PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 753 Church and he has served as assistant Superintendent. Mr. Baker is also a member of the Patriotic Order of Sons of America and a charter member of Bostwick Post No. 406, G. A. R. He has attended both the National Unions held in Columbus. He is a public-spirited and progressive citizen, true to every public and private duty. DANIEL HITLER, a wealthy and highly-esteemed farmer and native of Pickaway County, owns a large and valuable farm in Pickaway Township, advantageously situated on the Columbus, Circleville and Chillicothe Turnpike, to which is attached great historical interest as the former site of the Indian village of Cornstock, named in honor of a famous Mingo chief. Mr. Hitler was born in Washington Township, November 7, 1827, and is a son of Jacob Hitler, a very early settler of the county, of whom mention is made elsewhere in this volume. Our subject was educated in the primitive log schoolhouse of pioneer days, and was reared on the old homestead in his native township, continuing to live with his father for over forty years. He located on his present farm in Pickaway Township March 17, 1871, and in 1883 built his fine large brick residence. He has other buildings for every necessary purpose, that are spacious and well-built, and he has every convenience of a model farm. He owns six hundred and ninety-seven acres of valuable land, his homestead comprising three hundred and thirty-five acres, the farm lying on the celebrated Pickaway Plains. The soil is of a sandy loam, easy of cultivation and very fruitful. Mr. Hitler's mode of tillage is such as to prodnce the best results, and no land in the vicinity yields more abundant harvests in repayment for good care than his. It is also well adapted to raising stock, and fine herds graze in its pastures. In reference to Mr. Hitler's farm as an historical spot, we quote the following from the pen f an enthusiastic admirer of the place: 36 "Mr. Hitler's farm is indeed emphatically the classic ground of Ohio, for on the site of his residence was situated the Indian village of Cornstock named for the noted chief Cornstolk. Grenadier Squawtown, named for Cornstolk's squaw, was located just south of his residence, on land that he now owns. A short distance southeast, up the Congo Creek, stands the stately old elm, beneath whose spreading boughs Logan, Chief of the Mingos, made his famous speech, with which every school-boy is familiar, when Lord Dunmore, then royal Governor of Virginia, in 1774 concluded the treaty of peace with the Indians, whereby the Territory of the Northwest was opened for settlement to the whites. "On his land once stood the town of Jefferson, the first seat of justice of Pickaway County. It was a lively little frontier town in its day, but its existence was ephemeral, and nothing is left f it but a single, tumble-down log cabin to mark the spot where it once flourished. A short distance west of the home of our subject is Black Mountain, on whose summit, overlooking the entire plains, as well as the Valley of the Scioto for miles, the Indian chiefs met and held their councils of war, and no enemy could approach them undetected. The bones f the red men who once inhabited this region have been found in Mr. Hitler's very door-yard, and many interesting relics f the vanished tribes have been discovered on the premises." A writer in speaking f the Pickaway Plains has said: "Lying in what may be appropriately called 'The Garden of the State,' these plains embrace lands, which, when the first white settler came into the country, produced a hundred bushels of corn and fifty bushels f wheat to the acre. Blooming and beautiful, with Nature's most mild and tranquil expression, a benison seems to have been breathed upon it by the great Author. As it lies to-day, in summer, crowned with russet-yellow of ripening grains, its broad expanse bathed in sunshine, an undulating, shimmering, golden sea, in which, like neat green islands, fields of waving corn appear, there is nothing to suggest the turmoils of savage war, or the wild scenes that have been enacted here. ere burned the council fires of the Indian, at which affairs f the nation were 754 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. discussed; and peace or war decided upon. On these plains, at the old Indian villages, prisoners of war were put to death with horrid tortures. "It was here that the tribes of Indians marched forth, fierce in their war paint, to meet Gen. Lewis; it was here that Gen. Logan made his famous speech, full of burning eloquence, and here that the campaign of Lord Dunmore was brought to a close by the truce at Camp Charlotte." Mr. Hitler not only takes pride in his beautiful farm, with the many associations clustering around it f the aboriginal settlers f this region, long since vanished from these plains, valleys and forests that were once their home and hunting-grounds, but he takes a warm interest in all that concerns his native county, and looks with favor on whatever tends to its improvement. He is a man of sound, round-about common sense, a good judge in all matters with which he is conversant, and his friends find him wise and safe in counseling them whenever they seek his advice in important matters. e is an uncompromising Democrat in his political sentiments, and has held various local offices. He was chosen Land Appraiser for Pickaway Township in 1890, and ten years previous also performed the same duty. The view of Mr. Hitler's homestead presented on another page is of especial interest on account f the historic associations connected therewith. We are also pleased to present the portrait f Mr. Hitler to onr readers.   IRA L. MAY. A prominent position among the this young gentleman, whose farm is one of farmers of Pickaway County is occupied by the best in Wayne Township, comprising two hundred and forty acres f as fertile land as may be found in a day's journey, and advantageously located on the Lick Run. He has met with flattering success in agriculture, both as a farmer and stock-raiser, and in the pursuit of his calling has been rewarded with a comfortable amount of this world's goods. Born in Circleville, Ohio, March 28, 1854, Mr. May is the son of Michael and Mary (Lutz) May. His father, who was born in Maryland October 7, 1798, learned the trade of a cabinet-maker in his youth and located in Loudoun County, Va.,in his early manhood. In 1818, when twenty years old, he removed to Circleville, and for many years followed his trade there. With the exception of eight years spent in Wayne Township, he remained in Circleville until his death in that city, September 27, 1869. He was a member f the Presbyterian Church, in which he served as Elder for a long period. The father of our subject was twice' married. His first wife, with whom he was united September 27, 1827, was Lydia Reiman, who died August 25, 1845. Eight children were born f this union, four of whom are now living. Afterward Michael May was married, September 25, 1849, to Mary Lutz, who died April 11, 1879. Ira L. was one of three children born of this marriage. He received his education in the public schools of Circleville, and graduated from the High School March 31, 1870. Subsequently, be took course in surveying and engineering at Lebanon College. In 1871, he located in Wayne Township and engaged in farming on the place where he still resides. A very important event in the life of our subject was his marriage, which occurred September 11, 1879, and united him with Miss Ada Lutz, of Ross County, Ohio. The parents of Mrs. May, Isaac and Susan (Barton) Lutz, are natives respectively f Salt Creek Township, this county, and Ross County, this State, and are very prominent people in the community where they have passed so many years. Through his farming and stock-raising enterprises, he has become quite well-to-do, and, although he no longer engages in actively tilling the soil, he still maintains a close supervision over his estates. Mr. and Mrs. May are the parents of five children, three of whom are living, namely: Isaac L., Percy and Leslie; Thompson and Lawrence are deceased. Although every man is more or less of an enigma to his fellow-men, it is not difficult to sound the depths f Mr. May's nature sufficiently to discover that he is one who has accepted the Emersonian idea, that "the manly part is to do with might and PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 755 main what you can do." He believes in the principles of the Republican party and uses his influence in behalf of its candidates. As an upright, conscientious man, his opinion has weight with others, and with his refined wife he occupies a position of prominence in the community. Both are identified with the Presbyterian Church at Circleville, and actively promote those measures which will uplift humanity and elevate society.   NATHANIEL S. BARNETT, senior member of the firm of Barnett Bros., grocers, at No. 208 East Court Street, is a young man of high repute in business circles, who has made his way to the front among the business men of Washington C. H. He was born April 11, 1855, in Washington County, N. Y., a son of one of its prominent farmers, J. S. Barnett. His father, who is still a resident of that county, was born in the State of New York in the year 1816, and has been twice married, the maiden name of his second wife, the mother of our subject, being Eliza Ann Cox. He became the father of thirteen children, all of whom grew to maturity, and nine of them are still living. Our subject's education was conducted in the public schools of his native county, which he left at the age of eighteen, to engage in firming with his father. He remained with him, assisting him in the management of his farming interests, until he attained his majority. He then came to Ohio and began his career in the mercantile business in the employ of C. H. Brownell & Brother, dealers in groceries and poultry. He was with them six years, and in that time thoroughly mastered every detail of the trade. At the end of that time, he bought a grocery with Mr. Saxton, and they carried it on together, under the firm name of N. S. Barnett & Co., three years. They then sold out, and our subject abandoned business for a year. In the meantime, he made a trip to his old home and spent some time among his former friends. Coming back to this county, he bought a stock of groceries and established himself in the same room he had formerly occupied. He took his brother into partnership, and they have continued together. They have a large and well-stocked store, carrying a complete line f groceries and provisions, and they command a fine trade, as they are enterprising, energetic and fully alive to the demands of their business, and their obliging and courteous manners make them popular with all with whom they have dealings. July 2, 1878, is the date of the marriage of our subject with Miss Mamie, daughter of John Cissna, a prominent business man of Washington C. H. They have a very desirable home, replete with comfort, and one child completes their pleasant household circle, Earl R., who is now seven years old. Mr. Barnett is public-spirited, and all movements looking to the improvement of his adopted city are sure f his hearty approval and material assistance. As every intelligent and loyal citizen of this great Republic should be, he is deeply interested in politics, and is a strong Republican, using his influence always in favor of his party. ALVA M. BUSH, D. D. S. Wonderful as has been the advancement of the last half-century, there is no indication that the climax has been reached, but the prospect for the future is in every way favorable to a progress fully as great as that which in a retrospective view seems remarkable. The incentives to industry and enterprise are as great now as at any period in the history of Fayette County, while the means of securing prosperity are daily multiplying. It is not strange that the keen, shrewd young men of to-day are realizing that Horace Greeley's advice, "Go West, young man," is not applicable to the youth of the Buckeye State. The prospects for wealth and success are as inviting in Ohio as beyond the Rocky Mountains, in the sunset lands of the United States. Among the young men who are successfully following their chosen professions in the State of their birth, prominent mention be- 756 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. longs to Dr. Bush, who located in Washington C. H. during 1888, and has since engaged in the practice f dentistry. A native of Greenfield, Highland County, this State, and born January 19, 1867, our subject is the son of Jacob E. and Sally (Mathews) Bush. His father engaged in general agricultural pursuits and devoted especial attention to stock-raising until his death, which occurred when our subject was a lad of seven years. He and his widowed mother resided afterward with the family of J. S. Bush, a commercial traveler of Greenfield. In that village, our subject received his education in the common and High Schools, graduating from the latter institution in 1886. After completing his schooling, our subject entered the dental office of Dr. Anshutz, with whom he read until he entered the Ohio Dental College at Cincinnati, graduating in 1889. During his vacation prior to graduating, he opened an office in Washington C. H. and his time is now fully occupied in professional duties. His office in the Midland Block is supplied with all the most modern dental appliances, and he keeps abreast f the times by careful reading in both professional and general literature. Socially, he is a member of the Royal Arcanum, f which he is Secretary, and in his religious belief, is identified with the Presbyterian Church. September 19, 1888, he was married to Miss Minnie L., daughter of O. N. Wilson, of Greenfield, and they have established a comfortable home in Washington C. H. WILLIAM ASHBROOK, an esteemed and venerable citizen of Ashville, where he is living in retirement from active business, bears a name that is prominent in the pioneer history of Central Ohio since the opening years of the present century, and various members of the family have been associated with the development of both Pickaway and Fairfield Counties. In the latter county, our subject has passed the most of his life until within recent years, he having been born there October 17, 1821, being reared in one f its pioneer homes. His parents, William and Parmelia (Peters) Ashbrook, were early settlers thereof. They were natives of Virginia, his father being the son of an Englishman who had settled there during the last century. Early in the present century, the Ashbrooks migrated to Ohio, and took up their abode in a log cabin in the woods, in what is now Amanda Township, Fairfield County. They had but fifty cents in money when they arrived weary and travel-worn by their horseback journey across a rough, wild country, and they had many hardships and privations to endure before they became comfortably established in their new home. The father was an energetic wide-awake man, and he accumulated a comfortable property by the aid of his no less capable wife. He was quite prominent in local public life, and served as Trustee of Amanda Township, always doing all in his power to advance its interests. e was the father of eleven children, six of whom are living, namely: Mahlon, a resident of St. Joseph, Mo.; Edward; a resident of Fairfield County; William; Iva, wife of Daniel Kellerman, f Kansas; Melissa, wife of Benjamin Bowman, of Champaign County, and Minerva, wife of Benjamin Dunnuck, of Pickaway County. Over half a century ago, two of our subject's brothers, Absalom and Mahlon, came to Harrison Township and settled on the site f the present village of Ashville, which was named in their honor, and they became its leading business men. Our subject was reared to man's estate in his native county, becoming strong, stalwart and self-reliant under the invigorating influences of pioneer life, having to bear the hardships usual in a newly-settled country. He went to school in a log cabin, but his educational advantages were somewhat limited. However, observation and experience have made up in a great measure for these early deficiencies in intellectual training, and have helped him to a competency. He owns a fine farm of one hundred and fifty acres of land in Fairfield County, and it brings him in a good income. For many years, he was successfully engaged as a farmer on his homestead, but in the spring of 1886 he abandoned his farm to take up his residence in the village whose early history is PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 757 so closely linked with the memory of his brothers, and he has since lived here retired in a pleasant home, enjoying in a full degree the honor due to him as a man f sterling merit and a right loyal citizen. e is a Republican in his political views, and stands firmly by his party. Mr. Ashbrook and Miss Nancy edges were married in 1844, and for over forty years they walked life's path together, and then death deprived our subject f the companionship f one who had been to him a devoted nelpmate and a true wife in every particular, her demise occurring October 28, 1886. She was a woman f marked excellence of character, steadfast in her friendships, and always neighborly and hospitable in her treatment of the people with whom she came in daily contact. Of the nine children born to her and our subject, these six are living: Elsie, wife of William Presler; Samuel, John, Ira, William, and Emma. Those deceased are Mahlon, Mary, and one that died in infancy.   GUSTAVUS A. SCHLEYER, Assistant Cashier in the Second National Bank, of Circleville, Ohio, is probably one of the best informed men in the city. He has a delightful home and an extensive and choice library. In the last few years, he has done more to further the interests of the city than any other man and almost every advantage that the town enjoys is owing in a greater or less degree to his push and energy. He believed in having a fine city library and a suitable building for it, and with this object in view, he ran as member of the City Council. Being elected, he at once commenced working for this, and by his efforts succeeded in getting the council to make a necessary appropriation for this purpose. The result is that Circleville has one of the finest memorial and public library buildings in the State. It is a fine large brick structure, located at the corner of Main and Pickaway Streets, and would attract the attention of any one. Mr. Schleyer is at present Vice-president of the city council and one of its most active members. Mr. Schleyer is a native of this State, born in Chillicothe, on the 7th f February, 1857, and remained there until four years of age. His father, J. F. Schleyer (see sketch elsewhere in this work), removed with his family to Circleville in 1865. In this city our subject received good scholastic advantages and attended the High School until he lacked but two months of graduating, when he was offered a position in the Second National Bank as collector. This was in September, 1872, when he was but fifteen years of age. Soon after, he took a special c urse in book-keeping during the evenings, and later a course by mail with Bryant & Stratton College, also studied stenography by mail. In 1875, he became individual ledger bookkeeper and continued in that capacity until he was made teller in 1882. This position he held for three years and in 1885 was appointed Assistant Cashier. Although young in years, Mr. Schleyer is one of the most progressive and enterprising business men of the county. e built his first house on Scioto Street, in 1881, and since then a handsome structure, designed by himself and wife, has been erected on that street, the cost of the same being $6,000. He also owns three acres within the corporation, and this is cut up into lots. The first marriage of our subject occurred in Circleville in 1880 to Miss Emma T. Hartmeyer, a native of this city and the daughter f ex-Sheriff C. F. Hartmeyer, who was also born here and who is now retired. To Mr. and Mrs. Schleyer was born one child, Paul F. Our subject's second marriage occurred in 1889 to Miss Nell Hartmeyer, a sister f his first wife. Mr. Schleyer was a member f the School Board one term, after which he declined re-election. e was elected on the Democratic ticket to the City Council, Fourth Ward, and re-elected in 1891. He is Vice-president of the Council at the present time and is Chairman f the Police Committee and Committee on Light. This committee fought for two years for arc light. Mr. Schleyer is President f the Public Library Board, and was one of the committee to select the site for the Memorial and Public Library Building. Socially, he is a member of the Knights of Pythias and also the Uniform Elks. In politics, he is a 758 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. strong advocate of the principles f the Democratic party, and he has been a delegate to the County Conventions. e is an active member of the Democratic Club. DANIEL B. FOSTER. Among the well-known and influential citizens of Oak Run Township, Madison County, is the gentleman whose name introduces this paragraph, and who is a successful farmer, using the best methods of fertilizing the soil and improving his property. He was born in Ross County, this State, March 7, 1828, and was the son of John and Eliza (Bowyer) Foster, natives, respectively, of Ross and Pike Counties, this State. The father of our subject, who was born March 4, 1802, was a farmer by occupation, and came to Madison County when our subject was a lad of five years. He was a man who had made his own way in the world, and was financially successful, leaving at his death an estate of one thousand acres of land. Our subject was the eldest child of the parental family of ten children, eight of whom are still living, all making their homes in Madison County with the exception of Miranda, Mrs. Mooreman, who is residing in Harvey, Ill. The father of our subject was a Whig, in politics, and voted for John Q. Adams in 1824. On the organization of the Republican party, however, he joined its ranks in 1856. Daniel Foster was reared on the old home farm, and received a common-school education. He began to do for himself after reaching his majority. When twenty-four years f age, he was married to Miranda McClimans, by whom he became the father of three children: Flora, who died at the age of six months; Bernard, who is a carpenter, and makes his home in London, this State; and Jennie, now the wife f John B. Van Wagoner, a grain merchant in the above-named place. The wife and mother departed this life in August, 1860, and the lady whom our subject chose as his second wife, January 14, 1863, was Miss Margaret M. Johnston. To them have been born the following-named nine children: Jesse, Allie, Kemper L., Elmer B., Eva, Washington I., Frank E., Maud and Chester G. In politics, our subject was a Whig, casting his first Presidential vote in 1852. He then joined the ranks of the Republican party, with which he voted until 1886, and is now a Prohibitionist. He has served his party as a delegate to county and State conventions, but has in no wise been an office-seeker. Mr. and Mrs. Foster and several of their children are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which denomination our subject has been Class-leader for twenty-two years, and Sunday-school Superintendent for a period of twenty years. On the death of his father, he fell heir to one hundred and twenty-five acres of land, and by his union with his first wife became the proprietor f one hundred acres. His possessions now aggregate five hundred acres, which are adorned with all the necessary buildings which make of agriculture a pleasurable as well as profitable business. In 1862, Mr. Foster erected a beautiful residence on his estate, which is finished and furnished in a manner which indicates its inmates to be people of means and culture. The paternal grandfather of our subject was a soldier in the War of 1812. His father was a twin brother of James Foster, the father f Mrs. J. B. Chenowith, Mrs. J. S. Pancake and Mrs. Allison S. Grimm. WILLIAM H. JONES. This gentleman is an ex-soldier of the late Civil War, in which he won a military record that reflected credit on the soldiery of this State and of which he may well be proud. He is one of the leading farmers of Deer Creek Township, Madison County, where he has a finely located estate, which, in regard to improvements, is considered one of the most desirable pieces f property in this county. John C. Jones, the father of our subject, a prominent citizen of Paint Township, this county, was born in Tennessee, June 11, 1817. His mother, who bore the maiden name of Sarah Alin Hume, was the daughter of Thomas and Isabella Taylor PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 759 and is now deceased. She was married to Mr. Jones October 30, 1839, and reared a family of nine children, of whom our subject is the eldest but one. He was born in Somerford Township, this county, May 23, 1842, and was four years of age when his father removed to Paint Township, where he grew to manhood. Our subject remained under the parental roof, aiding his father in cultivating the home farm and attending school. His education was received mostly at London, and later in life he taught school for about twenty years during the winter seasons, following farming in . the summers. November 9, 1865, William H. Jones was united in marriage to Miss Sallie A. Minter. The lady was born in Deer Creek Township, Madison County, October 11, 1846, and was the daughter of John Minter, also a native of that place. er mother, who bore the maiden name of Mary Jane De Lany, was born in Urbana, this State, in November, 1818, while her father was born in 1806, in Harrison County, Ky. After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Minter located in this township, where they have since made their home and reared a family f six children, of whom Mrs. Jones was the fourth in order of birth. After his marriage, the original of this sketch made his home upon the farm where he is at present residing, in Deer Creek Township, and which comprises one hundred and seventy acres of excellently improved land. Of his family of four children, one is now deceased. Those living are: Annie L., the wife of D. H. Lattimer; Paul and Vera. Mr. Jones has always been interested in local affairs and has been Township Trustee and Assessor. His interest in school affairs has led him to be placed upon the School Board, in which position he has rendered efficient service. In politics, he is a Democrat, believing in the principles laid down in the platform f that party. He is liberal in his religious views, while his good wife is a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In May, 1864, Mr. Jones became a member of Company I, One Hundred and Fifty-fourth Ohio Infantry, in the one hundred days' service. Wherever known, he is honored for his sturdy integrity of character and indefatigable perseverance, and, like all good citizens, he is proud of the advancement of the section in which he lives and willing to bear a hand in movements which will further increase it. LABIAS O. FULTS, Editor and proprietor of the Ohio Citizen, of Jeffersonville, Fayette County, was born in Auglaize County, this State, on the 22d of May, 1858. He is a son of John and Anna A. (Bush) Fults, both natives f Fayette County. The parents removed to Auglaize County, where they remained for about one year, at which time they returned to this county,. and located in Jefferson Township, where they still reside on a farm. , The father has been a stanch Republican all his life. They have had born to them ten children, as follows: Jacob H., O. E., L. O., J. E., Mary F. (wife of J. W. Edmondson), Clora A., Ivy (wife of Loran Clevinger), Etta, Rosetta (wife of John Wilson) and Lizzie. Our subject was reared on the home farm, and educated in the public schools. He spent several years in the West, but in the spring of 1887 returned home and purchased the Ohio Citizen of L. A. Elster, M. D., and has since then owned and published this spicy family sheet. It has a circulation of between six hundred and eight hundred. The editor makes it a point to gather all the current news each week, and his paper is considered an interesting one, and one of the best country papers in the county. He has gained a great deal of ground since he has had charge of this paper, and now has almost the entire patronage f his township for the paper and job work. He has been very successful in all his business undertakings, and pays strict attention to his business, which is ever his motto to success. Socially, he is connected with the Masonic fraternity and Knights of Pythias, f Jeffersonville. The subject of this brief notice was united in marriage with Miss Emma B. Marshall, a daughter of Dr. O. W. Marshall, of Jeffersonville. This ceremony took place at the home of the bride's parents on the 26th of October, 1888. To this couple 760 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. one daughter, Cora L., has come to bless their home. Both Mr. and Mrs. Fults are leading members of the Protestant Methodist Church, and M.. Fults is a member of the Town Council, to which he was elected in 1891. FREDERICK E. MITHOFF. A prominent -German-American citizen, and a farmer who keeps abreast with the progress of the times, and one who has advanced the interests of his adopted country in every possible way, is he whose name is at the head of this sketch. He was born in Hanover, Germany, on the 30th f July, 1815, and his parents, ector A. and Dorothy E. Mithoff, were natives of England and Germany, respectively. About 1830, the family emigrated to America, taking passage at Bremen, and after an ocean voyage of sixty-nine days, landed in New York City. Later, they moved to Pennsylvania, and after residing in Schuylkill County for about ten years, or until f839, they emigrated to Fairfield County, Ohio, locating in Violet Township. The father was one of the earliest representatives of the Teutonic element in that section, and possessed all the sturdy characteristics of those of that nativity. There the father and mother died in 1854. Only four of the seven children are now living: Frederick E., enry, Edward T. and Theodore: When a young man, our subject learned the coach and wagon-making trade, and followed this for about four years, since which time he has been engaged in farming. He received a fair education in German, and has since acquired a good knowledge of the English language. He was first married to Miss Wilhelmina Hose, who bore him four children: Dorothy wife of Prof. George Eversole; Lillie A., the widow of J. A. Koffman; William H., and Ella R., wife of Harry Beaver. Mr. Mithoff selected his second wife in the person of Amelia Becker, a native of the same place as her husband, born September 11, 1830, and their nuptials were celebrated on the 18th f September, 1862. Her parents, Ernst and Dorothy (Lammerhirt) Becker,were also natives of the Old Country. In 1847, Mrs. Mithoff crossed the ocean to America, and located first in Fairfield County, Ohio, but later came to Pickaway County. Four children were the fruits of this union: Anna, wife of Truman Vairan; Frank W., Edward E. and Fredrick G. In the year 1875, Mr. Mithoff, accompanied by his family, moved to Harrison Township, Pick-away County, and purchased a farm of two hundred acres. On this he has since erected many good, substantial buildings, and the place is now known as one of the best in the locality. Mr. Mithoff is a self-made man, and what he has accumulated in the way of this world's goods is the result of industry and strictest economy. An intelligent gentleman, of superior mental attainments, he seeks to develop himself as well as his agricultural interests in the best and broadest directions. In church preference, he and his estimable wife are Lutherans, and are liberal contributors to the church, as to all other enterprises worthy of mention. In politics, he advocates the principles of the Democratic party, and is a wide-awake and thorough-going citizen. Elsewhere in this volume is shown a view of Mr. Mithoff's rural abode. JAMES H. ALLEN. In the proprietor of the Springdale Stock Farm, of Darby Township, we present a man f national reputation as a breeder of fast horses and one who is well and favorably known for his honesty, morality and thorough business principles. Born in Darbyville, April 8, 1838, he has always made his home in Pickaway County and is closely identified with its progress. The great-grandfather of our subject, Ananias Allen, was a soldier in the Revolutionary War, and early settled in New Jersey, later removing thence to Pennsylvania. John Allen, grandfather of our subject, was a native of New England but removed to Pennsylvania at an early day and in PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 763 that State carried on his trade of a cooper and turner, being a very skillful workman. About the year 1811, accompanied by his family, he came to Ohio and stopped for a short time at Cincinnati. For an old grey horse, which was blind in one eye, he was offered one hundred acres of land on the site of Cincinnati, but refused to trade. Leaving his family temporarily in Cincinnati, Grandfather Allen proceeded to Bloomingsburgh, which he selected for his home on account of it being a strong Presbyterian settlement, and he was a devoted adherent of that faith. He bought a farm near the village, removd his family thither, and from the wilderness developed a finely improved farm, which was his home until his death at the age of seventy. During his first season there, he cleared a piece of ground by burning a brush heap, and then, building a rail fence around it, planted apple seeds. Afterward he set out the shoots in an orchard, in which some of the original trees are still standing. During the War of 1812, he went to the Lakes to fight, but was not called into active service. In politics, he was a Whig. James Allen, father of our subject, was born in Pennsylvania in 1804 and was one f four children, the others being Henry, Polly, and a daughter that died. When nine years old, James accompanied his parents to Ohio. Naturally studious, he availed himself of the best advantages he could obtain in the district schools, and thus gained a good foundation for future life. At the age of fifteen, he went to Ross County and lived with a relative, working for his board and attending a subscription school which was held by a Mr. McNaily, who had been educated as a Catholic priest and was a fine scholar and teacher. While attending school here, young Allen was at the head of his classes and was also a leader in games and sports. After three years thus occupied, he spent some time in a school at Chillicothe and began the study of medicine under Dr. Tolan, of London, Ohio. e also studied under Dr. Johnson, of Frankfort, and after examination by the Eighth Medical District of Ohio, was admitted to practice, February 6, 1827. The professional career of Dr. Allen began at Frankfort, this State, and he afterward engaged in practice at London, Madison County, but finally settled at Darbyville, where he practiced the remainder of his active life, building up a very large practice, which extended for many miles. In those early times, he traveled on horseback, following Indian trails and fording streams, and doing much unremunerative work for the poor. A graduate of the Ohio Medical College, he was a man of wide information, very attentive to business, regular in his habits and very exemplary in all respects. Among men f his profession, he was held to possess more than ordinary ability in the diagnosis of difficult cases. He retired from active life and spent his last days in London, Ohio, dying there July 8, 1867. He was a Whig in his early days and a Republican after the organization of that party. Elizabeth Russell, who became the wife of Dr. Allen, was born in Pennsylvania in 1803 and died June 29, 1855. Her two daughters, Martha J. and Matilda, are deceased, and her son Homer, who served in the late war, died while at home upon a furlough. Mrs. Elizabeth Allen was an earnest and active member of the Methodist Church. Her father, Joseph Russell, a native of Pennsylvania, came to Madison County, Ohio, about 1810, and after a short residence there settled in London, this State, and built a hewed-log hotel. While officiating as landlord of his hotel during the War of 1812, many a soldier, going to and from the Lakes, would beg to sleep upon the floor. Later, Mr. Russell removed to Indiana and afterward to Minnesota, where he died after completing fourscore years. The subject of this sketch was reared at Darby-ville and educated in the village school. At the age f fifteen, his father set him to buying stock, and thus directed his interest in that direction, so that the youth soon began farming independently. At the age of twenty-two, he settled in Darby Township, as his father had given him an interest in the farm, which originally comprised seven hundred acres, increased by our subject to nine hundred, and which was eventually divided between our subject and his sister. Of this land, Mr. Allen has cleared and developed several hundred acres. He now has four hundred and twenty acres here 764 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. and four hundred and twenty-five near Washington C. H., all of which is in an improved condition. The wife of our subject, Mary C., is the daughter of Joseph Bybee, and was born in Fayette County, Ohio, becoming the wife of Mr. Allen September 15, 1859. Her father was born near Charlottesville, Va., and came with his father to Fayette County at a very early day. He was at one time the largest taxpayer in the county, owning two thousand acres of land and grazing as many as five hundred cattle at a time. Ile was a man of wonderful natural ability, liberal and kind-hearted, and was accustomed to keep all his accounts and financial matters mentally and without the aid of books. His death occurred at the age of fifty-five years. His wife, Alice Day,was a native of Fayette County, and her mother, Elizabeth (Compton) Day, planted the first corn ever put in the ground by a white woman in Fayette County. Compton Creek was named for her father, who settled on its banks among the Indians in very early days. He was a man of high education, and endeavored to educate and civilize the savages. Our subject and his worthy wife have two children, Frank M. and Charles. Both are fine young business men, the former being Manager of the Perry Manufacturing Company of Indianapolis, Ind., while the latter is Superintendent of the wheel department of the Columbus Cart Company at Columbus, Ohio. Mr. Allen at first farmed extensively and dealt largely in stock, bnying and selling until 1880, when he began devoting himself to breeding the American road and trotting horses. Our subject became a member of the National Breeders' Association and has trotted his horses at their meetings with a success that has given him distinction as a breeder.. Horses that have been bred by Mr. Allen and trotted to records are "Buck Morgan," 2:20 1/4; "Bliss," 2:21 ½; "Speedaway," 2.24¼ "Trifle," 2:26 1/4, and "M'liss," 2:27 1/4. At each of his six sales he has disposed of about thirty horses and has buyers throughout the entire country. In all his dealings, he is known to be exceptionally honest, and will never dispose of a horse at private sale after it has been advertized for public sale, although by so doing he has ften lost considerable money. He ships brood mares to Pennsylvania, Iowa, Kentucky and other points and breeds to the best horses in the United States. In his stalls are some fine young stallions of the "Electioneer" and "George Wilkes" families. His business interests engage the entire attention of Mr. Allen, and he has therefore never aspired to office. In his political inclinations, he is a Republican but is independent in regard to his ballot, which he considers best qualified to serve the people acceptably. Elsewhere in this volume will be noticed a view of the Springdale Stock Farm.   JOHN R. ENTREKIN, residing on section 27, Pickaway Township, on the old Entrekin homestead, known as Bellevue, is a representative in the third generation of a family that has long been illustrious in the annals of Pickaway County as potent in its upbuilding and in its public life, and the name will ever be associated with its rise and progress. Our subject was born on the farm that he still lives on, October 1, 1844, and is descended from an ancient Highland Scotch family. The first of the Entrekins to come to America was James Entrekin, whose early home was in a mountain pass of Scotland known as Entrekin Pass. He married a lady of Scotch-Irish extraction, who was born in the North of Ireland, and lived to be one hundred and three years old. They came to America in Colonial times and settled in the eastern part of Adams County, Pa. One of their sons, William by name, and his entire family were killed by the Indians on a small stream called Bloody Run. James, another son, married Elizabeth Hall, who was of Scotch-Irish lineage, and they made their home on the battleground near Gettysburg. They reared the following children: James, John, William, Elizabeth, Jane, Esther and Martha. Their son John, from whom our subject is lineally descended, was born April 22, 1778, and in PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 765 1792 went with his father's family to Huntingdon County, Pa., whence he, with others, came to the Northwestern Territory and settled in Ross County, Ohio, in April, 1798, traveling from Wheeling to Chillicothe by a bridle-path known as Zane's Trace, and seeing only four houses on the way, so wild and unsettled was the country through which they passed. John and his friends cleared that season ninety-nine acres f land, afterward entered by Cryder and now known as the Dun Farm. After raising a crop, they returned to their homes in Pennsylvania and prepared to remove their families to the new dwelling-place in the wilderness. They came back to Ohio in October, 1798, with the following members of the Entrekin family: father, mother, John, William and Martha. The mother died in Ross County September 5, 1800, at the age f sixty-seven years, and the family then breaking up, the father returned to Pennsylvania and spent his remaining years with his son James. Martha went to Kentucky to live with her sister, Mrs. James Parkes, and subsequently married Thomas McCutchen. William returned to his native State, and died there in July, 1854. December 25, 1801, John Entrekin married Nancy Crouse, daughter of John and Catherine Crouse, who had emigrated with their family to Ross County in April, 1798. Her parents were both born near Baltimore, her father January 13, 1759, and her mother May 1, 1764, he being of German extraction and she of Welsh. After settling in Ross County, the father purchased a mill on Kinnickinnick Creek, which was the first mill built in the Scioto Valley. He died September 5, 1845, aged eighty-eight years, and she died on the 12th of the same month at the age of eighty-one years. He had served in the Revolution with great credit when a young man. John Entrekin was prominent in Ross and Pickaway Counties for a good many years. His life up to .1828 was identified with Ross County, but. in March of that year he removed to Pickaway County and thereafter made his home in Pickaway Township. From papers yellow with age, now in the possession f his son, William W. Entrekin, we cull a few facts concerning his official career. The oldest, dated January 14, 1802, Territory of the United States northwest of the Ohio, is his commission as Captain of a company of the first regiment f militia f the county of Ross. A little later he received the following letter: CHILLICOTHE, May 20, 1803. SIR:—You will please immediately inform your neighborhood that the Indians are in force on our frontier, and that they ought immediately to arm and equip themselves for the defense f the neighborhood, and be ready to obey such other orders as they may receive. G. LANGHAM. Another, who signs his name Jesse Prentiss, wrote: "It is certain they have killed Capt. Herod." Fortunately for all, the attack did not take place. John Entrekin received his commission as Captain of the Second Company, First Battalion, First Regiment, Second Brigade of Ohio Militia, dated March 24, 1809, and signed by Samuel Huntington, then Governor of the State. e performed arduous service during the War of 1812, first having charge of a company of horsemen in the Auglaize country, where he was sent to aid in the relief of Ft. Defiance.   Returning to Chillicothe from that expedition, the following fall and winter he was at the head of a force which guarded the wagon trains that conveyed supplies from the then capital to Upper Sandusky, and he also had the management f the business in a commercial way. Near the close of the war, he was appointed Captain of a company of infantry, and in June, 1817, Gov. Thomas Worthington notified him of his appointment as Major of the Second Regiment, of which only a few days later he was made Lieutenant-Colonel. November 13, 1818, he was commissioned Colonel of the Third Regiment, Third Brigade, Second Division of the Ohio troops. He was three times appointed Justice of the Peace—in 1815, by Gov. Worthington; in 1819, by Gov. Ethan A. Brown; and in 1822, by Gov. Allen Trimble. In 1821, he represented Ross County in the Legislature, and in 1838 the Legislature elected him Common Pleas Judge of Pickaway County, which position he held until his death, May 10, 1842, at the age of sixty-four years. The county then lost one of its most distinguished and valuable citizens, a man of remarkable activity 766 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. and force of character, who was very influential in its social, religious, political and public life, and was known for his generous encouragement f all things that would in any way benefit the community. His was one f the half-dozen families who organized the Mt. Pleasant Presbyterian Church, the first church in Ross County. The father of our subject has in, his possession a sword which is a memento of the Captain's bravery in an encounter, in 1814, with the Indians near Little Sandusky, he having saved his life by its dexterous use when they were upon him with their knives, anxious to secure his scalp as a trophy. Capt. Entrekin's wife, who was born February 16, 1783, died January 16, 1845, at the age of sixty-one years. The following is the record of their children: Elizabeth, who was born January 4, 1803, and subsequently married James McCoy, died August 23, 1872; James, born October 18, 1804, married Margaret Steele for his first wife, and Elizabeth Shirley for his second wife, and died October 19, 1870; Catherine, born November 1, 1806, married John Carter, of Nicholas County, Ky., and died in Missouri in November, 1867; John, born April 9, 1809, married Frances Moore who is now dead; William W., father of our subject, was born March 12, 1812; Daniel Crouse, the next in order of birth, was born September 21, 1814, married Jane Torbet, and died in Independence, Jackson County, Mo., in 1891; Pheraby, born May 25, 1817, was first married to Russell D. Rockwell, and next to Abram Jones, of Ross County; Dianthe, born August 1, 1819, married Dr. A. W. Thompson, of Circleville, and died August 22, 1858; Jane, born January 30, 1822, died in infancy; Nancy C., born December 8, 1831, is living in Kingston, Ohio. The father of our subject obtained his education in the crude pioneer schools f Ross Connty, that were taught on the subscription plan, his first teacher being George H. Kimball, of Vermont. Mr. Entrekin attended school but two and one-half years in his youth. He was a tall lad, his head grazing the ceiling of the old log school house. His boyhood days were spent on his father's farm in clearing away the timber and preparing the soil for cultivation, as they were living in a perfect wilderness. At the age of sixteen, his father, who had engaged extensively in farming after the War of 1812, established him as a farmer, cattle-breeder and dealer, giving him charge of four farms, and he did an extensive business. He went to Kentucky annually for twenty-three years, to buy cattle to feed and sell. He has lived on the old Entrekin homestead on section 34, Pickaway Township, a half-mile north of Kingston, since 1828 a period of sixty-four years. At first he lived in a part log and part frame house, but in 1840 he built a commodious brick house, which he occupied until his death, hewing the heavy timbers that form the foundation, and having the brick made on the farm, teaming one hundred and forty-four loads of stone to be used in the construction of the dwelling, the only material not found on the farm. He drove a six-horse team in doing his work. He had been a very large land-owner in his time, once having nearly eight hundred acres in his home farm, and had had three thousand acres of land in his possession, but be divided a good deal of it among his children. Mr. Entrekin, Sr., was married May 31, 1842, to Miss Jane Bell, a native of Circleville, born March 7, 1820, and a daughter of Thomas and Ruth (Foresman) Bell. Her father came to America from Ireland, his native country, when he was a lad. He afterward returned to his old home, but eventually came back to the United States and settled in Ohio. He was a miller and a storekeeper, and for many years was a well-known business man of Circleville. He died in 1823,and his wife in 1833. Four of their six children are still living. Mr. and Mrs. Entrekin had four children, as follows: John Rockwell; Creaton, born March 24, 1847; Flora Belle, September 18, 1849; and Tacy C., February 24, 1862, who married Newton Davis, of Decatur, Ill., where they live. Flora Belle died June 25, 1892. The parents of our subject were both members of the Presbyterian Church, f which Mrs. Entrekin still continues a member, since their childhood days, and their names are associated with many good works that have benefitted the community where they have lived so many years. Mr. Entrekin was an old-line Whig in early manhood, and he voted for PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 767 Gen. W. H. Harrison in 1836 and 1840, and in 1888 had the pleasure of casting his vote for Gen. Benjamin Harrison. He died at his home June 1, 1892, and his widow still survives him on the old homestead. John H. Entrekin has always lived in Pickaway, his native township, where he was reared on his father's farm, obtaining his education in the local schools, and becoming thoroughly familiar with all branches of agriculture under his father's instruction. Since his marriage, he has lived on section 27, where he has one hundred and sixty acres of good farming land, that are amply supplied with modern buildings and all the improvements that go to make up a farm that ranks with the best in the vicinity. Our subject was married September 13, 1876, to Miss Laura J. Anderson, a native f Frankfort, Ross County. They have one son, Carl A., born November 15, 1878. Both Mr. and Mrs. Entrekin are among the leading members of the Presbyterian Church at Kingston, f which he is Elder, and they have done much to promote its usefulness as an influence for good in the community.   OLIVER PERRY BRINKER, M. D., a resident physician of Darbyville, and a native-born son of Pickaway County, whose life record is an honor to its citizenship, is distinguished in his profession, which he still practices, and also has an enviable reputation as a business man, whose valuable farming and stock interests are very ably managed. Dr. Brinker was born in Walnut Township, December 11, 1837, and is a son of George Brinker, a hero of the War of 1812, who in after years played a prominent part in developing the agricultural resources of this county by reclaiming several hundred acres of land from its original wildness, and was also a conspicuous figure in the religious life f his community. He was a Pennsylvanian by birth, and was reared on a farm in his native State. In early manhood, he married Elizabeth Young, who was a native of Virginia, and he and his wife came on horseback, with their earthly possessions in a small bundle, to Ohio to found a home in the forest wilds of Pickaway, in the early days of its settlement, and in the busy years that followed were among its most diligent and useful pioneers. Mr. Brinker bought a quarter-section f land in Walnut Township, and worked out by the month to pay for it. Game was plentiful, the country being wild and sparsely settled, and as he was a fine marksman, the man who employed him paid him to hunt deer and other wild animals by the month instead f working on a farm all the time. He was a man of fine physique, six feet in height and straight as an arrow, and was well endowed with those traits that lead to success in any walk in life. He and his wife began life here in a log house, and bent their energies to better their fortunes, working early and late, and with her active co-operation, he gathered together a valuable property, becoming the proprietor of seven hundred acres of choice farming land. At the age of seventy-three, death closed the life of this good man, but he still lives in the hearts of those who knew and loved him for his pure, noble character. He was simple and straightforward in his manner, sound and sensible in his opinions, and he was a veritable Christian, with strong religious convictions. He was a member of the Methodist Church, and did much to encourage the growth f the denomination in his neighborhood, having preaching at his house, and in other ways promoting the cause in which his sympathies were so deeply enlisted. He had a good record as a soldier, serving with devoted patriotism throughout the War of 1812. He helped to carry the day in the famous battle of Lake Erie, fought near Put-in-Bay September 10, 1813, when for the first time a whole British squadron surrendered in a naval contest with Americans, the victory being announced to Gen. Harrison by the brave Capt. Oliver H. Perry, by whose invincible courage and determination it had been won, in the message so famous for its simple brevity, yet so full of meaning: "We have met the enemy and they are ours—two ships, two brigs, one schooner, and one sloop." So greatly did the 768 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. father of our subject admire and reverence his old commander, he named his son of whom we write in his honor. An uncle of our subject was killed in that same war. The Doctor's mother, of blessed memory, departed this life at the age of sixty-five. She was George Brinker's second wife, and was the mother of three children: Catherine E., now deceased, one who died in infancy, and the Doctor. His first wife was the mother of a large family f children, carefully training them to honorable lives: Barney, John, Silas, George, Nancy, Susan, Elizabeth, Sarah, Mary and Lavina. Our subject was reared on a farm in his native township. His father and mother died when he was a boy, within seven weeks of each other, and after that sad event in his life he went to live with his sister Nancy. His early education was conducted in the district schoolhouse, which was built f logs and furnished with slab benches, and the school was carried on under the rate-bill system. When about eighteen years of age, the Doctor went to college at Delaware, but was taken sick a few months later and had to return home. He then had private instructions in Fairfield County, and after obtaining a certificate, taught school one winter there and one term in Franklin County. Deciding to enter the medical profession, for which he had a natural taste, he began to prepare himself for it under the instruction f Dr. George E. Eels, f Lithopolis, with whdm he read medicine three years, thus laying a solid foundation for the course that he subsequently pursued at the Ohio Medical College, at Cincinnati, of which he is a graduate. After leaving college, the Doctor entered upon the practice of his prfession with his old instructor, Dr. Eels, with whom he remained six months. Returning then to Pickaway County, he established himself at Bloomfield, whence he went a year later to Shadeville, Franklin County, where he built up a large and lucrative practice. He was a resident of that town from 1865 until 1880, with the exception of a year spent at Circleville. In the latter year, he came to Darbyville, which he has since made his home. For some time, he devoted himself exclusively to his practice, which was extensive, covering a good deal of territory, for he early made a name for himself as a physician of rare ability, well grounded in medical learning and the proper treatment of the prevailing diseases f this section of the country. Of late, he has given much attention to farming and stock interests, and buys and raises a considerable number of cattle and hogs, owning some very fine cattle of standard breeds. He has two hundred and thirty-six and one-eighth acres of land, one hundred acres in one tract, the remainder in another, and all in Muhlenberg Township, except thirty-three and one-third acres in Jackson Township, and he rents it, taking his pay in grain, which brings him in a good income. In the season of 1884-85, he built the frame residence on Main Street, Darbyville, in which he and his wife have a home attractive in its appointments and abounding in the comforts that add so much to the pleasure of living. Our subject was married, in the fall of 1864, to Miss Kate Hill, a native f this township, whose family history will be found in the biographical sketch f her sister, Mrs. Anna Montgomery. Mrs. Brinker is a true, womanly woman, whose fine personal attributes have won her the sincere regard f all who come under her influence. She is of the Methodist faith in religion and a devoted member f the church. Of the four children born to her and her subject, three have passed through the gates of death to the land f the immortals: George E., Annie Bell and Frank. One son, Erasmus W., is left to be their pride and comfort in their declining years. He is a bright and talented young man, well educated, a member of the Columbus Bar, and has a promising future before him in his profession. He is popular in social circles, and is an earnest worker in the Methodist Church, of which he is a member in high standing. Dr. Brinker is a man of strong personality, with a broad, calm, practical mind and firm will, and a keen sagacity in business matters, whereby he has achieved financial success. He is of a generous temper, has given liberally of his means to churches and charitable objects, and his name is associated with many of the progressive movements that have resulted in local improvement. He was head of the village government as Mayor for some years, PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 769 and administered public affairs with a firm and steady hand, and he was also School Director for a short time. In his politics, he was a Democrat, until that party repealed the Dow Prohibition Law, but since then he has been independent.J JAMES A. MCLEAN, who is widely and favorably known throughout Fayette County as one who has held high official positions, is one of the leading citizens of Washington C. H., where he has a beautiful home. He is a native of that city, born March 4, 1841, in a house that stood on the present site of the Arlington House, the place being at that time the property of his father, Samuel McLean. Samuel McLean was born in one of the early homes of Ross County in 1808, and was reared amid the pioneer scenes of his birthplace. His parents were natives of Pennsylvania and were of Scotch descent. After completing his education, Samuel McLean came to Washington C. H., in 1837, and established himself in this city in the general mercantile business. He was married that year to Miss Eliza C. Robinson, who was a daughter of John Robinson, a prominent farmer of Ross County at that time. Mr. McLean continued prosperously engaged in his business until his death, August, 22, 1852. He was one of the original settlers of Washington C. H., and his widow, who is still living at a venerable age, is one f the oldest residents of the town, whose good fortune it is to have witnessed its rise and progress almost from the beginning. Samuel McLean was a Whig and had an intelligent understanding f politics in his day. He was the father of seven children, of whom these four are living: James A.; John R., a resident of Washington C. H.; Cincinnatus, a jeweler at Athens; and Ione, the wife of M. B. Bryan, a resident f Washington C. H. and a farmer by occupation. The subject of this sketch attended the public schools of his native city, and after his education was completed, he taught two terms of school dur ing the winters of 1861 and 1862. In the latter year, in which he attained his majority, he threw aside all personal aims and ambitions, to take his place in the ranks of brave boys in blue to help fight his country's battles, his name being placed on the roll of Company C, One Hundred and Fourteenth Ohio Infantry, on the 9th of August, he having been engaged previously in assisting to recruit the regiment, and he was commissioned Sergeant of his company. He was present at the siege of Vicksburg, faced the enemy in the battle of Arkansas Post, on the White River, and did his share of fighting in other engagements. However zealous he was in the interest of the cause for which he and his comrades did battle, and however loyalty to the flag prompted him to dare and suffer much, he was obliged to succumb to the hardships and privations of war, and February 6, 1863, was honorably discharged on account f disability and returned to his home and friends with a fine record for good soldiership, f which they were proud. After he left the army, Mr. McLean resumed teaching and was so employed one term. e then received the appointment to the office of Deputy-Collector of Internal Revenue for the Sixth District of Southern Ohio. e acted in that capacity for two years and was then made Deputy Assessor of the Internal Revenue for the same district, which position he filled six years. e next worked as civil engineer and Surveyor of the County. e filled the office f Surveyor of Fayette County twelve years and was regarded as one of the most useful and reliable of the officials who had ever served the county in that position. At the expiration of Isis term of office, Mr. McLean turned his attention to farming, purchasing a. farm of five hundred acres in Wayne Township; and taking up his residence on the place, he devoted himself zealously to tilling the soil and raising stock and continued to occupy the farm for ten years, with the exception of several winters spent in Washington C. H. that the children might attend school. In the fall f 1888, he settled here permanently with his family, having purchased a residence at No. 225 East East Street, in a very attractive, quarter of the city. Mr. McLean is prominent socially as a member of the Masonic fraternity and as a Knight 770 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Templar. Politically, he is a Republican of the highest standard, and religiously, a member of the Presbyterian Chnrch. Mr. McLean was married, in 1867, to Miss Catherine, daughter of Charles Briggs, who was a prominent farmer of Ross County. She is a woman eminently fitted in every way for a home-maker, and to her devotion to his interests our subject owes much. They are the parents of five children: Nettie, the wife of Dr. Charles B. Jones, a practicing physician at Kingston; Charles R., who is at home; Eliza, who is attending the Ontario Ladies' College, at Whitby, Ontario, Canada; Fred B. and Mary, who are at home attending school. C. R. DALBEY is a member of the famous firm f Dalbey Bros., of Washington C. H., proprietors of the Fayette Poultry Yards, and one f the largest dealers in their line in the State. The Dalbey brothers are sons of the Rev. R. M. Dalbey, who was born in Great Grove, Greene County, in 1816, coining of one of the early families of Ohio. He attended the pioneer schools of that county, but was mainly self-educated, as he was very fond of books and throughout life was a great student. He was early converted to the cause of Christ, into which he threw his whole soul, and at the age of twenty-six he entered the ministry, joining the Ohio Conference f the Methodist Protestant Church. He devoted himself earnestly to his sacred calling twenty years, and then, being obliged to abandon it on account f a throat trouble, he turned his attention to the grocery business, which he carried on some twelve years. Returning then to the pulpit, he continued to occupy it until the hour of his death, which occurred at Jasper Mills in the fifty-ninth year f his age. The mother of our subject was Elizabeth A. (Harrison) Dalbey, a native of England, and a sister of Hon. Richard A. Harrison, of Columbus, and a daughter of the Rev. Robert Harrison, who was a native of England, and a resident of Springfield, this State, many years, coming to this country in 1830, and a pioneer preacher of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Six of the seven children born to the Rev. R. M. Dalbey and wife are still living, five sons and one daughter. The eldest is the Rev. J. H. Dalbev, who is a member of the Ohio Conference f the Methodist Protestant Church; the sister, Mary E., lives at the family residence at Washington C. H., as also does her brother next younger; the Rev. A. F. Dalbey, a member of the Cincinnati Conference f the Methodist Episcopal Church; our subject is the fourth in order of birth; after him comes J. L., a member of the Cincinnati Conference, who has charge of a church at Christiansburgh; W. R., the youngest of the family, is city editor of the Cyclone, a Republican organ, is Secretary f the Southern Ohio Poultry Association, and a member of the Mystic Circle. The Rev. J. H. is a member of the Masonic fraternity, to which his brother A. F. also belongs, beside being a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. All are Republicans, with the exception of J. L., who is a Prohibitionist. Like his brother, our subject is also a zealous member f the Methodist Church, and is an active worker in the Sunday-school. The mother of this family died in 1880, at Jasper Mills, and her mortal remains were placed beside those of her husband. The principal subject f this sketch, C. R. Dalbey, was born in the town of Xenia. e was educated in the public schools of Springfield, and after leaving school learned the trade of a carpenter, at which he worked five years. At the end of that time, he inaugurated the enterprise which has grown into one f the most extensive poultry businesses in this part f the country. All of his brothers are associated with him, and theirs is one of the largest poultry firms in the State. Their establishment is located at Nos. 387, 389 and 391 Washington Avenue. Their business is ably conducted under the name of the Fayette Poultry Yards, which is known far and wide, as they have patrons throughout the Union. They breed about thirty different varieties of fancy poultry, dealing in none but the purest breeds. One reason for their remarkable success is their far-sighted policy of extensive advertising, by which means they have PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 773 reached nearly two millions of people in various parts of the United States. They are now getting out their seventh annual catalogue, which will be issued in a neat form, and will be fully illustrated JOHN RIDDLE and his intelligent and interesting wife are recognized universally as among the foremost people f Darby Township, Pickaway County. He is a man of excellent judgment, and few farmers who began with scant means, as did he, have accumulated 'so much property in as short a time. He was born in Madison County, just north of Mt. Sterling, Ohio, September 1, 1831. His father, Abner Riddle, was born in Pennsylvania, in 1783, but came to Madison County, Ohio, when a young man, traveling by wagon. He worked out for neighboring farmers for several years, and after his marriage bought a farm one-half mile north of Mt. Sterling. The young couple settled in the woods in a log cabin and had frequent calls from Indian neighbors. Game was plentiful and the deer and turkeys which fell by the young farmer's gun supplied his family with meat. He owned one hundred and thirty acres f land, which he improved and developed into a good farm. At one time, he was a member f the Christian Church. His politics were of the Whig persuasion, but ho never cared to occupy office. His death occurred in 1848. The mother f our subject was born near Harper's Ferry, Va., and was known in maidenhood as Sarah Thomas. When quite young, she came to Ohio with her parents, who were early settlers in these parts. She reared to years of maturity eight children., namely: Mary A., Mrs. Alkire; Jackson; Maria, Mrs. Robison; Harrison; Letha, Mrs. Corney; John, Abner, and William L. The mother died at the age of eighty-four, having spent a long life in usefulness., She was a member f the Christian Church, and was very active in her early days, but on account of her loss of eyesight in her later years, she did not often attend divine service. Both parents lie at rest in the Alkire Cemetery, near Mt. Sterling. 37 He of whom we write had his early training and education upon the farm and in the primitive schoolhouse. He was allowed to attend school in the winter only, as his help was needed upon the farm during the summer. He began life for himself at the age f eighteen, hiring out to neighbors by the month at the wages of $7, and continued working for others until he reached the age of thirty-five, laboring most of the time in Ohio, but spending some time in Illinois and Indiana. During 1856, he was in Piatt County, Ill., and in 1863 was in Benton County, Ind., where he had an interest in some cattle which he was engaged in herding. In 1856, he drove a large number f cattle through to the Eastern market. November 21, 1866, onr subject was married to Martha Elizabeth Young, who was born near Mt. Sterling, December 16, 1844. They lost two children, who died in early infancy, and have one living, Tenny E., a son of eighteen years, who is now attending school at Darby. Immediately after marriage, they settled on the farm where they now live, a property which belonged to the father of Mrs. Riddle, and which was bought by Mr. Riddle in 1868. To the three hundred and forty original acres he has added until he now has five hundred and thirty acres and here he has made substantial and permanent improvements, putting in drainage, establishing fences, and erecting excellent farm buildings. They first settled in a log house, but in 1876 built the large frame house in which they now reside, and during the same year put up the frame barn. Although Mr. Riddle pays considerable attention to wheat, his principal crop is corn, much of which is fed to his stock and the remainder sold. He keeps large numbers of hogs, cattle and sheep, and has shipped some stock, but sells most of it in the home market. His financial success has been principally gained in this way, through the medium of corn and hogs. One hundred acres of his land are in timber and four hundred and thirty acres are improved. Both Mr. and Mrs. Riddle are efficient and earnest members of the Christian Church, in which they take an active interest and for which they are ever ready to give of their means and efforts. 774 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. They contributed to build the church and are generous in its support. The doctrines of the Republican party were in accordance with the views of Mr. Riddle, and he voted that ticket until two years ago, since which time he has been a Prohibitionist. He began in poverty, but has made a great success of his work and business by dint of hard work and good management. e never borrowed a cent of money, but now is able to loan large amounts. He was one f the five men who laid out and platted the city of Derby, in the progress of which he has ever been interested. On another page is shown a portrait of Mr. Riddle. WILLIAM E. MORRIS, Clerk of the Courts of Pickaway County, and an enterprising, public-spirited citizen of Circleville, was born in Clinton County, Ohio, September 8, 1861, and is a son of John and Elizabeth (Elliott) Morris. The grandfather, Isaac Morris, was born in Pennsylvania, and when a young man emigrated with his family to Highland County, Ohio, where he was engaged in farming until his death. The Morris family is of English descent. John Morris was born in Highland County, and his wife in Clinton County. Her father, Benjamin Elliott, was also a native f Clinton County, and is still living, at the age f eighty years. Mr. Morris located in that county, where he engaged in farming until 1861. In that year, he removed to Jay County, Ind., and there enlisted as private in the One Hundredth Indiana Infantry. e died in the hospital in Nashville, Tenn., in 1863, and was there buried. After his death, his widow returned to Clinton County, Ohio, and now resides in New Holland. Our subject was their only child. His education was acquired in the common schools, and when sixteen years f age he began clerking in the post-office in Sabina, where he remained two years. He then spent eighteen months as a clerk in a drug store, after which he removed to Canon City, Col., and spent one summer in the drug business at that place. On his return to Sabina, he was employed as a salesman until 1882, when he removed to New Holland and established a drug store. He built up the largest business at that place, and is still owner of the store. Mr. Morris was married in New Holland, November 22, 1885, to Miss Kate Kennedy, a native of that place, and a daughter f Andrew Kennedy, a native of the Emerald Isle, who became an early settler of New Holland. e now resides in Springfield, Ohio. Two interesting children have been born to our subject and his wife: Mary and Frank. Mr. Morris held the position of Postmaster in Holland from 1885 until 1889, and was a member of the City Council for several years. In the autumn of 1890, he was nominated on the Democratic ticket, and elected to the office of Clerk of the Circuit Court and Court f Common Pleas, and entered upon the duties of the position February 9, 1891. Socially, he is a member of the Knights of Pythias, and has represented his lodge in the Grand Lodge. He is a charter member of the Sons of Veterans of Bob McCook Camp, the largest camp in the State, and has twice served as its Captain. Mr. Morris is a gentleman of sterling worth and integrity, held in high regard through. out the community for his many excellencies of character. ORLANDO VAN BUSKIRK. The great-grandfather of our subject, Peter Van Bus- kirk, was one of the first pioneers to brave the dangers and hardships of the wilderness to found a home in Pickaway County, and from that day to this the Van Buskirks, from generation to generation, have been closely identified with its rise and growth, with its material progress, and with its higher interests. Orlando Van Buskirk, of whom we write, is one of the most intelligent and enlightened farmers of Monroe Township. He was born in said township, one mile east of his present home, August 25, 1848. His father, Peter Van Buskirk, was born in Perry Township, May 15, 1826, a son of John Van Buskirk, who was PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 775 born in Allegany County, Md., November 19, 1795. The American branch of the family that originated in Holland was established by nine brothers, who came here in Colonial times and settled in different parts of the East. The great-grandfather f our subject, who was a Maryland farmer in the early days, came over the mountains to Ohio in 1799, with pack-horses. He spent a year in Chillicothe, and then penetrated into the wilderness to a point on Deer Creek, near Williamsport, in this county, where he located on a tract f nine hundred acres of land that he bought of the Government. He there erected a log cabin, and with his family began the primitive life necessitated by their wild surroundings. He partly developed a farm, and on Deer Creek built the first grist-mill in that vicinity, building it of logs and fastening the shingles with wooden pins, there being no nails then. He operated the mill for some years, and also a distillery in connection with it. e and his wife both lived to a good old age, and reared a large family f boys and girls. When she came to this State, she brought some apple seeds in her pocket from Maryland, and planted them on the farm on Deer Creek now owned by Mr. Dunlap, and some of the trees that sprang therefrom are still standing and are very large. The grandfather f our subject was a boy when he came here. He had no school advantages, with the exception of one term's schooling, but learned to read at home. He was married February 8, 1821, to Sophia Seward, who was born in Virginia July 8, 1799. In early life he was an infidel, but soon after his marriage he was converted, and began to preach the Gospel in houses, barns and schoolhouses, as there were no churches at that time. August 8, 1823, he united with the Christian Church at Williamsport, and was a noble worker in its upbuilding. He was a self-educated man, of strong common sense and of no mean ability, and his earnestness and desire to do good carried conviction to the hearts of those with whom he labored. He was prospered in his calling as a farmer, and became the owner of six hundred acres of land in this township, beside seven hundred acres near Muncie, Ind. His wife was a woman of strong convictions, though lacking in education, and she filled a useful sphere in life, being well beloved by all who knew her for her fine qualities of mind and heart. She was a Christian in every sense of the word, always cherishing the welfare of the church, and she was noted for her benevolence in giving to the needy, and in helping to build different churches. She passed away January 10, 1868, and Grandfather Van Buskirk, September 15, 1874, the latter aged nearly seventy-nine years. This is the record of their children: Caroline, born June 18, 1822, married John Wood July 5, 1840, and is now dead; Diantha, born October 12, 1824, married Lieut. Samuel Roland, August 23, 1846, and died January 20, 1849; Peter, the father f our subject, was the next in order of birth; then came Rhoda, who was born June 2, 1831, married William Bennett in August, 1845, and died March 22, 1874; Sarah, born August 28, 1833, married Hiram Russell February 3, 1857, and lives in Delaware County, Ind.; Orlando, born June 6, 1829, was married in August, 1856, to Elizabeth Betts, and died in Clarksburgh, January 11, 1858; Francis M., born September 5, 1838. married Diana T. Hays, and died September 27, 1865; Mary, born March 26, 1836, married Adam Bailey, and lives at Mt. Sterling; William II., born May 3, 1842, died November 2, 1865. The father of our subject was reared to the life of a farmer, and when he began his independent career in that line, he settled on the farm now occupied by his son Orlando, and in due time had the woods cleared away, and the land under good cultivation. He owned four hundred acres of land, and did an extensive business as a general farmer. e made a specialty of raising hogs, and also had other stock, and was one of the substantial men of his township. He was an exemplary citizen and a sound Republican, but never aspired to office. He was of a sincerely religious nature, and nearly all his life was a consistent member of the Christian Church. The mother of our subject was Rebecca Wood in her maiden days, a daughter of Col. William D. and Elizabeth Wood, and was born in Madison County, December 5, 1825. She took an active interest in the Christian Church. 776 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Of which she was a life-long member, and in her death, at the age of forty-nine years, it lost one of its most devoted followers. She was the mother of three children: Orlando V.; Elizabeth, who was born July 17, 1850, and is now the wife of W. F. Mercer, of Columbus; and Isabelle, who was born August 20, 1852, married S. Timmons, and is now dead. The boyhood of our subject was passed much as that of other farmer's boys in like circumstances. The first school that he attended was held in a typical pioneer log house, with a large open fire-place for heating purposes, and slab benches for seats. The school was conducted on the subscription plan. He later attended the Normal at Lebanon for about four months. e lived at home with his parents until their death, his father buying a farm and giving him a half-interest in it if he would remain with them. After marriage, he settled on the farm that he now occupies, and his mother came to live with him and died a year later. At the time of the death f his father, our subject and his mother and two sisters were ill with typhoid fever, and unable to be present at the last sad rites when the beloved one was laid to rest. Mr. Van Buskirk has a fine farm of three hundred acres f land, all improved and well drained. He was formerly engaged in the manufacture of tile, the second man to establish that line f business in this county. He began it in 1874, and was extensively employed in making it until 1887. e made from two-inch to ten-inch tiles, burning as many as twelve kilns a season, and he had the reputation f manufacturing the best tile in the county. There was a large demand for it, and during the fourteen years that he dealt in it he always gave perfect satisfaction. He now gives his attention to mixed farming, raising grain and stock. e formerly engaged quite extensively in dealing in cattle and hogs, buying many cattle in the northern part of the State, and he has wintered as many as one hundred and fifty. Our subject is a great reader, and has a well-selected library as one of the attractions of his pleasant home. He is possessed of a large fund of information, is an interesting conversationalist, and always seems to know when to say the right word in the right place. He is a man of generous breadth, unselfish in thought and action, and it is said of him that he is one of the few who live not alone for self, but to do good to others." He and his wife are members of the Christian Church, both taking an earnest interest in religious matters, and he was once Trustee of the church, and served three years as Superintendent of the Sunday-school. Politically, he is a Republican, and he held the office of Land Appraiser in 1890. He is a member of the Masonic order at Mt. Sterling; Fayette Chapter No. 103, and Garfield Commandery No. 28, at Washington C. H. Mr. Van Buskirk was married January 11, 1872, to Miss Emma Rowlen, by whom he has five children: William G., Pearl, May and Minnie (twins) and Verna. CHARLES W. HORN, the Editor f the Plain City Dealer, was born at Martin's Ferry, Belmont County, Ohio, August 19, 1857 His father, Gary Horn, a native of Ohio, born near Cadiz, Harrison County, was a farmer and tile-maker. He was married in Ohio to Miss Sarah Spring, a native f this State, and they located at Martin's. Ferry. They became the parents of four children, three sons and one daughter. The eldest, Adolph, is the Postmaster in Plain City; Armeda is the wife of D. La Mar Lombard; and M. W., who is the twin brother of our subject, is a painter. All of the family, both parents and children, make their home in Plain City. Our subject, in his earlier years, lived with his parents at Somerville and Woodstock, then in Marion, Ohio, before coming to Plain City. e remained with his father until his marriage, and began learning the printer's trade after coming to Plain City, working for several firms before starting a paper for himself. Mr. Horn established the Plain City Dealer, which has now about seven hundred circulation and has been very successful as a business enterprise. A fine grade of job printing and a great variety of work is done in his office. The mar- PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 777 riage of our subject, which took place in the year 1885, united him with Miss Jessie Haynes, of Plain City. She was born in New California, Ohio, but as she came to Plain City with her parents when an infant, has found her home here through life. One daughter has blessed this home, to whom has been given the name of Louise. Although Mr. Horn is, in his personal preferences, a Republican in politics, his paper is neutral in political affairs and devotes itself mainly to the promotion of the prosperity and business interests of Plain City. JOHN W. ALLEN is numbered among the enterprising and successful farmers f Range Township, Madison County. e was born in Jefferson Township, Fayette County, December 13, 1835, and is a son f Adam and Rosanna (Hidy) Allen. His father, who was born in March, 1811, is still living in Jefferson Township, Fayette County. Our subject bad limited educational advantages, but his training in hard labor was not at all meagre. After attaining to man's estate, he led to the marriage altar, on the 5th of October, 1857, Miss Harriet A. Fent, of Jefferson Township, and unto them have been born twelve children, nine of whom are still living. Vena Olive was married, and at her death left two children; Addie May died at the age of seven years; Delia is the wife of William Badger, of Fayette County, and has one child; Hulda and Eugene Sheridan are at home; Rosanna Catherine is the wife of Charles Baughn; Cora F., Icy, Urban, Osa and Emily are under the parental roof; and one child died in infancy. When Mr. Allen started out in life for himself, he had to go in debt for his team and farming implements, and for two years he resided upon rented land. He entered the army August 13, 1862, joining the boys in blue of Company K, Forty-fourth Ohio Infantry. He participated in the battles of button Hill, Louisville, and the siege of Knoxville. In 1864, he was transferred to the Eighth Ohio Cavalry, and saw service in the Shenandoah Valley, under Sheridan. He participated in the battle f Winchester, and also in the engagement when Gen. Sheridan made his famous ride. e was never wounded or taken prisoner, and was honorably discharged in May, 1865. When the country no longer needed his services, Mr. Allen returned home and again rented land for a time: His first purchase consisted of fifty-eight acres in Jefferson Township, Fayette County. After two years, he sold this, and bought one hundred acres in Stokes Township, Madison County. In 1884, he purchased his present farm, becoming owner of one hundred and fifty-four acres. His fields are well tilled, his improvements many, and a glance at the place indicates the supervision of a careful manager. Mr. Allen has been a stanch Republican since he cast his first Presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln in 1860. He has frequently served as a delegate to the county conventions, but has never sought or desired public office. He holds membership with Vincent Allen Post No. 678, G. A. R., of Sedalia, and attended the National Reunion in Columbus and in Detroit. He was a valiant soldier during the late war, is a leading agriculturist of the community, and a prominent citizen, highly esteemed by all who know him. MRS. DR. E. A. VAN RIPER is a lady whom nature seems to have especially fitted for the profession she is now following, and she has met with unusual success in this calling. She has all those attributes, physical, mental and moral, and the host of minor graces f manner and person, essential to the making of a truly great physician. The Doctor was born in Lodi, Washtenaw County, Mich., and is a daughter of Edmon G. and Lucinda (Isbell) Rogers, both natives of New York State, the father born in Orange and the mother in Madison County. Grandfather Edmon G. Rogers was a native of Sheffield, England, but came to America at an early date and located in Orange County, N. Y., where 778 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. he became a very wealthy man and a man of leisure. His wife had been formerly Miss Martha E. Galley, a lady of Irish descent and a descendant of one of the best Irish families. The Rogers are also descendants of a very prominent family, and trace their ancestry back to Lord Rogers, of England. The father of our subject was a well-educated man and a graduate of West Point. After finishing his education, he came to Michigan and purchased a farm in Lodi Township, Washtenaw County, which he operated until his death, early in 1861. He was an excellent citizen and a man universally respected. In politics, he was a strong adherent of the principles of the Republican party. His wife was the daughter of Leonard Isbell, who was a native of one of the Eastern States, of Scotch descent and an early settler of Washtenaw County, Mich. He served in the War of 1812, and later located at Stockbridge, Mich., where he received his final summons. The mother of our subject resides in Jackson, Mich., at the present time. Five daughters and one son were born to her marriage. At the early age of three years, our subject was sent to school, where she displayed so much ability and advanced so rapidly in her studies that when fourteen years of age she went to Ann Arbor, Mich., and attended the High School for about five years. On the 4th of Augest, 1864, she married Dr. M. H. Van Riper, a native f New York State, and of Dutch and Welsh extraction. His father, John Van Riper, was a prominent attorney f Albany, N. Y. Mr. Van Riper was educated in New York, studied medicine for two years at Bellevue College and then went to Michigan, where he intended entering the medical department of Ann Arbor University, but instead enlisted in a Michigan regiment as Surgeon. He was wounded at Malvern Hill and, after being in several Southern hospitals, was taken to Detroit more dead than alive. e finally recovered, was honorably discharged and, when able, continued his medical studies, graduating from the University of Michigan in 1865, with the degree of M. D. After marriage, our subject and her husband removed to Momence, Ill., practiced there for three years and then located at Kankakee. She began the study of medicine under her husband and took lectures from him every evening for eight years. She became very proficient in this prfession and was examined and registered by William Kanagie as a practicing physician in Illinois. She then practiced in Kankakee until April 16, 1881, when she located in Circleville and has been a successful practitioner here since. Three children were born to this union and were in the order f their births as follows: Myron E., a practical printer, of Chicago; Garrett A. is a pressman in New York City, and Marquis De LaFayette is at home. Dr. Van Riper has given her children good educational advantages and they are all bright young men. In politics, the Doctor is a stanch Republican. J. R. MARSHALL, the popular Editor and Manager of the Ohio State Register at Washington C. H., has occupied that position on the paper for the past two and one-half years. A native of New York, he was born in Newark, Wayne County, October 22, 1843, and is the son f Francis H. Marshall, who is engaged in the manufacture f wagons, buggies, etc. The maiden name f our subject's mother was Sarah J. Miller; she was the daughter f Jasper Miller, who is now deceased, having lived for nearly a century. He of whom we write was given a good education in the schools of Lockport, N. Y., whither his parents removed when he was quite young. When old enough to start out in life on his own responsibility, he began work in the office of the Daily Union, at Lockport, where he learned the "art preservative," and remained for six years. At the expiration of that time, Mr. Marshall went to Albany, in the same State, and later to New York City, where he was employed on job work, and there made his home until 1867, which was the date of his coming to Highland County, this State. At Hillsboro, he was engaged in publishing the Gazette for seventeen years, at the end of which time he went to Springfield and purchased an interest in the Sunday News, where he remained for the five succeeding years. In September, 1888, he came to PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 779 Washington C. H. and assumed the business management of the Register Democrat. A year later, however, in company with Wolf and Jones, our subject established the Ohio State Register, with which paper he is still connected, although the paper is owned by R. B. Palmer. The lady to whom our subject was married July 14, 1862, was Miss Sarah L. Barnes, and to them have been born three children, viz.: Nellie M., Maude and Maurice. Mrs. Marshall was born in Niagara County, N. Y., in 1845, and was the daughter of Joel P. and Sarah A. Barnes, her father being a prominent bridge contractor and builder. The father of bur subject is still living and makes his home in Lockport, N. Y. In social matters, he of whom we write has been for many years a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Religiously, Mrs. Marshall is a member f the Methodist Episcopal Church. JOHN G. WILSON, M. D. The witness of the transformations wrought by fifty years in the improvement and development of Fayette County, Dr. Wilson not only endured the hardships of pioneer life, but it has also been his privilege to enjoy the fruits of his early toil. He is the sole survivor of the, little band of physicians who were engaged in practice at Washington C. H., in June, 1841, when he cast in his lot with the pioneers of the place. The childhood years of our subject were passed amid the scenes of Ross County, Ohio, where he was born March 19, 1811. His father, John Wilson, was a soldier in the War f 1812, and came to Ross County from his native State, Pennsylvania, at a very early day, taking up a tract of unimproved land. e married Miss Lucy Taylor, and unto them were born eleven children, our subject being the fifth in order of birth. Few events of importance occurred to break the monotony of our subject's youth, his time being diligently devoted to tilling the soil in the summer and attending school during the winter seasons. The " temples of learning " in those early days were primitive in construction, made of logs, with split rails for seats, and with greased paper instead of window lights. At a somewhat later date, a better house was erected, and gradually the opportunities afforded the cnildren for acquiring an education were improved, both in regard to the furnishings of the building and the method f instruction. Upon attaining to his majority, our subject commenced to read medicine with Dr. James Robbins, f Greenfield, Highland County, Ohio, who was a member f the board of examiners appointed by the State to examine for fitness to practice. After gaining a thorough practical knowledge of therapeutics, the young Doctor removed West as far as Dayton, then a town of four thousand inhabitants. e practiced his profession there in 1835 and 1836, in partnership with Henry Van Tuyl, a prominent physician. He next proceeded to Indiana, locating nineteen miles up the river from the old Tippecanoe battleground, where at the time there were plenty f Indians and wild animals. At that time, the Wabash Canal was being built, along which he had a large practice. He voted for William Henry Harrison for President in 1836, and again four years later, when he was the successful candidate. Coming to Washington C. H. in the spring of 1841, Dr. Wilson purcnased the property on the corner of Court and North Streets, which was then in the suburbs of the village, but is now in the center f the city. ere he has resided for fifty years and more, while those who were children when first he settled on the old homestead have grown to maturity, entered the world f active business, and some, grown old and weary with the cares of life, have sunk into the slumber of death. But all of them—youth, and middle-aged and old—have known Dr. Wilson and have been proud to regard him as their friend. To his patients, he was more than the kind, considerate, skillful physician—he was the unchanging friend. For twenty years, Dr Wilson was an attendant at the County Infirmary. President Grant appointed him Examining Surgeon of Fayette County, and he served as President f the Board until the election of President Cleveland, when he resigned. He had established a splendid practice, which, to- 780 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. gether with his position at the Infirmary, he resigned when he accepted the position of Examining Surgeon. Some four years ago, he retired from active labors, and now is passing his declining years in quiet seclusion. In 1838, Dr. Wilson was united in marriage with Miss Lucinda Mackerley, whom he had known in childhood, her father's farm adjoining that belonging to his father. At the time of his marriage, the Doctor rode on horseback two hundred and fifty miles to the bride's home, and, after the ceremony was performed, drove back to Washington C. H. with his young wife, the journey being made in a buggy which he had purchased. They have had two daughters: Mary L., the wife f Jared L. Millikan, who now resides with our subject, and Lucinda, who died when about twenty-one years old. Politically, the Doctor has always been an active Republican and is firm in his adherence to the principles f the party. WILLIAM ATKINSON stands among the foremost of the progressive, enlightened and enterprising farmers and business men who have had the making of Madison County, and perhaps no man has done more for the development of its rich agricultural resources within the last three or four decades than he. His farm, which is four miles south of Plain City, in Canaan Township, is one of the largest and best-managed, and is considered one of the finest-improved, in this part of the State. Our subject was born in Ross Township, Greene County, February 2, 1832. His father was Cephas Atkinson, who was born in York County, Pa., in 1790. He in turn was a son of Joseph Atkinson, who was of English descent, but is thought to have been a native f Pennsylvania. The mother of our subject, Abigail Oren, was likewise a Pennsylvanian by birth, and was of English extraction. She was reared partly in Tennessee and partly in Ohio, coming to this State when she had nearly attained womanhood. She was married to Cephas Atkinson in Clinton County, and they moved soon after to Clarke County, whence they returned to Greene County. From there they subsequently went to Champaign County, where the father died in 1860 and the mother in 1875, finding their last resting place in its soil. They were the parents of eleven children, eight sons and three daughters, three of whom died in infancy, the others growing to maturity, and these four of them are still living: Jane; William; Margaret C., wife of James Hunt, of South Charleston, Clarke County; and Thomas S., a resident of Indianapolis, Ind. The father was a man of superior business qualifications, who invested his money judiciously, and acquired a goodly amount of property, including fifteen hundred and ten acres of land in Madison County, which he purchased from 1842 to 1852. The subject of this biographical review is the ninth child and fifth son of his parents. He was eight years old when they removed to Champaign County, where the rest of his boyhood was spent, and he remained with his parents until he was twenty-two years of age. He obtained his education in the district schools, and on his father's farm was well trained in all that pertains to farming. In the opening years of a vigorous, stalwart manhood, he came to Madison County, in 1854, to enter upon the hard pioneer task that lay before him of literally hewing out a farm from the forests by the strength of his strong right arm, seconded by the force of a steady brain to plan his work wisely. His father had given him three hundred and seventy-seven acres of timber land and oak openings in Canaan Township, on which no improvements had been made. e went to work with a will, and in time had the forest cleared away, had dug ditches for drainage, and had placed his land under fine cultivation. All this Mr. Atkinson accomplished without a cent of capital, but his labors resulted in his becoming wealthy, and he was enabled to buy more land, and now has one thousand and thirty-seven acres of the very best farming land, of which between four and five hundred acres are under a complete system of drainage, tiles and ditches running in every direction, making the rich soil more productive, and the farm one of the most perfectly drained PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 783 in the county. He was the first to introduce tiling in this part of the county, having shipped tile on the cars before it had ever been manufactured in this section. He has spared neither money nor pains in making improvements and has a well-appointed set of buildings. Elsewhere in this volume will be noticed a view of his large and elegant two-story brick residence, which is situated a quarter of a mile from the Wilson Pike. It was erected in 1882 at a cost of $6,000, and contains thirteen spacious rooms and halls, finely finished and tastefully furnished. His barns are commodious and conveniently arranged, and he has other necessary buildings. He pays considerable attention to raising stock of high grades, and has one hundred cattle, having disposed of fifty last winter; six hundred and fifty sheep, and some hogs, having sold seventy-five of the latter last fall. He has had as many as fifteen hundred and fifty sheep at one time, and raises and keeps as many horses as he needs to work his extensive farm. Mr. Atkinson was married May 29, 1866, to Lucinda, daughter of John and Mary (Rhulen) Nonnemaker, and widow of Robert F. Fleming. Mrs. Atkinson is a native f Ohio, born in Fairfield County November 2, 1839, and is f German extraction. She is a woman of noble character, who fills in every way her position as wife, mother and friend. She has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church since the age of seventeen. To her and our subject have been born three children, to whom is being given the best f educational advantages the State affords. Their son, Charles Francis, born June 24, 1870, attended Wittenburg College, at Springfield, four years, and is now pursning a course f study at the Nelson Business College in the same city. Cephas, who was born December 24, 1875, is preparing for college in a school at Plain City. Mr. and Mrs. Atkinson's only daughter, Mary Eva, who was born June 17, 1867, attended Wittenburg College two years, was a student one year at Wooster and one year at Gambier, Ohio. She became an expert stenographer and type-writer, and commanded a salary of $100 a month prior to her marriage with Henry S. Francis, a prominent druggist of Uhrichville. Mrs. Francis belongs to the Episcopal Church, while her husband and brother Cephas are identified with the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Atkinson is a man of large, roundabout common sense, positive character, more than average executive ability, and his standing in financial circles is of the highest. He is well known as President of the Farmers' Bank, f Plain City, which, under his administration, is one f the leading monetary institutions of Madison County. In politics, he is first, last and always a Republican, and uses his influence to further the interests of his party. Socially, he is identified with Urania Lodge No. 311, A. F. and A. M. He is public-spirited, and all enterprises looking to the advancement of his township or county are sure of his cordial approbation and material assistance. JEREMIAH REA. The gentleman of whom it is our pleasure and privilege to here give a biographical sketch in outline has spent his life in doing good to others and upholding the rights of all. Few of the agriculturists of Oak Run Township, Madison County, are better known than is he, who is engaged in cultivating the soil and breeding fine stock. His beautiful home is pleasantly located seven miles from London and is supplied with all the comforts which are to be found upon a first-class estate. Our subject, who was born in London October 19, 1824, is the son of Mathew and Ann (Amos) Rea. His father was also an agriculturist and stock-breeder and was born near Rockbridge, Va., in 1793. e participated in the War of 1812 under Gen. Harrison and did efficient and valiant service during those trying times. In 1818, the elder Mr. Rea located in Union Township, Fayette County, and worked on rented land for a time and later became one f the wealthy and prominent men of this section. The grandparents f our subject also came hither in the above-named date, but being poor people Mathew had to make his own way in the world without any monetary assistance, and at the time of his death, in company with his sons, was the possessor of two thousand acres of 784 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. land. In politics, he was a Whig until the dissolution of that party, when he became a Democrat. He is what may be termed a self-made man as his advantages for obtaining an education were very limited. He was elected County Commissioner of his township and in many ways represented his district in positions of trust. Our subject was the eldest of the parental family of four children: Joseph, who was born April 10, 1829, died November 6, 1873; Robert, who was born in 1831, is a prominent stock-dealer in London, this State; Margaret Elizabeth married F. M. Chenoweth and makes her home in London. Jeremiah f this sketch was reared to farming pursuits, and after establishing himself in business on his own account, remained in partnership with his father until reaching his thirty-fifth year. He was married, August 22, 1850, to Miss Catherine, daughter of Benjamin and Sarah (Bostwick) Leach. Mrs. Rea was born in Fayette County, September 19, 1829, and shortly after her marriage removed to what is now the present home of our subject. In his political relations, he of whom we write cast his first Presidential vote in 1848 for Zachary Taylor. In 1856, he joined the ranks of the Democrats and voted for James Buchanan. e has been Clerk and Treasurer f the township and has also served as School Director for over twenty years. e was at one time a candidate on the Independent ticket for County Commissioners, but as he refused to electioneer, was defeated. e at one time was the nominee for County Treasurer, his opponent being elected by a very small majority. Mr. Rea received about six hundred acres f land on the division of his father's estate and has added to it from time to time until now he has a handsome property f fourteen hundred acres. By industry and energy, he has placed his farm under thorough tillage and put in many feet of tiling. The buildings are of the best description, and stamp their owner as a man f enterprise and progress. The two children born to Mr. and Mrs. Rea are Mathew, who lives on the old homestead and was born July 19, 1858, and Sarah Louisa, who was born August 1, 1863. The son, in addition to receiving a common-school education, attended the High School at London and is now one of the prominent farmers and stock-raisers of this section. He was married, December 13,1882, to Miss Grace Dodds, of Mason, Warren County, this State, where she was born January 9, 1862. She is a most intelligent and cultured lady and is the daughter of E. C. and Lavina F. (Keever) Dodds, She has become the mother of two children: Earl D., who was born January 15, 1886, and Robert C., who was born July 24, 1889, and resides with her husband on a portion of the sold home farm. Mathew I.. is also a Democrat in politics, and in 1880 voted for Hancock. e has been very prominent in local affairs and when only twenty-two years of age was elected to the responsible position of Trustee, which office he held two terms, and was made Treasurer of his township in 1891. His interest in school affairs led him to be placed on the School Board as Director in 1890 and in the fall of the following year he was elected County Commissioner. His popularity is shown in the fact that his opponent was one of the representative men of the county and the opposing party had a majority of three hundred and fifty. e received every vote in his township with the exception of nineteen and carried the Fourth Ward in London, which had always been given to the opposing party. The daughter of our subject married Isaac F. Beery, a banker of Upper Sandusky, this State, and is the mother f three children, viz: Isaac R., Mathew L. and Brooks F. JOHN PERRILL. The finely-improved farm belonging to Mr. Perrill is conveniently and pleasantly located in Jasper Township, Fayette County, and consists of five hundred and thirty-seven acres, npon which first-class improvements have been placed. While he devotes considerable attention to general farming, he makes a specialty of raising cattle and hogs, in which he has been more than ordinarily successful. His residence is one of the most attractive in the township, while the other buildings are substantial and well adapted to their various uses. PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 785 During the early years of the settlement of Ohio, Hugh Perrill, father f our subject, came hither with his parents and located eight miles east of Lancaster. His birthplace was in Virginia, although the most of his active life was passed in the Buckeye State. He was married to Miss Margaret Caldwell, of Ohio, and shortly afterward removed to Highland County, which remained his home until the death of his wife. He then removed to Kentucky and resided near Greensburgh until his death, which occurred several years since. It is thought that he met with foul play, as he had started on a visit to his children in Ohio with considerable money in his possession, and when his body was found in Tiger Creek, there was no money whatever upon it. John Perrill was born in Highland County, Ohio, June 17, 1823, and until he was twenty-two, resided in the place of his birth. During the following eight years, he was a resident of Pike County, where he was employed in farming pursuits and also drove cattle across the mountains. He was thirty years old when he came to Fayette County and settled upon the farm where he still resides. Shortly after coming to this county, he was married to Miss Margaret J., daughter of Elias and Elizabeth (Hall) Sparks, natives of Bourbon County, Ky. Mrs. Perrill was born in the Blue Grass State November 9, 1837, and died October 7, 1890, mourned not only by her immediate family, but by all who knew her and who esteemed her for the noble traits of character and sincere Christian earnestness which characterized her life. Mr. and Mrs. Perrill became the parents f nine children, as follows: George N., who married Elizabeth Vaneman ; Iva, who married John Acton; Louis, who married Mamie Gray; Edward, who married Sally Jarrill; Rebecca, who married James Curtis; Charles, Laura, Maggie and Frank. All of the children are living. Mr. Perrill has been a kind and generous father, and has provided well for his children, having presented them with land and given them a good start in the world. He has secured large property by diligence and economy, seconded by wise judgment and excellent investments. In the political issues of the day, he maintains a deep interest, and is an ardent adher ent of Republican principles. In his religious sympathies, he is a member f the Methodist Episcopal Church, and a liberal supporter of Christian enterprises. WILLIAM D. WOOD, a retired farmer of Mt. Sterling, and an honored veteran of the late war, was born in Union Township, Fayette County, Ohio, on the 27th of February, 1841. His parents were Daniel and Tabitha (Leach) Wood. He was reared to manhood upon his father's farm and acquired his education in the common schools, which he attended during the winter season, while in the summer months he worked in the fields. e remained under the parental rof until twenty years f age, when he responded to the country's call for troops, enlisting in Company A, Fifty-fourth Ohio Infantry. The regiment was assigned to the Army of the Tennessee, and he participated in the battles of Shiloh, Corinth, the siege of Vicksburg, Jackson, Mission Ridge, and the Atlanta campaign. Previous to this, he had re-enlisted as a veteran, his three-years term of service having expired. While his regiment was engaged in the Atlanta campaign, Mr. Wood served on detached duty, guarding railroad bridges. He rejoined his regiment in Goldsboro, N. C., and participated in the Grand Review in Washington, D. C., the most brilliant military pageant ever seen in this country. He then went to Louisville, Ky., and on to Little Rock, Ark., where he was mustered out in August, 1865. When the war was over, Mr. Wood returned to his home, and on the 27th of February, 1866, was joined in wedlock with Miss Mary Parker. He began farming on a part of his father's farm, and afterward his father gave him seventy acres or more of land. In 1871, he was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who died on the 12th of July. He was again married, May 2, 1872, his second union being with Miss Rebecca Swope, of Fairfield County. Two children grace their union: Albert Thomas, who was born in Madison Town- 786 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. ship, Fayette County, Ohio, March 23, 1874, is now attending the High School of Mt. Sterling; and Arley Ray was born in Madison Township on the 13th of November, 1878. Upon the death of his father, Mr. Wood inherited more land, and now has four hundred and forty-eight acres in Madison Township, beside twelve acres which he purchased in Mt. Sterling. He is industrious and enterprising and made of his business life a success, so that he is now enabled to lay aside business cares, resting in the enjoyment of the fruits of his former toil. Mr. Wood is a man highly respected throughout the community, and is recognized as a valued citizen of Mt. Sterling, where he has made his home since 1884. He is a member of the Old-school Baptist Church, and in politics is a Republican, having been a stanch advocate of that party and its principles since he cast his first Presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln. He was a faithful soldier during the late war, and may well be proud of the part which he bore in preserving the Union.   SOLOMON D. RIEGEL is one of the extensive land-owners and prominent agriculturists and stock-raisers of Pickaway County. He now makes his home in Circleville, and devotes his attention to the care f his property. The Riegel family has long been identified with the public interests of the community, its upbuilding and progress. The father of our subject, Solomon Riegcl, Sr., was born in Berks County, Pa., April 10, 1811, and is a son of George and Eliza Riegel. He came to Salt Creek, Ohio, in 1832, having heard favorable reports of the country from his brother Jesse, and others. He was married October 31, 1834, to Mary Dunkle, who was born in Ross County, Ohio, March 31, 1803. Soon afterward, they removed to Fairfield County, where they spent two and a half years, and then went to Hocking County, where Mr. Riegel worked for his brother-in-law, George Dunkle. Soon afterward, his father gave him a farm of one hundred acres in Fairfield County, and, locating thereon, he laid the foundation for his splendid success. Prosperity attended his efforts, and ten years later he Nought a sawmill, a woolen factory, and about two hundred and fifty acres of land, and engaged in business on an extensive scale. At Laurelville, he erected a hotel and other buildings, and contributed largely to the improvement of that place. He has done much in the line of building, and by a member of the family it was estimated that he has erected within a few miles of the boundary lines of Pickaway, Hocking and Ross Counties, nineteen dwellings and barns, mills and other buildings, making a total of over one hundred. In this work, he has usually been his own contractor, designer and superintendent, getting the timber from the woods, the stone from the quarry, and manufacturing his own lumber. Throughout his life he has followed farming and stock-raising extensively. It has been through his efforts that some of the best turnpikes of Pickaway County have been built. He has ever been a public-spirited and progressive citizen, and what he has done for the county cannot be estimated in words. Mr. Riegel is now in his eighty-second year, but still operates a mill in Salt Creek Township, and is enjoying excellent health for one of his age. By appointment, he served as a Director of the Infirmary. In politics, he is a Democrat, and is a member of the Reformed Church. In the Riegel family were eight children: George D., who was a merchant in Laurelville, Ohio, and afterward in Brooklyn, N. Y., is now deceased; Harvey D. resides in Montana; Jane is the wife of A. Defenbough, of Salt Creek Township, Ohio; Samuel D.; Sarah Ann D. is the wife of W. C. Markle, of Salt Creek Township; Mary Elizabeth D. his the wife of George H. Lutz, of Circleville; the subject of this sketch is the next younger; and Emma C. D. is now Mrs. Rush, of Salt Creek Township.. Sol D. Riegel, as he is familiarly known, was born near Ringgold, Fairfield County, Ohio, in 1848. When about eighteen months old, he went with his parents to Hocking County, and remained in Laurelville until thirteen years of age, when he became a resident of Salt Creek Township. His education was acquired in the common schools. PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 787 At an early age he was inured to hard labor, and on attaining his majority he started out in life for himself. He engaged in farming and stock-raising, purchasing one hundred acres of land in Salt Creek Township. He afterward bought a partially improved farm of one hundred and seventy-five acres in Pickaway Township, this county, operating both by tenants. In purchasing these, he contracted an indebtedness of $13,000, but he never missed making a payment upon them, and in course f time had them free from all encumbrance. Mr. Riegel has dealt extensively in live stock. He has fed from seven to eight hundred hogs each year, and in this way paid off his debt. He subsequently bought eighty-eight acres f land adjoining his home farm. This made it a one hundred and eighty-eight acre tract, upon which he resided, giving his personal supervision to its improvements. He afterwards bought ninety-seven acres in Ross County, which he has rented. He has sold his original one hundred acres f land, but still has eighty-eight acres in Salt Creek Township, a fine stock farm, and another farm of one hundred and seventy-five acres. He still feeds stock, grazing over one hundred cattle, beside feeding a large number of hogs. He was the first in this section of the county to purchase full-blooded Jerseys, which he still raises. He has also raised some fine horses and sheep, and has taken many premiums at different fairs. His home farm is considered the finest in the township. In Ross County, Ohio, in October, 1873, Mr. Riegel led to the marriage altar Miss Mary A. Rush, a native of that county, and a daughter f John and Melinda Rush, of Ross County, prominent farming people. Four children have been born of their union: Bertha May, Grace Rush, Harry Rush, and Bessie Rush. They have a pleasant and commodious residence on East Main Street, and the members f the family rank high in social circles. Mr. Riegel has been prominently identified with the leading interests of the county. He was one of the organizers of the Southeastern Ohio Fair Association, of which he was Treasurer until it was discontinued. He is Treasurer of the Circle- ville Land Improvement Company, is one of the Directors f the Board of Trade, of Circleville, and is the owner of considerable real estate in Wichita, Kan. Like his honored father, he has done much for the turnpike roads f the county. He was President of the Circleville and Adelphi Turnpike, when it was bought by the county, is still Secretary f the Salt Creek Valley Turnpike, and owns an interest in, and is Director f, the turnpike in Hocking County, Ohio. In his political affiliations, Mr. Riegel is a Democrat, and has served as a delegate to both the county and State conventions. He belongs to the Reformed Church in Salt creek Township, in which he was Trustee for many years, and has also served as both Deacon and Elder. He has been active in both church and Sunday-school work, and has contributed liberally to the cause. Mr. Riegel is a man of most excellent business ability, and well deserves the success that has crowned his efforts. He is a progressive citizen, and ever has the interests of the community at heart. ABRAHAM WEAVER. This prominent and influential resident of the farming community of Washington Township, Pickaway County, is a native of that place, his birth occurring September 7, 1835. He is the son of Jacob Weaver, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1797. The latter emigrated to Ohio when a young man, and, locating in Fairfield County, there worked at his trade as a shoemaker. The elder Mr. Weaver was married in Fairfield County to the mother of our subject, who bore the maiden name of Catherine Bimheimer, and was a native of that place. er parents emigrated from Germany, and, locating in Ohio, were among the early settlers of Fairfield County. Mr. Bimheimer entered a large tract of land from the Government, and at his death was very wealthy, dividing his estate among his large family f children, giving to each one hundred and sixty acres. After his marriage, Mr. Jacob Weaver came to Pickaway County, and purchased forty 788 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. acres of land in Washington Township. This he cleared and improved and in a short time added another forty to his possessions. He later added at one time eighty acres, at another one hundred and sixty and at another one hundred and sixty more. Subsequently adding another quarter-section to his already magnificent estate, he became the owner of a square section of land. He later purchased one hundred and forty acres in Pickaway Township, and at the time of his decease was one of the largest, if not the largest, land-holder in the county, owning one thousand acres of valuable land, and had placed to his credit in the bank $10,000. He was a man whose influence was greatly felt in the community, and one who counted his friends as numerous as his acquaintances. His accumulations were entirely the result f his own industry and perseverance, as he started out in life without a cent. He obtained the money to pay for his first forty acres by making shoes. He often hauled his wheat to market at Zanesville, receiving for the same an equivalent of thirty cents per bushel, the pay being given in salt. His corn marketed at ten cents per bushel. In the early days, the father of our subject, in company with several of his neighbors, built a flatboat, which they loaded with flour, and drifted down the Scipio Creek to the Scioto River, and thence down the Mississippi River to New Orleans, where they found a ready market for their product. The men would then walk home, keeping along the banks of the rivers. Mr. Weaver served as a soldier in the War of 1812, and was highly esteemed by everyone who had the honor of his acquaintance. He was very prominent in all local affairs, and held many of the township offices. In religious matters, he was a consistent member f the Lutheran Church, in the faith of which body he died, April 14, 1869, greatly mourned by the entire community. he was a law-abiding citizen, bearing the good-will of all his neighbors. Mrs. Jacob Weaver passed from this life November 17, 1890, when nearly eighty-seven years of age. She drew a pension from the Government from the time of her husband's death until her decease. Abraham Weaver was the third child in order of birth of his parent's family of eight children, six of whom are living. He was born and reared within sight of his present beautiful home, and was given a good education in the district schools of his neighborhood. He remained at home, assisting his father in the cultivation of his vast acres, until reaching his thirty-second year. Our subject was married in 1864 to Miss Mary A. Moore, who was born and reared in Washington Township, Pickaway County. Mrs. Weaver was the daughter of Caleb and Mariah Moore, the father born in this county, where he followed the trade of a blacksmith. He later, however, purchased a farm and followed the pursuits of an agriculturist, in which occupation he was very successful. He afterward removed to Fairfield County, where he purchased a farm in Madison Township, upon which he resided until his death in 1884. After his marriage, the original of this sketch removed to Fairfield County in company with his father-in-law, and made that place his home for the succeeding two years. In 1867, he returned to this county, and, locating in Pickaway Township, was engaged in cultivating the soil for seven years. He later rented that property and purchased a home in Washington Township, Pickaway County, removing hither on account of the superior schools in this locality. For nine years, Mr. Weaver of this sketch operated a steam sawmill, which he found to be a very profitable business. He now gives the greater portion of his time to cultivating his splendid estate. To Mr. and Mrs. Weaver have been born seven children: Katie, who is the wife of Winter Shelby, resides in Piatt County, Ill.; Susan, who is at home; Caleb, deceased; Maria, the wife of Wilison Betz, a farmer in Washington Township; Cliff, Eugenia, and Earl W. are at home. They have all been given excellent educations, and Katie and Susan taught school for a number of years. In his political affiliations, Mr. Weaver inclines toward Democratic principles. He has held the office of Justice of the Peace for over fifteen years, and his interest in educational matters caused him to be placed on the Board, where he did very effective work. In 1862, our subject was commis- PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 789 sioned Captain of Company H by Gov. Todd,and drilling a company f State militia, was stationed at Camp Green. He was later called out and engaged in the Morgan raid. Previous to that time, however, he had belonged to a company of militia for five years, and was thus thoroughly acquainted with military tactics. Mr. Weaver holds the entire confidence of the people of his community, and has acted in the capacity of guardian, administrator, commissioner of estates and assignee on various occasions. His advice on legal matters is much sought after by his neighbors, who place high value upon his wise and judicious decisions. He has presided over many law suits, and, always advises settlement when it is possible. He has also performed numerous marriage ceremonies, and is favorably and widely known throughout the county. His landed estate comprises one hundred and sixty acres on Scipio Creek, Pickaway County, all of which is under the most thorough cultivation. SAMUEL M. WALLACE, who owns a highly productive and well-equipped farm in Pickaway Township, is an example of the younger generation f farmers who are such important agents in sustaining and advancing the great agricultural interests f Pickaway County. Our subject was born in Chillicothe, Ross County, April 10, 1867, and is a son of Samuel Logan Wallace, who was born in Green Township, that county, in 1825. His parents were among the early settlers f that place, and he was reared in a pioneer home. e lived on a farm until he attained his majority. Our subject was a bright scholar, and being very ambitious to obtain an education, he taught school a few years to earn the means to take him to college, from which he was subsequently graduated with a high standing for learning. He was of a legal turn f mind, and after pursuing his prfessional studies, he began to practice at Chillicothe. He was first associated with Judge Alfred S. Yaple, and subsequently with Judge Minshall, both of whom are now Supreme Judges of the State. e rose to a high position in his profession, and is said to have been one of the ablest lawyers that ever practiced in the courts of Ross County. His fame won him a large clientage, and he was very popular, his fellow-citizens ften tendering him offices of honor, which he steadily refused, partly on account f his business cares and because he was wrapped up in his beloved profession. He was, however, a man of true public spirit, and his death, February 19, 1876, at the age of fifty-two years, was considered a serious loss to his county. The mother of our subject, whose maiden name was Mary A. Moore, is a native of Chillicothe, which city is still her home. She is a daughter of Dr. James J. Moore, a former celebrated physician of that city, a pioneer of his profession in Ross County. He was a Virginian by birth, and he came from the old Dominion to Ohio at an early day in its settlement. He at first established himself at Londonderry, but he subsequently removed to Chillicothe, where he practiced a great many years. He died in 1872, and left behind him many warm friends and a life record as a good citizen and an able physician. Mrs. Wallace is a lady of refined character, whose many pleasant attributes have won her a high place in the estimation of all who come under her influence. Beside other valuable property, she owns a farm of one hundred and sixteen acres adjoining her son's in Pickaway Township, which is known as the old Maj. John Bogg's Homestead, and on that land stands the famous Logan Elm, the tree named for the noted Mingo chief, Logan, who made his immortal speech under its spreading boughs when concluding a treaty of peace with Gov. Dunmore, f Virginia, in 1774, whereby the Territory of the Northwest was thrown open to white settlers. Samuel M. Wallace is the only survivor of the three children born to his parents. He was well educated in the graded schools of his native city, and had a solid foundation for any calling that he might choose to follow. He had a decided taste for agricultural pursuits, and in September of the year that he attained his majority (1888), he purchased a farm f one hundred and thirty-two acres of fine land in Pickaway Township, and has spent 790 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. his time since then mostly on his farm, which he is managing with a good degree of success, employing none but the methods most adapted to the soil in cultivating his land, and continually making judicious improvements, which add to the value of the place. He has already won a high reputation for skill, prudence and practical ability in handling his affairs, and bids fair to become one of the leading farmers of the county. He stands well in social circles, having a good address and pleasant personal qualities, and among politicians he is known as a promising young Democrat, who will be an influence in his party at no distant date. Mrs. Moore, the grandmother of Samuel Wallace, is a gentle old lady of seventy-six years, with a philosophic turn of mind, which is a great advantage to her as she has been an invalid for years. MARTIN V. HIGH. Ohio was well represented at the front by her native-born sons during the late war, many of whom bravely sacrificed the opening years of their manhood in valiantly fighting for their country. Of this number is our subject, who gained military honors as an officer of one of the regiments of his State. He has since done as good service in the interests of agriculture, and is successfully managing his farm, which is six miles south of Plain City. Mr. High was born in the city of Columbus, Franklin County, April 12, 1837, and is a son of Hosea High, who was born near Camden, N. J., in 1802, and there grew to a stalwart manhood. In 1823, he set out on foot for the "Wild West," and in due time arrived at Columbus, which was then a mere hamlet. He there met the young lady whom he afterward married, Mary A. McComick, who, it is supposed, was born in that city, of which her father, Frank McComick, a Virginian, was a very early settler. He was a soldier in the War of 1812, and he was present at St Clair's defeat. The father of our subject established himself as a shoemaker in Columbus, and there he lived until he removed with his family, in 1840, to a farm seven miles distant. In 1853, he went from there to a farm in Big Darby, in the same county, and there his long life was rounded out by his death, when he was seventy-eight years old. The mother then returned to Columbus, where she is quietly spending her old age, she having passed the eighty-ninth milestone in life's journey last November. She is the mother f eleven children, all but one of whom grew to maturity, and seven are now living, all in Ohio. Our subject is the seventh child and fourth son of the family. e became thoroughly grounded in all that pertains to agriculture, assisting his father on his farm until he was twenty-three years old. The great Civil War then broke out, and he entered the ranks of the brave boys in blue, who went to the front to defend the Stars and Stripes, enlisting in Company K, First Ohio Cavalry. He went into the army as a private, but he soon showed of what metal he was made, and for meritorious conduct was promoted to the office of Second Lieutenant, and afterward his gallant conduct won him the commission of First Lieutenant. He fought well at the battle of Pittsburgh Landing, but on account of disability came home on a furlough after that. He took part in the battles of Stone River and Perrysville, faced the enemy in the disastrous engagement at Chickamauga, helped to carry the day for the Union forces at Mission Ridge, and did good service in the various battles that took place on the Atlanta campaign. There his term of enlistment expired and he was discharged after three long and trying years of service in camp and on the field. Upon leaving the army, our subject returned to his father and remained with him, farming the old homestead until his marriage, which took place November 4, 1869, when he was wedded to Miss Angeline, daughter of Henry and Elizabeth Alder, who were natives respectively of Madison County and of Pennsylvania, both coming of the old pioneer stock of this State. Mrs. High was born in Canaan Township, August 29, 1847, and was reared to womanhood in this township. After his marriage, Mr. High located on a rented farm, which he gave up a year and a half later for one of his PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 793 own. Mrs. High was born in Canaan Township August 29, 1847, and was there reared to womanhood. Her marriage to our subject nas been blessed to them by the birth of four daughters and three sons, named respectively, Delia, Lizzie, Laura, Etta, Walter, Hosea and Harry, all of whom are still members of the family circle except Lizzie, who is deceased, and all were born on the farm that has always been their home. After marriage, Mr. High first located on a rented farm, which he gave up a year and a half later for one of his own, also situated in Canaan Township, which is still in his possession. It comprises one hundred and forty-seven acres of land that is exceedingly fertile, is well tilled, and is provided with modern improvements. It is admirably adapted to general farming purposes, and its fields yield abundant harvests, while its rich pastures afford good feed for the stock that is here raised. Mr. High is unswerving in his loyalty to the Democratic party. Religiously, he is a member in high standing f the Universalist Church, the society to which he belongs worshipping in Alder Chapel, in Jefferson Township. He is prominent socially as a member of the Andrew Burrus Post, G. A. R. and of West Jefferson Lodge No. 221, A. F. and A. M. JAMES L. ZIMMERMAN, LL. B., attorney-at-law in Washington C. H., has been actively engaged in the practice f his profession since the fall of 1884, and has his office in a pleasant suite f rooms in the Yeoman Block. We invite the reader's attention to his portrait and the following sketch f his life. He is a native of Fayette County and was born February 7, 1860, on the farm which is still the home of his parents. His education was commenced in the district and public schools f Washington C. H., and completed in the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware. The legal profession proved so fascinating to the peculiar ability and mental acquirements of Mr. Zimmerman that he resolved to commence its 38 study. Accordingly, he entered the law school at Cincinnati and was graduated in 1884, after which he at once established an office in Washington C. H., forming a partnership with J. B. Priddy. A branch office was opened at Mt. Sterling, Ohio, of which our subject afterward assumed entire charge. On the removal of Mr. Priddy to the West in the spring of 1886, the connection was dissolved, since which time Mr. Zimmerman has conducted his practice alone. Although the law is his chosen prfession and he considers faithful attention to his practice his first duty, Mr. Zimmerman, nevertheless, finds time for other interests, both of a public and private nature. He superintends the management of the farm which he owns in Fayette County and derives a good income from its rental. He is Secretary of the Cincinnati Southern Loan Company and holds other positions of trust and honor. His library is one of the finest in the county and contains a large number of rare and valuable books of a general, as well as legal, character, and he has also the finest collection of art works in the county. A biography f Mr. Zimmerman would be of little value to him did it not contain extended mention of his father, who has been one f the most enterprising citizens of Fayette County since he settled here in his early manhood. Obediah Zimmerman was born on Twin Creek, in Ross County, Ohio, October 14, 1811, and was the son of Andrew and Ruth (Taylor) Zimmerman, natives of Maryland. He received his education in the subscription schools of that early day and remained with his father, aiding in the work of developing the farm, until his marriage to Miss Nancy Simmons. He then purchased a tract of land in the southern part of Fayette County, near New Martinsburgh, and remained there until 1857, when he moved to Union Township, this county, his present home, and began the task of clearing and cultivating the soil. After the death f his first wife, Obediah Zimmerman was married, May 14, 1850, to Elizabeth Jane, daughter of Isaac House. Her grandmother was an aunt of President James K. Polk. Six children were born of that union: Margaret Caroline, born March 18, 1851, became the wife of Al- 794 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD bert P. Kilgore, of Fayette County, November 18, 1875; John Jefferson, who was born February 23, 1853, married Emma Fisher, February 21, 1882, and resides in Fayette County; Isaac Newton, whose birth occurred June 10, 1855, is a farmer in this county; Amanda Ann, born April 2, 1857, became the wife of Ashley Wood, March 11, 1875; our subject was the next in order of birth; Clara E., born May 22, 1862, was married February 21, 1882, to the Rev. Joseph Griffeth, a minister f the Methodist Episcopal Church. The father lived on the old farm until after the birth of three children, when he located at his present home, and here he and his faithful wife have lived and labored for thirty-five years. They are sincere members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mrs. Elizabeth Zimmerman was born November 24, 1825, and was reared to womanhood in the pioneer home which her father established in Fayette County in March, 1807. She is a devoted wife and mother, and ever uppermost in her thoughts are the interests f her husband and children. The maternal grandfather of our subject, Isaac House, was born November 3, 1847, and died January 21, 1850. He removed from Shenandoah County, Va., to Ohio in 1807, and took up a tract of land, now a part of the Zimmerman homestead, when it was an entire wilderness, with the nearest neighbors three miles distant. His marriage united him with Mary Ann Winegardner and took place in Fairfield County in March, 1823. Mrs. House was born in Pendleton County, Va., February 2, 1790, and died September 29, 1831. Four children were born of their union, namely: Elizabeth Jane, of whom mention has already been made; Charity Ann, born March 1, 1827, is the wife of C. C. Plyley; Caroline, born September 14, 1828, is the wife of James G. Beatty, of Seldon; John, born April 25, 1831, died January 1, 1866. The last named at his death left a widow and four children, as follows: L. F. House, M. D., of Adams County; Clara E. Seaburn, who resides in Fayette County; Allie E., Mrs. Langdon, and Ulysses S., who reads law in the office of our subject and passed his examination for admission to the Bar at Columbus, in October, 1891. There was an agreement in the Winegardner family that those who married were to have no share in the family estate, while those who remained single were to have the whole of the fortune. The last unmarried member of the family died recently, leaving an estate valued at more than $500,000, which reverted to the heirs of the family. They are known as one f the wealthiest and most widely-known families of Fairfield County, and for generations have been identified with its growth. DR. RALPH MORDEN. Few, perhaps none, save those who have trod the arduous paths f the profession, can picture to themselves the array of attributes, physical, mental and moral, and the host of minor graces of manner and person, essential to the making of a truly successful physician. His constitution must needs be of the hardiest to withstand the constant shock of wind and weather, the wearing loss of sleep and rest, the ever gathering load of care, the insidious approach of every form of fell disease to which his daily round of duties momently exposes him. Such a physician we find in the person f Dr. Ralph Morden, who is one of the oldest homeopathists in Circleville. The Doctor is a native of London, Ontario, born August 8, 1852, the son of Andrew B. Morden, and the grandson of the Rev. Ralph Morden. The great-great-grandfather, Ralph Morden, was born in Yorkshire, England, and was a Quaker in his religious views. e came to America about 1742, and settled in New Jersey or Delaware, where he followed agricultural pursuits. During the Revolutionary War, he would not fight, and was prosecuted. The family then moved to Canada, his son John, the grandfather of our subject, being then sixteen years of age. They located on the present site of Dundas, and received a grant of one thousand acres of land. Here John grew to manhood, married, and his son Ralph, grandfather of our subject, was the first white child born in Dundas. The latter had seven PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 795 brothers and two sisters and each drew two hundred acres f land in London Township, Middlesex County. This land was then a wilderness, and they began at once to clear it and make improvements. Near this is now a city of thirty-five thousand inhabitants. This made the Mordens nearly all farmers. Ralph Morden became a Methodist minister and an earnest worker in that church. He was prominent in his calling and was also a great temperance worker, being an officer in the Grand Lodge of the Independent Order of Good Templars. He lived to the age of seventy-eight years. The father of our subject grew to manhood in Canada, but later sold his share of the old site and located in Ridgetown, Ontario, where he lives at the present time. Although sixty-eight years of age, time has dealt leniently with him, and he is strong and active. The Morden family is a prominent one in Canada, and Mr. Morden is an active member of the Methodist Church, in which he has been Class-leader for years. He married Miss Elizabeth Brown, a native of Halifax, daughter of William Brown, who was of English-Scotch descent. Grandfather Brown was a ship-builder, which occupation he followed in his native country, England, until his removal to Canada. Eleven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Morden, five sons and six daughters, all of whom are living. Our subject was the eldest of this family, and he was reared on the farm and educated in the common schools. When sixteen years of age, he entered the university at Belleville, Ontario, remained there for some time, and then entered the seminary at Komoka, where he remained for eight months. At the age of eighteen, he engaged in teaching school, and, as he had from the early age of ten years cherished a desire to study medicine, he entered upon a course f study with Dr. R. J. P. Morden, of London, in 1871, when little past the age of nineteen years. In the fall of 1873, he entered the Homeopathy Medical College, at New York, and was graduated from that institution in 1875, with the degree of M. D. e afterward located at Exeter, practiced there for one year, and then, on account of ill-health, having recovered from a severe attack of typhoid fever, he located, in the spring of 1877, in Grove Port, Franklin County, Ohio, where he practiced for about seven years. He was the first homeopathic physician in that town. e was married there, in 1879, to Miss, Lenora C. Stine, a native of this town. On the 1st of November, 1883, Dr. and Mrs. Morden located in Circleville, Ohio, and the former bought out Dr. J. C. King and continued the practice. He is the leading homeopathic physician in the city, and his ability as a physician and surgeon is well known. He is located on Court Street, opposite the Opera House. He is a member of the Independent Order of Good Templars in this place, having joined in 1887, and is a very prominent temperance man. The Doctor is also a member of the Knights of Pythias. He has been President f the Central Committee of Pickaway County, and served as Secretary for two years. In 1889, he was nominated for Representative and ran far ahead of his ticket. He has been a delegate to the State Convention, and is a member f the Homeopathic Medical Society of the State. His marriage resulted in the birth of six children: Elizabeth, Fannie, Mary L., Jennie, Ralph (the sixth) and Martha E. JOSEPH H. JOHNSON. Among the prominent residents of Madison County, we take pleasure in giving in outline the record of the life of Mr. Johnson, who, although receiving only a common-school education, has by his natural mental ability advanced in whatever field he has entered. He now resides on a beautiful estate in Jefferson Township, which is supplied with excellent buildings and everything necessary for the successful prosecution of his life calling. Before mentioning in detail the events which have characterized find individualized the life of our subject, it may be well to present a brief record of his ancestry. His great-grandfather, on his father's side, was born in Ireland about 1744, and 796 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. emigrated to the United States about 1800, settling in Ohio, five miles northwest of where West Jefferson now stands. He was a member of the Baptist Church and a worthy and hard-working pioneer. His eight children were: John, Margaret, Sarah, Jacob, Katie, Henry, Michael and Polly. The fourth child, Jacob, was the grandfather f our subject, and was born in 1782 and died in 1838. He and his first wife, whose maiden name was Jemima Cania, were the parents of six children, namely: Abram, Cynthia, Abner, Rhoda, Polly and Lewis. After the death of this lady, Jacob Johnson married Phebe Carria, and their children were six in number: Luther, Henry, Catherine, Samuel, Sallie and Lyda. The maternal great-grandparents of our subject came from England to the United States, and, on account of a storm, were six months in crossing the ocean. They settled in Chillicothe, Ross County, Ohio, where they were prominently identified with the best interests f the community, he serving as Clerk of the Court for several years. They reared a family of four children: Edward, Joseph, John and Parker. Joseph Gardner, the second child, was born in Chillicothe in 1813, and lived to be fifty-six years old. After being united in marriage with Jane Thomson, he came to Madison County, and settled five miles south of London. Ten children were born of this marriage: Eliza (mother of our subject), Parker, Thomas, Joseph, John, Edward, Charles, Margaret, William and Clara. Lewis Johnson, father of our subject, was the sixth child born of his father's first marriage, his birth occurring in Jefferson Township, April 29, 1820. On reaching mature years, he was married to Eliza Gardner, who was born January 15, 1829. When eleven years of age, she had accompanied her parents on their removal to Madison County, where her death occurred February 16, 1884. The parental family included six children, our subject, who was born January 22, 1854, being the third in order of birth. He received his education in the common schools, and was trained to farming pursuits, which occupation he has always followed. At Georgesville, Franklin County, this State, March 20, 1878, Mr. Johnson was married to Miss Mary, daughter f the late Samuel Biggert. She was born in Franklin County September 29, 1852, received a good education, and prior to her marriage taught eight terms of school. By her union with our subject, she became the mother of two children, Samuel L. and Carrie A., and departed this life June 28, 1888. She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which she served as Steward for ten years. John Biggert, the paternal grandfather of Mrs. Johnson, was born in Ireland in 1758, and about 1800 emigrated to this country, being three months in crossing the ocean on a sailing-vessel. In Pennsylvania, he married Margaret Gibson, who was born in 1782, and they became the parents of nine children, namely: William, Mary, John, Samuel, Rachel, Charlotte, Joshua, Tilla and Margaret. Of these, Margaret alone survives. The parents of this family were strict Presbyterians in their religious faith, and both lived to advanced years, the father dying when ninety, and the mother when eighty years of age. Samuel, the fourth child, was born September 22, 1809, at the old Biggert homestead, three miles south of Georgesville, Ohio, on the banks of Darby Creek, which was also the birthplace of the other children. At the age of twenty-five years, he married Mary R. Roberts, and of this union were born twelve children, as follows: Martha, Matilda M., Susan E., Thomas E., Samuel, Margaret, John R., Sebastian, Mary S., William, Lottie and Frank. The parents were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, at Georgesville, and the father followed the occupation of a farmer. He died at the age f seventy-nine years, while the mother still survives. The maternal great-grandparents f Mrs. Johnson emigrated from Ireland, settling in Virginia. Their six children were: Thomas, John, George, William, James and Elizabeth. Thomas was born in the year 1774, and in early manhood married Susan Poisel, they becoming parents of eleven children: John, Margaret, James, Elizabeth, Sebastial, Nancy, Boston, George, Elias, Mary R. and Edward R. Thomas Roberts came to Ohio in 1802, and spent most of his life at Georgesville, which PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 797 town was laid out by him in 1812. He was an extensive cattle merchant, and was accustomed to drive his cattle to market over the mountains on horseback. The tenth child in his family was Mary R., who was born in 1816. The subject of this sketch has followed farming as his life occupation, and has spent the most f his married life on the farm where he now resides. His estate of two hundred and fifty acres is under excellent cultivation, and by being properly managed, yields a handsome income. In addition to raising cereals, Mr. Johnson devotes considerable attention to breeding stock, and makes a specialty of hogs. In politics, he votes the straight Republican ticket, and in social matters is a member of West Jefferson Lodge No. 41, I. O. O. F. Being strictly upright in all his dealings, his credit is good wherever he is known, and he is esteemed as one of the most devoted members f the Methodist Episcopal Church.                 JUDGE OLIVER P. CRABB, Probate Judge of Madison County, is a man of high personal standing, and enjoys a distinguished reputation throughout this part of the State for his well-known probity and prfessional honor, and is a public-spirited, progressive, loyal citizen, who has the dearest interests of his community at heart. e was born in this county June 26, 1826, and is a most worthy representative of the sons of whom she may well be proud. His parents were Henderson and Jemima (Downing) Crabb, who were natives respectively of Maryland and Virginia, but were married in Ross County, this State. The father was engaged in the mercantile business, and was also a preacher of some local note in the Methodist Episcopal Church a number of years, and was very influential in its upbuilding. He lived retired for several years before his death, which occurred in the town f Jefferson. His wife died some years later in London, at the home of the Judge, our subject. He mingled somewhat in the political and public life of this community, espousing the cause f the Whig party, and he was at one time an incumbent of the office f Justice of the Peace. His father, Thomas Crabb, was a native of England, who came to this country some time during the last century, and settled at Hagerstown, Md., having a family f four children. Thirteen children were born to the parents of our subject, of whom five are living, namely: Mrs. Elizabeth Hayden, of Ft. Wayne, Ind.; Col. Benjamin F. Crabb, f York, Neb.; our subject; Mathias, of Chicago; and Alpheus, of Columbus. Judge Crabb was educated in the schools of Jefferson, and remained at home on the farm until he was fifteen years old. At that youthful age, he began to clerk in his father's store, and continued thus engaged for his father and others, and in selling goods on his own account, until 1854. In that year, he was appointed Recorder of Madison County, and six months later abandoned that post to accept the thee of Deputy Auditor, which position he retained two and a half years, and was then promoted to the head of the department by his election to be Auditor of the county, in which capacity he acted three terms of two years each. Resuming the mercantile business when he retired from public life, the Judge was engaged in the grocery trade at London until 1868. Selling out his store and stock, he acted as Justice three years, and was also interested in the insurance business, which he carried on until 1876. In 1875, he was returned to public life as Probate Judge of Madison County, and he is still on the bench of the Probate Court. His whole course during these years, sixteen in number, that he has been an incumbent f this onerous office has proved the wisdom of his elevation to it, and all are agreed, irrespective f party, that no better man could have been selected for the place, which calls not only, for a thorough familiarity with the common laws, but for intelligence in applying them to individual cases, for firmness in administering them, and for tact, self-control and ready wit at all times. Our subject is gifted with these and with other traits, that have gained him wide-spread popularity and the fullest trust f the people, who know that from his hands they will obtain justice tempered with mercy. The Judge is prominent in political circles as one of the chief counselors of the Republican 798 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. party in his district, and he has attended numerous party conventions. During the war, his sympathies were with the Union cause, and in various ways he rendered valuable services in helping to carry it on. He was appointed by Gov. Todd one of a military committee to assist volunteers, to help in raising troops, in obtaining funds for paying soldiers, and in other ways to second the movements of the army in the field. Socially, our subject is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and was Worshipful Master of Madison Lodge No. 221, at Jefferson, in the years of 1853-54, and in 1855 was elected Worshipful Master of Chandler Lodge No. 138, at London, which he held continuously until 1869. Also High Priest of Adoniram Chapel No. 13, for a number of years, and G. I. M. of London Council No. 41, for several years. His home is on North Oak Street, and is very attractive in its appointments and surroundings. Judge Crabb was married, in 1850, to Miss Sarah A. Putnam, of Jefferson, this county. Her parents were John and Sarah (Heath) Putnam, who were natives of New Hampshire, but passed their last years in this county, where the father was engaged as a farmer. Onr snbject and his wife have been blessed in their pleasant wedded life with these six children, four of whom are living: Willie P., a druggist at Streator, Ill., who married Miss Nellie Lawrence and has one child, Edith; Helen, who married R. H. McCloud, of the firm of McCloud & Converse, attorneys, at London; Mattie B.; and Oliver P., a clerk in his father's office. The two eldest children, Ella and Albert P., are deceased. ADAM McCREA is distinguished as one of the oldest residents of Circleville, and is nearly seventy-one years old, having been born within the Old Circle, August 19, 1821. He is the son of Matthew McCrea, who was born in County Down, Ireland, of Scotch parents and was one f the early settlers of Circleville, who ranked among its most active and progressive business men. The grandparents of our subject were Adam and Martha McCrea, the father a linen draper in Ireland. His son, the father f our subject, came to America in company with his brother Joseph, stopping first at Hagerstown, Md., where be remained for two years. In 1817, he came to the village of Circleville, Pickaway County, whither he had been preceded by his brother. His first employment was in the store of Thomas Bell, who was carrying on a thriving dry-goods business. It was in this county that he met and married his wife, Miss Agnes, daughter of Hugh and Ruth Foreman. er parents were Scotch people, the mother being a member f the Slocum family who suffered so terribly during the Wyoming massacre. Mrs. Mc Crea was born June 6, 1797, and was married to our subject's father September 16, 1819. Matthew McCrea established in business on his own account in the fall of 1819 in the village of Jefferson. He rode all the way to Philadelphia, Pa., on horseback to purchase the goods for his store, returning with his small stock of dry-goods in a wagon. Not being satisfied with his location in Jefferson, Mr. McCrea purchased property in Circleville, and in the spring of 1821 removed buildings and stock to the east side of the Old Circle, where he prosecuted his trade successfully until 1828. Then being the owner of a fine tract of land, he disposed of his stock f goods and engaged in farming for the remainder of his life, with the exception of 1834-35, when he became a partner with S. S. Denny in the dry-goods business. The father of our subject was probably the first successful adventurer in transporting pork, lard and flour from Circleville by way f the Scioto, Ohio and Mississippi Rivers to New Orleans. His first trip, which was made in 1819, was undertaken in the interest of his brother-in-law, Thomas Bell. He continued this profitable, although somewhat risky, enterprise until retiring from the mercantile business. It was his custom after disposing f his provisions in the Crescent City to sail for Philadelphia, Pa., where he purchased goods to sell in his store the ensuing year. He was a very genial and hospitable gentleman, and always made welcome both friend and stranger to his home. He took especial pleasure in entertaining ministers, and if the number, of those who accepted his kind- PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 799 ness, and the frequency of their visits, afford any means by which to judge, we may be sure that they fully appreciated his hospitality. He was a man in whom the people' reposed the highest degree of confidence, and at his death an attestation of this fact was shown in his having in his possession a considerable sum of money which had been given him to hold in trust. As one of the founders of the Circleville Academy, he exhibited his interest in educational matters, giving to the cause both his influence and pecuniary support. He was for many years one f the Trustees f the institution and throughout its existence took great interest in its welfare and usefulness. Always upon the side of good morals and right, Matthew McCrea became at an early day a strong advocate of temperance. He was one f the first to take the then unpopular step f dispensing with liquor in the harvest field. A man of strong and fine religious feeling—a quality perhaps in his Scotch blood—he was an active member of the Presbyterian Church, in which he was Ruling Elder for twelve years or more. Politically, he was a strong Whig of the Henry Clay school. e was in 1845 elected by the legislature as Associate Judge of Pickaway County, a position which he held until his death, September 4, 1847. Our subject was the eldest in the parental family of eight children, three of whom died in infancy. Joseph is now deceased, as is also Eveline A.; William resides at Trenton, Ill., and George makes his home in St. Louis, Mo. Adam of this sketch had the limited advantages offered by the schools f his district, and in 1837 entered the Miami University, from which institution he was graduated in the summer of 1842 with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. During the latter part of his college course, he read law, and on returning home entered an office for the purpose f studying for the profession. In the spring of 1843, however, he abandoned the project and to gratify the desire of his father became a farmer. After the death of his father, Adam McCrea and his mother sold and settled the estate for which they were the administrators, and in January, 1848, he purchased an interest in a dry-goods store in company with his brother-in-law, Nelson J. Turney, which connection lasted for two years, when Mr. C. F. Mackir bought out Mr. Turney, and the new firm of McCrea & Mackir continued for a twelvemonth. The latter-named gentleman then retired and our subject took in as partner his brother Joseph. They continued thus together for six years, when the firm was dissolved and another brother, George, became his partner. In 1871, they disposed of their stock and Mr. McCrea soon after removed to New York City, where he remained for two years in the employ of Halstead, Haines & Co. In the winter of 1873-74, he returned to Circleville, and in April of the last-named year became the proprietor of the Pickaway House, operating as "mine host" until 1882, when he sold out and engaged in the insurance business. His office is located in the Masonic Temple, he representing as good insurance companies as are in existence, viz: Commercial Union, of London; London Assurance; Niagara, f New York; American, of Philadelphia; Home, of New York; Underwriters, of New York, and the Lloyd Plate Glass, which is the largest company of its kind in the United States. The original of this sketch was married, January 15, 1846, to Miss Isabella, daughter of Dr. Daniel and Janet (Sterling) Turney. Mrs. McCrea was born in Pickaway County and departed this life in April, 1889, after having become the mother of four children, three of whom died in infancy. Nelson Turney McCrea, who was born November 12, 1850, is at present residing in Circleville. Our subject served on the School Board during his younger days, being President f that body for seven years, during which time the first class in the High School was graduated. He was also a member of the first board of Teachers' Examiners in this county, requiring the teachers to attain a much higher standard in education than formerly. He is at the present time a member of the Board of Trustees of the Miami University, which is his Alma Mater, being appointed to that position by Gov. Hoadley in 1884. In his political views, Mr. McCrea is a Republican. He is connected with the Presbyterian Church, having been for a number of years one of its Ruling Elders, being first elected to serve in that capacity by the death f his father, who was