PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM - 675 the city schools of Dayton. She became well informed, and under excellent home influences developed into a noble womanhood. In 1868 she became the wife of James M. Leffel, a native of Clark County, who was reared to agricultural pursuits, and always followed that occupation. Their union resulted in the birth of four children—Clarence N., James L., Maud V., and Leslie B. They were quite young when deprived of a father's care, and their widowed mother has endeavored to fill his place in the direction of their lives, while keeping before them the memory of the loved and lost. Mrs. Leffel is of English ancestry, and it is believed that her grandfather was born in the mother country, and came to America with his parents. The latter, Samuel and Martha Wells, after having lived for some time in Virginia, removed to Miami County, Ohio, where their last years were spent. Their mortal remains were deposited on the home farm six miles from Troy. Their son Silas married Elsie Skinner, a native of South Carolina, and is numbered among the early settlers of Miami County, to which he went about 1823. There he bought land, engaged in agriculture, and like his parents, continued to reside there until death. The father of Mrs. Leffel was Richard Wells, who was born in Virginia, and accompanied his parents to Ohio when about twelve years old. At that early day, deer, wild turkeys, and other kinds of game were plentiful throughout the vicinity in which they located. Young Wells learned the trade of a carpenter at Troy, afterward devoting a part of his time to his-handicraft, and the remainder to farming. When a young man he went to Illinois, where he was married, subsequently returning to Ohio, and occupying a farm adjoining that of his father until the death of his wife. He then went West and traveled quite extensively, his last years being spent with his children. He died about 1875, and was buried in Dayton. He was the father of four children, Mrs. Leffel being the youngest. The others are: Mrs. Mary J. Karnes, Thomas Benton, and Mrs. Ella Koogler, all of whom live in Miami County. The father of Mr. Leffel was James P. Leffel, who was born and reared in Botetourt County, Va. When he was eighteen pars old he left the paren tal roof and journeying westward, soon reached Clark County, Ohio. Here he found employment on a farm, receiving $2 per month for his services. He was industrious and faithful, and saved his earnings, finally being able to buy a mill and distillery which he operated some time. He then sold the property and bought a farm in Springfield Township, where he resided until death. Good fortune seemed to attend him, and he accumulated quite a property. The maiden name of his wife was Elizabeth Miller. ROBERT McKNIGHT. It has been well said that "the worth of a State, in the long run, is the worth of the individuals composing it." National progress is determined by the development and advancement of the individual character, and when we consider the sturdy perseverance of the brave men who hewed out a path for the coming civilization, the rapid growth of our country is not so surprising. Among the list of these pioneers properly belongs the name of Mr. McKnight, who though long since passed from the busy scenes of earth, is still remembered affectionately not only by his descendants, but also by all with whom he was familiarly acquainted. The birthplace of Mr. McKnight was in the Old Dominion, where in Rockbridge County he was born August 7, 1779. There also he was reared and educated. His parents were named respectively John and Mary (Patterson) McKnight, whose personal history will be found in the sketch of Samuel McKnight on another page. In May, 1807, the rites of wedlock were celebrated between him and Miss Elizabeth Fulton, with whom he lived happily for nearly half a century, her death taking place in August, 1854. She was born in Augusta County, Va., to William and Margaret (Lusk) Fulton, her father being a farmer. Mr. McKnight came to Ohio many years ago, settling in Greene County, east of Spring Valley, where he resided during the remainder of his life, entering into rest February 27, 1856. He was a soldier during the War of 1812 and served his town 676 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. in various positions, ably filling the offices to which he was elected, and as a private citizen being honorable, upright and industrious. He was the father of three children: Margaret, born May 9, 1808; Mary, April 16, 1810; and James, November 7, 1811. Miss Margaret McKnight is now the owner of her father's homestead comprising one hundred and fifty acres of valuable land in Spring Valley Township; the farm is furnished with the usual comforts and conveconveniencesd upon an estate which has been occupied for many years. Although now eighty-two years of age her mental faculties are unimpaired, and she manifests in her person the charm which may be found in old age when the in-- telligent mind and Christian heart shine forth in the countenance and manner. She is devoted to he interests of the Presbyterian Church, and liberal in her gifts to it and other worthy objects. Mary, the second child of Robert and Elizabeth McKnight, became the wife of James Lyon. He was born in Rockingham County,Va., in September, 1805, to John and Catherine (Hook) Lyon, who were early pioneers of Caesar's Creek, this county. To himself and wife two children were born: Elizabeth J., and Martha C. Elizabeth J. is the wife of William T. Lackey, who was born in Rockbridge County, Va., March 2, 1850, came to Spring Valley, this county, in 1869, and was married April 14, 1887. Mr. Lackey is a son of Isaac and Ann Eliza (Shafer) Lackey, his father being a Virginia farmer and the son of James Lackey, who married a Miss McCampbell. The second daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Lyon, is the wife of William H. Hopping, of this county. James McKnight, the only son of Robert and Elizabeth (FultoFulton) McKnightried Ann McKay, who bore him four children: Lizzie, Robert, Maria, and Susan. Lizzie has been married three times, having two children, James L. and Harper, by her first husband, Benjamin Jones. Maria became the wife of William Lyle and has three children : Clara, Joseph- and Mary E. Susan is the wife of Alfred Smith and the mother of three children: Cora M., Maggie 0., and William. The reader will be pleased to notice on another page of this volume a lithographic portrait of the venerable Miss Margaret McKnight, whose cheerfu face and kindly disposition will be affectionate) remembered long after she has been called fro earth. ROBERT LYTLE, Teller of the Central National Bank of Xenia, is one of the organizers of that .institution, which opened its doors for business December 2, 1889, with Dr. J. S. McCampbell, President, and George Kendall, Cashier; its capital stock is $50,000, and being organized under favorable auspices, it is in as flourishing a condition as its infancy will admit, and gives promise of becoming one of the substantial and well-known institutions of Xenia. Mr. Lytle began his. banking experience on the lowest round of the ladder, and step by step reached the position of Teller and Cashier. He is highly spoken of by all who know him as one who is honest and strictly honorable in all his business transactions, and who as a man and a citizen is a credit to the city in which he has made his home. The birth of Mr. Lytle took place in Huntington County, Pa., August 27, 1830, and his boyhood was passed in his native State. He had just entered his teens when his parents, James and Fannie (Smart) Lytle, became citizens of the Buckeye State, the father engaging in farming in this county. The young son obtained a good education in the common schools, and remained with his parents, assisting his father in agricultural labors, until his maturity. In January, 1853, he engaged in the dry-goods trade in a clerical capacity, entering the store of J. C. McMillan & Co., where he remained five years. At the expiration of that time the firm of Stark, Lytle & Cooper was formed from the old organization, and continued in business until 1862, when it was dissolved, two of its members having enlisted in the army. The first call for three-months men, in 1861, found a ready response from Mr. Lytle, who became Captain of Company D, Twelfth Ohio Infantry, and went at once to Camp Jackson, Columbus. Mr. Stark enlisted in August, 1862, and became a member of the One Hundred and PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM - 677 Tenth Regiment. At the conclusion of his army life our subject took up his abode in Dayton, but in February, 1864, returned to Xenia, and in September, 1864, entered the Second National Bank as its only clerk, the institution being at that time in its infancy. There he advanced as the institution enlarged its business, and upon reaching the position of Teller and Cashier continued in it three years, adding to his reputation as a man of honor and one possessed of decided financial abilities. At the residence of George and Martha Monroe, of this city, January 12, 1881, the gentleman of whom we write was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth, the cultured and amiable daughter of the host and hostess. The bride is a native of this city, wherein she has gained many friends by her fine character and intelligence. Mr. Lytle is a consistent member of the United Presbyterian Church. MOSES A. WALTON, a native-born citizen of Greene County, first opened his eyes to the light in Spring Valley Township, July 22, 1840, and is the son of Samuel and Catherine (Mendenhall) Walton; the former was born in 1804, in Shenandoah County, Va., while the mother of our subject was born in 1801. Mr. Walton acquired the rudiments of his education in the common school, and completed his studies in the High School at Spring Valley. His father died when he was a little lad of four years, and at the age of fifteen he began to assist his mother in the maintenance of the family, and in the management of the business. When twenty-two years old, Mr. Walton was married, February 12, 1862, to Miss Louisa J., saughter of Ambrose and Susan R. (Babb) Elam. This lady was born in Spring Valley Township, September 27, 1840, and by her union with our subject, became the mother of one child, a daughter, Nettie M. Mr. Walton after his marriage settled on a farm in Spring Valley Township, and in addition to the successful pursuit of agriculture, became prominent in local affairs. He was elected County Commissioner, and after serving for a time, resigned to take charge of the Infirmary. Of this he was Trustee seven years, and for a period of seventeen years he was a member of the School Board of Spring Valley Township. Both he and his estimable wife belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Walton is an honored member of the Masonic fraternity, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and the order of Red Men. For two years he was Chairman of the State Association of County Commissioners. Moses Walton, Sr., the uncle of our subject, was born on the banks of the Little Miami River, at Spring Valley Station, June 27, 1809. His parents were Edward R. and Deborah (Allen) Walton, natives of Shenandoah County, Va.; the father was born in 1777, and the mother April 10, 1775. They were married in their native State. Edward R. Walton was a miller by trade, and came on horseback to Ohio in 1806. He endeavored to purchase the farm upon which, later, was located the town of Spring Valley, and which then comprised a tract of three hundred acres, but was outbid by another man who secured the coveted prize. Mr. Walton then returned to Virginia, and upon reaching home, found James Barnes, the owner of the land waiting for him, and from him Mr. Walton purchased it and removed his family there in the fall of 1808. He cleared and improved the land, and finally laid out the town of Spring Valley, making twelve lots on the west side of the pike, while his son Moses platted an equal number on the east side. Grandfather Walton sent a substitute to the army during the War of 1812. Politically, he was first a Whig, and then a Republican, and departed this life at the old homestead April 10, 1867. He outlived his wife many years, she dying at the age of sixty-eight. She was a very intelligent woman, and served as a preacher in the Society of Friends. There was born to them a family of eight children, viz: Samuel, the father of our subject; Betty, the wife of William Mendenhall; Mary, who died in infancy; Moses; Eunice the wife of Eli Compton, Edward, John, and Hannah, Mrs. Amos Cook, now a resident of Hamilton County, Ind. Edward R. Walton was the son of Moses Walton, who died in Virginia from injuries received by the sword of an officer who struck at him because, be- 678 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. ing a Quaker, he refused to enter the army. To him and his wife Eunice Rogers, there was born a family of seven children, four sons and three daughters. The sons were Samuel, Moses, Edward, and John. Deborah (Allen) Walton came to Ohio prior to her marriage, to visit her two sisters, Mrs. Betty Haines, of Waynesville, and Cicely Schooley, of Oldtown, this county. She came to this State upon the promises of Mr. Walton to marry her. Her father was Joseph Allen, of Irish origin, and her mother's first name was Betty. The journey hither was made on horseback. Grandmother Walton was three times married, and there were born to her four sons and three daughters by her first husband. By her second husband, Mr. Allen, she became the mother of two children. She spent her last days in Virginia, passing away at a ripe old age. Moses Walton, Sr., the uncle of our subject, has never lived outside of Spring Valley Township. He was in the railroad service for sixteen years, and followed pork packing for a period of nearly forty years. He also superintended the operations of a farm. Politically, he was first a Whig, and then a Republican, but since the death of President Garfield, has given his support to the Prohibition party. He has occupied the various minor offices, serving as Township Treasurer, and acquitting himself creditably in whatever position he has been placed. Mr. Walton was first married October 30, 1834, to Miss Mary Cook. This lady was horn in Warren County, this State, and is the daughter of John and Dinah (Spray) Cook. Of this union there were born five children, viz: Dinah the wife of Samuel Owen, of Hamilton County, Ind.; Hannah, Mrs. Aurelius Alexander of Spring Valley; Samuel; Deborah, the widow of Tilmon B. Lloyd, and Elizabeth, who became the wife of Marion Wildman, and is now deceased. Mrs. Mary (Cook) Walton departed this life at her home in Spring Valley, March 15, 1844. Mr. Walton, October 1, 1845, was married to Miss Rachel, daughter of Reason Reagan. Of this union there was born one child, Moses. Mrs. Rachel Walton died April 26, 1848. The third wife of Mr. Walton, to whom he was married, November 19, 1849, was Deborah Johnson. She was born in Highland County, this State, and is the daughter of Anthony and Mary (Lupton) Johnson. Eight children were born of the third marriage; four died in infancy. The survivors—John, Homer, Lupton, and Ethan Allen, lived to mature years. Mrs. Deborah Walton died February 28, 1882. All these ladies belonged to the Society of Friends. AUGUSTUS H. JONES. Miami Township, Greene County, is the home of many men of the highest respectability, the most industrious habits, great intelligence and usefulness. Among them all, none receive a greater degree of respect or have a better aim in life than he whose name introduces this sketch and who is numbered among the agriculturists of the township- He possesses more than the ordinary degree of intelligence, is a great reader and a close observer of human nature, which has become to him like an open book and affords him much instruction and enjoyment. His principal aim has been to fit his children well for their chosen occupations and to be useful to his fellow-men. It is a pleasure to record that he has been successful in his efforts and that his children are doing credit to the parental care and training. The father of our subject was Stephen ,Tones, who was born in Cincinnati in 1802, and whose first occupation was that of a wagon-maker, and his subsequent one that of a farmer. He was a son of an early settler in the Buckeye State who was a native of New Jersey, and who was drowned at Cincinnati, in which city an uncle of Grandfather Jones built the first mill. Stephen Jones married Elizabeth Ball, who belonged to an old Virginian family but was herself a native of Ohio. Her father was a soldier in the War of 1812. After their marriage, which took place September 8, 1830, Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Jones settled two and a half miles west of Yellow Springs, remaining in that location about eight years. They then removed to a farm now owned by William Brewer, but after some PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM - 679 years became the occupants of the farm now owned by their son, our subject, which became their permanent home. The father died in Dayton in 1881, and the mother at the home place in 1875. Their family consisted of two children, our subject and a sister Lydia, who is the wife of Charles McCullough, and the mother of two children, her home being in Gage County, Neb. The gentleman with whose name we introduce this biographical notice was born December 12, 1832, in the township which has been his home from that day. Having a decided bent toward civil engineering, he took up the branches of study which pertained to that occupation, in the Swedenborg College at Urbana, Champaign County, returning to the farm, of which he took charge at the age of fourteen years, and upon which he has since remained with the exception of a period devoted to the service of his country. —The farm is one mile east.of Yellow Springs, and originally belonged to the Mills tract. It comprises one hundred and twenty-four and a half acres, all now improved, and still carried on by its present owner. It is devoted to the cultivation of grain and to the raising of stock, the cattle kept being Polled Aber. deens. The estate is conducted in a manner which indicates to even a casual observer something of the character of the owner, the improvements upon it also indicating the tastes of the occupants. The lady who presides over the household economy was born July 30, 1837, and became the wife of our subject, November 12, 1861. Her maiden name was Lydia Sheller and she is one of the eleven children born to Adam and Mary (Hie-stand) Sheller, natives of Lancaster County, Pa., who came to Clark County, Ohio, at an early day. Her mother died there October 26, 1874, and her father May 21, 1883, aged ninety-four years. She possesses the noble character which merits and wins esteem, and the cultured mind which affords personal pleasure and opens up an eaten led field for usefulness. She attended Antioch College when the famous educator, Horace Mann, was President of that institution and could hardly have failed under such guidance to have imbibed grand ideas of the use which should be made of knowledge. The family of Mr, and Mrs. Jones comprises five sons and daughters,whose record is as follows: Augustus W. is a civil engineer, his home being in Columbus, Ohio; his wife was formerly Miss Hattie Goodman ; Herbert R. is unmarried and is now attending the Ohio State University, fitting himself for civil engineering; Eva is the wife of Gano Reeder Baker, a civil engineer whose home is in Denver,Col.; Llewellyn and Clarence B. are students at Antioch College. A. W. Jones, G. R. Baker and Mrs. Eva Baker are all graduates of Antioch College. The family of Mr. Jones attends the Christian Church. He. has been a member of the School Board for years and was Trustee of Miami Township about twelve years. Last fall he was elected Land Appraiser for this township, but because of ill health was obliged to resign and appoint a substitute. He has been an active Republican all hi3 life; his ancestors were old-line Whigs. In 1864, he became a member of Company A, One Hundred and Fifty-fourth Ohio National Guards, and while at the front took part in the battle of New Creek, W. Va. He was discharged at Camp Dennison the same year. He belongs to the Grand Army Post at Yellow Springs. CYRUS LOWMAN. This plain and unassuming citizen, without perhaps being the hero of any thrilling event, has pursued the even tenor of his way through the years of a long and worthy life, and is looked upon as one of the most reliable men of his community. He is an offshoot of one of the pioneer families of Clark County, within whose limits he still resides, and has performed no unimportant part in developing a portion of its soil. He was born in Bethel Township, Clark County, wherein he now resides, May 3, 1823, and is the son of David and Sarah (Carney) Lowman, the former of whom was a native of Adams County, Pa. His parents removed with their family to Ohio in the early part of this century and entered a tract of land from the Government when David was a small boy, and thereafter made their home in Bethel Township. His father 680 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. built the second stone house that was built in Clark County. David was an honest, hard-working man, and succeeded in accumulating a fair share of this world's goods. For the long period of fifty years he was a member in good standing of the Christian Church, and took an active part in promoting its welfare. Politically, he was a Whig until the abandonment of the old party, and subsequently became one of the strongest advocates of Republican principles. The paternal grandfather of our. subject was George Lowman, likewise a native of Pennsylvania, and who spent his last years in this township. To the parents of our subject there were born the following children : Margaret, Elizabeth, Cyrus and Martin (twins), Hannah, Rebecca, Mary, David, John, Susan and Martha,. Five of these are living. Cyrus, our subject, with his brothers and sisters, was reared on the home farm in Bethel Township, and received such education as was afforded by the common school. He, however, made good use of his time with his books, and after reaching his majority taught school during the winter- seasons and occupied himself as a house painter in summer. Twelve years were spent in this manner, and he then became interested in the nursery business, acting as agent for various parties, and followed this until after the outbreak of the Civil War. In September, 1861, Mr. Lowman entered the Union army as a private, becoming a member of the Sixteenth Ohio Battery of Light Artillery, with which he served three years. His regiment operated mostly in Missouri, Arkansas, Mississippi and Louisiana, being 'a part of the Thirteenth Army Corps. Mr. Lowman endured the vicissitudes of a soldier's life with exemplary courage,and at the close of his term of enlistment, after having given a faithful service of three years to his country, received his honorable discharge in September, 1864. Returning then tO the fruit-tree business, he commenced operations on his own hook, and was the first man to ship trees to Texas. He also built up a good patronage in various other sections of the country, and continued thus employed until the swing of 1879. Returning now to New Carlisle, Mr. Lowman embarked in the shoe trade, in which he has since been engaged, and in which he has built up an extensive and lucrative patronage. Indeed, he is one of the leading merchants of the place in this line- He has been a prominent man in the community, and after filling various other positions of trust and responsibility, was elected, in 1873, Mayor of New Carlisle. He served his term with so much credit to himself and satisfaction to the people that he was re-elected in the spring of 1875, serving in all four years. In the year last-mentioned he was also elected Justice of the Peace, which office he has since held by successive re-elections. Mr. Lowman was married, in February, 1845, to Miss Margaret Moses. This lady was born in 1819, in Pennsylvania, and is a daughter of Abram Moses and wife, who were likewise natives of the Keystone State, and who are now deceased. Of this union there were born five children, viz: Laura B., who remains at home with her parents; Alpheus, who died when six months old; Mary S., the wife of J. J. Shoemaker, a manufacturer of New Carlisle; Elizabeth, unmarried, and at home; and Milly, who died in 1864, when eleven years old. Mr. and Mrs. Lowman identified themselves with the Christian Church when mere children, and still hold to the faith which was taught them by their pious parents. Mr. Lowman cast his first Presidential vote for Gen. Scott, and is a Republican "dyed-in-the-wool"—one of the strongest adherents of his party in this section. He has made for himself a good record as a man and a citizen, and is one whose name will be held in remembrance long after he has been gathered to his fathers. HENRY MUMMA. A well-cultivated and pleasantly located farm of one hundred acres is the home of the gentleman above named, who may be numbered among the old settlers of Clark County. He was born in Lancaster County, Pa., July 3, 1827, being the youngest in a family of five children. Of these two beside himself are now living; Jacob resides in Effingham County, Ill., and Mrs. Elizabeth Rohrer in Putnam County, this State. The parents were Christian PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM - 681 and Elizabeth (Hause) Mumma, who were also natives of Lancaster County, Pa. The ancestry is German in the paternal line, and is supposed to be English in the maternal line. In his native county, he of whom we write, was reared to the age of twelve years, receiving such educational advantages as the section afforded and his years would permit. His parents then removed to Clark County, Ohio, a settlement being made on section 19, Moorefield Township, where our subject is now living. The first home of the family was a log cabin, and in pioneer style they began their life in what was practically a forest. Clearing was begun by the father, assisted by his sons, and in common with other pioneers, hardships were endured and arduous toil was undergone by the family. Christian Mumma enjoyed a large acquaintance and was highly respected by all who knew him for his honesty and integrity in business transactions, for his industrious habits and the interest which he took in the development and improvement of the county- He was a member of the Mennonite Church, the faith of which brightened for him the valley of death into which he entered July 22, 1866. His wife, who also enjoyed a large circle of friends, passed away March 22, 1876. Henry Mumma has devoted his life to farm labors, his youth having been passed in assisting his father in the development of the homestead upon which he was reared to manhood and upon which he has been carrying on a successful life. Realizing that it is not good for man to live alone, he took a companion January 15, 1852, his choice being Miss Elenora Shopp, who has proved her worth as wife, mother, and neighbor. The happy union has been blessed by the birth of six children, and the parents mourn the loss of two—Franklin S. and Amanda C. The survivors are: Sarah E., wife of John Ertel', of Adams County, Iowa; William H., who lives in Fayette County, Ill.; Emma F., wife of Cyrus Nelson, of Springfield ; and Charles E. Mrs. Mumma was born in Cumberland County, Pa., November 16, 1830. Her paternal ancestors were German, while in the maternal line she is of German and English stock- Her parents were the Rev. Christian and Sarah M. (Ruply) Shopp, natives of the Keystone State, who removed to Ohio in the spring of 1831. Their daughter Elenora, then a babe but a few months old, was brought in a cradle in a covered wagon to Montgomery County, in which the family lived until about 1847. They then changed their residence to Springfield Township, Clark County, where Mrs. Shopp died in November, 1871. The widowed  father then took up his residence in the home of our subject where he remained until also called home, July 14, 1874. He was a minister of the United Brethren Church, and labored for many years in the vineyard of the Lord, mostly as a local minister. He was the father of fourteen children, of whom the following are now living: Isaac, in Mercer County ; Solomon, in Henry County, Iowa; Christian in Burlington, Iowa ; Montgomery O., in Elk County, Kan.; Susannah, wife of George McCafferty, in Jasper County, Mo.; Frances, widow of John Mumma, in Johnson County, Mo.; Sarah, wife of the Rev. William Wells, in Dayton, this State, and the wife of our subject. Mr. Mumma is a believer in and a supporter of the principles of the Republican party and favors all enterprises which will tend to increase the prosperity and true civilization of the country, particularly of that section of which he is an honored resident. CAPT. ROBERT A. STARKEY. Within the past decade many business establishments have been founded in Springfield, and from small beginnings have developed into prosperous enterprises, making this city a leading commercial and manufacturing emporium. One flourishing firm was established in 1882, and is now carried on under the name of Starkey & Scowden, our subject being the senior partner. Mr. Starkey first opened a store on a small scale, occupying only one little room on West High Street, where as a dealer in boots and shoes he became in well known throughout the city and vicinity. The acknowledged superiority of his stock, as well as his courteous treatment of customers, combined to increase his trade and, in 1883, he moved to larger quarters, locating in the Arcade building, where is 682 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. now carried on a successful business, occupying two rooms. The annual sales of the firm amount to over $100,000, which sufficiently indicates the popularity of the managers and the unvarying excellence of their goods. A native of the Buckeye State, our subject was born in Scioto County, March 23, 1836. He came of Virginian parentage, and traced his ancestry back to substantial English and Scotch forefathers. He is the son of William J. and Martha (Jones) Starkey, both of whom were horn in Cumberland County, in the Old Dominion. At an early day, however, they left their Southern home, and sought a more congenial location in the Buckeye State, settling in Pike County, where Robert A. passed his youth. His father, being both a farmer and carpenter, was an industrious, active man, and accumulated , a competence sufficient to make happy the declining days of himself and his wife. They died at their Ohio home, he in June, 1867, and she in June, 1857. On the maternal side, or subject is the grandson of Daniel Jones, who was born in Virginia, of English, lineage, and whose ancestors on both sides had crossed the Atlantic at an early period, in the history of the United States, settling on the James River, near the point where Gen. Lee surrendered to Gen. Grant. Being descended from a long line of patriotic and worthy ancestors, it is not surprising that our subject possesses qualities of highest patriotism and most, scrupulous honor. His military career proves that he faithfully maintained those principles which his parents early instilled into the minds of their children. Being the eldest of eight children, of whom six, four sons and two daughters, grew to maturity, Robert A. Starkey was at an early age made useful on the homestead, and received the advantages of what was then considered a good common-school education, attending a country school until 1855. Then, at the age of nineteen years, he commenced his mercantile career, as a clerk in a country store at Jasper, Ohio. He afterward became a partner in the enterprise, the business being conducted under the name of S. N. Cutler & Co. After continuing in this manner until the outbreak of the Civil War, he then, in connection with Dr. Wells S. Jones, who was made Captain, recruited a company, of which he was made First Lieutenant- They belonged to Company A., Fifty-third Regiment, Ohio Infantry, and were assigned to the Army of the Tennessee,Gen- Sherman commanding. In April, 1862, our subject was promoted to a captaincy in his company, and acceptably dis- charged the duties of this position until the summer of 1864, when he . resigned on account of disability. He participated in the following battles; Pittsburg Landing, Corinth, Jackson, Vicksburg, Lookout Mountain and many less important engagements. At the close of the war he. returned to Pike County, Ohio, where he remained one year, and thence going to Portsmouth, the same State, he entered a wholesale boot and shoe store in the capacity of clerk. However, his worth soon ,commanded attention, and he was taken into the house as a partner, the firm name being Hibbs, Richardson & Co. He retained his interest iv this establishment about nine years when, disposing of it, he went to Cincinnati, and engaged in manufacturing boots and shoes for three years. He dates his residence in Springfield from 1882, when the prospects of that city for business enterprises attracted his attention, and he determined to make it his home. It has proved a wise selection, socially and financially; politically, he has always worked with the Republican party, and is considered one of its most influential members. In religious matters, he is a member of the Second Presbyterian Church, of which he is a Trustee. He maintains his interest in the past history of his nation and his connection therewith, by being identified with the Mitchell Post, G. A. H. He also belongs to the Loyal Legion, Cincinnati Commandery. Capt. Starkey has always found a helpful companion and a devoted wife in the lady with whom he was united in marriage January 5, 1880. She bore the maiden name of Alice Wilkinson, and she was born and reared in London, England, whence she emigrated to America in 1871, settling in Cincinnati. Her parents, Henry Thomas and Hannah (Stratton) Wilkinson, were also natives of England, and are now deceased. Mrs. Starkey received a thorough musical education, both in Eng- PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM - 685 land and America, and was trained to become a capable housekeeper. Intelligent and refined, she makes a charming hostess, and under her pleasant roof guests receive a hearty welcome. CHRISTIAN KAUFFMAN. Too much credit cannot be given those who gave up the comforts of home and hazarded their lives in order that not a star should be riven from the old flag, and who, on many a bloody field and in many a weary march, endured cheerfully and fought bravely to uphold the Union. It gives us great pleasure to represent in this volume one of the old soldiers to whom such honor is due,and par-, titularly so, as in other respects also he is worthy of our notice. Christian Kauffman belongs to a family which sent into the Union service six brothers, and which has been a prominent one in Greene County for many years. It may be well to devote a brief space, before entering upon the record of our subject, to his progenitors. His grandfather, who also bore the name of Christian, was of German extraction, a native and life-long resident of Lancaster County, Pa., and a farmer and miller. In the same county another Christian Kauffman; the son of the first-named, was born and grew to manhood. He also was a farmer and miller, carrying on both saw and grist mills and rebuilding one on Snipe Creek. In 1840 he removed to Clark County, Ohio, having bought a farm in Bethel Township the year previous. The tract comprised four- hundred and eighty acres, and cost $25 per acre. On it a home was established and the owner built a sawmill on Mad River, where he did quite an extensive milling business. He also bought other property until his landed estate amounted to an entire section. He died in the year 1871, at the age of seventy- two years. He belonged to the Mennonite Church. His wife was a native of the same county as himself, her maiden name being Annie Erb. Her father, Jacob Erb, was a farmer and distiller and possessed of comfortable means. She also died in Bethel Township, breathing her last in 1878. A large family was born to the above mentioned couple, thirteen children growing to maturity. Of these, Emanuel is farming- in Bethel Township; Jacob lives in Osborn; the next on the family roll is our subject; John lives in Osborn ; Mrs. Elizabeth H. Hower lives in .Bethel Township; Mary, 1111;,q. Kneisly, is deceased ; Levi and Benjamin are farmers in Bethel Township; Reuben is deceased; Mrs. Anna Musselman and Mrs. Sarah Mouck live in Bethel Township; Henry resides in Osborn; and. Abraham, in Bethel Township. John and Levi served with the one hundred days' men in the Civil War; Benjamin enlisted, in 1861, in the Forty-fourth Ohio Infantry and served three years; Henry served from 1862 until the close of the war in the One .Hundred and Tenth Ohio Infantry; Abraham served from 1862 until the close of the war, first in the Ninety-fourth Infantry, and later in the Eighth Ohio Cavalry. Their brother-in-law, John Mouck, also served three years as a member of the Forty-fourth Infantry and the Eighth Ohio Cavalry. The subject of this sketch was born Fix miles from Lancaster, in Lancaster County, Pa., on Christmas Day, 1825. He had very good common-school advantages in his native State, where he grew to the age of fifteen years. He then accompanied his parents and the rest of the family to Ohio, twenty-one days being occupied on the journey, during which the boys walked the most of the way. The family and goods were conveyed in wagons drawn by two span of horses. The location which the father had secured was all timber, and our subject, with his brothers, chopped logs, burned brush, and otherwise assisted to clear and improve a farm in the valley. Like all families of early settlers, they had much hard work to do, the schooling of the children being limited to a. few months' attendance during the winter, at the subscription schools, which were kept in the old-fashioned log schoolhouses. Christian Kauffman, our subject, remained at home until twenty years of age, when he was apprenticed to learn the wagonmaker's trade, at Medway. After serving two and -one-half years, he began journey work at Dayton, whence he went to Hagerstown, Ind-, h 1.849, After a, short time 686 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. spent in journey work there, he returned to Dayton, and the following year went back to his native county in the Keystone State, where he worked at his trade and farming for a year. He then returned to Ohio and took up his residence on the home farm, abandoning his trade and tilling the soil until after the war began. In August, 1862, Mr. Kauffman entered the service, being mustered in, at Piqua, as a Corporal in Company F, One Hundred and Tenth Ohio Infantry. The command was sent to Virginia, where for some months their experiences were not particularly memorable, except to those engaged in them, as they took part in no prominent battles for some time. The first heavy engagement, which is famous in history, was the battle of Winchester, in June, 1863. Then, as part of the Army of the Potomac, they followed up Gen. Lee, participating in the battles of Warrenton Gap, the Rappahannock, Brandy Station, Centerville Heights, Culpeper Courthouse and the scarcely less dangerous and equally arduous minor skirmishes during the fall. Mr. Kauffman was promoted to the rank of Sergeant after the battle of Mine Run. The regiment wintered at Brandy Station, then crossed the Rapidan, and during the following season bore gallant part in the battles of the Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Cold Harbor, Bermuda One Hundred, James River, Petersburg, and Weldon Railroad. The command to which Sergt. Kauffman belonged then fell back and took. up a position below Petersburg, whence they were taken to Baltimore on the train, and marching to Monocacy Junction, participated in the battle there, July 9, 1864. During that engagement the Sergeant received a minie ball in the lower part of his right thigh, but walked back two miles until helped away on horseback to the field hospital at Allsott's Mill. He was then sent to Baltimore in a box car and placed in Patterson Park Hospital, in the Lincoln Ward, where he received the best of treatment. Gangrene set in and the flesh had to be cut away and caustic applied, consequently the wound was a long time in healing and the sufferer remained in the hospital until the holidays. Being then able to go about on crutches, he received a thirty days' furlough and visited his hone, At the expiration of his leave, Sergt. Kauffman returned to the hospital and was sent to one at Germantown, near Philadelphia, where he remained until the last of March, when he was able to rejoin his regiment. He remained with the command, which was at Petersburg when he reached it, until the close of the war, but was in the hospital at City Point two weeks, and .transferred by boat to Washington Hospital- There he was present at the Grand Review, but on account of the lameness with which he has been afflicted since he was wounded, he was not able to take an active part in that great event. He was mustered out of the service and honorably discharged June 22, 1865, and returned to his home conscious that he had faithfully discharged his duty as a patriotic citizen and secured the esteem of his comrades and superior officers. At Cold Harbor also he was struck by a ball, but as its force was largely spent it did him no serious injury. After his return from the field of battle Mr- Kauffman came -to Osborn and opened a grocery business in connection with his brother John, under the firm name of Kauffman Bros- The partnership continued and the business was kept up until 1874, when our subject sold out, and returning to the farm, operated it until 1880. Another grocery stock was then bought, and in partnership with John A. Kneisly, our subject again embarked in the business, the firm carrying on the store until 1888, when they sold their stock and dissolved partnership. The war having left Mr. Kauffman in such a condition that he was not able to pursue any active physical career, and such a degree of prosperity having attended his efforts that he was able to retire from business, he did so at the termination of the above-mentioned partnership. Mr. Kauffman is a stanch Republican, doing all that he can to advance the interests of the party whose principles he thinks best calculated for the good of the land. He has been a delegate to county conventions- His first vote was cast for Gen. Zachary Taylor. He has ever been public spirited and enterprising, and as an honorable man, a reliable citizen, and a pleasant and agreeable companion, is honored and respected by all to PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM - 687 whom he is known. He has never married, a fact to be regretted by those who know his kindly nature. Jacob Kauffman, a brother of our subject, and his associate in the home, went to California in 1819, via the Isthmus of Panama, and spent two years as a miner on the Coast. Returning to -his home, he engaged in farming, afterward bcing interested in the grocery business in Dayton for five years and then again becoming a farmer. He also embarked in the sale of fruit trees, traveling for five years in Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, etc., in that business. Afterward he located in Osborn, where he was engaged in the grain business until his retirement from active affairs. A lithographic portrait of Mr. Kauffman is presented in connection with this sketch. WILLIAM H. NEER owns and occupies a farm of one hundred acres, pleasantly cated two miles east of Catawba, Clark County. He is also interested in other land west of Catawba, and in addition to general farming raises all kinds of stock. The home farm is supplied with a full line of the buildings needful to the successful prosecution of the labors performed thereon, and it needs but a glance over the broad expanse to assure a stranger that Mr. Neer is an enterprising and progressive agriculturist. He is a native of Pleasant Township, having been born west of Catawba, July 5, 1848, and on his father's farm acquired a knowledge of the business which lre has adopted as his own. He received a good common-school education, and taught four winter terms of school. At the age of twenty-one years he began his personal career as a farmer, and after a few years took a companion in the person of Miss Anna E. Cartmell, with whom he was united in marriage December 29,1874. Mrs. Neer was born September 6, 1850, her birthplace being in this township, not far from that of her husband, with whom an acquaintance was begun in childhood. The childish friendship "grew with their growth and strengthened with their strength," developing into a regard which husband and wife should feel for each other. Their happy union has been blessed by the birth of four bright daughters—Estelle M., Carrie A., Laura E. and Mary C. Both Mr. and Mrs. Neer belong to the Methodist Protestant Church, and are held in excellent repute for the manner in which they have endeavored to carry the precepts of Christianity into their daily lives. Mr. Neer has served as Township Trustee two terms. In politics he is an active Republican. Nathaniel and Rebecca (VanMeter) Cartmell occupied the first plastered house in Pleasant Township, to which they came from Loudoun County, Va. Among the members of their family was a son, Nathaniel M., who was born here in 1816, and who became a farmer. He married Mary Lofland, who was born in Marietta, in 1823, and who bore him five sons and three daughters, Mrs. Neer of this sketch being one of the number. N. M. Cartmell served as Township Trustee, and also as Trustee of the Children's Home near Springfield. The subject of this sketch is a grandson of Amos Neer, who was born in Loudoun County, Va., and upon coming to Ohio, in 1817, settled on land entered by his father, Henry Neer, who had come hither at an early day. This Henry Neer was born in the Old Dominion, in 1748, and died in this county February 3, 1828. He located a tract of land where Catawba now stands. In 1827 Amos .Neer bought a small tract about two miles southwest of that village, now owned by his grandson, A. W. Neer. His first wife bore him seven children—Jonathan, Elizabeth, Ann, Susannah, Jane, Nathan and Matilda. After the death of his first wife he married Mrs. Hannah Golden, by whom he had three children—Joseph H., Amelia and Hannah; the last two now deceased. He was again married to Nancy Toland. He was a soldier in the War of 1812, and he and his first wife belonged to the Methodist Episcopal Church. He died April 25, 1843, aged fifty-six years. Nathan Neer was born in the western part of Pleasant Township, August 15, 1822. He married Mary A. Hunter, who was born in the same neighborhood March 1, 1823, To them were born seven 688 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. children, viz.: Levi, who enlisted in the spring of 1865, as a member of Company F, Eighth Ohio Cavalry, and served about five months, subsequently dying at the age of twenty-three years; William H., of this notice; Miranda E., wife of James H. Engle, who died childless; Luther, Charles F., Alonzo W- and Laura J. Nathan Neer was an active member of the Republican party, and served as Township Trustee. He and his wife were devoted members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, liberal in their support of its various enterprises, and holding leading places among its members. Mr. Neer died November 13, 1886, his widow surviving until June 22, 1889. GEORGE L. PAINE, D.D.S. the oldest resident dentist of Xenia, is a practitioner of fourty years standing, having embarked of forty years standing, having embarked in the profession of dentistry May 1, 1850. He, like so many of the prominent and successful citizens of Xenia, is a native of the Buckeye State, and was born July 3, 1822, in Montgomery County. His early years were spent on his father's farm in Miama Township, Montgomery County, Ohio, where he attended the common school, and at the same time became familiar with the pursuits of agriculture. Usually a man's career is largely the result of his early surroundings, and especially of the principles which have been instilled into his mind during his tender years. The subject of this notice is the offspring of a good family, being the son of Henry Paine, of New England antecedents, and a native of Connecticut. Henry Paine, in 1820, and when a young man, cast his eyes toward what was then the Great West, the young State of Ohio, and in company with a brother, made his way mostly by stage to the present site of Cincinnati. For some years thereafter he was engaged as a steamboat captain, plying the waters of the Ohio, during which time he accumulated a little capital, which he invested in pork, and for twenty years thereaf¬ter was quite an extensive dealer in this commo dity. During that period he was no unimportant factor in giving to the Queen City its other, and perhaps more forcible cognomen "Porkopolis." The elder Paine finally left Cincinnati and turned his attention in an entirely different channel, namely, that of education, and for many years thereafter he was directly connected with the school system of Montgomery County. Not long after becoming a resident of the Buckeye State, he met and married, at Franklin, Miss Alettah Lane. This lady was born in New Jersey, and accompanied her parents to Ohio when a child of eight years, they settling among the pioneers of Cincinnati, locating at that point when the now great city was only a- village, to which they had made their way on a flatboat as early as 1808. Grandfather George Lane entered a whole section of land, upon which he erected a homestead where he spent the remainder of his days. Near that homestead subsequently grew up the town of Carlisle, on the Cincinnati, Hamilton & Dayton Railroad. In the vicinity of Carlisle, Henry Paine was married, and there spent the remainder of his life, passing away about 1848. He held no civil office, but was quite prominent in military affairs in which he took a warm interest, and was for a long period a major in the old Ohio militia. His estimable wife survived him a number of years, her death taking place in Montgomery County, in 1862. The household circle was completed by the birth of six children, five of whom grew to mature years, and four are now living. George L., like his brothers and sisters, obtained his early education in the common school, being encouraged in his studies by his father, who was ambitious to have all his children avail themselves of the opportunities presented them in this direction. George L. became thoroughly acquainted with English and the classics, and like his father before him, developed into an efficient teacher, and was assistant in the academy at Germantown Ohio, for three years. We next find young Paine becoming interested in the study of medicine, but he abandoned this shortly after taking one course, and entered the Cincinnati Dental College, from which he was graduated as a dentist in 1852. He had, however, prior to this, practiced the art considerably, and PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM - 691 with fine success. His interest in this profession led him to give to it his best efforts, and not many years had passed before he became noted for his skill, which resulted in the building up of a large and lucrative business. He was located for a time in Dayton, but about 1850 came to Xenia, of which he has since been a continuous resident, and is looked upon as one of the old landmarks inseparably connected with the welfare of the city. Dr. Paine was wedded January 27, 1846, at the bride's home at Carlisle Station, to Miss Eliza Ann Barkalow. Mrs. Paine was born in Miami Township, May 3, 1826, and is the daughter of James and Catherine (Vandervere) Barkalow, who were natives of New Jersey, but who came to Ohio during the period of its early settlement. The parents of Mrs: Paine are now deceased. To the Doctor and his estimable wife there remains but one child, Elmer E., who is now a gentleman of fine capabilities, and managing editor of the Akron (Ohio) Daily Beacon. The younger Paine obtained a classical education in the Ohio State University at Columbus, and married Miss Margaret Humphreys, an accomplished lady, who, after being graduated from the Michigan University, was for some time employed as a teacher. With the exception of supporting the principles of the Republican party at the general elections, Dr. Paine has very little to do with politics. Early in life both he and his wife identified themselves with the Presbyterian Church, with which they still remain connected. The family hold a high social position, and have a pleasant and attractive home in the northern. part of the city where is dispensed a generous hospitality to their hosts of friends. FREDERICK HOLFORD. Since he took up his residence in this city several years ago, with the view of retiring to private life and to the enjoyment of an ample fortune, this gentleman has been among the foremost citizens of Springfield to forward its financial interests, and his hand is seen in various schemes to extend its industries and commerce and to advance its growth in various directions. His operations are by no means confined to this city and county, but reach far beyond, as he is engaged in various enterprises requiring large capital, his interests extending to different parts of the United. States. He is a man of remarkable energy and tenacity of purpose, with marvelous capacity for business, and notwithstanding he is long past the meridian of life he throws himself into his work with the vigor and zeal of a man in life's prime, and is still perfectly able to superintend the investment of his money and to manage his large property with unerring judgment. The subject of this notice was born in England, near Oxford, May 9, 1813. His father, Thomas Holford, was a native of Berkshire, England, and in his early youth he acquired the trade of a shoemaker,- became a manufacturer, built up a fortune, and spent his last years in retirement. Our subject learned his father's trade, and in 1833 left home to seek work in London, and was employed at his trade there one year. His father had always taken a great interest in America, and consequently our subject had heard a great deal about the New World, and ambitious to see the country, and to see what life held for him here in this Eldorado of the home-seeker and fortune-hunter, he set sail for the United States in 1834, and landing in New York, remained in that city one year. He then concluded to seek what was then the "Far West," hoping to better his finances, and secure a home for himself. He started by the most convenient and expeditious route, by steamer on the Hudson River to Albany, thence by rail to Schenectady, the only passenger railway in the United States at that time, and the first he had ever seen; at Schenectady he took passage on a canal boat for Buffalo. At Tonawanda he and others left the boat and went on foot to visit Niagara Falls. There was but a small settlement of whites there at that time, and quite a number of Indians. Three days later the party returned to Buffalo by steamer, and there engaged passage for Chicago. On his arrival in that city he found it a flourishing village of twenty-five hundred inhabitants, with' the surrounding country sparsely settled, and the most of the land owned by the Government. Mr. Holford had a friend living about fifty miles north of Chicago, and desiring to visit 692 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. him, he took passage for his place in a box wagon or stage, and the roads being bad the male passengers were obliged to walk a part of the way. After arriving at his destination our subject made a claim to a tract of Government land, but after residing on it a few months, concluded that it would be rather slow work getting rich there, and returned to Chicago, where he resided a few months and then went to the territory of Iowa, making his way across the State of Illinois to Fulton, then but a hamlet, where he crossed the Father of Waters to Clinton County, Iowa. He made a claim to a tract of Government land at Camanche, and at once commenced to improve a farm. He devoted himself assiduously to agriculture the ensuing four years, and then he retraced his footsteps eastward as far as Cincinnati, where he established himself in the shoe business, and though be had but little capital and had to commence in a small way he soon worked up an extensive trade, and continued in business until 1874, when, having acquired a fortune, he came to Springfield, intending in this beautiful city to live in retirement from the cares of a business life and to enjoy his wealth at his ease- His vigorous temperament, however, would not allow him to live in idleness, and he was not satisfied until he once more found himself amid the excitements of an active business life. He accepted the position of Vice-President and Treasurer of the Republic Printing Company, publishers of the daily and weekly Republic, and he also became a member of the company that built the paper mill at Enon this county, besides prominently identifying himself with various other enterprises. Among other things he utilized the large tract of real estate that he purchased when he first came here, for building purposes, and erected several good houses, many of which he still owns, deriving a good income from their rental, and others he sold at an advanced price- Mr. Holford has passed the seventy-seventh milestone on life's journey, but inheriting a strong constitution, and being temperate in all things, he enjoys good health both physically and mentally, his vigorous step, clear eye, and keen intellect betraying no marks of age. He has one son, named George, in whom his hopes and ambitions are now centered. We have seen in this brief life-record that our subject possesses a rare talent for business, far-reaching foresight, and conspicuous practical good sense, and that the wealth that he has secured by the exercise of these traits has been of benefit not alone to himself and his friends, but to his adopted city, as by wisely expending a portion of it here he has promoted the welfare of the com- munity. A man of frank, pleasant bearing, of quick and genial wit, whose powers of observation and wide experience have given him a large fund of information, he is an entertaining companion and has gathered around him a large circle of friends. He is active in religious matters as an Elder in the Second Presbyterian Church. He has always shown a great interest in charitable objects, and was one of the first members of the Board of Directors of the Childrens' Home of Clark County, located at Springfield, Ohio. The lithographic portrait of Mr. Holford, shown elsewhere in this volume, represents one of Clark County's honored citizens-   WIILLIAM H. BERGER, one of the best known residents of Springfield Township, Clark County, is a man of more than ordinary intelligence, thoroughly educated, acquiring a good fund of general knowledge through his own efforts, and is looked upon as one of the most useful members of the community. He was born in Heidelberg Township, Berks County, Pa., January 21, 1830, and is the son of Daniel and Esther (Body) Berger, both of whom were natives of that county. The paternal grandfather was also born there, and was a son of Henry Berger, whose father was born in Germany. The latter emigrated to America at an early day, and thereafter spent his life in Pennsylvania. Grandfather Berger was a resident of his native State during his entire life, spending the last years in Berks County. His son Daniel was reared and married in his native county, where he learned the trade of a brick, stone and plaster mason, and followed these trades many years. He lived in Berks PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM - 693 County until 1838, then .concluded to seek his fortunes in the West. He set out on the long journey with his wife and five children overland with a team and wagon, and after four weeks spent in travel, located in Clark County, this State. The only railroad which they came across was one leading into the city of Harrisburg, Pa., The present flourishing city of Springfield was little more than a hamlet, having only a few manufacturing interests. Upon his arrival in Ohio the father of our subject found a vacant house in Lagonda, which he rented, and began looking about for a tract of land suitable for his necessities and means. After about one month he purchased one hundred and thirty-three acres, at $16.66f per acre, upon which was a set of log buildings, the place now being owned and occupied by his son, William H. The log house was covered with clapboards, rived by hand and held in place by weight poles. The family occupied this humble dwelling for two years, and then Mr. Berger put up the substantial brick building which now adorns the premises. In due time other buildings were erected; the land brought to a good state of cultivation, and Mr. Berger gathered around himself and family all the comforts of modern country life. Upon some occasions the family to which the mother of our subject belonged spelled their name Boda. Mrs. Esther (Body) Berger was born in Berks County, Pa., and is the daughter of Henry Body, likewise a native of the Keystone State, and of German parentage. He followed the occupation of a farmer, and spent the closing years of his life in Berks County. Daniel Berger was one of the charter Trustees of the United Brethren Church near Lagonda, serving many years in that capacity, and was very active in efforts to take advance steps for educating the children of the neighborhood. He died May 19, 1878, in his eighty-fourth year, his wife dying at the same age, August 31, 1881. Their remains were laid away in Newcomer Cemetery. The aged couple had lived over sixty years in the marriage relation. To them had been born seven children—Eliza, Mary, Catharine, Sarah, William Daniel and Ellen. Eliza died December 24, 1825, aged six years; Mary, March 31, 1825, aged four; Ellen, June, 1845, aged eleven; and Catharine, May 24, 1889, aged sixty-five. The subject of this notice was a boy of eight years when his parents came to Clark County. As soon as large enough he commenced assisting in the lighter labors incident to opening up a farm, and he acquired his education mostly in the district school, attending three months during the winter season. He, however, was fond of his books, and employed his leisure hours in gaining useful information. Later, to his great satisfaction, he was permitted to attend the High School at Springfield one year. Before reaching his majority he commenced teaching, and followed this profession in the Hunter District and Moorefield Township. Subsequently he taught six months of each year for a period of tweety-five years, six, years of that time in Moorefield Township and the remainder at Lagonda. During the vacations he was employed on the farm. Mr. Berger has been identified with the Prohibition party since its formation, and has held various offices in connection therewith- He has always maintained a warm interest in the cause of education, serving as a member of .the School Board eighteen years, and availing himself of every opportunity to facilitate the proper training of the young in this direction. He has also officiated as Township Trustee, and in other local offices. He is a member in good standing of the United Brethren Church, in which he has served as Steward, Class-Leader and Trustee, holding one or more church offices each year for thirty-five years. He has 'also been active in Sunday-school work, being Superintendent of the Lagonda Sunday-school without intermission more than twenty years, and in all longer than a quarter of a century. His wife and children are also members of the same cHurch. He has quite frequently been appointed guardian of children, some of whom, now doing business, still come to him for advice; and has like- wise had numerous estates to settle as administrator or executor. Miss Mary J. Jackson became the wife of our subject March 18, 1852, their union taking place in Moorefield Township. Mrs. Berger was born 694 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. January 11, 1830, in Loudoun County, Va., and is the daughter of John Jackson, who was a native of Virginia and is now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Berger are the parents of five children, viz.:, John M.; Elizabeth A., who married Albert H. Tavenner; Mary Esther, Daniel F. and William H., the last two being deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Berger have taken much interest in the welfare of orphan children, quite a number having found a home with them. JOSEPH MYERS. A traveler through Greene County, sees many attractive homes, not only in the thriving towns, but in the agricultural districts, the evidences of enterprise crowned with success being plentiful on every hand. In Silver Creek Township, about one mile west of Jamestown, on the Jamestown & Xenia Pike, stands a substantial, two-story brick residence around which fine barns and other outbuildings cluster, and well-tilled acres stretch. Everything about the place bears the air of neatness and order, and the evidences of good taste which mark the occupants as people of intelligence, thrift and culture. Investigation shows that this estate, which is one of the finest in the township, comprises one hundred and fifty-three broad acres, and is owned and occupied by Joseph Myers and his estimable wife. The gentleman whose life it is our purpose to outline in these brief paragraphs, is of German ancestry, more recent generations having lived in Pennsylvania. His father, John Myers, was born in that State, reared upon a farm, and married to Miss Lucy Plummer, whose birth and lineage were similar to his own. After the birth of two daughters they removed to Ohio, settling in Ross Township, this county, on a slightly improved farm. Here the husband and 'father died a few years later while yet in middle life, being but fifty-five years old. An honest and hard-working man, a consistent member of the Methodist Church, and one who endeavored to carry the principles of religion into his daily life, he was respected by his associates, and mourned by his family and friends. In political belief he was a Republican. The wk survived for many years, making her home her son, our subject, after be became of age, passing away under his roof when nearly si years old. She was a kind and loving mother Christian woman, having been a member of Methodist Episcopal Church during the greater I of her life, and left a record which her descendants contemplate with affectionate pleasure. Of the seven children born to the couple ab mentioned, our subject and his brother William all who are now living. The latter is a farmer were the most of the family. He of whom we w became of age in Ross Township, obtaining his e cation there, and early acquiring the industri habits and high principles which have characterized his life. After reaching man's estate he chose his companion Miss Susan Long; of Silver Creek Township, their marriage being celebrated at home, after which the newly wedded couple fled on a farm in Ross Township- There they sided for some years, changing their location their present home about 1852. Here Mr. My has built up his splendid farm, while not neglecting the duties devolving upon a good citizen neighbor. The companion of Mr. Myers was born in N Jasper Township, May 12, 1827, and being tea] by pious parents amid surroundings favorable development of the higher qualities of charact grew to womanhood in the possession of many v tees, together with a knowledge of domestic a which has made her useful at home and in socie Het parents, James and Alice (Boggs) Long were born in Virginia and Ohio respectively, and marri in Jackson County, this State. Some years aft ward they identified themselves with the pion( settlers of this county, occupying a farm in Sill, Creek Township until death. The father pass away at the age of fifty-two years, and the mot]: when twenty years older. Both were consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, a, their home for years was the stopping place of t ministers, and was thrown open for the mud of the congregation which desired, to assemble that vicinity They were numbered among t PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM - 697 leading families in this part of the county, their influence being ever on the side of that which is elevating. The family of our subject is made up of eight sons and daughters: William, the first-born, still remains with his parents; Henry C. is farming in the same township, having married Miss Nettie Cramp. ton; Louisa is the wife of John Gano, a boot and shoe manufacturer in Springfield; Charles A. married Miss Flora Sapp, and is farming at Fowler, Benton County, Ind.; James A., who married Miss Emma Homer, is a foundryman in Springfield; Laura B. is the wife of Frank Bryant, their home being on a farm in Ross Township; J. Franklin is connected with Mr.Ginn in the lumber business; Harvey E. married Miss Nellie Griffith, and is timekeeper in his brother's foundry in Springfield. Politically, Mr. Myers is a sound Prohibitionist- For sixteen years he served his fellow-citizens in the capacity of Township Trustee. He and his wife belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church, and rank very high with the best class of citizens, enjoying the pleasure of knowing that they have many true and tried friends an the county. Although Mrs, Myers has been an invalid for some time, she bears het suffering and inactivity without a murmur of discontent, preserving her genial manner and lively interest in the true and the beautiful, and retaining her influence over those with whom she comes in contact. AMBROSE JONES. For the long period of forty-seven years Mr. Jones has lived at the farm which, he now owns and occupies, and which comprises a fine body of embracing one hundred and forty-five. acres in Jefferson Township, Greene County: Running past it is the Xenia & Hussey Pike, a pleasant public highway along which vehicles . are constantly passing, while the country around is unexcelled in the fertility of its soil and beautiful scenery. Mr. Jones came to Greene .County in 1832, but did not purchase land until 1843, when he secured that which he now Owns and occupies. He is a native of the Buckeye State and was born in Clinton County, June 12, 1817. He there spent his boyhood and youth attending the common school and being carefully trained by pious parents. His father, the Rev. Ambrose Jones, Sr., was a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church and ban in Mansfield County, N. Y. The elder Jones was reared to manhood in his native county and learned cabinet-making, which trade he followed for a number of years, also engaging as a general mechanic. He was from boyhood seriously inclined and finally felt it to be his duty to devote his life to the Master's work. He, however, was never regularly 'ordained' nor did he have any stated charge, but simply labored as a local preacher, 'accepting little or nothing for his services. The paternal grandfather of our subject, likewise named Ambrose Jones, was born in Wales and emigrated to America when a young man, settling in New York State where he -occupied himself as a mechanic and carpenter. There he spent the remainder of his life, dying at the age of seventy-five years. He possessed all the substantial qualities of his nationality, became well-to-do and a man of prominence in his community. The father of our subject was married in New York to Miss Hannah Barnum, a distant relative, and who belonged to the same family from which the famous showman, P. T. Barnum sprang. Mr. and Mrs. Jones lived in New York State until after the birth of three children, then determining to seek their fortunes in what was then the far West, set out with teams Overland for Ohio. They located in the .wilds of Clinton County, where Mr. Jones occupied himself as a carpenter and preacher, erecting 'some of the first buildings in the county. In due time he became. the owner of farm in Chester Township, but in 1832 he removed thence to Jefferson Township, Greene County, where with his good wife he spent the balance of his life. The father died when about seventy-two years old. Mrs. Jones survived her husband many years, dying at the advanced age of ninety-two. She with him had been a life-long member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. There was born to the parents of our subject quite a large family of children, the most of whom 698 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. lived to mature years. Ambrose, like his brothers and sisters, was carefully reared to habits of industry and sentiments of honor and acquired such education as was afforded by the common schools. He improved his opportunities for reading and observation and taught school successfully for a number of years. January 6, 1839, he took unto himself a wife and helpmate, Miss Eliza Jones, who although of the same name, was no relative. She was born in Clinton County, this State, in 1818, and is the daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth Jones, who were natives of Pennsylvania. They came at an . early day to Ohio, settling first in Clinton County and then removing to Greene County where .they died. The family consisted of five children, Mrs. Jones being the only one now living. To our subject and his good wife there has been born a family of eight children the eldest of whom, a daughter, Mary Louisa, became .the wife of James D. Brown, and they live on a farm in Jefferson Township. Maria is the wife of Dr. Charles Moorman, a physician of Abingdon, Iowa; Lucretia is the wife of L- D. Jones, a retired farmer now living in the city of Xenia; Anna J. married H. F. Jackson, who is a farmer and operates the old Jones homestead; Addison. M. married Miss Sarah Stevens, who is now deceased and he lives on a farm in Jefferson Township. This son fought in the Union Army during the Civil War, was captured by the rebels and for a time experienced all the horrors of Libby prison; he receives a pension from the Government. Edward A. married Miss Jane Turner and is farming in Silver Creek Township. Alvena and Rose B. are at home with their parents. Mr. and Mrs. Jones are Spiritualists in religious belief and politically, our subject affiliates with the Republican party. Portraits of Mr. Jones and his wife are shown on another page of this volume. CHARLES A. CREGAR. The building interests of Clark County recognize in the subject of this notice one of its most skilled architects, who, although yet a young man, has attained to a high position in his profession. He has spent his entire life in this vicinity, is a native of the city of Springfield, and was born May 9, 1858. He represents one of its most substantial families, being the. son of Nathan and Catherine (Smith) Cregar, the former a native of Washington County, Pa., and born in 1825. He died at his home in Springfield in 1885. The paternal grandfather was Daniel Cregar, who traced his descent to Germany, and who spent his last years in Maryland. The mother of our subject, also a native of Washington County, Pa-, is still living and makes her home in Springfield. Nathan Cregar from early manhood was a contractor and builder, of Springfield, and followed this business up to the time of his death. Mr. Cregar studied architecture with Samuel Sloan, of Baltimore. In 1883 he took our subject in as partner, which continued until his death, since which time our subject has conducted the business- The parental family consisted of four children, viz.: Edward F., who is employed in the office of his brother, Charles A.; Frank M., a resident of Springfield; Lulu, the only daughter, and Charles A., our subject. The latter, like his brothers, was given a good education, completing his studies in the High School at Springfield. He commenced studying for a draftsman soon afterward, and gradually advanced to architecture, drawing plans for large I and substantial buildings and making of this a specialty. Subsequently he went to Ft. Wayne, Ind., where he worked with and under the instruction of the noted draftsman, T. J. Tolan, with whom he remained about eighteen months. By this means he gained a thorough knowledge of the d different branches in the construction of public 1 buildings, and evinced an admirable adaptation to this line of work. Returning now to Springfield, Mr. Cregar entered the employ of T. B. Peet & Co., manufacturers of galvanized iron fixtures, and was their principal draftsman for a period of one and a half years. In 1884 he determined to embark in business on his own account, and accordingly opened an office in the Mitchell Block, and since that time has been employed as the architect of some of the finest buildings in the city of Springfield, among PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM - 699 them being the Second Lutheran and the United Presbyterian Churches, the High School building, the East High Street School, the Pearl .Street School, the Henry and Stuart Blocks, the Savings Bank, the Bookwalter Block and Arcade Hotel, the City Hall, or Market House; this latter being the finest building in the State. In 1879, at the building of the new post-office, Mr. Cregar was Superintendent of- Construction, and its goodly proportions give ample evidence of taste and skill combined with great solidity and strength. The residence of our 'subject is located at No. 63, North Factory Street, and his family consists of his wife and two children. He was married in 1879, in Springfield, to Miss Mary, daughter of Edward and Ellen 'Burns. The parents of Mrs. Cregar were natives of England and Ireland respectively. She was born in Springfield, where alsO she was educated and reared to womanhood. Both she and her husband stand high in. social circles, enjoying the friendship and society of the best people.of their community. Mr, Cregar belongs to Clark Lodge, No. 101, F. & A. M.; Springfield Council, No. 17, R. A: M., and Palestine Commandery, No. 33, IC. T. WILLIAM COPELAND. The uncompromising integrity, persistent industry, and thrifty habits of the Scotch race are well represented in the life, character, and acquisitions of the gentleman above named, who occupies a farm in Clark County. He was born in Galloway, Scotland, August 29, 1832, and in his native land received his youthful training and education. At the age of nineteen years he determined to seek a home in the New World, and after landing on the Eastern shores of the United States came directly to Springfield, Ohio. He remained in that place but a short time before going to South Charleston, making his home with George Murray, and remaining there three years. Mr. Copeland then began farming, buying a tract from James Pringle, which was scarcely more than a pond at that time. He drained and otherwise improved it, remaining upon it four years and making of it a fertile estate which he sold for $65 per acre, an advance of $23 per acre on its cost price. He then bought one hundred and forty-four acres in Madison Township, which he still owns and occupies, and to which he has added largely. Much of the land which he now owns has been cleared by himself with the help of his boys. He takes no active part in public life except to serve in offices of a strictly local nature, but pursues the even tenor of his way, doing well what his hand finds to do in the work which he has chosen, and finding in the companionship of his own family and the society of his friends all the recreation which he desires. The parents of Mr. Copeland were George and Margaret (Murray) Copeland, both natives of the Land of the Thistle, where the father spent his entire life. The mother, who married a second time, came to America a year after the arrival of our subject. On May 1, 1856, the gentleman of whom we write was united in marriage with Miss Jane Hopkins, an attractive and energetic young lady who was born in County Donegal, Ireland. Her parents, Robert and Jane Hopkins, came to America in 1849, settling near South Charleston, where they lived until recently. The families from which both Mr. and Mrs. Copeland descended have held to Presbyterian faith for many generations past, and to that church our subject and his wife belong. Mr. Copeland is a Republican and has been elected to the office of Township Supervisor. He has also been School Director of this district. The living children of Mr. and Mrs. Copeland are Robert Walter, who married Miss Ida, daughter of Mathias and Sallie Smith, of Harmony Township, this county, and who has two daughters: Eva May and Fannie; William James, now with his parents at home and attending to the farm ; John, who still lives with his parents and is a teacher in the neighborhood; Ethel May, a young lady, who still cheers her parents' hearts by her presence under their roof. Mr. and Mrs. Copeland mourn the loss of four children: an infant son who died at birth ; Lester J., who died August 20, 1878, at