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RANDOLPH TOWNSHIP.

HENRY BECKER, miller; P. O., Union. Mr. Becker is a native of Ohio; born in Montgomery County, May 13, 1816; is a son of John and Rebecca Becker. The father emigrated to this State with his parents in June, 1815, being a native of Lancaster Co., Pa. The grandfather of our subject was a miller by occupation, and erected one of the early saw mills on \Vest Branch. John Becker was also a miller, and continued the business of his father, which has been handed down to him whose sketch we pen. The mother's maiden name was Hart; she died in November, 1856. The father served in the township as Trustee for a number of years, and died in December, 1857. Our subject is one of five children, four of whom are now living, viz.: Annie, Rebecca, David and Henry. The latter was united in marriage with Sarah Shilt, in 1840, and to them were born six children, and of them Thomas, John, Isaac and Catharine are now living.

JACOB E. BECKER, Prop. National Hotel; P. O., Iamton. The subject of this sketch is the son of Henry Becker, a native of Lancaster Co., Pa. He was by occupation a farmer and shoemaker. He was united in marriage with Susan Snader, and as a result of this union had ten children, of whom eight are living, viz.: Susan, Solomon, Samuel Henry, Jacob, George, Christopher and John. In 1832 Mr. Becker moved from Pennsylvania to Ohio and purchased a farm containing 160 acres in this county near the town of Liberty. Mr. Becker departed this life a worthy and esteemed member of the Lutheran Church, in 1851. Jacob E., the subject of this memoir, was born in Lancaster County, November 13, 1833, and by being studious in his habits managed to obtain a fair knowledge of all the common branches. He was employed by the neighboring farmers until the death of his father, when he returned home and took charge of the farm, remaining three years. At the age of 23 years he went to Indiana, and remained one year, and returned to Ohio and married Nancy E. Cox, May 27, 1857. She is the daughter of John Cox, a native of this State, and was born March 10, 1840. Mr. and Mrs. Becker are the parents of four children : Charles E., Clara and Enna are now living. After his marriage Mr. Becker followed various pursuits until he accumulated enough capital to start a restaurant at Trotwood Station, Madison Township, where he remained two years and purchased a piece of land near Miamisburgh and turned his attention to tobacco raising, which he continued cultivating for several seasons and then disposed of it and his farm and purchased 28 acres near Alexanderville, where he remained until 1872, when he made another sale and moved to Liberty and purchased a hotel, which he managed two years, and sold out and purchased a saw mill at Carrolton, and engaged in the lumber business. He soon disposed of this business and purchased the National House in Harrisburg, where he now resides.

HENRY V. BERK, farmer; P. O., Iamton, is the son of Henry Berk, Sr., a native of Hesse Darmstadt, Germany, and followed the manufacturing of linen. He married Miss Margaret Abt, a native of Prussia. They were the parents of three children. Lewis and Henry V. are now living. Mr. and Mrs. Berk both departed this life at the age of 39 years. Both were consistent members of the Lutheran Church. Henry V., Jr., the subject of this biography, was born in Hesse Darmstadt, in 1816, and was educated in English and German. He served an apprenticeship of three years, learning the cabinet trade, paying his instructor, as was the custom of that country. He worked journey work in various parts of Europe until 1836, the time of his immigrating to America. After his arrival in the United States he located in Baltimore and engaged at his trade, remaining several months, and then came to Frederickstown, and subsequently to Vienna

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Cross roads, Clark Co., Ohio, and afterward to Dayton, Ohio, where he followed his trade. By economy and industry he was enabled, in 1857, to purchase a small farm of 28 acres, which he has, by untiring industry and temperate habits, increased to 400 acres. In 1840 he celebrated his marriage with Anna M. Glass, born in Wurtemburg, Germany, Dec. 22, 1817. As a result of this union had eight children, viz.: Mary, Amelia, Anna, Enna, Ellen, Henry, Lewis, Theodore. Mr. and Mrs. Berk have been identified with the Lutheran Church for a number of years.

DR. ALONZO BOONE, physician and surgeon; P. O., Iamton. The subject of this sketch was born in Montgomery Co., Ohio, and obtained his primary education in the common schools and attended the high school at Dayton. During the months of vacation he took a business course in the Miami Commercial College and a course in literature and elocution under Prof. Smith. After receiving his diploma he entered the office of Dr. Crook, of Dayton, to prepare himself for the medical profession. He attended the lectures of the Ohio and Miami Medical Colleges of Cincinnati. He obtained his diploma and placed himself under Dr. Crum to prepare himself for the field of practice. Mr. Boone has connected himself with the Montgomery County and Ohio State Medical Societies and represented the interests of the Montgomery County Medical Society in the American Medical Association of New York city, and is at present devoting his time and attention in advancing himself in the knowledge of his profession, and has obtained a good share of the practice in the territory surrounding the village of Harrisburgh, where he resides.

BENJAMIN BOWMAN, farmer; P. O., Dayton. His father, John Bowman, was one of the pioneers of Ohio, immigrating from Bedford Co., Pa., at an early date. He was the father of seven children, two of whom survive, viz. : John and Benjamin. The subject of this biography was born in Madison Township, Montgomery Co., Ohio, in 1812. His advantages for obtaining an education were limited to two months in the year, which were spent in the rude log schoolhouse of that day, his father requiring his services on the farm; whom he assisted until he arrived at the age of 24 years. In 1836 he was united in marriage with Balinda Higher, born in Montgomery County, Oct. 22, 1816. As a result of this union had ten children, of whom six are living, viz.: John, Sarah, Joseph, Abraham, Anna, Benjamin. After his marriage he rented his father's farm, which he cultivated on shares until the death of his parents and then became its owner. Mr. and Mrs. Bowman have been earnest laborers in the German Baptist Church since 1843, and have won the respect and esteem of all with whom they have been brought in contact.

WILLIAM H. CARL, undertaker; P. O. Clayton. The subject of this sketch was born in Pennsylvania, Oct. 20, 1849. His father, Jacob, was united in marriage with Anna Thurman. They were the parents of twelve children, five daughters and seven sons, viz. : Mariah, Sarah A., Elizabeth, Mary E., Rebecca, Peter, Gabriel, Isaac, John W., and William, our subject. Mr. Carl emigrated to Ohio in 1865. William assisted his father with the duties of the farm during the days of vacation until he was at the age of 14 years, after which he worked on the neighboring farms until he was 21 years of age. In 1870 he commenced to learn the cabinet trade, which he continued in until he finished. He worked journey work in Dayton until he located in Salem, engaging in business for himself. In 1876 Mr. Carl took for wife Elizabeth Tobias, whom he lived with two years, she being summoned by the angel of death to that world whence no traveler returned'.

BENJAMIN M. ENGLE, miller; P. O., Dayton. The gentleman whose name stands at the head of this sketch is one of the staunch, energetic men that has made Montgomery County what it is to-day. His father, Jacob, was a native of Lancaster Co., Pa., and possessed a common school education and was brought up to farm labor. He was united in marriage with Anna Moyer, daughter

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of Benjamin Moyer. They were the parents of eight children, viz. : Benjamin M., Tobias, Abraham M., Jacob M., Elizabeth, Anna, Laah, Martha. Mr. Engle moved to Illinois and located in Stephenson County near Freeport, remaining two years, and on account of having bad health, returned to Ohio and settled near Little York, Butler Township, this county, where he remained until his death in 1872. Mr. and Mrs. Engle were both members of the River Brethren Church. Benjamin, the subject of this biography, was born in Lancaster Co., Pa., March 3, 1827. He assisted his father until he was 20 years of age, and commenced battling with the world for himself, first engaging in the cultivation of tobacco. He was united in marriage with Catherine Winger, in 1851. Catherine was the daughter of Rev. Christian Winger, a native of Lebanon Co., Penn. Mr. and Mrs. Engle had eleven children, of whom nine are now living, viz. : Elizabeth, Anna, Catharine, Jennie, Effie, John H., Daniel W., Benjamin, Rolla M. He moved to Illinois with his father and engaged in farming. He accompanied his father back to Ohio and again rented of him until he associated himself with John Turner, and engaged in the manufacturing of flour, with remarkable success, soon being able to purchase the interest of Mr. Turner. Mr. Engle started in the world without anything, and by being temperate and industrious in his ha I its, has accumulated a large amount of property, both personal and real estate, and is now enjoying many of the comforts and luxuries of life which he has earned by the hard toil of the past years of his life.

JAMES M. EWING, farmer; P. O., Union. James Ewing, the father of our subject, was a native of Lancaster Co., Pa., and emigrated to Kentucky, probably in 1800. From there he came to Ohio, locating in Montgomery County about the year 1806, when it was yet traversed by numerous tribes of Indians, who in their travels through his section of the country, often called and shared his kind hospitality. Mr. Ewing opened up a subscription school in a rude log cabin and taught the few children whose parents had dared to settle in that wild and unbroken country. Mr. Ewing was married to Martha McClintock, a native of Lancaster, Pa. They were the parents of eleven children, of whom three are now living, viz.: Margaret, Martha and James M., the subject of this biography. He was born in Montgomery County, April 3, 1819. He assisted his father in tilling the soil, receiving his education by taking advantage of the evening hours. He chose as a partner for life Mary J. Akins, and was the father of two sons, viz.: John E. and Joshua. At the death of his father he came by the home farm, and has since added a considerable amount to it. Mr. Ewing has been a worthy and consistent member of the M. E. Church for the past twenty years.

HENRY FULKERTH, farmer; P. O., Union, is the son of Samuel Fulkerth, one of the old pioneers of Montgomery County. Samuel was a carpenter by trade, and moved from Maryland to Pennslyvania with his parents. He was united in marriage with Susan Warner, and as a result of this union had six children, of whom four are now living, viz.: Catharine, Samuel, John, Henry. In 1809 Mr. Fulkerth moved to Ohio and settled in Montgomery County, where the whoop of the red man rang through the forest, carrying terror to the homes of the men that dared the frontier. The county abounded in every species of game, from the fish to the otter, from the squirrel to the conger and bear. The scream of the "panther" and the squall of the wild cat mingled with the sweet song of the thrush, and the howl of the wolf drowned the melodious notes of the mocking bird, while stolid Bruin roamed the woods with no ear for music except the squealing of the pioneer hog.

The rifle was an inmate of every household, in the use of which Mr. Fulkerth became very familiar and was very solicitous in keeping it in perfect working condition, as the meats which graced his pine table were the inhabitants of the forest that fell under his unerring aim, and his first crop of corn was cultivated with the rifle close at hand. Henry, the subject of this biography, was born

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in Pennsylvania, July 5, 1809, and came to Ohio with his parents in his infancy. He assisted his father until he was 24 years of age. spending his nights by the home fireside pursuing his studies. He labored on the neighboring farms until his father presented him with 160 acres of land in Darke Co., Ohio. He immediately went to work with an indomitable will to clear it up and put it under cultivation. In 1880 he celebrated his marriage with Catharine Sebard, and as a result of this union had eleven children, of whom four survive, viz: Nancy A., Susan, Jane, William. Mr. Fulkerth added many valuable improvements to the farm, and at the death of his father he disposed of it and purchased the home farm, and has since added many material improvements. In 1876 Mrs. Fulkerth departed quietly into the next world, esteemed by all with whom she came in contact.

ANDREW GILLIAM, farmer; P. O., Clayton. The gentleman whose name stands at the head of this sketch is a son of William Gilliam, who was a native of Rockingham Co., Va. He emigrated to Ohio in 1834 and settled in Montgomery County. He was united in marriage with Anna Rife, and as a result of this union had ten children, of whom six are now living, viz.: Mary, Francis, Amanda, Sidney E., Jonathan and Andrew, our subject. Andrew was born in Montgomery Co., Ohio, April 20, 1840. He secured a common school education and at the age of 20 years took for wife Elizabeth Nicely, and celebrated their marriage Feb. 19, 1860. Mrs. Gilliam was the daughter of Jacob Nicely, one of the old pioneers of Montgomery County. He was born in Dauphin Co., Pa., in 1802 and was married to Charlotte Longinecker in 1823. They were the parents of two children, of whom Mrs. Gilliam is the survivor. Mr. Nicely came by part of his father's farm, which he sold in 1832 and came to Ohio and purchased 220 acres near Salem, Randolph Township. Mr. Nicely is a worthy member of the German Baptist Church, and by his exemplary habits has won the respect and esteem of all who know him. Mr. Gilliam, the subject of this sketch, is the father of five children. Anna is the only one living. Mr. Gilliam rented his father-in-law's farm and gave his attention to its cultivation, and stock raising. He has since, by hard labor and industry, become proprietor of it. Mr. and Mrs. Gilliam are both consistent members of the German Baptist Church, and have taken deep interest in the cause of religion.

SAMUEL HAWKINS, physician; P. O., Union. His father, John, was a native of Shenandoah County, Va., and came to Ohio and located at Spring Valley, Green Co., Ohio, where he continued the honorable occupation of tilling the soil. He celebrated his marriage with Mary Penyweigh, in 1818. Six children were the result of this union. Samuel, the subject of this memoir, is the only one who survives. He was born in Green Co., Ohio, Jan. 2, 1819, and received his primary education in the common schools and assisted his father until he was 23 years of age, the time of his commencing preparation for entering the medical profession. He placed himself under Dr. Cable, of Bellbrook, until 1842, when he took a course of lectures and was able to enter the field of practice in 1843. He opened up an office in Union, Randolph Township, this county, and has continued practicing with remarkably good success until the present, a term comprising a period of thirty-seven years. Mr. Hawkins took for wife Mary A. Andrews, and as a result of this union had eight children, of whom six are now living, viz.: Jennie, Perihelia, Celia, Georgia, Addie, John A. Dr. H. is now past sixty years of age, and of course the most active part of his life is spent, but he furnishes a good example for the future generation to follow.

CHRISTIAN HERR, farmer; P. O. Iamton. Samuel Herr, the father of our subject, was a native of, Cumberland Co., Pa., and possessed a common school education, and in early manhood learned the tanning trade, which he followed successfully until he purchased 80 acres of land, and then turned his attention to his farm. He was married to Miss Frances Long, daughter of Abraham Long, a native of Pennsylvania. They were the parents of ten children, six of whom are now living, viz: Mary, Sarah, Eliza, Samuel, John and Christopher.

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In 1830 Mr. Herr disposed of his farm and came to Ohio, and settled temporarily in Chambersburgh, Butler Township, Montgomery Co. He purchased a farm near Harrisburgh, Randolph Township, where he remained until his death, in 1868. Christian, the subject of this sketch, was born Feb. 12, 1830, in Lebanon Co., Pa. He obtained a common school education, and assisted his father until he was 21 years of age, when be commenced life for himself by renting land of his father on shares, and had remarkable success, soon being able to purchase 133 acres of his father. In 1857 he took for wife Caroline Sheets, daughter of Henry Sheets, Mrs. Herr living only 15 months after her marriage. Mr. Herr married for his second wife Julia Huffer. They were the parents of four children, viz: Susan, Mary E., Charles E., and John C. Mr. Herr is a member of the Brethren in Christ, and Mrs. Herr is a consistent member of the German Baptist Church, and both are taking a deep interest in the cause of religion.

MRS. MARY HERR, widow of Samuel N. Herr; P. O., Union; farmer. Samuel N. Herr was born in Lancaster Co., Pa., Jan. 27, 1805; was the possessor of a limited education, and during the early part of his manhood days worked at the carpenter trade; wishing to change his occupation, turned his attention to farming. He was united in marriage to Miss Mary Bowman. By their union there were born unto them three children; but two are now hying, one son, Henry, born July 30, 1837, and one daughter, Susannah, born March 29, 1836. Mr. Herr emigrated to Ohio in the year 1850, and located in Montgomery County, purchased a farm of Mr. Henry Baughraboy, improving his farm by erecting several valuable buildings. The hand of affliction was laid on Mr. Herr, the typhoid fever being in1tercepted by other diseases. After a short illness he departed this life in the spring of 1875, beloved by all who knew him. The subject of this sketch was born in Lancaster Co., Pa., Sept. 14, 1803, and most of her girlhood days were spent spinning flax, that linen in those clays were made of, and wool into yarn for stockings, attending to the numerous other domestic duties connected with the life of a farmer's daughter, until she arrived at the age of 29 years. Then was united in marriage and commenced anew in life in her own house. Emigrating to Ohio with her husband, providing her with another home, until Time, with his sickle, entered the peaceful dwelling of Mrs. Herr, and took from her the companion of her bosom. The farm being divided, the son, Henry, fell heir to the one-half, and Susannah, now Mrs. Krug, the other half. Mrs. Herr at this writing is in her 78th year, and is able to attend to a great many of her household duties. Her son Henry is trying to add to the comforts of his widowed mother, being now in his 43d year; has never united in marriage; being educated at the common district schools; is a farmer by occupation. His farm yielding him 2(1 bushels of wheat and 50 bushels of corn to the acre, and other products in proportion. He takes great pride in raising Poland China breed of hogs, success crowning his labors as a stock-raiser.

DR. GEORGE W. HOUS, P. O., Clayton; physician, was born in Montgomery Co., July 5, 1849. His father, Andrew, was born in Preble Co., Ohio, in 1820, and was united in marriage with Mary Richard, daughter of Joseph Richard. They were the parents of four children, viz: Joseph, George W., Elizabeth and Sarah. George W., our subject, received his primary education in the common schools, and took a scientific course in the Ohio Normal School, and graduated in a medical course in the Ohio Medical College in 1877, and entered the field of practice in Pyrmont, remaining until 1878, when he moved to Salem, where he has been practicing with good success until the present.

JOHN HYRE, farmer, P. O., Little York, is the son of Daniel Hyre, and was born in Montgomery Co., Ohio, August 15, 1832. Daniel, his father, was a native of North Carolina, and at the age of six years came to Ohio with his parents, and settled in this county. By occupation was a carpenter, and by hard labor and industry accumulated enough means to purchase 120 acres of land. Mr. Hyre and Miss Sarah Stouder were united in marriage and had nine children, seven of whom are now living, viz: Sarah, Lavina, Ellen, Barbara, John, Henry C. and Alfred.

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Mr. and Mrs. Hyre are both worthy members of the German Baptist Church, and have taken a deep interest in the cause of religion for upwards of forty years. Our subject, John, was educated in the common schools, and at the age of 21 years went to Indiana and rented 40 acres of land of his uncle, paying two-thirds of the crop as rent. He remained in Indiana one year and came back to Ohio, and rented of his father three years, and again went West and remained six months. In 1856 he celebrated his marriage with Miss Martha Davis. She was born Dec. 31, 1835. They are the parents of five children, viz: Edgar D., George, Arthur, Clara and Hattie. Mr. Hyre continued farming; rented land until 1867, when he purchased a farm of his father, which he continued farming until the present, and has added many valuable improvements.

JACOB IAMS, manufacturer, P. O., Iamton, was born April 27, 1830. His father, Ely, was a native of Green Co., Pa., and emigrated to Ohio in 1820, and purchased a farm near the present site of Trotwood, Madison Township. He celebrated his marriage with Phoebe Heckathorn, and as a result of this union had eleven children, seven of whom are living at present. Mr. Iams being a gentleman of very exemplary habits, was elected Justice of the Peace of his township. The responsibilities of this office were discharged by its holder to the satisfaction of all concerned for several successive terms. The educational advantages of Jacob, our subject, were limited, his school days being included in a very few months, but by applying his leisure time at nights to his books, managed to obtain a good knowledge of all the common branches. At the age of 20 years the engaged in teaching school, and accumulated enough money to start himself in the business of manufacturing spokes, hubs and felloes, which he continued in until he failed, during the panic of 1872 and 1873, after which he engaged in teaching school and running a saw and planing mill that he had previously purchased in the village of Harrisburgh, Montgomery Co., Ohio. As an evidence of the esteem in which he was held in the community where he lived, was elected to the office of Justice of the Peace, and discharged the duties of that office with credit to himself until the expiration of a term, comprising a period of twelve years. In 1871 he took for wife Charlotte Sanders, daughter of Richard Sanders. This union was blessed with three children, viz: Elsie V., Mary B. and Alvin.

REV. SAMUEL KINSEY, Minister and Nurseryman, Kinsey Station. The gentleman whose name heads this sketch, is a son of Joel and Elizabeth Kinsey. His father was a native of Virginia, and came to this State. when quite young, with his parents. who located in Montgomery County. He received such education as was at that early day available, and, after working the farm with his father until the became of age, he united himself in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Brumbaugh, by whom he had three children, viz., Samuel, our subject, Noah and Lydia. He then moved to Williams County, Ohio, where he remained but a short time, when he again moved to Miami County. Here he was taken sick, and after a short illness, entered that last long sleep which knows no waking in this life forever. His grief-stricken widow disposed of the property, and, with the children, returned to the home of her childhood. Her son, Samuel, the subject hereof, who was born May 26, 1832, went to live with his uncle, Levi Kinsey. When sixteen years old, his uncle moved to Indiana, and he commenced learning the carpenter trade with Emanuel Flory, continuing this one year, at which time he was able with some financial assistance from his friends, to go to Indiana, and there ply his trade in his own behalf. Success here crowned his efforts, and he was soon enabled to pay back the money advanced by his friends, and shortly afterward to buy three acres of land. On this he erected a building, and, in partnership with one Jacob Spitler, purchased a full stock of dry goods, groceries, etc., with which he opened a general store. Shortly afterward, he had a post office established in the town of his adoption, Bloomfield, but not being sufficiently remunerated by the profits of his store, he continued at his trade, cabinet-making, contracting and building. In April 23, 1852, he came to Ohio, and was united in marriage to Miss Barbara Nead, who was born in 1832, and

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daughter of Rev. Peter Nead. By this union he was blessed with the following children, to wit: Almira, born April 7, 1853 ; Mary, born August 2, 1854: Cynthia, born September 9, 1856 ; Clarinda, born January 19, 1858 ; William N., born July 17, 1859 ; Lydia, born December 23, 1800 ; Sarah, born October 24, 1862 ; Ellen, born November 3, 1863 ; Charles P., born February 28, 1870 ; Jessie E., born June 14. 1873; Allen V., born February 26, 1875, and two others, who are dead. In the year 1870, he, with the assistance of his father-in-law, established a monthly paper called the Vindicator, which is published in the interest of the Old German Baptist faith. After his marriage, he, with his wife, returned to Indiana, but in two years, or in 1854, he disposed of his property and purchased forty acres of improved land. in Whitley County, in the same State, which he rented to tenants, while he plied his trade. He remained here one year, and then. at the request of his wife's father, he returned to Ohio and took charge of Mr. Nead's farm, which he farmed on shares, receiving one-third of the proceeds for his labor. Having abandoned the idea of returning to Indiana, he sold his farm in that State and bought fifty acres adjoining, his father-in-law's of a Mr. Basores. To this he added more from time to time, until 1879, when he found that economy, industry and frugality, had gained for him a farm of 200 acres. Being interested in horticulture, he commenced the propagation of' fine fruit trees, vines and plants, on a small scale, doing his own grafting. budding and trimming. His trees began to have a reputation for quality throughout the neighborhood, then the State, and now he is shipping them to all parts of the Union, selling large quantities annually. He has met with some competition in his new business, hut has always held his own, and to-day he knows no such thing as opposition. In 1866. having sixty acres of fruit trees demanding his attention, he took in Mr. Gaines as a partner, but this combination was discontinued, and his s m William. with Mr. George Yount and Benjamin J. Miller, sons-in-law, attend to this part of' his business. During the building of the Toledo, Delphos & Burlington Railway, Mr. Kinsey had a station located near his nurseries. It was named after him, and is now a shipping point of no mean dimensions. In addition to his nurseries here, Mr. K. is connected as partner in a large nursery of seventy-seven acres, under the management of Mr. Zubrum, of Whitley County, Ind. (near Columbia City). from which thousands of trees are shipped to the West, North and South. In order to supply the demands for their apple trees, they are obliged to plant from fifteen to twenty-five bushels of seeds each season. Mr. K. and his estimable wife are both earnest and consistent members of the Old German Baptist Church, of which he is now a minister, having been chosen to fill that important office by the members of his congregation. He is also the editor of' the Vindicator, which has before been referred to. The life of this man surely indicates the great ends that may be attained by honesty, industry and economy.

FRANKLIN KLEPINGER, farmer; P. O., Little York. The subject of this biography is the son of John Klepinger, who came to Ohio with his parents and located in Montgomery County. After serving an apprenticeship at the carpenters trade, he accompanied his parents to Indiana, where he remained one year, and returned to Ohio and celebrated his marriage with Elizabeth Boyer. They were the parents of six sons and two daughters, viz : Franklin, Newton, Samuel, Harvey, John, Oliver, Matilda and Harriet. Soon after his marriage he purchased 50 acres of land and gave his attention to agricultural pursuits. By hard labor he accumulated quite a large amount of property, both personal and real. Mr. Klepinger departed this life Dec. 7, 1880. He was a member of the German Baptist Church, and his exemplary habits won the esteem of a large circle of friends. The subject of this sketch was born in this county, Randolph Township, Aug. 23, 1832. He obtained an ordinary education and served an apprenticeship at the carpenter's trade, which he followed until he was 30 years of age, and then purchased 62 acres of land. May 25, 1862, he took for wife Anna Hisey, and as a result of this union had three children ; David is now living. Mrs. Klepinger departed this life in the spring of 1866. After the death of his wife, Mr. Klepinger

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rented his farm, and put his children under the care of his mother, and returned to his trade, which be followed until 1868, at which date he married his second wife, Miss Anna D. Syler. This union was blessed with five children; one daughter and three sons are now living, viz: Aaron W., John A. and Warren T. After his marriage he returned to his farm, which he has increased to 225 acres. Mr. and Mrs. Klepinger are both members of the German Baptist Church, and their children are co-workers with their parents in the cause of religion.

JEREMIAH KOPP, farmer; P. O., Iamton. Among the gentlemen that we are pleased to mention in the pages of this work is Jeremiah Kopp, born in Lebanon Co., Pa., April 9, 1823. His father, John, was a native of the same county, and followed the occupation of blacksmith. He was united in marriage with Mary Bender, and as a result of this union had eight children, of whom four daughters and two sons survive, viz: Lavina, Elizabeth, Catharine, Margaret, John and Jeremiah. Mr. Kopp emigrated to Ohio and located in Randolph Township, this county, in 1825. He purchased a farm containing 96 acres, covered with a dense growth of timber, which he rented, and engaged at his trade, which he followed until he had to give it up on account of the effect that the heat had on his eyes. He turned his attention to farming, which he followed until his death, in 1871. Mr. and Mrs. Kopp were both members of the Lutheran Church, and departed this life the same year. Jeremiah, the subject of this sketch, obtained an ordinary education, and at the age of eighteen years engaged in the vocation of tanning, which he continued following as a journeyman at various places, until 1844, when he commenced business for himself, on the Dayton and Union Pike, remaining until 1817, and moved to Indiana and located at New Columbus, Madison Co., where his family was all taken down with chills and fever, which he battled with until 1850, when he came to Ohio, and turned his attention to farming, renting land of his father. He continued farming some years, when he moved to Phillipsburgh, where he was engaged in the hotel business until 1867, and came to Harrisburgh, Randolph Township, and run the National House until 1873, when he purchased a farm one-half mile south of Harrisburgh, and erected a dwelling, in which he has resided until the present. Mr Kopp was married to Hannah G. Boder, born April 9, 1826. They were the parents of two children, viz : Margaret A., born May 5, 1845, and Franklin P., August 22, 1855.

DAVID D. LANDIS, farmer, P. O., Clayton, is the son of John Landis, who was a native of Lancaster Co., Pa., born Nov. 17, 1804. He served an apprenticeship under his father, learning the carpenter and cabinet trade. He was united in marriage with Sarah Daugharty, a native of Pennsylvania, born Dec. 9, 1809. They were the parents of ten children, eight of whom are now living, viz : Mary, Anna, Catharine, Sarah, Ezrael, John, David D. and William. Mr. Landis emigrated to Ohio in 1833, and purchased a farm, containing 80 acres, in this (Montgomery) county, which he cultivated, in connection with the butchering business. By temperate and industrious habits increased it to 144 acres. Mr. Landis was summoned out of this world by the angel of death Sept. 15, 1808. He was an esteemed member of the German Baptist faith for a number of years. David, the subject of this sketch, was born in this (Randolph) township Nov. 11, 1845. He acquired an ordinary education, and at the age of 21 years commenced life for himself by renting a piece of land and giving ins attention to agricultural pursuits. In 1866 he married Miss Eliza Christian, daughter of John C. Christian. In 1869 he moved to Illinois and rented a piece of land near Lincoln, Logan Co., remaining two years, when his health failed and he returned to Ohio and rented the farm he now resides on. Mr. and Mrs. Landis have both been worthy and consistent members of the German Baptist Church since 1870.

FURMAN K. PAULY, farmer, P. 0., Clayton. Samuel Pauly, his father, was born in Montgomery Co., Ohio, Dec. 24, 1804. Mr. Pauly was one of those staunch, energetic pioneers whose father had dared to place himself out on the frontier when the war-whoop of the then hostile redman rung through the woods

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and carried terror to the few families that had settled in the deep forests of the Buckeye State. Samuel Pauly passed through the usual routine incidents of a pioneer's boyhood days, and was united in marriage with Arminda Snook, daughter of John Snook, a native of New Jersey. Mr. and Mrs. Pauly were the parents of ten children, of whom five are now living, viz : Arminda, Rebecca, Phoebe, Anna and Furman, the subject of this memoir, who was born in Warren Co., Ohio, Aug. 14; 1832. He obtained a common-school education and assisted his father until 1857, when he went to Kansas and was taken down with fever; he returned home and remained until he regained his health, and then went to Missouri and located at Hannibal, engaging in the grocery business until 1858, when his health again failed him and he returned home and turned his attention to farming, which he continued until 1863, when he enlisted in the 37th Regiment Ky. V., as 4th Corporal. During his term of service he participated in the battle at Mt. Sterling, Cynthiana, Ky., and was honorably discharged in 1864, with his health very much impaired from exposure. He came back to Lebanon, Warren Co., and associated himself with his cousin, Mr. John Pauly, in the grocery business, remaining until the summer of 1866, the time of the breaking out of the oil fever. He disposed of his interests in the grocery and went to Petroleum Station, West Va., remaining several weeks, prospecting and boring without success, and came to Montgomery County in the spring of 1867. He was appointed Storekeeper at several of the distilleries for the Government. Mr. Pauly was united in marriage with Phoehe Turner, and as a result of this union had four children, of whom two daughters are now living Myrtle I. and Naomi.

GEORGE W. PURCELL, manufacturer, P. O., Union His father, Thomas, was a native of Prince William Co., Va., and was united in marriage with Anna R. Young. Eight children were born to bless this union, four sons and four daughters. James and George W. are living at the time of this writing. Thomas emigrated to Ohio in 1852, locating in Morrow County, where he remained until his death in 1857. George W., the subject of this sketch, obtained a fair education, and assisted his father with the duties of the farm until he arrived at the age of 19 years. In 1861 he answered the call of Lincoln for 75,000 men and enlisted in the 20th Regiment Ohio V. I. in the three months service. At the expiration of this term of service, he re-enlisted in the 43d Regiment Ohio V. I., and was promoted to the position of Corporal and subsequently to the position of Duty Sergeant, Orderly Sergeant and Sergeant Major, after which he was commissioned Second Lieutenant, First Lieutenant; from that to Captain in command of his company. During his term of service he was engaged in the battles at New Madrid, Shiloh, Corinth, Island No. 10 and Resaca, and was with Sherman in his march to the sea. In 1864 the was appointed Hospital Commissary by Gun. McPherson, where he remained until the received his discharge, after which he came to Union, Montgomery Co., and associated himself with Dr. S. Hawkins and commenced the manufacturing of tile. He took for wife Anna Hawkins, daughter of Dr. S. Hawkins, and celebrated their marriage in 1865, and as a result of this union had four children, viz: Samuel B., Charles F., George V., Albert H. As an evidence of the popularity and esteem with which he was held in the community where he lived, he was elected a member of the School Board in a special district, and was elected Treasurer of the Board. He filled that position to the satisfaction of all concerned for a term comprising a period of six years, after which he was elected Assessor of his township. In 1878 he was elected Commissioner of Montgomery County, and discharged the duties of that office to the public acceptance and credit to himself for one term.

MARY RASOR, farmer, P. O., Iamton, is the widow of David Rasor and daughter of Samuel Herr, whose biography appears in this work. She was born in Lancaster Co., Pa., Oct. 6. 1819; came to Montgomery County with her parents in 1830, who purchased a farm in the vicinity of Harrisburg; her early life was passed at home in assisting her mother with the household duties. A spinning

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wheel then graced the home, and the daughter was apt in the art of spinning and weaving. She was united in marriage to Mr. Rasor Nov. 20, 1838, and to them were born the following children : Lavinia, Aug. 31, 1839; Samuel, June 6, 1841; Josiah, Dec. 8, 1844; Daniel B., March 16, 1848; David, Sept. 1, 1851 and Harvey, March 14, 1856. Her husband was a native of Montgomery County, born March 30, 1817; learned the cooper's trade, which occupation he followed for many years in the manufacture of barrels for the numerous mills and distilleries then located on the banks of the Stillwater. In later years, after his marriage, he operated, in connection with his father, a sawmill, owned by the latter, and in a few years. through habits of industry and economy, became possessor of the mill. He was successful in this line of business, and later purchased the farm belonging to his father. Both our subject and her husband were members of the Church of the United Brethren in Christ, to which organization she still clings, worshiping at the Riverside Church. Her husband died May 1, 1863, beloved by all who knew him. The widow now resides in the town of Harrisburg, where she has erected a fine residence, leaving the farm in the spring of 1880, having rented it to her sons.

DANIEL RINEHART, farmer, P. O., Union. His father, Jacob, was a native of Virginia, and came to Ohio in 1815, and settled in Preble County, near Winchester. He was united in marriage with Susanna Brown. They were the parents of nine children, of whom four sons and three daughters are now living, viz : Enoch, John, Daniel, Elizabeth, Fannie, Susanna and Mary. Mrs. Rinehart departed this life in 1851, and Mr. Rinehart soon followed. They were both members of the German Baptist Church. Daniel, the subject of this sketch, was born in Virginia, August, 1812. He obtained an ordinary education, and at the age of 23 years he commenced life for himself by renting a piece of land and giving his attention to agricultural pursuits, which he continued three years, paying his rent by giving a share of the products. In 1839 he celebrated his marriage with Esther Brandenbaugh, daughter of Henry Branldenbaugh. They had ten children, of whom six are now living, viz: Jacob, John, Henry, Noah, Sarah and Hannah. Mr. Rinehart continued farming, renting land of his brother, remaining four years, and purchased a farm, containing 104 acres, and has since added by hard labor and industry and the assistance of his good wife, 50 acres, making in all 154 acres, all under a high state of cultivation, and has added many material improvements, and they are now enjoying the comforts and luxuries of life, earned by many years of toil. They are both worthy members of the German Baptist Church, and the children have been co-workers with the parents in the cause of religion.

WILLIAM M. ROGERS, farmer; P.O., Clayton. Among the descendants of the old pioneer families, that we are pleased to mention in the pages of this work, is William M. Rogers, born in Pendleton Co., Ky., August 15, 1835. His father, Jacob, was a native of New Jersey, born Dee. 19, 1808. Jacob's educational advantages were very limited, but by devoting all his leisure time during his early life to his studies, and by profound reading and continued reflection, gathered a mass of information. In 1820 his mother was left a widow, and Jacob worked on the neighboring farms, and contributed his small earning to the support of his mother. They moved to Pennsylvania and remained eight years, when they were persuaded by the excellent advantages and inducements that were offered by the Buckeye State, to settle within its boundaries. They found a location that pleased them in Clermont County, and entered a small farm covered with timber, and erected a new log cabin of round, unhewn logs, and soon had part of their ground under cultivation. Mr. Rogers was married to Mary A. Tuston, in 1829. Nine children were the result of this union. Mrs. Jennie Miller, George, Joseph, Charles and William, are now living. Soon after his marriage, Mr. Rogers moved down into Kentucky, and settled in Pendleton County, where he accumulated quite a large amount of property, both personal and real. In 1843 he moved far out into the frontier, and settled in Missouri, remaining two unsuccessful years, and returned to Clermont Co., Ohio, in 1848. He continued there until 1864,

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when he located where he now resides, in this (Montgomery) county. Our subject. William, was educated in the common schools, and brought up to farm labor, remaining with his father until he was 18 years of age, after which he followed various pursuits until 1860. He was united in marriage with Maria L. Turner, August 10, 1860. This union was blessed with four children, of whom two are living, viz : Renna and Effie. Mr. Rogers continued in the occupation of farming until 1868, when he engaged in the general merchandise business, which he followed two years, disposed of his stock, and came to Dayton, and carried on the wholesale tobacco and liquor business, until he was compelled to sell out on account of having endorsed a note for a friend, and had it to pay. He came to Salem, and again engaged in farming, which he has continued in until the present.

DAVID SHAW, grain dealer; P. O., Union. The gentleman whose name stands at the head of this sketch, is the son of Solomon Shaw, who was a native of Cumberland Co., Pa., and emigrated to Ohio, and located in Montgomery County, near Union, Randolph Township, in 1848. By occupation was a stone mason, which he followed in connection with the farm, until 1857, when he moved to Iowa. Mr. Shaw took for wife, Susan Strone, daughter of George Strone. Two sons were the result of this union, viz: George and David. The subject of this memoir was born in Pennsylvania, March 15, 1833, and came to Ohio with his father, at the age of 15 years. He obtained a common school education, and in 1851 he went to work at the carpenter's trade, which he continued in until 1850. He was united in marriage with Sarah Herr, in 1855. Seven children were born to bless this union, of whom two sons and two daughters survive, viz: Mary J., Frances, Edwin and William. Soon after his marriage he purchased his father-in-law's farm, which he sold in a short time, and purchased 80 acres in Parke County, where he remained five months and disposed of it at a small advance, and located his family near Harrisburgh, and went to Iowa to try and find a genial opening for business. Failing to find any point that the looked on with favor, he returned home and cultivated rented land until 1864, when he purchased a farm near Union. In 1866 the re-visited the West, traveling in Kansas and Iowa, with the hope of finding a good location. Being disappointed the second time, the returned home with the intention of spending the balance of his days in the Buckeye State. In 1880 he built a grain elevator, with a capacity for 20,000 bushels of grain, and is running a saw mill in connection with it, and is doing a large and extensive business.

SAMUEL SHELLABARGER, farmer; P. O., Union. The subject of this sketch was born in Juniata Co., Pa., Feb. 23, 1809, and is a son of John and Salona (Rush) Shellabarger, who were the parents of eight children, of whom our subject is the only one now living. His early life was devoted to farming, remaining upon the farm of his father until 20 years of age, during which tine his schooling was limited to two months each year, his leisure hours being devoted to a close application to his studies, the scriptures being one of his favorite studies. At 20 years of age he was apprenticed to learn the trade of tanner, serving until he mastered the same. In 1832 he came Ohio, locating in Clark County, where he followed the business of tanning successfully for six years. He then engaged in the mercantile business at Covington, Miami Co., for several years, and in 1814 closed out his dry, goods business and purchased his present place, where he has since resided. He now owns 183 acres of land, the productiveness of which can be estimated by. the large crops of wheat, corn and other products raised by him each year. Mr. Shellabarger was united in marriage to Elizabeth, daughter of John Ward. She was born in Perry Co., Ohio, Oct. 14, 1816. Mr. and Mrs. Shellabarger were the parents of twelve children, of whom six now survive, viz: Enos, Malon, Newton, Margaret, Mary and Harriet. In 1816 Mr. Shellabarger united with the German Baptist Church, of which he has been an exemplary member for a period of thirty-five years, having for many years served the same as deacon and teacher.

WEBSTER S. SMITH, physician; P. O., Clayton. The gentleman whose

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name stands at the head of this biography was born in Montgomery County, Nov. 13, 1856. His father, Isaac, was a native of Lancaster Co., Pa., and emigrated to Ohio and settled in Dayton, engaging in the business of contracting and building, which he followed until 1861, the breaking out of the rebellion. Mr. Smith was among the first volunteers, enlisting in the 66th Regt., Ill. Vol. Inf., known as "Burgs' Sharp Shooters," and served three years. Soon after receiving his discharge was united in marriage with Phoebe Wellbaum, daughter of Christian Wellbaum. They were the parents of two sons, viz: Harry and Webster S. Our subject received his primary education in the common schools, and graduated in the high school of Dayton. He engaged in teaching school and spent the days of vacation in the office of Dr. John Davis, preparing himself for the medical profession. He attended the lectures of the Ohio Medical College, receiving his diploma March 2, 1880, and commenced the practice of medicine in the village of Salem.

SAMUEL SMITH, farmer; P. O., Kinsey Station; was born in Lebanon Co., Pa., Dec. 17, 1810. His father, Christian, was a native of the same county, and spent his early life as miller. After his marriage with Barbara Gingerrick, he engaged in farming, which he has continued in since. He was the father of eight children, of whom six survive, viz: Christina, Catherine, Henry, Christian, Abraham and Samuel, the subject of this biography. Samuel's educational advantages were limited. He worked on the neighboring farms until he was 18 years of age, when he apprenticed himself to a shoemaker to learn that occupation, and served three years, when he returned to his farm and remained two years. In 1833 he started for Ohio and located in Wooster, engaging at his trade, serving Jonathan Montgomery. After remaining in Wooster a few months, he came to Dayton, and located in Miami City, and commenced business for himself. In 1837 he was united in marriage with Catharine Farney. They were the parents of eight children, six of whom are now living, viz: Emaline, Amanda, Adaline, Mary, Mahala, Eliza, Joseph and Charles. By economy and industry Mr. Smith purchased 80 acres of land in Mercer County, covered with timber. He moved from Miami City to Randolph Township, and purchased five acres in what was called at that time the Warner settlement, where he built up an excellent trade, and remained eight years, when he disposed of his property at an advance and moved to Indiana and settled in Wayne County, on 43 acres of land that he had previously purchased. He run the farm in connection with his trade five years, disposed of it, and returned to Montgomery Co., and purchased the farm where he now resides, containing 43 acres. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have both been members of the church since 1844.

EMOR E. SMITH, farmer; P. O., Union. The father of our subject, Thomas J. Smith, was born in Lexington, Rockbridge Co., Va., Aug. 16, 1815. Being deprived by death of his father when quite young, like many others, was left to make the best he could of life. When he became old enough, he bound himself as an apprentice to the trade of harness and saddle making for five years; serving his time, he emigrated in company with his mother and sister to Ohio, in 1838, locating in Montgomery County, and commenced to manufacture harness and saddles in connection with keeping hotel. Was united in marriage July 26, 1841, to Miss Nancy E. Sheets, born in Montgomery Co., Ohio, July 1, 1823, daughter of Martin Sheets, one of the first settlers of Randolph Township, who cut his way through from Dayton, clearing the underbrush and trees, to where he located on the banks of Stillwater river, one-fourth of a mile from Union. By the union of Mr. Smith and Miss Sheets there were born unto them two children, one son, the subject of this sketch; one daughter, Lora A., at this writing Mrs. Guye, born Aug. 9, 1850. Wishing to change his occupation after he became the head of a family, Mr. Smith embarked in the distilling business, remaining in it for eight years. The price of highwines commenced to decline, and Mr. Smith again took up the first pursuits of his life, that of manufacturing saddles and harness. He departed this life March 8, 1879; ins widow still survives him at this writing,

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residing at the residence Mr. Smith built, northwest corner of Main and First streets. The subject of this sketch was born in Union, Montgomery Co., Ohio, May 11, 1842. Having had the advantage of a common school education in the days of his youth, and was put in charge of his father's distillery at the age of 15 years, under trying circumstances, financially. By shrewd management young Smith soon had the business placed on a sound financial basis and entered into business for himself, stocking his pens with hogs and his distillery with grain. In 1862, during the days of the Rebellion, with the uncertainty of the government taxes, in seven months' time realized $22,000; having at one time to raise 810,000 at three days' notice, for government taxes. Mr. Smith raised the sum required, which was considered quite an effort for one so young in business, being under age. Donated $800 to the government and furnished a substitute to help carry on the war. Mr. Smith has been connected with many of the projects of public improvements throughout the county and township in which he resides, being one of the first seven men who proposed the Toledo, Delphos & Burlington R. R. He has been chosen to serve in several offices in his township, and at this writing is serving his community as Clerk of Township, representing the county in Congressional convention. Was united in marriage May 12, 1864, to Miss Amanda Smith, born in Montgomery Co., Ohio, Dec. 21, 1839, daughter of Samuel Smith. By their union there was born unto them one daughter, Wealthy, born Feb. 11, 1868, and departed this life Nov. 11, 1870. After the death of their daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Smith adopted Minnie M. Shanck, born March 5, 1868, having been with them at this writing seven years. Mr. Smith is in the prime of life, and possesses the business knowledge and qualifications of a mall of 60 years.

JOHN W. SOLLENBERGER, minister and farmer; P. O., Union. The subject of this sketch was born in Franklin Co., Pa., March 7, 1823. His father, Jacob, was a native of Pennsylvania and was married to Anna Wingard. They were the parents of two children, viz. : Elizabeth and John W. The subject of this sketch obtained his education in the district schools of the county. He emigrated to Ohio with his father and settled in this county at an early day, and was soon after left an orphan y the death of his father. His mother married John Miller, whom our subject assisted on the farm until he was 19 years of age, at which time he was presented with sixteen acres of land y his stepfather, located in Elkhart Co., Ind. Not feeling inclined to cultivate such a small amount, the went to work with an indomitable will to add more to it, first engaging at the carpenter trade, which he continued working at two years. In 1844 he was married to Catharine Peffly, the daughter of Jacob Fatly, born Nov. 7, 1823. They were the parents of nine children, eight of whom are living, viz. : Jacob, John J., David P., Aaron, Moses, William, Henry P., and Elizabeth. In 1845 Mr. Sollenberger moved onto his farm in Indiana, which he had increased, but was yet covered with timber. He erected a cabin and commenced clearing off the timber, preparatory for cultivation. He remained until 1850, when he disposed of it and moved to St. Joseph County, where his health failed him and was he advised y his physician to locate in a healthier clime.

He disposed of his farm in 1853 and moved back to Ohio and settled where he now resides. In 1876 the residence of Mr. Sollenberger was visited by the messenger of death, who carried off his esteemed wife. She was a worthy member of the German Baptist faith for a number of years. Mr. Sollenberger married his second wife, Sarah Stouffer, Aug. 17, 1879. Mr. Sollenberger has been identified with the German Baptist Church since 1859, and has taken an active interest in the cause of Christianity, and is at present one of the deacons of the church.

ABRAHAM STOKER, deceased. Among the old pioneers that we are pleased to mention in the pages of this history is Abraham Stoker, born April 10, 1815, in this county. Mr. Stoker was deprived of the privileges of attending school, as he was left in the world an orphan at the age of 11 years. He continued working at farm labor until the time of his marriage with Nancy Johnston. He was the

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father of five children. Catharine, James, Levi and Owen are now living. Upon his marriage he became the owner of a farm of fifty acres, which he soon increased to 150 acres. Mrs. Stoker departed this life in 1856. Mr. Stoker married his second wife, Evelena A. Davis, March 26, 1857. She was a native of England and emigrated to America with her parents in 1855. They had nine children, seven of whom are living, viz. : Martha, Ellen N., Elizabeth A., Lenora A., Effie, Clemet L., Albert V. Soon after his marriage, Mr. Stoker disposed of his farm and purchased 300 acres in Madison Township near Posttown. He remained on it five years and exchanged it for the farm adjoining, which he was compelled to sell to pay off a note he had endorsed, and located at Harrison Station, Green County. Mr. Stoker, not being very strongly constituted, retired from active labor, remaining well until 1878, when he passed quietly into the next world, respected and esteemed y all who knew him. Mrs. Stoker, soon after the burial of her husband, purchased thirty acres near Vandalia, which she exchanged for the hotel she is now proprietress of.

DANIEL TATE, tanner; P. O., Iamton. The gentleman whose name stands at the head of this sketch is the son of Isaac Tate, who was a native of Adams Co., Pa. Daniel, our subject, was born in Adams Co., Pa., Aug. 21, 1841, and moved to Maryland with his parents, where he attended school until he was 15 years of age, when he was apprenticed to learn the carpenter and cabinet trade, serving three years. He worked journey work and y his economy accumulated enough to commence business for himself in Carrot Co., Md., where he continued two years and came to Ohio and located in this (Montgomery) county. April 15, 1867, he took for wife Mrs. Catharine Wolf, born Jan. 13, 1828. and widow of David Wolf. Soon after his arrival in Ohio, he engaged in the manufacture of hubs, spokes and felines, which he followed until 1870, when he exchanged fora stock of dry goods and groceries, which he converted into cash and turned his attention to farming, which he has continued in until the present with good success. Mr. Tate has never been an aspirant for office, but has been identified with several of the township offices. Mrs. Tate is a worthy member of the German Baptist Church, and is endeavoring to bring up her children in the fear of the Lord.

WALTER J. THOMPSON, physician and surgeon; P. O., Union. The father of our subject was a native of Ohio, born Sept. 8, 1819. His father died when he was quite young, and he was left to battle with the world unaided. He possessed a common school education and at 20 years of age commenced working at the cabinetmakers' trade in Cincinnati. After fully mastering his trade he returned to Troy, the town of his nativity, where he engaged in the business of undertaker and furniture dealer, at which he still continues. Walter J., our subject, was born in Miami County, Sept. 8, 1852, where he attended the high school, located at Troy, until he was 18 years old, at which time he graduated. He then commenced the study of medicine with Dr. Green, a prominent physician of Troy. After five years of diligent study, he entered the Ohio Medical College at Cincinnati, from which he graduated in due time. After reading another year with Dr. Green, he went to New York City, where he entered the Belleview Hospital and Medical College. From this he also graduated, and after availing himself of special courses of instruction on the eye and ear, he returned to Ohio and entered into a partnership with his first preceptor, Dr. Green. He soon dissolved this connection and located in Union, and commenced the practice of his profession with Dr. Hawkins of that place. He married Miss Addie Hawkins, the daughter of Samuel Hawkins, Oct. 14, 1879, by whom he had one son, Samuel, born to him. The doctor is connected with the following medical societies in the State: The Ohio State, Miami and Montgomery and the district societies of Darke, Shelby and Miami Counties.

AMOS B. TOBIAS, farmer; P. O., Clayton, was born in Berks Co., Pa., in 1824. His father, Michael, was a native of the same county, and was united in marriage with a Miss Booher. Asa result of this union had thirteen children,

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viz.: Christian, Michael, John, Paul, Jacob, Daniel, Elias, Amos, Mollie, Catharine, Elizabeth, Sarah, Mary. The subject of this sketch was educated in the common schools, and was brought up to farm labor. He came to Ohio with his father, and settled in Montgomery County, assisting him until he was 25 years of age. He celebrated his marriage with Elizabeth Leisure in 1819, and had three children; Horace and Lee Edgar are now living. Soon after his marriage he rented a farm and followed the honorable vocation of cultivating the soil, and was very successful, soon being able to purchase it. He remained on it but a short time, when he disposed of it and purchased his father-in-law's, which he cultivated until 1866, when he disposed of it and moved to Salem, and engaged in the general merchandise business, which he continued in up to 1871; returned to the farm, and has since engaged in various pursuits up to the time he moved on his present place.

HAMILTON M. TURNER, farmer; P. O., Clayton, was born in Pennsylvania, Sept. 18, 1815. His father, John, emigrated to Ohio from Pennsylvania in 1820, and settled in Montgomery County. Mr. Turner was by occupation a farmer and distiller. He was united in marriage with Margaret Wagoner. They were the parents of eight children, viz: Nancy, Mary, James H., John W., William, Oliver P., Joseph M. and Hamilton M. Mr. Turner, by his exemplary habits, soon commanded the respect of all who knew him. As an example, to show the esteem in which he was held, he was elected representative of his county to the Legislature in 1827 and 1829, and in 1880 was elected Associate Judge in the court of common pleas. Hamilton M., the subject of this sketch, was educated in the district schools of the county, and assisted his father with the farm duties, until he was 22 years of age. He was married to Hannah Harburgh, daughter of David Harburgh, one of the early pioneers of this county Mr. Turner raised a very exemplary family of ten children, of whom five survive, viz: Margaret, Maria, Phoebe, Harriet and Anna. In 1839 he engaged in the milling and distilling business, associating himself with his brother John, until 1812, when he drew out his interest and moved to Indiana, but failing to find a satisfactory opening, soon returned to this county, and again connected himself with his brother, who had previously taken in Jacob Heck as a partner, the firm being known as Turner, Heck & Co. They continued in business until 1848, when our subject then withdrew and formed a partnership with his brothers, John and Joseph, and built a large brick distillery on the banks of Wolf Creek, in Salem, and run it in connection with the dry goods and grocery business until 1851, when our subject drew out and purchased what was then known as the Engle mill, on the banks of the Stillwater, near where he now resides. Mr. Turner, desiring to build up a more extensive business, again entered into partnership with his brothers, and erected a large flouring mill at Greenville, Parke Co., Ohio, which they soon converted into a distillery, at a cost of $30,000. In the summer of 1814 they had the misfortune to lose the mill at Salem, it being destroyed y a stroke of lightning, which burnt it and 20,000 bushels of grain; the loss being estimated at $15,000. They immediately began the work of replacing it, which was done in ninety days. In the fall of 1856, they again dissolved partnership, our subject retaining the property s t Salem, and in 1861 he disposed of his dry goods business, and gave his exclusive attention to the distillery. Having some surplus capital. on hand, he purchased an interest in the firm of Walker & Moses, which he drew out at the expiration of three years, not having time to give it the proper attention; also in a short time closed out his distillery as the advance in revenue and the declining price of spirits was such, as to render it useless to continue longer. He is at present operating a saw and flouring-mill in connection with his farm. Mr. Turner is now 67 years of age, and of course the most active part of his life is spent, but he has, by untiring labor and industry, accumulated enough of this world's goods to keen him and his good and industrious wife the balance of their days.

E. F. WARNER, P. O., Clayton, was born in Randolph Township, Montgom-

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cry Co., Ohio, on the 28th day of Feb., 1828. Is a school teacher y profession, but has retired from teaching. Was married twice; his first wife's name was Catharine Caufman, died Dec. 11, 1862. In 1865 was married to Rachel A. Lasure, and have six children from second union. Minnie May, Catharine Elizabeth, Sylvia Lodemia, John Elliot, Arthur Livingstone and Edith Irene, are the names of his children. John J. Warner, the father of E. F., was born in Bedford Co., Pa., in 1803; came with his father, Jacob Warner, to Randolph Township in 1812. In 1811 Henry Warner, the great-grandfather of this subject, came with all his children down the Ohio river, in flat-bottom boats from Pittsburgh to Cincinnati. The son's names were Jacob, John, Henry, Andrew, David and Daniel. The girls were Catharine and Elizabeth. They all engaged in agricultural pursuits.. Each one opened a farm in said township, but all have long since "gone the way of all the earth." They founded a large settlement, known as the "Warner Settlement," far and near. There are but two of the name living in the township, E. F. Warner and Enos Warner. The present generation has migrated, and some of them are hying in every western State, from Ohio to the Pacific slope, and most of them are still engaged in tilling the soil. Henry Warner, the great grandfather of the present generation, came from Wittenberg, Germany, over a century ago, and settled in Frederick Co., Md. At the close of the revolutionary war, settled in Bedford Co., Pa., and from there migrated to Ohio in 1811.

HENRY C. WEAVER, merchant: P. O., Iamton. The father of our subject, Henry Weaver, Sr., was born in Adams Co., Pa., Feb. 22, 1815. He had the advantage of a common school education, and his early years were passed upon a farm. He emigrated to this county, settling near Little York, where he was engaged in huckstering, exchanging dry goods and groceries for produce, which he disposed of in Cincinnati. The mother was the daughter of Richard Sandhan, who was one of the early proprietors of a large and flourishing mill and woolen factory in the neighborhood of Little York, and who was also a prominent mason. As a result of this union ten children were born, seven of whom are living. Elizabeth, Mary, Annie, Jane, Wealthy, Emma and our subject, who was born in Montgomery County, March 21, 1849. After receiving instruction in the common branches, he learned the trade of a cooper, lint desiring a change in occupation, two years later found him in a flouring mill. He had a taste for mercantile pursuits, and as soon as he had accumulated sufficient means, he purchased a stock of goods, and at Little York opened a dry goods store. Here he remained eight years, during which period, through habits of industry and economy, combined with business tact, had become a successful and prosperous business man, having made and saved several thousand dollars; but not content with the size of his business and location, in the spring of 1880 he built at Harrisburgh a large and commodious store-room, stocking it with a choice selection of dry goods, groceries, and, in fact, everything found in a general store. Mr. Weaver is a good citizen and an active and enterprising business man, and has filled several minor offices of honor and trust tendered him by the citizens of the community in which he resides. He was united in marriage with Catharine Mast, March 2, 1860, and the union was blessed with eight children, six of whom are now living, y names Sarah, Maud, Dixon, Harry, Wesley and William H.

WILLIAM A. WEST, carriage manufacturer; P. O., Union. William A. West is the son of William West, Sr., who was a native of Virginia, and came to Ohio with his father, in the year 1810, and settled in Green County, making the journey all the way in a wagon. Upon the breaking out of the war of 1812, he enlisted as a corporal, and for gallantry was promoted to the position of recruiting officer for Gen. Hull's army. After the surrender of Gen. Hull, was taken with the prisoners of war to Canada., where they received their parole. Mr. West joined a party of seven, and set out for their respective homes in Ohio, and during their journey, were attacked several times y the roving bands of Indians, who were at war against the settlements along the bonder, and became separated. Mr.

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West being a man that possessed wonderful powers of endurance, and was very fleet of foot, arrived home in safety, his companions never being heard from. It was supposed that they fell victims to the scalping knife. Mr. West chose Elizabeth as a partner for life, she being a native of Virginia. They were the parents of four children, viz: Margaret, David, John and William W. The subject of our biography was born in Green Co., Ohio, April 3, 1817, and was thrown out on the cold charities of the world by the death of his parents when quite young; consequently his opportunity for obtaining an education was very limited. But by being very economical he managed to pay three months tuition in a subscription school, which, with the time he devoted to his studies during his leisure hours, obtained a fair knowledge of reading, writing and arithmetic. About 1839 he engaged with a gentleman in Union to learn the wagon-makers' trade, remaining one year, after which he was employed at various other places, until 1842, when he located in Piqua, Miami Co., Ohio, and engaged in business for himself, which he carried on with marked success until he unfortunately lost his capital y endorsing a note for a friend, which closed up his business. Mr. West, with energy and untiring industry, was soon enabled to commence business, the second time locating in Union, this (Montgomery) county, where he carried on business until 1859, when he went to Missouri, and settled near Union, in Franklin County, where he followed agricultural pursuits until the close of the war. He returned to Union, this county, in 1865, and engaged in the manufacturing of carriages, which he has continued in until the present, with good success. Mr. West has never been an aspirant for office, but served the township in the capacity of Justice of the Peace for several years. Mr. West took for wife Rhoda Martin, a native of Kentucky. Thirteen children were born to bless this union, five of whom are now living, viz: John, George, Frank, Alice and Rachel.