310 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP.

THOMAS L. ASKINS, farmer, P. O., Ellerton, was born in Frederick Co., Md., June 7th, 1828, and Is a son of Daniel and Nancy A. Askins, of that State, who came to Montgomery Co., Ohio, in 1831. Daniel was in limited circumstances upon reaching Ohio, but y hard, constant labor, he and wife managed to provide themselves with a comfortable home before old age came upon them. They had seven children--four sons and three daughters five of whom are now living. Mrs. Nancy A. Askins was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for fifty-four years, and died March 25, 1877; her husband followed her to his last earthly home Aug. 7, 1880, having been a member of the Union Baptist Church nearly all of his life. Thomas L. grew up a farmer, and as such has passed his days thus far. He was married Dec. 11, 1853, to Sarah A. Getter, daughter of George and Mary Getter, who was born Sept. 25, 1835, of which union eleven children are the fruits, ten now living, as follows:--William H., James B., George W., Maria E., Peter T., Mary A., Jacob D., Thomas L. (dec.), Sarah C., Perry G., and Lottie. Our subject owns a nice farm of 40 acres, well improved, which constitutes a comfortable home. Although his advantages for an education were limited, he inherited good business talents, and good common sense, which have fitted him for life's duties. He has been a trustee of ins township eight years, and a Justice of the Peace six, thus demonstrating that he is a man well respected by the community in which the lives. His wife died March 27, 1881, in full fellowship with the Lutheran Church, and respected by all who knew her.

JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP. - 311

GEORGE W. BECKER, farmer, P. O., Ellerton, was born in this township, March 25, 1836, and is a son of Henry and Susanna Becker, natives of Lancaster Co., Pa., who settled in Jefferson Township, about 1816, commencing life in a log cabin in the dense forest. They had a family of eleven children, eight of whom are now living, Henry dying in 1851, aged 63 years, a sincere adherent of the Lutheran Church. His wife was born Jan. 13, 1799; is still living and a member of the Reformed Church. George W. lived with his parents until his majority, and was married Jan. 8, 1860, to Sarah Kelsey, daughter of David and Margaret Kelsey, natives of Pennsylvania, who came to this township at an early day. Mrs. Becker was here born Feb. 4, 1840, and has bore Mr. Becker six sons and one daughter, as follows: Rosa B., Valerius, William H., David E., Francis M., Seabury, and Jesse L. Mr. Becker is a member of the Lutheran and his wife of the United Brethren church. Franklin A. Stupp, who married their daughter Rosa B., was born May 13, 1859, and is a son of Isaac, and Leah Stupp, natives of Pennsylvania. He is a member of the Lutheran Church, and his wife of the Reformed denomination. Mr. Becker and family are among the worthy, law-abiding people of their community.

NOAH COLER, farmer, P. O., Liberty, was born in Maryland in 1828, and is a son of Joseph and Elizabeth Coler, natives of the same State and of German English extraction (name formerly spelled Koller). Mr. Coler has one brother, C. A., and two sisters, Mrs. Susanna Collett (dec.), and Mrs. Jane C. Cotterman. They came to Jackson Township, Montgomery Co., Ohio, in 1833, where Joseph remained until his death, his widow yet surviving him. Noah grew to manhood on a farm, receiving his education in the neighborhood schools, and followed the vocation of school teaching for a time. He was married in Preble Co., Ohio, March 7, 1852, to Eliza A. Gregg, daughter of Silas and Susan Gregg, the former a native of Georgia, the latter of Preble Co., Ohio, of which union ten children have been born, viz., Elijah J., Aaron, Jehu, Ezra E., Ira, Perry, (dec.) Emma, (dec.) Ida M., Etta, (dec.) and Christian, (dec). Mr. Coler has filled many minor offices of trust, and being a man of more than ordinary abilities, is recognized as one of the best representative farmers of Jefferson Township, as he is one of the most successful in the county. He is the owner of a fine farm of 320 acres in a high state of cultivation, and makes the breeding of thoroughbred stock a specialty, having now some fine specimens of Short Horn cattle and Poland China hogs on his farm. Mr. Coler is a progressive, enterprising citizen, who readily supports every measure that he believes will be a benefit to the county which has been his home for forty-eight years.

ELIJAH J. COLER, manufacturer, P. O., Liberty, was born in Jefferson Township, Montgomery Co., Ohio, July 16, 1853, and is the eldest son of Noah Coley, one of the leading farmers of this township, whose sketch appears in this work. He grew up on the homestead, remaining with his parents until of age, during which time he partially learned the art of working in wood, his mind ever leaning towards mechanical construction. In the fall of 1876 he invented a patent gate, receiving his patent in Jan. 1877, upon which he has since improved, until to-day it is recognized as one of the best, if not the best gate in the market. He manufactured this gate first at New Lebanon, but in 1880 removed to Liberty, where in the fall of 1881, he erected a commodious shop where all classes of general jobbing is done, besides the manufacture of his gate, two sorts of which he is making, viz.: "Coler's Automatic" and "Coler's Duplex," the latter being the one most in demand, as it always opens from the horses and never freezes fast in cold weather, advantages that can be thoroughly appreciated by all who may have used a patent gate. He has manufactured hundreds of these gates, sending them throughout Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri and Kansas, also to the East, and everywhere they have given good satisfaction. Mr. Coler was married Feb. 3, 1881, to Laura E. Gifford, of Preble Co., Ohio, whose father is dead, but her mother is yet residing in that county. Mr. Coler's success is the result of his own efforts, having personally introduced his gate throughout those States mentioned, and his future may be justly judged from the past.

312 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES :

JOHN H. ECK, farmer, P. O., Ellerton, is the son of Elias and Rachel (Weaver) Eck, he a native of Maryland, she of this county. They were the parents of eight children, five sons and three daughters, viz., Amanda (dec.) Sarah A., John H., Horace, Charles O., Willis A., George W., Rachel E. The subject of this sketch was born in this county, June 7, 1851, and lived at home until his majo^rity, working upon the farm and attending school during the winter. For three years after his majority, he worked at the carpenter trade. Aug. 26, 1875, he was united in marriage with Mary E. Getter, born Sept 1, 1854, the only child of George W. and Catharine (Marker) Getter, of this township. By this union they have been blessed with one son, Walter I., born Dec. 31, 1878. Mr. Eck has a very pleasant home on section 28, where he now resides.

JOHN W. FITZGERALD, Minister, P. O., Liberty. The subject of this sketch was born in Scott County, Kentucky, A. D. 1839. His grandfather, Jesse Fitzgerald, was a nephew of Lord Fitzgerald, of Ireland, and two great uncles of John W. Fitzgerald bore a conspicuous part in the early struggles of American independence. They were with Washington and Lafayette at the surrender of Cornwallis. John M. Fitzgerald, son of Jesse Fitzgerald, was been in Fayette Co., Ky., and at the age of 25 he was united in marriage to Mary S. Smallwood, granddaughter of Dr. Thomas E. Bond, medical purveyor in the Continental Army. The result of this union was twelve children, of which John W. Fitzgerald was the second. John received his early training in the State of Kentucky. In the year 1853 his father migrated to the State of Virginia. Having a large family, he was unable to give people attention to the education of his children, but John, through his own energy and perseverance, was able to take one course at the Buchanan Normal School, at the close of which the civil war broke out, and as everything in that part of the State was thrown into confusion, it being the line of military operations, John was unable to pursue his studies any further. During this second great struggle for liberty, John was not idle, but took part in the great panorama of the day, and was a greater part of the time on special detail caring for and gathering up the wounded of both armies. At the close of the war he returned home. Was united in marriage to Missouri A. Bond, November 28, 1865, and they connected themselves with the German Baptists, in the year 1867. He was called to the ministry in June, 1869, was advanced to the second degree of the ministry in the State of West Virginia on the 6th day of October 1870, and continued to labor with success in that State until the year 1875, when he moved his family to Franklin Co., Ky., in which State he labored as a missionary until the year 1877. In March of that year he settled in Darke Co., Ohio, and labored with the brethren of Darke County until the 25th of March, 1880, when he located in Jefferson Township, Montgomery County, and is at present preaching in what is known as the Bear Creek Church.

GEORGE GETTER, deceased, was the son of John and Mary M. (Lambert) Getter, natives of Lancaster Co. Pa., who about 1818 came to this township, from the Keystone State, where they lived and died. They were the parents of eight children, viz., John, George, Jacob, Polly, Anna, all of whom are dead, and Louisa, Sallie and William are living. Our subject was born in Lancaster Co., Pa., Feb. 3, 1805, and lived at home until his marriage with Mary E. Wertz, March 14. 1828. She was the daughter of Daniel and Sarah (Weimer) Wertz, natives of Pennsylvania, and was born in Warren Co., Ohio, Aug. 25, 1808. Her parents had a family of fourteen children, thirteen of whom raised families, and one son died unmarried. The names are as follows: Anthony, Catherine, Nancy, Sarah, John, Jacob all dec. and Daniel, Jerome, Caroline, Elizabeth, Harriet, Rachel, Lavina and Mary E., who are living. To George and Mary E. Getter were bon thirteen children, viz., John G., Daniel (dec.) George W., (dec.) William W., Sarah, Jacob, Joseph L., Peter T., (dec.) Mary E., Samuel, Perry P., (dec.) Henry B., and Albert T., all of whom lived to be married and have families. Mr. Gutter began life in very limited circumstances, not having a table, chair or even a knife, fork or spoon in their little

JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP. - 313

log cabin, all of which they borrowed until able to buy the same from their scanty earnings, but y constant toil and rigid savings they finally secured a comfortable home ere his death, July 5, 1875, owning 160 acres of good land in Section 22. Mr. Getter was Township Treasurer for twelve years, Infirmary Director for six years, and held many minor positions, all of which he filled with credit and satisfaction. He was a faithful member of the Lutheran Church for about 57 years, to which his widow has also belonged for more than half a century. Mrs. Getter lives in the old homestead, enjoying the blessings of this life, with a bright hope in the one to come, and has the consolation of seeing her children, grand-children and great-grandchildren settled around her and respected members of society.

JOHN N. GETTER, farmer, P. O., Liberty. This gentleman is a descendant of one of the pioneer families of Jefferson Township, and here first saw the light Sept, 14, 1836. He is a son of John and Eve Getter, natives of the Keystone State, and lived with his parents until his marriage, May 8, 1856, to Phoebe A. Schenck, daughter of Ward and Anna Schenck, of Clear Creek Township, Warren Co., Ohio. Soon after this event he bought the farm of 80 acres upon which he has since made his home. This marriage was blest by eleven children, five of whom died in infancy and six yet surviving, viz., Clement L., Florence V., Arthur 1Z., Emma A., Ida B., and John C. Mr. and Mrs. Getter are members of the Lutheran Church, and respected, worthy citizens.

ISAAC HAINES, P. O., Dayton, Superintendent of the County Infirmary, was born in Lancaster Co., Pa., Nov. 19, 1827, and is a son of Allen and Nancy (Lemmon) Haines, he a native of Pennsylvania, and she of Ireland, who came to Montgomery Co., Ohio, in 1828, where both resided until death. Our subject grew up on the farm, receiving his education in the district schools. He was married Aug. 17, 1848, to Barbara A. Teeter, a native of Ohio, born Dec. 17, 1829, and daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth (Dunston) Teeter, natives of Virginia, who settled in this county in 1832, where her mother died, her father yet residing here. To Isaac and Barbara A. Haines seven children have been born, as follows : Elizabeth A., Daniel W., (dec.) Sarah C., Birdie, (dec.) Walter, Emma, (dec.) and Clarence E. Mr. Haines followed farming all his life, and in Jan., 1879, he was appointed y the Directors, Superintendent of the County Infirmary, which official position of trust and confidence he is still holding. Politically he is a staunch Democrat, believing firmly in the rock-ribbed principles of Jeffersonian democracy. He was trustee of Madison Township six years. He and wife are members of the Christian Church, and he belongs to the I. O. O. F. Mr. Haines is an intelligent, well read farmer, and is thoroughly competent of filling the position he now holds, with credit to himself and satisfaction to the directors and citizens of Montgomery County.

JOHN HISER, farmer, P. O., Dayton, is a son of John and Barbara Hiser, and was born Aug. 9, 1811 lived at home until his marriage, Oct. 21, 1832, to Mary Caylor, daughter of Daniel and Mary Caylor, of Jefferson Township. Her mother was born in North Carolina, Dec. 28, 1792, is in possession of her mental faculties, and bids fair to live a number of years yet. She was twice married. Her first husband died March 23, 1838, and four years after she was married to Samuel Neff singer, who lived about nine years, thus again leaving her a widow. She is a member of the German Baptist Church, and is spending her last days happily with her daughter, Mrs. Hiser, which is the old homestead. Mr. and Mrs. Hiser are the parents of two children, Mrs. David Hatterman, of this township, being the surviving one, and both are members of the German Reformed Church.

JOHN H. LINEBAUGH, wagon-maker, P. O., Ellerton. John H. Linebaugh, the subject of this sketch, was born in the village of Myersville, Frederick Co., Md., in the year 1837, Nov. 26. He spent his early life with his parents, Jonathan and Catherine Shank Linebaugh. Mr. Linebaugh is of German extraction. The vocation followed by our subject while with his father, was farming. In his boyhood he gained a fair common-school educa-

314 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

tion, while living at home. But not feeling satisfied to stop there, attended Dickinson College of Carlisle, Pa., thinking of graduating himself. But at the breaking-out of the Rebellion changed somewhat his collegiate course, and his school days there came to an end. In the spring of 1863 Mr. Linebaugh came to this county, a single man in search of his fortune, locating in Jefferson Township, where he married Margaret J. Patten, daughter of Samuel and Margaret Patten, residents of this county. The fruits of their union are as follows : Charles F., John Edward, Loiza Alice, Elcie Jane, Henry Mason and Thomas Patten, all living but Charles Franklin, John Edward and Loiza Alice. After marriage Mr. Linebaugh moved to Indiana, to make his home and follow teaching, but not finding matters just as expected came back to Ohio and located at Liberty, teaching their school six months, after which time he moved to Gettersburg and lived on a place then owned y Mr. Snepp, while building his house, the present home, Mr. Linebaugh's present vocation being farming, wagon-making and undertaking. He was elected to the office of Magistrate in the summer of 1869, and has held that position ever since, discharging his duties with ability and alacrity. In politics a Democrat and a warm supporter of Democratic principles; also an active member in the Reform Church, as also is his wife. Mr. Linebaugh began life with nothing, but has been quite prosperous in all his business interests. He is a man largely known in his locality, being a good neighbor, a kind husband and father, wholesome in all his habits and a man highly respected throughout the county.

LEVI P. MEDLAR, farmer, P. O., Dayton, is the son of Samuel and Mary (Stayer) Medlar, he a native of Berks Co., Pa., and emigrated to this county 1832; she born in this county. They were the parents of eight children, five sons and three daughters, viz: Levi P., of this sketch, Hiram, Elizabeth, Alvin L., Benton I., Daniel W., Clara A. and Amelia M. The subject of this sketch was born May 23, 1848, and lived with his parents until his majority. Sept. 26, 1875, he was united in marriage with Susan E. Huffman, born May 23, 1852, daughter of John and Elizabeth (Fink) Huffman, natives of Lebanon Co., Pa., who emigrated to this county about 1835. He died 1859, she surviving him. Since his marriage our subject has purchased a home in Sec. 4. By this union they have had three children, two living--a son and a daughter--viz : Luther E., born Feb. 22, 1878; Laura May, born May 23, 1880. He is a member of the Reformed and she of the Lutheran Church.

CORNELIUS MICHAEL, farmer and manufacturer of sorghum syrup, P. O, Dayton, is a son of John and Charlotte Michael, natives of Frederick Co., Md., who came to this township in 1836, and settled upon the farm where he yet resides. He began life in Ohio a poor man, but y well directed effort he has accumulated a large property, being now considered one of the wealthiest men of his township. They have had nine children ; eight now survive. The subject of this sketch was born May 10, 1830, and came to this county with his parents, with whom the lived until 25 years of age, his schooling being little. He was married Aug. 12, 1855, to Sophia Crouder, daughter of Jacob and Rachel Crouder, of German Township, this county, who was born May 9, 1838. Of this union ten children have been given them, viz: John W., Noah IF., Jacob A., George W., Emanuel (deceased) Sea !wry F., Laura M., Ora E., Edward L. and Clara S. Mr. Michael, wife and eldest son are members of the United Brethren Church. For the three years following his marriage Mr. Michael worked y the day and on rented land, after which he rented farms for five years; at the expiration of this time he bought 12 1/2, acres of land near Carrollton Station, upon which he built a factory for the manufacture of sorghum syrup, and continued this business successfully at that point for six years, when he sold out and bought the farm of 120 acres, where he has since resided. Beside running his farm he still manufactures sorghum, and, having the latest and best-improved machinery, produces a superior article of syrup. Mr. Michael deserves praise for the steady success he has made in life, having y his

JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP. - 315

own efforts accumulated a handsome property, the legitimate result of persistent industry and rigid saving.

GEORGE MILLER, blacksmith and farmer, P. O., Ellerton, was born in Germany, Dec. 23, 1831, and is a son of G. and Catherine (Staub) Miller, who were the parents of seven children, four now living, viz: Henry, George, Catherine and Conrad. Our subject emigrated to the United States in March, 1852, and engaged in farm work in Delaware, and the following May went to New York, possessing a capital of about $50, and there worked on a farm about six months, then came west to Circleville, Ohio, where he served a three years apprenticeship at the blacksmith trade, afterwards working about one year as a journeyman for the same firm. He then came to Dayton, Ohio, worked three months in a carriage shop and the following three years was employed in the Union carshops, from where he went to Germantown, this county; remained there one year, working at his trade; thence to Sunsbury, where he commenced in business for himself, which he prosecuted about nine years; then came to Gettersburg and purchased the comfortable residence where he now lives. Here he continued the blacksmithing business for about ten years, since which time he has devoted his attention principally to the raising of tobacco, and has been very successful. He was married in 1855 to Mary A. Schaffer, of Dayton, daughter of the Rev. Absalom Schaffer, who was Pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Dayton for many years. Mrs. Miller was born in 1832, and had four children y this union, viz; David, Isaiah, Clara and Sarah M. The mother dying Aug. 25, 1871, Mr. Miller married for his second wife Mrs. Anna Beck, daughter of .John Getter, who died March 25, 1879 without issue. In religious belief Mr. Miller is a Lutheran, as were his parents before him ; yet he is a man of liberal views, devoid of narrow-mindedness, and is much respected by friends and neighbors.

ABSALOM NICHOLAS, (deceased) was born in this township, upon the farm where his widow now lives, Aug. 10, 1828, and was a son of Abraham and Mary Nicholas, pioneers of Montgomery Co., Ohio. Our subject grew to maturity on the old homestead and, like all pioneer children, received his education in the school of his district. He was married June 5, 1851, to Mary A. Rowlands, a native of Wales, who came to this country with her parents, Rowland and Elizaeth Rowlands, when she was a small child. To Absalom and Mary A. Nicholas seven children were born, five of whom are living--Elizabeth J. (wife of Peter Little, of Dayton), Joseph L., Catherine F. (wife of Franklin Puterbaugh, of Harrison Township), Abraham R. and Laura V. Mr. Nicholas was much respected and was often offered official position in his township, but declined on account of poor health. He died Sept. 22, 1871, a faithful member of the United Brethren Church, to which denomination his widow and three of the children also belong, and one daughter adheres to the Baptist Church.

HENRY RECHER, retired farmer, P. O., Liberty. The grandparents of this well-to-do farmer were Peter and Elizabeth (Protzman) Becher, natives, respectively, of Pennsylvania and Maryland, who came to Jefferson Township, Montgomery Co., Ohio, in 1805, settling on Little Bear Creek, where they passed the balance of their days. They raised a family of eight boys and two girls, viz : Peter, Joseph, Jacob, Daniel, Frederick, John, Elias, Lewis, Lica and Susan, one of the daughters being the first wife of the Rev. David Winters, and all of the sons marrying but Jacob. Of the above Joseph, Peter and Lewis, with their wives, are living, also the wives of Daniel and Frederick. The father of our subject was Daniel, who was but two years old when his parents came to this county, and here he grew to manhood amidst the primitive woods and frontier scenes of the Miami Valley, growing up pure, rugged and free like the giant-trees surrounding his cabin home. Upon reaching his maturity he was married to Mary Magdalene Apple, daughter of Henry Apple, who came from Pennsylvania, with his wife and family, about the same time as the Rechers, settling 1 miles north of them, where they lived a short time; then moved to the vicinity of Farmersville, where he and wife

316 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

died. Henry Apple was the father of six boys and seven girls, viz : John, Henry, George, Elias, Enoch, Daniel, Margaret, Catherine, Elizabeth, Eat, Mary Magdalen, Barbara and Lena., of which the following are living: Elias, Enoch, Daniel, Margaret, Catherine, Eaf, Mary Magdalen and Lena, all of whom were married and temperate, respected people. To Daniel and Mary Magdalen Becher were born three children, viz; Henry, Phillip, (who died in infancy) and Lydia (the wife of C. Becker, of Dayton). Our subject was born upon the old homestead in Jefferson Township, July 22, 1834; grew up under the parental roof, and attended the district-school of his neighborhood, where he received a limited education, but, possessing a large store of good common sense, he has been moderately successful in life, for which he is very thankful to the great Ruler who watches over all. He was married Jan. 11, 1855, to Nancy Kelsey, daughter of David and Margaret ( Nicholas) Kelsey, natives of Ohio, who are now spending their last days with Mrs. Recher, he being in his 79th and his wife in her 73d year. Mrs. Becher was the eldest daughter in a family of seven children, viz: James K. (deceased), Nancy, Rachel (deceased), Sarah, Juliann, Lydia A. and William, the living being married and having families. Mrs. Recker was born May 17, 1886, and has had one daughter by this union, Laura E., born Aug. 23, 1856, who married Enos Michael eight years ago, to whom she has borne one son, Clarence E. Mr. Recher's father died fifteen years ago, and his mother is now living with her daughter, Mrs. Becher. Our subject, after marriage, settled on the farm where he now resides, most. of which he cleared, also quarrying stone, burning lime and making sorghum molasses, the latter of which he manufactured on a large scale. Beginning with one horse for grinding cane, and boiling the juice in the old fashioned way, he soon changed this for the more modern steam engine, finally using a forty-horse power engine, and boiling by steam. After this he began buying logs and running a saw-mill, in all of which he displayed the same energy, honesty and success. He operated the first steam thresher in the township, also the first circle clips saw-mill: bought and sold a great deal of land, but in all his dealings no man could ever say that they did not receive every cent the contract called for. Politically, Mr. Recker is a Democrat, and since his 18th year has been a devoted member of the Lutheran Church, his wife joining the United Brethren soon after marriage, to which church her son-in-law and wife also belong. Mr. Becher is ever anxious to further the interests of Christianity, and his time and money are always ready to assist and encourage God's needy poor. Every benevolent purpose finds in hint a warm friend and earnest supporter, and the temperance cause has no more determined advocate and defender. He is a good neighbor, a fond father, a provident husband and an earnest Christian, whose whole desire is to try and serve the Lord y every means in his power.

JAMES A. RIDENOUR, Minister, P. O. Ellerton. The subject of this sketch, Elder James A. Ridenour, was born July 12, A. D. 1840, in Portland Township, Preston County, W. Va. His parents' names were Jacob and Mary. He was raised a farmer: his parents being poor and school facilities not being what they are now, he enjoyed but it limited education. In June, 1861, he entered the ministry in the German Baptist Church, having been a member of that denomination since his sixteenth year. On the 12th of September, 1861, he was united in marriage with Mary E. Bucklew, of the same county and State aforesaid. In the spring of 1863, he, with his wife, moved to Selbysport, Garrett County, Mary land, and in the spring of 1864 they removed back again to West Virginia, locating in the bounds of the Sandy Creek congregation, some twenty-five miles from the place of his birth. For this congregation he preached sixteen years. in the spring of 1880, he, with his wife and nine children, removed to Montgomery County, Ohio, locating on the Germantown pike, three miles west of Dayton, for one year, and in the spring of 1881 he moved five miles further west to his little farm near Gettersburg, in Jefferson Township, where he still resides, and at present preaches for three congregations, the one in which he lives, in Montgomery

JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP - 317

County, one in Greene County and one in Preble County. He has at this time ten children--six sons and four daughters, nine are living and one is dead. The names of the living in the order of their ages are: James Q., Nancy E., John W., Martin W., Jacob F., Mary A., Eliza M., Sylvanus F. and Violet C., and the name of the one deceased was Samuel C.; he died in infancy. His labors in the ministry were mostly confined to the congregations in which he resided, from the firs. up to 1875. On the 7th of January, 1870, he had the misfortune to be burnt out, so completely burnt out that he was left penniless, turned out in the midst of winter, with wife and eight children, all without a suit of clothes. The fire was during the night, and, being awakened by the flames, he, with difficulty and at the risk of his own life, succeeded in saving the family, but not without himself being seriously injured y the flames. Some of the children had to be dropped from the second-story to the ground, as the only means by which they could be saved. Fortunately, none were hurt. The entire family had to escape from the burning building y knocking out windows and escaping directly from the bed-rooms; the lire had possession of the doors; there was no insurance, hence all was lost. From the time of this sad occurrence up to the present he has spent a considerable postion of his time traveling as an evangelist, preaching and baptizing hundreds of penitent believers, who confessed Christ. This work he loves above any other of his life. His labors as an evangelist extended to several different States. It was while on one of these tours that he first visited the Miami Valley, about February, 1879, and while pursuing his labors at Liberty, Sharpsburg, Trotwood, Dayton and other places, his brethren and friends solicited him to move with his family to Ohio, holding out as an inducement for him to do so a donation of $3,000, to assist him in procuring a home. He now lives on the little farm above alluded to, contented and happy, and tries, by his faithful labors in the ministry, to render satisfaction to his brethren and friends as an equivalent for the favor, hoping that a longer and more intimate acquaintance will only tend to increase and strengthen their affection for each other.

JOHN T. SNEPP, farmer, P. O. Ellerton, is a son of John and Catherine (Rhodaheffer) Snepp; was born Dec. 2, 1841, and lived with his parents until his majority, when he spent two years at Wittenburg college, Springfield, Ohio, after which he continued to assist his father on the farm. He was married Jan. 7, 1808, to Martha A. Snider, who was born July 8, 1840. She was a daughter of Adam and Mary (Haymaker) Snider; he a native of Baltimore, Md., and she of Rockbridge Co., Va., who were the parents of six children, viz., Sarah J., Nancy C., John T., Martha A., Mary E. and Frances S. The only son, John T., was a member of the 93d O. V. I.; was taken prisoner at the battle of Stone River; suffered the starvation and misery of Andersonville, and afterwards of Florence, Tenn., where the was exchanged, but the joyful news came too late and that very day he was numbered among the dead, and sleeps in a Southern grave. Mr. and Mrs. Snepp are the parents of four sons, viz., Samuel E., born Oct. 31, 1868; Hugh A., born March 2, 1870; Arther E., born Jan. 13, 1872; Lauren H., born Sept. 13, 1873. He is a member of the Lutheran and she of the Reformed Church. She has been quite a Sabbath-school worker. He has been Township Clerk for the past five years, filling that position with credit to himself and honor to his fellow men. They have a very pleasant home on Sec. 28, where they enjoy the esteem and respect of their neighbors and many friends.

SAMUEL SNEPP, farmer, P. O. Ellerton, is the son of John Snepp, whose biography appears in this work. Samuel, the subject of this sketch, was born in this township July 30, 1845. Lived at home with his parents until his majority, assisting upon the farm and attending school. For three winters after his majority he attended school at Wittenburg College, Springfield, Ohio. Oct. 15, 1875, he was united in marriage to Elizabeth Snider, daughter of Adam and Mary (Haymaker) Snider, who are made mention of in the biography of John T. Snepp in this book. By this union they have had two daughters, viz., Mary C.,

318 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES

born Jan. 17, 1877, died Oct. 1, 1877; Edith, born March 4, 1878, and died Aug. 20, 1880. Since their marriage he has continued to live upon the home-stead in Sec. 27, where he has a bright prospect for the future. He is an acceptable member of the Lutheran Church and she of the German Reformed.

PAUL STUFF, farmer, P. O. Ellerton. Paul Stupp, the subject of this sketch, was born in Lebanon Co., Penn., in March 1859, and lived with his father, assisting upon the farm and attending school during winter. His father emigrated from Pennsylvania April, 1871, and has resided in this county since that time. He is the son of John and Amelia (Yeizer) Stupp. Amelia Yeizer was the daughter of Peter and Rebecca (Gerrett) Yeizer, born Oct. 19, 1832. John and Amelia (Yeizer) Stupp were married June 17, 1856. By this union they were the parents of four children--three living, one son and two daughters, viz., Rebecca, born June 28, 1857; Paul, born in March, 1859, and Katie, wife of William Lucas, born April 28, 1862. Dee. 21, 1863, Amelia (Yeizer) Stupp. lived in Lebanon Co., Penn. Mr. Stupp lived a widower until Aug. 4, 1866, when he was united in marriage with Henriette Ibach, daughter of Lawrence J. and Leah (Matthews) Ibach, of Lebanon Co. Penn., (she was born Jan. 19, 1840) John and Henriette (Ibach) Stupp are the parents of four children, one son and three daughters, viz., Elizabeth S., born June 17, 1867; Emma, born March 31, 1870; Sallie, born Sept. 14, 1876, and Charlie, born Sept. 28, 1878. John Stupp is the son of William and Lydia (Furry) Stupp. They were born in Berk's Co., Penn.. and were the parents of live children, Caroline, ,John, Harriet, Purseville and Edmund. Lydia (Forry) Stupp died, and William was then united in marriage with Elizabeth Groby. By this union they had three children, one son and two daughters, Lydia, Emma, (deceased), and William Stupp. Peter and Rebecca (Gerrett) Yeizer were the parents of seven children--three living beside Mrs. Stapp and three others deceased. Henriette Ibach, John Stupp's second wife, is the daughter of Lawrence J. and Leah (Matthews) Ibach. Lawrence J. and Leah are the parents of ten children, viz., Sarah, Burger, Henriette, (John and James deceased) Franklin, Charles William, Lawrence and Emma. Lawrence J. Ibach, marked the astronomical calculations of the principal almanacs in use, his being considered the most correct. He is a blacksmith and lives in Lebanon Co. Penn.

ABRAHAM TROXELL, farmer, P. O. Liberty. The subject of our sketch, Abraham Troxell, was born in Miami Township, Montgomery Co., Ohio, in the year 1832, Jan. 25. His parents, Samuel Troxell and Rosanna (Weaver) Troxell. were natives of Pennsylvania. They emigrated to Ohio and located with their parents in Miami Township and grew to man and womanhood. The father and mother of our subject were not married until full maturity, and the fruits of marriage are as follows: Mary Ann, Lewis and Abraham. Lewis died in his sixteenth year. Mr. Troxell, in his boyhood, lived under the parental roof until reaching his eighteenth year, after which time he worked y the month two seasons. Then began life for himself; raised tobacco and butchered until his marriage, in 1853, to Rebecca Protzman, daughter of John and Margaret Protzman. Their marriage has been quite fruitful; have had born to them Minerva L., Mary R, Charles E., George W., Lovie A., William A. Ida May and Minnie A.; all living but Ida May, who died at the age of six months. Mr. and Mrs. Troxell are blessed with the society of their children except a little babe and Minerva L., who has taken upon herself the burthen of a family, her husband's name being David Philbaum. After the marriage of our subject he was engaged in the grocery business one year, after which time he went to farming, and bought the farm where he now lives, in Jefferson Township, having made valuable improvements to his home, thereby making it really desirable. From the appearance of his place one can only say Mr. Troxell has been a financial success. He is looked upon as one of the leading farmers of his township, and has always, and is to-day, regarded as one of the most charitable men in our land, being ready to administer to the wants of the needy. Neither is he alone in these deeds of charity. The same

MADISON TOWNSHIP. - 319

qualities are possessed by the entire family. He has served the people of his township in places of public trust, having been elected Township Trustee four times. May prosperity reward him and his for their many deeds of charity and kindness.