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FRANCIS AMPT, retired saddler, Germantown. Francis Ampt is a native of Germany, of the city of Mayence on the Rhine ; was born June 3, 1810 ; landed in the United States June 10, 1833. Married Kunigunda Rosa, of Hamilton, Ohio, in March, 1839. The latter was born in Germany February 14, 1819, and came to the United States in 1837. They resided in Trenton, Butler Co., Ohio, from 1839 to 1849. In the latter year they moved to Germantown, Ohio, where they have ever since resided. They have three sons, all of whom were born in Trenton ; they are : First, William M. Ampt, attorney, born February 1, 1840 ; married to Mary Eliza Gunckel, daughter of William Guuckel, of Dayton, Ohio ; they reside in Cincinnati, and have one daughter, Rosa E., born July 2, 1874. Second, Henry Ampt (in the employ of Polk, Wilson & Sons, Cincinnati, Ohio), was born June 23, 1842 ; is married to Fredona Rowe, daughter of Daniel Rowe, of Germantown, Ohio ; they reside in Cincinnati. Third, Francis C. Ampt, attorney, and First Assistant Solicitor of the city of Cincinnati, was born June 10, 1848; married to Mary Weaver, daughter of George Weaver, of Miamisburg, Ohio; reside in Cincinnati ; have three children--Charles Francis, aged seven years ; Ellen Fredona, five years; and Anna, three years. Mr. Ampt is a saddler by trade, and worked at that business until 1879, when he retired. He and wife are members of the Lutheran Church.

J. J. ANTRIM, physician, Germantown, is a son of Jacob Antrim, a pioneer minister of illustrious fame. He was born in Berks County, Penn., in the year 1791. From childhood, he was a Bible student and adhered closely to the principles of a Christian life. In early manhood, he connected himself with the U. B. Church, and subsequently filled the pulpit, teaching the doctrines of his denomination. In 1821, his nuptials were solemnized with Miss Mary Zeller, who was a native of the same county and State as her husband, and was born in the year 1800. The issue of this marriage were six children of whom five are now living, viz., Jabez J., Cyrus, Titus, Jacob and Katura (now Mrs. Dr. Eckerd, of Trenton, Ohio). In 1819, he located near Germantown, Montgomery Co., Ohio, purchased 120 acres of land in Butler County. Subsequently entered upon his duties as an itinerant minister and circuit rider. In his circuit of 400 miles, he would frequently become associated with the Rev. James B. Finley, a pioneer Methodist minister. Rev. Antrim removed from his farm to Germantown about 1823, and was chosen Presiding Elder of the Miami Conference of the United Brethren denom

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ination. His district consisted of the counties of Montgomery, Preble, Darke, Mercer, Miami, Hamilton and Warren. In 1850, death summoned his daughter Drucilla to her last abode, and, in 1858, the same messenger called his wife to her eternal home. Rev. Antrim survived her several years, finally taking a trip to his native State to visit his friends ; while there was taken very ill and lived but a short time. The brittle thread of life was broken; his labors on earth had ceased; having fought the good fight of faith and finished his course, his spirit had entered into the joys of his Lord. His body was conveyed to Germantown, where it was interred, and there rests the body of a noble, just and esteemed citizen. His death occurred in the year 1860, escaping the scenes of the late rebellion. Dr. J. J. Antrim, whose name heads this sketch, was born near Germantown, Ohio, October 26, 1 823 ; having limited school privileges his early education was the same ; his summer months were devoted to farming, and the winter to his books. However, early in life his mind was directed to human and medical science, which he subsequently engaged in, being only eighteen years of age ; two years later, entered the medical college at Cincinnati, Ohio ; graduated in 1844, and entered upon the practice of his profession in New Paris, Preble Co., Ohio. Soon after, thought a trip through the Southern States would be a professional benefit; he prosecuted his thought, treating cancers and tumors. In May, 1846, when the United States was in strife with Mexico, he enlisted in the Second Ohio Volunteer Infantry, commanded by Col. G. W. Morgan ; was mustered on the non-commissioned staff of the regiment to the office of hospital Steward. His services continued in this capacity two months, when upon a satisfactorily examination, he was promoted to Assistant Surgeon, and in rank that of Lieutenant, discharging his duties on the battlefield as well as in the hospital. He served until the close of the war, participating in the battles of Buena Vista, the siege of Saralvo, Puebla and Rio Frio Pass.

Soon after his return, the California gold fever was raging, and he, with a company, traveled through by a private conveyance, completing the trip in seven months, traveling through an inhospitable country sparsely settled with an uncivilized race. His stay was two years, when the unsettled and semi-civilized condition of the country caused him to return. He came by the Isthmus of Panama, then known as the Ocean route, landing at New Orleans, thence up the river home. Subsequently, he took a trip to the metropolis of United States (New York City) and other Eastern cities ; returned to Germantown and embarked in the mercantile pursuit. This demanded his attention two years, when he resumed the practice of medicine, in which he is still engaged. His marriage was celebrated January 20, 1853, with Miss Ellen, second daughter of Gabrael and Sarah Oblinger ; she was born June 24, 1832. The issue of this union were three children, vix., Ida S., Willard and Frank. Seventeen years of their united life had elapsed when the dreaded disease, consumption, took her from earthly cares. She was an exemplary member of the United Brethren Church, having connected herself with that denomination at an early age, remembering her Creator in the days of her youth. Her death occurred December 8, 1870. With the cares of the Doctor's children and the demands of his profession, he was married the second time, July 18, 1872, to Mrs. Kate Clemmer, widow of the late David Clemmer. She was born in Adams County, Penn., in 1828, and in 1834, moved with her parents to Montgomery County. At the age of seventeen, united herself with the Methodist Episcopal Church. She was a thoroughly devoted Christian, as was proven in her life and conduct, that religion was not merely a system of ethics and doctrinal truths, but a living principal, hidden in the soul as the leaven is in the meal. After the death of her first husband, she returned to the home of her parents, and owing to the inconvenience of the Methodist Episcopal Church, she united herself with the Evangelical Lutheran . Church. From the time of her last marriage to her death, May 28, 1880, she was a resident of Germantown. She merited and received the esteem and love of all who knew her. She was a faithful wife, a good neighbor and constant friend, hospitable and ever ready to help the poor and needy. She was a sister of D. E. McSherry, of Dayton, Ohio, the patentee of the McSherry Grain Drill.

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SIMON AUCHENBOCH, feed stable, Germantown, was born in Lebanon County, Penn., March 31, 1814, of parents, Peter and Catharine (Neth) Auchenboch, who died, the father in 1844 and the mother in 1837. He was married to Sarah Palluth, daughter of Casper and Polly (Spots) Palluth, in the State of Pennsylvania, and came to Ohio June 22, 1842. Mrs. Palluth was born in Pennsylvania March 22, 1813. The subject and wife have had born to them children, viz., Eliza (deceased), Louisa, Sarah, Mary, William, Rosannah (deceased) and Fradanna (deceased). Mr. and Mrs. Auchenboch are members of the United Brethren Church, and are exerting their influence for good. The former, by trade, is a shoemaker, which occupation he followed for about thirty-five years. He is a good citizen and commands the respect of the community at large.

CHARLES H. L. AXMAN (deceased), was a native of Germany, born May 6, 1822. In early life, he learned the trade of watchmaking and jeweler, but soon after the completion of his trade, in 1848, he emigrated to America, and on May 8, 1850, married in New York City, Elvina Droz, a native of France, born December 27, 1830, and became a resident of the United States in her minority. Soon after their marriage, they settled in Germantown, Montgomery County, Ohio, where Mr. Axman set up in business and conducted it through life, taking in his sons, who are now four in number. He died on February 26, 1873, trusting in the doctrines of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, and was beloved by all who knew him. His wife still survives, bearing the name of her departed husband, and the mother of ten children, of whom six survive, viz. : Minnie, Clara, Charles A.; who is working, in Dayton, at the jeweler business ; Adolph O., in the same pursuit ; and Alfred E. and Lewis H., who are yet at home assisting their mother in conducting the jewelry business. Mrs. Axman has been for years a member of the same church as that of her husband.

ALFRED E. AXMAN, Germantown, was born in Germantown, Ohio, December 8, 1860, and is a son of Charles H. L. Axman, whose history will be found in this work. Alfred E. grew up in his native town, where he was also educated, learning the jewelry trade under the supervision of his eldest brother, Arthur C., in their own store, of which he now has charge. He is an intelligent young man, well respected, a member of the Lutheran Church, and belongs to the Masonic fraternity.

THOMAS BAILEY, retired farmer, Germantown. His grandparents, Thomas and Mary (Crittenden) Bailey, natives of Virginia, came to Warren County, Ohio, at an early day, where they spent their lives. His parents were William and Sarah (Risen) Bailey, also from Virginia, who had a family of six children--three sons and three daughters--viz.: Thomas, Francis, William, Maria, Elizabeth and Nancy. The subject of this sketch was born in Warren County, Ohio, July 29, 1810, and in 1819 his mother died, thus leaving him at a tender age without her loving counsel. On December 6, 1832, he married Ann Denice, daughter of Samuel and Jane (Bound) Denice, born in New Jersey, September 27, 1815, of which union eleven children were born, as follows : William, Abraham C., Sarah Jane, Sidney D., Samuel F., Anna Maria, Mary E., George P., Helanor C., Rachel and one died in infancy. Mr. Bailey followed milling for about twenty-one years, and in 1847 located on a farm in German Township ; purchased 170 acres of land in 1853, upon which he resided until 1866, when he moved to Germantown, where he has since lived, owning a residence and two acres of ground on Main street. His farm lays four miles west of town, on the State road. His five living children are all residing in this vicinity, and worthy members of society, whose ancestors have done their part toward the civilization of this portion of the Buckeye State. Mr. Bailey and family belong to the United Brethren Church.

W. P. BEARD, farmer, P. O. Germantown. Our subject was born near Germantown, Ohio, August 14, 1821, and is the son of Jacob and Sarah (Catrow) Beard, natives, the former of Lancaster County, Penn., born in 1777, and the mother of Maryland, born in 1803. The father settled near Germantown, Ohio, in 1811, and died in 1862. Mr. Beard was united in marriage, February 17, 1848, to Susannah, daughter of Jacob Heffner, of Maryland, and is the father of five children, as follows : Oliver J., Irene, Sabina, Hiram and Elmer. The first named is dead. Irene, is the wife of

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William Roof, living at Carlisle Station, in Warren County ; Sabina, is at home ; Hiram, married Lucinda Robbins, and is residing near Troy, Ohio. In politics, our subject is a Democrat. He received a fair education, which was obtained in German Township ; is a man in comfortable circumstances, and a good citizen.

STEPHEN BENNETT, farmer, P. O. Carlisle, is a native of Somersetshire, Eng., born June 24, 1852, and emigrated to America June 28, 1872, settling in Montgomery County. He was married to Mary E., daughter of Tobias and Mary (Brad-bury) Swartzel, born in Ohio July 21, 1850, on the 17th of February, 1873, and to them were born the following-named children : Cora E., Lotta O. and Pearl M. Mr. Bennett, though quite a young man, has, through industry and economy, become the possessor of a farm of fifty-one acres of land, situated on the Carlisle and Germantown pike, two and a quarter miles southeast of the latter town. The farm is well improved, and the buildings thereon new, the house and barn being built some six years ago, at a cost, the former of $1,850, and the latter $500. Tobacco raising is with him a specialty. He takes great pride in the choice lot of fowls about the farm, raising and dealing in best breed.

ALFRED BOSE, cigar manufacturer, Germantown, is a son of George Bose, who was born in German Township, Montgomery County, Ohio, January 8, 1808, and who lost his father when quite small, thus leaving him to the care of a widowed mother whom he in his more matured years helped to support until her death. George was a farmer, and was married March 5, 1839, to Miss Mary Boyer, who was born in Frederick City, Md., April 11, 1808, of which marriage Alfred was born in this township September 13, 1845. He grew up and learned the trade of a cigar-maker, worked as a journeyman thirteen years, and in 1872 was elected President of the Cigar-Maker's Union. He served in the Germantown fire company eleven years, receiving a life-membership certificate for services rendered, and has represented the Etna Fire Insurance Company as agent. Being a man of experience in his trade, he was appointed foreman by Joseph Endress, of his packing room, getting the cigars ready for shipment, having at times many men under his charge. He also traveled on the road selling cigars, in all of which he displayed the same ability, energy and success. He finally accumulated enough money to start in business January 19, 1876, since which his trade has been increased yearly. In 1872, Mr. Bose became a Mason, and is a zealous member of that fraternity.

J. A. BROWN, physician, Germantown. His father, William Brown, was a native of New Jersey, who came to Ohio with his parents in an early day, and located at Waynesville, Warren County. He learned the carpenter trade, and soon after reaching manhood, went to Preble County, where he married Miss Mary A. Beall, whose father, Charles, was a soldier in the war of 1812. They had four children by this union, viz., Francis A., Joseph A., Laura, the wife of Dr. Low, of Connersville, Ind., and Minnie. William Brown was quite successful in life, accumulated considerable property ; was a Quaker in religious belief, and died in February, 1860, leaving a widow, who died January 24, 1882, and who was a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The subject of this sketch was born near Camden, Preble County, Ohio, January 19, 1855 ; had all the advantages of a good schooling, and at the age of eighteen began the study of medicine under Dr. W. H. Low, from whose preceptorship he entered the Medical College of Ohio, at Cincinnati, from where he graduated in the class of 1877-78, and immediately commenced the practice of his profession at Germantown, where he has since continued the art of healing. He was married , March 5, 1875, to Miss Louisa Singer, daughter of Solomon Singer, who was born in Lewisburg, Preble County, Ohio, September 5, 1856, and has had one daughter, Edna. Dr. Brown is a member of the Montgomery County Medical Society, and being a well read, studious physician, his future is promising, and presages success in his profession.

PETER BUZZARD, farmer, P. O. Germantown, was born in Frederick County, Md., June 11, 1817, his parents, Samuel and Mary (Dellwater) Buzzard, coming to Ohio soon after his birth, where his father died in 1866, and his mother in 1873. Peter was married in 1838, to Elizabeth Emerick, a native of this county, born June 5,

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1818, her parents being from Pennsylvania, of which union eight children were the issue, as follows : Wesley, Allen, Samuel L., Margaret E., Mary Ann, William J., Jacob E. and Annie A. Mr. Buzzard is a stone and brick mason, which trade he learned in his boyhood days, operated a threshing-machine for twenty-five years, and has owned four of the best stable horses in Ohio, having at present a fine six-year-old, three-quarters Clydesdale stallion. Mr. Buzzard owns a nice farm of seventy-two acres in Darke County, and a well-improved homestead, where he now resides, and is a man of public spirit and enterprise.

LEVI L. CLARK, retired farmer, P. O. Germantown, is a son of Thomas and Catherine (Lehman) Clark, both natives of Pennsylvania, the former born July 5, 1785, and the latter December 28, 1791. Thomas was by occupation a farmer, and through life a resident of his native State. Their death occurred several years ago, and they were the parents of ten children, of whom four are now living, viz.: Lydia, Levi L., Thomas and Abraham. Mr. and Mrs. Clark were a noble couple, their charity was not vaunting and their love for their fellowmen was unbounded. Levi L., whose name heads this article, was born near Jonestown, Lebanon County, Penn., October 11, 1814. In early life his summers were devoted to farming, and his winter months to school, but his education, though limited, was mostly acquired through his own exertions. At the age of eighteen he commenced clerking, and was thus engaged for five successive years. At the age of twenty-three, he came to Germantown, Montgomery County, Ohio, and obtained a situation in the dry goods store of J. Crist, and on December 30, 1838, was united in marriage with Maria L., daughter of the late John D. Gunckle, of Montgomery County, born April 9, 1817. The fruits of' this marriage are eleven children, viz.: John T., of Columbus, Neb.; Jefferson L., of' Miamisburg ; George, of Colorado ; William H., Frank G., Mary C. (now Mrs. Oblinger), Harriett E. (now Mrs. Keiner), Sarah J. (now Mrs. Trout), Ellen S., Alice V. and Maria B. Soon after the nuptials of Levi and Maria L. Clark, he located on his father-in-law's farm, took charge of it, and again became a tiller of the soil as in his youthful days. This, however, only commanded his attention a few years, when he embarked, un-experienced, in the coopering business, and repairing firearms, which two occupations combined proved quite remunerative. Several years later, he purchased a farm of 91 acres, of Rev. J. L. Hoffman, situated on Little Twin Creek, where he located and remained until 1868, when he removed to his present beautiful location in the limits of the incorporation of Germantown. Mr. and Mrs. Clark's religious affiliations have been with the Methodist Episcopal Church for nearly half a century, during which time they have been constant and valuable contributors for its welfare and progress.

A. S. CONOVER, farmer and miller, P. O. Germantown. The parents of our subject emigrated to Ohio in 1811, who by name were William and Catharine (Sutphin) Conover. The former lived to be ninety-four years of age. Mr. A. S. Conover is a native of the State of New Jersey, born in 1808, and has been twice married. His first wife was Maria, daughter of William Bailey, who died August 5, 1832. His second wife was Mrs. Margaret Ann Molson, daughter of Gilbert and Hannah Bound, natives of New Jersey, by whom he had six children, two boys and four girls, namely Edgar C., Orlander C., Hannah, Lydia, Ida and Deborah. By occupation Mr. Conover is a miller, which pursuit he followed from the time he was seventeen years of age, living between Franklin and Miamisburg, until 1860. He now owns a small farm one and a half miles northwest of Germantown.

HENRY C. COOK, farmer, P. O. Germantown, was born in Jackson Township, Montgomery County, Ohio, October 3, 1833 ; is the son of Frederick and Catherine (Apple) Cook, natives of Ohio, but of German descent. Our subject was one of seven children, six of whom are still living, and four of them are residents of Montgomery County. He was married to Lucinda Oldfather May 12, 1864, and to them were born the following named children : Ella R., Wealthy M., Herman V. and Grace. The wife was born March 19, 1837, of parents Frederick and Elizabeth (Pence) Oldfather. The former was a native of Virginia, and died in 1876, and the latter of Maryland.

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Our subject received a fair education, having attended the schools of his neighborhood in youth, thence going for a period at Lebanon, where he attended the Southwestern Normal School, now known as the Normal University, where he prepared himself for teaching, and followed that profession from 1854 to 1875. He purchased the quarter section of land upon which he now resides, located four miles west of Germantown, in 1876, since which he has been farming.

JACOB CRIST, deceased, was born in Frederick City, Md., October 15, 1792 ; is a son of Henry and Christina (Cassel) Crist, and came to Ohio with his parents in 1805, where he grew to manhood. He was married October 15, 1850, to Anna E. Echart, daughter of John and Anna E. Echart, natives of Germany, who came to Ohio in 1844. Mrs. Crist was born in the Fatherland February 23, 1817, and has had six children, viz.: Henry J., George L., Mary E., John P., Edward J. and Louisa C. Mr. Crist was one of the oldest citizens in the county, owned 130 acres of land a short distance southeast of Germantown and the family belonged to the United Brethren Church. Our subject died February 17, 1872, in his eightieth year, leaving behind a large circle of mourning friends and a wife and family much respected.

J. E. DONNELLAN, physician and surgeon, Germantown, was born in Champaign County, Ohio, October 7, 1824, and is the youngest in a family of ten children, seven sons and three daughters, three of whom are living. His parents emigrated from Baltimore, Md., in 1812, and settled on a farm near Urbana, Champaign County, Ohio, where his father died in 1829, and in 1832 his mother removed to West Alexandria, Preble County, Ohio, where she resided 0until her death in 1853. At the age of eighteen, our subject having received a good education, began teaching school, which he continued during the winter season for several years, pursuing a private course of study in the summer months. In 1848, he began the study of medicine in the office of his brother, Dr. N. Donnellan, of West Alexandria, at the completion of which, in April, 1851, he entered upon the practice of his profession, at Farmersville, Montgomery County, Ohio, where he remained two years, diligently laying the foundation of future success. He occupied the same office with H. Elliott, Esq., who was then just commencing the practice of' law, but who is now the Judge of' the Court of Common Pleas. Dr. Donnellan removed to Germantown May 3, 1853, having formed a partnership with Dr. C. G. Espich, an old and popular physician, who had been a successful practitioner of medicine in this place from its earliest settlement, and this partnership continued until Dr. Espich's death, November 24, 1853. Dr. Donnellan was married, March 16, 1854, to Mary M. Hiestand, whose parents came from Lancaster County, Penn., to this county at an early day, of which union they have had two daughters, Emma (deceased) and Annie. The Doctor has taken a deep interest in the progress and development of Montgomery County. He has been for twelve years a member of the Board of Education in Germantown; was one of the Directors of the Montgomery County Infirmary from 1860 to 1866 ; is a charter member of Germantown Lodge of F. A. A. M., and was for several years its Master. Since 1851, Dr. Donnelly has been in constant practice, with the exception of four months in 1864, when he was a member of the One Hundred and Thirty-second Regiment Ohio National Guards. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., and the family adhere to the Reformed Church. Politically, he is a Republican. The Doctor stands among the most enterprising citizens of his township.

WILLIAM C. EMERICK, retired merchant, Sunsbury, one of the pioneers of Montgomery County, emigrated to Ohio, coming with his parents, Christopher and Catharine (Kern) Emerick, natives of Pennsylvania, from that State in 1804. The parents died, the father in 1837, and mother in 1836 ; was born in Berks County, Penn., June 29, 1794. In 1820, Mr. Emerick was united in marriage with Sarah, daughter of Daniel and Catharine (Shuey) Gunckle, who were also pioneers of this vicinity, emigrating from Pennsylvania in the year 1811. Both were natives of Dauphin County, Penn. The mother died in 1832, and the father in 1837. Sarah, the wife of our subject, was born July 1, 1801, and became the mother of eleven children --Israel (born May 24, 1821), Catharine (born December 3, 1822), William D. (born

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February 23, 1826), Levi (born May 1, 1828), Elizabeth (born September 25, 1830), Jacob (born October 17, 1832), David (born November 15, 1834), Harrison (born May 7, 1837), Daniel (born February 26, 1840), Mariah (born March 17, 1842), and Henry, born August 23, 1844; of whom six sons and one daughter are living, and all are married except one son. This pioneer couple are the grandparents of twenty-eight, and great-grandparents of sixteen children. Mr. Emerick has followed a variety of vocations in life, having learned the shoemaker's trade and followed it some twenty years, then butchered a number of years, when he became a merchant, continuing in that line twenty years, from which he retired after a long period of active business life. In 1835, he was chosen a Justice of the Peace, in which capacity he acted for fifteen years. He also filled various other township offices, among which were School Director, Clerk and Trustee. Mr. Emerick has been a life-long member of the Lutheran Church, his wife adhering to the United Brethren denomination.

CHRISTIAN ESHELMAN, farmer, P. O. Germantown, was born in Lancaster County, Penn., December 18, 1802, and is a son of John Eshelman, who died when our subject was a small boy. Christian grew to manhood in his native State, and, in 1831, was married to Catharine Ebby, daughter of Christian Ebby, both natives of Pennsylvania. Of this union, two children were born, one of whom, John C., survives. In 1835, Mr. Eshelman came to Ohio, and, being a blacksmith by trade, followed that calling for about twenty-five years. His wife died, and, October 13, 1874, he married Mrs. Sarah Denner, widow of George Denner, and daughter of Christopher and Catharine (Kern) Emerick, natives of Pennsylvania and pioneers of' German Township. Her father was born January 23, 1771, and died in January, 18 37. Her mother was born January 30, 1772 ; married Christopher Emerick January 16, 1793, and died in February, 1836. Mrs. Eshelman was born in German Township January 12, 1811, and her entire life has been passed in this vicinity. His son, John C., was married to Ellen Stump, who has borne him two children; one now living ; he resides close to his father's farm, whose homestead is about two and a half miles south of Germantown, and the family belong to the Lutheran Church.

ADAM FRANK, attorney at law and Mayor of Germantown, was born in Germantown, Montgomery County, Ohio, July 2, 1831, and is a son of Matthew and Barbara (Loy) Frank. His father was a native of New York, who. in his boyhood days, learned the shoemaking trade, Subsequently emigrating to Ohio and settling at Germantown in an early day, where he continued working at his trade. A few years after coming to Ohio, he was married to Miss Barbara Loy, who bore him six children, four of whom are now living. Matthew died in 1867, and his wife in 1877, both dying, as they had lived, faithful members of' the U. B. Church, and respected by all who knew them. Our subject received a good education, and graduated from the Germantown Academy. He learned the trade of a boot and shoemaker, and by industry and careful saving accumulated sufficient means to purchase a property which constitutes a comfortable home. He was married March 7, 1853, to Miss Nancy A. Lucas, a native of this county, born in 1830, of which union one daughter, Mary C., was the issue. Mrs. Frank, after a few brief years of married life, was borne to the grave. Mr. Frank was again married, in 1874, to Mrs. Vanda L. Stirewalt, widow of the Rev. Julius L. Stirewalt, who is a sincere member of the Lutheran Church, and who endeavors to set a good example to all with whom she comes in contact. Politically, Mr. Frank is a Republican, and, in 1865, was elected as a Justice of the Peace for German Township, having been elected in 1864 Mayor of Germantown, which position he now occupies. Subsequently, was chosen Township Clerk, and a member of the Board of Education, in all of which he was noted for efficiency and integrity. About this time, his duties as a public servant and his ambition to understand more thoroughly the laws of the land induced him to abandon his trade and turn his whole attention to reading law; was finally admitted to the bar in 1870, and has since practiced his profession. Mr. Frank has long been a member of the Masonic Fraternity, and has been Permanent Secretary of the I. O. O. F. in Germantown for twenty-four years. He is a man of shrewd business tact and sound judgment, and the fact of his being intrusted

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with so many official positions demonstrates that his community have confidence in his ability and integrity.

JAMES HANKINSON, farmer and miller. The parents of this enterprising farmer were James and Sarah (Cheesman) Hankinson, natives of Monmouth County, N. J., born, respectively, November 14, 1787, and March 9, 1796, were there united in marriage, and subsequently came west, locating in Warren County, Ohio, and raised a family of seven children, the mother dying October 1, 1867, and the father April 5, 1879. The subject of this sketch was born in Warren County, Ohio, two miles southeast of Germantown, in 1828, was raised a farmer, and September 30, 1855, was married to Rachel B. Vandaveer, born near Franklin, Warren County, Ohio, January 23, 1835, and daughter of John and Hannah B. (Bound) Vandaveer, natives of Monmouth County, N. J., the former born in 1795, and his wife the following year. Mrs. Hankinson's parents were married in their native county, and had thirteen children, only two of whom are living. The father died February 5, 1873, and the mother July 25, 1876. Mr. Hankinson has a family of four children--John H., Sarah M. (the wife of John Wolf), James V. and George W. His early education was limited, but contact with the world has given him a knowledge of men and affairs that well fits him for his sphere in life. Beside farming, he was also engaged in operating a saw-mill and manufacturing broom handles, moving to his present location in 1868, where he continues the mill business in connection with the breeding of Poland-China hogs and fine poultry, in which lines he has won many premiums at the fairs during the past five years, and is the owner of a thoroughbred two-year-old colt, coining three, which he claims is one of the finest in Ohio. Mr. Hankinson has made the Devonshire breed of cattle a specialty, believing thoroughly in progress and improvement in all things.

BENJAMIN B. HARLAN, teacher, Germantown, was born in Clinton County, Ohio, March 23, 1845, and is a son of David M. and Margaret Harlan, he a native of Kentucky and she of North Carolina, the former born in 1809, and the latter in 1815. The family are of Irish and Scotch extraction, and our subject's parents are residing in Lafayette County, Mo. Benjamin B. was educated at Lebanon, Ohio, and followed farming until twenty-two years of age, since which time he has been engaged in teaching; has taught in Germantown six years, two of which he has been Superintendent of the school. In 1874, he married Margaret H. Bond, daughter of John E. and Elizabeth (Custis) Bond, all natives of Ohio ; her paternal grandfather, George Bond, was from Maryland, and Thomas Custis, the maternal grandfather, was a native of the "Old Dominion." Mrs. Harlan has had two children--George B. and Mary. He is a member of the Masonic Fraternity and I. O. O. F., and as an educator has given general satisfaction.

MICHAEL HETZLER, retired farmer, P. O. Germantown. His grandfather, George Hetzler, was a native of Germany, who emigrated to Pennsylvania, where was born George, the father of our subject, who there grew up and married Catherine Reem. Of this union, Michael was born July 2, 1802, and, in 1824, married Elizabeth Blinn, who bore him three children, and died in 1838. The following year, he married Margaret Ann Ellis, a native of Virginia, who had ten children, eight of whom are living, and all married, excepting one son. Mr. Hetzler owns 165 acres of land in German Township, joining Abraham's mill, but retired from farming in April, 1879, his wife having died May 16, 1877. He is a member of the United Brethren Church, and an honest Christian gentleman.

ISAAC HETZLER, farmer, P. O. Germantown. This gentleman's parents were Abraham and Salome (Crouse) Hetzler, natives of Pennsylvania, from whence they emigrated in 1811. Our subject was born in Montgomery County March 20, 1828, and was married to Mary Ann Geeting August 15, 1852. The wife's parents were Adam and Elizabeth (Leeser) Geeting. Father Geeting died in 1859, and the mother in 1864. Isaac Hetzler and wife have had born to them Salome C., Adam W., Lizzie, Eliza, Ella, Simon and Abraham L. Mr. Hetzler, since 1852 has resided on his farm of 115 acres, situated on the Germantown and Jacksonburg road.

ELIAS HOHN, farmer, P. O. Carlisle, is a native of Miami Township, Mont-

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gomery County, Ohio, born February 10, 1838, and son of Daniel and Maria (Gebhart) Hohn, he a native of Maryland, born in 1801, and his wife of Pennsylvania, born in 1806, and daughter of Henry and Elizabeth Gebhart. Mr. Hohn's mother died in 1868, and his father in 1871. He was married in 1869, March 18., to Julia Ann Hibble, of Miami Township, whose parents reside in Miamisburg. Our subject has one brother, Lewis, who is living in Shelby County, Ohio, and one sister, Loretta, who resides in Miami Township, both being married and all respected people. He resides on the Carlisle and Germantown pike, about midway between those points.

L. H. HUBER, tanner, Germantown, is a native of Cambria County, Penn., born at Johnstown October 31, 1813, and removed to Ohio with his parents at the age of six years, settling at Miamisburg. The parents were David and Susan Fluck, the latter dying at Van Wert, Ohio, when our subject was about ten years of age. He was one of eight children, all of whom are dead but two. December 2, 1838, he was united in marriage to Catharine Coler, born in England of parents Henry and Margaret Coler, and to them have been born the following children : John, David, Charles F., D. W., George W., Caroline, Margaret and Rachel. Mr. Huber has been occupied as a tanner since fourteen years of age, and he and family belong to the Lutheran Church.

WILLIAM INGRAM, farmer, P. O. Germantown, was born March 10, 1817. Is a son of Archibald and Margery (Odan) Ingram, he a native of Ireland, and she of Scotland. Mr. Ingram came to Ohio in 1838, and in 1810 married Martha Kindig, daughter of Henry and Magdalena Kindig, natives of Pennsylvania. Mrs. Ingram was born October 22, 1818, and has had six children, two boys and four girls, viz.: John, Rebecca Ann, Michael H., F. H., Mary J. and Sarah C. Mr. Ingram is engaged in raising tobacco and working on a farm ; resides on the Farmersville road, and the family adhere to the Lutheran Church.

JOHN F. KERN, banker, Germantown. His father, Frederick Kern, a native of Maryland, died when cur subject was quite young, and his mother married Jacob Beard, and soon after the family came to Ohio. John F. was born in Frederick City, Md., October 2, 1805, and grew to maturity working on his stepfather's farm, but upon reaching his twenty-first year, he inherited a farm and saw-mill property located near Franklin, Ohio, on the Big Miami River. Here he remained two years, when, his health failing, and thinking the locality did not agree with him, he disposed of his property, and entered the dry goods store of Winter & Fisher, at Germantown. After learning the business, he concluded to start for himself, and in 1835 he made a trip to Cincinnati on horseback, purchased a stock of dry goods, and, returning to Germantown, began business, which he continued for thirty-three years. In 1859, he was elected a Justice of the Peace, served the people faithfully, and was again tendered the office, but declined. He has been chosen several times to represent his township in the county conventions. During his mercantile career, he disposed of his business twice. finally retiring from merchandising about 1867. He was one of the organizers of' the First National Bank of Germantown, of which he has been President nineteen consecutive years. Mr. Kern served as President of the Germantown Board of Education eleven years, and since his majority has been a member of the Reformed Church, holding official position for many years in that body, and during his entire membership his contributions have been constant and generous. Politically, he believes in principles rather than partyism, and in all the affairs of life he has been always desirous of doing good and of benefitting the community in which he has been so long a leading citizen.

SAMUEL LINDEMUTH, farmer and tobacco raiser, P. O. Germantown, was born October 30, 1833, in Montgomery County, Ohio, and is the son of Thomas and Maria (Tobias) Lindemuth, natives of the Keystone State, Berks County. The father was born in 1791, and came to Ohio in 1824, dying January 13, 1870. Our subject was united in marriage with Maria Stiver, daughter of John and Christina (Emerick) Stiver, natives of Berks County, Penn., September 3, 1857. Mrs. Christina Stiver is still living, being in her eighty-seventh year. Mr. Lindemuth, our subject, is residing on a farm of forty-odd acres, lying about one mile west of Germantown.

HENRY C. MOSES, farmer, P. O. Germantown, was born in this county Sep-

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tember 25, 1824, and is a son of Robert and Mary (Crist) Moses, natives of the " Old Dominion," where his father was born in 1800 and his mother in 1802, coming to Montgomery County in 1823, where they spent their lives, Robert dying in January, 1875, and his wife in April, 1881. Our subject was married. August 19, 1847, to Mary Ann McKean, daughter of William and Elizabeth (Marsh) McKean, who bore him four children, one now living, viz., Charles R. Mrs. Moses died about 1855, and in 1857 he married Grace Rowe, who was born in 1822, to whom have been born five children; three now survive--Elizabeth, Grace and John. Mr. Moses is the owner of two hundred and sixty-seven acres of land, one hundred and seven in the home tract, one-half mile north of Germantown; is a practical farmer, who displays good taste around his homestead, as well as being respected as a kind neighbor and worthy citizen.

REV. PETER C. PRUGH, minister, Germantown. Among the early settlers of Montgomery County was John Prugh, a native of Carroll County, Md., born near the town of Westminster in 1795 ; there grew to manhood and married Catherine Haynes, who was born in 1791, of which union ten children were the issue, six of whom are now living, viz.: Jesse, Gideon G., Jacob H., Peter C., Thomas L. and Mrs. Samuel Fauver, of Dayton. In 1818, Mr. Prugh and family came to Ohio, locating on one hundred and sixty acres of land five miles south of Dayton, in the present township of Van Buren, upon which he and wife spent their lives, she dying in 1876 and he in 1879, being faithful members of the Reformed Church. Peter C. was born on the old homestead, September 13, 1822, and after receiving a knowledge of the common branches in the district school, he attended the Dayton Academy, where he prepared himself for a collegiate course. In 1844, he entered Marshall College, located at Mercersburg, Penn., and in due time graduated and received his diploma; then entered the Theological Seminary of the Reformed Church, under the Professorship of Rev. J. W. Nevin, D. D., and Rev. Philip Schaff, D. D., where he completed his studies. He received a call from the Reformed Church of Xenia, Ohio, took charge of that and the Beaver Creek congregation, and remained there for twenty-five years. He was married, April 2, 1852, to Miss Charlotte Hassler, of Mercersburg, Penn., born April 11, 1828, and daughter of Jacob Hassler, who was a musician in the war of 1812. They have had eleven children, seven now living, viz. : Edwin N., John H., Daniel K., William S., Etta K., Mary A. and Frances Grace. During his sojourn in Xenia, our subject was instrumental in having the Soldiers' Orphans^' Home located at that point and was appointed Chairman of the local committee to confer with the Committee of the Grand Army of the Republic at their first meeting, and $25,000 were raised in Greene County toward building the Home. When it was completed he became Chaplain and remained there two years, and in 1874 accepted a call from the Church of the Cross, located on the corner of Finley and Baymiller streets, Cincinnati, Ohio, where he remained three years; then came to Germantown, and now has charge of the Reformed Church at that point. Mr. Prugh resides on a farm of seventy acres one-half mile west of the town and is a man of upright Christian character, who is honored and respected by a large circle of Montgomery County's most worthy citizens. His son, John H., is Pastor of Grace Reformed Church, Pittsburgh, Penn.; is recognized as a man of superior ability, a scholar, a theologian and an orator, who, since taking charge of that church, has secured one of the largest Reformed congregations in that city.

SAMUEL REED, retired farmer, Germantown, was born in Berks, now Schuylkill County, Penn., on the 20th of September, 1796, and was married on his birthday, in 1828, to Sarah Leinbach, who departed this life on the 10th of June, 1877. They were the parents of four children, one only of whom came to the years of maturity, an honored son, John Henry, who on the 6th of September, 1860, married Mattie Zeller, whose parents were natives of this county. They were the parents of four children--Mary Magdalene, Albert Eugene (deceased), Sarah Lulu and Charles S. John Henry was a natural musician, and had considerable taste as an artist. He was, for a term or more, Township Assessor and Clerk, and was for a number of years a dry goods merchant in Germantown. He died June 7, 1874, in the forty-fifth year of his age, leaving an

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interesting family to mourn his death. The subject of our sketch, Samuel Reed, came to Ohio in 1825, in company with William Hunsinger, on horseback, for the purpose of purchasing a homestead for his mother, in lieu of her dower in the old homestead in Pennsylvania. During this visit, he remembers seeing Gen. Lafayette in Cincinnati. He has two brothers yet living Jeremiah, aged eighty-one, and Martin D., aged seventy-seven. Mr. Reed's father, John Reed, died in 1804, when Samuel was but eight years old. His mother, Mary M. Reed, subsequently married Abram Snyder, and died on the day Gen. Harrison was inaugurated President. The family emigrated to Ohio in 1833, coming in wagons, and consuming four weeks in the journey. They landed near Dayton in the month of June, and the following September came to German Township, where they have since lived. Prior to leaving Pennsylvania, Mr. Reed was entrusted to the settling up of various estates, and did some of the same kind of business in this country, amounting in the aggregate to several thousand dollars. He is the owner of 170 acres of land, and while too infirm to perform manual labor, yet at the advanced age of eighty-six years he superintends his farm with much of the agility of his younger years. He also superintends another farm of 150 acres. He learned the trade of paper-maker when a boy, and followed it for sixteen years; when he was apprenticed to his employer, he was discharged and sent home with instructions to put him to some other trade, but this his mother would not agree to, and he was sent to another man for three years, for the sum of $30 and six months' schooling. He has lived in German Township for more than forty-seven years, and is now enjoying the latter years of his life with his widowed daughter-in-law, Mrs. J. H. Reed, and is very happily situated on the corner of Plum and Center streets. He has served as School Director for twenty-five years, and is closing up a long and useful life, and his memory will be cherished long after death by those of his church (German Reformed) and others who knew his worth the best.

ELIZABETH ROHRER, widow, P. O. Germantown, daughter of Conrad and Elizabeth Schultz, of Baltimore, Md., was born in that city January 25, 1806. She was the sixth child of a family of nine children, and was educated at St. Joseph's Nunnery, at Emmetsburg, and at Rooker's school in Baltimore, where she received a thorough education, accompanied with high accomplishments. She descended from a line of military men, her grandfather being a Colonel in the Revolutionary war, having been promoted from a private for gallantry; and her father, a native of France, participated in the war of 1812, serving as an artilleryman. Much of her early life was passed in Washington City, and during the administration of Monroe and Adams, she was a welcome guest in the families of these illustrious men. During the war of 1812, Mrs. Rohrer witnessed the light arising from the burning of Washington. She came West in company with her parents in 1825, on a visit, and was present at Middletown when Gov. Clinton, of New York, raised the first shovelful of earth in the digging of the Miami Canal. Our subject was united in marriage to Samuel Rohrer, March 30, 1826, and that year removed to Dayton, Ohio, where he embarked in the mercantile business. To this couple were born six children, four of' whom are now living, namely : Columbus, Charles S., Josephine and Ada V. Mrs. Rohrer is a member of the Reformed Church, and her husband was an Elder in the same. She is a close Bible student, and has ever walked in the line of holy men and women, having been a teacher in the Colored Sabbath School of Baltimore, and organized the first Sunday school in Germantown. She was also the first lady member of the American Bible Society in Montgomery County. Her husband was born at Hagerstown, Md., in October, 1786, and in 1817 accompanied Gen. Harper and Dr. Dideer to Europe, where he spent two years in traveling, and then returned to his native State. As was said above, he came to Dayton the same year of his marriage, and the following year moved to Germantown, and there built a brewery and operated a distillery. The father of Mr. Rohrer was a man of means, and in consequence, Samuel received a thorough education and became a man of culture and refinement. He served as a Lieutenant under Capt. Bare, in the war of 1812. This couple were widely known for their hospitality, and their home was considered by the elite of the day as the center of refinement and high-bred culture.

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At their residence have been entertained many distinguished persons, among whom were Gen. Harrison, when a candidate for the Presidency. Mr. Rohrer was a man of many virtues, was successful in business, and highly esteemed by his fellow-citizens. He died July 12, 1856.

CHRISTIAN ROHRER, retired distiller, Germantown. This well-known and prominent citizen was born in Lancaster County, Penn., December 2, 1804, and is a son of Christian and Anna Maria (Forrer) Rohrer, natives of the Keystone State, who were the parents of nine children, five of' whom are now living, viz.: Elizabeth ( now Mrs. Krider, of Pennsylvania), Catherine (now Mrs. Barr, of the same State), Christian, Samuel and Jacob. The father was a farmer, but soon after the war of 1812 began the manufacture of cotton goods. He was a man much respected, and died June 16, 1824. his widow surviving him until 1850. Our subject grew to manhood in his native State, receiving a good education, and upon attaining his majority inherited from his father's estate a farm and saw-mill property. Hearing of' the many good business openings in the West, he made a trip to Ohio and Indiana. Returning to Pennsylvania, he disposed of his property, and in 1831 came to Montgomery County, purchased a flouring-still from Andrew Hinkle. located one mile west of Germantown. which he operated until 1847, when he sold it to Gross & Brubaker. He then bought the Jelin Risinger mill property. including 75 acres of land, rebuilt the distillery which was on the farm, and embarked in the manufacture of high wines and liquors making the first Bourbon whisky distilled in Montgomery County. Mr. Rohrer was married November 2$, 1832, to Miss Margaret Emerick, born in this county March 8, 1813. and daughter of Christopher Emerick, one of' Montgomery County's pioneers. Of this union five children were born, viz.: Anna M. (now Mrs. Grubbs, of Germantown ). Elizabeth (now Mrs. Kaucher, of Yankton, D. T.), Josephine (now Mrs. Byers, of Shelbyville. Ind.), David and John. Mr. Rohrer is yet residing upon his farm, which he purchased thirty-five years ago, although retired from active business. He has been one of the most successful business men in the Miami Valley, and his success is a fitting illustration of what constant application and rigid industry can accomplish when coupled with sound business judgment. He is one of the charter members of the First National Bank of Germantown, has always been recognized as a useful member of society. ever taking a deep interest in all worthy public enterprises, as well as the progress, growth and development of' the Miami Valley.

DAVID ROHRER, distiller, Germantown, is a son of Christian and Margaret Rohrer, and was born in German Township November 10, 1835, receiving his education in the school of his district until seventeen years old, when he entered his father's distillery, where he worked faithfully until twenty-two years of age, at which time his father gave him an interest in this business. This partnership continued several years, when it was dissolved by mutual consent, his father retiring and David remaining in the business, renting the distillery from his father. Here our subject continued to do a successful business, but, being a man of enterprise, he resolved to prosecute his calling on a larger scale, so purchasing thirty-one acres of land one and a half miles west of Germantown, he erected thereon a large distillery with a capacity of manufacturing thirty barrels of choice Bourbon whisky per day, which brands have acquired an enviable reputation from the Atlantic to the Pacific, having a market in many of the leading cities of the Union. He was married February 1, 1865, to Miss Ada V. Rohrer, daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth Rohrer, a sketch of' whom will be found in this work. She was born in German Township April 18, 1840, and has had five children, four of whom are living--Josie, Ada V.. Eugene and Albert. Mr. Rohrer is the owner of 400 acres of land, besides his distillery, is a public-spirited, enterprising man, whose success has been marked by upright dealing in all the affairs of life, and who has won and retained the friendship of a large circle of Montgomery County's leading citizens.

JOSEPH W. SHANK, President of the First National Bank, Germantown, is a son of Adam Shank, who was born in Maryland in the year 1778. When at suitable age, he engaged in the blacksmith trade. This vocation commanded his attention in Fredericktown for some time, but afterward he purchased a farm, and for a few years

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in his native State was a tiller of the soil. In 1836, he removed to Montgomery County, Ohio, locating in Madison Township, where he purchased 240 acres of land. His marriage was celebrated in his, as well as his wife's native State, prior to his removal to Ohio, her maiden name being Catherine Doup. The issue of their union was seven children, two daughters and five sans. By the time Adam had his farm in Montgomery County under good cultivation, time had bent his once strong and rugged frame, and death followed about 1856 in Germantown, where he located about 1850, both he and wife leaving the record of an upright, practical, useful and Christian like life for imitation. Joseph W., whose name heads this sketch, was born October 8, 1816, in the same State as his father. His education was obtained at subscription schools, and, through his own exertions, laboring on his father's farm until 1838, when he, of his own natural adaptability, commenced the coopering trade, which he conducted one year, thence embarked for St. Louis, via Cincinnati, locating in St. Clair County, Ill., where he thought great advantages were offered to young men; there engaged as an inexperienced hand at the carpenter trade. Subsequently, became the owner of' a horse, which he rode to Hagerstown, Ind., and traded for town property. This he held thirty-nine years, depreciating in value 25 per cent. About 1840, he engaged to the contractor to assist in erecting the Third street river bridge across the Great Miami at Dayton. Soon after the completion of the bridge, he formed a partnership with his brother Samuel, who was a contractor and builder; while thus engaged, on March 16, 1843, he married Mariah Bruner, who was then nineteen years of age, and a native of Montgomery County, Ohio. To this union were given ten children. Mr. Shank followed carpentering until 1847, when he resumed the vocation of farming on his father's farm; subsequently became the owner of a fine farm, from where he removed to Germantown. He has been for years one of the Directors of the First National Bank of that place, of which he is now President. Mr. and Mrs. Shank have been for twenty-five years valuable members of the U. B. Church.

GEORGE M. SMOCK, farmer, P. O. Germantown, was born January 20, 1812, and is a son of John G. and Polly (Vanmulander) Smock, natives of New Jersey, the former of whom died March 18, 1854. Our subject was married, January 28, 1843, to Christina Crist, daughter of Michael and Mary (Loy) Crist, he is a native of Maryland and she of this county, the former dying. aged eighty-four, and his wife aged sixty-eight years. Mrs. Smock's paternal grandparents were Henry and Christina (Cassel) Crist, natives of Maryland. who came to Ohio in 1805; and her maternal grandparents, George P. and Nancy (Foster) Loy, were also early settlers of this State. Her father, Michael Crist, was a blacksmith in Germantown, and he and his wife were members of the Methodist Church. Mr. Smock is now residing in Germantown, is a good citizen, kind neighbor and courteous gentleman.

DANIEL B. STAVER, firmer, P. O. Germantown, was born in Jefferson Township, Montgomery County, Ohio, in 1814. where he resided until his marriage to Elizabeth, daughter of' Jacob Bickle (both of Pennsylvania), when he removed to German Township, of' which he is still a resident. To them were born the following children: Christina, Daniel, Rebecca and William. The parents of' our subject were Frederick and Elizabeth (Nowel) Stayer. Daniel and wife are members of the Reformed Church. In politics, he is a Democrat. He is in comfortable circumstances, possessing property in Germantown and a farm of eighty-four acres three miles northwest of that town.

SAMUEL STIVER, farmer, P. O. Germantown. Among the most worthy and prominent farmers of German Township Samuel Stiver holds a leading place. In 1806, his parents, John and Margaret (Wolf) Stiver, natives respectively of Lancaster and Toffin Counties, Penn., left their native State and came to 'Montgomery County, Ohio, settling in German Township, in the southwest part of the county. John was of Holland Dutch descent, his ancestors having come to the colonies before the Revolutionary war. He and wife lived and died in this county. The subject of this sketch was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, February 21, 1816, here grew to maturity, inured to the trills that fell to the lot of every pioneer family, and March 4, 1841, was married

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to Catherine Emerick, daughter of George and Mary (Good) Emerick, the former of whom was a native of Maryland and the latter of Virginia. Mrs. Stiver was born in this county October 7, 1819, and has had six children, as follows : Benjamin M., William C., Samuel, Mary E., John A. and Sarah C., all of whom are married and have families, excepting John A., who resides at home with his parents. Mr. Stiver owns over five hundred acres of land, three hundred and forty-six in German and one hundred and sixty-four in Jackson Township; has always been recognized as a good, successful farmer, who looks carefully after his business and seldom makes mistakes in his investments. He is conservative and close in his views, a good neighbor, kind yet economical in his family, and can be safely classed as one of the representative farmers of the township.

J. M. SWARTZEL, farmer, P. O.Carlisle Station, was born in German Township, Montgomery County, Ohio, September 19, 1822. On the 2d of May, 1853, he was united in marriage to Miss Louisa Replogle, born May 10, 1835. This union was blessed with the following children : John, Emma, Charles, Mary, William, Frank, Edward, Oliver, Andrew, Peter and one who died in infancy. Mr. Swartzel is a son of John C. and Elizabeth (Crist) Swartzel, natives of the State of Maryland, whence they emigrated in 1804. The father died in 1850, and the mother in 1870. The paternal grandfather of our subject was Matthias Swartzel, and that of his wife was Henry Crist. Louisa Replogle is the daughter of Daniel F. and Mary (Lewis) Replogle, now residents of Defiance County, Ohio. Mr. Swartzel resides on his farm of one hundred and two acres of land located about two miles northwest of Carlisle Station, Warren County.

FREDERICK THOMAS, farmer, Germantown P. O., is a native of Maryland, born in Washington County October 21, 1802, and son of Gabriel and Christina (Wolf) Thomas, of that State, the former born in 1769 and dying in 1857. The family came to Ohio in 1804, and here our subject grew up and received his schooling. In 1846, he married Dinah Hetzler, born May 18, 1807, and in 1850 moved upon his present farm, of 102 acres, two and a half miles south of Germantown. He has been a member of the United Brethren Church since a young man.

MICHAEL TROUT, physician, Germantown, is the only survivor of a family of eleven children, and is the son of George and Margaret (Zigler) Trout, both natives of Pennsylvania. George, in his minor days, learned the potter trade, and afterward located in business on the Monongahela River, where he remained until about 1812, when he removed to Perry County. Ohio, and continued his occupation (potter) in the town of Somerset. At the close of the Indian war of 1812, he organized a militia company, and served as its Captain until age plainly told on his wrinkled brow and frosted hair, disabling him for parade. He was a practical and useful man in his county, and was chosen as Associate Judge. During life he accumulated some property, and generally was a constant and generous contributor to all worthy enterprises. He and wife trod the path of a united life until old age bent both their frames, when they were called hence. Michael, whose name heads this biography, was born June 21, 1809, at Williamsport, Washington Co., Penn., and was brought to Perry County, Ohio, by his parents, in childhood. They being located in the town of' Somerset, his educational privileges were not so much limited as many others of that early age. In 1827, he came to Germantown, Montgomery Co., Ohio, where he taught one term of school, and has since continuously resided, except five years in Wayne County, Ind., subsequently obtained a situation as a dry goods clerk, and during spare moments applied himself to the reading of medicine ; finally, acquired a fair knowledge of the science. To this end he entered the Ohio Medical College at Cincinnati and improved his vacation, under the directions of Dr. Espich. who was a reliable practitioner and safe counselor. After the completion of Dr. Trout's collegiate or lecture courses, he became associated as partner with his (former) preceptor. After one year's existence of this firm, by mutual consent, it dissolved, and Dr. Trout continued by himself. He is one among the oldest practicing physicians of Montgomery County, has withstood the storms of over half a century's practice. He has been for many years a member of and Trustee in the Lutheran Church, also a valuable member of the Order of I. O. O. F.,

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having taken nearly all the degrees. His marriage was solemnized February 21, 1832, with Amelia Schwartz, who was born March 4, 1813, in Baltimore, Md., and an exemplary member of the Lutheran Church. Of their eleven children three survive--Isadora L., Henry S. and Theodore.

WILLIAM WETZ, retired tanner, P. O. Germantown, was born in Germany February 15, 1821, and is a son of Henry and Christina (Druck) Wetz, natives of that country, and parents of' six children, five of whom are living. In 1838, William began to learn the tanner's trade, which he completed, and in 1848 emigrated to Ohio, locating at Miamisburg, where he worked at his trade four years, thence removed to Germantown, where he followed his trade until six years ago. His father died in Germany and his mother in Ohio. Mr. Wetz was married, December 11, 1856, to Eva Muller, born December 16, 1822, and daughter of Frank and Margaret Muller, who were the parents of nine children, five of when are living. Mr. Wetz is the father of two children, William H. and Margaret, the latter of when died in infancy. He is now retired from active business in the enjoyment of what his early industry and economical habits husbanded through the passing years from youth to aged manhood. He and his with belong to the Evangelical Association.

CLINTON H. YOUNG, horse dealer, Germantown. was born near Eaton, Preble, County, Ohio, November 12, 1856. His parents were Henry and Elizabeth (Tell) Young, the former a native of Preble County, and by occupation a farmer ; the father served the people of his township as Trustee and Clerk. The parents are members of the German Baptist Church. Our subject is one of ten children, viz.. Sarah A., Mary J., Maria, Levina, Martha, Jemima, Ella, Clinton H., Lurten E. and Edward. At the age of eighteen years, after having had the benefit of a common school education, he rented a portion of his father's farm, and was united in marriage with Laura E., daughter of Paul Marker, July 21, 1878. Miss Marker was born in Montgomery County March 16, 1858. Mr, Marker was a member of the Lutheran Church, and died March 11, 1880. This young couple left the farm August 6, 1880, moving to Germantown. where Mr. Young engaged in the livery stable business, on Market street. but he is now engaged in trading and buying horses. They are the parents of' one child, Lawrence O., born August 27, 1879.

LEVI ZEARING, farmer, P. O. Germantown. The parents of this gentleman were Peter Zearing and Elizabeth Boombrake, who were married in 1816. The former was born in Lebanon County, Penn., in 1790. and in 1818 came to Ohio. and in two years later settled in Section 6, Gorman Township of this county. where he died August 8, 1858, in his sixty-fifth year, the mother having lived until April 29, 1862, when she died at the age of' seventy-three years. Our subject was born on the homestead June 15, 1819, where he has since resided and been occupied as a farmer. He was united in marriage with Ann Maria, daughter of' Barnet and Elizabeth Zearing, February 5, 1846. She was born in Warren County, November 13, 1824. To this couple was born one son, Amos, who married Mary Hildreth, and is the father of four children by name, Oscar, Eva May, Willie A. and Levi E. Our subject possesses two well improved farms; the homestead contains 162 acres, valued at $125 per acre. Everything thereon is kept in perfect order ; the barn is large and commodious, and on the land is an extensive sugar camp of about 800 or 1,000 trees ; the other farm contains 155 acres, situated about three miles south of Germantown. The homestead is reasonably well stocked, and supplied with all modern farming implements.

JOHN ZEHRING, merchant, Germantown. In the year 1725, Ludwig Zehring and family emigrated from Baden, Germany, to the American colonies, and prior to 1732 located in what afterward became Lebanon County, Penn.. purchasing 130 acres from the Indians, for which he paid £20, 10s 11d, and with a few others of his faith, erected near his farm the Swataa Reformed Church, located two miles east of Jonestown, which building has long since been replaced by a more modern and commodious house of worship. Here in this county was born William Zehring, in October, 1792. grew up under the parental roof, and in 1818 married Miss Elizabeth Garst, who was born in the same county in 1794, of which union were born five children, viz. : John,

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William, Christian, Lydia, now Mrs. Binkerd of Dayton, and Barbara, now Mrs. Miltenbarger, of Warren County, Ohio. The farm upon which Ludwig Zehring settled is yet owned by his descendants, and from this point, in the spring of 1819, William and wife started for Ohio, locating in Butler County, near Blue Ball, where he purchased fifty acres of land, upon which he lived nine years, when he sold it at a sacrifice of $300 and bought a quarter section on Louis Run in Jackson Township, Montgomery County, Ohio. Here he passed many years, raised his family, and embraced the faith of the German Baptist Church, of which he ever tried to be a worthy member until his death in 1870, his latter days having been spent at his son William's residence, in Miami County, Ind. His widow still survives him; is in her eighty-eighth year; makes her home with her daughter, in Warren County, and has also been a life-long member of the German Baptist Church. The subject of this sketch was born in Butler County, Ohio, January 25, 1820, receiving his education in the well-known log schoolhouse of the pioneer days, and so perseveringly did he prosecute his studies, that upon leaving school, he was competent of teaching, which he followed in the winter months, the summer being devoted to farming. Mr. Zehring was married, November 25, 1841, to Miss Nancy Snavely. a native of Lebanon County, Penn., who came to Ohio with her parents, John and Rebecca Snavely, in 1831. Of this union have been born eleven children, ten of whom are now living, and two of the sons were soldiers in the Union army, viz.: S. Perry, who enlisted in Company H, Thirty-fifth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, at the age of sixteen, participating in all the battles of his regiment, Perryville, Ky., Chickamauga, Mission Ridge and Sherman's march to Atlanta, Ga., being the most important. He served three years, and during this time, was never absent or lost a day's service, and was mustered out at Atlanta, Ga., but soon after reaching home, he again concluded to enter the service of his country, and raised Company H, One Hundred and Ninety-seventh Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, of which he was chosen Captain, but the war ending six months subsequently, with the surrender of Lee, the regiment was mustered out of service. D. Washington Zehring enlisted in 1864, in the Signal Service, and at the close of the war, was honorably discharged. Our subject continued to teach school and farm until 1847, when, having saved a small amount of money he, in partnership with his brother William, opened a store at Farmersville, where they did a successful business until 1853, when the partnership was dissolved, and John removed to Germantown and bought the dry goods house of Stump & Gunckel, where he yet continues to do business. Daring his mercantile career in Germantown, he has had as partners, H. Elliott, the present Common Pleas Judge of this district, and J. S. Binkerd, of Dayton, and is, at present, associated with his son, S. Perry, under the firm name of John Zehring & Co. Politically, Mr. Zehring was a Democrat until 1852, when he severed his connection with the Democracy, and with others of his political faith, assisted in organizing what has since been known as the Republican party, which principles he has since advocated. He was at one time nominated for the State Senate, to represent the counties of Montgomery and Preble, which district had previously given about 800 Democratic majority, but Mr. Zehring was defeated by only seventy votes. In 1865, he was elected Justice of the Peace, which position of trust and confidence he has filled continuously up to the present. He is a member of the Masonic Fraternity, also of the I. O. O. F. Has always been a man of strong, yet liberal religious convictions, and an earnest worker in establishing and perpetuating Sabbath schools. He has lived a very temperate life, not even using tobacco ; retains much of his youthful vigor, has always taken an active part in all public enterprises, and is widely respected by all.