medical Association and the Central Ohio Eclectic Medical Association. He occupies with his family a neat and comfortable residence at No. 76 Yellow Springs Street. Politically, he affiliates with the Republican party, but is too much interested in the matters pertaining to his profession to become an office seeker. The marriage of Dr. Austin and Miss Florence Hodson was celebrated at the bride's home in Westboro, in 1874. Mrs. Austin was born in September, 1853, in Clinton County, and is the daughter of Simeon and Mary L. (Cunningham) Hodson, who were natives of Ohio, and arc now at Westboro. The Doctor and his estimable wife are the parents of three children, one of whom, a daughter, Pearl, died at the age of two years. The survivors are Grace D. and Howard H. Dr. Aus- PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM - 371 tin, socially, belongs to Clark Lodge, No. 101, A. F. & A. M. He stands high in both business and social circles, and may be properly classed among the representative men of Springfield, one who is contributing his quota to its material welfare, and who may be uniformly found on the side of the enterprises calculated to promote the best interests of the city. JOHN WELLER. In the biographical record of John Weller and his estimable wife, who are well-known residents of Green Township, Clark County, we trace the results of unflagging industry and perseverance through many obstacles, hardships and privations, during the early days of their settlement at their present homestead. They commenced the journey of life together with limited means, dependent upon their own resources and having no capital but their honest endeavor, their resolute wills, and the good health with which Providence blessed them. The wife assisted her husband in the field when necessary., in addition to attending to her household duties and spinning and weaving wool and flax, and making up the garments for the family. Neither paused to consider the magnitude of their labors at that time, but pressed right onward, keeping steadily in view the purpose of making for themselves a home and accumulating a reasonable amount of this world's goods. In looking to-day upon the surroundings of Mr. and Mrs. Weller, the observer is compelled to admit that they have done well, and they themselves acknowledge with satisfaction the result of their labors. We find them surrounded by all the comforts and many of the luxuries of life, with a sufficiency for their declining years, while at the same time they enjoy in a marked degree the confidence and esteem of those around them. In their tastes there is illustrated in an admirable manner, that which may be accomplished by a resolute will and the energy which admits of no such word as "fail." The Weller family has made for itself a good history in this country. It probably originated in Germany, and one of the earliest representatives in this country, was the great-grandfather of our subject, who settled in Maryland. In that State was born his son, Jacob, the grandfather of our subject, who, upon reaching manhood, signalized himself as a soldier and a patriot, carrying a musket on the side of the Colonists in the Revolutionary War. After the close of the struggle, he settled on the Shenandoah River, in Virginia, but later removed to Augusta County, that State. He occupied himself as a farmer, and became a man of property, owning a large estate, and remaining there until his death, which occurred about 1839. Joseph Weller, the father of our subject, was likewise a native of Maryland, and born in 1791. Like his father before him, he too, followed farming pursuits. In early manhood he was wedded to Miss Elizabeth Steffey, a native of Virginia, and the daughter of parents who were born in Germany. The latter settled in Virginia, but later removed to Southern Indiana, where they died. Mr. and Mrs. Weller after their marriage, lived in the .Old Dominion until 1830, then came to Ohio, and settled on the farm now owned by Robert Tyndall. Prior to this the father had served in the War of 1812. After a year's residence on the above-mentioned farm, Joseph Weller purchased eighty acres of school land just south of the river, but after he had cleared about twenty acres, another claimant appeared who maintained his rights in such a vigorous and outspoken manner, that Mr. Weller withdrew from the property. He then leased John T. Stewart's farm, upon which he remained until 1836. That year he rented the farm now owned by his son, our subject, and a year later became the purchaser of a farm near Pitchin, this township. Joseph Weller maintained his possession of this farm until 1851, when it was purchased from the Jones heirs by his son, John Weller, of this sketch. Only a small part of the land was cleared, and the only building was a log house. Mr. Weller set himself industriously to work to increase the cultivated area, and put up such buildings as were immediately necessary, including a new residence. This was destroyed by fire in 1859, but that same year the present dwelling was substituted. The barn which is still standing, and in fairly good con- 372 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. dition, was built in 1855. The orchard is all of his own planting. From it he has gathered bushels and bushels of luscious fruit, sufficient to supplsomethingy the family, but furnishing somethint also for the markets. The father of our subject departed this life in Allentown, this township, in 1879, outliving the mother eleven years, she having died in 1868. Of the ten children born to them, five are living: Samuel, Joseph and Lucinda, the latter the wife of Milton Dudley, are all residents of Indiana, Savilla became the wife of Thomas Dudley, and now is a widow, and lives in Springfield, Ohio; John, our subject, who is next to the eldest living, was born in Augusta County, Va., December 11; 1817, and was thirteen years old when his parents emigrated to Ohio. Many times prior to this he had crossed the Blue Ridge Mountains in his native State, and still remembers many of the scenes and incidents connected with his boyhood's home. He attended the district school a brief time, mostly during the winter season, and after coming to Ohio, assisted in the maintenance of the family until after reaching his majority. When twenty-two years of age he began to do for himself, working on his uncle's farm in Champaign County, until his marriage. The above-mentioned important event in the life of Mr. Weller was celebrated January 9, 1845, the bride being Miss Elizabeth, daughter of John and Elizabeth (Metz) Wiant. The parents of Mrs. Weller were both natives of Virginia, and emigrated to Ohio with their respective families when young people, prior to their marriage. John Wiant distinguished himself as a soldier in the Revolutionary War, and Mrs. Weller frequently recalls the stories which he told about his great commander, Gen. Washington. Afterward he followed farming, and spent his last years in Champaign County, Ohio, dying in 1854. The mother only survived her husband five years, her death taking place in 1859. There are living only six of the ten children com-prising the parental family. Mrs. Weller was the fifth child of her parents, and was born May 13, 1823, in Jackson Township, Champaign County, this State. She was trained by her excellent mother to all useful household duties, and was fully qualified to become the partner of a good man's home. Of their union there have been born four children, only two of whom are living: Sarah Jane is the wife of John E. Johnson, and the mother of five children; they live in Yorkville, this State. John A'. married Miss Catherine Poorman; they have three children, and are living on Gen. Keifer's farm in Green Township. Mr. Weller cast his first Presidential vote for William Henry Harrison, but from that time to this has always maintained his allegiance to the Democratic party. He is a Lutheran by baptism, and was carefully trained by his honored parents in the doctrines of this Church. For eighteen years he has served as Supervisor of Green Township, and for many years has officiated as School Director in his district, He has also been Township Trustee. His farm embraces one hundred and fifty-nine and one-half acres, all of which he has brought to a productive condition, and which yields bountifully the rich products of the Buckeye State. No man in his community is held in higher respect than honest John Weller, and no lady has been a more devoted wife and helpmate, or a kinder or more careful mother than his estimable partner. Their names will be held in kindly remembrance long after they have been gathered to their fathers.. A portrait of Mr. Weller is shown on another page in this work. JOHN BALDWIN belongs to the agricultural class of Clark County, which has been his. home since he was an infant four years old. He was born near Oldtown, Greene County, August 23, 1823, was reared on a farm and has made farming his life work. His parents, David Baldwin and Ellender McLaughlin, were born in Virginia and came to Ohio while still single. They were married in Greene County, subsequently removing to Clark County, and are now deceased. The present home of their son John is eight miles south of Springfield, Madison Township, where he has been located twenty-nine years. His estate comprises one hundred acres of fine land which is furnished with adequate improvements of various kinds, including every needful arrange- PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM - 373 ment in the way of farm building, fruit etc. The land is carefully and intelligently tilled, and brings in an income which more than meets the wants of the family. The wife of our subject was known in girlhood as Miss Jane McQuality. She is a daughter of William McQuality, who bestowed upon her the best advantages which the section afforded in acquiring information, and the home training which fitted her for the duties which have devolved upon her since mature years. Her marriage rites were celebrated November 5, 1848, and her union has resulted in the birth of three children. The first-born is Florence, now the wife of Samuel Justus Buffenberger who owns and occupies a fine farm near that of our subject; they have one child, Warren Kiefer. William R. a young married man without family, lives with his parents and carries on the farm. Eliza died at the age of six years, six months and sixteen days. - Mr. and Mrs. Baldwin hold memberships in the Methodist Church at Selma, the relatives generally being connected with that denomination. The families on each side have supported the Whig and later the Republican party, and actively participated in upholding the Union during the late Civil War. Both our subject and his wife are respected members of society and well deserve a representation in a volume of this kind. The father of Mrs. Baldwin was in many respects a very remarkable man. He came from Maryland with his father, Owen McQuality, before the State of Ohio was organized, settling near Chillicothe, where Grandfather McQuality met his death by being crushed by a tree which he had cut down. The family included five children, William being the first born. James reared a family at Jackson; Peter, a shoemaker of Brookville, Ind., also reared a family; Sarah married Isaiah Holloway and with her family lived near Selma; and Mrs. Manly Madden who resides with her family in California. Mr. and Mrs. Madden had two sons and a son -in-law killed in battle during the late war. After living a bachelor for many years, 'William McQuality married Miss Sarah Rodabaugh, who was of the Pennsylvania Dutch stock. They had a large family, thirteen children being living when the mother was called hence. A few years after her (Math Mr. McQuality married Miss Elizabeth Enniphies, who also bore him a large family, four of whom are yet living. Mr. McQuality died in 1883; his widow now resides in Illinois. During the Mexican War, Cooper McQuality, a son of William was killed in battle and his body was never recovered. The father also sent three sons into the Union Army, all being with Sherman on his march to the sea, as also were their cousins. The names of the union soldiers were James, Albert and Howard, who entered the service from Illinois. The first named was an invalid for many years and finally died from the effects of his army life. JOSEPH W. HEBBLE, Secretary of the People's Building & Loan Association, became a resident of Xenia in 1883, and is identified with its business interests. He is a native of this county, and was born in Fairfield December 5, 1843. His father, Henry E. Hebble, a native of Lancaster County, Pa., was born March 12, 1808. He there grew to man's estate, and was married to Miss Kramer. He had learned the carpenter's trade, and he also ran as an engineer on one of the first locomotives in Southern Pennsylvania, when the railroad was owned by the State, who employed engines and cars which were the property of a company. Engines then were built without cabs. Mr. Hebble the father of our subject, was on the railroad three years, and later turned his attention to building both houses and bridges, and superintended the construction of the solid bridge across the Susquehanna at Columbia, Lancaster County, Pa. The exposure to which he was subjected on the railroad, being thus without shelter, undermined his health, from the effects of which he suffered nearly all his life. He came to this county in 1841, and occupied himself as a bridge builder and contractor until his death, in March, 1884. The mother is still living and makes her home in Dayton; she is now quite aged, having been born in November, 1810, and she is, as was her bus- 374 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. band, it native of Lancaster County, Pa. They reared a family of ten children, all of whom are living and residents of Greene, and Montgomery Counties. The youngest is thirty-seven years old. The brothers and sisters of our subject are located as follows: Benjamin F. is a resident of Greene County; Mary A., Mrs. Casady, lives in Xenia; Amanda makes her home in Dayton; William H. lives in Osborn, Greene County; Louise, also a resident of Dayton; Joseph W. was the sixth child; Zebulon T. resides in Fairfield; Isaiah, G. L. and Charles L. make their home in the city of Dayton. The parents were members in good standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and the father of our subject during his later years was a strong Republican. Mr. Hebble spent his early years on a farm, remaining a resident of his native township until 1880. He learned carpentering and bridge-building of his father, and later officiated as a teacher, becoming Principal of the Fairfield School, which position he held three years. He was similarly occupied in Bellbrook two years, and thence removed to Yellow Springs, where he sojourned a year and a half. For five years he was Deputy Clerk of the Common Pleas Court from 1883 to 1888, and was one of the early members of the Building & Loan Association. In 1888 he was elected Secretary, and re-elected the two years following. The Association under his management has been placed upon a sound footing finannancially, and its business has been quadrupled, it having now about four hundred depositors, the deposits averaging $800 per week. This Association is of great assistance and encouragement to the working people. The subject of this notice was married January 16, 1873, to Miss Fanny Hamma, of Yellow Springs. Mrs. Hebble was born January 17, 1845, and is the daughter of Adam Hamma, who has been a resident of this county for over fifty years. Her mother bore the maiden name of Katie Barton. and was also the offspring of a pioneer family of this county. Mr. and Mrs. Hamma are now living near Yellow Springs. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Hebble, one of whom, a daughter, Kittie, died February 27, 1889, at the age of ten years. The survivors are Roy and Mary Ada. The family residence is pleasantly located, and is the frequent resort of the cultured people of the city, among whom Mr. and Mrs. Hebble have found many friends. After the outbreak of the Civil War Mr. Hebble, when twenty years old, enlisted as a Union soldier in Company K, One Hundred and Fifty-fourth Infantry, which was assigned to the Army of the Potomac. They went to Virginia, traversed the Potomac and Cumberland Valleys, and Mr. Hobble endured the hardships of army life until the close of the war. Two of his brothers also served in the Union ranks--Z. T., in the Tenth Ohio Battery, and W. H., in the One Hundred and Forty-sixth Infantry. JAMES M. WILSON, of Bath Township, Greene County, bears the distinction of having been one of the youngest soldiers of the Union Army during the late Civil War. He is now one of the most prominent and successful farmers in the country, and makes a specialty of fine horses, being a great lover of the equine race, and possessing rare judgment in determining their qualities. He makes his headquarters at a well-regulated farm of one hundred and sixty and one-half acres on section 27. Mr. Wilson is of excellent antecedents, being the son of William H. Wilson, who was born in Bath Township, Greene County, October 24, 1823. The paternal grandfather, Isaac Wilson, was a native of Redstone, Pa., whence his parents removed down the Ohio River and settled in Clark County, Ky. The great-grandfather, Jacob Wilson, lived there on a farm until 1802, then with his family of twelve children came to Ohio, and located on a tract of Government land in Bath Township, where he spent the remainder of his life. Two of his sons served in the War of 1812. Grandfather Wilson was a boy of ten years when he came with his father's family to Greene County, and being orphaned when quite young, was thrown