PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM - 625 sisters of Mrs. Dunn are named as follows: Sarah C. married Noah Sipes and lives in Yellow Springs; Ralph H. lives in Atchison, Kan.; Lewis is a cigar maker of Springfield, Ohio; Mrs. Dunn, the wife of our subject, and Lillie M.,who married Grover Beaton and lives in Fountain City, Ind. Mr. and Mrs. Dunn are the parents of two children only, the eldest of whom, a son, Walter, is a very bright and promising young man, possessing decided ability as an artist, making a specialty of crayon portraits. He is also a fine penman. He was graduated from the Fairfield High School and learned the miller's trade of his father. Carrie, the daughter, remains at home with her parents. Mr. Dunn's mill property comprises two and one-half acres of ground and the mill as it now stands with the improvements he. has made, is valable property. He has a fine- residence adjacent and Mrs. Dunn is also the owner of two residences in Fairfield. Politically, Mr. Dunn votes the straight Republican ticket and has been quite prominent in party politics, officiating as a delegate to the State and county conventions and filling other positions of trust and responsibility. He has been a member of the School Board of his district six years. He belongs to the Grand Army of the Republic at Fairfield, in which he is Quartermaster, also the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Mad River. His religious views coincide with the doctrines of the Methodist Episcopal Church in which he is one of the pillars, being a Trustee, Chorister and Superintendent of the Sunday School. He contributes liberally to the support of the society and rendered substantial aid in the erection of the church building. He has also been sent as a delegate to the Annual Conference. The subject of our sketch is the offspring of a fine family, the son of Elnathan and Nancy (Friend) Dunn, who were natives of Ohio, both born in Hamilton County. The paternal grandfather, Baracha Dunn, was a native of Nova Scotia, whence he removed to New Jersey early in life, where he followed his trade of a shoemaker and also engaged in farming. In 1801 he emigrated to Ohio, settling in Hamilton County with the Longworths and when Cincinnati was a mere hamlet.. He put up one of the first shoe shops in the place and while working at his trade invested his capital in lands near which afterward grew up the town of Lock-land. "Old Nick" Longworth finally got the better of him so that he lost a large amount of property. He prosecuted farming however, and also engaged in milling. He lived to a ripe old age, spending his last days at Lockland. He served in the War of 1812 and in religious belief, adhered to the doctrines of the Baptist Church. The paternal great-grandfather of our subject was George Dunn, a native of Ireland, who crossed the Atlantic in Colonial times and settled in Nova Scotia. He occupied himself as a fisherman along at the coast, both at the time and after his removal to New Jersey. The father of our subject learned the trade of a millwright at which he became skillful and successful. He engaged in building mills in his native State until 1839, when he emigrated to Illinois, and in Sangamon County, put up a number of mills, along the Salt River. In 1846 he returned to Cincinnati, where he worked at his trade until the outbreak of the Civil War.He then entered the service at the age of fifty-nine years, becoming a member of the famous pioneer regiment which was mostly engaged in repairing and construction. He was finally obliged to return home on account of illness. He lived, however, until 1875, dying in the faith of the Methodist Church and was a stanch supporter of the Republican party. The mother of our subject, a lady of more than ordinary intelligence and great worth, was the daughter of Charles H. Friend, a native of Virginia, a graduate of one of its best colleges and a ()ermine offshoot of the F. F. V's. After leaving college he followed the profession of a teacher and he was also a shoemaker by trade. He finally went to Canada where he married into the Schroetz family, who were of German descent. He was conscripted into the British army and compelled to fight the Americans. After the war, returning to the States he settled at Fulton, a suburb of Cincinnati and engaged for a number of years in the shoe business. Finally removing to Charleston, this State, he established a paper-mill in which the machinery was first operated by hand power. Later in life he removed to Lockland where he spent the remainder of his days. He was a Republican in 626 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. politics, and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mrs. Nancy ',Friend) Dunn is still living, making her home at Lockland and is now sixty-eight years old. One of her brothers, C. W. Friend, an early settler of Lockland, was a paper maker by trade, very enterprising. and successful and was largely instrumental in the building up of the town. During the Civil War 1e- served as a Lieutenant—Colonel in the Seventy-fifth Ohio Infantry. He left a large estate at his, death, which occurred in 1882. Another bother, 'George Friend, was the leading paper-maker of the west, and was likewise prominent in the growth of Lockland, being in no way behind his brother in enterprise and perseverance. He died in Lockland in March, 189. To the parents of our subject there were born the following children, of whom Andrew M. was the eldest. George: F. is superintendent of the Detroit Sulphite Fiber. Co. of Detroit, which operates upon a capital of $10,000,000. Silas S. is in the flax business at Circleville, Dak. ; John W. is a member of the firm of Laidlow. Dunn & Co., pump manufacturers of Cincinnati; Elizabeth, Mrs. Wigle, resides in Kingsville, Canada; Annie is a resident of Detroit, Mich. Silas, during the Civil War served in the same regiment as our subject and the same length of time, George serving with his father in the pioneer regiment. Silas was shot through both thighs at Stone River was carried by his brother, Andrew M., a mile to the field hospital. He recovered in due time sufficiently to be retained in the invalid corps, and remained in the army until the close of the war. GEORGE W. JANUARY. The farming element of Greene County finds a worthy representative in the gentleman above named, whose home is in Silver Creek Township, south of Jamestown. He is now quite advanced in years, having been born June 13, 1810, and is spending his declining years in merited repose, after a long and busy life. The farm which he now occupies, has been his home since 1866, and is a valuable piece of property which has been carefully and intelligently managed, and supplied with a full line of buildings and other improvements. The birth of our subject took place in Adams County, whence his parents removed to Highland County when he was very young, and to Greene County in 1820, he being then about ten years of age. Here he was reared and engaged in farm pursuits, carrying on a successful career within the borders of Silver Creek Township, and' while pursuing the even tenor of his way, securing a high degree of respect- from all to whom he is known. Although not an office seeker, he has held the minor offices, discharging their duties faithfully and creditably. Since he became a voter, his support has been given to Whig, the Abolition, and the Republican parties. In Buckingham County, Va., he of whom we write was united in marriage with Mary S. Garnett, a native of that county, who was well reared by worthy parents, and was a noble specimen of Christian womanhood. Her parents, Armsted and Johanna V. (Cook) Garnett, lived and died in that county, where her father was engaged in agricultural pursuits. They were slaveholders, and in excellent financial Circumstances.. They lived to be quite aged. Their daughter, Mrs. January, remained with them until her marriage, when she came to Ohio and assisted her husband to build up their home, being his cherished companion until October 13, l 888, when she was called hence. She had reached the allotted age of man, having been born in 1818. She was a member of the Baptist Church, and was well beloved not only by her immediate family circle, but by many acquaintances. To Mr. and Mrs.. January three sons were, born, of whom we note the following: Robert P., who occupies the homestead, married Miss Maggie C. Smith, of this county; James M. is also married, and occupies a farm near Sabina, Clinton County, Ohio; William L. is a successful attorney in Detroit, Mich., his wife being Miss Carrie Broker, who like himself, was educated in Ann Arbor, Mich. Robert January, the father of our subject, was born in the Blue Grass State, but came to Adams County, Ohio, late. in the seventeenth or early in the eighteenth century. There he was married to   PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM - 627 Mary Wadman, who was born in Somerset hire, England, and came with her parents- to the United States, when a miss of fourteen years. The family landed in Virginia, but subsequently came to Adams County, Ohio, where she became of age and married. In 1808, Robert January enlisted under Capt. Kincaid,. of Adam's County, and Col. Trimble, ex-Governor, becoming a member of Gen. Harrison's army, and serving about a year, when he was discharged. He re-enlisted and remained in the ranks until peace was declared in .1815. Although he took part in many active engagements, he escaped unhurt. After the war he .removed with his family to Highland County, and a. few years later to Greene County, where he and his wife spent the remainder of their lives, dying in Silver Creek Township, when about three-score years of age. Their family included three sons and seven daughters, our subject being the first-born, and all but two being alive at this writing. Both. parents were active members of the Christian Church, and instilled into the hearts of their children upright principles of conduct. In politics, Robert January was a Whig. James January, grandfather of George W. January, was born near Lexington, Ky., and was engaged in the battle of Blue Lick, Ky., against the Indians led by the notorious renegade Simon Girty, and was defeated by the same.   THOMAS W. STRETCHER. In noting the early pioneers of Cedarville Township, Greene County, he with whose name we introduce this biographical outline can by no means be properly omitted from the list. He is the son of Thomas and Ann J. (Warner) Stretcher, and was born next door to the old Walnut Street Theatre, Philadelphia, September 19, 1811. He lived there with his parents until the fall of 1832, in the meantime learning the trade of a gilder and decorator. Having now reached his majority he, with his brother Joseph, sought the West, and made Hillsboro, Ohio, his stopping place. He went to Cincinnati, and for a year thereafter followed his trade there. Then being thrown out of employment by the burning of the shop, he repaired to Dayton, and for five years thereafter was in the employ of a Mr. Hatfield. Afterward he returned to Cincinnati. In the spring of 1835 Mr. Stretcher was joined in wedlock with Miss Mary Warner, who became the mother of four children, and died in April, 1868, at their home in Cedarville Township. His eldest son, Wilson, is married and lives on an adjoining farm ; he has one child. Alonzo Clarence is attending Antioch College at Yellow Springs; Abner was married, but his wife died leaving three children—Clinton M., Carl and Laura E. Mary A. is the wife of Parker P. Fisher, and they live in Clinton County; Theodore is married and living in Springfield; he has one child, a daughter, Anna. Mr. Stretcher, in 1872, contracted a second marriage, with Mrs. Lavina (Gill) Baker, widow of Miller Baker, who died in Clark County, Ohio. and they became the parents of two children. Rowena A. was married to James B. Cross, who was killed in Resaca, Ga.; they had two children—Ada and Della. She was then married to Dr. Holmes, and there was born to them one child. Mrs. Holmes died on Thanksgiving. Day, 1888. The eldest daughter, Ada B., married Charles E. Begget, a grain dealer of Paris, Ill.; Della C. is the wife of George E. Sperry, a dry-goods merchant of Hamilton, N. Y.; they have two children—James Edgar and Blanche. J. Clarence Holmes is now a resident of Boston, Mass., being employed as a book-keeper in in the large shoe firm of Adolph Myers & Co. James G. Baker, the son of Mrs. Stretcher, died in 1879, leaving a wife and four children; Clinton died in Springfield, Ohio; Malcolm M. is a resident of Tacoma, Wash., where he works at his trade of a printer for $100 per month; Homer C. is learning the trade of a printer with his brother Malcolm; Harriet E. lives with her mother, Mrs. Elizabeth Baker, in Springfield, and is attending school. Of this marriage of Mr. Stretcher there were born no children. Carl Stretcher makes his home with them. John Gill, the father of Mrs. Stretcher, participated in the War of 1812, and witnessed Hull's 628 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. surrender. He married Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Richard and Ann (Gregory) Bloxom, who came from England. The paternal grandparents of Mrs. Stretcher were James and Martha (McWilliams) Gill, the latter of whom was a -sister of a soldier in the Revolutionary War. The Gills Were Irish and the McWilliams of Scotch descent. When Mr. Stretcher went to Dayton, upon the occasion heretofore mentioned, the only hotel in the place was a log house. In 1841 he purchased one hundred and forty-three acres of land where Le now lives, and which he has brought to a fine state of cultivation. There was then upon it only a small log cabin, which they occupied for many years. Mrs. Stretcher can remember when visiting there before her marriage to her present husband, hearing the rain patter on the clapboard roof. The floor of the cabin was of puncheon. Mr. Stretcher during his younger years was a mechanic and artist of no mean skill, and has some fine specimens of his work, including a couple of fruit pieces done in water colors, and an ornamental carved letter box. Among other relics which he carefully preserves is a badge which he frequently wears, and which he calls his "cosmopolitan badge," symbolizing the civilization of the whole world, and uniting all nations and all churches. The design is two ,disks, two and one-half inches in diameter, an eight-pointed star in a circle fastened together with a wire around the -rim. The whole is composed of silver, and was plowed up by one of his hired hands on the farm. It is undoubtedly of Indian origin, and similar to those frequently seen in pictures as a decoration of the wild savage. Mr. Stretcher paid his man twenty-five cents for it, and fastening through it a red, white and blue ribbon wears it upon all occasions. He maintains that the sixteen points are designed to extend to the four quarters of the globe, and the tricolors are typical of the unity of all nations—thus the name, cosmopolitan badge. Educated in the doctrines of the Quaker faith Mr. Stretcher held to these during his early years, but is now a pronounced spiritualist, a medium, and has often talked with his spirit friends, they sometimes shaking him by the shoulder and waking him at night. Upon one occasion a cousin, a young lady who had been a great singer, came and sat on the side of his bed and sang for him. Mr. Stretcher has a clock over one hundred years old, and which was purchased in Philadelphia by the mother of his first wife. Another relic is a fifty-shilling piece, which was used in the reign of King George III, in 1773. On one side is inscribed the words "to counterfeit is death." Mr: Stretcher when a young man took a ride on the first railroad train which went out from Philadelphia to Germantown. It will thus be seen that he is a man of large experience, and has kept his eyes open to what was going on around him in the world. He cast his first Presidential vote for John Quincy Adams, remaining with the old Whig party until its abandonment, and has since been a cordial supporter of Republican principles. THOMAS SHARP, of Springfield. is so fortunate as to possess abundant means which enables him to travel extensively and in other ways make profitable use of his leisure, and the fortune which he acquired during the years of energetic business life. He is an interesting conversationalist, having observed keenly and read much, and both profit and pleasure may be derived from an hour spent in his society. He is a native of Cincinnati, born April 28, 1814, and is one of eight children belonging to the parental family. His brothers and sisters are: Mrs. Hester Ackerman, Mrs. Elizabeth Hopper, Mrs. Mary Hopper, Mathias, John, Morris and James. The ancestral name was Sharpenstein, and the family were formerly residents of Holland. The first of the name to come to America crossed the Atlantic in the third or fourth vessel that landed at New Amsterdam, and John Sharpenstein, the grandfather of our subject, is believed to have been born in the metropolis. He removed to Bergen County, N. J., in Colonial tithes, and there prosecuted his business of ship-building, residing there until his death. There Morris Sharpenstein, the father of our subject, was born, and lived until 1812. He served three years in the Revolutionary PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM - 629 War, receiving for his services a land warrant for one thousand acres. After the war he carried on the business of ship-building in his native county, until the year above mentioned, when he determined to remove to Ohio. Accompanied by his wife, seven children and two sons-in-law, Morris Sharpenstein turned his face Westward. The removal was made with large Pennsylvania wagons, each drawn by four horses, the journey being through a wilderness in a portion of which the travelers had to cut their road. With his land warrant Mr. Sharpenstein secured one thousand acres of timber land in Hamilton County, and there began his labors as a pioneer of Anderson Township. He first built a small house of round logs, but soon afterward erected a more commodious dwelling of hewn logs. At ,the time of his death, in 1821, he was preparing to build a brick dwelling. His wife, who survived him for twenty-five years, bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Stagg. The subject of this sketch was but six years old when his father died, but he continued to reside on the home farm, attending the pioneer schools of the county. The temple. of learning was a log schoolhouse, which was heated by a fireplace and supplied with home made furniture, the benches being made of slabs with common wooden pins for legs. When sixteen years old, the lad went to Cincinnati, and entering the store of his brothers, John and James, remained in their employ until twenty-one years of age, learning book-keeping, and all the details of mercantile business. He then engaged in the dry goods trade on his own account, his store being located on Market Street, this being before Pearl Street was laid out. For some years he carried on the retail business, and then embarked as a wholesale dealer on Walnut Street, continuing in that branch of the dry-goods trade until his removal to Springfield. Mr. Sharp (by whom and his brothers the family name was shortened to its present dimensions) had frequently visited and passed through Springfield, where his attention had been attracted by a certain piece of property. He told a friend to let him know if it was ever for sale. One day, in 1868, he received a telegram from this friend, informing him that the place was for sale, and he at once came to this city and purchased it. It is a country residence in the city, the dwelling being surrounded by large grounds, adorned with a grove of oak trees, and occupying a rise of ground sufficiently high to command a view, not only of the city, but of the surrounding country. The dwelling is a commodious brick structure, home-like in its appearance, and furnished with every comfort and the adornments which the taste of the occupants has made desirable. For nearly fifty years the joys and sorrows of life which have befallen Mr. Sharp, were shared by a devoted wife. The rites of wedlock were celebrated between them in March, 1836, the bride having been known as Miss Eliza J. Wood. She was born in the Empire State, and was a daughter of Ebenezer Wood, one of the pioneers of Cincinnati. She died ih 1884, and her remains are interred in Ferncliff. The only child of Mr. and Mrs. Sharp died in infancy. Mr. Sharp has been a member of the Methodist Church since early youth, and is now connected with the society worshipping on High Street. JOHN D. STEELE, A.B., A.M., Secretary of the Hooven & Allison Cordage Company at Xenia, is a son of David Steele, of this county, and the grandson of John Steele, one of the early pioneers of Southern Ohio. He was born in Beaver Creek Township, this county, November 4,1855. Here he grew to mature years and acquired a good education, completing the course at the Union School in Xenia, from which he was graduated in the class of '72. Subsequently he was graduated from the University of Wooster, Ohio, with the degree of A. B. The business career of Mr. Steele commenced in the office of his uncle, J. H. Harbine, a grain dealer of Xenia, and with whom he remained until 1881. That year he became a member of the firm of Eavey & Co., wholesale grocers, disposing of his interests in the business in July 1889, when he became connected with the Hooven & Allison Cor- 630 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. dage Company. further details of which will be found on another page of this work. He attends strictly to business during business hours, and evidently has before him a successful career. He votes the straight Republican ticket, is a Royal Arch Mason, and a member in good standing of the Reformed Church. In connection with the interests already mentioned, Mr. Steele holds the office of Vice-President of the Xenia National Bank, is a member of the pork packing firm of Millen, Harbine& Co., and is also a member of the wholesale grocery firm of Steele, Hopkins & Meradith, at Springfield, who succeeded to the business of B. F. Funk & Co., in May, 1889. He is also a stockholder of the Xenia Gas Company. His business integrity is unquestioned, and he holds a good position in the social circles of Xenia and vicinity. David Steele, the father of our subject, during the Civil War enlisted, about 1861, in the Third Iowa Infantry, but on account of ill-health was soon afterward obliged to accept his honorable discharge. He then returned to Xenia, and having somewhat recovered was not content to rest at home while his country needed the assistance of every patriotic son. He accordingly re-enlisted, and raised Company E, Ninety-fourth Ohio Infantry. He was presented with a Captain's commission, and going to the front with his command, fell mortally wounded at the battle of Stone River in January, 1863. He lingered for a time after being wounded, and his remains were laid to rest at Beaver Creek Cemetery, Alpha, Ohio. The mother of our subject bore the maiden name of Mary Harbine, daughter of John Harbine, who was the first representative of that name. in this county. John Harbine was born in Washington County, Md., January 17, 1804, and lived there until coining to this county, in 1828. He was married in Lancaster County, Pa., August 21, 1827, to Miss Hester Herr, and not long afterward started with his young wife for their new home. They drove through in a carriage, and Grandfather Harbine bought the court-house in Beaver Creek Township, together with a tract of land. They moved into the dwelling thus obtained, and the husband occu pied himself as a miller, having likewise purchased the mill which stood on the property, and which was the first structure of the kind in this county. The first flour which he manufactured was called the Alpha Brand, from the first letter of the Greek alphabet. From this the post office was also named when first established. Mr. Harbine continued milling for some years, and finally built extensive oil, flour and woolen mills, together with a store, and became largely interested in the grain trade at Xenia. He also had two mills on the Miami River, where was erected the first cotton factory in this part of the country. .Mr: Harbine became one of the leading men of this section, and was largely interested in the development of the turnpike system, besides being instrumental in securing the building of the Little Miami road. He was warmly interested in the establishment and maintenance of schools, and labored to bring about the teaching of Greek, Latin and mathematics in the common schools. Politically, he was in the early days a stanch Whig, and later gave his support to the Republican party. Religiously, he was a prominent member of the Reformed Church. To Grandfather Harbine and his estimable wife there was born a family of eight children, all of whom grew to mature years—Daniel R.; Jacob II. is a resident of Beaver Creek Township; Mary E., mother of our subject, was the third child; Hattie M. is the wife of the Hon. John Miller, and they occupy the old homestead; Sarah J. married Dr. William Hagenbaugh; Anna C. is the wife of George Smith; J. Thomas; and B. F. is deceased. Grandfather John Harbine departed this life at the homestead in Xenia Township, June 8, 1873. He was fond of travel and a polished gentleman. The Harbine family were of old Huguenot stock, and the early ancestors were driven from their native France to lands where they might worship according to the dictates of their own conscience. In this manner three families of that name left their native land about the year 1700. One family settled in Algiers, where a small town now bears their name. The other two came to America, one settling in West Virginia and the other in Berks County, Pa. Grandfather Harbine's great-great- PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM - 633 grandfather, Peter Harbine, took his family, and with numerous other Huguenots fled to Switzerland first, but they too finally left for America. During the voyage a son was born, Peter, Jr., who was the great-grandfather of John. His grandfather was Adam and his father was Daniel, the latter of whom was born in Berks County, Pa. In 1749 Peter Harbine purchased a tract of land from Thomas and Richard Penn, in the then Province of Pennsylvania. This land still remains in the family, who have in their possession the old deed given by the Penns; and the old stone house and barn built over a century ago still, in point of solidity and strength, rival many modern farm houses and barns in the Keystone State. Grandfather John Harbine prosecuted his education at Clear Springs, Md., to which place his father had removed, and completed it at an academy in Pennsylvania. JOHN S. ALEXANDER. Among the portraits of representative and prominent citizens of Greene County, we are pleased to direct the attention of the reader to one of Mr. Alexander, which appears on the opposite page. It perpetuates the lineaments of one who, a native hum citizen of the county, has worked by dint of untiring industry and unflagging persistence from poverty to a position of comfort. His farm and the old homestead of his father lie about three-quarters of a mile apart and the former is three and one-half miles from the city limits. A Democrat in politics, Mr. Alexander, while keeping himself well posted upon the leading topics of the day, has never sought political honors and, with the exception of representing his township in the County Board of Supervisors, has lived the quiet life of a citizen. Coming of worthy lineage, the subject of this notice is the son of John Alexander, whose name can by no means properly be omitted from the list of pioneer settlers of Greene County, he having come to this region as early as 1806. He is a veteran of the War of 1812 and fought the Indians in the northern part of Ohio. His father purchased land in Xenia Township, Greene County. John Alexander was a carpenter and a cabinet-maker and manufactured coffins, besides other articles in that line. He died at his homestead in Xenia Township, January 30, 1865. The mother of our subject bore the maiden name of Rebecca Hook. She was a native of Virginia and the sister of Charles Hook, who was one of the early pioneers of this county and who for many years prosecuted farming in Xenia Township. The parental family included eight children, five sons and three daughters: Mathew, the eldest born, is still a resident of this county; Mary, now Mrs. S. M. Drake, lives in California; James is a resident of Iowa; John, Isabella and George are residents of this county; Charles served in the Union Army during the Civil War and died in Nashville, Tenn.; Josephine is living with her brother, Mathew, in this county. Mrs. Rebecca (Hook) Alexander departed this life at the homestead in 1866. Both she and her husband was connected with the United Presbyterian Church and the father, politically, was a stanch Democrat. In Greene County, this State, January 6, 1831, John S. Alexander was born and spent his early years under the parental roof, becoming familiar with farming. He attended the district school three months in the year and the balance of the time worked for his father on the farm until twenty-one years old. In 1873 he purchased his present farm then consisting of one hundred and two acres. Later he added sixty-six acres and now has a fine property, the accumulation of hard labor and close economy. Besides this, he has one hundred and sixty acres in Henry County, Ohio, that also being choice farming land. He has substantial modern improvements, including a stock scale house, put up in 1885, since which time he has made a specialty of Short-horn cattle, sheep and mixed Poland-China and Chester-White swine. He is able to exhibit some fine specimens of Norman and thorough-bred horses of the Tom Ross stock, and is numbered among the prominent and successful breeders of fine stock in the county. A steadfast adherent of the improvement of the county, a faithful worker in developing its re- 634 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. sources, he has conscientiously. performed every known duty as an honest man and a citizen, with the solitary exception that he still remains a bachelor. He has many warm friends, who recognize in him qualities which contribute to stalwart manhood, while his insight into men and things, his comprehensive views of business matters, and his keen judgment, have caused his ad vice to be sought for and followed by his fellow-men. ALLEN H. MIARS, a leading farmer and stock-raiser of Spring Valley Township, Greene County, has contributed his full quota toward its growth and development. He is a native of the Buckeye State and was born in Union Township, Clinton County, April 21, 1828. He is a son of Samuel and Hannah (Haines) Miars, the former of whom, it is supposed, was a native of Hampshire County, Va., and born October 29, 1799. The mother was horn in Clinton County, this State, about 1803. Samuel Miars, in 1812, was brought by his parents to this State, they stopping for a short time at Wilmington. Thence they removed to Union Township, Clinton County, where the father spent the remainder of his life, dying in April, 1875. He was first a Whig and then a Republican, and became a noted breeder of Short-horn cattle. He was prospered, financially, and accumulated somewhere in the neighborhood of nine hundred acres of land. The parental family consisted of six children, viz: Allen H., our subject; Mary Jane, the wife of William F. Oglesby, of Clinton County; Isaac, also a resident of that county; John M., of Sedgwick County, Kan.; Martin M., of Clinton County, this State; and Louisa, the wife of Alfred McKay, of. Wilmington. The paternal grandfather of our subject was Martin Miars, a native of Virginia, and who married Miss Jane Summers. Their children were named respectively: David, John, Samuel, Martin, Jacob, Elizabeth, Polly and James. All were married and reared families, and all lived to be over fifty years old. Grandfather Miars made the jour ney from the Old Dominion in wagons, and after settling in Clinton County occupied himself as a blacksmith and accumulated two hundred acres of land. He died about 1844, having survived his wife a number of years: The Miars family originated in Germany. The mother of our subject only survived- her husband twelve days. She was a daughter of Jacob and Mary (Leonard) Haines, who came to Ohio from North Carolina about 1800, settling near what is now known as Center Church, in Clinton County. Their children were named respectively : Jonathan, Isaac, Joshua, Zimri, Lydia, Hannah and Abigail. The subject of this notice was reared and educated in his native county and remained a member of the parental household until thirty-two years old. In the meantime he was married, March 7, 1859, to Miss Mary M., daughter of Jonas and Prudence (Smalley) Stump. The parents of Mrs. Miars were natives of Virginia and Ohio respectively, and located in Spring Valley Township in the pioneer days. They are now living, at an advanced age, in Spring Valley. Of this union there was born one child only, a son, L. Fremont. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Miars located on a farm near Wilmington, where they lived until 1882. That year they removed to their present farm near Barrett's Mills, where they have two hundred and seventy-six acres of land, and also thirty-eight acres which belong to Mrs. Miars. This forms one of the finest estates on the Little Miami Bottom. Mr. Miars is looked upon as a good citizen and is a liberal contributor to the churches and other worthy institutions. He is a Republican in politics. MARY E. GARD, widow of the late Silas H. Gard, has been a life-long resident of Clark County, and has witnessed and participated in its growth in all that is to-day visible of material prosperity or high civilization. Although her early educational privileges were de- PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM - 635 cidedly inferior to those bestowed upon the rising generation, she made good use of what she had and during her mature, years has read and observed so as to add' to her store of knowledge. In the school of pioneer life she learned those practical lessons and firm principles which. make her honored and useful in her clay and generation, and bestow upon her the pleasing consciousness of duties done. The history of the progenitors of our subject is not devoid of interest. Her grandfather, William Ross, was born in Kentucky and was stolen by the Indians when quite small, and preparations were being made to burn him when he was bought from his captors by an old French trader. He came to Clark County in 1798, took up three sections of land in what is now German Township, and toiled and suffered among the frontiersmen. whose scattered homes gave but little promise of the present population. His home was thrown open to the people for worship whenever Methodist ministers came to the neighborhood., there being no church here. Mr. Ross assisted in building the first church put up by that denomination, it being one and a half miles north of Tremont City,of logs, and erected in 1820. In the family of the pioneer Mr. Ross was a son Presley who was born in this county and who married Deborah Wallace, a native of Kentucky, who came. to this section when a young lady. This worthy couple became the parents of a daughter whom they christened Mary E. She was born January 12, 1825, grew to maturity with the usual privileges of the subscription and later of the public schools of Tremont City, and the home influences of the day in a family of respectability. Among the early settlers of this county were Gersham and Mary Gard, whose son Silas H. was born in German Township, April 14, 1818.- Here he grew to man's estate, acquiring such a store of knowledge as could be obtained in the schools of the time and a thorough understanding of farm work. During his entire life he kept up the habit of reading that had given to him an extended knowledge of general topics and the world's progress, and ever manifested a deep interest in the welfare of humanity. He was a man of strong convictions, high aims, and hospitable and benevolent nature. In the temperance field he labored eatensively, while in 'the work of the Lord he was zealous and efficient. In 1842 he united with the Methodist Episcopal Church and served as a Trustee. also acting as Superintendent of the Sunday-school for several years. After having been a Republican for a number of years he became identified with the Prohibition party. Although frequently solicited to accept offices of trust he preferred the quietude of his home life. He was a member of the Masonic fraternity: On February 2, 1843, Silas H. Gard and Mary E. Ross were united in marriage. Beginning his wedded life with a capital of about $500, Mr. Gard, by a life of persevering industry and the use of excellent business qualities, accumulated a large estate of valuable land. During the later years of his life he and his companion spent considerable time in travel and visiting friends in various localities, partly as a means of enjoyment and partly as a measure of benefit to his health. On November 19, 1884, he was called hence, his death removing from his fellow-men one who had been respected by all who knew him. His widow still continues to reside on the home farm, finding consolation for her loss in the Christian's hope and cheered by the friendship and love which are her portion. Like her deceased husband she is a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of Tremont City, and she also belongs to the Home Missionary Society of that denomination. Mr. and Mrs. Gard had a large family, seven of whom are yet living: Sarepta is the wife of Dr. B. F. Herman of Baltimore, Md.; Anson A. lives in. Brooklyn, N. Y.; Emma R. is the wife of M. H. Lafetra of Los Angeles, Cal.; Darius F. lives in Virginia; Ida is the wife of Charles B. Woodhead of Los Angeles, Cal.; Emerson and Wilber R. live in German Township. Mrs. Gard has made two trips to the Pacific Coast, one having been taken in company with her husband not many months before his decease. They left their home December 13, 1883, going south through Kentucky, Tennessee and Alabama, and sojourning for a time at New Orleans. They then crossed the Mississippi and taking the southern route soon reached the Pacific Coast where they remained until October 1, 1884, when they began 636 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM their homeward journey. They returned via San Francisco, Ogden, Salt Lake City and Pueblo, pausing at Reno,Nev., for a visit and spending a day and night at Salt Lake City, where they heard Mormon preaching. They spent several weeks at Topeka, Kan., and also visited at Kansas City, Mo., and at Springfield, Ill. The entire trip was very enjoyable, the curiosity of mountain travel and the scenery witnessed in crossing the Rockies proving of especial interest. JOHN V. B. EDWARDS. One of the most pleasant and comfortable homes of Xenia, Greene County, is that owned by Mr. Edwards and occupied by him continuously since April, 1866. It is a very substantial, large, old-fashioned residence, located near the heart of the city on the corner of Third and West Streets, and surrounded by five acres of land, with smooth lawns and ornamental and shade trees. Mr. Edwards is a retired farmer, and still owns a fine farm of three hundred and five acres in Ross Township. The Empire State was the early tramping ground of Mr. Edwards and in Kinderhook he was born June 22, 1812; he is the son of Elijah and Catherine (Van Buren) Edwards, the former born in Connecticut, not far from the city of Bridgeport, and the latter in Kinderhook. Mrs. Edwards was of a distinguished family, her cousin being Martin Van Buren, President of the United States. Elijah Edwards was by occupation a tiller of the soil, and when John was quite a boy, he accompanied his parents on their removal to Oneida County, and there the father died in 1864. The mother passed away in 1871. Mr. Ed wards was a quiet, generous man, more devoted to his family than to any political affairs, and was a consistent and worthy member of the Baptist Church. A family of five children came to Mr. and Mrs. Elijah Edwards, and they were named respectively: Nichols, John V. B., Charles W., Charlotte, and Catherine. Charlotte married Mr. Van Deusen and died in 1889 at Howell, Mich.; Nichols, resides in Waterville, N.Y.; Charles W. died in Iowa, May 23, 1889. The education. of our subject was gleaned from books conned in rude log schoolhouses, in districts where the family resided, and was further increased by a course of study at Waterville Academy. When ready to start out in life for himself Mr. Edwards. ame to Licking County, Ohio, and bought a good farm in Lima Township, which he improved by building a log cabin in the woods and clearing the land of the timber on it. He also erected outbuildings for the shelter of stock and storage of grain, and fenced the estate, subdividing it into pastures. He finally became the owner of four hundred acres of land there,- and after his marriage left the old house to take possession of a more con- venient and modern dwelling. On the estate he made the usual improvements suggested by the enterprising farmer, planting out an orchard,enclosing and sub-dividing the land with fences, erecting a commodious barn, setting out ornamental and shade trees, and still further embellishing it by a drive. way of various trees, and a fine lawn. At this pleasant homestead six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Edwards, and were named respectively : Catherine, who became the wife of D. Bemo, of Indian Territory; Francis, Charles, Ada, Jesse and Delia, now Mrs. S. Bonner, of Warren County, this State. These children were trained to become useful members both of society and business circles, and now reside mostly in Ohio. In 1864 Mr. Edwards sold his land and spent one year visiting the old home in New York, whence, returning to Ohio, he purchased a fine home for his declining years. By making his home in Xenia, he was able to take advantage of the excellent opportunities that city afforded for granting classical and finished educations to his children. Not only has our subject accumulated a competence for himself, but he has assisted his children in starting in life, and recently deeded a farm of one hundred acres in Warren County to his daughter. He now owns a large number of houses in Xenia, and the rents therefrom bring him in a comfortable income. His property represents his unaided efforts, and is the result of industry combined with good business judgment. His life .illustrates PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM - 637 forcibly to young people what can be done by intelligent and well directed labor. He is highly spoken of among his numerous acquaintances, and is esteemed as an honorable and upright man, of strict integrity. He has no political aspirations, but casts his vote with the Republican party. Mrs. Edwards, who for forty-three years has been the devoted companion of her husband, bore the maiden name of Adaline C. Hall, and was a native of New York State. Her parents, John and Tempe (Reeve) Hall, moved at quite an early day to Michigan, where the parents died. Mrs. Edwards was united in marriage with our subject, April 29, 1847, in Ohio, and after their union they located in Licking County, Ohio. Mr. Edwards justly attributes much of the success which has met his efforts to his wife, who is possessed of a generous fund of practical knowledge, and whose refinement and pleasant womanly qualities make her a favorite in society wherever she may be. J. QUINCY SMITH. The State of Ohio is not only rich in agricultural resources, but is also famed for producing some of the best live stock on this continent. To this industry the subject of this notice has given much time and attention and is noted as a breeder of blooded horses, cattle, sheep and swine. He has a well-developed farm, finely located just west of the New Carlisle (Clark County) corporation limits, where he has gathered together all the conveniences for the prosecution of his business and is meeting with more than ordinary success. Mr. Smith was born under the roof which still shelters him, April 5, 1843. His parents were David J. and Sallie (Cory) Smith, the former of whom was born in the town of Annan, Scotland, in February, 1795. The parents of David J., who are also of Scotch birth and parentage, emigrated to America when their son was less than a year old and settled near Scottsville, N. Y. There young David was reared to mature years and in 1812 emigrated to Clark County, this State. In the meantime he had learned the trades of a stonemason and blacksmith. Later he learned something of civil engineering and subsequently turned his attention to surveying and for sometime was engaged in surveying Government lands in Ohio, assisting in establishing the lines between Ohio, Michigan and Indiana. The father of our subject in 1817 assisted in fixing the boundary lines between Indiana and Ohio and Ohio and Michigan. He later became interested in farming and stock raising. After coming to Ohio he made his home with Elnathan Cory, whose daughter he subsequently married. After the death of Mr. Cory the property fell to his daughter who married David J. Smith, upon which the latter settled with his wife and where their son J. Quincy, our subject, was born. At this homestead the father died in 1878. He left a competence to his family and also the heritage of a good name. For many years he commanded a company in the Ohio State Militia and ever afterward was familiarly known “Capt. Smith.” Politically, he was a Whig until the abandonment of the old party and then cordially endorsed Republican principles. In religion he was a member of the Christian Church. The paternal grandparents spent their last years in New York State. The mother of our subject was born January 2, 1809, at the farm where J. Quincy now lives and although she is eighty-two years old she is bright and active and in the enjoyment of good health. The maternal grandparents of our .subject were Elnathan and Hannah (Jennings) Cory, natives of New Jersey and Pennsylvania. They emigrated to this State while it was a Territory as early as 1797, partly by the way of the Ohio River and thence overland with horses and wagons to the vicinity of Deer Creek and near the present site of Lebanon. They sojourned there among the Indians and wild 'animals until 1803, then removed to what is now Clark County and took up a tract of Government land. This land is now in the possession of Mr. Smith. Upon it he built up a good homestead and there he and his wife spent the closing years of their lives. Mrs. Cory died of cholera. in 1834. Mr. Cory survived his wife eight years, dying in 1842 at the age of sixty-six, He was a man of some prominence and accumulated 638 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. a large property. His father, Thomas Cory, settled in Clark County, Ohio, about the same time and died in 1813. Elnathan Cory's wife's father was killed by the Indians on Deer Creek, near Lebanon, at an early day. To David J. and Sallie (Cory) Smith there was born a family of ten children, namely: Hannah, who died when five years old; Nannie J., Henry C., David H., Hannah M., Elnathan C. J. Quincy, Lyda M., who died at the age of forty-one years; Sarah F. and Mary who died when two years old. J. Quincy, the seventh child, has spent his entire life at the farm which he now owns and occupies with the exception of the time he spent in the army. In 1861, he enlisted as a Union soldier for three years in the Sixteenth Ohio Battery of light artillery which operated in the States of Missouri, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. He served three years, participating in the battle of Champion Hill, was at the siege of Vicksburg, the second battle of Jackson and other minor engagements and skirmishes. His battery formed a part of the Thirteenth Army Corps, commanded by Gen. John A. McClernand, of Illinois. Upon leaving the army Mr. Smith returned to the farm and has since contentedly followed agricultural pursuits. The residence in which he now lives was put up by his father in 1828. This with its surroundings forms one of the most delightful homes in Clark County. There are fruit and shade trees and besides the 'dwelling, the various outbuildings required for the shelter of stock and the storage of grain, including two large fine barns. Mr. Smith avails himself of modern machinery and the most approved methods of tilling the soil, keeping himself thoroughly posted in regard to all matters connected therewith. He is looked upon as a man who understands all the details of his chosen calling and whose labors have been rewarded with well-earned success. Politically, Mr. Smith is a strong Republican. Both he and his estimable wife are members in good standing of the Presbyterian Church.- In Masonry Mr. Smith has attained to the Thirty-second Degree. He is a favorite both in social and business circles, public spirited and a fine conversationalist. The 27th of February, 1879, marked an interesting date in the life of our subject, as on that day he was joined in wedlock with Miss Maggie Johnson. This lady was born near New Carlisle and lived there from infancy until the time of her marriage. Her parents were John F. and Lydia (Schuman) Johnson, who were natives of Ohio and Pennsylvania and are now residents of New Carlisle. The six children born of this union are—David J., Charles E., Raymond F., John II., George B. and an infant unnamed. When Elnathan Cory settled here there was an Indian camp on an eminence on the land he purchased and it was dubbed Indian Hill, which name it still retains. JAMES HUSTON. The subject of this notice occupies a prominent postion among the wealthy men of Miami Township the wealthy men of Miami Township, Greene County, who have acquired their possessions solely through their own energy and industry. He began at the foot of the ladder in life and has climed up unaided, so that he is praccally independent, sitting under his own vine and fig tree, and has reason to look upon the result of his labors with unalloyed satisfaction. We find him the owner of one of the finest farms of Miami Township, this being located on section 31, and comprises one hundred and fifteen acres of well-tilled land. The fine new residence was completed in the winter of 1889, and with its surroundings forms one of •the most attractive pictures in the landscape of this region. A native of Knox County, this State, Mr. Huston was born February 27, 1824, to Robert and Anna (Lyon) Huston. Robert Huston was born in 1793, in Pennsylvania-, and his wife, a native of this State, was born in 1798. The paternal grandfather, Robert Huston, emigrated to Ohio during the War of 1812, and settled on a tract of land in in Knox County, near Martinsburg. There with his estimable wife he spent the remainder of his days, dying in 1839, at the advanced age of eighty-seven years. He had served as a soldier in the Revolutionary War. Robert Huston learned carpentering in early PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM - 639 manhood, and also followed farming. He was married about 1820, and purchased a farm in Knox County, upon which he sojourned until 1837. Then selling out he removed to Greene County, settling in what is now New Jasper Township, April 16, of that year. After a residence of twenty years he departed this life in 1857. He became well-to-do, and the owner of three hundred acres of good land. The mother survived the husband for a period of twenty-eight years, dying in 1885. They were the parents of eleven children, seven of whom are living. The subject of this notice obtained his early education in a log schoolhouse, under the subscription plan, and after methods of instruction far inferior to those of the present day. He started out for himself at the age of twenty years, working for a time on a farm, and then 'learned millwrighting, which he followed five or six years. At the expiration of this time, having lived frugally and saved what he could of his earnings, he invested his little capital in a stock of merchandise, and established himself at Jasper, Greene County. As a millwright he had been in the employ of William Patterson, a schoolmate, with whom he afterward associated himself in partnership. Mr. Patterson, during the Civil War, enlisted in an Illinois regiment and died in the army. After a residence at Jasper of four' years, engaged in mercantile business, Mr. Huston purchased a farm in New Jasper Township, where he lived several years, and later removed to a farm in Xenia Township. In 1876 he changed his residence to Miami Township, locating upon the land which he now owns and occupies. He put up a fine residence in 1886, which was destroyed by fire in August, 1889. This was soon replaced by the present dwelling, which was completed in December, of the same year. Mr. Huston was married May 1, 1849, to Miss Mary E., daughter of Mathias W. and Matilda (Moorman) Baker. The parents of Mrs. Huston were natives of Virginia, and Quakers in religion. The Baker family flourished in Kentucky. Mr. Baker came to Ohio, and is now residing in Byron, Greene County. They are the parents of four children, three of whom are living; Salathiel Eli, Watson Baker, Mary E., and William G. M. Watson, during the Civil War, enlisted in the Union service, was promoted to a Lieutenantcy, and contracted a disease while in the army, from which he died at Xenia, in 1866. William C. M., a man of fine abilities, was at one time Auditor of Greene County, and later Secretary of the Home Insurance Company, at Columbus. He invented a short method of book-keeping, and is now engaged as a stock broker in Kansas City, Mo. Mrs. Huston was born, July 9, 1829, near Jamestown, Greene County, this State, and lived on a farm with her parents until her marriage. Of this union there have been born four children: Lucretia E. remains under the home roof, and is a very estimable young lady, a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and takes an active part in Sunday-school work. She is well educated and has taught school several terms. Robert F. B. died when twelve years old; Mary E., the wife of M. A. Hagler, lives in New Jasper Township, and is the mother of one child; James W. is unmarried and remains with his parents. Mr. Huston takes an active interest in politics and votes the straight Democratic tieket. He was a Union man during the Civil War. WILLIAM LEONARD HAGLER. The results of industry and wise economy are exhibited in the career of the subject of this sketch, who has accumulated an estate of considerable value, and surrounded himself and family with the comforts of life through his own exertions, seconded by the good management of his wife in household affairs. His farm comprises one hundred and thirty-three acres in Xenia Township, its value being enhanced by its nearness to the county seat, from which it is distant four and a half miles in a southeasterly direction. Mr. Hagler was born in New Jasper Township, Greene County, one mile east of his present home, his natal day being April 9, 1827. The paternal 640 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. family included ten daughters and five sons, of which but two members died before reaching mature years. All of the daughters are yet living except Harriet, who died in childhood. The survivors are: Elizabeth, wife of Mathew Smith, of Jay County, Ind.; Amanda,wife of Gideon Spahr; Sarah J., wife of Phillip Sutton ; Martha E., wife of William Sutton; Charlotte C., wife of Austin Long; Clarisa, wife of Durban Long, deceased; Minerva, wife of David Dean; Louisa, wife of John Dean; and Anna S., wife of Jacob Peterson. The sons are: William L., Henry C. and Moses A., who are yet living; John M., who died in Grant County, Ind.; and Samuel IL, who died when four years old. Samuel Hagler, the father of this household band, came to this county with his parents in an early day, the removal from Hardy County, Va., where he had been born, being made with wagons. The family settled in New Jasper Township, Greene County, where Samuel made his home during his entire life, clearing and improving land and owning one hundred and seventy-eight acres at the time of his death. That event occurred in 1880, w heir he was seventy-seven years old. In Warren County he had married Anna Fudge, who was born in Augusta County, Va.. and whose father, Jacob Fudge, had come to Ohio in a very early day, settling near Springboro. Mrs. Hagler died in 1884 at the age of eighty-one years. The Hagler family is of German origin, as is that of our subject's grandmother, Mary Peterson, who married Leonard Hagler, and reared a large family all of whom came to this county. The subject of this sketch was reared on a farm, receiving but a limited common-school education, and remaining with his father until his marriage in October, 1851. His savings at that time amounted to *350, which he had earned by day's work, and for several years after his marriage he farmed on rented land. In 1855 he purchased the farm where he now lives, and has since been adding to its value by careful tillage and improvement. After his father's death he received about $1,800 from his father's estate. The worthy woman who has shared Mr. Hagler's fortunes for nearly forty years, bore the maiden name of Mary L. Scroggs. She is of Scotch-Irish lineage, was born in Knox County, and is a daughter of Alexander and Mary (Lyons) Scroggs, who came to this county about 1827. She is the mother of seven children—Charlotte J., the firstborn, is the wife of the Rev. J. David Livingston, of St.. Louis, Mo. The others are: Moses A., Charles F., George M., Emily, William and Anna. Mrs. and Mrs. Hagler and all of their children except George, belong to the United Presbyterian Church. DANIEL H. CUSHING, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of Clark County, was appointed to this position January 1, 1890, to fill a vancancy, having previously served a number of years as Deputy. He was afterward nominated for the office by the Republican County Convention held February 17, 1890. He is a bachelor approaching his forty-ninth year, having been born November 11, 1841, at Madison, Ind. His father, Courtland Cushing, was born in Warren County, this State, in 1812. and was the son of Daniel Cushing, one of the early settlers of Ohio. The father of our subject was a lawyer by profession and was admitted to the bar in Warren County. Ile married Sarah, daughter of Phineas Ross of that county and soon after removed to Madison, Ind., where he practiced his profession a number of years. Three children were born to Courtland and Sarah (Ross)Cushing—Mary, now deceased; Sarah C. and Daniel H., our subject. The mother died when Daniel H. was but two years old and a few years later the father, Courtland Cushing, placing his children under the care of relatives in Ohio, went to South America and later to Central America, where he engaged in business and where he died in 1856. Daniel H. Cushing was educated in public and private schools at Springfield, Ohio, and later entered Granville College where he remained some time but left without graduating. He was engaged PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM - 643 in various pursuits until 1878 when he became Deputy Clerk of the Common Pleas Court which position he retained until appointed to that which he now holds. EBENEZER HATCH. Although many years have elapsed since this gentleman, having reached a good old age, passed from the busy scenes of earth, yet he is still not only affectionately remembered by his family, but by all who knew him. For many years he was a leading member of the Primitive Baptist Church, in the faith of which he died. His portrait, which is presented on the opposite page, represents one of the pioneer settlers of the Buckeye State, and one who was as a husband and father, kind and indulgent, and at the same time a good neighbor and a safe friend. Fortunate is he in the estimation of the more intelligent class of humanity who can trace his ancestry to the early times, and find them to be worthy of honorable mention. The subject of this notice was proud to record himself as a son of John Hatch, Sr., a sturdy old veteran who made for himself a fine record as a man and a citizen. John Hatch was born in Connecticut, and came of a race of seafaring men who sprang from New England stock, and who himself was the son of a sea captain. He was married in Connecticut, in which State he made his home until he decided to change his calling and settle permanently on terra firma. Then emigrating with his family to Oswego County, N. Y., he there with his estimable wife spent his last, days. They reared a family of children, one of whom, the eldest son, was Ebenezer, the subject of this notice. Ebenezer Hatch was reared to manhood in Oswego County, N. Y., and married Miss Cynthia Greene, a native of Connecticut, who likewise removed with her parents to the Empire State when a child. After the birth of several children they joined a colony which had decided upon coming to Ohio, and loaded their earthly possessions on a raft on the Ohio River, by which means they pro ceeded slowly and laboriously to the vicinity of Madison, Ind. They sojourned two years in the southern part of that State, then resumed their journey with teams overland, and upon arriving in Greene County, this State, settled in what is now Silver Creek Township, upon the land now occupied by their son, Orange S. This was in 1823. Our subject rented land the first year, and then purchased forty acres of heavy timber, which is now included in the old homestead. Father and sons felled trees, grubbed out the stumps and brought the soil to a state of cultivation. Later, additional land was added to the farm, which became quite valuable, and there Ebenezer Hatch spent his last days, dying January 2, 1874, aged eighty-nine years. As has been above stated the first wife of our subject bore the maiden name of Cynthia Greene. She was born in 1783, and departed this life at the homestead in Silver Creek Township, June 11, 1845. There had been born to her and her husband four sons and eight daughters, all of whom, with the exception of one, lived to mature years. There are now living two sons and three daughters of that goodly family—Orange S., who lives in Silver Creek Township, and his brother Stephen, a resident of Logan County, Ill. The daughters are: Mrs. Eliza Chapman, of Richmond, Ind.; Mrs. Emma Tuttle, of Logan County, Ill., and Mrs. Maria Myers, also a resident of Logan County. The mother was a woman of many estimable qualities, and a consistent member of the Baptist Church. Ebenezer Hatch was married a second time, his wife being Miss Violet Barber, who is still living. This lady was born April 16, 1812, in what is now ,Carroll County, W.Va., and is the daughter of Allen and Jane (Haughey) Barber, who were natives respectively of North Carolina, and what is now West Virginia, and were of Scotch and Irish descent. They were married in the latter State, and there spent the remainder of their lives, becoming quite aged. They were most excellent and worthy people, and devoted members of the Methodist Church. Allen Barber distinguished himself as a gallant soldier during the War of 1812. Mrs. Hatch is thus the wife and daughter of patriots, and is now in the enjoyment of a 644 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. monthly pension tendered her husband by the Government. There were born to the parents of Mrs. Violet (Barber) Hatch a family of eleven children, all of whom lived to mature sears and were married, while six are yet living. Of these Violet was the eldest. She was reared under the parental roof, and received a fair education in the commdn school. She came to Greene County with her uncle in 1837, and since that time has resided within its limits. Of her union with Mr. Hatch there were no children, but she is regarded with great affection by her step-children, with whom she makes her home. Notwithstanding she is seventy-eight years old (having been born in 1812), she retains all her faculties, and is more than ordinarily bright and active for one of her years. Orange S. Hatch, the eldest son of our subject, was born August 18, 1826, at the old homestead in Silver Creek Township, and is the youngest child of his father by his first wife. He spent his boyhood days in the manner of pioneer farmers' sons, acquiring a limited education in the primitive schools, and becoming familiar with the arts of plowing, sowing and reaping as prosecuted in the early days. He grew up to a healthful and vigorous manhood, and when ready to establish a home of his own was married, October 22, 1856, at Harlem Springs, Jefferson County, to Miss Clara Thomas. Mrs. Clara (Thomas) Hatch was born in Amsterdam, Jefferson County, this State, June 28, 1837, and is the daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth (McDowell) Thomas, natives respectively of Pennsylvania and Maryland, and of Irish and Scotch descent. Early in life Mr. Thomas learned blacksmithing, which he followed for many years, and after his marriage, which occurred in Pennsylvania. They lived there until the birth of two children, then deciding to seek what at that time was considered the far West, they emigrated to Ohio. settling first in Steubenville, from there going to Springfield, thence to Amsterdam, where the father spent the remainder of his life. Mr. Thomas was for some years a merchant of Springfield, Ohio; he died in 1846, at the age of forty-one years. His wife survived him for a period of forty-four years, remaining a widow, and died at the advanced age of nearly ninety-one. Both were strong Methodists in religious belief, and took an active part in church work. They were possessed of more than ordinary intelligence, and the mother was especially well educated in both German and English. Mr. Thomas served as a soldier in the War of 1812. Mrs. Orange S. Hatch was carefully trained and educated, and when attaining to womanhood learned the trade of a milliner, which she followed until her marriage. Of her union with Mr. Hatch there have been born four children, one of whom, a son, John, died at the age of four years. The survivors are :Emma, the wife of Allen T. Sutton, a farmer of Silver Creek Township; Minnie, Mrs. George Oldham, living in Xenia, where her husband is engaged in the wholesale grocery trade, and Charles, who remains at home with his parents. Mr. Hatch, politically, is a sound Republican, and in religious matters coincides with the doctrines of the Missionary Baptist Church, of which he is a leading member. JACOB BRICKEL. Among the many pleasant homes of Jamestown, where numbers of the retired farmers of Greene County have wisely decided to spend their declining years, may be mentioned that of Mr. Brickel, which is pleasantly located on Washington Street, one of the choicest residence portions of the city. He removed here from his farm in Jasper Township, in 1882, but still retains ownership of the homestead, which was built up mainly through his industry and perseverance. This comprises one hundred and sixty-six acres of choice land, upon which have been erected good buildings and all the other accessories of the modern country estate. Mr. Brickel came to this county in 1838, a very poor man, without money and $20 in debt. He located first in Silver Creek Township, whence he removed to New Jasper Township. Prior to this he had lived in Fostoria, this State, four yea removing to that place from Jefferson County, where PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM - 645 his parents had settled upon their removal to Ohio from Dauphin County, Pa. Mr. Brickel was born February 25, 1815, in Dauphin County, Pa., and was the son of John Brickel, also a native of that county, and of German descent. The paternal grandparents of our subject spent their entire lives in the Keystone State. John Brickel was reared to farm pursuits in his native county, and when reaching manhood was joined in wedlock with Miss Nancy Jones. The latter was born and reared in Pennsylvania, and was, like her husband, of German ancestry. After marriage John Brickel and his wife lived on a farm in Dauphin County, Pa., for a number of years, and then, coming to Ohio, located in Jefferson County. where they sojourned for twenty years. Then, when quite aged, they removed to Greene County, settling near Jamestown, where Mr. Brickel died at the age of sixty-eight years. The mother survived her husband many years, living to the advanced age of eighty-two. Both were prominent members of the Methodist Episcopal. Church. The subject of this notice was the second of eight children, four sons and four daughters, born to his parents, and was a small boy when they settled in Jefferson County. At the age of eighteen, he started out for himself, and going to Fostoria, Hancock County, was variously employed, and in the meantime made the acquaintance of Miss Mary Phillips, to whom he was married August 25, 1835. Mrs. Brickel was born February 22, 1818, in Union County, Pa., and removed with her parents to Hancock County, this State, when little more than a child. Her father, Henry Phillips, died in Wayne County, at the age of forty-eight years. The mother lived to be past eighty, and died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. T. L. Sheeley, near Jamestown. Her maiden name was Margaret Becken. Mr. and Mrs. Phillips were members in good standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church, with which the latter identified herself when a girl of fourteen years. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Brickel lived in Hancock County until after the birth of two children, then removed to Greene County,-, and Mrs. Brickel died in Jamestown, July 14, 1888. Her age was seventy years, four months, and fourteen days. She had from childhood been an active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Of her marriage with our subject, there was born a family of eleven children, three of whom died young. The survivors are recorded as follows: Margaret is the wife of Thomas Fields, a farmer of Silver Creek Township; Amanda J. married John S. Bales, and they live on a farm in Xenia Township; Louisa is the wife of Henry Althens, and they live in Xenia ; Katie married Daniel Zortman, and they are residents of .Jamestown; Emma married John Landers, and they are living on a farm near Jamestown ; Daniel A. married Miss Belle Gideon, and is farming in New Jasper Township; John H. married Katie Clemens, and is farming in Caesar's Creek Township; G. Frank married Miss Belle Smith, and is farming in Ross Township. Mr. Brickel cast his first Presidential vote for Van Buren, and is a stanch supporter of the Democratic party. He has been for many years a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and enjoys in a marked degree the confidence and esteem of the people around him. WILSON COMPTON. This gentleman bears the distinction of owning and occupying the highest point of land in Spring Valley Township, Greene County. He is recognized as one of its leading farmers, and has spent his entire life within its limits, having been born at his father's old homestead, September 7, 1841. The place lies a little over a mile east of Spring Valley, and forms one of the old landmarks which was built up from the wilderness by one of the earliest pioneers of this region. The family has been long and favorably known in this county, and has contributed its full quota toward its growth and development. The subject of this notice is the son of Henry and Catherine (Mock) Compton. Henry Compton was born about 1798, in North Carolina. In 1804 he came with his parents to Greene County, the journey being made overland with a wagon, and young Compton traveled on foot a large por- 646 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. tion of the way. The family settled near New Burlington--a half mile northwest of the place—and after his marriage Henry Compton and his young wife located a half-mile further West. A few years later they moved to the one hundred-acre farm where their son Wilson was born. The father proceeded with the improvement and cultivation of his land, clearing the timber and adding thereto until he became the owner of two hundred and two acres, and gave each of his children a farm. The father of our subject in his early manhood belonged to the old Whig party, and after its abandonment identified himself with the Republicans. He, however, never aspired to office, being content to live the life of a private citizen. He was first married to Miss Mary Horner, by whom he became the father of three sons—Stephen, the first-born, died in Fayette County, where in company with his brother he purchased a large tract of land, they finally owning• two hundred acres each ; Ezra is now a resident of Fayette County, this State; the third son was Martin, who resides in the vicinity of Earlham, Iowa. His second wife was Catherine Mock, who was born December 29, 1810, on a farm adjoining that where her husband lived. She was the daughter of John and Mary (Homey) Mock, and of this union there were born three sons and one daughter, viz.: Eber. Amos M.; Cynthia, now the widow of James H. Daugherty, of Xenia, and who was a manufacturer of linseed oil; and our subject. Henry Compton departed this life November 20, 1879, at the old homestead in Spring Valley Township. He was the son of Stephen and Dinah (Millhouse) Compton, who were natives of North Carolina. Grandfather Compton was a farmer, and came to this State in 1804, securing three hundred acres of land in Spring Valley Township, Greene County. He was a Whig, politically, and lived to be over eighty years old. His wife was of Scotch and Irish extraction. The subject of this notice was reared a farmer's boy and attended the district school,, remaining under the parental roof until removing to the farm which he now owns and occupies, this removal being made in November, 1889. He is owner of the homestead and takes care of his mother. In polities, he is a sound Republican, and in 1889 was elected real-estate appraiser of Spring Valley Township. He was married January 10, 1867, to Miss Rachael A. Gaddis. This lady was born near Harveysburg, Warren County, this State, July 8, 1844, and is the daughter of Allen and Rachael A. (Mershon) Gaddis, who were natives respectively of Pennsylvania and Kentucky. The mother died about 1845, leaving two sons and a daughter—George, William and Rachael. Mr. Gaddis was subsequently married and removed to Decatur, Ill., where he died November 8, 1865. Mr. and Mrs. Compton are the parents of two children—Rosa G. and Birdie. They are members in good standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The mother of our subject departed this life at his home, April 6, 1890. GEORGE W. BAKER. The farming community of German Township, recognizes in Mr. Baker one of its most worthy representatives. He has had a lifelong experience at his calling—a calling which has always been congenial to his tastes, and in which he has labored to excel. He owns and occupies a good farm on section 7, which not only is the source of a comfortable income, but whose well-tilled fields have enabled their owner to lay aside something for a rainy day. Mr. Baker is a native of Clark County, and was born at his father's homestead in this township, September 15, 1847. His parents were Samuel and Jane (Underwood) Baker, the former of whom was a native of Virginia, and born in 1802. He emigrated to Ohio with his parents when a lad of twelve years, and they settled among the early pioneers of German Township. Grandfather Henry Baker secured a tract of land in the woods, and putting up a log cabin, commenced life in a primitive style, and battled with the difficulties and hardships which beset him until prosperity smiled upon him, and he had succeeded in building up a comfortable home in the wilderness. There, with his good wife he spent the remainder of his days. He was a quiet, PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM - 647 peaceable and law-abiding citizen—a man who made comparatively little stir in the world, but who was looked upon as possessing the sterling traits of character which rendered him worthy of the esteem and confidence of those around him. Samuel Baker, the father of our subject, grew up on the pioneer farm, and assisted in its development, remaining a member of the parental household until' establishing a fireside of his own. His educational advantages were exceedingly limited, but he possessed the sterling qualities which gained him the respect of his neighbors, and which enabled him to make for himself a good record as a man and a citizen. To him and his good wife there was born a family of eight children, four of whom are living: Eliza, Mrs. Reader, is a widow, and lives in Springfield Township; Luticia is the wife of Isaac Brougher, and they live in Champaign County ; William is a resident of Sheridan County, Mo.; George W., of our sketch, was the youngest child living. The father died at the homestead in September, 1877. The mother had passed to her long home some years previous to the decease of her husband. Mr. Baker of whom we write, remained at home with his parents until reaching manhood, and when embarking in business for himself, engaged for three years at butchering. With this exception he has been a lifelong farmer. He attended the district school when a boy until old enough to be of service on the farm, and then pursued his studies for a few years during the winter season only. He was thus deprived of a classical education, but he has been a reader all his life, and is fairly well-posted upon events of general interest. Not long after his twenty-third birthday, Mr. Baker was joined in wedlock with Miss Alice Thomas, this event occurring at the bride's home in German Township, November 7, 1871. Of this union there is one child only, a daughter, Minnie, who was born October 7, 1872. Mr. Baker owns nearly eighty-three acres of choice land which he has brought to a good state of cultivation, and upon which he has effected modern improvements. He has accumulated his property by his own industry, and thus is under obligations to no man for the comforts with which he has been enabled to surround himself and his family. In politics, Mr. Baker is a Democrat, with independent proclivities. He is a member in good standing of the Masonic fraternity, being identified with the Grand Lodge at Tremont City. JOSEPH SHIGLEY. The results of a steady career of industry and frugal living are amply illustrated in the person of Mr. Shigley, who spent the greater part of his life in farming pursuits, but who is now retired from active labor, and enjoying the fruits of his toil at a pleasant home in Jamestown, Greene County. He removed to the city in 1882, from Ross Township, where he had spent his entire life up to that time. He was horn there September 19, 1821,, and there spent the active years of his life, his labors being crowned with success. He was at one time the owner of more than six hundred acres of land, the most of which he sold and gave to his children in 1882. In addition to general farming he made a specialty of live-stock, mostly swine, of which he raised large numbers, and which yielded him handsome profits. Mr. Shigley acquired his early education in the district schools of his native township, and when a boy became familiar with the various pursuits of farm life. He chose this as his life vocation, and when ready to establish a home of his own, was wedded, in 1844, to Miss Anna Prugh. This lady was born and reared in Preble County, this State, and later, prior to her marriage, was for some time a resident of Montgomery County. She became the mother of seven children, and departed this life at her home in Jamestown, in August, 1886, at the age of sixty years. The second child of this marriage, a son, Henry F., was married, and died at his home in Ross Township, April 11, 1878; Mattie C. died when an interesting maiden of sixteen years; John W. married Miss Virginia Rakestraw ; David C. took to wife Miss Eliza Short; Viola C. became the wife of S. C. Collett; Luella M. married Jasper L. Chapman; Elmer married Miss Minnie Paulin. With one exception they are all 648 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. residents of Greene County. John lives in Monroe County, Ind. In 1887 Mr. Shigley contracted a second marriage with Mrs. Mary B. Atkinson, a native of Franklin County, Vt. She was born April 27, 1827, and came to Greene County with her parents, Seth and Nancy (Blake) Phillips, when a child of five years. The Phillips family settled first in Union County, where they lived for a number of years, and where the mother died at the early age of twenty-seven. Although so young she had already given birth to ten children. Mr. Phillips survived his wife very many years, living to the advanced age of eighty-one, and spending his last days in Licking County, this State. He traced his ancestry to England. To Mr. and Mrs. Atkinson there was born a family of six children, one of whom, Charles F., died at the age of five years. The survivors are recorded as follows: John O. married Miss Alice Wise, and lives on a farm in Clark County, this State; Ann M. is the wife of Charles B. Pennington, a retired farmer, and living in Jamestown; Laura A. is the wife of M. 0. Larkins, and they live on a farm in Greene County; Seth M. is unmarried, occupies himself as a traveling salesman for a watch company, and makes his headquarters in Chicago, Ill.; Guinn S. is the wife of James Armstrong, who has a wholesale millinery house in Ft. Wayne, Ind. The subject of this notice is the son of George and Olive (Franklin) Shigley, who were natives of Pennsylvania, and the father of German ancestry. The mother was of English descent, and a descendant of the family to which the famous philosopher, Benjamin Franklin, belonged. Mr. Shigley came to Ross County, this State, in 1805, where he was married. In 1812 he removed to Greene County, and settled on a tract of new land in Ross Township, from which he improved a farm. Later he enlisted in the War of 1812, participating in many of its important battles. After leaving the army he settled clown upon his farm, and lived to be seventy years old. His wife died at the age of sixty-five. They were most excellent people, active members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and sought to do good at every opportunity. They were devoted to their children, and for their sakes endured toil and hardships in order that they might escape much of which they themselves were obliged to contend with. Their names are held in loving .remembrance by their children, and to this day tears come into the eyes of Mr. Shigley as he remembers the sacrifices which those loving parents endured, and their uniform kindness to him from the time of his remembrance until they passed away. Following in the footsteps of his honored parents, Mr. Shigley has for many long years been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, to which his estimable wife also belongs. They are both warmly interested in the success of the temperance movement, and strong advocates of prohibition. Their aim in life has been to perform kindly acts whenever they had opportunity, and to do the most good to the greatest number around them. In view of this it is hardly necessary to state that they have hosts of friends who are watching them with kindly solicitude as they travel down the sunset hill of life, and who will hold their names in loving remembrance after they have departed hence. WILLIAM GRANT, a well-known citizen of Springfield, has been a resident of this city for more than fifty years, and thus having witnessed the most of its growth and aided in its advancement, he is in a position to appreciate the wonderful changes that have transformed the little hamlet of former days to the busy, flourishing metropolis of the present. Here he has been so fortunate as to secure to himself the comforts of a good home, where he can enjoy at his ease the competence accumulated by years of hard and well-directed toil. Our subject is of English birth and antecedents, having been born in Yorkshire, England, December 20, 1811. Thomas Grant, his father, was likewise a native of that country, his birthplace having been in County Durham. He was reared and married in the land of his birth, Mary Powell, a native PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM - 649 of Yorkshire, becoming his wife. In 1831, accompanied by their eight children, they embarked for America in the vessel "Experiment," Capt. Burke, setting sail from Hull in the month of April and landing at Quebec after a voyage of seven weeks and two days. They staid one night in Quebec, and then went by steamer to Montreal, and continuing from that place on the St. Lawrence River, Welland Canal and the lakes to New York State, whence they proceeded to Ohio. They located in Marion County, and there the family had the misfortune to lose its head in the year 1835. The mother, who was thus left a widow with eight children, did not long survive her husband, but followed him to the grave in 1837. The names of the children were: Mary, William, Margaret, Sarah, Thomas, Jane, Ellen and Hannah. Thomas and Hannah are deceased, and all the others are still living. William Grant was nineteen years old when he came to this country, and still remembers well the long ocean voyage and the subsequent pioneer life in a newly-settled State. He had his own way to make in the world from an early age as his father was poor, and bravely did he take up the struggle for independence. In 1832 he engaged with a butcher in Columbus, which was then a small place. At first he was given but $7 a month, but soon his employer was so favorably impressed with his faithful and skillful labor that he readily advanced his wages to $25 a month. He remained in the capital city until 1836, when he took up his residence in Springfield, and has ever since made his home in this city. Mr. Grant has been twice married. His first union was with Miss Nancy McCormick, in Columbus, in 1835. Her father, George McCormick, was one of the early settlers of that city, and was the builder of the first State House there. Mrs. Grant died in 1850, leaving the following children: William H.; Mary J., wife of John Mulholland; Fanny, wife of John A. Shipman, of whom see sketch; Lavinia, wife of Quincy Petts; Martin M. and Thomas P., who were twins. The marriage of our subject with his present wife was consummated in 1852. Her maiden name was Martha L. Darling, and she was born in Massachusetts. Mr. and Mrs. Grant have by this marriage two children—George D. and Harriet B. Mrs. Grant's father, Darius Darling, was, like herself, a native of the old Bay State. When he was quite young he learned the trade of a whip-maker. He was given a good education and in early manhood taught school in Marlboro, Mass. At the age of twenty-two he abandoned that profession and turned his attention to farming, buying a farm in Sterling, Worcester County, Mass. He finally sold that place, and removing to Holden, in the same county, bought a desirable farm there, and devoted himself to its cultivation, making his home there until his death. The maiden name of Mrs. Grant's mother was Susannah Fairbank, and she was a native of Sterling, Mass., a daughter of Jonathan and Susan Fairbank. She survived her husband a long time, and died at the home of Mrs. Grant at the advanced age of ninety-seven years. Our subject is virtually a self-made man, his stalwart manhood, sagacious judgment, and good capacity for labor having been sufficient capital for him to make life a success. A straightforward, plain-dealing man, he early earned the confidence and respect of all about him, and has retained them throughout the many years that he has been a member of this community. JACOB YOUNG. Among the successful and I intelligent agriculturalists of Clark County, Jacob Young has a high rank, while as a man of thorough integrity and strict honor in business affairs his reputation is not excelled. His word is considered as good as a bond, and he enjoys the confidence of all who know him. Among those who enjoy the acquaintance of his amiable wife, she also is highly esteemed, and it affords us pleasure to represent so highly respected a couple in this volume. Their home is on section 28, Moorefield Township, and comprises one hundred and twenty-six and one-third acres of land, in the accumulation and improvement of which Mr. Young has been ably assisted by his wife. They also own a lot in the city of Springfield.