900 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. was chosen Principal of the Southwestern Pennsylvania State Normal School, one of a number authorized by special act of the State for the higher professional training of teachers. Having visited the school, he found it was heavily involved, and so thought it unwise to accept. But at the urgent solicitation of the State authorities, he gave up the call to Newport, and entered upon the Principalship of the Normal School in July. The school had not yet met the requirements of the law, and had not been accepted by the State authorities. The Legislature had granted it $15,000, as .it had granted a like sum to each of the other five State Normal Schools then established, with the under-. standing that this was to be the end of State appropriations. But it was evident that the extensive requirements of the law constituting the schools, could not be met without large help from the treasury of the Commonwealth. He was appointed to make the effort. To give the history of it is riot necessary, but after considerable struggle, it was successful, and an appropriation of $10,000 was obtained. He also obtained the passage of a special act authorizing the school in his charge to borrow $15,000 additional, and issue bonds therefor. With this and the appropriation of $10,000 and subsequent appropriations, the additional buildings were erected and equipped, and in May 1874, the institution was inspected and adopted as one of the regular State Normal Schools. In 1872 Prof. Ehrenfeld was appointed by Dr. Wickersham, State Superintendent, as his Deputy, to act as Chairman of the State Committee of five to conduct the examinations of the graduating classes at the several State Normal Schools, and he performed his delicate duties in a way that gave satisfaction to all parties. During the following -winters he was several times appointed by the State Department as one of several instructors at County Institutes. In 1876 he was appointed by the Executive Committee of the State Teachers' Association to read a paper on the "Needs of the Normal Schools" at the convention at Westchester, Pa., in August of that year. In the discussion of this paper after it had been read, Dr. John. S. Hart, then professor in Princeton College, said : "The argument in the paper is so complete and entire, that there is nothing left for others to do except to say 'amen' and subscribe to it." After the discussion of the paper, Prof. Ehrenfeld was appointed Chairman of a committee of nine "to prepare an address to the Legislature with the aim of securing a truer and more successful policy for the Normal Schools of our Commonwealth." The following January Gov. Hartranft, at the solicitation of Dr. Wickersham, appointed Prof. Ehrenfeld Financial Secretary of the Department of Education, with direction to take charge as soon as a suitable successor could be found as principal of the school he had in charge. He remained Financial Secretary until February, 1878, when Gov. Hartranft appointed him State Librarian. This gave him charge of both the law and miscellaneous libraries. His report to the Legislature on the condition and needs of the libraries was followed by successive extraordinary appropriations with which to make purchases abroad as well as at home, to fill as far as possible, the existing gaps. He accordingly made many purchases at Edinburgh, London, Amsterdam, and Paris, of important and rare works upon the earliest American history and upon the provincial histories of American colonies. He also had some copies made of unique documents pertaining to Pennsylvania in the British Museum through the agency of the late Henry Stevens, Esq., of London. The Law Library also was built up into completeness, second only to that of the Library of Congress. In 1881 Prof. Ehrenfeld was re-appointed as State Librarian by Gov. Hoyt, and in 1882 he was elected Professor of English and Latin at Wittenberg College. His term as Librarian would not have expired until 1884, and the salary was much above that of the Professorship, but the college was his Alma Mater, and its acceptance afforded opportunity of educating his children not only at home, but at a college whose course meant thorough study. Moreover, the Library had become such a resort for legal and historical research, and had so grown in his hands, that without additional assistants, he had no time left for study. He accepted the Professorship and entered upon its duties in the autumn of 1882. Mr. Ehrenfeld was married October 3, 1860, to PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM - 901 Miss Helen M. Hatch, of Springfield, Ohio. They have five children, three sons living, two daughters deceased. This sketch has said nothing of its subject's work while in the active ministry, the part of his life- which he probably regards as the most noteworthy, from whose duties and studies he turned aside with reluctance, and only as he was strenuously called to other work that was thrust into his hands. Also nothing of his part in the National struggle during the Rebellion. Several of his discourses during the war were published at the request of those who heard them. His report to his own synod of the action of the memorable convention of the General Synod at Ft. Wayne in 1866, was republished in the Lutheran Observer as a "clear and thorough" statement of thiat eventful case. He delivered the annual address before the Alumni of the Wittenberg College in 1868. Subject, "Men of Ideas." His reports to the different State Departments of Pennsylvania, are in the public documents. Besides, he wrote frequently for the press. Mr. Ehrenfeld is a member of the Dauphin County Historical Society, of Pennsylvania. He was elected in 18814 honorary member of the Historical Society of Virginia, and is a member of the Modern Language Association of America. JAMES R. HALE, editor and publisher of the Spring Valley Blade. The ranks of the Republican party in Greene County number among their most enthusiastic supporters this gentleman, who takes an active part in political matters, both local and national. During the Presidential and gubernatorial campaign of 1884, while in Springfield, he took a prominent part with the famous "Plug Hat Brigade," which numbered some sixteen hundred members, and of which he was Secretary. He has served as a member of Greene County Republican Central Committee, also of the Executive Committee. Bellbrook, Greene County, was the birthplace of Mr. Hale, and he Was born June 13, 1847, to Silas and Miriam (Opdyke) Hale, both natives of Greene County, and the latter a relative of Maj. Gen. Opdyke of the Union Army during the War of the Rebellion. Our subject received his education in schools near his father's home, and when old enough became a student of Adrian College, Michigan, where he graduated in 1873. Upon leaving college Mr. Hale followed the profession of a teacher until 1884, when he became connected with the Xenia Torchlight. In 1885, he was offered and accepted the position of local editor of the Springfield (Ohio) Globe Republic. After remaining one year with this paper, he accepted a position as reporter on the La Crosse Republican at La Crosse, Wis., after ward returning to the Buckeye State, and established the paper he now owns and edits. This paper is a four page, seven column quarto, is independent in politics, and on public questions, and has a weekly home circulation of five hundred copies. Mr. Hale was married in 1886, to Miss Anna Belle, a daughter of John Orr, of Xenia, who served Greene County as Clerk of Courts for many years. Mr. and Mrs. Hale have one child, Ben Kenneth, a bright and interesting boy of sixteen months. HON. THOMAS JEFFERSON PRINGLE. The legal profession of Clark County recognizes in Mr. Pringle one of its leading men. He is thoroughly acquainted with the intricacies of common law and has been more than ordinarily successful as a practitioner, building up an extensive and lucrative business. He has been a life-long resident of Clark, which is his native county, and he was born in Madison Township, March 18, 1838. His father, William D. Pringle, was a native of the same township. William D. Pringle, like his son, spent his boyhood and youth in his native township engaged in agricultural pursuits and acquired such education as was afforded by the district school. After marriage he bought a farm and remained a resident of Madison Township until 1855. Then selling out he 902 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM removed to Madison County, ofich he has since been a resident and engaged in agricultural pursuits. His wife bore the maiden name of Catherine Bales. She was born in the Shenandoah Valley, Va., and was the daughter of Thomas and Catherine Bales. She died at Big Plains in August, 1888. Of the six children born to her and her husband, five are still living, namely: James A., a resident of Madison County; Thomas J., our subject; Susan, the wife of Elijah Chenowith, of Madison County; Mary E., the widow of James Lyons, and now residing with her father, and Charles W., who lives in Madison County. Mr. Pringle, of whobn we write, attended the diswhom school during his boyhood, and in 1856 entered Oberlin College from which he was graduated in the class of 1862. He had in the meantime commenced the study of law in the office of Shellabarger & Goode and in 186Shellabargerd to the bar by the Supreme Court at Columbus. He then spent one year in Indianapolis and at the expiration of this time he opened an office in Springfield, where he has since followed his profession. He was married] in 1870, to Miss Margaretta Poague. Mrs. Pringle was born in Greene County, Ohio, in 1847, and is a daughter of Robert D. and Mary E. Poague. Robert D. was a native of Kentucky, and Mary E. of Warren County, Ohio, the latter surviving. The three children born of this union are named respectively : Catherine, Robert, and Mary. p>In politics Mr. Pringle has always been a Republican, and cast his first Presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln. In 1888, he was a prominent candidate for Lieutenant-Governor with Gov. Foraker. He was elected State Senator in 1879, and again in 1885. During his first term he voted for Gen. James A. Garfield, for Senator, and when the latter resigned he voted for John Sherman during the first and second term. While in the Senate he was a member of the Judiciary Committee, also on the Common School Committee, School Lands, Municipal Corporations, Penitentiary, etc.. and was a member of the non-partisan committee of six appointed in 1885, to investigate the Hamilton County frauds. Mr. Pringle is a member of the Bar Association of Clink County and socially belongs to Clark Lodge, No. 101, A. F. & A. M., Springfield Chapter No. 48, R. A. M. and Palestine Commandery, No. 33, K. T. He is prominently connected with the First Presbyterian Church. He has been more than ordinarily successful as an attorney, and as a citizen he is held in high esteem. JOHN HANES. The farming community of Beaver Creek Township, Greene County, is worthily represented by Mr. Hanes, who is successfully tilling two hundred and thirty acres of choice land on section 13. His native place was in Washington County, Md., and the date of his birth May 16, 1824. His parents were Adam and Sarah (Tice) Hanes, both likewise natives of Maryland and of German descent. Adam Hanes was born November 14, 1791, and after his marriage, with his wife and children emigrated to Ohio in the year 1831, and settled on a part of the farm where their son John now lives, and where they sojourned the remainder of their days. The mother departed this life June 12, 1858, and Adam Hanes was called hence June 6, 1865, when quite aged. To Adam and Sarah Hanes there was born a family of eight children; viz.: Samuel, John, Lucretia; Sarah J., who died when about nine years old; Ann M., David Luther and Mary J. The survivors are four in number. John, our subject, remained a member of the parental household until a man of thirty-six years, and then, on the 6th of March, 1860, took unto himself a wife and helpmate, Miss Mary Z., daughter of John Middleton, of Caesar Creek Township. Mrs. Hanes was born in this county, February 7, 1830, and is the daughter of John and Susan Middleton, who are now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Hanes have no children. After the outbreak of the Civil War Mr. Hanes, in 1864, enlisted in the One Hundred and Fifty-fourth Ohio National Guards, but saw no active service, the assistance of this regiment not being required in the field. He votes the straight Republican ticket, and has held the office of Township PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM - 903   Trustee one year. He was also Land Appraiser for the same length of time. Both he and his estimable wife are members in good standing of the Reformed Church. Mr. Hanes is a warm admirer of the principles of Odd Fellowship, and has passed all the Chairs in Lodge No. 52, at Xenia. As a man and a citizen he is looked upon with approval by all who know fiim. He has been successful in his farming operations,' and is well-to-do, being amply piovided against want in his old age. EDWARD W. KISER enjoys an extended acquaintance throughout Clark County, particularly in Moorefield Township, where he was born May 15, 1850. He is a man of sterling integrity, whose word is considered as good as his bond, and who manifests the interest which all intelligent men should take in the material, intellectual and moral good of the community. He owns and occupies one hundred and sixty acres of land on section 33, the estate being carefully and intelligently tilled and bearing adequate improvements. A. comparatively young man, Mr. Kiser is succeeding in worldly affairs, and is able to surround his family with all the comforts of life, besides making provision for his declining years. Mr. Kiser is descended from old Virginia families, being the son of Michael M. and Sarah (Wise) Kiser, of the Old Dominion. His father was born in Rockingham County near the close of the last century, and reared to manhood in his native State, where he was married. He emigrated to Ohio in all probability in the '20s, settling .on the farm now occupied by our subject. The land of which he took possession was not cleared, and he placed it in a tillable condition, doing much of the labor which belongs to pioneer life. He put up a log house, in which his family was sheltered for many years, the structure being enlarged and improved some years after it was built. In it he passed away July 4, 1869, his wife surviving him until 1874. The hospitality of the couple was well known, and the honesty and liberality which characterized the husband gained bun the respect of all who enjoyed his acquaintance. His industry and perseverance were rewarded by the accumulation of an estate valued at about $12,000. During the Civil War he was a member of the Home Guards at Bellefontairce, in which town he resided for three years. The balance of the time, during which he was a citizen of Ohio, he spent on the farm. His political adherence was given to the Republican party. He was the father of a large family, of whom the only survivors are: Mary A., Mrs. Baker, a widow, whose home is in Illinois; and he of whom we write. Edward Kiser received his early instruction in the public and select schools of this county, and acquired a good practical education therein, although lie had not the opportunity of attending the higher institutions of learning. He has been a life-long farmer, and is successfully pursuing his chosen calling. In politics, he is a stanch Republican. He is now serving as School Director in his district, performing the duties of that office in a satisfactory manner. The marriage of Mr. Kiser and Mrs. Mary C. Brandle took place September 15, 1875. and has been blessed by the birth of four children, who were named respectively: William, Elva, Bessie and Charles. Mrs. Kiser is a daughter of Landron and Margaret Bumcrots, now of this county but formerly of Virginia. Her first husband was John Brandle, of this county, to whom she bore two children—Ada, the wife of Robert Wilson, and Emma, wife of James Morse, both living in Springfield. J. G. SNIDER, M.D., a rising young physician of Cedarville Township, Greene County, is in connection with his practice operating a well-regulated farm. This lies about four miles north of the city, and it would seem that the proprietor has little to complain of in the distribution of fortune's favors. He is the offspring of a good family, being the son of J. C. and E. M. (Thomas) Snider, and the grandson of Adam Snider, the latter a native of Little Briton, Md. 904 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. The paternal great-grandfather was George Snider, who traced his ancestry to the North of England. The subject of this notice was born in Jefferson County, this State, August 24, 1862, and remained a resident of that county until reaching manhood. He was in delicate health during his younger years, but obtained a good education, attending school at Hopedale, and later being graduated from the University of Scio. He entered upon the study of medicine under the instruction of Dr. A. Beresford, and later became a student of the Medical College in Cincinnati and the Bennett College of Eclectic Medicine and Surgery of Chicago, from which lie was duly graduated. Dr. Snider commenced the regular practice of his profession in partnership with George W. Abbott, who was Commander-in-chief of the order of Sons of Veterans. About that time he formed the acquaintance of Miss Ella Houser, of Xenia, to whom he was married March 30, 1887. Soon afterward the newly-wedded pair removed to the farm which they now occupy, and which is familiarly known as the old George Brown homestead. It embraces one hundred and fifty acres of choice land, and is amply furnished with all the modern improvements. Dr. Snider is a stirring, energetic young man, somewhat prominent in local affairs, and a member in good standing of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of Xenia. He was admitted to this church 'by letter from the Third Presbyterian Church of Chicago, of which his brother was pastor. The maternal grandfather of our subject was William McDowell, who married Miss Nancy Dobbins, and John Dobbins, father of the latter, married a sister of William Penn. Grandfather Daniel Thomas married Elizabeth McDowell, and was the son of Daniel and Fannie (McCrea) Thomas. Father and son were powerful men physically, and blacksmiths by trade. The McCrea family was of Irish origin, and settled in Virginia at an early day. Grandfather Thomas served as a soldier in the War of 1812. One of his uncles was in the Revolutionary War, and went over Niagara Falls in a vessel which the British had captured and which they sent over the falls with all on board. Grandfather Thomas was at the battle of Baltimore in 1814, to which he marched barefoot a long distance. From these few facts it may easily be imagined that if the history of the Thomas and McCrea families could be fully gathered and written out it would form a tale full worthy of perusal. JAMES McMILLEN. The live stock interests of Cedarville and vicinity recognize a worthy representative in the subject of this notice, who makes a business of buying and feeding for the market. His long experience in the business has resulted in a thorough undekstanding of all its details, and there are few men able to operate with better judgment or more satisfactory results. Mr. McMillen has spent his entire life in Greene County, in fact, now lives on the place where he was born. This latter event took place December 16, 1833. The subject of this notice is the son of David McMillen, who came to Greene County accompanied by a number of his brothers, in 1831. David McMillen, taking up a tract of land, erected the homestead now occupied by his son, and after a well-spent life passed to his final rest. The house which he first built was destroyed by fire in 1858, everything being demolished except the walls, which were left standing, and from the ruins James erected the present residence the same year, and lived there with his mother until her death. It is now a large, substantial structure, and if no other disaster overtakes it, will remain for years to come, proof against the ordinary ravages of time. It is situated about three miles from Cedarville, on Massie's Creek, surrounded by two hundred and forty-four acres of good land, which David McMillen, with the assistance of his children, redeemed from the primitive forest. The parental family consisted of six sons and six daughters, of. whom James was the youngest born. The mother bore the maiden name of Nancy Wright. James McMillen grew to manhood on the pioneer farm, and obtained such education as the district schools of Cedarville afforded. When a little over PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM - 905 twenty- three years old he was married, January 15, 1867, to Miss M. E., daughter of Robert and Elizabeth (Richards) Murdock. Afterward Mr. McMillen occupied himself in general farming until becoming interested in live stock. Originally he was a stanch Democrat, but of late has been inclined to support the Prohibition ticket. His religious beliefs conform to the doctrines of the Reformed Presbyterian' Church, of which his estimable wife is also a member. To Mr. and Mrs. McMillen was born a family of nine children, two of whom died in early childhood. Fanny, the eldest, completed her studies in Monmouth "(Ill.) College, which she attended two years; she is a lady of fine attainments, occupies herself as a teacher, and makes her home with her parents. Frederick is at present a student of Monmouth College, from which he expects to be graduated in due time; Harlan is now attending the Commercial College at Springfield, this State; Homer is his father's chief assistant on the farm; Clara, an interesting young miss of fourteen years, Clayton and Jason remain under the parental roof. The family occupies a high position socially, and is widely and favorably known throughout the township. ROBERT JOHNSON, Vice-President of the Mast, Foos & Co. manufacturing concern and also of the Superior Drill Company of Springfield, is one of its prominent and leading citizens, a gentleman of the highest character and of potent influence. He and his wife are mem. bers of the High Street Methodist Episcopal Church and are both highly esteemed and loved for their many excellent personal qualities and sterling Christian worth. Mr. Johnson was born in Clark County a few miles south of the city of Springfield on the old Johnson place, a well-known locality, January 20, 1832. He is the second son of the late James and Ellen Johnson, natives of Ireland and of Scotch-Irish blood. The parents of Mr. Johnson came to Clark County in 1824, settling down upon the farm where they spent the remainder of their lives. Eight children—four boys and four girls—were born on the place, all of whom are still living (1890). In 1849, Robert repaired to the city and commenced learning the trade of a carpenter and joiner at which he worked three years. He then became a partner with his brother James, and they adopted the business of contracting and building which they carried on until 1864, in which year he went to the Pennsylvania oil regions during the excitement incident to the opening of the rich oil field. After operating there about three years he returned to Springfield. In 1867, Mr. Johnson joined with others in organizing the Chainpion Machine Company, which subsequently became the Amos Whiteley Reaper & Mower Manufacturing Company,and was a leading and most efficient member of the company until the year 1881, when he disposed of his interest in the concern. To Mr. Johnson's ability as a manager and worker in the company's operations must be ascribed a goodly portion of its marked success. Whatever he has undertaken in any department of business has been well and efficiently done. Soon afterward Mr. Johnson purchased property opposite the First Presbyterian Church, on West Main Street, Springfield, demolished the old and unsightly structures standing upon it and erected a fine, five-story business block, finishing off on the fourth and fifth floors one of the most elegant Masonic halls in the country. In 1884, he acquired an interest in the celebrated manufactory owned by Messrs. Mast, Foos & Co., and was chosen Vice-President of the company. In December of that same year he assisted in the re-organization of the Superior Drill Company and was elected Vice-President of-this also; he now divides his time and energies in assisting the management and operations of both the companies named. Mr. Johnson was m trried in 1859 to Miss Adelaide Humphreys, a daughter of the late William Humphreys, an esteemed citizen and a pioneer of Clark County. This union resulted in the birth of seven children, viz.: Effie A., Charles S., Nellie M., Frank C., Clara B., Jessie J., and Benjamin P. Mr. Johnson has always taken a prominent and useful part in public affairs and has invariably been 906 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. recognized as a good citizen. He was elected to the City Council from the old Third Ward in the spring of 1882, serving four years and was President of the Council one term. He is one of the stockholders and Directors of the Springfield National Bank and a Trustee of his church. His residence at No. 197 South Fountain Avenue, is beautifully situated and forms one of the many very handsome and comfortable homes of Springfield. Mr. Johnson has acquired a substantial fortune through his industry and enterprise, mechanical abilities and rare qualities as a manager of large enterprises and makes good use of the means he has accumulated. ROBERT MENDENHALL. The subject of this notice, a gentleman of fifty-five years, was born four and one-half miles south of Xenia near the Burlington Pike, October 12, 1834, and lives five and one-half miles in the same direction from the city, where he owns two hundred and seventeen acres of choice land. His life-long interests have centered in this county, in which he has grown up from infancy, and he has naturally become identified with its advancement and prosperity. He is the scion of an excellent old family, being the son of Benjamin and Ann (Simison) Mendenhall, the former of whom was born April 26, 1804, also at the place where he now resides south of the city. He has lived on the farm of his birth all his life. There were born to him and his estimable partner eight children, viz.: William, Robert; John, who served in the One Hundred and Fifty-fourth Ohio Infantry during the Civil War and is now deceased; Rebecca E., Mary Ann, these two also deceased ; Smith, a member of the Seventy-fourth Ohio Infantry, who died in the service; Margaret, the deceased wife of David Adams, and Nancy, who died when a child of six years. The father of our subject was reared a Quaker, to which faith he still adheres. He was a strong Whig during the existence of that party, and afterward identified himself with the Republican party. The wife and mother died at the homestead in 1861, strong in the Presbyterian faith. Mr. Mendenhall was subsequently married to Betsey A. (Thornburg) Compton. The paternal grandfather of our subject, John Mendenhall by name, was a native of North Carolina, and came to this county about 1802. He settled on a large tract of land, three hundred acres in extent, this lying in Spring Valley Township, and there spent the balance of his days. He likewise was a Quaker in religious belief. His wife bore the maiden name of Ruth Brown, and they reared a family of six sons and four daughters. The subject of this notice spent his boyhood and youth under the parental roof, acquiring such education as the primitive schools afforded, and upon reaching his majority struck out for himself. His first purchase of land was a part of the farm where lie now resides and upon which he settled in 1862. Prior to this, December 22, 1859, he was joined in wedlock to Miss Jane Elam, who was born July 7, 1838, and was the daughter of Isaac B. and Mary (McKnight) Elam. This union resulted in the birth of two children—Mary Ann, now the widow of William E. Ferguson, and Kelley, who remains under the parental roof. Mrs. Ferguson has a son and a daughter—Leon K. and Mildred J. Mr. Mendenhall lives the life of a quiet and peaceable citizen, meddling very little with matters outside his farm, and uniformly gives his support to the Republican party. GEORGE R. BURROUS. This gentleman, who is highly spoken of by all who know him, is now the proprietor of the old Fifer livery, feed and sale stable, at No. 30 East Second Street, Xenia, and doing a good business. He embarked in this enterprise, in 1887, in company with his brother, J. R. Burrous, under the style of Burrous Bros. In the spring of 1889 he bought out his partner's interest, and has since been carrying on the enterprise alone. A Mr. Burrous, one of the early settlers of this PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM - 907 county, reared a family one of whom, Richard, is the father of our subject. This Richard was born about three miles from Xenia, grew to maturity in this county and took for his companion in life Miss Elizabeth Harner, also of this county. He engaged in farming in Bath Township, and there his son, George R., was born, May 18, 1849. They were the parents of two sons and five daughters by the first marriage, and of these five are still living. Mr. Burrous was twice married, of the second marriage there were two children, both living. The parents are both deceased, the mother dying May 25, 1849; the father survived her until February 5th, 1882, when he passed from earth. The subject of this sketch grew to maturity in his native township, having the advantages of the good schools which abound in the Buckeye State, and remaining under the parental roof until he was almost of age. He learned telegraphy, and was in the employ of I he Atlantic & Great Western Railroad Company, and then in that of the Cincinnati, Hamilton & Dayton road, at Dayton. His stations were generally in this State, and he continued in the business until the spring of 1883. Since that period he has spent most of the time in this city (Xenia), for one year having been engaged in the coal and lime trade. He brings to his business enterprises a zeal and energy that is commendable, while the principles which govern his transactions are such as to give him the confidence of all with whom he has to do. He votes the Democratic ticket. CHARLES H. NEFF, Cashier of the New Carlisle Bank, is favorably known in his community b.s a gentleman well fitted for the duties of his responsible position, and whose honesty is unquestioned. He was born in Covington, this State, November 19, 1852, and is a son of Dr. Benjamin and Harriet (Hay) Neff. Benjamin Neff was born in Lancaster County, Pa., whence his parents removed to Clark County, this State, at an early date, settling about three miles south of the present site of Now Carlisle. The paternal grandparents of our subject were David and Ann (Kaufman) Neff, also natives of the Keystone State and of Swiss descent. They spent their last years in Clark County, this State. The father of our subject was reared to farming pursuits, but after attaining manhood began reading medicine, and in due time entered Jefferson Medical College at Philadelphia, from which he was graduated. He commenced the practice of his profession in Fairfield, Ohio, but removed soon afterward to Covington, where he practiced two years. At the expjration of this time he changed his residence to Piqua, where he sojourned three years. His next removal was to New Carlisle, where fortune smiled upon him, and where he built up a large and lucrative practice; this in connection with a drug business which he established, covered a period of more than thirty years. In the meantime he was prominent in politics, being first a Whig, later a Republican, and was elected by this latter party to the State Legislature, serving in the sessions from 1871 to 1875. He accumulated a competence and departed this life leaving behind him a good record. His wife, the mother of our subject, was born in New Carlisle, this State, and is still living. Her parents were John and Mary (Wallace) Hay, who emigrated to Ohio in the pioneer days, and were among the first residents of New Carlisle. Grandfather Hay conducted the pioneer hotel of the place, and there with his good wife spent his closing years, both dying at an advanced age. By his first wife, Elizabeth K. Neff, the father of our subject became the parent of one daughter, Mary, who is now the wife of John Patterson, Cashier of the Piqua (Ohio) National Bank. Of his second marriage with the sister of his first wife there was born a family of six children, of whom Charles H., our subject, was the eldest. The next child, Jennie, became the wife of Morris Hayward, a lumber dealer of Columbus, this State. Frank and Millie are deceased; Grant is a druggist and located in New Carlisle; Harley is deceased. The subject of this sketch, who is the eldest child of his father's second marriage, was reared in his native place, attending the public schools and spending much of his time in the drug store of his 908 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. father. At the time of the organization of the New Carlisle Bank in 1883, he was chosen its Cashier, and has since held the position. He is also a Director and a stockholder. He possesses more than ordinary business ability, is cautious, cool and accurate, and already well fixed financially. In politics he is a strong Republican. Socially, he belongs to the Masonic fraternity, holding membership in Lodge No. 100, in New Carlisle. Mr. Neff was married April 12, 1876, to Miss Corinne Weakley. Mrs. Neff was born in New Carlisle and is a daughter of Edward and Catherine (Gunkel) Weakley, who were among the early settlers of Clark County. Of this union there have been born two children—Benjamin W. and Jefferson. The little family occupies a snug home and enjoys the acquaintance and society of many friends. Mr. Neff, and his estimable wife, stand high in social circles, and are worthy representatives of a community more than ordinarily intelligent. THOMAS J. RIDENOUR. Among the early residents of Greene County are mentioned Henry and Mary A. (Hyland) Ridenour, who settled on a tract of wild land in Beaver Creek Township and proceeded to build up a homestead, endeavoring likewise to accumulate a competency. To them there was born May 24, 1848, he with whose name we introduce this biographical outline. He has practically grown up with the country, witnessing its growth and development with that interest only felt by the native-born citizen. He occupies a good position among his neighbors, being a man enjoying their confidence and esteem in a marked degree. He gives his political support, to the Republican party, and for a period of seven years held the office of Township Assessor. The father and mother of our subject were respectively of German and Irish descent, and the latter was born in Maryland. They were married in that State and came to this county from Knox County, this State, where they had sojourned for a brief time. They lived in Beaver Creek Township from 1840 until their decease. The father died in 1883 at the age of seventy-six years, having been born in 1807. The household circle included six children, viz: Ann, Patience, John, Vopton, and Thomas J. and Mary, twins. The subject of this sketch has a fine education, having had the advantage of attending Antioch College four years. He taught penmanship one year, attaining to a high degree of proficiency and artistic skill in the use of the pen. He was first married, in 1872, to Catherine, daughter of Daniel N. and Maria (Wampler) Shoup. She was born in Greene County in 1849, and died August 18,1882, after a happy wedded life of ten years. She bore her husband four children, named respectively : Mary E., Theresa M., Gertrude E. and Maude A. Mr. Ridenour contracted a second marriage August 22, 1889, with Miss Margaret, daughter of Thomas P. and Margaret Johnson, of this county. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson after their marriage settled in Greene County, and here their daughter Margaret was born. Mr. Ridenour's farm is ninety-five acres in extent, being a choice body of land under a good state of cultivation. The proprietor gives to it his whole time and attention, having very little to do with political affairs, with the exception of casting his vote with the Republican party. WILLIAM H. SMITH. Among those who have been prominent in advancing the various interests of New Carlisle and vicinity, may be properly mentioned the subject of this notice who bears an enviable reputation among his fellow-citizens. Personally, he is genial and companionable—a man exceedingly popular—while in business circles his integrity, good judgment and ability are unquestioned. He has for many years been engaged in the nursery business, and has thus become widely and favorably known to a large portion of the people of Clark County. He has a most pleasant and hospitable home, which is the frequent resort of scores of friends whom he has made during his long residence in this section. A native of Adams County, Pa., Mr. Smith was PORTRAIT BIOGRAPHICAL AND ALBUM - 909 born September 27, 1834, and is a son of Jacob and Catherine (Conrad) Smith, both of whom were likewise natives of that county. They died in 1852, as did six other members of the family within a few weeks of each other, falling victims of typhoid fever. Jacob Smith was a well-to-do farmer and a man of comfortable means. Both he and his excellent wife were active members of the Lutheran Church. Upright, charitable and hospitable people, they were widely and favorably known throughout the county, as representing its best element. The paternal grandfather of our subject was also named Jacob Smith, and the grandmother's first name was Margaret. Both were natives of Germany. They emigrated to America shortly after the close of the Revolutionary War, and settled first in Genesee County, N. Y., later removing to Adams County, Pa., where they spent the remainder of their lives, passing away at an advanced age. Grandfather Smith was a life-long farmer, and possessing the thrifty and substantial traits of his ancestors, became well-to-do. To the parents of Mr. Smith there was born a family of eight children, four of whom are still living, namely: Catherine, Hannah, William H. (our subject), and Caroline E. The deceased were Sarah A., Israel, Maria and Margaret. William H. was next to the youngest in the family, and spent his boyhood days on the farm, assisting in the lighter duties at home and pursuing his studies in the common schools. He remained a member of the parental household until about seventeen years old, and was even then interested in the growing of fruit trees, to which he gave his attention while remaining a resident of his native State. Upon leaving Pennsylvania he emigrated to Knoxville, Ill., and for two years dealt in live stock, and engaged as a butcher. In 1858, crossing the Father of Waters, Mr. Smith located in Burlington, Iowa, where he engaged in buying and shipping stock extensively until 1864. That year he returned East as far as Clark County, this State, and locating in New Carlisle, again became interested in the nursery business. He began operations on a small scale, and advanced gradually as his methods became known and people learned that they could depend upon him. He gained ground steadily, adding to his stock and facilities, until he is now one of the largest fruit growers in the whole State. In company with his son, Iowa, he operates about three hundred acres of land, all devoted to the nursery business, and located just north of the town. The New Carlisle Nursery has a reputation second to none in this part of the country, and during the spring of 1890 Smith & Son shipped twenty car loads of fruit trees to the nurseries of New York State alone. In addition to this, they receive orders from nearly every other State in the Union. Mr. Smith was first married, May 6, 1856, to Miss Louisa Davenport, of Adams County, Pa., and there were born to them five children, all of whom are living, viz: Sybil, Franklin J., Iowa, Bertha and George. Mrs. Louisa Smith departed this life June 23, 1880, at the age of forty six years. Mr. Smith contracted a second marriage November 1, 1883, with Miss Carrie Hubbard. The Smith family have one of the most pleasant homes in Clark County, and occupy no secondary position among its,leading people. Our subject is a thorough business man, and one who has been the architect of his own fortune, starting in life without other resources than those with which nature endowed him—strict honesty of purpose and perseverance, which admitted of no such word as fail. In politics he is a sound Republican, and has held some of the minor offices. Although not connected with any religious denomination, he believes in the establishment and maintenance of churches, and contributes to all as he has opportunity. HARRISON W. GETZ. It affords pleasure to the biographical writer to perpetuate the memory of those who have gained the esteem of their fellow-citizens by the honorable manner in which they have borne their part in the labors of life; and to record the success which has attended industry, energy and prudence. Among the citizens of Clark County. many are found to deserve a memorial record, and among them is numbered the gentleman above-named, who 910 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. resides on section 20, Moorefield Township. He owns and operates a farm which, although not so large as many in the township, is under excellent cultivation. and affords an adequate support to the owner and those who comprise his home circle. It includes sixty acres of productive land, bears good improvements, and has an appearance indicative of the character and ability of the owner. The paternal ancestors of our subject were German, and for many years the home of the family was in Pennsylvania. In Little York County, of that State, Daniel and Catherine (Williams) Getz made their home until early in the '50s, when they came to Clark County, Ohio. They settled on a farm in German Township, where Mr. Getz is classed among the representative farmers. He has now passed his threescore years and ten, but still manifests an interest in the progress of humanity, and assists as lie can in worthy objects. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and is regarded as one whose life is in keeping with his profession. He is the father of a large family, of whom the survivors are: Harrison W.; Mrs. Mary Grogg ; Emiline, wife of Nathan Grist, of German Township; Ellen, wife of G. H. Thomas, of Hardin County; Samuel, Mrs. Jennie Peters, and Clara, in German Township, Clark County. The natal day of our subject was January 11, 1841, and his birthplace Little York County, Pa. He was about eleven years old when his parents removed to this State, and he grew to manhood on a farm, assisting his father in pioneer and farm labors. He received his education in the common schools of German Township, his advantages being inferior to those afforded the youth of the present day, but being sufficient to lay the foundation for actual knowledge, which he has largely acquired by his own efforts. He was not yet of age when the Civil War broke out, but before the struggle ceased he had entered the Union Army, determined to do what he could in defense of the flag. He was mustered into Company F, Eighth Ohio Cavalry, in February, 1864, serving in West Virginia. On several occasions he was surprised and captured by the rebels, and at one time was re-captured by the Union troops before he had been taken to prison. In January, 1865, at Beverly, he fell into the hands of the rebels and was sent to Libby Prison, where he spent some four weeks, during which time he experie-ced some of the hardships of prison life. In due time he was exchanged, and continued his service in the Union cause until July, when he was honorably discharged and returned to his home. The first wife of Mr. Getz bore the maiden name of Adeline Gove. His second wife was Mrs. Rachael Jenkins, who bore him two children—Oscar and Mary. His third wife was Miss Ida Repsogel, who bore him one son—Floyd. Mr. Getz is a thorough Republican, never failing to cast his vote in the interest of what his judgment decides is the proper policy in government affairs. He is receiving a pension: of $10 per month, on account of partial disability incurred by the rigors of campaign life. He is a public-spirited citizen, although not an office-holder or seeker.    JOHN C. EARLEY. This name represents one of the most prominent and successful men of Greene County and one who is widely and favorably known as one of its most extensive landowners. Ile at one time held the warranty deed to seven hundred acres, but a portion of this has been divided among his children, he having now three hundred and thirty-three acres. This comprises one of the most valuable farms in the county, and it is largely devoted to stock-raising, which yields to the proprietor handsome returns. Mr. Earley has lived upon this farm for the long period of over thirty years, having settled upon it in 1859. The improvements which now attract the attention of the passing traveler have been brought about by his own energy and perseverance. He started from an humble position in life, and has made for himself a fine record, both as a financier and a citizen. When first locating in Jefferson Township Mr. Earley, then a young man, purchased fifty acres of land. This was a tract of timber, from which he cut away the trees, grubbed out the stumps, and prepared the soil for cultivation. It has taken years of labor and no small amount of money to bring PORTRAIT AND. BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM - 911 this land to its present condition, while he has erected modern buildings, and gathered around himself and his family all the comforts and many of the luxuries of life. A native of Clinton County, this State, Mr. Earley was born in Liberty Township, May 4, 1825. Ills father, Solomon Earley, a native of Adams County, Ohio, was born in 1801, and was the son of William Earley, whose native place was in County Tyrone, Ireland. Grandfather Earley was of pure Irish stock, and was orphaned by the death of both parents when quite young. The friendless and homeless boy was taken in charge by a man who proved a tyrannical master, and from whom he ran away at the age of fourteen years, and succeeded in boarding a vessel bound for America. He hid himself until it was well under way, and he landed in New York City without means, among strangers and in debt for his passage, the latter amounting to $30. For-this he was to work three years, but after working two years he considered that he had fully liquidated the debt, and he once more ran away, going this time into Kentucky, and locating near Vanceburg, on the Ohio River, over which he ran a ferry a number of years. While living in the Blue Grass State Grandfather Earley met and married Miss Eva Thomas, and they removed to Adams County, this State, settling upon a tract of wild land. There was nothing, however, to sustain life, and so Grandfather Earley hunted bears for a living, the meat of which he sold throughout the county, and in one winter realized from this $400. Later he opened up his farm and became well-to do. He had located in different parts of the State more than sixteen hundred acres of land. He made his home, however, continuously in Adams County, on the Ohio River, in what is DOW known as the Irish Bottoms, and died there at the advanced age of eighty years. His wife had passed away ten years prior to the decease of her husband, aged threescore years and ten. William Earley was a Presbyterian in religion, and made it the rule of his life to deal honestly by his fellow-men. There was born to him and his estimable wife a family of ten children, seven sons and three daughters, of whom Solomon, the father of our subject, was the youngest born. Solomon and two of his brothers served valiantly in the War of 1812. He was born in Adams County, this State, and grew up to a strong and vigorous manhood, imbued with the qualities which had made his honored father so successful in life. Solomon Earley was married, in Adams County, this State, to Miss Rebecca Casletine, also a native of that county, and the daughter of John Casletine, who was American born., and who served as a soldier in the Revolutionary War. Grandfather Casletine spent his last days in Clinton County, this State, dying at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Rebecca Earley, at the advanced age of ninety-six years. He too was of strong and sturdy frame, and suffered very little from the ills which usually afflict mankind. He outlived his wife, who was formerly a Miss Tucker, five years, she also being quite aged. After the birth of their first child Grandfather Earley, in 1824, removed from Adams to Clinton County, settling in the wilderness, from which he began slowly and laboriously to open up,a farm. He was a man of great industry and perseverance, and in due time realized his hopes, surrounded himself and his family with all the comforts of life, and was the owner of one of the finest farms in that region. He spent his last days at the home which he had thus built up, departing hence October 14, 1886. His religious views coincided with those of the Methodist Protestant Church. In politics he was first a strong Whig, but later identified himself with the Democratic party. He left to his children a fine property. Solomon Earley was twice married, his first wife being the mother of our subject, and who died in 1867. She was a lady of many estimable qualities, and belonged to. the same church as her husband. After her death Mr. Earley was married to Miss Rhoda Matthews, who is still living. John C. was the second child in a family of two sons and four daughters, of whom the sons and two daughters are living; they are all married and have families of their own. Our subject was the first married, in 1845, to Miss Julia A. Vanniman. This lady was born and reared in Greene County, and died in 1847, leaving two children, the youngest of whom, Rebecca A., was married to Samuel Spears, and 912 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. died leaving a small family. Sophia J. married Simon Kline, of Jefferson Township,Greene County, where they still live. Mr. Earley contracted a second marriage, in Wayne Township, Clinton County, with Miss Delia Matthews. She was born and reared in Clinton County, and died at her home in Jefferson Township, Greene County, leaving four children; these are all living: Emma A. is the wife of Frank Stricker, a farmer of Jefferson Township; Rosa 0. married Jonah Vandervert, who is likewise farming in Jefferson Township; Solomon S. married Miss Laura Middleton, and is farming in 'Wilson Township, Clinton County ; Foster L. took to wife Miss Cora Moon, and is farming in Jefferson Township. On August 28, 1872, Mr. Earley was the third time married to Miss Mary F. Fisher. This lady was born October 2, 1834, in Clinton County, this State, where she was reared to womanhood, and remained with her parents until her marriage. Of this union there were born two children--Eugene L.; and Maud, deceased. Mr. Earley was trained by his honored father in the principles of the Democratic party, to which he still loyally adheres. He has held some of the local offices, but usually prefers giving his undivided time and attention to his farming interests the success which has attended the efforts of the above-named gentleman, while the results of an honest and upright life are equally well shown in the esteem and confidence which he receives from hiS fellow-men. He is an old settler in Moorefield Township, Clark County, residing on section 23, where he owns two hundred, three and a half acres of productive land. It bears the improvements usually made by a man of enterprise and the air of neatness and order which prevails is an added attraction. Mr. Wyant also owns property in the city of Springfield. The natal day of the subject of this notice was April 25, 1842, and his native place Frederick County, Md. He is of German ancestry and a son of Jacob and Susannah (Ridenour) Wyant, who were natives of the same State as himself. In 1837 the family removed to Ohio, remaining for some six months in Miami County, after which they settled in Champaign County. In 1846, they again changed their residence, locating upon the farm which our subject now owns and occupies. Their journey from their native State was accomplished with two teams and wagons, over the National Pike the transit consuming twenty-one days. The family comprised father, mother and eight children. They stopped wherever night overtook them, camping in the wagons, or enjoying the occasional hospitality of the settlers at whose homes they had chanced to arrive. The father died in 1851, and the mother afterward remarried John Wyant and went to 'Warsaw, Ind., where she breathed her last. The subject of this notice was reared to man's estate amid the scenes of pioneer life, and has from boyhood been engaged in agriculture. He received his education in the schools of Maryland and Ohio, his attendance in the latter State covering a period of but forty-two days.. He is largely self-educated, his school privileges having but laid the foundation and* developed in him a love for knowledge, and his mind has been stored with information on general topics gleaned from the public press and the various books which he has perused. In November, 1851, Mr. Wyant led to the hymeneal altar Miss Susan Dennis, an estimable lady of English. descent and a Virginian by birth. She is a daughter of Daniel Dennis, and careful training early developed the qualities which have made her so useful a companion . and so respected a member of the community. Their marriage has been blessed by the birth of the following children : Catherine is the wife of D. J. Nysduander, of Toledo; John resides in this county; William J., in German Township; Edward, in Michigan; James, in German Township; Emma is a teacher; Clive P., completes the family circle. Mr. Wyant can recall many scenes of pioneer life and relate much regarding the development of the country which he haS seen grow from a comparatively primitive condition into its present state PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM - 913 of high civilization and development. He has borne his part in the local movements which tended to this result; he has served as School Director and Clerk for years, creditably performing the official duties which devolved upon him. Believing in the principles laid down in the Democratic platform, he gives his vote to the candidates who are pledged to support them. He and his wife hold membership in the Reformed Church at Tremont, in which organization he is now an Elder and has been a Deacon for a number of years. They have many friends, surrounded by whom they are enjoying the fruits of their industry and useful lives. HERBERT W. HUFFMAN. Among the residents of Springfield who have acquired a fortune by a persistent course of industry and wise economy, and who are therefore enabled to spend their later years in comfort and a release from the cares of life, is the gentleman above named. He was born on a farm in Spring& Id Township, Clark County, May 20, 1821, being a son of Herbert Huffman, of whom a more extended notice will be found in the biography of Lewis A. Huffman. lie was but a year old when his father died, and eight tears old when his mother came to Springfield to reside. Here he attended school quite steadily, and would have prosecuted his studies still farther, had not the home been broken up by the death of his mother when he was nineteen years old. Mr. Huffman when quite young had begun work on the farm, receiving from $5 to $12 per month for his services, and he also worked for John Fifer, breaking bark at twelve and a half -cents per day. Thus in his youth he had begun to practice the habits of industry, diligence and thrift which afterward secured him a competence. After his mother's death he commenced tc learn the trade of a carpenter, which he followed nineteen years. During this time he had saved $1,600 of his earnings, with which he opened a hat store on Main Street, between Limestone Street and Fountain Avenue. He soon added boots and shoes to his stock, and carried on a very successful business, accumulating a considerable fortune. While still in this business he made an unfortunate venture in the oil fields of Pennsylvania, by which 430,000 of his property was swept away. After an active business career of twenty years he sold out, and since that time has been living a retired life. The pleasant home of Mr. Huffman is located on South Limestone Street, and is presided over by a lady who became his wife in August. 1848. She was known in her girlhood as Harriet W. Foley, and is a native of Harmony Township, of which her parents were pioneers. Her father, Thomas Foley, was burn in Scotland, and her mother, Sarah Bear, in Germany. To Mr. and Mrs. Huffman one son has been born, who was christened William Scott. He married Mary B. Black, a native of Scotland, who has borne him two daughters Hattie and Hazel. lie is now doing a good business as a merchant tailor in Lincoln, Neb. Mr. Huffman has served on the County Board of Equalization and as a member of the Board of Health. He is a charter member of Lagonda Council. No. 151. The success he has met with since beginning his career as a poor boy exemplifies his business tact and capabilities, and affords an excellent example to penniless young men, proving that honorable dealing and persistence are effectual in subduing untoward circumstances. Both he and his wife have many friends, the high regard in which they are held being due to their characters and lives.   ALVEN A. WINANS. Among the young men who worthily represent the press of Greene County this gentleman should justly be mentioned. He publishes and edits the Herald, at Cedarville, and although yet in his early manhood lie has been connected with literaature for many years. The Herald is an eight page, five column quarto, and has a local circulation of five hundred copies. It also enjoys a lucrative trade in its job department, and does a good advertising business. 914 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. Xenia, Ohio, was the native city of our subject, and his birth occurred February 10, 1863. His parents, Judge James J. and Caroline E. (Morris) Winans, of Xenia, Ohio. Of their family of children, Alven A. was the ninth in order of birth, and received a good common-school education at the Xenia public and private schools. When only thirteen years of age he began to learn type-seting in the office of the Xenia Daily Herald, also acting as carrier. Subsequently, • he thoroughly learned the printer's trade, and in 1885 became part owner of the Democrat Newe at Xenia; this he successfully assisted in conducting for over a year. He came to Cedarville in 1877 and took charge of the Cedarville Herald for R. H. Young. In November, 1888, he purchased the office and plant, and since then has ably conducted it alone. Mr. Winans was married January 1, 1889, to Rose E. Owens, and they are the parents of one child, named Mary. Mrs. Winans is a native of Spring Valley, Ohio, and was born January 31, 1869. Her father was Peter Owens, who was born in Ireland, while the mother, Amanda (Smith) Owens, was a native of Ohio. Mrs. Winans is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. By their genial ways and many charming traits of character this worthy couple have earned the respect of the people of Cedarville. D. M. BARRERE, M. D. This well-known physician and surgeon of New Carlisle, Clark County, is a practitioner in the prime of life and the midst of his usefulness. He has already made good strides in his profession and may be classed among its representative men. He was born in the town of Newmarket, Highland County, this State, April 22, 1850, and is a son of Hazard and Eliza (Morrow) Barrere, the former of whom was a native of the same place and born April 7, 1814. The father of our subject spent his entire life in Newmarket, dying September 14, 1882. In early life he was engaged in the mercantile business and shipped goods in great quantities by flatboats on the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers to New Orleans. He was a prominent man in his county, a Whig first and then a Democrat, and served as Justice of the Peace for forty years. The paternal grandparents of our subject were George W. and Abigail (Mills) Barrere, whom, it is supposed, were natives of Virginia. Grandfather Barrere and his brother were captured by the Indians when children and taken to Kentucky, where they were held several years, but were finally rescued. George W. Barrere served as a Colonel in the Revolutionary War, and later was the first Judge of Highland County, this State. He surveyed much of the land in that county and for many years conducted an hotel in Newmarket, where he had settled in 1800. The property still remains in the family. The mother of our subject was born in Newmarket, Ohio, April 10, 1813, and is still living, making her home with him in New Carlisle. Her father, James Morrow, was born in Virginia. He came to Ohio about 1808, settling in or near Newmarket, and died there. The parental household included the following children: Marietta is unmarried and resides at New Carlisle; Hazard during the Civil War enlisted as a private in Company H, First Ohio Cavalry, and was killed November 23, 1864, at Cleveland, Tenn.; Magnolia is unmarried and resides in New Carlisle; D. M., of this sketch, was the next in order of birth; Elma is deceased. The subject of this notice was reared in his native town, where he attended the common schools and then entered Hillsboro high School, there completing his studies. He began life for himself at the early age of eleven years, availing himself of the books which came into his way and subsequently developing into a teacher, which profession he followed until 1872. He then began reading medicine under the instruction of Dr. H. Whistler, of Newmarket, and later entered Miami Medical College, at Cincinnati, from which he was graduated in 1876. Dr. Barrere commenced the practice of his profession at New Antioch, Clinton County, and sojourned there until 1882. That year he established a drug store at Lima, which he conducted until the following year, then, in the winter of 1883-84, PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM - 915 attended the Polytechnic College in New York City. In the spring of 1884 he took up his residence in New Carlisle and practiced continuously until 1889. Then, desirous of further advancement in the art and science of medicine, he took a post graduate course in New York City. He . has been a close student and extensive reader, and keeps himself thoroughly posted in regard to the duties of his profession. He stands well with the brethren and is prominently connected with the Brown, Clinton and Clark County Medical Societies, also the Ohio State Medical Association. He is a Mason in good standing and a Knight Templar, belonging to Palestine Lodge, No. 33. He is also a Knight of Pythias, belonging to the lodge at New Carlisle. In politics he affiliates with the Republican party. With the exception of being a matured bachelor, he has performed all the duties of an honest man and a good citizen. WILLIAM F. MIRANDA, M. D., of Medway, Clark County, is, as his name denotes, of Spanish descent, and traces his ancestry to Gen. Miranda, one of the followers of Cortez in Mexico. For several generations the Mirandas lived in the South, and it is not strange that our subject possesses a polished manner and pleasing address, the race from which he sprung being noted for grace in physical movement and our Southern States producing high types of courtesy. He is a faithful student, diligent in the duties of his profession, which he thoroughly understands, and in which he has proved very successful. He has an extensive practice, the territory to which he is called including the contiguous portions of Clark, Miami, Montgomery and Greene Counties. To such an extent is everyone influenced by the habits and occupations of his ancestors that it is not amiss to devote a brief space to the progenitors of Dr. Miranda, before outlining his own life history. Jonathan Miranda, a native of Virginia, was a non-commissioned officer in the War of 1812. He was an early settler in Bracken County, Ky., and followed the occupations of farming and hunting. In 1827 he came to Clark County, Ohio, with his family, driving through from his former home and locating in Pike Township. He purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land, pursued a successful career in life and became quite well-to-do. On the Northampton and Donaldsonville Pike he started an inn called the Black Horse Tavern. The farm and the schoolhouse upon it still bear the same name. On this farm Isaac Miranda was reared to manhood, he having been born in Bracken County, Ky., in 1817, and having been ten years old when the family removed from the Blue Grass State. The education of Isaac Miranda was obtained in the primitive log schoolhouse, and at the age of seventeen years he began to labor as a pedagogue, following the profession for seven years, at the same time studying medicine. He continued to acquire knowledge of therapeutics until he became a practicing physician, in 1842 locating in Allisonville, Marion County, Ind. He remained in that place three years, building up a large practice and proving successful in his chosen avocation. Not content, however, with his standing, he went to Philadelphia in 1850, entering Jefferson Medical College and receiving a diploma from that institution in 1851. He then located at New Carlisle, Ohio, and began a professional career there, which grew in extent and gave him the leading position among the medical men of the community. Having become financially independent, and feeling that he was entitled to greater ease, he practically retired some five years since, doing nothing but office work for old patrons. Isaac Miranda owns a farm two miles from New Carlisle, together with other real estate, and is a shareholder in the Bank of New Carlisle. For several years he held the office of Township Clerk and also served on the School Board. Politically, he is a Democrat, and religiously, a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, holding the office of Trustee. Being one of the oldest practicing physicians in the county, his memory extends to the time when the common method of travel was on horseback, and when in Indiana he often swam rivers in order to reach his patients. The maternal grandfather of our subject was 916 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. Abraham Garver, a native of Maryland, who came to Ohio in a very early day. Ile owned four hundred acres of land in Bethel Township, Clark County, and was a very successful agriculturist. His daughter, Elizabeth, was also burn in Maryland, and became the wife of Dr. Isaac Miranda, to whom she has borne seven children. The name of our subject stands midway on the family roll; Benjamin, the first-born, died when eight years old; Sarah E., in infancy; Martha J., in 1878, at the age of twenty-eight years, being the wife of William H. Evans; Mrs. Mary E. Whaley lives in Warren, Trumbull County; Mrs. Anna K. Miles lives in New Carlisle; Carrie A. is still with her parents in that place. The mother has now reached the age of sixty-seven years. The eyes of our subject opened to the light in New Carlisle, January 22, 1851, and his boyhood was passed under favorable circumstances of home surroundings and school privileges. He acquired a good education in the common and high schools, and when eighteen years old began the drug business, continuing in it at intervals for about six years. In 18'2 he engaged as a clerk in the wholesale and retail drug house of W. A. and I. Patterson, at Indianapolis, Ind. About two years later lie bought a pharmacy in the same city, which he carried on until 1875, when he sold out and returned to his former home. He then began the study of medicine under his father's guidance, and in the fall entered the Ohio Medical College, at Cincinnati, continuing his studies in that institution until February, 1877, when he was graduated. The young Doctor returned to the parental roof and practiced with his father a year, after which he opened an office at Westville, Champaign County. A year later he returned again to New Qarlisle, where he remained until July, 1880, when he located at Medway, where he worked up a good practice, which he abandoned in the fall of 1885 to become a citizen of Kansas. He had been attracted by the promise of a newer and wider field of labor, and locating at Attica, Harper County, lie built up an extensive practice and gained an excellent reputation as a successful practitioner. Pay was slow, however, in the new country and in the spring of 1888 Mr. Miranda resumed his position in Ohio, buying the same property which he had formerly occupied and taking up his practice where he had left it. Since that time be has remained at Medway, which, it is probable, will be his permanent home. At the home of the bride, in Iowa County, Iowa, May 2, 1875, Dr. Miranda was -united in marriage with Miss Josephine Pine. That charming lady was born in Huntington County, Pa., but acquired her education at Polo, Ill., her father having removed to the Prairie State. After completing her studies, she engaged in teaching, a profession for which her culture, tact and amiable, yet firm, disposition fitted her. She has borne her husband four children, and they have been called upon to part with three, the only survivor being a son, Max. Waller died at the age of three years; Bessie, at the age of six; and Winona, at the age of four. In 1871, William Pine, father of Mrs. Miranda, removed from Ogle County, Ill., to Keswick, Iowa, where he engaged in farming and has become well known in that line of work. He had formerly been employed at the trade of a blacksmith. The culture and judgment of Dr. Miranda are utilized by his fellow-men, who have called upon him to serve as School Director, an office which he is now filling creditably. He is Past Grand of the Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at New Carlisle, and belongs to the Clark County Medical Society. His judgment regarding matters political agrees with the principles advanced by the Democratic platform, and he gives his vote to the candidates of that party. JOHN S. ELLIOTT. One of the pleasantest offices in Springfield is Room 1, of the Mitchell Block, and is the headquarters of J. S. Elliott, who is doing a general insurance business in partnership with Dr. H. C. Dimond, the latter gentleman having been engaged in the business but little more than a year. Mr. Elliott has had a more extended experience, and PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM - 917 had the business well established before taking a partner. He represents the Mutual Life Insurance Company of New York, with which he has been connected for several years, and other companies which guarantee against loss by fire, accident, or the various ways in which life is shortened or property destroyed. Mr. Elliott was born on the eastern shore of Maryland, near Centerville, county seat of Queen Anne's County, his natal day being December 9, 1854. His parents were John S. and Martha A. (Sudler) Elliott, both of whom were natives of Maryland and of English ancestry. His mother was a daughter of Arthur Smiler, formerly well known in Queen Anne's County. Both parents (lied in their native State, in which they had been life-long residents. The subject of this sketch spent his boyhood on a farm, and during his early years attended the common school in Sudlersville, a town in his native county. At the age of eighteen years he determined to make a home farther West, and accordingly came to Ohio, stopping for a short time in Xenia. He found employment on the farm of M. V. Morris, where he worked for a year at $16 per month. Young Elliott saved the money thus earned, and going to Dayton, entered the Miami Commercial College, in which he took a full course of study, being graduated in 1875. He then came to Springfield, where he accepted a clerkship in the store of Murphy Bros., with whom he remained only a short time, in September entering upon the insurance business. He first represented the Fireman's Insurance Company at Dayton, and there continued until the 1st of January, 1885, when he became district agent and opened an office in Springfield. In March, 1889, the firm of Elliott & Dimond was formed, the junior member being a physician with a thoroughness in business tact and knowledge which is proving valuable in his new line of labor. The gentleman of whom we write has been twice married. The lady who became his wife in 1877 was Miss Mary W. Boyer, daughter of O.P. Boyer, a prominent undertaker of Dayton. She made a happy home for her husband until December 20, 1884, when she was called hence, leaving two children--Lyda B. and John Oliver. Two years later Mr. Elliott contracted a second matrimonial alli'ince, his bride on this occasion being Miss Nora E. Wood, of Springfield. This estimable lady is a daughter of S. R. and Margaret (McIntire) Wood, and was born and reared in Springfield. Her father is also a native of this county. The business ability and enterprise of Mr. Elliott are recognized by his fellow-men, who also appreciate his social qualities and manner of life. He is one of the Trustees of the Mitchel Thomas Hospital. In the social and benevolent orders he takes great interest, holding membership in the following: Anthony Lodge, No. 455, F. & A. M.; Palestine Commandery, No. 33, K. T.; Red Star Lodge, No. 205, K. of P., and also the Uniformed Rank, No. 44, of the same fraternity; Lodge No. 51, P. B. O. E.   WILLIARD F. ENGLE, Agent and Telegraph Operator of the Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati & St. Louis Railroad Company at Enon, also officiates as Postmaster of Mad River, Clark County. He is a man of good business abilities, and exercises no small influence among the leading men of his community. He enjoys the advantages of a thorough education, and is more than ordinarily well informed. The native place of .Mr. Engle was the famous Harper's Ferry, made historical by John Brown, of Ossawatomie, and the date of his birth was September 27, 1857. He spent his boyhood days on his father's farm and in attendance at the common school, where lie received thorough instruction in addition to careful training at home. At the age of twenty years he became a student of Shepherd's College, Jefferson County, W. Va., but after an attendance of six months was obliged to abandon his studies on account of ill-health. Upon coming to Ohio, in 1877, he located in the vicinity of Catawba, Champaign County, where lie engaged in farming about one year. Not yet satisfied with his 918 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. condition and surroundings, Mr. Engle abandoned firming and commenced studying telegraphy at Catawba. He made such good progress that in the course of about six months-he was given the position of night operator at Catawba, which he followed fdr some time thereafter. Iu 1880 he became yard operator at Springfield, holding this position probably three years. Still advancing he was next given the position of operator at Lock-land, but two weeks later returned to Catawba, where he became both operator and agent and served as Postmaster. From there, in 1887, he removed to Enon, where he has likewise made a good record. To his other duties he added that of agent for the American Express Company, in whose employ he has been for over seven years. Mr. Engle was married, at Frankfort, Ross County, this State, October 6,1844, to Miss Jennie Roweton. This lady was born in Frankfort, and is a daughter of George W. Roweton, a prominent resident of Ross County, who is now well-to-do and living retired from active business. Mrs. Engle was reared and educated in her native town, remaining under the parental roof until her marriage. This union has resulted in the birth of two children—Ethel and Willis,rd. Mr. Engle, politically, is a straight Prohibitionist, warmly interested in the success of the temperance cause. He is a Presbyterian in religious belief, but there being no society of that denomination in Enon, he is consequently net connected with any organization. Mrs. Engle conforms to the doctrines of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The father of our subject was James W. Engle, a native of Jefferson County, Va., and the son of John Engle, who was also born there. Grandfather 'Engle was of Scotch and English descent, and a well-to-do farmer, who spent the closing years of his life in his native county. James W. also followed farming, and when reaching manhood located on land which was given him his father, where lie prosecuted agriculture successfully, and also engaged quite extensively in stock-raising. He invested his capital in additional land, and is now the owner of four hundred broad acres near Harper's Ferry, in the Shenandoah Valley. He met with quite heavy losses during the late Civil War, some of his buildings being destroyed by fire, and his horses and cattle driven off. In early manhood he belonged to the old Whig party, but now affiliates with the Democracy. Although seventy-one yeaas old he is quite active, possessing much of the energy and determination of his younger years. In religion he is a stanch Presbyterian and an Elder in that church. The mother of our subject bore the maiden name of Margaret Duke. She was likewise a native of Jefferson County, Va., and the daughter of Robert Duke, a well-to-do farmer, and a Baptist in religion. The Duke family is also of English and Scotch descent. Mrs. Margaret Engle departed this life October 1, 1874. Like her father she ad-tiered religiously to the Old School Baptist Church. Of her union with James W. Engle there was born a family of nine children, seven of whom grew to mature years: Robert is farming on the borders of the Indian Territory; James is an attache of the Auditor's Office in Washington, D. C.; Jesse was studiously inclined, acquiring a thorough education, and now holds a professorship, occupying himself among the schools of Jefferson County, Va.; 'William F., our subject, was the next in order of birth; John F. went to California, and became agent of the Santa Fe Railroad Company; lie died in 1888; Shadia is a minister of the Presbyterian Church, and located at Hampden Sidney, Va.; Carleton is attending a commercial school in Washington, D. C. CHARLES LUDLOW, a prominent pharmacist of Springfield, in which city he was born February 3, 1842, occupies a well-arranged room at No. 55 East Main Street. He carries a large and varied stock of drugs and medicines, and in addition to his large business in that line, makes a specialty of handling lubricating oils. The handsome fittings of his establishment make it an ornament to the business section of the city, and his beautiful residence on East High Street is an equal addition to that section. PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM - 919 The father of our subject was John Ludlow, who about the year 1840 established one of the first drug stores in this city, to the business of which the son Charles succeeded. The widow of John Ludlow and mother of our subject is Elmina, daughter of Capt. Frederick Getman, who was born in Herkimer County, N. Y., and is still living in Springfield, now in her seventy-fifth year. Her father was a soldier in the War of 1812, and was descended from natives of Holland. A further history of the family will be found elsewhere in this ALBUM. The early school days of our subject were passed in Springfield whence he departed in 1859 to an institution of learning elsewhere, finally completing his studies at Dayton. In 1861, he became a member of Company H, Thirty-second Ohio Infantry, being made Second Sergeant on the organization of the company. The regiment, which was under the command of Col. Thomas Ford, was sent to the mountainous regions of West Virginia where for some months it rendered efficient service under Gen. Reynolds. In the following year young Ludlow was transferred to the regimental hospital where he acted in the capacity of Hospital Steward until October 24, 1862, when he received his discharge. Returning to his native place Mr. Ludlow became interested in his father's drug store, to which as before stated, he finally succeeded, on the death of his parent. He belongs to Mitchell Post, No. 145, G. A. R., and it is hardly necessary to state, affiliates with the Republican party. Both he and his wife are active members in Christ Episcopal Church and he is a member of the vestry. He is fortunate in being able to surround himself with the home comforts which are desirable, to bestow upon his children good advantages, and to assist in many good works as a less prosperous business man could not. The refined woman under whose care Mr. Ludlow's dwelling is a home in deed and n truth, became his wife in 1866. Prior to that time she was known as Miss Ella R. Spencer, having many friends in Springfield, which is her native city and the place in whiCh she received her education. Her parents, Richard S. and Ellen Spencer removed from Lynn, Mass., to this city, her father having been a native of his former place of abode. Mr. and Mrs. Ludlow have three children—Frederick R. B., Ellen S. and Charles R. The elder son is a partner in the store.   REV. SAMUEL F. BRECKENRIDGE, Sc. D., Professor of Exegetical Theology in the Theological Seminary of Wittenberg College, Springfield, Ohio, was born in Kishacoquillas Valley, Mifflin County, Pa., December 1, 1833. His father, Rev. John Brown Brackenridge, was born in Franklin County, Pa., October 30, 1806, was married in 1831 to Miss Sophia M. Ehrenfeld, oldest daughter of Dr. Augustus Clemens Ehrenfeld of Mifflin County, Pa. The subject of this sketch is their oldest child. His parents, at this writing, July, 1890, are both living, the father in his eighty-fifth, the mother in her seventy-ninth year. It will be observed that Prof. Breckenridge spells his name with an " e " in the first syllable, as just given, while his father's name is spelled with an " a "—Brackenridge. The son changed the orthography of his name at the suggestion of his father, who had become convinced, upon tracing his ancestry. that Breckenridge was the more correct form of the name. although he did not think it wise to attempt a change of the form of his own name, under which he had become known professionally and as a citizen. The Breckenridge family owes its origin to Scotch-Irish stock. The late H. M. Brackenridge, of Tarentum; Pa., upon visting Scotland some years since, traced the genealogy of the family to a period prior to the time of John Knox, the great reformer. It was thus found that one of the early representatives of the family, a Scotchman of the " clan Campbell," went from Scotland to Ireland, and settled near Londonderry. In the latter place was born the great-grandfather of Prof. Breckenridge. He, while yet a child, accompanied his father to America early in the last century.   920 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. the time of Braddock's defeat he was employed as a teamster hauling provisions on the frontier. While thus engaged he was captured by the Indians and taken near to the present site of Coshocton, whence he made his escape, and of which a lengthy account is given in the Pennsylvania Colonial Records. From this ancestry descended Samuel Brackenridge, the paternal grandfather of our subject, who was born at Half-Way House, Chester County, Pa., and to whom he of whom we write is said to bear a striking resemblance. He was possessed of a splendid physical development, was of a more than ordinarily bright mind, and of a genial temperament that drew around him many friends. For many years he was connected with the Presbyterian Church. He spent the closing years of his life near Brownsville, Pa., dying in 1840. His wife was likewise of Scotch-Irish birth and a woman remarkable for personal beauty and commanding presence. She lived to probably the age of ninety years. To the parents of Prof. Breckenridge there was born a family of twelve children, six of whom are still living. On his mother's side the records of his ancestry are official, full and continuous to A. D. 1601. Of this no more will be given here than to say that this line of his ancestry has, as far as the records run back, been an educated people, a majority of its male members in the different liberal professions, and some of them particularly eminent. It is an interesting fact that on his mother's side also he had a great-grandfather in the Colonial military service in Braddock's expedition. He was overtaken by death and buried near Braddock's field. He also was employed as a teamster in hauling supplies. Not improbably those two men, whose blood was to commingle so many generations afterwards, met in that little army and were acquainted. Besides these, two others of his maternal ancestors, in direct line, served under Washington in the War of Independence. Both of Prof. Breckenridge's parents have been of very marked intellectual and moral characteristics. His father, while well versed in other branches and particularly skilled in mathematics, had a peculiar ardor in the study of language, and for a command of choice English in conversation he has had very few equals. His mother, from her early life, was marked by a terse power of thought and speech that not only made her a powerful opponent in argument, if argument arose, though her disposition did not invite it, but enabled her often to sum up and end a whole line of discussion in an unexpected epigram.. It is not too much to say that Prof. Breckenridge largely inherited the above mentioned qualities of both his parents. To the parents of Prof. Breckenridge there were born twelve children, six of them still living. The survivors are mostly residents of Rochester, Pa. One of his brothers gave his life to his country at Vicksburg, in the war for the Union. The subject of this sketch entered Wittenberg College in 1854, with the purpose of preparing to study law. His father had prepared him for entrance into college, but was not able to meet the expense of his collegiate course. But young Breckenridge had already from his fourteenth year supported himself. This he did thenceforth. The history of his course through college would make an instructive and profitable chapter. He battled with and overcame difficulties and discouragements that would have entirely broken the resolution of most young men. Through all the trying ordeals of his college years he kept his eyes to the front, and came out of the campaign a victor and a strong man. While in college lie passed through a religious experience that changed the plans of his life and determined him to enter the ministry of the gospel. He graduated in 1860. After his graduation he was an instructor in Mendota Female College, at Mendota, Ill., and subsequently became its principal. While there he was licensed to preach the gospel by the Northern Illinois synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church. In the same year lie was united in marriage with Miss Mary A., daughter of John Garver, of Pecatonica, Ill. During a number of subsequent years he was principal of the Leechburg, Pa., Academy ; afterward was pastor of congregations near that place. Thence he was called to Ohio, where he was pastor at Bellefontaine and Plymouth. From this last pastorate he was called in 1874 to the chair of mathematics PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM - 921 in Wittenberg College, which he occupied until called, in the fall of 1888, to the chair of exegetical theology in Wittenberg College, which he now holds. His success in the ministry as well as his recognized qualifications influenced his election as college professor. Prof. Breckenridge has few, if any, superiors as a teacher. He undertakes to teach nothing which he has not first made himself master of as thoroughly as it is possible for his faculties to compass and penetrate it in its facts and principles; and he is not satisfied with anything less on the part of his students. He already bids fair to become as famous with his pupils in his new chair, as he had become in the chair. of mathematics and logic in the college. He received the degree of Doctor of Science from Pennsylvania College, Gettysburg, Pa., in 1887. Prof. Breckenridge is widely read in history, in the sciences, in political economy, and especially in the field of controversial theology as raised by the enemies of the Christian faith. His critical reading in ancient secular as well as ecclesiastical history is shown in the luminous use he is now making of it in the chair of exegesis. It is earnestly desired by those who know him and his methods of study most intimately, that he will give the theological and religious world the benefit of his researches and acquirements. Prof. Breckenridge is possessed of a very bright wit and as genial a humor. His company is sought for his entertaining social qualities. He is notably generous and kind-hearted, and is one of the truest and most conscientious of men. To Prof. and Mrs. Breckenridge have been born born three children, one son and two daughters, all living. Their family residence is a very pleasant one on Ferncliff Avenue, and is the center of a happy circle of refined and cultured people. CHARLES E. ARBOGUST. This gentleman has a high reputation in the business circles of Xenia and wherever his trade extends, as one who is strictly honorable in all business transactions and possesses a high moral character. He is engaged in the manufacture of blank books and office stationery, making a specialty of the latter and having an extensive trade, his goods selling in seventy-four of the eighty-eight counties of the State. He was born in Xenia, September 22, 1862, and in this city has spent the greater part of his life. His father, Charles Arbogust, a native of Springfield, there grew to maturity and learned the trade of a blacksmith. He married Miss Rebecca W. Sellers, of Xenia Township, daughter of John and Elizabeth Sellers, whose farm lay one mile southeast of Xenia. Her father was an early settler of the county, in which his sons, George, Luther and Addison, still reside. The parents of our subject resided in Springfield until a short time before his birth, when they removed to Xenia. The father died when our subject was about a year old, but the mother is still living. Both parents held membership in the Baptist Church, and the mother has conscientiously endeavored to bring up her son in the way he should go, the result being that he is living a useful and honored life. He grew to maturity in the city of his birth, finishing his education in her schools and identifying himself with her business men. In 1879, in connection with W. B. Chew, our subject started the bindery, the association between the two gentlemen continuing two years. Mr. Arbogust then purchased his partner's interest, and since that time has been conducting the business himself. lie is also interested in the millinery and fancy goods store of C. B. Arbogast, and holds considerable city property. He likewise has a cop siderable interest in the Building & Loan Association, of which he was one of the organizers. It was incorporated September 1, 1885, with a capital stock of $500,000. Mr. Arbogust has for many years been an active worker in the Young Men's Christian Association, and is a member of the Board of Directors, of the society which was organized in this city in July, 1884. They have a free lease for five years, with the privilege of holding it ten years, with a strong membership and good rooms in which to assemble and carry on various instructive and useful occupations. The members' parlor and prayer meeting room can be thrown into one when occasion requires. A pleasant reading room, private office, complete gymnasium—over which a competent 922 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. physical director has charge and complete bath rooms with shower and tub bath and hot and cold water at all times, complete the establishment. The annual fee is *5, which admits to all the privileges and benefits. The fine furnishings of the Association rooms were secured entirely through the individual efforts of the members. January 22, 1883, the interesting ceremony took place which transformed Miss Lida Robinson, of Xenia, into Mrs. Charles E. Arbogust. The bride is a daughter of George F. and Jennie Robinson, the former of whom is still living. She was born in this city in 1863, secured a good education in its excellent schools, and acquired the graces of manner and virtues of character which secure her the regard of many friends and acquaintances. The marriage has been blessed by the birth of two sons —George Elwood and Charles Orin. The family attend the Baptist Church, in which Mr. Arbogust is an honored member. He also belongs to the social order of the Knights of Honor. WILLIAM R. BAKER was elected Auditor for Greene County in November, 1883, and has served continuously since that time, a fact which speaks highly for his character and the estimation in which he is held by the people of his county. He is one of the old soldiers whom alllovers of the flag delight to honor, and in remembrance of the years during which he hazarded life itself in battle's front, he belongs to the Grand Army of the Republic at Xenia. For some years prior to his election to his present responsible posi tion, he was identified with the business interests of the city in the capacity of a dealer in groceries, and in financial circles was held in excellent repute. Mr. Baker was born near Jamestown, August 31, 1841, being a son of John W. Baker, whose settlement in this county dated from 1828. The father was a native of Kentucky, whither he came across the Ohio River when a boy of fourteen years with his father, William Baker, who kept one of the early public houses of Jamestown. Amid the pioneer surroundings the father of our subject grew to maturity, being engaged as a teamster until his marriage, when lie turned his attention to farming. In the spring of 1848 he abandoned that enterprise and returning to Jamestown, engaged in the grocery business, continuing in that occupation until 1857. In the schools of his native place and in the store kept by his father, he of whom we write received his education, being enabled to make practical use of the principles learned from the text books and so realized the object of his schooling. During his youth his father resumed his farm work and continuing it until after his boys had grown to manhood, they became well acquainted with that occupation also. The father finally removed to Grape Grove and four or five years later to Columbus, where he still lives. The mother to whom our subject and the other members of the parental family owe much for good counsel and loving care, also survives. Our subject left the parental roof in the fall of 1861 to enlist in Company A, Seventy-fourth Ohio Infantry. The regiment spent six months at Camp Todd and Camp Chase, preparing for the duties which awaited them at the front, and then going to Nashville, were placed under the command of Gen. Thomas, in the Fourteenth Corps, Army of the Cumberland. They bore a gallant part in the momentous battles of Stone River, Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain and NMsionaryRidge, and afterward participated in the scenes of the Atlanta campaign from Chattanooga to Atlanta. During this period they were under fire nearly every day, bearing their part in all the battles of the campaign. At its conclusion our subject was discharged, his term of service being completed, and was mustered out October 17, 1864. Returning to his home Mr. Baker became a clerk in the grocery store of Eavey & Co., Xenia, remaining in the establishment until 1869, in a clerical capacity and then assuming a half interest in the house. The firm did both a wholesale and retail trade and was well known in this section of the Buckeye State as one of the most reliable establishments of Xenia. For sixteen years Mr. Baker was connected with the house, during the various changes it underwent, owning from one-half to the PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM - 923   entire interest. When elected to the office in which he is now serving his third term, lie sold out his business in order that he might devote himself fully to his public duties. Mr. Baker votes the Republican ticket, no stancher supporter of the party being met with than he. He is a Chapter Mason and is also identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His family consists of a wife and two children, the .latter bearing the names of Florence H. and Jessie R. Mrs. Baker bore the maiden name of Anna P. Harrison, and was born and reared on a farm near Cedarville, this county, of which her father, James Harrison, was an early settler. The rites of wedlock between herself and our subject were celebrated at her home March 1, 1876. She is a noble woman, true to her family and friends, and intelligently interested in the affairs of mankind. JOHN L. CONKLIN. For a number of years, Mr. Conklin, who is now deceased, was numbered among the business men of Springfield, Clark County, and he was possessed in a marked degree of those traits of character which made him universally popular among the young and old. Affable, generous and high minded, no man could point to an unworthy act of his, and when passing away he was mourned not only by his immediate family, but by hosts of friends. As a business man he was more than ordinarily successful, and left to his family a fine estate, including an elegant home, with all of the comforts and luxuries of modern life. A native of Morris County, N. J., Mr. Conklin was born February 2, 1842, being the son of William Conklin, a native of the same county, and a descendant of one of four brothers who were early settlers of Spring Valley, N. J. William Conklin was one of four sons, and was reared to agricultural pursuits, which he followed in his native State, and remained a resident there until about two years before his death. He then sold his farm and went to Springfield to visit his sons, and died at the home of his son William. The mother of our subject bore the maiden name of Cornelia Galtra. She survived her husband many years, and died at the home of her son, John L., at the advanced age of eighty-two. Mr. Conklin, of whom we write, was reared and educated in his native county, and when a young man entered the employ of the Government as a clerk at the Brooklyn navy yard. He held that position until 1871, then removed to Springfield, and embarked in the grocery business. He was possessed of sound judgment and fine business abilities, was courteous to his customers, and thus made many friends, acquiring a large trade. In fact he became the leading groceryman of the city, and continued the business until the illness which terminated in his delth, January 5, 1885. The marriage of John L. Conklin and Miss Helen Parcells, was celebrated at the bride's home in Brroklyn, N. Y., April 25, 1870. Mrs. Conklin was born in the latter city, September 24, 1850, and is the daughter of William Parcells. a native of Morris County, N. J. Her paternal grandfather was horn in Mendon, that State, where his father, who was a farmer by occupation, spent his last years. Grandfather James Parcells, also followed agricultural pursuits, and died at Mention. William Parcells was reared in his native State, and when leaving there went to Brooklyn, N. Y., and became a wholesale dealer in building stone, remaining there until his death. He married Miss Catherine, daughter of William Willis. The latter was a native of England, and a son of John Willis, likewise of English birth and parentage, and who upon emigrating to New York City engaged in the mercantile business. Grandfather Parcells followed in the footsteps of his honored father, and also became a merchant of New York City, where he spent his last years. Mr. and Mrs. Conklin became the parents of five children, namely: Augusta, William R., John L., Roscoe, deceased, and Helen E. Mr. Conklin as is also his widow, was a devoted member of the First Presbyterian Church, which has received liberal benefactions from them, and of which Mrs. Conklin is still a regular attendant. Mr. Conklin was 924 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. prominent as a member of Clark Lodge, No. 101, A. F. & A. M., and Palestine Commandery, No. 33, K. T. Mrs. Conklin occupies the beautiful home left her by her husband, and is a lady who holds a high position in the community. THE HOOVEN & ALLISON COMPANY, manufacturers of twine and cordage, at Xenia; Ohio, has one of the leading factories of this kind in the country. A company was organized in 1869 for the purpose of making what is known as handmade twine, which enterprise was being successfully prosecuted when Robert A. Kelly came to the city and became connected with the concern. He had worked with the American hemp fibre with which he had experimented quite largely regarding the production from it of twine by machinery. In the spring of 1876, he suggested the feasibility of this to Messrs. Hooven & Allison, who being convinced that a better and cheaper twine could thus made than by the hand process which they had been using, at once set to work to get appropriate machinery for the purpose. From the beginning made on the evening before Christmas, 1876, when the first spool of hemp twine was manufactured in Xenia, the plant of the above company has grown to great proportions. Mr. Hooven died in 1881, after which time Mr. Kelly formed a partnership with Mr. M. C. Allison, the firm name continuing Hooven & Allison until the death of the latter, May 3, 1888. Two months thereafter a stock company was organized, the incorporators being Jacob Harbine, J. D. Steele, W. B. Harrison, R. A. Kelly and Mrs. Fanny Allison. The capital stock is $150,000 and the officers are J. H. Harbine, President; W. B. Harrison, Vice-President; J. D. Steele, Secretary; R. A. Kelly, Superintendent. The officers still retain the same positions, controlling a business which furnishes employment to from two hundred and twenty-five to two hundred and fifty hands, sending goods to all parts of the United States. They manufacture hemp, jute, manilla and sisal goods, as well as cotton goods, and besides their large establishment in Xenia, operate a cotton mill in Zanesville under the same charter. This mill was purchased by Hooven & Allison in 1879. R. A. Kelly, Superintendent of the mammoth concern above mentioned, was born in Guilford, County Down, Ireland, October 16, 1838. He was brought up in the flax and linen concern of Dunbar, McMaster & Co., leaving his native land in 1855, to enter the employ of Finlayson, Bonsfield & Co., manufacturers of linen thread at Johnston, Renfrewshire, Scotland. In July, 1859, he emigrated to hee United States, his first employment here being with the Dolphin Manufacturing Company, of Patterson, N. J. He was also engaged in the manufacture of flax, sisal and manilla rope machinery in the same city. In 1864, he was sent to Delaware, Ohio, by Messrs. Todd & Rafferty to erect and superintend the works. of the Delaware Manufacturing Company. They manufactured twine and seamless bags during the war, afterward converting the flax mill into a bagging mill for the manufacture of bagging for covering cotton. Mr. Kelly built the first five laying machines and finishing machines for laying and finishing hemp twine in Delaware,Ohio, whichh machines he brought to Xenia in the fall of 1876, placing them in the factory of the Hooven & Allison Company. The further history of that establishment has been already given, in so far as our brief notes can tell the story of a mammoth business concern whose instigators and managers are constantly proving their possession of the powers of combination and command necessary for the successful prosecution of an enterprise in which many men must be employed.