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MADISON TOWNSHIP.

SAMUEL BASORE, farmer ; P. O., Trotwood, is a native of Lebanon Co., Pa. He is a son of Benjamin and Mary Basore, both natives of the Keystone State. Our subject's early life was spent on the farm in a manner incident to youth. But on arriving at the age of maturity, he learned the trade of cooper, which he followed for many years in Pennsylvania and for fourteen years after coming to this State. About thirty-five years ago he was married to Lydia Fetters. They are parents of eight children, viz.: Absolom, Sarah, Catharine, Susannah, Lydia, Samuel and John living, and an infant deceased. About twenty years ago Mr. Basore abandoned the trade of cooper and bought the farm of 100 acres on which he lives and devoted his energies to the raising of grain and stock. He has added to his possessions a farm of 165 acres in Butler Township. Mr. Basore's success in life has been due entirely to his own exertions, and as we gaze with admiration on the granaries filled with the life giving products, we are constrained to say, by his labor, industry, perseverance and integrity he has made himself one of the substantial farmers of Madison Township.

ABRAHAM DENLINGER, farmer; P. O., Box 791, Dayton. The subject of this sketch is a native of Lancaster Co., Pa., born Aug. 1, 1806. He is a son of Abraham and Annie (Neff ) Denlinger. His parents dying when he was but a boy, he lived with his grandfather until after he attained the age of 17. He then engaged to learn the trade of blacksmith with Amos Cooper, near Lancaster, where he remained two years, after which he worked with his uncle, Isaac Bresler. He then farmed for the widow of Michael Sechrist about one year. Again he returned to Amos Cooper and worked two years more at the trade. Being dissatisfied with the opportunities offered to young men in that section, he decided to come to Ohio on a tour of inspection, and in the spring of 1832, carried it into execution. While here he bought the farm on which he now resides. He then returned to his old home, where he remained until the fall of the same year, completing his arrangements for leaving for his permanent home. He has been twice married. First to Margaret Miller, daughter of Daniel Miller, in the spring of 1833. Seven children were the result of this union, four of whom are still living. David, born March 25, 1838, was killed in the service of his country at Atlanta, Ga. Mr. Denlinger's second marriage was consummated in April, 1865, with Eliza Linville.

After coming to this State Mr. D. followed his trade in connection with farming fora year or two, after which he devoted his entire attention to the farm until his mechanical head planned and his once skilled hand wrought out a wire horse rake. Of these he made and sold between five and six thousand, they being the first in this section of the country. For a number of years past he has spent his time quietly on the farm and only wrought out such inventions as his active genius could invent for his own comfort and use, such as farm implements, self-opening gates, etc. Some fourteen years ago Mr. D. was afflicted with dropsy in the severest form. He tried unsuccessfully the different modes of treatment which the most skillful physicians could offer, with no good results. He then determined on a regular cold water treatment, which he continued for three

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years, and effected a perfect cure, since which time he has enjoyed excellent health. Mr. D. was reared among the Friends in Pennsylvania, and though not a member of the sect still leans fondly toward that faith.

A. A. DENLINGER, farmer; P. O., Trotwood, was the son of Abraham and Margaret Denlinger. Born Feb. 25, 1836, in Montgomery Co., Ohio. Acquired his education in the common schools, starting out in life at the age of 21 years. He married Miss Sarah Garber, an accomplished lady. They are the parents of eight children: Lonoina, Clara, Ira, Anna, Liza, Laura, Edgar and Elmer, who are all living. The mother departed this life March 1, 1872, leaving the father and eight children to mourn the loss. He lived a widower for three years, then married a lady by the name of Anna Bowman. They have three children, Austin, Stella, Sybilton, who are all living at the present writing. Our subject was elected Trustee of Madison Township in the year 1868, and has retained the office every year except one up to the present writing. He has been a member of the school board for over twelve years, and takes an active part in the way of educating the youth. He now owns a farm of 100 acres, beautifully situated and well cultivated. He is also an active worker in the Democratic party, and is well situated for enjoying the pleasures of this life.

WILLIAM GILLIAM, retired farmer; P. O., Trotwood. Was born in the State of Kentucky, Dec. 2, 1807. He is a son of Richard Gilliam, deceased of Champaign Co., Ohio. Richard was born in Virginia, where he was united in marriage to Martha Hodge, of Virginia. By this union there were born to them five children, William, the subject of this sketch, the only one now living. Richard and family emigrated to Kentucky, and from there he moved to Ohio and settled in Clark Co., in a very early day. He then moved to Champaign Co., where he died. His widow, Martha, and family returned to Virginia, where she died. William was left an orphan when quite young. He had to make his home with strangers. He, however, by "pluck and energy," pushed himself along in life. He learned the tanner and currier trade; served three years as an apprentice; worked five years as a journeyman. He then engaged in the business two years for himself in Rockingham Co., Va. He was united in marriage Feb. 26, 1833, to Miss Anna Rife, of Rockingham Co., Va. By this union there has been born to them ten children, six of whom are now living, viz.: Mary A., born Dec, 17, 1835; Andrew, born April 21, 1840. He is married to Miss Elizabeth Nicely, a daughter of Jacob Nicely, of Randolph Township. Andrew now resides Miami City, Ohio. Frances, born April 20, 1844, now the wife of William Gunther, of Madison Township. Jonathan, born Nov. 2, 1850; he is married to Miss Martha Seybold, a daughter of David Seybold, of Randolph Township. Amanda, born Nov. 6, 1852, and Sidney, born Oct. 27, 1859. William emigrated to Ohio and settled in Madison Township, Montgomery County, in 1835. In the same year he moved to Perry Township, where he remained some four years, when he returned to Madison Township, where he has since lived. He taught school in Virginia, and after having come to Ohio, he taught in Perry and Madison Townships.

Mr. Gilliam has served as a School Director a number of terms in his school district. He was elected Township Trustee one term. Was elected a Justice of the Peace, but refused to serve. He was elected Township Clerk in 1854, and continued in the office until 1874, in all twenty years in Madison Township. Mr. Gilliam owns a farm of 146 acres of land where the lives adjoining Trotwood. His wife, Anna, is a member of the German Baptist Church and has been since 1836. Mr. Gilliam, on account of his age, has quit farming. His son Jonathan is living on the old home place, engaged in farming it. Sidney E. is a school teacher. She has taught school for the past two or three years.

LEWIS C. KIMMEL, County Commissioner; P. O., Dayton. This gentleman belongs to a family of this county of distinguished Revolutionary fame. David Kimmel, the great grandparent and founder of the family in America, was

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born among the mountains of Switzerland. He came to this country in 1760, settling in what is now known as York Co., Pa. At the breaking out of the Revolutionary War, David, his son and grandparent of the present family, quickly embraced the cause of the patriots. The principles of liberty instilled in his heart, in his own native Republic, and the remembrances of the songs of freedom he had from infancy listened to in his Alpine home, were enough to guide his arm in the struggle of his adopted country. He was with Washington in his marches and engagements in New York and New Jersey. He was among those who made the famed and perilous trip across the Delaware in midwinter, and as a result of the undertaking capturing Trenton and the Hessian soldiers. He participated in the victorious battle of Princeton, fought in the terrible and disastrous battle of Brandywine, witnessed Burgoyne's surrender at Saratoga, and suffered with co-patriots the miseries and privations of Valley Forge. For seven years he fought the good fight as one of the heroes of '76, and at last witnessed and participated in the culmination of that grand struggle for liberty and independence, the surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown. After the war this old hero returned to his home to quietly and peacefully engage in the pursuits of his life, and henceforth enjoy the liberty he had so gallantly fought to win. Lewis Kimmel's grandparent, on his mother's side, Samuel Niswonger, from whom the Niswongers of this county descended, also greatly distinguished himself in the Revolution, being in almost all the principal battles fought in the North.

David Kimnmel, the grandparent, had six children, and with Lewis, the father of our subject, came to Ohio in 1817, settling in Madison Township, this county. Lewis lived on this farm up to the time of his death, about five years ago. Samuel Niswonger came to this country in 1791. He belonged to the River Brethren, a branch of the Dunkard Church. David Kimmel belonged to the Dunkard sect proper. The remains of both of these Revolutionary soldiers rest in the burial ground of the Dunkard Church, seven miles west of Dayton. Lewis, Sr., had twelve children, eleven now living, of whom Lewis, Jr., our subject, was born in 1848. His boyhood career was that of a farmer boy, working on the farm in summer and attending school in winter. In politics he is a Democrat, following the example of his father, who had marshaled under Jackson and the earlier Democratic fathers. Up to the time of his election to the office of County Commissioner, he had never sought office. The office he now occupies is one of much importance to the people, involving, as it does, the supervision and control of all the monies of the county, and Mr. K. was triumphantly elected to it only after a bitter partizan fight. It is but just to say that Mr. Kimmel has always received the hearty co-operation of his colleagues in an effort to maintain the dignity and economically administer the business of this high and responsible office. He was married on the 12th of September, 1872, to Miss May Miller, daughter of John Miller, on the Eaton Pike, in Jefferson Township, Montgomery County. By her he has had two children, both living, a boy 6 years old and a girl 8 years old.

M. LANDIS, farmer: P. O., Trotwood. Mr. Landis is a farmer and tobacco raiser. Our subject was the son of Abraham and Mary Landis, was born in Madison Township, Montgomery Co., Ohio, in the year 1886, June 10. Attained his education in the common schools. Started out in life at the age of 19 years; married Mary Schock in the year 1861. Bought seven acres of his father's old home farm. living on it 'till 1865, he then bought the farm he now owns of 51 acres, which is well cultivated in raising grain and tobacco. He is an active politician in the Democratic party, and has been a Township Trustee since 1873, he is also a member of the school board, and takes an active interest in education.

PHILIP STETTLER, retired farmer; P. O., Trotwood. The subject of this memoir was born in Miami Township, Montgomery Co., Ohio, Feb. 4, 1813. His father, Daniel Stealer, was a native of Berks Co., Pa. He was born in June, 1773. His grand father, George V. Stettler, emigrated from Pennsylvania, and settled in Miami Township, Montgomery Co., Ohio, in the year 1804, where he lived until

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his death, April 23, 1815. Daniel Stettler, was united in marriage about the year 1810, to Catharine Gehres. She was born in Pennsylvania, and emigrated to Ohio in 1805. She lived in Butler Co., Ohio, at the time of her marriage. This union was blessed by the birth of four children, two of whom are now living, viz : Philip, the subject of this memoir, and Hannah, wife of Jacob Schen of Miamisburg, Ohio. Daniel was a soldier in the war of 1812. He died in Miami Township, June, 1853, in his 80th year. His wife, Catharine, died Nov. 27, 1863. She was born in the year 1783. Philip was reared on his father's farm in Miami Township, until he was married, excepting a part of the time when he learned and worked at the cooper trade. He was united in marriage July 3, 1838, to Mary Ann Bertels, a daughter of John Bertels, of Jefferson Township. He was born in Hamburgh, Prussia, Oct. 20, 1788. He emigrated to America and settled in Pennsylvania, in the year 1800. He served as a soldier in the war of 1812. He was married to Catharine Elizabeth Moyer, of Berks Co., Pa. He emigrated to Ohio in 1834, and settled in Jefferson Township, Montgomery Co. He died Jan. 30, 1853. His widow died April, 1851, she was born July 22, 1802. By the marriage of Philip and Mary Ann, there have been born to them four children, two of whom are now living, viz: Monroe D., born Nov. 1, 1846. He is united in marriage to Mrs. Dr. Patten. He resides in Madison Township, and Francis C., born Nov. 6, 1856. Mr. S. is a member of the German Reformed Church, and his wife is it member of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Stettler moved to Madison Township, March 31, 1864. He is the owner of a farm where he lives, near Trotwood, of 158 acres. Mr. S. served one term as a Township Trustee in Madison Township. He is a man who does not seek political preferment, but prefers to follow the more certain and quiet life of a farmer. He is now in the declining days of his life, reaping the reward of an industrious and economical career.

STEPHEN ULLERY, farmer; P. O., Trotwood. The subject of this memoir was born in Randolph Township, Montgomery Co., Ohio, June 11, 1831. His father, Samuel Ullery, was a native of Huntington Co., Pa. He was born in the year 1794. The father of Samuel, Stephen Ullery, emigrated to Ohio from Pennsylvania, and settled in Montgomery County in 1811. Samuel was united in marriage to Miss Susan n Miller. By this union there was born to them one child, viz : Susan, now the wife of David Beechley, of Madison Township. His wife, Susan, died and he was united in marriage to his second wife, Susan Whitehead, a daughter of Valentine Whitehead, of Madison Township, deceased. By this union there were born to them ten children, eight of whom are now living, viz : Moses, who lives in Madison Township; Aaron, who lives in Randolph Township; Stephen, of Madison Township; Mary, now wife of David Gripe, of Madison Township; Samuel of Madison Township; Christopher of Madison Township, and Valentine of Dakota Territory. Samuel Ullery lived and died a member of the German Baptist Church. He departed this life Jan. 23, 1865. His widow is still living, and is a member of the same church. Stephen, the subject of this memoir, was reared a farmer, and has since followed the choice of his youth. He was united in marriage May 23, 1850, to Maria C. Mumma, a daughter of Samuel Mumma, of Harrison Township, deceased. She was born April 1832. The marriage ceremony was performed y Rev. Priser, of the Lutheran Church. This marriage has been blessed by the birth of eleven children, of whom eight are now living, viz : Samuel, Susan, wife of Perry Holler, of Madison Township, Stephen E., Katie J., now the wife of Greely Pfoutz, of Madison Township, Ira C., Amos S., Monroe D. and Harry C. Mr. and Mrs. Ullery are members of the German Baptist Church. Mr. Ullery has been a resident of Montgomery County since his birth, in 1831. He is the owner of a farm of 97 acres of land, where he lives, near Trotwood, in Madison Township.

JOHN VANIMAN, farmer; P. O., Trotwood. The subject of this memoir was born in Madison Township, Montgomery Co., Ohio, March 2, 1823. His father, Jacob Vaniman, was born in the year 1793, in the State of Pennsyl-

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vania. He emigrated to Ohio from Pennsylvania, in the year 1803, and settled in Madison Township, Montgomery County. Jacob Vaniman was united in marriage to Miss Polly Bowman, a daughter of David Bowman, of Jefferson Township, deceased. This union was blessed by the birth of ten children, eight of whom are now living, viz: John, the subject of this memoir; Elizabeth, now the wife of Jacob Garber, of Madison Township; David, who lives in Illinois; Jacob of Illinois; Daniel of Illinois; Polly, wife of Samuel Teter, of Madison Township; Barbara, wife of Samuel W. Stutsman of Illinois. Jacob Vaniman was a member of the German Baptist Church. He departed this life in the year 1861. John, the subject of this memoir was reared a farmer, and has since followed the choice of his youth. He was united in marriage March 27, 1844, to Elizabeth Landis, a daughter of Samuel Landis, of Jefferson Township, deceased. By this marriage there have been born to them nine children, all of whom are now living, viz: Mary, the wife of Martin Niswander, of Madison Township; Catharine, wife of Daniel Garber, of Parke Co., Ohio; Elizabeth, wife of Noah Eby of Illinois; David, of Madison Township; Samuel of Washington Township; Daniel W., Sarah, Barbara and Rachael. Elizabeth departed this life, Sept. 7, 1870. She was a member of the German Baptist Church. Mr. Vaniman was united to his second wife, Barbara Cripe, (nee Brandt,) a daughter of Abraham Brandt, deceased, May 17, 1873. Mr. Vaniman united with the German Baptist Church in the year 1843. The baptismal service was performed y John Brower, a minister of the church of his choice. His wife, Barbara, united with the same church in the year 1844. Mr. Vaniman moved upon the farm which he now owns, of 134 acres of land, in Madison Township, in 1864, where he has since continued to reside. Mr. Vaniman has been elected a number of terms as a school director in his district.

MRS. SARAH WEAVER, P. O., Mummaville. The subject of this sketch was born in Jefferson Township, Montgomery Co., Ohio, June 2, 1822. She is a daughter of James Oliver, late of Jefferson Township, deceased. James Oliver was a native of Rockingham Co., Va. Sarah was united in marriage June 6, 1843, to George Weaver. He was born Nov. 8, 1808, in Rockingham Co., Va. By this union there was born to them one child, who is still living, viz: Mary Ann, born Jan. 16, 1844. In the year 1846, George Weaver settled in Madison Township, where he lived until his death, March 28, 1880. His widow, the subject of this memoir, is still living on the old homestead in Madison Township. Mrs. Weaver is a member of the German Baptist Church. She united with the church in 1880, The baptismal services were performed y John Smith, a minister of the church of her choice. Her daughter, Mary Ann, was united in marriage Jan. 22, 1860, to Dr. C. Patten of Union, Randolph Township. By this marriage there was born to them one child, viz: George O., born March 19, 1862. Dr. C. Patten died May 1, 1863. His widow, Mary Ann, was united in marriage to her second husband, Monroe D. Stettler, May 1, 1863. By this union there has been born to them one child, viz : Harry N., born Feb. 26, 1876. (For a history of Monroe D. see sketch of Phillip Stettler.) Monroe D. lives on the "old" Weaver homestead.