PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM - 375 upon his own resources, and in company with his brother operated the home farm until buying land for himself. In connection with farming he also operated a distillery, and engaged quite extensively in stock-raising. He was prospered. and finally became the owner of about twelve hundred acres, leaving at his death an estate valued at $80,000. He departed this life April 10, 1860. Politically, he was first a Whig and then a Republican. Grandfather Wilson and his good wife reared a family of eleven children. The maiden name of the latter was Mary A. Coffield; she was born near Cincinnati, and they were married January 2, 1823. Her father, Arthur Coffield, was a native of Ireland, and a Protestant in religion. He emigrated to Ohio at an early day, and first followed his trade of a weaver, but finally went to the home of his son in Greene County, where he spent the closing years of his life. Grandmother Wilson died in 1882, in the faith of the Reformed Church. William H. Wilson was the eldest child of his parents, and was reared to farming pursuits, which he chose for his life vocation. He operated one of his father's farms, and at the latter's death became the possessor of one of these comprising one hundred and fifty-five acres, and lying near Fairfield, the same upon which James M. now resides. Later he purchased thirty-four acres adjoining, and he operated this land until 1862. Then on account of failing health he retired from active labor, removing to Fairfield, where he now resides. He is a sound Republican, politically, and since 1847 has been an Elder and a Deacon in the Reformed Church. The mother of our subject bore the maiden name of Sarah Mitman. She was born in Little York, Pa., and was the daughter of Jacob Mitman, a native of York, Pa., and a farmer by occupation. He came to Ohio in the early days, and purchased land which subsequently was familiarly known as the Mitman farm. He spent his last days in Bath Township, hying at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Batdorf. Mrs. Sarah (Mitman) Wilson departed this life at her home in Fairfield, July 21, 1880. There were only three children: Mary, Mrs. Shuey, of Bath Township; Cassius M., a resident of Fairfield; and James M., our subject. Cassius served in the Union Army from the fall of 1864 until the close of the war, participating in the same battles as his brother, our subject. Mr. Wilson, of this sketch, was born at the farm which he now occupies, January 10, 1849. He attended the district school of his neighborhood until thirteen years old, and then, in 1862, removed to Fairfield with the family, and completed a practical education. In the meantime, during the Civil War, when only fourteen years old, he enlisted, November 3, 1863, in the Eighth Ohio Independent Battery, and was mustered into service at Todd's Barracks (named in honor of Gov. Todd), at Columbus. He was the youngest soldier of his company, with whom he went South to Vicksburg. He was engaged in garrison duty and in various raids, and at one time was badly injured by a horse falling against him. Mr. Wilson participated in many important battles of the war, being at Jackson, Miss., on the Big Black, joining in the expedition up the Yazoo River, and was at the battle of Yazoo City. He had in charge most of the exchanged prisoners while being taken from Jackson to Vicksburg, and who subsequently lost their lives by the explosion of the ill-fated steamer, "Sultana," on the Mississippi River. He served faithfully until the close of the war, and was mustered out by general order August 11, 1865, at Camp Denison. This army veteran, then only a little past the sixteenth year of his age, again took up his studies, attending the High Schools at Fairfield, and in 1867 entered Heidelberg University, at Tiffin. After an attendance of two years, his health being greatly impaired, he abandoned his books and engaged in fanning, renting land of his father. He was successful in his labors as a tiller of the soil, and in 1877 made arrangements to purchase a homestead. He subsequently added to it, and is now the owner of a little over one hundred and sixty acres. He has effected most of the improvements upon it, and in 1886 put up a fine frame residence, which is beautifully located, as is indeed the whole farm. The barns and outbuildings are convenient, modern structures, amply adapted to the requirements of farm life. Mr. Wilson raises grain and stock, but makes a specialty of flue 376 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. horses. He has a number of valuable brood mares, considered the best in the township, and of Norman stock. In February, 1869, Mr. Wilson was joined in wedlock with Miss Clarissa R., daughter of Samuel and Mary (Miller) Grindle. Mrs. Wilson was born October 7, 1849, in Grant County, Ind., but was reared by her maternal uncle, Paul Petro. She received a good education, and followed the profession of a teacher until her marriage. Her uncle, Petro, was one of the earliest pioneers of Greene County, where He followed farming successfully and became well-to-do. Mr. and Mrs- Wilson are the parents of three bright children—Bertha A., Effie S. and Grace L. Mr. Wilson is a stanch Re-publican, politically, but has no desire for the cares and responsibilities of office. He belongs to the Reformed Church, with which he became identified in 1868, and to which he has contributed a liberal support. He was Deacon for many years, and is now an Elder. He is the Past Grand of the Inde-pendent Order of Odd Fellows at Fairfield, and be-longs to Steele Post, No. 613, G. A. R., at the same place. DANIEL BANDLE. The recently desceased Daniel Brandle was born in Dauphin County, Pa., January 11, 1809. His father, John C. Brandle, a native of Germany, emigrated to America at the age of nineteen years, settling in Pennsylvania, this being at the begining of the present century. The son of whom we write followed shoemaking for a time and for many years he was engaged in carpenter's work, being a general mechanic. He came to Ohio in early life and in this section of the State was well known as one of the early workers at the carpenter's bench. About 1845 he settled upon a farm in Moorefield Township, Clark County, where he resided until his death, September 18, 1889. Mr. Brandle was well known as a man of strict honor and integrity and secured the esteem and confidence of all who knew him. His death was therefore mourned by a wide circle of friends, while to the family in which he had ever been a kind and loving husband and father, the loss cannot be estimated. He had served his fellow-men as Constable and School Director, performing the duties of those offices in a manner creditable alike to himself and those who had placed him in public position. In politics he was a sturdy Republican. He belonged to the Methodist Protestant Church at Pleasant Hill and had officiated as Class-Leader for many years. He was one of the first to advocate the establishment of the society in Moorefield Township, and always took an active interest in church affairs. The widow of Mr. Brandle is now occupying the homestead on section 27, of the township before named, owning fifty acres of the farm on which so many years of her wedded life were spent. She bore the maiden name of Mary Hargadine and is a native of this county in which she was born De-cember 28, 1815. She grew to maturity here, at-tending the subscription schools which were held during her youth and acquiring as thorough an edu-cation as possible with the facilities then afforded. On October 29, 1835, she became the wife of our subject, to whom she was a loving and faithful companion until his death. The marriage ceremony was performed by the Rev. Mr. Henkle, a noted pioneer preacher of this county. The golden wed-ding anniversary was celebrated in 1885, by a large circle of friends and relatives. Like her deceased husband Mrs. Brandle belongs to the Methodist Protestant Church and is highly regarded for her upright life and womanly virtues. She is the mother of six children, the first-born, John W., being deceased. Elizabeth is the wife of Samuel Hunter, of Springfield; Sarah is the wife of Joseph Norman of the same city ; Angeline, of Springfield ; Mary A. is the wife of Henry Beard, of Champaign County; Lena yet remains with her mother- The parents of Mrs. Brandle were William and Elizabeth (Griffin) Hargadine, natives of Maryland, who came to Ohio prior to the War of 1812, in which the father participated. He made a perma-nent settlement in Moorefield Township, Clark County, when Indians and wild animals were still plentiful here, and like all settlers upon the frontier endured many. hardships and privations. He was one of the early constables of this part of the PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM - 377 county and was an excellent representative of the class of men who opened the way for civilization in the great Northwestern Territory. He attended school after he was married, in that way securing the education which made him successful in life. To him and his wife eight children were born, of whom the only survivors are Mrs. Brandle, and Matilda, wife of Levi Hoak, a Springfield. The deceased children are: Thomas, Elizabeth, Charlotte, Harriet and John. WILLIAM C. KELLEY, an old settler of Clark County, has lived for over seventy years on the farm which he now owns and which was his birthplace. The estate occupies a part of section 6, Green Township, and although not so large as many, it is much more attractive than some, on account of its perfect order and thorough improvement. The fifty-seven acres which comprise it are divided into fields by the neatest of fences, and no unhinged gates, broken panels or loosened boards are allowed to remain here. The residence which is now occupied by those members of the family who are still at home, is cozy and well built, and was erected in 1875. Mr. Kelley is of Scotch lineage, having in his veins the blood of one of the oldest and most honored families of the ancient kingdom, and can proudly claim connection with patriotic citizens of America who have suffered in support of liberty. The grandparents of our subject were James and Catherine (Stuart) Kelley, who upon emigrating from Scotland to America settled in Virginia. During the Revolutionary War, Mr. Kelley Wok up arms against the tyrannical rule of the House of Hanover, and suffered severely by being badly frozen. Grandfather Kelley spent a perilous night during the Revolutionary war, and came near freezing, as he and other comrades had crossed a stream in a small boat and in some way he was left without means of re-crossing and it being very cold he marked out a place between two oak trees to parade so as to keep from freezing, and he became so fatigued at times that he would almost succumb, but fear of freezing kept him going. Thus the night was spent. In the morning he discovered a prostrate hollow tree and in this were dry leaves, and Grandfather Kelley threw in some powder and fired into it and by this means soon had a rousing fire and shortly parties from camp found him and took him across safely to camp. After the war he removed to Kentucky, and still later came to Ohio, where he remained until his death. He bought a farm four and a half miles south of Springfield and continued the agricultural labors of his life. His son, Joseph, was born in Virginia and taken to Kentucky when quite small. There he married Miss May Dutterrow, a native of the Blue Grass State and of German descent. Upon the breaking out of the War of 1812, Joseph Kelley joined a Kentucky regiment, serving until the close of the struggle. His family, in the meantime, had taken up their residence north of the Ohio River, and after the war he followed them to this State, coming on horseback from Kentucky to Springfield. In this place he was offered two blocks on Main and Limestone Streets for the horse he was riding, but replied that he would not give the horse for the whole town. Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Kelley settled near the Funston Farm, but after remaining there a time came to the place now owned by their son, the subject of this sketch. The country was heavily timbered and many hardships were endured while it was being cleared and made productive. A log house with a mud chimney was the primitive dwelling in which the family was sheltered and all bore a part in the labors which hard times necessitated. The family lived principally upon "hog and hominy," corn pone being their pound cake. A few sheep were kept, from the wool of which winter clothing was made and they also raised some flax, which also supplied covering for their bodies. The mother not only carded, spun and wove, preparing cloth from wool, flax and tow for her own family, but she also performed the same service for others, and although neighbors were few was able thus to add to the family resources. The boys were kept busy in the timber, cutting down trees, grubbing out stumps, and placing the clearings in suitable condition for the plow. An incident of interest hap- 378 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. pened to a sister of our subject in this county during her girlhood; while on her way to school she was attacked by a huge black bear and fortunately escaped from bruin by throwing her dinner on the ground. Before the death of the father, which occurred September 2, 1849, the place was pretty well cleared and life became more easy and comfortable. The mother passed away March 1, 1860. The family which originally comprised eleby- chilsurvivors-w represented by. four survivors. The natal day of our subject was January 28, 1820. He spent his boyhood days at home until eighteen years old when he began an apprenticeship to a blacksmith, with whom he served three years. He then continued to labor at his trade for an equal length of time, when his health failing, he returned to the home farm. When his strength was sufficiently renewed, he returned to the place at which he had served his apprenticeship and there spent a few years at his trade. he next bought out the other heirs and taking possession of the homestead turned his attention to agriculture as a means of subsistence. He carries on mixed fahisng and makes every portion of hii farm useful, allowing no weeds to overcome the good seed from which he reaps an abundant harvest. An important step in the life of Mr. Kelley, as it is in that of every man, was his choice of a companion, and many years of wedded happiness have proved his wisdom. On February 9, 1843, he became the husband of Miranda, daughter of Richard and Elizabeth (Jordan) Dudley, who has been faithful to every duty devolving upon her as wife and mother, and in whom the hearts of husMr-d and children rejoice daily. Mr. and Mrs. Kelley have suffered some of the bereavements which are the lot of mortals, having been callebelovedto mourn the loss of four btloved children, but they sorrow not as those without hope, beheving that in the future they shall meet again. Six sons and daughters rejoice the parental hearts, although all but one are now settled in homes of their own. Richard married May J. Smith and lives a half mile east of his pareB-s; Lavina is the wife of James B. Toland, their home being in Jewel County, Kan.; Francis married Ruth Van Bibber, and lives in Lyon County, Kan.; George W. lives near Columbus, his wife being Flora Benson; Martha A. married William Balden and lives in Madison County; James E. is unmarried and still remains under the parental roof. Richard Kelley is now serving his second term as Justice of the Peace and both he and his brother James belong to the Odd Fellows Lodge, No. 33, of Springfield. The long residence of Mr. Kelley at the same spot has given him a thorough acquaintance in the neighborhood and the position of a landmark in the county. His life since manhood has been marked with no wonderful event, but has been a quiet, industrious, and conscientious one, such as exerts a powerful influence in behalf of the principles of Christianity and perfect manhood. He has served his neighborhood as a School Director, and his church as a Class-Leader, Steward and Toffice- still holding the latter office. In politics he is conservative, giving his vote to the Republican candidates and principles. Both he and his wife belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church and are heartily esteemed by their associates in that religious body and by teir fellow citizens in general. CHARLES BURDELL. This young gentleman, in partnership with H. W. Owens, owns and operates a large planing mill and wood-working plant at No. 333 South Detroit Street, Xenia. Mr. Burdell has charge of the mill, which is furnished with the la.test improvements in wood-working machinery, the amount being greater than that in any other mill in the city. The two gentlemen have been in business here for the past four years, and have established an excellent reputation for reliable workmanship and honorable business methods. Mr. Burdell is a son of Asa and Harriett (Morris) Burdell, both of whom were natives of New Jersey, but who grew to maturity in Columbus, in this State. Asa Burdell was born in 1830, and is now living in this county, his wife having been removed from hill by death some time since. he was engaged in the saddlery business at Columbus, PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM - 381 after having been a conductor on the Little Miami Railroad for twenty-five years- All of the family except our subject are in railroad employ, having latterly been contracting and superintending the work with construction parties. There were Dine children born to the parents of our subject, and six are now living. The natal day of Charles Burdell was August 22, 1859, and the place of his nativity Morrowtown, Warren County. He grew to maturity in Xenia, to which he had come about 1860. He finished his education in Shawnee Agricultural College, after which he became foreman of Hilliker's planing mill, retaining the position for eight years and until he formed his partnership with Mr. Owens. At the home of the bride, in Yellow Springs, January 15, 1881, he became the husband of Miss Agnes McCann, an estimable young lady, who has borne him two children—Frank and Pearl. Mr. Burden exercises the right of suffrage in behalf of the Republican party. He belongs to the social orders of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and Improved Order of Red Men. He is a member of the First Methodist Episcopal Church, and is endeavoring to model his life by correct principles of conduct. WILLIAM MAHLON ROCKEL, a native born citizen of Clark County, is one of the prominent members of the bar in this part of Ohio, having a large practice in Springfield, where he makes his home. Though still a young man, Mr. Rockel has thus early in his professional career gained a high reputation, not only as a lawyer, the acknowledged peer of many of the ablest legal minds of the State, but is considered authority on many points as the joint author with Judge White, of one of the best works regarding a certain class of laws. Mr. Rockel was born in German Township, Clark County, July 18, 1855, and is a fine representative of sterling pioneer stack, his father, Peter Rockel, having been born in the same township in May, 1831. His grandfather, Adam Rockel, was born in Lehigh County, Pa., while his great-grandfather Rockel was born in the same county of German parentage. Adam Rockel was a farmer, and in 1822, in early manhood, while he was still unmarried, ho crossed the border line between Pennsylvania and Ohio, accompanied by five or six sisters, the removal being made with team, and east in his lot with the early pioneers of German Township. He bought a tract of heavily timbered land, built a log cabin, and at once entered upon the hard task of clearing away the forest trees from his homestead and improving a good farm. The surrounding country was then sparsely settled, with but little indication of its present wealth and prosperity, with no railways or canals, and with scarcely any other signs of the coming civilization. In the comfortable home that he built there his long life was brought to a close, in 1884, at the ripe old age of ninety-one years-four of his sisters survived him, and the combined age of the five was four hundred and twenty years. His wife, whose maiden name was Mary M. Baker, was a daughter of Philip Baker, well known as one of the early pioneers of Clark County; he came here in 1813, and settled one-half mile west of Eagle City Mills, in German Township. There he bought several hundred acres of land, heavily timbered, of which he cleared quite a large tract before his death. The grandmother of our subject died at his father's home in 1886, aged seventy-six years. The grandfather was a veteran of the War of 1812, serving under Gen. Henry Dearing, and for his good services in that conflict was a pensioner during his last years. The father of the subject of this notice was reared to the life of a farmer on his father's large homestead, and was an inmate of the parental household until his marriage. He then bought land one mile east of Tremont City, where he lived until 1867. In that year he rented his farm, which he had brought to a high state of improvement, and bought another located east of his original homestead on the Urbana pike. There he still makes his home, enjoying the comforts procured by the competence that he has acquired by persistent and well-directed industry- He has been twice married. The maiden name of his first wife, mother 382 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. of our subject, was Margaret Shiek, and she was a native of Carroll County, Ohio, and a daughter of William Shick, a native of Virginia, and of Ger-man antecedents. He was a pioneer of Ohio, and in 1844 moved to Logan County and located one mile north of Bellefontaine, where he still resides, being now eighty-four years of age. His wife who is eighty-one years old, is spared to be thethepanion of his declining years. She was born in early pioneer times in Ohio, and her maiden name was Catherine Shawver. The mother of our subject died in 1865, leaving behind her the gra-cious memory of a true womanhood. His fattier married for his "second wife Miss Sarah A. Ilges, who is devoted to his interests. William M. Rocket, of whom we write, was the only child of his parents laid the foundation of a solid education at the local district school in his native town, and was then given the ad vantages of an excellent course at the Bellefontaine High School, from which he was graduated with honor in the class of '76. He then pursued his studies in the Normal School at Lebanon, Ohio, and was graduated from the commercial department. After that he took a miscellaneous course in the same in-stitution, making a specialty of languages. With his mind thus thoroughly trained, after teaching one term in the Franklin School in this county, he commenced the study of law, toward which his ambition had long pointed, and for which his natural abilities peculiarly fitted him. He became a student in the law office of Keifer & White, was admitted to the bar in the spring of 1879, and in the fall of that year opened an office in Springfield, and for more than a decade has been in active practice in this city, his well-known ability and faithfulness to the interests of his patrons bringing him in a fair chentage. During his busy career he has been able to devote considerable time to the literature of his profession, and is the joint author with Judge White of a valuable work, entitled "Mechanics and Sub-Contractors Hens," which has been very highly commended for its erudition and the clear exposition of the laws in such cae-sesesr subject has also contributed to the English and American Encyclopaedia Law, as well as a work of selected questions from the Ohio Supreme Court Reports, for the use of students, etc., Memorial Day, 1889, he delivered the address be-fore the Grand Army Post of Vienna, which, at their request, was published, and has been read with deep interest by Grand Army circles far and wide. He is a valued member of Clark Lodge, No. 101, A. F. & A. M.; and of Red Star Lodge, No. 205, K. of P. In April, 1890, Mr. Rockel was nominated by the Republican party for Judge of Probate. As showing the estimation in which Mr. Rocket is held by his fellow-citizens, we will insert the following as voicing their sentiments, which we quote from two leading local papers: From the Sentinel--"William Rocket, who is announced in the Sentinel this week for Probate Judge, is well known to our readers. He is a farmer's son, being a native of Moorefield Township, this county, has never held an office, has had ten years experience at the bar, is the joint author, with Judge White, ̊ea legal work on Mechanic's Hens, and was appointed by the Supreme Court of Ohio to examine applicants for admission to the bar; has served on the Clark County Republican and Executive Committees during the past seven years, one year as Secretary and two years as Vice-Chairman; was temporary and permanent Chairman of our last county convention, and is in every respect worthy and well' qualified." From the Sunday News —" William Rockel is making a strong fight for the Probate Judgeship, He is, perhaps, one of the best equipped candidates for the position. It has never been said that at any time he ever mismanaged or neglected any business entrusted to his care. As a legal author, his is a very creditable reputation. His knowledge of the German language would make his selection an accommodation to our large German popupopulation- old sol. diers will remember his very able and patriotic address made on last Memorial Day at Vienna, and printed by request of the Grand Army Post in full in the Republic-Times. While pronounced in his Republicanism, he is always a fair and honorable opponent. His long, active, efficient and unrewarded service in the committee and on the stump, in behalf of the Republican cause, with his unquestioned qualifications, appeal very strongly in his behalf for this nomination." PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM - 383 Mr. Rockel has the advantage of a fine education as the basis of his professional knowledge, and brings to his task a well-disciplined mind. He is devoted to his profession, and is still a hard student whenever his onerous duties permit him to give attention to his books. He is an extremely easy and fluent speaker, having a fine command not only of the English, but of the German and other languages, and at the same time he is logical and concise in his statement of the facts of a case. A lithographic portrait of Mr. Rockel is shown on another page of this volume. SAMUEL K. TURNBULL- Among the early residents in Cedarville Township, Greene County, it would be hard to find one more favorably known than the subject of this sketch, who is familiarly known as "Sam." He possesses a genial nature, in his life work has displayed an abundance of energy, industry, and thrift, and in his dealings with mankind is ever honorable and trustworthy. He is a representative of a family which has been well known in this section since quite early in the century, and members of which are numbered among the first famihes in other sections of the Union. It may be well before outlining the history of our subject, to make a brief mention of some of his progenitors. His grandfather, Turnbull, lived near Nashville, Tenn., adjoining the well-known Hermitage of Gen. Jackson, and there his son John, the father of our subject was born in 1800. When the latter was thirteen years of age, the family removed to this county, having first stopped in Centerville, Montgomery County, and from there came to within three miles of Cedarville, on what was then a road cut through the woods, but is now W known as the Columbus Pike. Grandfather Turnbull reared a family consisting of the following named sons and daughters: Alexander, Thomas, Gilbert, John, James, David, Betsey, and Isabella. The latter married John Chalmers, and Betsey became the wife of Joseph Sterratt. About the year 1833 Mr. Turnbull and his sons Alexander, Gilbert and David, turned their footsteps Westward, settling at Monmouth, Ill., where many of their descendants are yet to be found. John Turnbull married Miss Margaret, daughter of Samuel Kyle, near Cedarville, who held the position of Judge of the County Court there for thirty-two years. After their marriage, which was celebrated in 1825, Mr. and Mrs. John Turnbull came to the farm where our subject now lives, having purchased one hundred and sixty acres of woodland. To it the husband came with his ax and cut away the trees with which, and in whose place to build a log cabin, in which he and his family lived until about 1842. The dwelling was made of unhewn logs, with a floor of sawed lumber, two small glass windows in the one room of which it consisted, and a fire-place so large that it would take a back log as large as four men could carry into the house. A fine large frame house was afterward built to take the place of the old log cabin, but on the very night on which it was finished, it was nearly destroyed by fire, having caught from the old home which stood near, and which had taken fire. The injured edifice was then fixed up as a one-story building, and in it the family lived several years, when a brick addition was made. In this condition it remained until it came into the hands of our subject, about seventeen years ago, when he entirely removed the brick part, and rebuilt the rest, making a large two-story frame building- This change was made a few years before the death of the father, which occurred in 1880. The mother of our subject died in 1852, and the father married a second time, by the two unions becoming the father of nineteen children, all of whom lived to maturity but three, and ten of whom now survive. The subject of this brief sketch was born and reared on the place which he now occupies, and has never lived elsewhere- His education was obtained in the district schools, and his manly habits acquired by careful home training. In 1857, while yet a young man, he took to himself a bride in the person of Miss Kate Funston, a worthy scion of good famihes. Her father, John Funston, was a son of Paul Funston, the paternal ancestors having been of Irish descent, and come from Ireland to America in the eighteenth century. Her mother, 384 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM- formerly Keziah Scott, was a daughter of Thomas Scott, of Lexington, Ky- The home of the Funs-tons was in Clark County, not far from the place where our subject lives. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Turnbull comprises one son and three daughters: Flora became the wife of C. D. Dobbins, of Hardin County, who followed farming near Lyman until recently, when he came to help his father-in-law on his farm. They have five children—Olin Allen, Alma Fern, Mary Kate, Fred Ernest, and Grace Darling. John Edwin, the only son of our subject, married Miss Jennie Smith, and is now living on a part of his father's place, where he has an attractive little dwelling and snug surroundings; he and his wife have one daughter, Nellie; Fannie Fern is the wife of C. M. Barber, a farmer of Cedarville Township, and a son of J. M. Barber ; they have two children, Collin and Marie. Melda M. is the wife of E. O. Bull, of Cedarville, and a son of Rankin Bull. Mr. Turnbull has voted the Prohibition ticket for several years past, although he was brought up to a behef in the principles of Democracy, his father and his grandfather having voted the Democratic ticket, and the latter having been a supporter of Gen. Jackson. Mr. Turnbull belongs to the United Presbyterian Church at Cedarville, as do all of his daughters; his wife was reared in the Presbyterian Church. LOUIS WEIXELBAUM, a prominent member of the editorial profession, is the proprietor and manager of the Springfield Journal, the only German paper published in Clark County, and through its columns his facile pen wields a wide and wholesome influence. A Bavarian by birth, our subject was born in Hessdorf, near Wurzburg, June 23, 1836. His father, Maier Weixelbaum, was a native of the same locality, as was also his father, Moses Weixelbaum. Both were butchers by trade and spent their entire lives where they were born. The maiden name of the mother of our subject was Getta Ehrlich, and she was born in the village of Lohrhaupten Curhessen, located about twenty-five miles from his birthplace. In the latter place she passed her life after marriage, and there died at the venerable age of ninety years. She was the mother of seven children, of whom the following are now living: Moses in. Munich, Bavaria; David in his native village; our subject; Clara, who married and lives in Hintersteinau. The son of whom we write was the only member of the family to come to America. He was reared in the Fatherland, and in its excellent schools gleaned a liberal education- He was at one time a student at a teacher's seminary, where he pursued a thorough course of study, amply fitting him for that profession, which he adopted when twenty-one years of age, his first experience being at Rulzheim, Bavaria, where he followed his vocation till 1860. In that year, ambitious to see more of the world, he resolved to emigrate to the United States of America, to see what life held for him here in this land of splendid opportunities. He boarded a steamer at Havre in the month of October and landed in New York the same month- Going from there to Baltimore he secured a position as teacher, and was thus employed in that city the ensuing five years. At the expiration of that time he tarried his attention to mercantile pursuits, and for a year carried on the fancy goods business. In 1866 he took an important step in life which redounded to his future comfort and happiness, as on the 30th of January, that year, he was united in marriage to Miss Mina Stern. She was born in Heppenheim, Hesse, Germany, and came to the America in September, 1860. Their domestic life has been blessed to them by the birth of six children, namely : Meyer, Moses, Beulah, Clara, Mattie and Alma. After marriage Mr. Weixelbaum came to Ohio, and established himself as a dry-goods merchant in Ironton. Later he engaged in the grocery business, which he managed profitably, and at the same time taught in the public schools and edited a German newspaper, carrying on these varied occupations with characteristic energy, and making each one' a success- In 1874 he closed his business, professional and literary labors in that city, and came to Springfield, as here his keen vision saw a fine opening for PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM - 385 the publication of a German paper, to cater to the intellectual needs of a large population of his countryman, and with ready enterprise he grasped the opportunity, and soon was issuing the Springfield Journal, one of the ablest and best managed of the Teutonic publications in this part of the West, and he has conducted it successfully ever since, making it a progressive, newsy and entertaining newspaper that meets the demands of a large list of subscribers. Mr. Weixelbaum, starting with the basis of a solid education, has, through his wide experience and keen analytical powers, gained a large fund of information, which his literary ability enables him to put before the public in an attractive style- He does not publish his paper in the interests of any party, but preserves his political integrity by an independent course, reserving to himself the right to support whatever candidate he thinks best fitted for the office. He was appointed a member of the Board of Elections by Gov. Foraker, in 1889. The educational interests of this city have had the benefit of his wisdom and advanced views in regard to education, as he has served on the City School Board seven years. He and his wife are people of earnest religious feelings, which find expression in the Hebrew faith, in which they were reared. MARCELLUS D. JOHNSTON. The manufacture of cigars in these later days has become an art and a science, and there are few who have a better understanding of the business than Mr. Johnston, who inaugurated his present enterprise in September, 1888, and does a wholesale business in cigars. His experience in this business commenced in 1868 in the city of Springfield, of which he has since been a resident. Mr. Johnston was born in New Carlisle, Clark County, this State, March 3, 1851, and is the eldest son of John and Mary (Garst) Johnston, the former of whom was born in the above mentioned county, February 8, 1825. The paternal grandfather, James Johnston, was a manufacturer of nails, having established the factory in Springfield in 1816. The nails were all made by hand and were sold at twenty-five cents per pound. Later, he turned his attention to farming, which he followed the remainder of his life. The mother of our subject was a native of Virginia, whence she emigrated with her parents when quite young. Her father, John Garst, spent his last days in Clark County. Mrs. Johnston died at New Carlisle, in February, 1863. The three children of the parental family were named respectively : Wurden, who died when about two years old; Charles E., a traveling salesman for the firm of Johnston & Son; and Marcellus D., our subject. The latter was a youth of seventeen years when he came to Springfield with his parents. He obtained a good education, completing his studies by a year's attendance at Wittenberg College. Later he became a bookkeeper for the firm of Kidder, Johnston & Co-, manufacturers and dealers in tobacco, acting in this capacity eight years, and was then admitted as a partner into the business. In due time Mr. Johnson purchased the interest of Jacob Seitz in the above mentioned firm, Mr. Seitz having succeeded Mr. Kidder, and the firm now became Johnston & Son, as at present. They transacted a wholesale tobacco business until 1888, but since that time they have done a very large jobbing business in cigars, and manufacture of the same. Their trade extends throughout Ohio, Eastern Indiana. Illinois and Chicago. John Johnston, the father of our subject, was for twenty-eight years a merchant in New Carlisle, Clark County. Having begun business there in 1837, he sold out in 1865, and in 1868 moved to Springfield, and here became a partner of the firm of Kidder, Johnston & Co. He is also a stanch Republican and a member of the Methodist Church. He joined the Masonic Lodge in New Cat lisle in 1850, and has attained to the degree of Royal Arch Mason. The store building of Johnston & Son comprises Nos. 115 and 117, East Main Street, and they give employment to thirty men besides their traveling salesmen. The family residence is pleasantly located at No- 295, South Fountain Avenue. Mr. Johnston is a Republican in politics. He belongs to the Central Methodist Episcopal Church, in 386 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. which he officiates as a Trustee, and" has been Secretary of the Sunday-school for. the past eight years. The subject of this notice was married, November 25, 1875, to Miss Lucy Slack. Mrs. Johnston was born in Clark County, Ohio, in 1855, and is a daughter of Peter and Maria Slack, ,who were natives of England. The father is living and the mother is deceased. The five children of this union were named respectively: Harry W., Viola M., Clarence M., Mabel F. and Laura Ruth, DAVID W. HEBBLE, M. D., probably the youngest physician and surgeon of Enon, evidently possesses the energy and determination which will rapidly elevate him to a leading position in the medical profession of Clark County. He has been an industrious student, is possessed of more than ordinary ability and what he lacks in experience be will make up in close application and the determination to excel. He has all his life long been familiar with the ordinary methods of practice as he is the son of a well-known physician of this county, Dr. Joseph Hebble who is still living in Enon. The father of our subject, a native of Lancaster County, Pa., was born in Market Township, April 28, 1823, and war the son of Christian Hebble, likewise a native of that county and born on the Susquehanna River. Grandfather Hebble was reared to farming pursuits which he followed all his life, with the exception of the time spent as.a soldier in the War of 1812. He passed the closing years of his life in Market Township. The paternal great-grandfather of our subject, likewise a native of the Keystone State, was a substantial farmer on the Susquehanna and lived to be about one hundred years old. Joseph Hebble was reared in his native township and worked on the farm when not attending school, until a youth of eighteen years. He had always been studiously inclined and now engaged in teaching, which profession be followed until 1846. Resol ving then upon a change of location,• he started for Fairfield, Ohio, traveling on foot and by boat and canal. Upon reaching his destination he followed teaching in that vicinity during five terms and in the meantime employed his leisure hours in thc study of medicine under the instruction of Dr. J.W. Greene, who subsequently became a member of the Legislature. When sufficiently advanced he re-paired to Philadelphia, Pa., and attended Jefferson Medical College until being graduated in 1852. Returning now to Fairfield, Ohio, the father of our subject entered upon the practice of his profession, but a year later removed to the vicinity of Milton, Miami County, where he practiced until 1860. We next find him in Jackson Township, Montgomery County, where he built up a good practice and where he sojourned until after the outbreak of the Civil War. In the spring of 1863 he enlisted in the Fifty-fifth Ohio Infantry and was mustered in at Columbus as regimental surgeon. In the fall of that year he received promotion, becoming Major Surgeon, and remained with his regiment until the close of the war. He went with Sherman on his march through Georgia and to the sea, and after the surrender of the Confed-erates was sent to Cleveland, Ohio, where he received his honorable discharge. Upon leaving the service Dr. Hebble located in Bath Township, Greene County, this State, but in a very short time removed to Enon, where he entered upon a successful practice and, where he still resides. He is now quite well advanced in years and is practically retired. His business will naturally fall into the hands of his son. He is the owner of considerable property, consisting of his residence and a number of lots and is fairly well-to-do. In religious matters He leans toward the doctrines of the Christian Church. He is an active member of the Grand Army of the Republic at Enon, and is also identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Dr. Joseph Hebble was married in Dayton, November 30, 1854, to Miss Elizabeth Casad. This lady was born in that city and is the daughter of Aaron and Charlotte (Curtis) Casad, the former of whom was a native of New Jersey, whence he emigrated to Ohio at an early day. He established the first fulling mill in Dayton, which he operated suc- PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM - 387 cessfully until his death, in 1849. Mrs. Hebble received a good education, completing her studies in the city of Dayton and remained under the parental roof until her marriage. Of this union there have been born nine children : Frances M. died in infancy; Emma S., Mrs. Dellahunt, resides in Mad River Township; Rosa J-, Mrs. Sheeley, is a resident of Springfield ; Katie E., Mrs. Swadner, is a widow and resides with her parents; M. Elizabeth follows the profession of a teacher and makes her home with her parents; Irene Gertrude, also occupies herself in teaching and lives with her parents; David W., our subject, was the newt in order of birth; Maude Blanche and Robert Casad continue to reside under the parental roof. Dr. David H. Hebble was born in the town of Enon. July 6, 1869, and was given the best of school advantages. He has been familiar from his boyhood with medical works, always having a liking for the profession, and he found that this feeling grew upon him as his years increased. He learned much under the instruction of his honored father and when fully qualified entered Sterling Medical College at Columbus, from which he was graduated March 6, 1890, with the degree of M. D. Returning then to his native place he naturally became the assistant of his father and they are practically in partnership. It is safe to say that they hold the leadership of the profession in this locality. Dr. Hebble, Jr., is a sound Republican, politcally, and keeps himself thoroughly posted upon current events. Hosts of friends are watching his career with interest, a career which they predict will he more than ordinarily successful. NIMROD MYERS. Among the solid men of Springfield who have reaped success from a course of persevering industry and prudent living, may be properly mentioned Mr. Myers, who is now retired from active business and living amid the comforts of one of the best-regulated homes of the city. He has been a resident of the Buckeye State for a period of forty years, and in watching its growth and development has contributed materially in bringing it to its present condition. Every man who has acquitted himself honestly and as a good citizen has thus been a factor in the prosperity of the place where he makes his home. A native of Frederick County, Md., the subject of this sketch was born near Frederick, the county seat, September 29, 1813. His father, John H. Myers, was a native of England. The mother died when her son Nimrod was only two years old, and he consequently knows little of her family history. They were the parents of five children—three daughters and two sons—of whom Nimrod was the fourth born. He and his sister Margaret are the only survivors. The latter is a resident of London, this State. After his mother's death Mr. Myers was taken into the home of his uncle, David Morgan, with whom he lived until a youth of seventeen years. Going then to Boonesboro, Md., he commenced learning the carpenter's trade, at which he served an apprenticeship of three and one-half years. Afterward he went to Hagarstown, where he worked at his trade for a period of eighteen years. In 1851 Mr. Myers. leaving his native State, came to Springfield and put up a small cottage, which he occupied with his family four years. In the meantime he followed his trade and operated as a contractor, superintending the erection of many of the most important dwellings and business houses of the city of Springfield. For the long period of thirty-five years he was thus engaged, and accumulated a competence, so that in 1878 he wisely retired from these arduous labors and now employs his One in looking after his property and farming lands. He has in German Township two hundred and seventy-seven acres, in a high state of cultivation and supplied with modern farm buildings. The family residence was built in 1859, and is pleasantly located on West High Street. It is a solid brick structure, and the fact that it has stood the storms of over thirty winters testifies to the skillful and thorough manner in which it was built under the superintendence of its present owner. Mr. Myers was married in 1837, over fifty-three years ago, to Miss Mary A. Lushbaugh, of Hagarstown, Md. Mrs. Myers was born in that town in 1816, and is a daughter of John Lushbaugh, who 388 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. was of German descent. This union resulted in the birth of eight children, all of whom are living: Ann; William, Who lives in Springfield ; Edward, in Omaha; Amelia; Mary ; Maria Louisa; Ellen, and Mattie. Mr. and Mrs- Myers are members in good standing of the First Lutheran Church, with which our subject has been connected for the long space of forty-five years. In politics he is a sound Republican and an ardent defender of the principles of his party. In the early days he was a Democrat, casting his first Presidential vote for Martin Van Buren; then became a Whig, and subsequently a Republican. For six years he has been a member of the School Board of his district, and has served on various important committees in connection therewith, and was generally Chairman of the building committee. JAMES D. SCHNEBLY. The valuable and attractive farm of one hundred and ninety acres, two miles north of the village of Spring Valley, Greene County, which is the home of the above named gentleman, is also his birthplace, and upon it he has spent his entire life in farming, milling and stock-raising. His natal day was May 29, 1822. He received a common school education, and under the tutelage of his father, he became a practical farmer and miller, capable of continuing the work which his parent had begun. He now ranks among the leading and most substantial agriculturists and stock-raisers of the county. In politics he was originally a Whig, his first Presidential vote having been cast for Henry Clay in 1844, and he has voted at every Presidential election since, being identified with the Republican party since its formation. The gentleman of whom this biographical sketch speaks, is a direct descendant of one John Schnebly, of Switzerland, who crossed the ocean accompanied by a brother Jacob, and settled in Maryland, the descendants being slave owners while they lived in that State- They had come from the vicinity of Bear, Switzerland, settling near Hagerstown, where the next in the direct line of descent spent his life. This was Leonard Schnebly, who was born on the ocean, and who upon reaching man's estate married Elizabeth McLaughlin, a native of Maryland. Their family comprised three sons and a daughter, named respectively: James, John, Henry and Nancy. The latter became the wife of David Barnett. The above mentioned James Schnebly opened his eyes to the light September 18, 1792, in Frederick County, Md., and learned the trade of a carpenter and joiner. During the War of 1812 he held a captain's commission under Col. Barnett. On July 25, 1813, he was united in marriage with Catherine Dunn, a native of the same county as himself, whose natal day was November 11, 1792. Some three years after their marriage they removed to the neighborhood of Harrodsburg, Ky., but a year latter changed their abode to Lebanon, Warren County, Ohio. The same year Mr. Schnebly purchased one hundred and forty-three acres where the subject of this sketch now lives, and built a sawmill, removing to the place in 1819. He cleared and improved the farm, and a few years after taking possession of it purchased an additional two hundred and forty acres, but subsequently sold two hundred acres, leaving an estate of the acreage it still comprises- This he retained until his death, July 15, 1879. In 1833 he built a gristmill with three burrs, just below his house, and this mill was operated until 1887, since which time it has been idle. James Schnebly and his wife were active and devoted members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, to the support of which they contributed liberally. Mr. Schnebly was a Jackson man until the veto of the United States Bank Bill by that famous General and President, when he became a Whig, and quite as a matter of course, still later identified himself with the Republican party. He and his wife had eleven children. John L., is a miller; Elizabeth, married Adison Talbert, a teacher; Susan R., is the third born; James D., the next, is the subject of this sketch; Mary S., is the wife of Williamson Miller, of Glasgow, Mo.; Hiram H., a miller, lives near Ripon, Wis.; Joseph G., is a physician in Topeka, Kan.; Frederick B., is a carpenter in Kansas City, Mo.; Ellen F., is the PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM - 391 next on the family roll; George F., served in the Seventy-fourth Ohio Infantry, and died at Murfreesboro, Tenn-, in his country's cause; Peter R., is an attorney at Xenia. Frederick was also a Union soldier, having been First Heutenant in the Twelfth Ohio, and subsequently holding the same rank in a signal corps. The maternal grandparents of our subject, were George and Susannah (Rentch) Dunn, who reared a family of three sons and four daughters, named respectively : John; Jacob, James, Elizabeth, Kezia, Catherine and Mary. The father was a native of Maryland, and a farmer; His daughter, Catherine, the mother of our subject, died October 11, 1870. HON. OLIVER SMITH KELLY. The advantages of a Republican Government are nowhere more finely illustrated than in the career of those who, dwelling under its protection, have been enabled to rise from an humble position in life to one of prominence and affluence, solely by their own efforts; and the career of such a one should furnish to all those who are struggling up through many difficulties the strongest incentive to diligence and perseverance. A position thus gained is of far more value than all the honors and emoluments which can be thrust upon a man without any effort of his own to obtain them, for he possesses the foundation stone of a character that is not likely to be undermined by the vicissitudes of fortune which will sweep from a sandy foundation the whole structure of a life, leaving nothing whereon to rebuild. The subject of this notice, who is well known as the President of the Springfield Engine and Thresher Company, and Vice-President of the Second National Bank of Springfield, is a native of Clark County, and was born on his father's farm four miles south of the city, December 23, 1824. Of substantial Scotch and Irish ancestry commingled, he inherited from his forefathers their sterling worth, honest integrity, and the industry which has enabled him to make for himself a worthy and honorable position among his fellow-men. His immediate progenitors were John and Margaret (McBeth) Kelly. John Kelly served as a soldier in the War of 1812, and died in the prime of life, when his son Oliver S. was but an infant of ten months. The paternal grandfather of our subject was a native of Ireland, but came to America while quite young, and settled in Pennsylvania, and upon the outbreak of the Revolutionary War shouldered his musket and did valiant service in the cause of the Colonists. Mrs. Margaret Kelly remained a widow about five years, and was then married a second time. Oliver S. lived with his mother and stepfather until past his fourteenth year, and then, on account of cruel treatment by the latter, was forced to leave the place which he had called home, and thus driven out without money or friends, he was compelled to seek the means of a livelihood. In due time he found employment with a Mr. McIntyre, who lived on a farm a few miles distant, and with whom he remained probably three and a half years. He finally decided to learn carpentering, and accordingly engaged, April 13, 1842, with Joseph and John McIntyre, brothers of his former employer, and served an apprenticeship of three years, the first two years at the munificent salary of $4 per month and board, and the third year at $6 per month, giving thus 'the labor of three years for $168, out of which he clothed himself. At the expiration of this time, starting out as a journeyman, Mr. Kelly entered the employ of James Leffel, the inventor of the wonderful Turbine Water Wheel, his wages being $1 per day, and he boarding himself and furnishing his own tools. Later he engaged with Daniel Wessenger at $16 per month and board, and with him he remained nine months. In the meantime such was his economy that with the exception of $8, he saved all his earnings, and in the spring of 1846, having the necessary money, with a thorough knowledge of his trade, he was taken into partnership with J. A. Anderson, who carried on a 'general carpenter and building business, and with him he continued for six years. The next most important and interesting event in the life of Mr. Kelly was his marriage, which occurred December 23, 1847, the bride being Miss Ruth Ann, daughter of Baker W. Peck- Mr. Peck 392 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. was another soldier of the War of 1812, who set-tled in Springfield in 1817, and was a brickmason. To Mr. and Mrs- Kelly there was born in due time a family of five children, four sons and one daughter. Of these there are now only two sons living, Edwin S., who was born April 17, 1857, in Springfield; and Oliver W., born December 11, 1851, in the same place. These sons are now able and enterprising business men, and with their father comprise the O. S. Kelly Company, owning a controlling interest in the stock, and also manufacturing engines, threshers, horse powers, feed mills, stackers, etc. During the California gold excitement Mr. Kelly. decided to seek his fortunes on the Pacific Slope, and accordingly leaving his young wife and infant son in Springfield, started, March 29, 1852, for the new Eldorado. He spent his first three months at milling, and then, there being a demand for skilled carpenters, he repaired" to. the city of Marysville„ and for nine months thereafter was in the employ of Daniel Sifford, with whom he finally went into partnership, and a few months later pur-chased the entire business. He remained in California nearly four years, employing himself as above stated until January 21, 1856. On the 21st of February, following, after 'a month's journey, he was re-united with his family at his old home in Springfield, and shortly afterward embarked in the wholesale grocery trade. The above-mentioned enterprise proved dis-tasteful to Mr. Kelly, and as soon as the opportu-nity offered he sold out. In the fall of 1857 he became a member of the firm of Whitely, Fassler & Kelly, and with them engaged in the manufacture of the Champion Reaper and Mower. That first year they turned out one hundred and twenty-one machines, and the business increased so rapidly that in 1868 the product of their manufacture aggre-gated twenty-seven hundred machines. The busi-ness had now become so extended that it was thought best to divide the Unifed States into three territories, which necessitated the formation of three companies, namely: Warder, Mitchell & Co.; the Champion Machine Company ; and Whitely, Fassler & Kelly, the first two mentioned paying to the latter a royalty from that date. The Champion Reapers and Mowers grew in favor and universal demand, unfil in 1881 the combined firms had turned out machines to the number of no less than fifty-three thousand. On the 12th of November, that year, Mr. Kelly sold his third interest in the business to Mr. Whitely, receiving as part pay the factory, buildings and grounds, these being necessarily abandoned for more extensive works, farther from the center of the city. Mr. Kelly then tore down and removed the old factory buildings, and upon the site erected, at a cost of $300,000, the famous Arcade. This is one of the most noticeable features of the city of Springfield, comprising the railroad depot, the celebrated Arcade Hotel, innumerable offices, studios and stores, the post-office and the beautiful Arcade proper. All these buildings are models of architecture, utility, convenience and comfort,' and illustrate in a marked manner the enterprise and perseverance of one man whose progressive mind is always reaching out for something great to conquer. In October, 1882, Mr. Kelly purchased the Rineheart, Ballard dr Co.'s threshing machine works at Springfield, and formed a stock company, under the title of the Springfield Engine and Threshing Company, of which he was unanimously elected President. It soon became necessary to double the size and capacity of the building, and to the industries prosecuted therein was added the manufacture of portable and traction engines of various kinds. Within three years the business increased about 100 per cent. Through New York agents they began shipping to all parts of the world, and the value of their machines was indicated by the constantly increasing sales and a corresponding demand. In the meantime, although having such extensive business interests, Mr. Kelly kept in view the material welfare of his adopted city, and became prominent in local affairs. He served as a mem-ber of the City Council for a period of six years, and during the construction of the new waterworks was a member of the Board of Trustees. Originally a Whig, he identified himself with the Republican party later, and is an ardent advocate of protection for American industries. In his career has been PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM - 393 largely illustrated the intelligence of the brain as well as the labor of the hand, and he generously acknowledges that during his years of struggle and toil he found a true and noble helpmate in his honored wife, whose wise management of her household, and whose industry and frugality, as well as her cheerful counsel and sympathy, proved of inestimable value to him, and he maintains that without this aid he would scarcely have arrived at the point of his present prosperity. Personally, Mr. Kelly is of modest and unassuming demeanor, and while surrounded by all the appliances of wealth and culture, becomes the personal friend of his employes, neither cringing to the wealthy or looking down on the poor. He is regarded as one of the fathers of his adopted city, and has contributed largely to her wealth and prosperity- He enjoys the confidence and esteem of hosts of friends, and is one whose name will be held in honored remembrance long after he has departed hence. Mr. Kelly among his other beneficences erected, in 1889, a large fountain, in the centre of what is now called Fountain Square, at a cost of $6,000, donating it to the city of Springfield. It is a beautiful structure, adorned with numerous pieces of statuary, and proves one of the attractions of the the city. Mr. Kelly served as Mayor one term, filling the position acceptably and with the good judgment which has characterized all his transactions whether of a public or private nature- Elsewhere in this volume appears a lithographic portrait of the Hon. Mr. Kelly. JOHN FANSLER came to Ohio in pioneer days before he had attained to manhood, and for more than half a century has been a resident of this State, and has been an interested witness of much of its development from the wild prairies and primeval forests of former days to its present prosperous condition as one of the leading commonwealths in the part of the United States which was known in the early years of this century as the Northwest Territory. By frugality and energetic labor he has accumulated a competence and established a comfortable home, which, when he purchased it thirty-five years ago, was isolated on the outskirts of Springfield, but is now in the heart of the city, surrounded by substantial buildings on every hand, such has been the progress of this municipality since he settled here permanently. Mr. Fansler was born in Franklin County, Pa., May 6, 1818, His father, Henry Fansler, was a native of the same State, and was there reared, and after his marriage with Mary Deulabaum, also of that State, he located in Franklin County. Residing there until 1836, in that year, with his wife and six children, he emigrated to Ohio, the entire journey being made with one horse and a wagon. He located at Massillon, where he rented a farm. Four years later, in 1840, he removed from there to this county, and renting a home one mile front the center of this city, the closing years of his life were passed here, he being quite old at the time of his settlement here, and living in retirement until his death- The mother of our subject spent her last days in his home. The following is recorded of her six children: John is the subject of our sketch; James died here in 1887; Ann lives with our subject; Mary is deceased; Margaret lives in California; Madeline lives in this county. John Fansler was the second son in the family, and was eighteen years old when he accompanied his parents to this State. He assisted his father in the management of the farm that he rented in Stark County, and came with the family to this county in 1840. Soon after he entered the employ of John Lance as a teamster, there being no railways in this section at the time, and all transportation was with teams. He worked for Mr. Lance one year and then David Shaffer hired him to drive a six-horse team between Springfield and Cincinnati, and also between the former city and Columbus. The charge for drawing merchandise from Cincinnati to Springfield was from fifty to seventy-five cents per one hundred pounds, and was was quite a profitable business. Mr. Fansler, while thus engaged, had a fine opportunity to see a good deal of the country embraced in Southwestern Ohio and to witness its gradual development, and can 394 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. have a keener perception of the wonderful changes wrought here by the hand of man within the last half a century. The country hotels, which abounded when he traveled over the road, are now things of the past. They were not more than four or five miles apart on the main thoroughfares, and good entertainment for man and beast was provided at reasonable prices. Thus for lodging, supper and breakfast for the driver, and feed and stabling for six horses the entire bill was but $1.50. Our subject continued teaming until the railways were built, and then bought a team for himself, and was employed by Mr. Shaffer to draw stone the succeeding ten years until the latter's death. He then engaged with William Thompson the following fifteen years, and that gentleman closing his business at that time, he was employed by different persons. He judiciously saved and invested his earnings, and was thus enabled to establish himself. comfortably in his present home on West Main Street, where he has lived for the last thirty-five years. Mr. Fansler lives in retirement, enjoying the well-earned fruit of his early toil, gladly sharing his home with his sister, who materially contributes to his comfort. In the community where so many years of his life have been passed, our subject is well known, and is held in general esteem for those qualities of head and heart that make him a good neighbor and a desirable citizen- JOHN MIDDLETON. The results of industry and perseverance are illustrated in the life of John Middleton, of Xenia Township, Greene County, who is looked upon as one of its substantial citizens. His early surroundings were such as to implant within him the stability and self-reliance which are essential in the formation of a complete character. He was at an early age inured to hard work, and with only a limited education, started out on the highway of life, commencing the journey entirely dependent upon his own resources. Years of labor and the practice of a prudent economy finally brought their legitimate reward. Mr. Middleton is now the owner of a fine home in the shape of a farm consisting of three hundred and eighty-three broad acres which he has brought to a high state of cultivation, and which are the source of an ample income. His fields are enclosed with neat and substantial fencing, while the residence and outbuildings indicate in a marked degree the enterprise of the proprietor. Everything about the premises is kept up in good shape, and there is an air of thrift and prosperity surrounding them which is delightful to contemplate. The traveler passing by this attractive homestead, invariably pauses to look a second time, and carries away with him a picture which he will often think of afterward- The subject of this notice, a son of one of the earliest pioneers of this county, was born January 14, 1827, in Caesar's Creek Township, at the homestead which his father had practically built up from the wilderness. There he spent the first thirty-five years of his life, confining his attention to agricultural pursuits, and becoming thoroughly familiar with the arts of plowing, sowing and reaping, and the multifarious duties always attending a well-conducted farm. About 1864 he changed his residence to Xenia Township, of which he has since been a resident. It is hardly necessary to state that he is widely and favorably known throughout the county, as forming a part of the bone and sinew of its material interests, and he has contributed largely to its growth and development. Its treasury each year receives from him a fine revenue in the shape of taxes, while his influence has always been cast upon the side of progress, education and morality. The marriage of John Middleton and Miss Rose Ann Huffman, was celebrated at the bride's home in Xenia in June, 1851. Mrs. Middleton was born March 6, 1829, in Clinton County, this State, and is the daughter of Daniel and Mary Huffman, who were natives of Virginia and Ohio. The mother is deceased, and the father resides on the old homestead in Clinton County, Ohio. Mr. Middleton at the time of his marriage was a young man of twenty-two years: He settled with his young wife upon the old homestead, and lived there unfil his removal to Xenia Township- They have labored PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM - 395 together in the accumulation of their property, and side by side have established themselves in the esteem and confidence of those around them. The father of our subject was James Middleton, who emigrated to Ohio from Martinsburg, Va., about 1825, and settled in Caesar's Creek Township. Taking up a tract of wild land, he proceeded with its cultivation and improvement, and there established a comfortable home for his family. There he spent the remainder of his life, passing away in 1887. The maiden name of his wife was Angeline Mussetter. She likewise died at the old homestead soon after the close of the late Civil War. The parental family consisted of eleven children, nine of whom arc living. Mr. Middleton while keeping himself posted upon events of general interest, has wisely held himself aloof from politics, simply casting his vote at the time of general elections in support of the Democratic party. He is one of those men whose name will be remembered throughout the county long after they have been gathered to their fathers. SILAS BALES. The old pioneers are fast passing away, comparatively few being now left to tell the tale of their early struggles and privations. Among those now deceased and whose names are worthy of being held in remembrance, may be most properly mentioned him with whose name we introduce this sketch. He was one of the most substantial men of Jefferson Township and died at his home there July 15, 1882. He was born in Caesar's Creek Township, Greene County, June 11, 1814, and was the son of John Bales and the grandson of Elijah Bales, a history of whom will be found on another page in this volume. Silas Bales spent his boyhood and youth in his native township, being trained to habits of industry and receiving a good education in the common schools. He made good use of his time with his books and developed into a successful teacher, which profession he followed from the time he was quite a youth until after his marriage. Then, on account of failing health, he decided to turn his attention wholly to agricultural pursuits, and first purchased a small farm of sixty-two acres in what is now Jefferson Township. He commenced with very little means but He fOund a brave assistant in his wife, who spun wool and flax and wove cloth and carpets, while he taught school during the winter season and thus by their united efforts, they succeeded in paying for their home. Thereafter they were prospered and added to their possessions by the purchase of one hundred and eighty acres of land near by. Mr. Bales brought the whole to a good state of cultivation, improving it with good buildings, and at the time of his death was free from debt, leaving to his family an estate unencumbered and valuable. Mr. Bales was an honest, hard working man, firm in his convictions and one in whom his neighbors had entire confidence. He always maintained a warm interest in the building up of his adopted township, socially, morally and financially. He at an early date identified himself with the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he served for many Years as a Steward and Class-Leader and gave to it a liberal support. In politics, he was a stanch Democrat, but steadily declined assuming the responsibilities of office. The subject of this notice was married in Caesar's Creek Township, October 15, 1840, to Miss Elizabeth Smith. She was born in this township, April 30, 1818, and is the daughter of Charles and Sarah (Kimel) Smith, who were natives of Virginia. Mr. and Mrs. Smith were reared and married in their native State and remained there until after the birth of one child. Thence they emigrated to Ohio overland on horseback, bringing with them their family, having shipped their goods by water. Their goods, however, were lost or stolen as they never recovered them and could hear nothing from them afterward. This was a great drawback, but they made the best of circumstances and finally weathered the gale and by the exercise of great industry and economy succeeded in placing themselves in comfortable circumstances. They settled in what is now Caesar's Creek Township, about the time of the outbreak of the War of 1812. Mr. Smith secured one hundred and thirty acres of land which. 396 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. he brought to a good state of cultivation and whereon he and his estimable wife spent the remainder of their days. They lived to be quite aged, Mr. Smith having attained to the age of over eighty years. His wife died when past sixty-five. To the parents of Mrs. Bales there was born a family of nine children, six of whom are living. They were all taught habits of industry and economy, and Mrs. Bales at an early age became familiar with the arts of housewifery and was thus fully fitted to become the partner of a good man's home. She was not only the means of saving money for her husband, but assisted him in making it and the comforts which she now enjoys are no more than that to which she is justly entitled. She is the mother of two children only, the eldest of whom, Sarah, is the wife of Moses McKay and they are living on a farm in Clinton County, where they are well known and in good circumstances. Martha married Joseph P. Hollingsworth, who is represented on another page in this volume. For fifty-eight years Mrs. Bales has been a con-sistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Although seventy-two years old, she is still hearty and active and enjoys the esteem and confidence of hosts of friends. She has weathered the storms of adversity and misfortune, but through them all pre-served the same cheerful and courageous spirit which is one of the marked characteristics of her race, of which she is a most worthy representative. BENJAMIN F. PRINCE, Professor of Greek and History in Wittenberg College, Springfield, exemplifies in his life the truth of the poet's words, "He most lives who thinks most, feels the noblest, acts the best." He is of German lineage, and is a grandson of Adam and Eve (Buroker) Prince, who removed from Virginia to Kentucky in the year 1805, and thence to Champaign County, Ohio, in 1809. They were devoted members of the Lutheran Church, in the faith of which their children were reared. Their only son, William, was born in the Blue Grass State in 1807, but grew to manhood on the farm in Ohio. Although reared amid the arduous toils and privations of pioneer life, he became well acquainted with the more useful branches of knowledge. His business talents were marked, and he excelled as a mechanic without having served an apprenticeship. He became a farmer, prosecuting the labors of that occupation until he was forty years of age, when he was called hence by the angel of death. The maternal grandparents of Benjamin Prince were Christian and Mary Magdaline (Zimmerman) Norman, who, like the Prince family, removed from the Shenandoah Valley, Va., taking up their abode in Champaign County, Ohio, in 1805. Their home was the headquarters for Lutheran, Reformed and Methodist preachers, their Christian hospitality and fraternal spirit being manifested toward all believers with whom they came in contact. Their daughter Sarah, who became the wife of William Prince, was taken, with a brother and sister, eight or nine miles to receive' the ordinance of baptism at the hands of a Methodist preacher, no Lutheran preacher having yet visited the county. This broad and fraternal Christian spirit was a characteristic of both families of ancestors of our subject, and has been inherited by their descendants. They had come to Ohio not only to buy cheap lands, but to get away from slavery and its evil effects upon society. Mr. Norman became possessor of large tracts of land. Adam Prince, the grandfather of Prof. Prince, was a soldier in the War of 1812, and for a short time was kept in a block house near the present site of Tiffin, by the dangerous proximity of the enemy. In Champaign County, December 12, 1840, the family of William and Sarah (Norman) Prince, which already comprised two sons and three daughters, was increased by the birth of a son, whose history it is our purpose to record. His early school days were passed in the traditional log schoolhouse, and after the age of twelve years his schooling did not average more than forty days per year. Having a thirst for knowledge, he studied at home, among the branches which he pursued being Natural Philosophy, Physiology and History. At the age of seven years he was left fatherless, his training from that time being in the hands PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM - 397 of a pious mother, under whose tutelage the religious element of his character was developed, and tempered his ardent love of knowledge. At the age of twelve years he became a subscriber to the Evangelical Lutheran, and when that paper went out of existence his name was transferred to the Observer- This fact indicates the hold which religion had upon his youthful mind and was a bright prophecy of Christian manhood. In the fall of 1860 young Prince was able to enter Wittenberg College, and beginning in the preparatory department, he completed the course of study and was graduated in 1865. During his Freshman year he was elected essayist to represent the Excelsior Society in a public anniversary. In his Sophomore year he represented the same society in a contest between it and the Philosophian, and in his Senior year he was debater in another contest between those societies, which were a recognized power in the educational influences of the college. After his graduation he began the study of Theology, and in 1869 was ordained to the ministry. In the meantime, in April, 1866, he had been appointed tutor in his Alma Mater, serving with commendable success until 1869, when he was promoted to be Principal of the Preparatory Department and Professor of History, three years later becoming Assistant Professor of Greek. In 1879, Mr. Prince was elected to the Chair of Greek and History, which he is still ably filling. He also lectures considerably upon Political Economy, United States Constitution, and Constitutional Development, while during his professorship he has given instruction in various branches beside those mentioned, among them being the Latin of the regular course and English Literature. Prof. Prince has served for a number of years as Chairman of the Prudential Committee, which is elected by the Board of College Directors, and his splendid business abilities have been used to the advantage of the institution. He has also served the college as Librarian, and as a member of the Building Committee in 1883, the duties of Superintendent of Construction devolved upon him and he rendered valuable service. The usefulness of Prof. Prince has extended beyond the college, and embraces municipal, literary and religious labors. He has been a frequent contributor to the Lutheran Evangelist and Wittenberger, and has also prepared an article on Dr. H. H. Muhlenberg in "Lives of the Leaders of our Church Universal." He has been a member of the City Board of School Examiners for nearly fifteen years, and in 1881, after earnest solicitation, permitted his name to be used as a candidate for the City Council, in which he represented the Second Ward for six years. As one of the city fathers he was enabled to secure much-needed improvements of the north side of the city. He has been prominent in the Sunday-school work in the county, and for four years has been President of the Clark County Sunday-school Union. He has also held office in the First Lutheran Church, in this city, of which his wife is also a member. In 1869, Mr. Prince was united in marriage with Miss Ellen Sanderson, an intelligent and accomplished young lady of this city, who was born in Lebanon, Pa. She is a daughter of Col. J. P. Sanderson, of. the regular army, who, on being assigned to the Western department, brought his family to Springfield in order to better educate his children: Mr. and Mrs. Prince are the parents of three daughters and one son, named respectively : Grace, Flora, Walter N. and Mabel. In politics, he is a Republican. CHARLES A. HARRIS, Secretary and Treasurer of the Citizens' Street Railway, of Springfield, was one of the original incorporators of this company about the time of its organization, in 1883, and was at once elected to his present position, He is well fitted, both by nature and acquirements, for pushing an enterprise which is naturally calculated to be of great value to the public. His native place was at Port William, Clinton County, this State, and the date of his birth November 5, 1841. His parents were Joel and Charlotte (Compton) Harris, the former a native of Giles County, Tenn., and the latter of Fairfield, Greene County, this State. This branch of the Harris family traces its de- 398 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. scent from English ancestry and the father of our subject was one of the early settlers of Clinton County, Ohio. Subsequently he removed to Champaign County, of which he was a resident ten years. Thence he went to New Carlisle, Ind., and spent the closing years of his life, dying in February, 1887, in the seventy-third year of his age. For more than fifty years he had been a practicing physician and became widely and favorably known both in Ohio and Indiana. The wife and mother is still living and makes her home at New Carlisle, Ind. The parental family included five sons and one daughter, the latter being Catherine, the wife of Ellis Taylor, a resident of New Carlisle, Ind.; Edward H., is engaged in the grocery trade, William F. is a dealer in boots and shoes,. Joseph C. is a grocery man, and Ralph W., occupies himself as a banker; all are residents of New Carlisle, Ind. The subject of this notice was the eldest son of his parents and pursued his studies in a country school in the vicinity of King's Creek, Ohio. When seventeen years old he entered the grocery store of his uncle, J. C. Coulson, of Urbana, with whom he remained as a clerk until approaching his majority. Going then to La Porte, Ind., he employed himself as a clerk in a dry-goods store for six years. Desirous now of brightening up his business knowledge he enfered Duff's Commercial College, at Columbus, Ohio, where he took a full course of study which proved of great benefit. We next find Mr. Harris in the employ of the Merchant's Express Company at Urbana, with which he remained until it was consolidated with the American. In 1872 he came to Springfield and entered the employ of P. P. Mast & Co., as bookkeeper, a position which he filled acceptably five years and at the expiration of this time he was elected Cashier of the Springfield National Bank, which was organized in 1882. This position he held three years. The marriage of Charles A. Harris and Miss Lydia Mast was celebrated at the bride's home on May 5, 1865. This lady was born June 27, 1842, in King's Creek, and is a daughter of Joseph and Susan (Byers) Mast. Of this union there have been born four children, namely: Herbert M., Lottie M., Ada C. and nettle. The family residence is pleasantly situated at No. 197 West Jefferson Street. Mr. and Mrs. Harris are members in good standing of St. Paul's Methodist Episcopal Church in which Mr. Harris officiates as. Steward and is looked upon as one of its chief pillars. He cast his first Presidential vote for Lincoln and is a fervent supporter of the principles of the Republican party. SAMUEL T. REMSBERG. It gives us pleasure to include in this volume a biographical notice of one whose life has been spent in the quiet performance of duty, and who, without filling any prominent position in public affairs, has gained the esteem and confidence of neighbors and friends. Clark County has been the home of this gentleman for less than a decade, but success has crowned his efforts since coming here, and his home in Moorefield Township is one of comfort, neatness, and pleasant home life. Mr. Remsberg was born in Frederick County, Md., November 6, 1845, his parents being Benjamin and Charlotte (Zimmerman) Remsberg, who were born in the same State, and who still live in the county which was his birthplace. Their family consisted of thirteen children, three of whom are now deceased. Elizabeth V. is the widow of Edward Mobley, and her home is in Dayton; the next in point of age is our subject; Marizilla is the wife of George W. Toms, of Indiana; Susan C. is the wife of J. H. Rice, of Arkansas; Ora is the wife of Charles W. Shafer, of Maryland; Jennie, Mrs. Hoak, lives in Virginia; Ida is the wife of J. H. Routzahn, in Maryland ; Sylvester G., John E. and Laura are living in their native State. The subject of this sketch received but limited school privileges, and is principally self educated. He was reared to manhood in his native State, spending a part of the time on a farm, and a part in labor in a woolen mill, of which his father was proprietor. From early years he has been a hard worker, having even assisted his father in the support of the family, and giving his parents his entire