400 - MEMORIAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD OF securing of a position with Peck, of Hamilton, this State, a photographer of wide reputation as one of the best in the Union. Mr. Smith remained there until January, 1892, when he once more returned to Marysville and accepted a half interest in the business conducted by his father, the firm name becoming Elan Smith & Son. This association was continued until the present year (1894), when our subject secured full control of the enterprise, which is being most successfully conducted under his direction. The studio does all classes of photographic work and the proprietor also makes a specialty of crayon and sepia portraiture, in which lines he is personally a fine artist. The studio is centrally located, its parlors and reception room being tastefully fitted up, and the operating room having the most elegant accessories for facilitating the work and lending to artistic ensembles. The work turned out is of the highest order of excellence and Mr. Smith's knowledge of the art is such as enables him to compete successfully with the leading photographists of the metropolitan centers, for he has profited by the excellent experience in representative establishments, has a native artistic temperament, and is ever studying to secure new effects by experimentation in lighting, posing and by chemical manipulations. He is a member of the National Photographers' Association and of the State Association, at whose conventions he enters into competition for prizes on work. Mr. Smith's marriage was consummated September 7, 1893, when he led to the altar Miss Emily Gertrude Robinson, one of Marysville's most accomplished and popular young ladies and the daughter of Colonel A. B. and Mrs. Kissie (Wilkins) Robinson, honored residents of this city, concerning whom individual mention is made elsewhere in this volume. Mrs. Smith graduated at the Marysville high school as a member of the same class as was her husband, and she also graduated at the Wooster University, at Wooster, this State, in 1893. She is a member of the grand council of the ladies' college fraternity, the Kappa Kappa Gamma. Our subject and his wife have one child, Martha Eva. WILLIAM G. SNODGRASS, a prominent resident of Marysville, Ohio, where he fills the important and exacting office of Sheriff of Union county, is a native of the county in which his shrievalty is being served, having been born in Jerome township, November 19, 1839, the son of Samuel and Agnes (Morrison) Snodgrass. the former of whom was born in Union township, this county, being the son of Robert Snodgrass, who was one of the very earliest settlers in the county and a man of much prominence at that period. He developed a farm by clearing away the virgin forest which possessed the land and it is worthy of recalling that he served on the first jury ever empanelled in Union county. His family comprised six children,—four boys and two girls, and his third son, Robert, was the first male white child born in Union township. From the earliest settlement of the county, then, has the history of the Snodgrass family been linked therewith, and well may the present and future generations revert with pride and satisfaction to the annals of the pioneer days and to the record left by their ancestors. Samuel Snodgrass, father of our subject, was reared in this county and here the DELAWARE, UNION AND MORROW COUNTIES, OHIO - 401 greater portion of his life was passed. He learned the carpenter's trade and devoted himself to this vocation for many years. He was a man of strong character, true to his convictions and honored for his unimpeachable integrity. In politics he was originally a Whig, but upon the organization of the Republican party identified himself with the same and continued his allegiance therewith for the remainder of his days; in religion he was a member of the Presbyterian Church, as was also his wife. Both he and his wife are deceased. Samuel and Agnes Snodgrass became the parents of six children, of whom we offer the following record: Alvin is a resident of Minneapolis, Kansas; William is the subject of this review; David died in 1862; John resides at Colton, California; Ann G. is the wife of Dr. Spencer Garwood, of Milford Centre, this county; James is a resident of Indianapolis, Indiana; and one son died in infancy. William G. Snodgrass, subject of this review, is now the only male representative of his father's family in this county. He worked on the farm, attending the district schools during the winter months, until the late civil war was precipitated upon a divided nation, when he determined to do his part toward maintaining the supremacy of the Union, and accordingly, on the 9th of August, 1861, he enlisted as a member of Company B, Thirty-second Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served with his regiment until July 20, 1865, when he was mustered out, at Louisville, Kentucky, receiving his balance of pay and his discharge at Columbus, this State, August 1 of the same year. He was made Corporal of his company, and by successive promotions held the offices of Sergeant, First Sergeant and Second Lieutenant, receiving his commission for the last office only a few months prior to his discharge. He was a valiant soldier and never shirked a duty. The records show that he participated in the following engagements: McDowell, May 8, 1862; Cross Keys, Virginia, June 8, 1862; Harper's Ferry, September 15, 1862; he then passed along and participated in the Vicksburg campaign, being a member of General John A. Logan's division, which was ever notable as always to the front. At Champion Hills our subject's regiment effected the capture of the First Mississippi Battery. After the Vicksburg campaign Mr. Snodgrass re-enlisted as a member of the same company and regiment, and was with Sherman on his ever memorable march to the sea. His regiment was in the heaviest of the fight on July 22, when McPherson was killed. Mr. Snodgrass was taken prisoner at Harper's Ferry, but was forthwith paroled. After the great conflict was ended our subject participated with his regiment in the grand review at Washington. After the war he once more took up his residence in this county and worked with his father at the carpenter's trade until the time of his marriage, which occurred November 19, 1870, when he wedded Miss Josephine Colver, daughter of Standish Colver, one of the pioneers of Union county. After his marriage he began farming in Champaign county and there remained for a period of sixteen years, after which he once more returned to his native county, engaging in agricultural pursuits here for seven years,—that is, up to 1892, when he was chosen as the candidate of his party for Sheriff of the county, a position for whose holding he was most particularly qualified. He was duly elected and has since been the 402 - MEMORIAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD OF incumbent, proving a careful and discriminating officer and never transcending the functions of his office. That he has been a man whose character has ever been such as to gain him confidence is not more clearly shown, perhaps, than in one instance which we may mention. After the war service was ended he was chosen by the members of his company, at Louisville, Kentucky, to receive and bring home the pay roll of the company, which same represented many hundreds of dollars,—a fact significant in itself and its implication. It is also worthy of note that he is at the present time president of his company's regimental organization. Mr. Snodgrass held the office as Trustee of Union township for a number of years. He was a member of the Soldiers' Relief Commission from the time the same was created until his election as Sheriff; he was also for a term of years a member of the School Board of his township. Fraternally our subject is identified with Ransom Reed Post, G. A. R., of Marysville; with the Masonic order, being a member of Palestine Lodge, No. 158, Marysville Chapter, No. 99, and Rapier Commandery, No. 19, of Urbana; he also retains a membership in Marysville Lodge, No. 100, Knights of Pythias, and in the Union Veterans' Legion, at Columbus. Mr. and Mrs. Snodgrass have three children: Frank B., Lucy, and William H.   AARON JULIAN, a prominent farmer of Peru township, Morrow county, is a son of John and Margaret (Hedge) Julian. The mother was a native of Virginia, and a daughter of Aaron Hedge. The grandfather of our subject, John Julian, was of Welsh descent. John Julian, Jr., came to Ohio in i800, locating in the woods twelve miles east of Circleville, Pickaway county, and lived for a time in a sugar camp. He married for his first wife Allie Hedge, and their children are all now deceased. In 1835 he removed to Peru township, Morrow county, locating on the farm now owned by our subject. He bought 100 acres, of which he cleared thirty-five acres. Mr. and Mrs. Julian had nine children, four now living: Aaron, our subject; Sarah, now Mrs. Baughman, of Union county, Ohio, and has two children; Samuel, of Delaware county; and Margaret, a widow, resides in Madison county. The father was a soldier in the war of 1812, and was a Democrat in his political views. Aaron Julian, the subject of this sketch, was born in Pickaway county, Ohio, August 4, 1822, but received his education in Peru township. He began work for himself by farming on rented land in this township for five years, after which he bought eighty acres of land here, but afterward moved to West Liberty, next returned to his old home farm, and in 1870 came to his present farm of 217 acres. His place is under a tine state of cultivation, and he is engaged in general farming. In political matters Mr. Julian is a life-long Democrat, and has voted fifty-one times, never having missed an election. He has served as Justice of the Peace, as Township Trustee, and for the past forty years has held the position of School Director. In 1854 Mr. Julian was united in marriage with Lucinda Hancock, and they have had five children, three now living, viz. : Willis C., who married Carrie Steward, and resides in Peru township; Edgar married Dora Daston, and lives with his father, and DELAWARE, UNION AND MORROW COUNTIES, OHIO - 403 Lillian, wife of Frank Steward, of this township. Mrs. Julian was reared in the Quaker faith. DR. E. G. GRAY, one of the leading medical practictioners of South Woodbury, was born in Delaware county, Ohio, March 7, 1867, son of James Gray, a native also of this State, of Irish descent, and a farmer in Porter township, Delaware county. His father, James Gray, came from Pennsylvania to Tuscarawas county, Ohio, in an early day, and thence to Delaware county. Our subject's mother, nee Ellen Riggle, was a native of Pennsylvania, and a daughter of William and Mary Riggle, natives also of that State. She came with her mother to Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. James Gray were married in Delaware county, and located in Porter township, where they still reside. They are the parents of six children,—Minerva, wife of Pat Trimmer, of Logan county, Ohio; Mary, deceased ; Alice, wife of Daniel Beard, of Porter township; George E., who married Josie Cooney, and resides in Porter township; Elmer G., our subject; and Ethel, deceased at the age of eighteen months. Dr. Gray was reared on his father's farm, attended the district schools, also the Galion College, and completed his preparatory course in the Lebanon Normal. At the age of sixteen years he began teaching, following that occupation five years, and during that time also studied medicine with Dr. G. F. Foster, of Olive Green, Delaware county. In 1892 he completed a course of lectures at Columbus Medical College, and in the same year located at South Woodbury, where he has ever since been actively engaged in the practice of medicine. The Doctor was married in 1889, to Addie Huddeston, a native of Knox county, Ohio, and a daughter of Lucius and Marietta Huddeston. They are the parents of three children,—Nora, Fred, and Eddie. CHARLES E. DAVIS,--We now direct attention to the life history of one who has held conspicuous position at the head of one of the most important and unique manufacturing industries of Marysville, Union county, Ohio,—the product of said manufactory being the practical expansion of an invention of his own,— a man whose influence in the musical world has been marked and whose talent in that line is of high order. A native of the Buckeye State, Charles E. Davis was born on the paternal farmstead in Franklin county, September 19, 1852, the son of Charles and Catherine Davis, both of whom date their nativity in Franklin county and both of whom are of Welsh extraction. Our subject grew up on the farm and attended the district schools until he had attained the age of sixteen years, when he entered the Ohio Wesleyan University, at Delaware, where he continued his studies for two years, after which he matriculated in the Baxter University in New York city, and there remained for another two years. He then returned to Ohio and for two years gave his attention to teaching in district schools, after which he once more gave himself to subjective educational work, entering Oberlin College, at Oberlin, Ohio, where he continued his study for six years, devoting the final two years 404 - MEMORIAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD OF almost entirely to the study of music, for which he had marked native talent and appreciation. In connection with his musical work he also carried along a line of special study in a literary way. Leaving Oberlin in 1879, Mr. Davis went to Columbus, this State, and was there engaged for three years in teaching both vocal and instrumental music, proving a most efficient instructor and putting to practical test the thoroughness of his knowledge in both theoretical and executive music. He then married and continued to teach in a private way until 1888, when he accpeted a position as instructor in the musical department of Otterbein University, at Westerville, Ohio, where he remained until 1890. The succeeding two years Mr. and Mrs. Davis passed in that great art center, Boston, Massachusetts, where they took a special course in music. Within this time Mr. Davis conceived the idea of the piano chair, which he subsequently perfected, and patented. In 1892 Mr. Davis came to Marysville and, enlisting local capital in his enterprise, effected the organization of the Davis Chair Company, which at once secured the necessary mechanical equipment and began manufacturing his invention. The products of the factory were soon placed on the market, and such was the manifest superiority of the Davis chair that its introduction into all sections of the Union was most rapid. It would be incongruous in this connection to enter into details concerning our subject's invention, but we may state briefly the fact that the various styles of chairs manufactured have a spring back whose adjustment is automatic, proving a boon to those who give attention to practice on the piano, as well as those who use the sewing machine, typewriter, or are other wise employed at any work which requires long sitting in one position. There have been many devices in the line of piano chairs, but this is conceded to be the only one that approaches perfection when a practical test is applied. Mr. Davis was married in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, in March, 1883, to Miss Minnie Castle, daughter of Dr. A. B. Castle, who is now a resident of Columbus, this State. Mrs. Davis has given her attention to music since she was a child of thirteen years, and is a most skillful pianist and vocalist, possessing a finely trained contralto voice of excellent timbre. She was engaged in teaching music for a number of years, and after her marriage was also connected with the musical department of Otterbein University, in company with Mr. Davis. It was but natural that our subject and his wife should have at once taken a leading position in the social and musical circles of Marysville, and in the latter their influence and enthusiasm did much to advance local musical interests. They were prominently identified with the Married People's Musical Society, an association representative of much talent. They are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. They have one child, Miriam. In politics Mr. Davis is a stanch Republican. In August, 1894, Mr. Davis disposed of his working interest in the Davis Chair Company, and with his family removed to Boston, where they now reside, devoting their attention entirely to music, in which line their success is assured, while from such work they will derive the maximum of satisfaction and pleasure, surrounded by the best musical atmosphere that our country affords. DELAWARE, UNION AND MORROW COUNTIES, OHIO - 405 A. A. WHITNEY, County Auditor, Mount Gilead, Ohio, is ranked with the self-made men of Morrow county, and it is with pleasure that we present the following sketch of his life in this work: Mr. Whitney's father, Lyman Banks Whitney, was born in Connecticut, one of the eight children of Samuel 'Whitney, also a native of that State, and Lyman B. was a small boy when he came with his parents to Ohio. Here he grew up and was married to Elizabeth Vail, the eldest of a family of ten children. She was born in Morrow county, Ohio, daughter of B. T. Vail, a native of New York and an early settler of this county. After their marriage they settled in Bloomfield, and he engaged in business, being one of the first merchants of the village. About 1840 he moved to Columbus, Ohio, where he continued in business until his death, which occurred in October, 1842, at the early age of twenty-three Years. A. A. Whitney was born in South Bloomfield township, Morrow county, Ohio, January 18, 1842, and was only a few months old when his father died. After that sad event, the mother took her only child and returned to Bloomfield, where he remained with her until he was ten years of age. His first schooling was in the district school at Vail's Crossroads, in Bennington township, this crossroads being named in honor of his grandfather, who at one time kept a hotel there. He afterward attended the Sparta, Chesterville and Mount Gilead schools, and from the time he was thirteen he made his own way in the world. His first work was in the woolen mills of Mount Gilead. At sixteen he began clerking for Burr Russell, and spent one year in his store at Sparta, and after that accepted a clerkship in a store at Mount Vernon, where he remained in the employ of one man for sixteen years and seventeen days. Next we find him at Sparta. There he opened a general store on his own account and carried on business at that point for ten years. In 1889 he was elected County Auditor, and that same year moved to Mount Gilead, where he has since resided, now being the incumbent of the Auditor's office, and the only Democrat in office in the county. As an official he has rendered a high degree of satisfaction, his duty here, as elsewhere, being performed with the strictest fidelity. At this writing Mr. Whitney is a director of the Morrow County Bank. He was married in 1876 to Miss Jennie Henderson, of Mount Vernon, who died some years later, leaving three children, viz: Allen Banks, Clarence Chester, and Horace Warren. For his second wife he married her sister, Miss Ella Henderson. Mr. Whitney is a member of the Masonic Lodge and Commandery at Mount Vernon, and of the Consistory at Cincinnati, Ohio. He is also identified with the Odd Fellows at Mount Gilead and the Knights of Honor at Mount Vernon. In church and Sabbath-school work he is prominent and active, being a Steward in the Methodist Episcopal Church and Superintendent of the Sunday-school at Mount Gilead. DANIEL KREIS, a prominent farmer of Cardington township, was born in Richland township, Marion county, Ohio, August 20, 1859. His father, Jacob Kreis, was born in Baden, Germany, where he remained until sixteen years of age, and then came alone to America, landing at Baltimore, 406 - MEMORIAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD OF Maryland, with only $1 in his pocket. He worked on a farm in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, for three years, receiving $5 per month and board. He was there married, and shortly afterward came to Marion county, Ohio, in a one-horse wagon, locating in Richland township. He traded his horse and wagon in part payment for a forty-acre farm, on which he built a log house. Mr. Kreis then left his wife in charge of the place, and began work on the National Pike, near Dayton, Ohio, receiving 50 cents per day, and walked back and forth every two weeks to his home. In that way he earned the money to pay the balance on his farm. He added to his place from time to time, until in 1859 he owned 900 acres. In 1862 Mr. Kreis removed to Cardington township, and located on a farm known as the Brooks farm, east of Cardington city. In 1870 he erected and moved into a fine brick residence in that city. His first business venture there was the opening of a hardware store, which he conducted about thirty years, and was also engaged in the dry-goods and clothing business. At one time he was president of the Cardington Banking Company, and was a stockholder in the National Bank of Galion, and in the First National Bank of Cardington. Mr. Kreis built what is known as the J. Kreis Block in Cardington, the best business place in the city, and was also owner of a large brick block in Columbus. He was united in marriage with Miss Helena Smith, born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania. When very young she was bound out, and but little can be learned of her parentage. Mr. and Mrs. Kreis were the parents of ten children, namely: Joseph (deceased), Jacob, Elizabeth, Helena (deceased), George (who represented Morrow county in the State Legislature four years), John, Cassius (deceased), Mary, Daniel and Samuel. Mr. Kreis was a Democrat in his political views, and was a member of the City Council at the time of his death, which occurred in 1884, in his seventy-fourth year. He was a member of the German Reformed Church. Mrs. Kreis also departed this life in her seventy-fourth year. Daniel Kreis, the subject of this sketch, was three years of age when he came to Morrow county, and his education was completed in the Cardington schools. He commenced clerking for his father when fourteen years old, remaining with him two years after his marriage. In 1885 he located on his present farm of seventy-six and a half acres, and, in addition to general farming, makes a specialty of Shropshire sheep. In political matters he affiliates with the Democratic party, and for four years held the office of Assessor, having been elected in a Republican district of 300 majority. Socially he is a member of the Knights of Pythias, Cardington Lodge, No. 427. Mr. Kreis was married in November, 1882, to Anna Smith, who was born and reared in Cincinnati, Ohio, a daughter of Ferdinand Smith, a prominent business man of that city. They have no children of their own, but have an adopted son, Earl Ferdinand. CHARLES LEROY RUSSELL, Postmaster of Mount Gilead and senior member of the clothing firm of Russell & Sims, was born in this city March 17, 1857, and has been identified with its interests all his life. Mr. Russell's grandfather, Charles Rus- DELAWARE, UNION AND MORROW COUNTIES, OHIO - 407 sell, was born in Virginia in 1792, and in 1831 came to Ohio and located on a farm near Mount Gilead, where he spent the rest of his life, and where he died in January, 1872. His son, B. S. Russell, the father of our subject, was born in Loudoun county, Virginia, September 3, 1828, and was three years of age when he came with his parents to Ohio. When he grew up he learned the trade of tailor, and was one of the first merchants of Mount Gilead, where he was in business for a number of years. He now resides on the farm on which his father located when first coming to Ohio. The mother of our subject was before her marriage Miss Melinda Ackerman. She was one of a large family of children, and was reared by a Mrs. King, of Delaware county. The Ackermans are of German descent. B. S. Russell and his wife have had eight children, two of whom died when young. Those living are : Mrs. Belle Mills, widow of W. S. Mills, she being a noted singer of Columbus, Ohio; Charles Leroy, whose name heads this article; Mrs. Maggie Randolph, wife of Chas. E. Randolph, Springfield, Ohio; Edward B., a clerk in his brother's store at Mount Gilead; Mrs. Kate Kuqua, wife of Elmer E. Kuqua, a member of the firm of Kuqua & Son, manufacturers of carriages and buggies, Springfield, Ohio; and Mrs. Blanch Brollier, wife of Arthur Brollier, Mount Gilead. Charles Leroy Russell began working at the tailor's trade when he was twelve years old and has been in a store ever since, working for his father for some years. The firm of Russell & Sims was formed in 1880 and continued successfully, Mr. Russell's long experience in the business giving him a thorough knowledge of its every detail. In 1871 Mr. Russell was married to Susan Mooney, of Cardington, Ohio, daughter of M. L. Mooney, deceased. Her father was one of the pioneers of that place, was the first to engage in the drug business there, and was in business for thirty years or more. Mr. and Mrs. Russell have two children,--Clarence B., born in 1884; and Ethel Corinne, in 1888. Fraternally he is identified with Masonic Lodge, No. 206, and Gilead Chapter, No. 59, R. A. M. Politically he is a Democrat. April 17, 1894, he received the appointment of Postmaster of Mount Gilead, and is now serving most efficiently in this position. JOSEPH HOBSON, a venerable citizen of Gilead township, Morrow county, Ohio, and for forty years identified with the ministry of the Friends' Church, forms the subject of this article. Mr. Hobson's father, Joseph Hobson, was a native of Maryland and a son of Joseph Hobson, the latter emigrating to Jefferson county, Ohio, about 1800 and making permanent settlement on a half section of land, he being one of the most prominent and influential citizens of the community. The mother of our subject was before her marriage Miss Rebecca Talbut, she being a native of Maryland and a daughter of John and Elizabeth (Johns) Talbut. She first came to Ohio with her brother Joseph about 1800 and settled in Jefferson county. She and Mr. Hobson, however, were married in Pennsylvania, and they made the trip from there on horseback to Jefferson county, taking up their abode on a piece of land owned by his father in a Friends' settlement. There he 408 - MEMORIAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD OF ran a mill for a few years, and afterward removed to Stark county and settled on a piece of land his father had entered for him. This tract he cleared up and developed into a farm, and on it he died in 1828 or '29, leaving a widow and seven children, five sons and two daughters. The mother kept her children together and returned with them to Jefferson county, where she bought a small farm and resided for many years. Only two of the family are now living, Joseph and Abraham J., the latter still a resident of Jefferson county. Joseph Hobson was born December 14, 1818, in Stark county, Ohio, and remained with his mother until he was nineteen years of age, his educational advantages being limited to the common schools. Leaving home, he went to Columbiana county, Ohio, and for two years cultivated a farm there on shares. In 1842 he came to Morrow county, then a part of Marion county, making the journey here on horseback, and at that time having no capital save his willing hand. April 27, 1842, he married Miss Amy P. Stanley, a native of Columbiana county, Ohio, born July 30, 1815, daughter of James and Rhoda (Cobbs) Stanley, her family having settled in this county in the spring of 1839. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Hobson located on forty-eight acres of land, the property now owned by Nelson Newsom, and from there removed to his present farm in 1850. At one time he owned 160 acres here, but has disposed of thirty acres of it. He cleared the greater part of this farm and made all the improvements upon it, including buildings, fences, etc , and now, in their old age, he and his good wife are enjoying the fruits of their honest toil, and are surrounded with all the comforts of life. They have had six chil dren, four of whom are living, namely: Rhoda A. Goodman, Thomas C., Elizabeth T., and Louisa. As above stated, Mr. Hobson has been a minister in the Friends' Church for forty years, and until recently he has had active work. By his own plain, Christian life he has exemplified the truths he has so earnestly taught, and few have exerted a greater influence for good than has Joseph Hobson. In his early life he was an Abolitionist, and took an active part in that movement. He has always been a temperance man, and is now identified with the Prohibition party, and, indeed, throughout his whole life, his influence has ever been directed on the side of truth and right. FIELDING A. THOMPSON, who is deserving of specific mention in connection with a review of the life histories of the leading professional men of Marysville, Union county, Ohio, is an attorney of marked ability and one whose relative precedence among the younger barristers of the county cannot but be conceded. Mr. Thompson is a native of Union county, having been born in Mill Creek township, March 5, 1862, son of Andrew J. and Lauvina (Farnum) Thompson, who are respectively of English and Irish lineage. The father is at the present time a resident of Dover township, this county, where he conducts a fine farm. Our subject thus springs from that sturdy, honorable element of our social fabric whose pursuits have been those incidental to the cultivation of the soil, whose affection for the productive fields conies as a direct heritage to those in DELAWARE, UNION AND MORROW COUNTIES, OHIO - 409 whom courses the Aryan blood. He was born on the farm and was reared to agricultural pursuits, in the meanwhile enforcing his character with those attributes of character, honesty, probity and independence, which seem the natural concomitant outgrowth of such a life. The early education of our subject was secured in the district schools, and at the age of twenty-one he put his acquired knowledge to a practical test by teaching school for one term. He then entered the Northwestern University, at Ada, Ohio, where he completed a two years' course of study, immediately thereafter taking up the reading of the law in the office and under the preceptorage of Porter & Porter, prominent attorneys of Marysville. He remained with this firm until October, 1892, when he was admitted to the bar, having devoted himself closely to his professional studies and having acquired a more intimate knowledge of legal jurisprudence, rulings and essential principles than is usually secured by the student in the average law school. In May, 1892, Mr. Thompson opened an office in Marysville, and at once entered into the general practice of his profession. He is progressive and enterprising, is devoted to his work, and has met with a due quota of success in the retaining of a representative clientage. His office is located at the southwest corner of the public square. In his political proclivities our subject is a Democrat, and is an active worker iu the cause of his party. In 1893 he was placed in nomination for Prosecuting Attorney of the county, made an excellent run, but was defeated, it being impossible to overcome the very large Republican majority which the county has always rolled up. LEROY PERFECT, who is engaged in the livery business in Sunbury as a member of the firm of Perfect & Culver, is numbered among the native sons of Delaware county, his birth having here occurred on the 31st of January, 1835. His father, Middleton Perfect, was a native of Kentucky, and when a lad of five summers, he was brought by his parents to the Buckeye State, the family locating in Delaware county, where he was reared to manhood in the usual manner of farmer lads. Having attained to years of maturity, he was united in marriage with Miss Huldah Patrick, who was born in Pennsylvania. They became the parents of a family of five sons and five daughters,—Norman, Drusilla, Sarah, Leroy, Amelia Cornelia, Wayman, Truman, Jane and Winfield Scott Of this number Cornelia and Winfield are now deceased. The father of this family was a Whig in early life, but when the Republican party sprang into existence, he joined its ranks and voted with it during his remaining days. His death occurred in November, 1891; his wife is also deceased. She was a consistent member of the Christian Church and a most estimable lady. Mr. Perfect, of this sketch, soon became familiar with the duties of farm life, aiding in the cultivation of his father's land during the greater part of his minority. His school privileges were somewhat limited. His first business venture was in buying, selling and shipping horses, and from this he branched out into the livery business, which he is now successfully following in Sunbury, as a member of the firm of Perfect & Culver. Their stable is a well-appointed one, furnished with first class equipments along that line, and their liberal patronage is well deserved. 410 - MEMORIAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD OF Turning from the public to the private life of Mr. Perfect, we note that he led to the marriage altar, Miss Lyde Selby, daughter of Amos Selby. One son has been born of this union, Clyde, who is now employed as a salesman in a grocery store in Delaware. In his political views Mr. Perfect is a Republican, and by his ballot supports the men and measures of that party, but he has never sought office for himself, preferring to give his time and attention to his business interests. Socially he is a Mason, belonging to the blue lodge of Sunbury. He takes an active and commendable interest in everything pertaining to the welfare and advancement of the community and is recognized as a valued citizen. HENRY S. CULVER, ex-Mayor of the city of Delaware, Ohio, was elected to this honorable and responsible office in the spring of 1890, having been a resident of the city since the centennial year, 1876, when he located here and established himself in the practice of his profession, that of law, forming a professional alliance with Mr. Frank Marriott and remaining thus associated for the period of one year, after which, in 1878, he was elected to the office of Prosecuting Attorney of the county, and served in that capacity until 1882, proving one of the most able incumbents the county had ever retained in that capacity. In the meantime he associated himself with Mr. C. H. Mc Elroy and this professional partnership continued until our subject had completed his term as Prosecutor, when Mr. McElroy was elected Judge. Since that time Mr. Culver has been alone in his professional work, his practice being one of general order and his clientele being one of distinctively representative character. He received his preliminary education in the public schools at Sunbury, this county, completing the high-school course. He then attended a commercial college in Cleveland and graduated at the institution, after which he began the work of preparation for that profession which he had determined to follow as his vocation in life. He accordingly went to Columbus and entered the office of Judge C. H. Stewart, and under such favorable and discerning perceptorage he continued his technical studies until 1875, when he was admitted to the bar. He at once made ready to put his legal acquirements to a practical test, coining to Delaware, where he forthwith entered upon that professional career which has been one of distinction and honor and which has redounded to his credit. In politics he is stanchly arrayed in the support of the Republican party and its principles, and has long been an active worker in the cause, --one whose efforts have done much toward advancing party interests in a local way. It is a significant fact that he was the first Republican Mayor the city had had in a number of years; and his administration was one that proved most satisfactory to his constituents, and gained the good will and endorsement of the general public, irrespective of party affiliations. During his regime the city prospered in a material way and its government was directed along safe, conservative lines, the affairs of all departments having felt the influence of the able chief executive. His term expired in 1894. Always ardent in his political work he has occupied a position of prominence in the party ranks and has been a delegate to State DELAWARE, UNION AND MORROW COUNTIES, OHIO - 411 and county conventions on numerous occasions. In his fraternal affiliations he has secured distinguished official recognition and has manifested a lively interest in the various societies with which he is identified. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias, Lenape Lodge, No. 29, and was one of the prime movers in effecting the organization of the Uniform Rank of that order in the State, having been the first Major of the Second Regiment, and having passed all the chairs in the order. He organized the first company in the city of Delaware and was made Captain of the same. He is also a member of the Masonic order, Hiram Lodge, No. 18, F. & A. M., and Chapter No. 88, R. A. M. He has represented his chapter in the Grand Lodge on two different occasions, and is also a member of the National Union, Whetstone Council, No. 393. Our subject was born at Sunbury, Delaware county, Ohio, April 19, 1854; was reared to the sturdy pursuits and uneventful life of the farm. When he attained the age of seventeen years he put into practical use the scholastic attainments which were his by reason of his discipline in the public schools of Sunbury, engaging in pedagogic labor in district schools for a period of two years, and proving a successful teacher. The more salient points in his subsequent career have already been noted in this connection and there is no need of recapitulation. Realizing the truth of the prophet's statement, that it is not well for a man to live alone, in 1876 he led to the hymeneal altar Miss Mary D. Sprague, who is a native of Oregon, but who has passed the greater portion of her life in Delaware, this State. She is the daughter of Judge F. B. Sprague, now of Westerville, Ohio, but formerly of this city. Mr. and Mrs. Culver are the parents of four children: Stanley E., Mary Louise, Dorothy and Sidney. Our subject and his wife are members of the Williams Street Methodist Episcopal Church. The parents of Mr. Culver were Sidney and Jane (Carpenter) Culver, both of whom were natives of Delaware county, Ohio. The paternal grandfather of our subject was a Vermont Yankee, his name being Edward Culver. He married and reared a large family of children in Vermont. where he remained until deprived of his wife by death, when he emigrated to Ohio, and here continued in that line of occupation which was his by birthright,—that of farming. After he arrived in Ohio he made the acquaintance of the Widow Stark, nee Catherine Rosecrans, who came from the Wyoming valley, in Pennsylvania, and in due time a marriage was consummated with this estimable woman. She had reared a large family from her first marriage, but the only offspring of her union to Mr. Culver was one son, Sidney, the father of our subject. The Culver family is of stanch old Puritan stock, while the Rosecrans is of lineage tracing back to Holland. Sidney Culver was born on the paternal farmstead, in Berkshire township, this county, in November, 1822, and he there grew to manhood, having received his education in the district schools. He and General Rosecrans were playfellows as well as second cousins, and as boys they conned their lessons together before the light of the primitive old fire-place, around which lingers so much of romance and whose glowing shadows fell upon the form of many a boy who attained fame and distinction in the later 412 - MEMORIAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD OF years. Sidney Culver remained in the same neighborhood in which he was born during his entire lifetime, and devoted his attention to the noble art of husbandry. He was successful in his efforts and was accounted one of the solid men of that section, being upright and honorable in all his ways and a man of unimpeachable probity. In the latter years of his life he became a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He died in January, 1893. His wife was also a native of this county, where she was born in October, 1826. She is still living and resides with her daughter in Columbus. Her parents were pioneer residents of Delaware county. Sidney and Jane Culver became the parents of three children: Edward T., who resides on a farm in the eastern part of the county; Susan M., wife of Burns L. Maynard, of Columbus; and Henry S., the immediate subject of this review. ZACHARIAH R. THORNTON is the genial host of the Byhalia Hotel, of Byhalia, a valued and popular citizen and an honored ex-soldier. The record of his life is as follows: A native of this city, he was born on the 18th of May, 1845, and is a son of Boyd Thornton, who was born in Champaign county, Ohio. His mother bore the maiden name of Elizabeth J. Scott, and was a native of the same county. The parents lived upon a farm, and Zachariah early became familiar with all the duties of farm life, beginning work in the fields at a tender age. The district schools of the neighborhood afforded him his educational privileges, which were therefore somewhat limited. When in his seventeenth year Mr. Thornton responded to his country's call for troops to aid in crushing out the Rebellion, and in 1861 became a member of Company C, Forty-fifth Ohio Infantry. He faithfully served his term and was then honorably discharged, but afterward re-enlisted, in 1864, in Company D, One Hundred and Ninety-second Infantry, with which he remained until the close of the war. He was ever true to the old flag and the cause it represented, and where duty called he was always found. The lady who now bears the name of Mrs. Thornton was in her maidenhood Miss Emeline Hendricks. Our subject and his wife had one daughter, Laura Jane, who died in December, 1892. She was an intelligent and popular young lady, beloved by all who knew her, and her death has proved a deep loss to her parents and many friends. In politics Mr. Thornton is a stalwart and earnest Republican, but has never been an aspirant for political honors. Socially he is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic and of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is a lover of fine horses, and owns some of the best roadsters and draft horses in this section of the county. To the hotel business he now devotes the major part of his time and attention, and his frank and cordial manner makes him a favorite with the traveling public. H. J. LOWER, M. D., who occupies a position of unmistakable prominence as one of the leading citizens of Irwin Station, Union township, Union county, is a man of marked profes- DELAWARE, UNION AND MORROW COUNTIES, OHIO - 413 sional ability, and one who holds distinctive official preferment as Postmaster of the thriving little village in which he resides. The Doctor is a native son of the Buckeye State, having been born in the vicinity of Coshocton, April 20, 1860. His father, Jacob B. Lower, was one of the successful and influential agriculturists of Coshocton county, where he resided for many years and where he ended his earthly career in December, 1893, having attained the venerable age of sixty-eight years. The maiden name of our subject's mother was Susan Deetz, and she still resides at the old home near Coshocton. Jacob and Susan Lower became the parents of twelve children,—six sons and six daughters,—and of this family our subject was the sixth in order of birth. His boyhood days were passed on the farm, assisting in the work pertaining thereto and attending the district schools. After this uneventful routine the days passed along until he began to think for himself and to long for broader opportunities than the old farm could offer. His parents were people of much intelligence, and they had instilled in his plastic mind not only the principles of truth and honor, but had taught him to believe in the dignity of industry and to appreciate knowledge from whatever source acquired. He had attended the public schools at Ada, in the vicinity of his home, and at the age of seventeen years he assumed a personal responsibility and began to labor for the accomplishment of his desired end, a good education. He accordingly devoted himself to teaching, and that he proved an efficient and popular instructor needs no other voucher than a statement of the fact that he was retained in pedagogic work for a period of twelve years. All this time he had been considering ways and means, and, never vascillating in his actions or thoughts, he determined to prepare himself for a professional life and to adopt as his vocation the profession of medicine. He commenced the study of medical science under the preceptorship of Dr. J. W. Winslow, of Spring Mountain, and later continued his study with Dr. Scott Buker, of Spring Mountain. The funds which he had acquired by his teaching enabled him to complete the course of study in Starling Medical College, at Columbus, where he graduated in 1891, being a member of a class of fifty-six individuals and being one of four to receive the honors at the commencement. Within the same year the Doctor located at Irwin Station and here entered upon the general practice of his profession. His ability and honest worth gained to him the confidence and esteem of the community and he soon secured a representative support, building up a large practice. To his professional work he still devotes his attention, though he has held official preferment as Postmaster since June, 1893. Politically he is an ardent supporter of the Democratic party, and has been an active worker in the ranks. He has been a member of the School Board for the past two years, and has been one of the most potent factors in securing the systematic grading of the schools at Irwin Station, maintaining at all times a lively interest in educational work and in all that conserves the welfare and normal advancement of the public. Fraternally he is a member of Mechanicsburg Lodge, No. 113, F. & A. M., of Mechanicsburg; of Kilbuck Lodge, No. 167, I. O. O. F., of Kilbuck, Holmes county, Ohio; and of Bald Eagle Lodge, No. 124, Improved 414 - MEMORIAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD OF Order of Red Men, at Milford Centre. In a professional way he is a member of the Ohio State Medical Society. Dr. Lower was married, at the age of twenty years, to Miss Nannie M., daughter of Franklin and Eliza Hamontree, of Spring Mountain, Coshocton county, and they have five children —Clifton, Albion, Dallas, Flossie Fern, and Starling. The Doctor has a fine modern residence, erected at a cost of $1,600, and he also owns three other excellent residence properties at Irwin Station. Dr. and Mrs. Lower are devoted members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. and the former has for years been a most active Sunday-school worker, having organized a Sunday-school while still a boy in his 'teens and while teaching district school in this county. He is at the present time Superintendent of the Methodist Sunday-school at Irwin Station. A man of deepest honor, sympathetic and charitable, and ever ready with kindly deeds and words, it is but in natural sequence that he enjoys a notable popularity and the esteem of all who know him. G. F. POLLOCK, Postmaster of Cardington, Ohio, was born in this city August 9, 1868, and is one of the most enterprising and progressive young business men of the place. H. H. Pollock, his father, is a native of Martinsburg, Ohio, born April 1, 1836, and was left an orphan at the age of fifteen years: A portion of his boyhood days were spent in Champaign county, Illinois, and in early life he learned the trade of blacksmith. During the war his home was in Mount Vernon, Ohio, from which place he came to Cardington in 1867 and engaged in the lumber business. In 1861 he enlisted as a private in Company A, Fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was subsequently promoted to the rank of Corporal. He served three years, two months and two days, at the end of which time he was honorably discharged. At the battle of Cold Harbor he was wounded in the left arm by a musket ball, which disabled him from afterward following his trade. Some time after the war he went to Lawrence county, Illinois, where he spent five years, and upon his return to Ohio he again settled at Cardington, where he has since resided. At one time he served as Corporation Clerk of Cardington. He is a charter member of James St. John Post, G. A. R. , of this place, is connected with the Masonic order, and is a member of the Episcopal Church. The grandfather of our subject was Samuel Pollock. He was of Scotch-Irish descent, and beyond this fact little is known of his history. H. H. Pollock married Caroline Rose, who was born in Guernsey county, Ohio, in 1846. Her father, George Rose, a native of Orange county, New York, was married in Washington county, Pennsylvania, and from there came direct to Guernsey county, Ohio, where he resided until 1857. That year he came to Cardington. He was of German descent. Mr. and Mrs. Pollock had three children, two daughters and a son, the daughters both dying in infancy. G. F. Pollock graduated in the Carding-ton high school in 1887, and, after his graduation, accepted a clerkship in the store of Hon. G. Kreis, of Cardington, where he remained until 189o. In January, 189o, he was elected Engrossing Clerk of the Sixty-seventh General Assembly of Ohio, and served as such two years. In the spring of DELAWARE, UNION AND MORROW COUNTIES, OHIO - 415 1892 he was elected Mayor of Cardington, which office he filled until July, 1893, when he resigned. He received his appointment as Postmaster, the position he now fills so acceptably, April 2, 1894. He is Democratic in his political affiliations, and has served as Chairman of the Democratic County Central Committee. Fraternally he is identified with both the Odd Fellows and Knights of Pythias at Cardington, being the first Chancellor Commander of the latter order. Mr. Pollock was married July 6, 1894, to Miss Daisy Bartlett, an amiable and accomplished young lady, a graduate of the Cardington high school with the class of 1890. She is a daughter of Elroy and Harriet (Fisk) Bartlett. GEORGE W. BOLINGER, a farmer of Cardington township, Morrow county, is a son of Peter Bolinger, a native of Three Springs township, Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania. He was a son of Benjamin Bolinger, also a native of Pennsylvania, of German descent, and a soldier in the war of 1812. The mother of our subject, nee Sarah Horn, was reared in Bedford county, Pennsylvania, a daughter of Samuel Horn, of Irish descent. Mr. and Mrs. Peter Bolinger were married in that State, and in 1833 located in the woods of Franklin township, Marion. now Morrow, county. Several years later they sold that land and bought a farm in Canaan township, but again sold out and went to Van Wert county, where the father died, the mother having departed this life several years previous. They were the parents of five sons and three daughters, five sons and two daughters still surviving : Benjamin, of Marion county, married Sarah Adams; George W., our subject; Mary, wife of Andrew Gear, of Van Wert county, and they have four children; Andrew, of Cardington township. married Matilda Lindsay, and they have four sons and one daughter; Samuel, of Illinois, married Mahala Bartlow, and also has four sons and one daughter; John, of Minnesota, married Harriet Adams, and has three sons and two daughters; and Rebecca, wife of James Miller, of Van Wert county, and they have four sons and three daughters. Two of the sons, Andrew and Benjamin, were soldiers in the late war. In political matters the father affiliated with the Democratic party. Both he and his wife were members of the Methodist Protestant Church. George W. Bolinger, the subject of this sketch, was born in Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, August 26, 1827. When seven years of age he came to Ohio, where he worked for his father until twenty-one years of age, and then learned the carpenter's trade, following the same for twenty-five years. After his marriage he located on a farm in Cardington township, and several years later came to his present farm of 147 acres, all of which he has cleared and put under a fine state of cultivation. He lost his residence by fire two years ago, but soon afterward built another, one of the finest in the township. In 1849 Mr. Bolinger was united in marriage with Mary Ann Singer, who was born in Ohio in 1829, a sister of W. H. Singer. of this county. To this union have been born eight children, only one now living, Delora, wife of John McClenathan, of Marion county, and they have seven children. In political matters our subject is identified with the Republican party, and has held the of- 416 - MEMORIAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD OF fices of Constable, Supervisor and School Director. In his social relations he is a member of the Masonic order and the Encampment. Mrs. Bolinger is a member of the Methodist Church. HARVEY A. JOHNSON, who follows farming in Berkshire township, Delaware county, was born on the place which is still his home, December 19. 1857, and is a son of Harvey and Margaret (Cronkleton) Johnson. The father, now deceased, was a prominent and well-known early settler born in Berlin township, where his father, John Johnson, located in 1805. He first married Julia Hoskins and they became the parents of three children, two yet living,—Mrs. Helen Carmichel, of Paulding county, Ohio, and Mrs. Isabel Sherwood, of Pottawattamie county, Iowa. After the death of his first wife, Mr. Johnson wedded Mrs. Margaret Robinson, a widow and to them were born five children, — Mrs. Lucretia Collins, of Cleveland; Mrs. Emma Oveturf, of Paulding county; Mrs. ElnoreYoung, of Berlin township; H. A., of this sketch; and Julia, wife of E. E. Wolcott, a prominent attorney-at-law of Omaha. Nebraska. By her former marriage Mrs. Johnson had two sons: William who was a soldier in the late war; and George, of Calhoun county, Iowa. In his political views Harvey Johnson, Sr., was a Republican, and in religious belief his wife was a Presbyterian. His death occurred at the age of seventy-four, and she was called to the home beyond when sixty-eight years of age. Upon the old homestead farm, Mr. Johnson, of this sketch, was reared to manhood, and in the common schools acquired a good English education. He inherited from his father the old farm and is now the owner of 145 acres of valuable land, under a high state of cultivation. The place is improved with a comfortable residence, which stands in the midst of beautiful shade trees, and in the rear of the house is a good barn, 30 x 40 feet, and the other buildings necessary for the shelter of his grain and stock. Well kept fences divide the land into fields of convenient size for pasturage and for cultivation. On the 31st of May, 1887, Mr. Johnson was married, in Cleveland, Ohio, to Miss Alice Collins, the ceremony being performed at the home of the bride's parents, Leroy and Harriet Elizabeth Collins. Her father is engaged in the jewelry business and the family is one of prominence in the city where they reside. Mrs. Johnson is a lady of culture and refinement and presides with grace over her pleasant home. The household is made happy by the presence of a little daughter,—Vera Adelle, born February 1889. Mr. Johnson is a supporter of the Republican party, and a member of the Knights of Pythias fraternity. His wife holds membership with the Presbyterian Church. In manner he is frank and outspoken, in disposition genial and pleasant, and wherever he goes he wins friends, who esteem him highly for his sterling worth. Being ranked among the leading citizens of his township he well deserves representation in this volume. HON. R. K. WILLIS.—A native of Concord township, Delaware county, Ohio, where he was born September 26, 1843, it is most compatible that there be incorporated in this DELAWARE, UNION AND MORROW COUNTIES, OHIO - 417 volume specific mention of him whose name initiates this review, for he has passed his entire life in the county, has been closely identified with its interests and progress, and has attained to a position of marked prominence and honor. The father of our subject was B. H. Willis, who was born in Massachusetts, May 4, 1805, in the old paternal homestead which had been in the possession of the family for many years and in which his father, Asa Willis, was also ushered into the world. The family is of English origin, but the fact that the American branch became thoroughly in touch with the independent Colonial spirit is evidenced in the records, which show that the great-grandfather of our subject was an active participant and valiant soldier in the war of 1812. Asa Willis married Susan Howe, who was also a native of the old Bay State, and whose father was a participant in the war of the Revolution. B. H. Willis, father of our subject, passed his adolescent days in Massachusetts; later on he took up his residence in Vermont, where he remained two years and where he was united in marriage to Susan Bartlett, who was born in Worcester county, Massachusetts, the daughter of Joel Bartlett, a native of the same State and a soldier in the war of 1812. After his marriage, which was celebrated at Dorset, Vermont, B. H. Willis removed to Knox county, Ohio, where he remained two years and then, in 1840, located in Delaware county, where he has continued to reside up to the present time, having attained the venerable age of eighty-nine years (1894). Mrs. Willis obeyed death's inexorable summons in 1889, passing away at the age of eighty-seven years. They had ten children, namely: Brainard; Jay; Henry; R. K. ; Frank; E. R., a prominent clergyman, residing in California; Cornelia, now Mrs. Cutler; Emily S.; J. B., a resident of Boston, Massachusetts; and P. A. The last named served during the late war as Surgeon in the Forty-eighth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and his death occurred in April, 1876. Five of the children have been successful and popular school teachers, in which vocation their father and mother had also been engaged in their youth, the latter having been thus engaged in Vermont during a period of seven years. Both parents became members of the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1824, and their lives at all times exemplified in good works the faith professed. The venerable father, in the golden autumn of his days, enjoys the respect and affection of all who have known and appreciated his sterling worth of character. R. K. Willis, the immediate subject of this review, grew to man's estate in his native county, receiving a good common-school education and gaining even more from the associations of a cultured and refined home. In September, 1863, at the age of twenty years, he went forth in defense of his country's honor, enlisting for service in the late war as a member of the Forty-eighth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, but being subsequently transferred to the Eighty-third regiment, with which he served in the Gulf Department. He was honorably discharged in August, 1865, after which he returned home and for a time continued his studies in school. Since 1868 Mr. Willis has maintained his home on his present farm, which comprises 280 acres of the best land in Liberty township. The place is thoroughly well 418 -MEMORIAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD OF improved, and the far-stretching, fertile fields show evidence of the careful and well-directed attention given to their cultivation and bespeak the substantial prosperity of the proprietor. The family residence, which was erected at a cost of $8,000, is situated upon a natural building site, is of modern architecture and provided with modern accessories and improvements.—standing as one of the finest and most attractive country homes in the county. Mr. Willis is progressive and brings the most intelligent methods to bear in carrying on the work of his farm, devoting special attention to the raising of thoroughbred Percheron horses, Red Pollard cattle and Merino Delain sheep. In his political adherency our subject is strongly arrayed in the support of the Republican party and its principles, and he has taken an active interest and prominent part in directing the policies of his party in a local way. In 1888 he was elected a Representative to the State Legislature, proving a capable and acceptable official. He was made Chairman of the Finance Committee of the Lower House, but resigned this position in favor of Alexander Betsford. Fraternally Mr. Willis is identified with the Knights of Pythias and the Grand Army of the Republic. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church, in which he has been an Elder. Turning briefly to the domestic life of our subject, we find that in 1868 he was united in marriage to Miss Alice E. Tone, the only child of M. B. and Orilla (Goodrich) Tone, both of whom are now deceased. Mr. Tone was a man of prominence in Knox county, Ohio, was a pioneer in the raising of sheep in said county, and a prosperous and influential citizen. Mr. and Mrs. Willis had four children: Myrtle, wife of J. E. Morse, of Boston, Massachusetts; Roy E., who is also a resident of that city; Grace O. and Rolla G., who are at home. The wife and mother died February 25, 1892, having been an active temperance worker, a devoted member of the Baptist Church, a true, noble woman, whose loss can only be appreciated by those to whom had been granted the privilege of a closer acquaintanceship, with its consequent high regard and affection. Mr. Willis married for his second wife Miss Mamie, daughter of Andrew J. Harter, of this county, and she now presides over the attractive home. THE DEPOSIT BANKING COMPANY, of Delaware, Ohio, was organized in November, 1867, and in December of that year commenced business. It had a cash capital of $25,000, and its first officers were as follows: President, H. W. Pumphrey; cashier, H. A. Welch; directors, H. W. Pumphrey, J. H. Mendenhall, A. Lybrand, Sr., Prof. W. G. Williams and E. R. Thompson. The second president was J. H. Mendenhall, the third was A. Lybrand, and the last and present is S. P. Shurr. Mr. Welch has been cashier of the bank ever since it was organized, with the exception of two years, when he was its vice-president, and during all this time he has been at the head of its business. The present board of directors is as follows: S. P. Shurr, Samuel Lybrand, W. G. Williams, C. Riddle, W. A. Hall, J. L. Thurston, H. A. Welch. In 1890 the capital stock was increased to $50,000 and the company was incorporated. The first location of the DELAWARE, UNION AND MORROW COUNTIES, OHIO - 419 bank was in the Switzer building, on North Sandusky street; subsequently it was remcved to the room south of Hotel Donavin, and since August 1, 1885, it has occupied its present location. H. A. Welch, cashier of the Deposit Banking Company, of Delaware. Ohio, was born in the town in which he now lives, November 4, 1845, son of Augustus A. and Julia A. (Storm) Welch. He attended the common schools of his native place and for two years was a student in Delaware College. In 1861 he entered the Delaware county branch of the State Bank of Ohio, where he spent five years. Next we find him at Lavaca, Texas, employed in the Quartermaster's Department of the United States Army. He was thus occupied about six months and after that spent one year in the employ of J. NV. Glenn & Company, forwarding and commission agents. Upon his return to Delaware, Ohio, Mr. Welch assisted in the organization of the Deposit Bank of Delaware. to which institution he has since given his entire time and attention, the bulk of the business being thrown upon his shoulders. He was the director and auditor of the Delaware Building Association from 1868 until the close of its career. In 1887 he was elected secretary of the People's Building and Loan Association, which position he continues to hold. Mr. Welch was married in Delaware, Ohio, in 1867, to Miss Mary Myers, who died in 1876, leaving three children, viz.: Frank P., manager of the Delaware Street Railroad; Harriet, wife of W. R. Bennington, a resident of Delaware; and Sidney, a clerk in the bank with his father. His second marriage occurred in 1880, the lady of his choice being Miss Laura D. Riley, of Hamilton, Ohio. Their two children are Ada and Julia. Mr. Welch and his family reside on North Sandusky street, and they attend the Episcopal Church. DR. W. A. KING, who has by his own efforts attained a thorough education in the line of his profession, and who has been successfully engaged in the practice of dentistry in the thriving little city of Marysville, Ohio, since 1881, merits consideration in this connection. He is a native of the Buckeye State, having been born at New Lebanon, Huron county, in March, 1858. His parents, Leonard and Julia (Turney) King, were of English and Scotch extraction respectively and both are now deceased. Up to the attainment of his fourteenth year our subject had passed his days in attendance at the district schools of his native county and in the pursuits and pastimes characteristic of the average boy. But to this life so free from care and responsibility came, all too soon, a loss which forced him out into the busy world to care for himself at a premature age. When our subject was but fourteen years old his father died, and upon the shoulders of the boy was placed the burden of self support. The mettle of the individual was shown in this critical period, for he did not quail or waver, but looked the situation bravely in the face and prepared for action. He secured a position as beekeeper in a quite extensive apiary and devoted his spare time to farm work, attending school during the winter months with the aim of preparing himself for a wider field of usefulness. When about nineteen years of age he began teaching, following this vocation, 420 - MEMORIAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD OF however, for but a short time. He was frugal and self-denying during these years, bending every effort toward the securing of a liberal education and preparing himself for the profession to which he had determined to devote his energies. He attended the Lebanon Normal School for one year and thereafter passed two years at the Granville. or Dennison University. In 188o he entered the dental office of his brother, C. T. King, at New London, Ohio, having, prior to this, officiated as his brother's assistant at various intervals. Within the same year he matriculated in the dental department of the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, where he took the prescribed course of lectures, locating at Marysville in the following year. Here he has since been continuously engaged in practice, having built up a representative business and having established an enviable reputation for professional ability and honorable methods. His finely equipped offices are located at the corner of Court and Fifth streets. September 6, 1883, at Marysville, Dr. King was united in marriage to Miss Kate. daughter of William Lee. Dr. and Mrs. King are the parents of three children: Florence, Ella and Kate. The family home is located on South Court street, one of the most attractive residence quarters of the city. In his political proclivities our subject is firmly arrayed in the support of the Republican party and its principles. ANDREW CATON, a prominent farmer of Morrow county, is a son of Thomas Caton, who was born in Orange county, New York, about 1791. His father, Robert Caton, was a native of Maryland, and was a Quaker minister. Robert, John and Betsey Caton lived in Maryland at the commencement of the Revolutionary war. Robert and John were obliged either to take the oath of allegiance to the British crown or enlist in the Federal army, and both chose the latter. John was appointed carrier of dispatches from one post to another. After the close of the war he united with the regular Baptist Church, and became a minister in the same Robert served as a soldier during the entire struggle, and after the war embraced the Quaker faith. He settled in Orange county, New York, where he reared his family and departed this life. He was married three or four times, Judge John D. Caton, of Ottawa, Illinois, being a son of his last wife. The mother of our subject, formerly Amy Gillis, was a native of Ulster county, New York. Mr. and Mrs. Robert Caton were married in that county, but made a permanent home in Seneca county, where the father died, in 1838. The mother came with her children to Ohio in 1843, locating near Galion, and her death occurred at Blooming Grove, this State. The family were Quakers. Mr. Caton was a prominent Democrat in political matters, having served as deputy under Sheriff Call, and also held many other offices They were the parents of six children, two sons and four daughters, and two sons and two daughters are now living, namely: Dollie, aged eighty years, is the widow of Jesse Everett, and has one child; Arthur S., aged seventy-five years, is a resident of Blooming Grove, and has one child; Andrew, the subject of this sketch; Caroline, wife of Sigmond Baker, also of Blooming Grove, and has one child. The two deceased daughters are Mary Baughman and Martha Cummings. DELAWARE, UNION AND MORROW COUNTIES, OHIO - 421 Andrew Caton, the subject of this sketch, was born August 15, 1822, and received his education in the common schools of Seneca county, New York. In 1847 he settled in the heavy timber in Berrien county, Michigan, built a log cabin, and cleared part of that and another farm. In 1853 he left that State and located on the farm now owned by Robert A. Beatty in Cardington township, Morrow county, Ohio, which was then in its primitive state, but was put under a good condition for cultivation. Mr. Caton removed to Waldo township, Marion county, in 1865, spent the following year in the village of Cardington, in 1867 located in Wayne township, Knox county, and in 1885 came to Chesterville, where he has a fine residence. In political matters Mr. Caton has been a life-long Democrat, and has served as a Councilman six years and also as Trustee of Chester township. In April, 1847, he was united in marriage with Artemisia Baker, a native of Richland county, Ohio, her father having been one of the earliest settlers in that locality. She died May 19, 1848. October 12, 1848, our subject married Jane Montgomery. born in Troy township, Morrow county, May 22, 1825, a daughter of John and Margaret (Taylor) Montgomery, natives of Jefferson county, Ohio. They located in the woods of Troy township sixty-five years ago, where they were among the pioneer settlers, and where the father subsequently died. One of his brothers was a soldier in the war of 1812. The mother died in Stark county, Ohio, while on a visit to her son. Six of their children grew to years of maturity, and four are now living, namely: Samuel N., of Stark county; Mrs. Caton; Hamilton, a resident of Iowa; and Eliza McKeown, of Carding- ton township. The parents were members of the Methodist Church, and the father was a stanch Democrat. Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Caton have had nine children, as follows: J. S., of Cardington, married Elizabeth Woolf, and has one child; Artemisia, deceased; Arthur S. , a graduate of Delaware College, and a very fine scholar, married Dottie Moore, and resides in Coshocton, Ohio; A. L., of Chester township, Morrow county, married Mary Laubing; Benjamin F., a resident of Cardington township, married Belle McKeown; Emma J., deceased, was the wife of Thomas Cole; Thomas married Cora Carson, and resides in Chesterville; George S., married Nora Peck, and lives in Coshocton; and Charles W., a resident of this city, married Minnie Hales. Mr. and Mrs. Caton are members of the Baptist Church at Wayne, Ohio, in which the former has served as Trustee and Treasurer for many years. J. B. DART, who is one of the successful and honored agriculturists of Peru township, Morrow county, Ohio, and who has passed nearly his entire life in this section of the Buckeye State, is well deserving of consideration in this connection. He was born in Onondaga county, New York, July 7, 1828, the son of Chauncey Dart, who was a native of Connecticut, and whose death occurred in 1838. But little is known of his personal history or of his antecedents, though it is supposed that the family was of Scotch origin. Chauncey Dart married Elizabeth Babcock, who was a native of Onondaga county, New York, where she was reared to mature years. Her father was a native of the old Empire 422 - MEMORIAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD OF State, and the family had been long residents of that State. The parents of our subject were married in their native State, and continued their residence there for a number of years. They were the parents of seven children,—four sons and three daughters, of whom we enter the following brief record: Russell is a resident of Illinois; Jonathan B. is the immediate subject of this review; Celinda is deceased; Alonzo is a resident of Peru township, this county; Florilla is the widow of the late Dennis Stanton, of Columbus, Ohio; Chauncey is a resident of Illinois; and Harriet is deceased. Our subject was the second child, and was but two and one-half years of age when his parents came to that part of Delaware county that is now incorporated in Morrow county,—this removal taking place in 183o. The family took up their abode in the sylvan wilds of Westfield township, where the father built a log house, and where he lived until the hour of his death. In politics he was a Democrat, and was a man of considerable prominence in the pioneer locality. The mother lived to attain the age of sixty-eight years, having been a zealous and consistent member of the Baptist Church. At the time of the death of Chauncey Dart the family comprised seven children, and the care of them devolved upon the widowed mother. The eldest child was but thirteen years of age at the time and the youngest was a mere babe. Our subject remained with his mother until he was thirteen years of age, when he courageously started forth to work for himself and to aid in the support of his mother and the younger children. His first work was with William Brundage, and for his services he received $4 per month for six months. He then worked two months for another man and received as his pay the making of a new suit of clothes. His schooling was meager in extent, as he was able to attend the district schools through the winter months only. During these months he worked for his board and it is interesting to note that he paid 18 cents for his first winter's educational discipline. Mr. Dart continued to work by the month for some few years, and the wages he received during his last service in this way was at the rate of $8 per month. In the fall of 1843 our subject was apprenticed to learn the harness and saddlery trade, in the city of Delaware, and in this line he served for three and one-half years. His first work as a journeyman was performed at South Woodbury, Ohio, and after this he went to New York and was employed at his trade in his native county' for two years, after which he engaged in business for himself, carrying on the business successfully for a period of eight .,'ears. Thereafter he returned to Morrow county, and was here engaged in working at his trade for ten years. At that time he was established in a diminutive log house located on the same farm which he now owns and occupies. He walked to and from Ashley each day to attend to his work. In 1850 Mr. Dart was united in marriage to Miss Lucy M. Swatman, who was born in Oneida county, New York, in 183o, which Year was that which marked the emigration of her parents from England to America. She remained in her native county until she had attained the age of sixteen years. She was a devoted companion and true helpmeet to her husband during the long years of their married life, her death occurring July 28, 1893. Our subject and his wife were DELAWARE, UNION AND MORROW COUNTIES, OHIO - 423 the parents of one son, Frederick A., who married Charlotte Baldwin and who has one daughter, Hazel. They reside on a seventy-five acre farm belonging to our subject, in Peru township. In addition to the farm just noted our subject owns in his home place roo acres, the farm being under effective cultivation and thoroughly well improved. He has conducted his business according to correct and progressive methods and has been prospered in his affairs. He is prominently identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, being trustee of the lodge at Ashley. In politics he renders an unswerving allegiance to the Republican party, and at the present time he holds official preferment as Trustee of Peru township. He is a stockholder in the co-operative creamery at Ashley, and is president of the corporation. A man of marked intelligence and much force of character, and one whose honor is .beyond questioning, Mr. Dart holds as his own the respect and confidence of the community. JOHNSON MAXWELL, one of the prominent farmers and stock dealers of Morrow county, is numbered among the native sons of Ohio, his birth having occurred in Marion county on the 26th of April, 1844. His grandfather, Franklin W. Maxwell, was a native of Virginia and spent his entire life upon a farm in the Old Dominion. His father, Marshall Maxwell, was born in West Virginia and grew to manhood in the State of his nativity. Emigrating Westward he took up his residence in Richland township, Marion county, where he made a permanent location. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Margaret Johnson, was born in Ohio and was a sister of Mrs. H. N. Curl. This worthy couple held membership with the Methodist Episcopal Church, took an active part in its work and were consistent Christian people who left the world better for their having lived. In his political views Marshall Maxwell was a Republican. His death occurred at the age of seventy-six years and his wife passed away when forty-five years of age, mourned by all who,. knew them. They had a family of seven children, five now living, while two have been called to their final rest. In order of birth they are as follows: Melville, who is living in Cardington township; Minerva, deceased; Melissa Roby, who is living in Kansas; Johnson, of this sketch; Levi, also deceased; Catherine Scribner, whose home is in Missouri; and Estella Gruber, of Cardington township. In taking up the personal history of Johnson Maxwell, we present to the readers of this volume the life record of one who is both widely and favorably known in this region. He was reared upon his father's farm, and there made his home until about eight years ago. At the age of seventeen he chose as a companion and helpmeet on life's journey Miss Nancy Stanton, a native of Marion county, Ohio, and their union has been blessed with a family of three children. The eldest, Clara A. , is now the wife of Jerome Cline, of Marion county, and they have five children. Rolvin Curtis married Estella Shaw, and, with their four children, they reside in Cardington township. Harley J. completes the family. He is now twenty-eight. He pursued his art studies in Rensselaer, Indiana, and is now very proficient in crayon work. The wife and mother having died, Mr. Maxwell was again married, in December, 1869, the lady of his choice being Viola 424 - MEMORIAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD OF Scribner, a native of Morrow county and a daughter of William Scribner, one of the honored pioneers of this locality. Her grandfather, Samuel Scribner, was a soldier in the war of 1812, and was one of the earliest settlers of Marion county. William Scribner was born in that county, in 1821, and, after a long and well-spent life, passed away September 22, 1890. He married Susan Sophia Newberry, who was born in Marion county in 1829, and nine children were born to them, of whom seven are living at the time of this writing, in January, 1895. Mrs. Maxwell first opened her eyes to the light of day in the same county, the date of that important event being August 3, 1852. In the schools of Cardington township she acquired her education, and throughout the community she is recognized as a cultured and refined lady, who, by her many excellencies, has gained a wide circle of friends. She belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church, and has long been an active worker in church and Sunday-school, doing effective service in the cause of Christianity. During the late war Mr. Maxwell gave evidence of his loyalty to the Government and the Union cause by enlisting on the 2d of June, 1862, in Company C, Eighty-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in which he served for three months, at Camp Chase, Ohio. He was then honorably discharged, but his faithfulness to his duties of citizenship was not laid aside with the warrior's dress. He has given his support to all enterprises calculated to prove of public benefit and his co-operation is withheld from no interest which will promote the general welfare. He votes with the Republican party but has never been an aspirant for public office, preferring to give his time and attention to his busi ness interests in which he is meeting with a good and well-deserved success. For the past ten years he has been engaged in dealing in fine horses, handling nothing but roadsters. He purchased the farm formerly owned by M. L. Maxwell (and upon that place is now residing Rolvin Curtis Maxwell,--one of the leading and representative agriculturalists of Morrow county. DANIEL W. BROWN, a merchant of Chesterville, was born in Cayuga county, New York, February 1, 1826. His father, Pardon Brown, was a native of Rhode Island, as was also his father, George Brown, and the former was a soldier in the war of 1812 and the latter a Revolutionary soldier. His father, Tobias Brown, was supposed to have been born in Rhode Island and descended from the Browns who came to America on the Mayflower. The mother of our subject, nee Sophia Wilbur, was born in Rhode Island, daughter of Daniel Wilbur, also a native of that State, who was a farmer and Quaker minister. He took part in sinking the English war ship Kingfisher, during the Revolutionary war. The parents of our subject were married in Rhode Island, but about 1813 moved to New York, locating on a farm near Aurora, Cayuga county. The mother died there, and in 1853 the father came to Ohio, where he subsequently died. They were the parents of nine children, namely: Lydia; Sophia, deceased; Philena, deceased; Pardon, a resident of Tompkins county, New York; Mary, wife of Gorge Peckham, of Rhode Island; Daniel W., the subject of this sketch; Deborah W., deceased; Elizabeth, widow of Albert Parkhill and a resident of New York; and