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DANIEL RITTENOUR KNOWLES, a representative citizen and farmer of Wayne township, was born January 25, 1853, on the farm adjoining the one where he now lives. His father was Robert Knowles, who came from the State of Delaware to Pickaway County, and married Emeline Rector, daughter of John R. Rector, of Deer Creek township, near Kinderhook, the family being one of the oldest in that part of the county.
Daniel R. Knowles grew to manhood on the farm, receiving his education in the district school, followed by one term in the Ohio Wesleyan University, at Delaware, Ohio. In 1873 his parents and their children moved to Butler County, Kansas, where for a year he was employed in the county recorder's office. The following year he assisted his father in the livestock trade, during that year returning to Pickaway County. On the loth of November, 1876, he was joined in wedlock, with Ella M. Owens, daughter of Samuel M. Owens, one of the most substantial and best known citizens of Wayne township, and they have since resided on a farm of 100 acres, which Mr. Knowles successfully tills. They have a beautiful home. Two children, daughters, were born of the marriage--Birdie and Nannie. The first named married Orie C. Snelling, of Pickaway County. They now reside in Columbus. Four children have been born to them : Beulah (who died at the age of five years), Muriel May, Henry K. and Dorothy Elizabeth. Nannie, the younger daughter, is at home.
Besides giving close attention to his farm, Mr. Knowles has found time to devote to the welfare and best interests of the neighborhood, the township and county, the church, schools
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and other local affairs. In 1882 he was elected trustee of the township, serving three years, and in 1900 was land appraiser of the township. He is now serving his 17th year as assessor. In all these capacities he acquitted himself with promptness, ability and unquestioned integrity. Politically an ardent Democrat, he has served as delegate in county, district and State conventions, represented the township eight years on the County Central Committee, and is now serving his second term as a member of the Democratic County Executive Committee.
His religious connections are with the Methodist Episcopal Church and he is a generous giver for its support.
ARTHUR M. DAUGHERTY, treasurer of Darby township, manager of Jones & Company's coal and grain business at Derby, and prominent both in politics and church work, is a son of John and Anna (Peters) Daugherty. When quite young his grandparents emigrated from Ireland; of their large family, there are only two members now living: Daniel, who is married and resides at Howard City, Kansas; and John, our subject's father.
John Daugherty was born in Ross County, Ohio, and married Anna H. Peters, daughter of John Peters, whose American ancestors were "Mayflower" voyagers. Mrs. John Daugherty is one of a family of seven children; a brief record of her brothers and sisters follows: George, a soldier of the Civil War, who married Olive Howard and now lives in Arkansas; William, also a defender of the Union in the Civil War, who married Mary Brand and is a resident of Allen County, Ohio; James, who gave his life for his country, being killed at the battle of Peach Tree Creek, Georgia ; Elizabeth, whose first husband, Bart Burkett, was drowned in Chesapeake Bay in the Civil War, while being conveyed to the seat of war on a transport --she married, as her second husband, John W. Kemp, deceased several years ago, and now lives in Allen County, Ohio; Matilda, who married Peter Hottboth now deceased; Margaret, who married (first) Nelson McLaughlin, (second) Daniel Hoak and (third) Austin Barber--Mrs. Barber and her husband are both dead.
Mr. and Mrs. John Daugherty, the parents of our subject, were married at Columbus, Ohio, in 1871, and of their four children Arthur M. is the eldest. George, the second, married Ura Sutton and is engaged in the oil business at Spencerville, Ohio. Daisy is the wife of Ora B: Crites, an Allen County farmer. Clarence, who is unmarried, lives at home with his parents, who are residents of Amanda township, Allen County.
Arthur M. Daugherty was born in Franklin County, Ohio, and when his father moved to Allen County accompanied his parents thither. He attended the colleges at Lima, Ohio, and Valparaiso, Indiana, completing a commercial course at the former institution, and began teaching at the age of 18 years. Mr. Daugherty continued in this professional work for 10 years, teaching nine years in the common schools and one year in Lima College.
On September 28, 1901, our subject was united in marriage with Emma Crites, daughter of Amos and Carlile (Shock) Crites, of Allen County, this State. Mrs. Daugherty has a brother, Titus, who was married to a daughter of Samuel East, of that county, and two sisters--Martha, wife of Marion Imler, and Adelina, wife of Daniel Whitetone, the former a resident of Allen County and the latter of Auglaize County, Ohio. One child has been born to Mr. and Mrs. Arthur M. Daugherty --Melvia May, at Derby, on the 8th of September, 1902.
Mr. Daugherty's home is in the village of Derby. In 1905 he was elected by the Democratic party to the office of township treasurer, being the only candidate of that organization to make a successful run in Darby township. Besides attending to the duties of this office, he is engaged in the raising of fancy poultry, his special breed being Buff Plymouth Rocks.
Both Mr. Daugherty and his wife are leading members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He himself is especially prominent in Sunday-school work. He has served as super-
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intendent of the Sunday-school, and is at present assistant superintendent of his Sunday-school, vice-president of the Darby Township Sunday-School Association and vice-president of the Epworth League. His fraternal associations are with the Odd Fellows.
DANIEL L. HEFFNER, assessor of Salt Creek township, a popular citizen and a successful agriculturist, resides on the Circleville and Adelphi turnpike, along which he owns a farm of 145 acres of well-tilled land. Mr. Heffner was born in Salt Creek township, Pickaway County, Ohio, June 19, 1853, and is a son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Holler) Heffner.
The Heffner family is of German descent and many of the name are substantial farmers and good citizens of Pennsylvania, whence came Abraham Heffner, the grandfather of Daniel L., to Salt Creek township, Pickaway County, Ohio, at a very early clay. Here he reared his family.
Samuel Heffner was born in Salt Creek township, Pickaway County, Ohio, in which township he passed his whole life, dying November 1, 1895. He married Elizabeth Holler, who survived him just one year. He was a prominent and useful citizen of Salt Creek township, a quiet, industrious, law-abiding man, who supported schools and churches and did his full duty in every relation of life. He served as trustee of his township but was not willing to accept other offices. He was a worthy member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church at Whisler. In politics he was a Democrat. His three surviving children are : Jacob H., Daniel L. and Wilson, all of Salt Creek township.
Daniel L. Heffner was reared and educated in his native township and received excellent agricultural training on the home farm. His main business in life has been the development and improvement of his land and he is justly numbered with the leading agriculturists of his section of Pickaway County.
On February 5, 1873, Mr. Heffner wasunited in marriage with Sarah A. Reichelderfer, who was born May 27, 1855, in Salt Creek township, Pickaway County, Ohio, and is a daughter of Samuel and Sarah Reichelderfer, the. former of whom was born in Salt Creek township and the latter in Pennsylvania. Her paternal grandfather, Henry Reichelderfer, was one of the earliest settlers in Salt Creek township and the family has always been one of prominence and substance here. Of the children of Samuel Reichelderfer and wife, four survive, namely : Ira, of Salt Creek township; James, of Circleville; Sarah A., wife of Daniel L. Heffner; and Francis, of Amanda, Ohio.
Mr. and Mrs. Heffner have one son, George W., a practicing physician at Circleville. He is a graduate of Starling Medical College at Columbus. Dr. Heffner is meeting with success in his profession. Prior to entering upon the study of medicine, he taught school and is well known over a large part of the county. Mr. and Mrs. Heffner had two other sons, George and Lafayette, both of whom are deceased.
In Mr. Heffner the Democratic party in Pickaway County has an influential factor. He is now serving his third term as assessor of Salt Creek township and formerly served one term as land appraiser and several terms as township trustee, during a portion of which period he was president of the board. In 1905 Mr. Heffner's party prominence was recognized signally by his being sent as a delegate to the Ohio State Democratic convention from Pickaway County. 'Both Mr. Heffner and wife are members of the Evangelical Association, Pleasant View Church.
HENRY KAISER, of Scioto township, is a typical German-American farmer, representing a class upon which depends much of the agricultural prosperity of Ohio and other States of the Middle West. He was born in Hessen- Cassel, Germany, December 7, 1866, received a good education in the Fatherland, and came
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with his sister Martha to the United States in August, 1884. Without friends or money, they at first located at Washington, D. C., where they remained for a few months.
In the spring of 1885, having determined that his prospects for advancement would he better in an agricultural country, Mr. Kaiser located in Scioto township, Pickaway County, Ohio, and engaged in farming. In 1887 he Was able to purchase a portion of the farm upon which he now resides, and in 1889 the remainder of the 7o acres which he owns and occupies as a homestead. This is what pluck and industry, combined with good management, has accomplished in a few years. Mr. Kaiser now has a well-cultivated piece of land. Besides raising wheat, corn and oats, he feeds a considerable number of hogs and cattle.
On July 12, 1904, our subject was united in marriage with Mary Gibson, daughter of James and Hester Gibson. One son has been born to them--Henry G. Mr. Kaiser's sister, who accompanied him to America, is also a member of the household. Of his other sisters and brothers, John and Lewis are dead; George lives in Germany; and Anna Elizabeth also resides in the old country. The father died in Germany, when Henry was five years of age, being then 50 years old; his widow survived him until April 13, 1902, when her death took place, being nearly 8o years of age.
Although Mr. Kaiser has had too much on his hands and mind since coming to America to interest himself much in politics, all his sympathies are with the Democracy. He votes the ticket and does what he can to contribute to the success of the party.
NELSON HITLER, a leading citizen and prominent agriculturist of Pickaway County, whose portrait is shown on the opposite page, owns 740 acres of very valuable land in Pickaway township, located near and just south of Circleville. He was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, January 24, 1833, and is a son of Jacob and Sarah (Gougar) Hitler.
The Hitler family came to Ohio from Pennsylvania, George Hitler the grandfather of Nelson Hitler, being the pioneer in Pickaway County of this sturdy old family of German ancestry. He located here in the spring of 1799, settling in Pickaway township on the farm that is now the property 'of James Fryback. Later, George Hitler removed to Washington township and settled on the eastern side of the famous body of land known as the Pickaway Plains.
Jacob Hitler, father of Nelson, was three years old when his father brought the family to Ohio. His whole life was spent in Pickaway County, which he subsequently served as commissioner. In many ways he was a self-made man, as there were few educational or social advantages to be secured in his youth. At the time of his death, in 1879, he was held in the greatest respect by his fellow citizens. He married Sarah Gougar, who was also born in Pennsylvania, and they had seven children, the two survivors being: Nelson, of this sketch, and Ellen, who is the wife of Evan Phillips, of Pickaway township. The members of the family who have passed away were : George, Daniel, Susan, Evaline and Jacob, a number of them occupying prominent places in their lifetime.
Nelson Hitler was reared on his father's farm and was educated in the schools of his district. His life has been entirely an agricultural one and he is widely known as a very successful farmer and stock-raiser. His large body of land is well managed. He has set aside a portion of it as a deer park, and at the present writing has to head of deer. These beautiful creatures excite much admiration from the many visitors who are frequently hospitably entertained at Mr. Hitler's home.
SAMUEL GOODMAN, one of Pickaway County's substantial and prominent citizens and successful agriculturists, resides on the Goodman farm, in section 16, Madison township, which is recognized as the best cultivated property in the northeastern section of the county.
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Mr. Goodman was born in Green township, Ross County, Ohio, February 11, 1851, and is a son of Daniel and Elizabeth (Charles) Goodman.
Daniel Goodman was born in Pennsylvania, and died when his son Samuel was 16 years of age, his wife having died in the previous year, when Samuel was just 15 years old. Of their children, these survive : Josiah, living in Missouri; Charles, of Ross County, Ohio; and Elizabeth, Alfred, Nancy E., Samuel and Sarah, all of Madison township, Pickaway County.
Samuel Goodman grew up in Green township and was educated in the schools of Ross County, completing his training in the High School at Kingston, Ohio. His business in life has been agriculture and this he has followed with great success, carrying on general farming and also breeding Shorthorn cattle. As mentioned above, the Goodman farm is noted for its high state of cultivation and for the excellent system of management which Mr. Goodman employs. All his mature life Mr. Goodman has been interested in public matters pertaining to township and county and on many occasions he has been selected by the Democratic party for offices of trust and responsibility. The confidence he enjoys from his fellow-citizens can be shown by the fact that he was twice elected county commissioner, an important office only entrusted to men of substance and the highest integrity. For 14 consecutive years he has served as treasurer of Madison township, and on many occasions he has represented his party at important conventions. He has been a resident of Madison township since 1883. Mr. Goodman has never married.
JAMES SHANER, who has been identified with the farming interests of Pickaway township for many years, has operated the large estate of 337 acres known as the Daniel Ludwig farm since 1887. He was born August 2, 1837, in Beaver County, Pennsylvania; and is a son of Pearsol and Sarah (Bowern) Shaner.
The Shaner family is of German extraction and one which for generations has been of importance in Beaver County, Pennsylvania. Early in the '50's the parents of Mr. Shaner came to Ohio and settled in Scioto County, removing to Pickaway County some years later. After a few more years they took up their residence in the State of Kentucky, where the father died.
James Shaner accompanied his parents to Scioto County, Ohio, where he completed the education he had commenced in his native county. He remained a resident of Scioto County until about the close of the Civil War, when he came to Pickaway County. He has since resided in Circleville and Pickaway townships. For 14 years he farmed the George W. Gregg estate of 555 acres in Pickaway township, and has been established on the farm he now operates for the past 19 years, coming here in 1887. This well-cultivated and in every way desirable farm is situated on the Chillicothe and Columbus turnpike, some five miles south of Circleville. Mr. Shaner carries on extensive farming and stock-raising operations and is known in agricultural circles all. over the county. He has served as trustee of Pickaway township for several years, and has also been a member of the Board of Education. He is a thoroughly up-to-date farmer as well as a public-spirited, well-informed citizen. He has had charge of three large estates in this county, the first one being the old James Emmet farm of 712 acres, upon which he lived several years.
On September 18, 1859, Mr. Shaner was married to Susan Deemer, who was born April 21, 1839, in Beaver County, Pennsylvania, and is a daughter of Jacob and Susan (Bunzo) Deemer, natives of Pennsylvania. Mrs. Shaner was 18 years of age when she accompanied her parents to Scioto County. Mr. and Mrs. Shaner have had eight children, the five survivors being: Jacob P., of Lancaster, Ohio; Elizabeth, wife of George Conley, of Cleveland, Ohio; Leroy T., of Pickaway township; Florence, wife of John Gehres, living near
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Portsmouth, Ohio; and James L., of Pickaway township. Mr. Shaner has been a lifelong Democrat.
JOASH CROMLEY, deceased, late of Walnut township, was born on the farm now occupied by his widow, on the 17th of April, 1830. He was a son of Jonas and Permeley (Hoffhines) Cromley, and was reared and educated in the township named. In his early days Mr. Cromley was quite a traveler, and somewhat adventurous, one of his occupations being the driving of cattle over the Alleghanies, on foot and on horseback. Later he learned the mason's trade, which he followed industriously and profitably.
Joash Cromley was married in 1859 to Amanda Ashbrook, daughter of Absalom and Phebe (Dunnick) Ashbrook, and they were the parents of two children : Charles, born January 14, 1862, and deceased in December, 1900, who married Nancy Hoover and was the father of Mary Alice and Paul Joash; and Joash Brook, born December 14, 1873, who married Delphine Trout and is the father of one son--Martin William.
Mr. Cromley passed away June 15, 1898. His widow lives in the handsome residence in Walnut township that he erected. She also enjoys the comforts of a good homestead of 160 acres, left by her husband. Mrs. Cromley is a sister of George W. Ashbrook, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this work. Her family is one of the oldest and best known in Walnut township.
WILLIAM A. BAZORE, proprietor of one of the best equipped mills in Deer Creek township, a practical miller and a highly regarded citizen, was born in Perry County, Ohio, October 12, 1849, and is a son of David and Catherine (Bakley) Bazore.
David Bazore, father of our subject, was born in Perry County, Ohio, where his life was passed as a farmer and stockman. He carried Catherine Bakley, who was born at Basel, Switzerland, and was 18 months old when her parents came to America and located in Perry County, Ohio. Of the parental family of five sons and three daughters, William A. is the only one residing in Pickaway County.
William A. Bazore remained in his native county until he was 14 years old and attended the local schools. Then he went to Zanesville and during the succeeding five years learned thoroughly the milling business. In 1869 he removed to Mount Sterling and there followed his trade three years, next spent a year at Harrisburg and then four more at Mount Sterling, one year at Mount Vernon and then five more years at Mount Sterling. After coming to Pickaway County, he engaged in a mill business for one year on a property above Circleville and was engaged for one year in Circleville. In 1885 he located on his present property in Deer Creek township. He began working in the old Haines mill and bought it six months later. Since then he has completely remodeled it, installed modern mill machinery and has doubled its capacity. He now has a 50 barrel mill and produces flour of the best grade, which has a large sale all over the county, being handled by all of the leading grocers. His brands are all favorites, the leading one being "Stella's Pride."
The site of Mr. Bazore's mill was looked upon' as a desirable one from the time of settlement here, an old mill having been built here as early as 1813, since which time wheels have turned almost continuously. The frame of the present mill was built in 1849. Formerly there was an old distillery on this land but it was not so old as is the residence, which still does duty as a comfortable home. Houses in these days are not built like this one, with corner posts 14 inches square. Although undoubtedly very old, perhaps built i00 years ago, it has the appearance of being stanch for as many years more. It is one of the county's historic spots.
On January 24, 1885, Mr. Bazore was married to Mai Alkire, who was born in Deer Creek township, and is a daughter of Benjamin Franklin and Mary (Darr) Alkire. The early Alkire history will be found in the sketch
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of Harry Fremont Alkire, in this volume. Mr. and Mrs. Bazore have one daughter, Stella, who was born February 16, 1890. Mrs. Bazore and daughter are members of the Christian Church, to which Mr. Bazore gives liberal support.
In political sentiment Mr. Bazore is a stanch Republican. Fraternally he is a Mason and belongs to Heber Lodge, No. 501, at Williamsport.
TECUMSEH C. MILLAR, one of the prominent citizens of Circleville, has been a leading agriculturist and stock-raiser of Pickaway County during almost all his life. He was born in Harrison township, Pickaway County, Ohio, July 23, 1851, and is a son of Adam and Nancy R. (Howell) Millar.
The Millar family, as shown in another part of this volume, had much to do with the early settlement of Pickaway County. William Millar, grandfather of Tecumseh C. Millar, was born in Virginia and came to Ohio in 1799, settling near the junction of the Scioto River and Walnut Creek. There he secured 700 acres of land, which remained in the possession of the family until recently. It passed from father to son, each generation adding to its value by improvements. This land lies partly in Harrison and partly in Walnut townships. William Millar and wife were the second family to settle in Harrison township and he built the first brick house in all the surrounding country. Here William Millar died in 1863 at the age of 86 years, his wife having preceded him in 1860.
Adam Millar, son of the settler and father of Tecumseh C. Millar, was born in Harrison township, Pickaway County, Ohio, March 15, 1815. His education was only that which could be secured in the primitive schools of that partially settled section, and until his marriage he continued to assist his father in developing the home farm: After this event, he succeeded to the ownership of a portion of the family estate and on this he continued to live, extensively engaged in farming and stock-raising, for many years. He made a specialty of breeding fine horses and had much to do with the improvement of the stock in his part of the county. At the age of 76 years he passed away, leaving behind the record of a long. useful, fruitful life.
Adam Millar married Nancy R. Howell, who was a (laughter of Elisha and Louisa Howell. Having been a soldier in the War of 1812. Elisha Howell was granted land in Ohio, of which he took possession in 1820, settling first in Walnut township, Pickaway County, and then removing to Scioto township, where he bought 120 acres of timber land and developed a farm on which he resided for many years. He was a native of Delaware. The children of Adam Millar and wife were : William, Mary and George (twins), Michael, Taylor, Tecumseh C., Adam, Fillmore, Lucinda and Hattie.
Tecumseh C. Millar remained on the home farm until his marriage. He was liberally educated; attending school at South Bloomfield and Lebanon, Ohio. For a number of years he remained on the farm and, like his father, carried on large operations in farming and also continued to breed first-class horses. One of these, "Brownie Wilton," had a record of 2 and brought a great price when Mr. Millar finally sold it. It was taken to Vienna, Austria.
In 1874 Mr. Millar married Jennie Wiegancl, who died in August, 1876. On February 5, 1879, he was married (second) to Lucy M. Staige, daughter of Samuel Staige : they have one daughter--Hattie ,V. Adam T., a promising young man, our subject's only son, died in 1901, when almost 21 years old. Since 1898 the family have resided at Circleville. Mr. Millar is a Knight Templar Mason.
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The father of Mrs. Cromley was born in Pennsylvania and was a son of George Teegardin, one of the early settlers of Madison township. John Teegardin was familiarly known as Captain Teegardin, on account of his military rank in the State militia. Mrs. Cromley was a little maid of four years when her mother, who was a native of Virginia, died, and the father's death followed when she was seven years old, leaving two daughters and one son. They were reared by an uncle, Aaron Teegardin, in Madison township, from whose home Rachel C. Teegardin was married on February 20, 1850, to John Cromley.
The late John Cromley was one of the most highly respected mien of Madison township. In his death, which occurred March 19. 1905, the township lost a man of sterling worth, one who was honorable and upright in life, who was a kind husband and father and a faithful friend and neighbor. He was born in \Val nut township, Pickaway County, Ohio. May 26, 1828, and was a son of Stephen Cromley, whose father, Paul Cromley, had been one of the earliest settlers in Walnut township. John Cromley was a successful agriculturist and was one of the township's representative, reliable men, serving as a justice of the peace and as township clerk, for many years..
Mr. and Mrs. Cromley had four children, viz. : Mary J., wife of F. J. Peters, of Madison township; Rosaltha A., wife of Charles E. Morris, of Columbus ; Lucy A., widow of the late George P. Alspaugh, of Madison township, and George E., of Athens County, Ohio. The late John Cromley was a worthy member of St. Paul's Evangelical Church. In politics he was a Democrat. In early life he served as a captain in the State militia, and he was always a public spirited, energetic citizen..
Mrs. Cromley resides on her homestead farm of 80 acres, in Madison township, surrounded by every comfort and cared for by loving children and visited by attentive friends. She is known for her many virtues. For many years she has been a member of St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church and has ever been a valued helper in its missionary work.
JONATHAN PONTIUS, one of the trustees and prominent citizens of Wayne township, resides on a well-cultivated and finely improved farm which lies along the canal road through the township. Mr. Pontius was born January 14, 1845, and is a son of Samuel and Susan (Frederick) Pontius.
The Pontius family is a numerous and prominent one in Pickaway County. Samuel Pontius, father of Jonathan, was born in Pennsylvania and married Susan Frederick after he had settled in Ross County, Ohio He was a farmer all his life.
Jonathan Pontius was reared a farmer and was educated in the district schools or Colrain township, Ross County. Ohio. In addition to cultivating the valuable farm in Wayne township on which he resides, he is also in business outside of agriculture, being a dealer in coal, wheat and corn.
Mr. Pontius married Malinda Routt, who is a daughter of James Routt. of Harrison township, Ross County, Ohio. Four daughters were born to this marriage, the survivors being : Flora, who married Nelson Purdue ; Olive, who married Mack Dowden ; and Gertrude, who lives at home. The eldest daughter, Cora, died aged 30 years.
For many years Mr. Pontius has been a leader in the township's political affairs and at present is serving as one of the board of trustees. He is a man who is very highly regarded in his community and possesses many sterling qualities. In politics he is a stanch Democrat.
JACKSON STEIN, a representative citizen and well-to-do farmer of Madison township, residing on an excellent farm of 65 acres, was born at Circleville, Ohio, October 30, 1851. He is a son of David and Mary Ann (Billig) Stein.
The parents of Mr. Stein were natives of Pennsylvania, who came to Ohio in 1850 and settled in Circleville township, on land which had been entered from the government by his
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father, John Stein. David Stein died in 1888.
Jackson Stein grew up on his father's farm in Circleville township and attended the public schools through his boyhood. He has given his whole attention to agricultural pursuits and long has been considered one of the township's first-class farmers and successful stock-raisers. In addition to the farm on which he lives, Mr. Stein, with his wife, owns a second farm, of 90 acres, both properties being well improved and very valuable.
On March 11, 1886, Mr. Stein was married to Mary A. Hall, who is a daughter of Peter Hall, of Madison township, the Halls being an old and substantial family of this section. Not having children of their own, Mr. and Mrs. Stein have opened their hearts and their home to four orphan children, whom they have given homes. Two of these children, Harley Woodruff and Bertha Burkham, upon arriving at mature years, were united in marriage; and they have one child--William. The other two children, Charles Grover Stotler and May Elizabeth Stein, continue to be members of the Stein family circle.
Mr. Stein is an enterprising, public-spirited citizen, ever ready to do his full duty in the interests of his community. He was for five years a school director of District No. 6. He is a member and one of the trustees of Trinity Lutheran Church at Marcy, Ohio.
NATHAN PERRILL VAUSE, a well-known citizen and general farmer of Scioto township, residing on a fine farm of 150 acres, located just off the highway known as the Commercial Point and Harrisburg turnpike, was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, being a son of John D. and Mary Elizabeth (Perrill) Vause.
Thomas Vause, his grandfather, was born in Hampshire County, Virginia, and removed from the vicinity of Moorefield at a very early day to Clark County. Ohio. He saw service in a light horse company in the War of 1812. Through his care and excellent methods he increased his holdings and became a man ofsubstance as well as of importance, owning at his death some 600 acres of land in Franklin and Pickaway counties. In 1823 he settled in Franklin County and erected a fine home near Lockbourne, where he resided until his death, in 185e, at the age of 66 years. In 1817 he married Elizabeth Decker, who died the same year as he, aged 60 years. They had seven children, as follows : John D., our subject's father; Rachel, who married William Thornton Decker; William, who married Mary Stimmel; Luke D.; James Innskeep, of Harrison township, whose biography is given on another page of this book; Thomas B., who married Missouri Moore; and Hannah Decker, who was' killed by an accident.
John D. Vause was born near Springfield, Ohio, on Buck Creek, March 10, 1818, and was reared a farmer. The last 36 years of his life were spent on a farm of 260 acres in Harrison township which he purchased in 1862. His death occurred February 16, 1898. His wife, Mary Elizabeth Perrill, was born January 1, 1822, and died January 20, 1901. Her parents, Nathan and Christina (Stump) Perrill, both Virginians by birth, settled in Madison township, Pickaway County, at an early day. Five children were born to Nathan Perrill and his wife, namely : Augustus L., who married Mary Seymour, both now deceased--he was a very prominent business man, serving as sheriff of Pickaway County and also in both branches of the Legislature ; Zebulon H., who married Rebecca Bywaters ; Catherine, who married John Moore; Mary Elizabeth, the mother of our subject; and Frances, who married Adam Dyer. Mr. and Mrs. Vause reared eight children, namely: Christina E., who married Thomas J. Rathmell ; Rachel C., who married Seymour R. Vanmeter; Mary P., who lives on the old home place in Harrison town-ship; Nathan Perrill; J. Baldwin, at home; Thomas W., who died in 1879; Frances P., who married Dr. H. C. Blake, of Lockbourne; and Anna L., who resides at home with Mary P. and J. Baldwin.
Nathan P. Vause was educated in the district schools and assisted on the home farm until his marriage, when he settled on his
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present farm, a valuable property, formerly owned by Godfrey Kegg, but now owned by Mr. Vause and wife. Here he carries on general farming and the family occupy a comfort-able, roomy residence, beautifully shaded by sugar maples, which house was built before the farm came into their possession.
On November 22, 1893, Mr. Vause was married to Susan B. Northrop, a daughter of Edward B. and 'Rhoda (Loomis) Northrop, who had three children--Edward L., Frederick B. and Susan B. Edward L. married Minnie Mansur, of Cleveland, Ohio, and Frederick B. married Fannie L. Chaney, a daughter of Dr. Hugh Chaney, formerly a member of the Ohio Legislature. The father of Mrs. Vause was the oldest son of Judge Benjamin Northrop, of Cleveland, Ohio. He died at the hospital at Annapolis, Maryland, three months after enlisting for service in the Civil War.
JACOB M. HENSEL, a representative agriculturist and stock-raiser of Madison township, who resides on a well-cultivated farm of 215 acres, was born on this farm, in August, 1854, and is a son of George and Salome (Billings) Hensel.
The parents of our subject were born in Germany and after emigrating to America settled first in Fairfield County, Ohio, but later removed to Pickaway County, locating on the farm which the son now owns and occupies. On this farm George Hensel (lied in 1882. He was identified with the Democratic party and was a worthy member of the Lutheran Church. In his family and in his relations with his neighbors and fellow-citizens he was a man who commanded respect. Of his children, these survive : Elizabeth E., widow of E. Moore, residing in Miami County, Kansas; Catherine L., living in Madison township; Louisa, wife of George Harts, living in Miami County, Kansas: Amelia, who is the wife of John Dittman, of Fairfield County, Ohio; Josephine, who lives in Madison township; and Jacob M., of this sketch.
Jacob M. Hensel was educated in the district schools and was reared on the home farm. He was only six years old when his mother died and has always regretted the loss of her tender care. Being the youngest of the family, he never left the home roof-tree. He was his father's right-hand helper and gave him filial care when the ailments of age enfeebled him. He carries on large farming operations and raises much excellent stock.
In politics Mr. Hensel is a stanch Democrat. As a citizen he supports all public measures which in his judgment will benefit his neighborhood and is a highly respected resident of his township.
JOSEPH WRIGHT VAUSE, one of the leading agriculturists and well-known citizens of Harrison township, has always resided on the old homestead farm of 470 acres. He was born June 22, 1858, in Harrison township, Pickaway County, Ohio, and is a son of James Inskeep and Eliza (Wright) Vause.
The Vause family was founded in Ohio by Thomas Vause, the grandfather of Joseph W., who came as a pioneer to Clark County from Virginia. He served in the War of 1812 and later became a large farmer and stock-raiser. He married Elizabeth Decker in 1817, and they had these children : John D., Rachel, William, Luke D., James I., Thomas B. and Hannah Decker, all of whom have passed away with the exception of James I.. the father of Joseph W. In 1823 Thomas Vause sold his property in Clark 'County and removed to Franklin County, where both he and his wife died, at their home near Lockbourne.
James Inskeep Vause was born September 12, 1827. Since 1858 he has been a resident of Harrison township, Pickaway County, having purchased the homestead farm from Joseph Renick, in 1857. On November 7, 1854, he was married to Eliza Wright, who was born April 17, 1827, in Madison township, Pickaway County, Ohio, and died June 25, 1878, aged 51 years, 2 months and 8 days. She was a daughter of Joseph and Sarah (Platter)
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Wright, the former of whom was born in County Down, Ireland, and came to the United States prior to his marriage. The children born to James and Eliza (Wright) Vause were five in number, as follows : Sarah Elizabeth, born October 17, 1856, who died aged 8 years, 10 months and 17 days. Joseph Wright, of this sketch; William Thornton, born January 5, 1860, who died March 29,1861; James Edward born July 24, 1863 :and Mary Agnes, born September 12, 1865, who married I. J. Swayer, of Harrison township, and has two sons--Herbert Edwin and Ray Vause. The only brother of. our subject is a civil engineer by profession. lie was educated at the Ohio Normal University at Ada, then located in South Dakota, removed to Sioux City. Iowa, thence .to Chicago and is now established at Milwaukee. I-le married Ella Conner, of Sheboygan, Wisconsin, on March 24, 1896.
Joseph Wright Vause was educated in the district schools of Harrison township and has devoted his whole life to farming on the family estate. He has always resided with his father and assisted in the management of the 600 acres of fine land which they have so successfully cultivated. Mr. Vause devotes about 100 acres to corn and wheat and realizes from 3,000 to 3,500 bushels of corn and about 1,500 bushels of wheat. Much attention is given to the raising of good stock and this has long been a feature here.
On August 12, 1878, Mr. Vause was married to Lucy Swartz, who was born in Pickaway County, and is a slaughter of Jacob and Nancy (Reed) Swartz, old residents of the county. Mr. and Mrs. Vause have had four children, as follows : Orville R., who married Cleo Baum, daughter of W. C. Baum, of Harrison township, and is engaged in farming on the homestead; Benjamin, who is also a farmer on the home place; Lydia, who died March 15. 1905, aged 22 years; and Gladys; who is at home.
Mr. Vause is one of the enterprising and progressive agriculturists of the northern section of the county and follows modern methods and utilizes modern machinery. The modern farmer, more than almost any other businessman, must have a working understanding of half a dozen professions, the time having gone by when farming means nothing more than sowing and reaping and the chance additions to the herds in the fields. The prosperity which has been marked on the Vause estate shows very conclusively the value of the methods employed here. In addition to agricultural prominence, the family has always stood high in the social circles of Harrison township and in every way represents its best citizenship.
PETER B. PONTIOUS, one of Salt Creek township's representative Men and old and honored citizens, has resided on his present farm of 102 acres, situated in section 31, for almost a half century, coming here in 1858. He belongs to a family which came very early to Ohio, bringing his habits of Pennsylvania thrift. He was born in Ross County, January 8, 1832, and is a son of Andrew and Mary (Betzer) Pontious. The grandfather of Peter B. Pontious was born in Berks County, Pennsylvania, and removed thence to Ross County, Ohio, where he engaged in farming in Green township.
Andrew Pontious was born in Ross County, Ohio, was there engaged in farming all his life, and died there in February, 1880. He married Mary Ann Betzer, who was also born in Ross County, and they had 12 children. the six survivors being: John R., of Mount Pleasant, Iowa; Frederick B., of Lawrence, Kansas; Peter B., of this sketch; Jane, wife of Reuben May, of Ross County, Ohio; Sarah, wife of Martin Socin, of Chillicothe; and Andrew J., of Salt Creek township.
Peter B. Pontious spent boyhood and youth in Ross County, attending the best schools in his neighborhood, and learning the practical facts about farming and stock-raising on his father's farm. Agricultural pursuits have continued to be his business and pleasure all his life and his well-cultivated farm testifies to the careful tillage it has received.
On September 1, 1856, Mr. Pontious was
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PAGE 492 - PICTURE OF MR. AND MRS. SAMUEL W. MILLER AND SON.
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married to Mary E. Frederick, who was born in Salt Creek township, Pickaway County, Ohio, March 31, 1835, and is the only surviving member of the family of three children born to her parents, who were Peter and Catherine (Zimmerman) Frederick. The father of Mrs. Pontious was born in Seneca County, Ohio, and the mother in Ross County; they were early settlers in Salt Creek township, Pickaway County, where they died.
Mr. and Mrs. Pontious had seven children born to them, the six survivors being : Winfred C., of Salt Creek township; Olive E., of Columbus; Harlan A., of Bridgeport, Connecticut; Kate E., wife of John Spencer, of Pickaway township; Ida B., wife of Samuel Famuliner, of Salt Creek township; and William M., a business man of Kansas City, Missouri.
Mr. Pontious has been a consistent Democrat all his life and still takes a deep interest in the issues facing the country. Both he and his wife are worthy and valued members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, at Whisler, Ohio. He is an elder in the church and one of the charter members and assisted in the erection of the present church edifice. Few residents of their locality are better known or more highly esteemed than are Mr. and Mrs. Pontious.
SAMUEL W. MILLER, a prominent and substantial citizen of Pickaway County, resides on his fine estate known as "White Oak Grove Hill Farm," a finely improved property consisting of 320 acres, located in Muhlenberg township, on the Darbyville and Circleville turnpike and situated one mile south of Darbyville. Mr. Miller was born March 21, 1858, at Darbyville, Pickaway County, Ohio, and is a son of William A. and Paulina Hill (Thompson) Miller:
Mr. Miller comes of very distinguished ancestry and among his kindred are found names which carry with them the memory of brilliant gifts and solid services to their country. On the maternal side, the great-great-grandfather of Samuel W. Miller was Thomas Lewis, most probably a native of Wales or of Welsh parentage. His three eldest sons bore the names of John, Andrew and Thomas. Of these, all were officers under General Washington in the Revolutionary War and were members of that little band who assisted their chief by their courage and advice, during the terrible winter at Valley Forge. They accompanied Washington in the New Jersey campaign and it is. on record that John and Thomas Lewis were present at the surrender of Lord Cornwallis. Andrew Lewis' military career did not end here as we learn that he was with General Wayne in the expedition against the Indians and in this campaign lost an arm.
Thomas Lewis appears to have added statesmanlike qualities to his military valor. He was the colonial surveyor of Augusta County, Virginia, and became a member of the House of Burgesses. In 1776 he was elected a member of the Virginia Convention and in 1777 he was one of a committee appointed to treat with the defeated Indian tribes.
Col. Fielding Lewis, a son of Thomas Lewis, was associated closely with the family of George Washington. He married (first) Catherine Washington, who was a cousin of George Washington. His second marriage was to Betty Washington, a sister of George Washington, and the children of Colonel Lewis were subsequently adopted by their distinguished uncle. A great-great-uncle of Samuel W. Miller was Meriwether Lewis, the American soldier, traveler and explorer, and later the Governor of Louisiana, whose exploits in the Lewis and Clark expedition have so recently been celebrated by a great Pacific city.
The paternal grandfather of Mr. Miller was William Miller, who also took part in the Revolutionary War, a member of a Virginia contingent. He died in Ohio while visiting his son, William A. Miller. The latter, the father of our subject, was born at Shepherdstown, Virginia, January 3, 1818. In 1848 prior to his marriage, he came to Ohio, locating at Darbyville, Pickaway County. Here he engaged for many years in a general mer-
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cantile business and became a man of sub-stance and was held in universal esteem. During the Civil War he testified to his loyalty by generous assistance given to the government. His death occurred October 30, 1875. From being an old line Whig, in 1852 he identified himself with the Republican party.
William A. Miller married Paulina Hill Thompson, who was born at Darbyville, Ohio, March 20, 1827, and died July 17, 1903. She was a daughter of Samuel H. and Hannah (Hill) Thompson, the former one of the pioneers of Pickaway County, and the latter a (laughter of Rev. Hill, who was an early explorer and a missionary in this part of Ohio. The mother of Mr. Miller, although afforded only the meager advantages offered by the educational institutions of Darbyville in her youth, became a well-educated woman and a school teacher. The children of William A. Miller and wife were: William, who died in infancy; James D., a resident of Tacoma, Washington; Jennie T., wife of Ira W. McCollister, of Tacoma, Washington ; Belle G., who died aged 17 years; George W., a merchant at Darbyville; Samuel W., of this sketch; Mary T., widow of Dr. John E. Miller, late a Representative in the General Assembly, who died May 8, 1904; and S. Arnold, a practicing physician at Lancaster, Ohio.
Samuel W. Miller resided at Darbyville until 1880. His education was obtained in the village schools at Darbyville, which were excellent for the time. When but 14 years of age, he began to teach school. After one term of teaching he entered 'the Wesleyan University at Delaware, Ohio, but left this institution in his sophomore year and resumed teaching. He continued to be more or less interested in educational work until 1880; when he moved to Ashville and entered into partnership with his brother, James D. Miller, in a general mercantile business, under the firm name of Miller Brothers. At a later date he bought his brother's interests and continued the business until called to official life, having been elected auditor of Pickaway County. The election occurred in 1887 and he assumed the duties of the office in 1888, removing then to Circleville, where he resided until 1891.
Mr. Miller was elected to the important office by the Republican party, overcoming the Democratic majority in Harrison township, where he then lived, by a majority of 230 votes and carrying the county by 68 votes, the Democratic majority of which usually footed up to 1,200. He was the first county auditor to have his offices in the new Court House. He entered upon the duties of the position under some discouraging conditions, the defalcation of a prominent official leaving the county a debt of $50,000. Through the tact and fidelity of Mr. Miller, this unfortunate circumstance was so adjusted that the county lost nothing and a full account may be found on the books of the county. He left office, as he had entered, with a clean record and unblemished reputation.
During his residence at Ashville, in Harrison township, Mr. Miller was one of the incorporators of the village, was its first treasurer and served as township clerk, being the first Republican ever elected to the office.
On July 14, 1896, in Covington, Kentucky, Mr. Miller was married to Jessie Fremont Work, by Rev. J. W. Mitchell, pastor of the Eleventh Street North M. E. Church. Mrs. Miller was born December 6, 1869, in the fine old brick Work homestead, which is situated in Monroe township, Pickaway County, Ohio, near Pherson. She was educated at the Wesleyan University at Delaware. Her parents were Hon. Wesley and Catharine Work, the former of whom died November 4, 1900. Mr. and Mrs. Miller have had two children, viz.: Samuel Wesley, who was born May 22, 1897, and died January 4, 1905; and Howard Work, who was born December 12, 1900.
In 1891 Mr. Miller purchased his present fine estate, which formerly was known as the William Scott place. It is one of the fine old homes ,for which this section of Ohio is noted. Mr. Miller devotes his time and attention to the careful operation of this valuable farm. The home is not only known in this community for its beauty and comfort, but also for its hospitality. Its fine library indicates the cultured tastes of the occupants of the home.
Mr. Miller is a leading member of the
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Methodist Episcopal Church, is a steward and trustee and is assistant superintendent of the Sunday-school. He is also a teacher and has a class of 35 young men. He is very prominent in Masonry, belonging to all the higher branches, having attained the 32nd degree. He belongs also to Jumbo Camp, Modern Woodmen of America, at Darbyville and is president of the Farmers' Institute at Williamsport.
A picture of Mr. and Mrs. Miller and their son, Howard Work Miller, accompanies this sketch, being shown on a preceding page.
S. CARPENTER, one of the leading capitalists, native citizens and prominent agriculturists of Muhlenberg township, was born in this township on November 20, 1849, and is a son of Baldwin Clifton Carpenter and Anna (English), his wife.
The grandparents of Mr. Carpenter were Simon and Sally (Fee) Carpenter, natives of Virginia. From that State they moved to Kentucky and settled in Fleming County, where their son, Baldwin Clifton, was born, April 22, 1811, and his boyhood spent. He was 27 years of age when he visited Muhlenberg township, Pickaway County, for the first time. At that time he came to this locality on horseback, in charge of a drove of cattle which he sold in this vicinity. He was so pleased with the lay of the land and the agreeable climate and other conditions, that he returned shortly afterward and established his home here. For 20 years he was in a mercantile business at Darbyville, but in 1857 he sold out and in part payment took a farm of 250 acres. When Mr. Carpenter first settled in Muhlenberg township, he was a poor man and borrowed the money with which to buy cattle. For many years he bought, sold and traded and amassed a large fortune. He also was in the employ of Colonel and William Florence, who at that time were the leading capitalists of the county, and on many occasions Mr. Carpenter drove cattle, and sometimes cattle and hogs, to New York, a herd of 500 cattle being no unusual number. At the time of his death he owned some 1,200 acres of land. During his earlier years he was a man of surprising robustness, but a fall crippled him and his later life was necessarily less active. His death occurred January 5, 1893. He was Presbyterian in religious faith.
The mother of our subject, Anna (English) Carpenter, resided in Darbyville at the time of her death, May 21, 1906, aged 77 years. The children born to Baldwin C. and Anna (English) Carpenter were: W. S., of this sketch; Theodosia, who is the widow of N. F. Kinnear, of Madison County; Thomas Henry, of Muhlenberg township ; Florence, deceased at the age of three years; Simon New-ton, of Mount Sterling; Job R., of Columbus ; Cora, who married Dr. S. E. Boggs, is deceased; Harry B., of Ashville; and Minnie, who died in 1883, aged 11 years.
W. S. Carpenter remained with his parents until his marriage. He was educated at Darbyville. His choice of occupation being farming, his parents gave him half of a 145-acre tract of the old Judge Florence farm, and his wife's parents gave her the other half ; to this Mr. Carpenter subsequently added 130 acres. He secured 870 acres from his father-in-law's homestead and he also bought adjoining property until his home farm now aggregates 1,270 acres. He also bought 177 acres on Dry Run in Monroe township and subsequently purchased the old Muhlenberg farm of 281 acres, which is located near the home farm. All his land, aggregating the grand total of 1,880 acres, is located in Muhlenberg township, with the exception of 177 acres in Monroe township, making him the largest landowner in Muhlenberg township. The place in Monroe township is known as "Locust Hill top Farm" and formerly was the homestead of M. M. Thomas. In 1841 a fine home was built on this farm, on a high elevation, the finishing lumber for which was conveyed all the way from Chillicothe.
On the Florence farm our subject built a handsome residence. All his property is well improved with substantial buildings. In days gone by, before it was cleared, l00 acres of this land was covered with cherry, blue ash and
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walnut timber. A fine lot of lumber was cut for the old Harness Renick homestead, but it was accidentally burned and for this reason lumber had to be brought from a distance. Mr. Carpenter retains the direct management of all this magnificent extent of land, but some of it he rents for the grain rent. He raises quantities of stock of all kinds and makes a feature of stock-raising and grain growing.
In 1873 Mr. Carpenter was married to Alwilda Thomas, who was born at Mount Sterling, Ohio, February 2, 1854, and is a daughter of Milton M. and Urania (Loofbourrow) Thomas.
Mr. Thomas was born in Pickaway County, and Mrs. Thomas in Madison- County. They were married at Columbus and moved to Mount Sterling, purchasing the Harness Renick place in 1866 and moving upon it in 1869. In 1874 they returned to Mount Sterling, where Mr. Thomas died in November, 1876, aged 51 years. For a number of years he was one of the leading men of that town. He organized and became the first president of the Farmers' Bank, which is now the First National Bank of Mount Sterling. In Muhlenberg township he was a large stock-raiser and dealer and an extensive and successful farmer. His rise from comparative poverty to affluence was through his own perseverance, industry and good management. He was left with a widowed mother and a number of brothers and sisters to care for, being the oldest son. He purchased the present home of Mr. and Mrs. Carpenter from Harness Renick and carried the money to pay for it a long distance in his saddlebags. Through life he was looked on with esteem and respect in every community in which he lived.
The children of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas were : Alwilda, who became the wife of W. S. Carpenter; Rufina, who died aged three years; Sarah Elizabeth, who died aged 18 years ; Laura Alice, who married Charles McCafferty, and died June 2, 1881, aged 20 years and 5 months, leaving an infant son, Milton William, who passed away at the age of two months. Mrs. Carpenter is the only survivor of the family.
The children born to W. S. Carpenter and wife were : Florence Thomas, born August 11, 1874, who is the wife of Harness Renick, of West Virginia; Elizabeth Maude, born October i0, 1877, who is the wife of A. H. Herbert, of Steubenville, Ohio; Eva Anna, born April 4, 1880, who is the wife of Paul C. Hodges, of Columbus ; Milton Scott, born July 2, 1882; Alwilda Bernice, born February 29, 1884; Baldwin Clifton, born April 10, 1886; Frank Hicks, born April 5, 1888; Ira Sanford, born July 10, 1892; and Alice Pauline, born June 27, 1895. The six youngest children all live at home. There are two little granddaughters in the family, Alice Wilda and Dorothy Eva Renick, children of Mr. Carpenter's eldest daughter.
Mr. Carpenter has always been one of the progressive and enterprising men of the town-ship, one of the first to recognize the benefits to accrue from modern methods and inventions and to willingly promote their organization. He was helpful in the organization of the Citizen's Telephone Company, at Circleville, and has given approval to other enterprises, which in his judgment seemed likely to benefit the community. He was one of the founders of the Grange in Muhlenberg township. In political sentiment, Mr. Carpenter has always been a strong Republican, and. since 1895 he has. served as township treasurer and for some eight years previously as township trustee, having held the latter office four terms. He also was one of the organizers of the Darbyville Presbyterian Church and assisted in the erection of the church building. He is one of the best-known men in his section of Pickaway County.
W. G. JACOB, cashier of the Third National Bank of Circleville, was born in this city in 1864, and is a son of J. T. Jacob, one of the early settlers of Pickaway County, who passed away in 1874.
W. G. Jacob has spent the greater part of his life at Circleville, receiving his education in her excellent schools and in 1880 find
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ing here an excellent business opening as bookkeeper and cashier of the Second National Bank. After five years of excellent training in that institution, he accepted a position with the Third National Bank, as bookkeeper, was later made assistant cashier and since 1896 has been cashier. He is well known in financial circles and stands deservedly high.
In 1893 Mr. Jacob was united in marriage with Alice Albaugh, a daughter of the late \V. H. Albaugh, who was one of the early settlers at Circleville.
Mr. Jacob belongs to the Masonic and the Elks lodges at Circleville. Both he and wife are representatives of old and honorable families of this section of the State.
CEPHAS NEWHOUSE, a prominent citizen and representative agriculturist of Salt Creek township, resides on his well-cultivated farm of 95 acres, which is situated in section 19. Mr. Newhouse was born April 13, 1857, in Pickaway County, Ohio, and he is a son of Isaac and Catherine (Bear) Newhouse.
The Newhouse family came to Ohio from Pennsylvania and was established in Pickaway County by the grandfather. Isaac Newhouse spent his whole life in this township, engaged in farming, and married a member of one of the old families of the county. Of their children, these survive : Mary, wife of M. Reedy, living in Illinois; Jane, wife of Fred Pontious, living in Kansas; Julia, who married W. B. Miesse, of Stoutsville, Ohio; Catherine, who married L. J. Bookwalter, of Hallsville, Ohio; Ellen, who married Samuel Lutz, of Whisler, Ohio; George W., of Salt Creek township; Hattie, who married Samuel Parker, of Whisler; William H. lives in Salt Creek township; John, of Whisler, Ohio; and Cephas, of this sketch.
Cephas Newhouse was reared on his father's farm and obtained his primary education in the district schools of Salt Creek township and later in the public schools at Whisler. He has devoted the larger part of his life to agricultural pursuits and on his fine farm has demonstrated what careful methods and intelligent management will do. He is counted among the prosperous farmers of his locality. He enjoys the comforts of a very pleasant home and all his surroundings indicate thrift and plenty.
On November 3, 1879, Mr. Newhouse was married to Sarah J. Lutz, who was born July 29, 1857, in Salt Creek township, and is a daughter of the late Jacob Lutz, a prominent farmer of this township. Mr. and Mrs. Newhouse have five children, namely: Leland, of Cleveland, Ohio; Clayton E., a civil engineer with the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Company; and Vinetta, Russell J. and Roland K., all living at home.
Mr. and Mrs. Newhouse are among the leading members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church at Whisler, in which he is an elder and also a member of the board of trustees. He has always been interested in the work done by the Sunday-school and for a long period served as superintendent. In his political views, he is a Republican.
SOLOMON C. ALLISON, one of the leading business men of Ashville, a dealer in vehicles and harness, and the special representative of the Post Buggy Company, was born near Harrison Mills, Scioto County, Ohio, and is a son of Benjamin and Caroline (Norris) Allison.
Benjamin Allison came of Scotch-Irish ancestry and was reared in the vicinity of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. When about 21 years of age, he came to Ohio and settled in Scioto County, where he became a landed proprietor and established a comfortable home on which his widow still resides. She was born in Carroll County, Ohio, but moved to Jackson County in girlhood, and was there married to Benjamin Allison, who died in 1891, aged 65 years. Their surviving children are : Solomon C., of Ashville; Erasmus, Charles and William, all engaged in farming in Scioto County; and Lucy, who remains at home with her mother.
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Solomon C. Allison was reared in his native place and was mainly educated in what was called the White Gravel School, which he left when 17 years of age. In the following year he came to Pickaway County and entered the employ of Henry Noecker, of St. Paul, for some time, and then became a farmer for Henry P. Folsom, and while on Mr. Folsom's farm in Harrison township he was appointed township trustee to fill a vacancy. He was yet a young man but he fulfilled the duties of the office so thoroughly that he was elected trustee at the expiration of the term. In the fall of 1904, Mr. Allison embarked in his present business at Ashville, which he has carried on very successfully, having a wide acquaintance with his fellow-citizens all through his section. For 20 years he has been connected with the interests of the northern part of Pickaway County, and his business methods have commended him to the respectful consideration of all those who have had dealings with him.
Mr. Allison has a pleasant home at Ashville, having married a daughter of George and Christina Bowers, of St. Paul. They have three daughters, viz. : Ethel Marie, Elva Pearl and Lena.
Mr. Allison is an active member of the Democratic party and wields considerable influence in both township and county. He is a member of Palmetto Lodge, Knights of Pythias, of Ashville.
ANDREW PARKER JAMES, a successful farmer of a fine 100-acre tract in Scioto township, has been a citizen of Pickaway County for 18 years and a resident of his present homestead for a period of about three years. He was born in Pike County, Ohio, on New Year's Day, 1830, and is a son of John and Cynthia James. His father was also a native of that county, where he was born April 3, 1812, spent his life as an honest, hard-working farmer and died in 1874. His wife, the mother of our subject, was born January 11, 1813, in Ross County, Ohio, near Chillicothe, and resides with him, at the venerable age of 93 years.
Andrew P. James attended the schools of Pike County, and after he reached manhood followed the occupation of farming until his removal to a place near Circleville, where he resided for about seven years. He has been a resident of Scioto township for nine years past, and is known as a substantial general farmer and a raiser of such live stock as cattle and hogs.
In 1879 Mr. James was united in marriage to Maggie Butcher, daughter of Adam Butcher, and of the three children born to this union one child, Pearle is living. She is a graduate of the Circleville High School, class of 1900, and taught four years in Jackson township and two years at the Grove school, Scioto township. At present she is at home with her parents. Perley Floyd died aged three years and three months and Cynthia died on the day of her birth.
Our subject conies of a large family, who were generous, in the contribution of both service and life, to the Union cause in the dark clays of the Civil War. Four of the brothers entered the service from Ohio and two of them died while in the performance of their duty. Eleven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. John James, as follows: Catherine and Minerva, both deceased, who were the wives of William Kirkpatrick and Henry S. Butcher, respectively; Harriet, who married McKendrey Gordon and resides in Pike County; Cynthia Letitia (Mrs. Henry Rader), of Muhlenberg township; Maria R., the wife of Joseph Thompson, residing in Pike County; Peter, who enlisted in the 33rd Regiment, Ohio Vol. Inf., was a prisoner at both Libby Prison and Andersonville, served throughout the war and died afterward ; William R.. a member of the same regiment, who died in the service at Stevenson, Alabama John Wesley, who joined the 26th Regiment. Ohio Vol. Inf., and died in the service; Houston, a lawyer at Enid, Garfield County. Oklahoma, who raised a company of the ) 76th Regiment, Ohio Vol. Inf., and was its captain at the front; Thomas Jefferson, who married and is now de-ceased; and Andrew P., of this sketch.
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HENRY C. RENICK, one of the substantial citizens and fine farmers of Pickaway County, who owns one of the best farms in Jackson township, was born in this township in 1862, and is a son of John Renick, of one of the oldest families of the county, extended mention of which will be found in this work.
Henry C. Renick was reared to the age of 14 years on his native place, but the death of his father at this time caused the removal of the family to Circleville. Here he attended school until failing health prevented close application, in 1885 removing to the farm in Jackson township. In 1895 he returned to Circleville, but in 1900 he settled on his present farm in Jackson township.
In 1886 Mr. Renick was married to Emma M. Rice, who died in 1895. She was a daughter of A. C. Rice and belonged to one of the old pioneer families of this section. Three children survived, namely : Ruth M., who graduated at the Circleville High School in 1905 and subsequently also took a post-graduate course; J. Fred, a student in the Circleville High School ; and Donald Van Meter, at home.
In 1898 Mr. Renick was married (second) to Catherine A. Adkins, who is a daughter of Hon. Barzillai Adkins, a member of one of the oldest and most prominent families of Pickaway County. The two children of this union are: Louise A. and Thomas Adkins.
Politically Mr. Renick is a Republican. Fraternally he is connected with the Elks and the Knights of Pythias. He belongs to the Presbyterian Church.
ALBERT LINLEY SHOCKLY, owner of an attractive and valuable farming estate of 506 acres in Darby township, is a son of Woodson J. and Martha (Smith) Shockly. Of the other members of the parental family, a sister, Mary E., who is now deceased, married James Ballah ; the elder brother, George A., married Mary J. Rector, who is deceased ; while Nelson. the younger brother, died at the age of 18 years.
Our subject was born in the township of his residence on the 1st of April, 1846. As he has developed physically, mentally and in material things right in this locality, he is one of the oldest of its continuous residents and, what is far more, one of its most respected. In 1874 he married Sarah J. McKinley, who passed away on December 9th of the same year. Mr. Shockly's second union was with Josephine Dennis, daughter of Daniel and Mary (Hess) Dennis, of Monroe township, Pickaway County. Mrs. Shockly's father is deceased, hut her mother still survives, being an honored resident of Monroe township. Mrs. Shockly has one brother, George WV., and one sister, Effie.
Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Albert L. Shockly--Clarence W., Ethel, Ruth, Albert Vernon and Mary E. The family homestead consists of a fine tract of about 73 acres on the Five Points road, the residence beautifully shaded by pine trees. Mr. Shockly also owns another farm of 150 acres and the old home farm of 282 acres near Derby. He purchased his homestead in 1893 and has so improved it that it is one of the nicest pieces of property in the locality.
As a member of the School Board, Mr. Shockly has taken an active and a practically useful interest in the educational matters of his township. Mrs. Shockly is a faithful Methodist.
PERRY ALDENDERFER, township clerk of Salt Creek township, is a representative of an old family of this section and is a well-known and popular citizen. He was born October 2, 1870, in Salt Creek township, and is a son of Samuel and Leah (Harmon) Aldenderfer, the former of whom was a son of Henry Aldenderfer, who came from Pennsylvania and was a pioneer settler in Salt Creek township. For many years the late Samuel Aldenderfer was one of the valued citizens of his locality. He was born in Pickaway County and spent his long and exemplary life in Salt Creek township, where he died July 12, 1881. He was prominent in the political affairs of the township. His widow, whose maiden
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name was Leah Harmon, still survives. The two surviving members of their family are : William H.,. of Columbus, and Perry, of this sketch.
Perry Aldenderfer was reared and educated in Salt Creek township, where he has always been interested in agricultural pursuits. On January 9, 1900, he was united in marriage with Minnie Spangler, who is a daughter of Aaron and Elizabeth (Goodman) Spangler, of Tarlton. They have one daughter, Florence, who was born June 27, 1902. Mr. Aldenderfer was reared in the Lutheran Church. . Politically, Mr. Aldenderfer has always been stanch in his support of the Democratic party and on numerous occasions appreciation has been shown by his election to various local offices. He is now serving his first term as township clerk and is one of the most popular officials the township has ever had. This office includes the duties of the clerk of the township School Board. Mr. Aldenderfer has been identified with the Odd Fellows at Tarlton for a long period and has served as deputy grand master. He belongs also to the lodge of Knights of Pythias at Stoutsville.
ROBERT PHERSON, whose valuable farm of 74 acres is situated in Muhlenberg township, is a prominent farmer of this section and belongs to one of the leading families of Pickaway County. He was born near Somerset, Perry County, Ohio, March 28, 1853, and is a son of George and Elmira (Van Sickle) Pherson.
Extended mention of this prominent old family of this part of Ohio will be found in another part of this work, in the sketch of Isaac A. Pherson. The parents of Mr. Pherson were born in Perry County, Ohio, and lived there until 1875, when the father brought his family to Pickaway County and purchased a farm of 412 acres in Muhlenberg township. Here he lived until his death in 1889.
Robert Pherson is the third member of a family of 10 children. He was reared on the home farm and was educated in the local schools. From his father's estate he inherited48 acres. Prior to coming into possession of this property, he bought 200 acres in Monroe township, which he improved and on which he lived until his father's death, when he sold the property and took up his residence on his present farm. This he operates and rents 266 acres adjoining his own property so that his agricultural operations are carried on on a large scale. In 1890 he erected his handsome home residence and substantial barn, with other buildings, and has one of the most attractive homes of the locality.
In 1877 Mr. Pherson was united in marriage with Martha Ridenour, who was born in Perry County, Ohio, February 26, 1854, and is a daughter of Daniel and Margaret (Rousculp) Ridenour, natives of Pennsylvania, of German extraction. .Mr. and Mrs. Pherson have had these children : Walter E., of Muhlenberg township, who married Jessie West; Frank, a promising child, who died of typhoid fever, at the age of six years; Elbert, living at home; Owen, a bright, handsome, manly youth of 19 years, who died December 25, 1902, from the effects of an accidental discharge of his gun while hunting; Grace, who married Sherman Downs, of Monroe township, and has one child-Charles Robert ; and Ellen, George, Robert and Rilla, all at home.
Mr. Pherson was reared a Republican but he has been identified with the Prohibition party for some time. During his residence in Monroe township, he was township trustee and has served some 20 years on the School Board in Muhlenberg and Monroe townships. He is one of the leading members of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Pherson, a steward, trustee and for more than 20 years has filled the difficult position of superintendent of the Sunday-school. Like other members of his family, he is held in universal esteem.
NORMAN PYLE, whose well-cultivated farm of 125 acres, is located near Salem, in Pickaway township, was born near Kingston, in Ross County, Ohio, August 18, 1860, and is a son of William and Jane A. (Gill) Pyle. The Pyle family was established in Ross
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County in pioneering days, by Thomas Pyle, the paternal grandfather. Both parents of our subject were born in Ross County, where the father died in 1900. The venerable mother resides at Kingston, Ohio.
Norman Pyle spent his boyhood and youth on his father's farm near Kingston, Ross County, and was educated in neighboring schools. He was trained along agricultural lines and has always been a farmer and stock-raiser. Prior to settling on his present farm, in 1906, he resided on the large farm of Charles F. Smith, of Chillicothe, near Emmett's Chapel, in Pickaway township.
On August 22, 1889, Mr. Pyle was married to Ella Hard, who was born at Berlin, Ohio, September 13, 1859. Her parents were Rev. S. and Margaret (McDowell) Hard, the latter of whom was born in Vinton County, Ohio. The father was formerly a resident of Berlin and later, of Chillicothe. When Mrs. Pyle was 13 years of age, her parents settled in the latter city, where she was educated. Later she taught school in Ross County. Mr. and Mrs. Pyle have had two sons, the one surviving being William N., who was born September 13, 1891. The other, Lloyd M., is de-ceased. Mrs. Pyle is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Kingston.
Mr. Pyle is not an active politician, but he takes a deep interest in the civilizing elements of church and public school and casts his vote for those candidates most likely to advance these interests. At one time his father was one of the commissioners of Ross County.
ALEXANDER C. BELL, president of the Third National Bank of Circleville, whose portrait is shown on the opposite page, is one of the prominent citizens and leading capitalists of Pickaway County. Mr. Bell was born August 22, 1830, in Walnut township, Pickaway County, Ohio, and is a son of William and Catherine (Caldwell) Bell.
The Bell family is of Irish extraction but has many representatives in America and thename is notably associated with business enterprise and mental ability. William Bell, the father of our subject, was born in Ireland on August 13, 1802, and two years later was brought to America by his father, James Bell. The latter settled in Pennsylvania and engaged in farming until 1812, when the whole family came to Pickaway County, Ohio. James Bell and wife had eight children. William Bell was reared to agricultural pursuits and passed the greater part of his life as a farmer in Walnut township. He served as captain of a local militia company for a time. His death occurred April 30, 1851, at the age of 41 years. He married Catherine Caldwell, who was born in Ohio on March 24, 1802, and died December 16, 1889. She was a daughter of Alexander Caldwell, who was born in Ireland and was an early settler in Ohio. Both William Bell and wife were worthy members of the Presbyterian Church. Their children were : James, Jane, Alexander C., Ruth, William Thomas, Catherine, Caroline S. and an infant, the only survivors being the subject of this sketch and Caroline S.
Alexander C. Bell was not able to enjoy the educational advantages in his youth which he has given his own children. He was reared among pioneer conditions and the death of his father, when he was but 19 years old, placed responsibilities upon his shoulders before he was scarcely able to support them. His father had left a farm of 200 acres and he inherited one-fifth. After purchasing the interest of the two sisters, the three brothers formed a partnership and operated the farm together for a number of years. They were all young men of industry and kept adding to their land until the amount became very large ; when it was subsequently divided, our subject took the farm in Circleville township on which he resided for many years. He kept on accumulating land until he Owned 1,500 acres, in Circleville, Walnut and Jackson townships. This land he has distributed among his children. For many years his rural home was considered one of the best improved places in, the township and here he carried on large farm and cattle-raising operations, making a specialty of Shorthorns.
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Mr. Bell was united in marriage (first) on October 25, 1855, to Minerva R. Reber, who was born March 5, 1834, in Fairfield County, Ohio, and was a daughter of Thomas and Rachel (Allen) Reber, prominent old settlers of Wyandot County. Mrs. Bell died October 15, 1875. Mr. Bell was married (second) on September 17, 1885, to Mrs. Sally E. Valentine, who was born in Circleville, Ohio, a daughter of the late Bentley Groce. Mrs. Bell died in March, 1886.. Mr. Bell's children--all by the first marriage--were : Thomas R., of Circleville; Lucy K., who married John D. Newton, of Circleville, and at her death left two daughters and one son; Clara, wife of Benjamin Renick, of Circleville; Charles, of Pickaway County; Flora, wife of Charles Van Meter, of Paducah, Kentucky; Rachel, wife of Arthur McNeil Wiegand, of Pickaway County; Lyman A., at home; Mettie, wife of Robert Hinkle, of Tennessee; and Anna O., wife of Edward A. Brown, an attorney of Circleville.
In politics Mr. Bell is a stanch Democrat. In the fall of 1887 he was elected county commissioner of Pickaway County and was honored by re-election in the fall of 189o. He was one of the organizers of the Third National Bank of Circleville, became one of its first directors and for the past two years has been its president. This financial institution stands very high, Mr. Bell's honorable name at the head of it lending influence and inspiring confidence.
GEORGE L. HOLDERMAN, a member of one of the old pioneer families of Pickaway County, and a successful agriculturist of Pickaway township, where he owns the old homestead farm, which is situated in section 23, was born here June 21, 1873, and is a son of William and Mary M. (Earnest) Holderman.
The father of George L. Holderman was born in Salt Creek township and the mother in Pickaway township, Pickaway County. The father died in 1892, but the mother still survives and resides with her son, George L. The great-grandfather and grandfather of our subject were among the very first settlers in Salt Creek township, being among the first to fell the trees, to cut out the roads and to bridge the streams.
Wilson Holderman, father of George L., was long one of Salt Creek's leading business men. He' was an extensive farmer and also engaged in the buying and shipping of live-stock and finally made this his main occupation. He married Mary M. Earnest, a native of Pickaway County and a daughter of Samuel Earnest, who for many years resided in Pickaway township. To this union were born four children, the three survivors being: Harry E., of Kingston ; George L., of this sketch : and Jennie, wife of Samuel P. Rodgers, who is engaged in a general mercantile business at Patrick, a suburb of Charleston, West Virginia. Wilson Holderman voted with the Republican party. He was liberal and public-spirited and promoted the welfare of his home locality to the extent of his power. He gave generously to charity and to the Presbyterian Church at Kingston, of which his widow is a valued member.
George L. Holderman laid the foundation of his education in the district schools of Pick-away township, later attending school at Kingston and subsequently becoming a student in the Ohio State University at Columbus. After entering into business he resided for one year at North Bend, Nebraska, where he en-gaged very successfully in buying and shipping cattle, going from there to Chicago, Illinois, where he lived for a short time. He finally returned to the homestead farm in Pickaway township, where he has been engaged in agricultural pursuits ever since.
Mr. Holderman was married (first) to Minnie Hanawalt, a native of Frankfort, Ohio. by whom he has one daughter--Bessie M. Mr. Holderman was married (second) to Bessie Terry, of Kingston, Ohio.
In politics Mr. Holderman is affiliated with the Republican party. He is an energetic. enterprising young man and occupies a large place in the confidence and esteem of his fel-
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low-citizens, being always ready to assist in movements calculated to benefit his township and county.
THOMPSON B. WRIGHT, A. M., M. D., of Circleville, is one of the leading physicians and surgeons of this part of the State. He was born at Circleville in August, 1864, and is a son of Charles E. and Lovina (Thompson) Wright.
The late Charles E. Wright was one of the most prominent men of Pickaway County. He was a member of the manufacturing firm of Haswell, Wright .& Company, and for many years was connected with the old Scioto Bank. He was born at Baltimore, Maryland. His death occurred in 1877, the cause being the hardships he endured during his service as a lieutenant in Company A, 114th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., during the Civil War. He married Lovina Thompson. who was a daughter of Jesse C. Thompson, who was one of the early settlers in Pickaway County. Dr. Thompson located at South Bloomfield in 1837 and practiced medicine there until his death in 1889. He was widely known for his skill and he was probably the first practitioner in the West to perform what is known as the Caesarean operation. At that stage of surgery it was a wonderful feat and the successful termination of the operation won Dr. Thompson great reputation. He married Emily Sage. who was a daughter of Harley Hi Sage, who was a soldier in the Revolutionary War. Dr. Wright has the papers pertaining to the service of the old patriot and is thus eligible to the Sons of the American Revolution.
Thompson B. Wright was reared at Circleville and after graduating at the High School entered Kenyon College and was graduated there in 1883, with the degree of A. B., in 1895 receiving the degree of A. M. In 1886 he was graduated in medicine from the Columbus Medical College. After a few months of initial practice at South Bloomfield, Dr. Wright came to Circleville and entered into partnership with his great-uncle, the late Dr. A. W. Thompson, under the firm name of Thompson & Wright, which association continued until 1894, Dr. Thompson dying in the following year. Since then Dr. Wright has practiced alone. During the Spanish-American War. he spent nine months in the service, as a surgeon of the Fourth Regiment, Ohio Infantry. U. S. Volunteers, with the rank of captain ; three months of this service were spent in Puerto Rico.
In 1888 Dr. Wright was married to Francis R. Scovil, who is a daughter of the late Lyman E. Scovil, who was one of the substantial citizens and respected men of Pickaway County. Dr. and Mrs. Wright have two daughters--Katharine H. and Frances S.
Fraternally Dr. Wright is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He still retains his Creek fraternity membership in the Alpha Delta Phi and the Phi Betta Kappa. He keeps thoroughly abreast of the times in his profession and is a valued member of the American Academy of Medicine and belongs also to the National Association of Military Surgeons. He is a member of the local pension board.
ADAM BAILEY, a prominent citizen and large farmer of Monroe township. whose farm of 200 acres is situated on the Clark's Run road, is also one of the most successful breeders of fine horses, cattle and stock in this section. Mr. Bailey was born March 29, 1847, in Ross County. Ohio, and is a son of James and Elizabeth (Hyatt) Bailey.
The branch of the Bailey family to which our subject belongs came from Germany. The grandfather was Richard Bailey, who came to America and settled in Ross County, Ohio, where he bought a farm in the wilderness, paying 25 cents an acre for it. He built a substantial stone house, erecting it on the second highest hill in Ross County, and it still stands as one of the old landmarks. His wife, Catherine, was born in Pennsylvania. They had nine children, namely: Katherine (Shaner); Mary Ann, wife of Elisha Wilkins, who owned
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the farm where J. Taylor now lives; Alexander; Martin ; Hamilton, a physician, who outlived all his brothers; Thomas; James, father of our subject; and two who died in infancy.
James Bailey was born on the old Bailey farm in Ross County not far from Bourneville. His whole life was devoted to agriculture. He married Elizabeth Hyatt, a daughter of Reuben and Maria Hyatt, natives of Pennsylvania, who died in early life and were survived by four children, viz.: Reuben, Maria, and Elizabeth and Hannah (twins). Of this family, Reuben was adopted by a neighbor who was on the point of moving to the West, having provided one of those huge wagons covered with cotton cloth, in which the pioneers lived comfortably while transporting themselves and their belongings to distant points. Reuben Hyatt grew to manhood in the West and married; his children are comfortably established in Washington County, Iowa, and were visited by our subject recently.
Elizabeth Hyatt, who, with her twin sister, was reared as a daughter by her uncle, Jeremiah Foster, was subsequently married to James Bailey, as mentioned above. They began housekeeping on the old Bailey farm, and there all their children were born, with the exception of Susan, who was born after the family moved to Monroe township. There she married Thomas A. Taylor. of Chillicothe; she is now deceased. The other children were : Mary Ann, who married Joseph Larkin (who died a prisoner in Libby Prison, during the Civil War) and now resides at Portsmouth, Ohio--her second husband, John Bunten, is deceased; Martin, who married (first) Elizabeth Craig and (second) Mrs. Elizabeth (Smith) Ballah, of Darby township; Lavina, who married (first) John Kumamon (who died in the Civil War) and (second) R. B. Higgins, and resides in Columbus ; Sarah, deceased in February, 19o3, who was the wife of James Dick, of New Holland ; Catherine, who married W. K. Bennett, and resides near our subject; Hannah, who married John L. Corkwell and has lived in Kansas for the past 23 years; Reuben, who married Julia Davis, of Ross County, and lives at Mount Sterling, Ohio; and Adam, of this sketch.
Adam Bailey was seven years old when the family left Ross County and moved to Pickaway, settling in Monroe township. On February 7, 1862, when 15 years old, he went to work for one of the old pioneers of Monroe township, a very prominent stockman, John Van Buskirk, and although but a lad in years he impressed Mr. Van Buskirk so favorably that he was made overseer of his farm of 800 acres. Having much to do with the raising and breeding of stock, this farm being noted for its fine stock, Mr. Bailey studied as a veterinarian and ever since has been more or less engaged in the practice of this profession. Mr. Van Buskirk also conducted a dairy and cheese factory and kept from 50 to 100 head of cattle, many horses and a large amount of other stock.
In the course of time, Mr. Bailey became almost indispensable to Mr. Van Buskirk and subsequently married Mary Van Buskirk, his employer's youngest daughter. When Mr. Van Buskirk died, 74 acres of the present Bailey farm became the property of Mrs. Bailey by will. Mr. Bailey purchased 100 acres of his present farm from the Van Buskirk heirs and later bought 26 acres from Marion Van Buskirk, his brother-in-law. It is all in one body and makes a magnificent farm. It is well watered by Clark's Run, and for stock purposes is one of the best farms in Monroe township. He has a fine field of alfalfa which he cuts four times a year as fodder for his stock. Mr. Bailey devotes a great deal of attention to sheep raising, breeds thorough-bred cattle, Poland China hogs and raises some of the best horses that have ever come from this section of the State. Among these is a noted saddle mare, that is known all over Pickaway County. His fine horse, "Diamond," took the second premium at the State Fair at Columbus. Quite recently he has suffered a heavy loss by the death of a fine stallion, "Rigor," which was celebrated all through this section. In addition to being a successful farmer, stock-raiser and veterinary surgeon, he is also an inventor and has patented a small device which renders corn-husking an easy matter.
On September 20, 1868, Mr. Bailey was married (first) to Mary Van Buskirk. Her
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father died in October, 1872, and later, in the following year, on account of an epidemic of typhoid fever, the whole family left Monroe township and moved into Mount Sterling. All the family had an attack but no lives were lost as they had nurses and good medical care, while scarcely any of their neighbors in the country escaped a death in the family. Mr. Bailey purchased a house at Mount Sterling and the family expected to remain in it but a few months, but the months were prolonged until their period of residence there covered 22 ½ years. In February, 1897, Mr. Bailey moved back to the farm. In December, 1893, Mrs. Mary Bailey died and he was married (second), on February 7, 1897, to Margaret Fletcher, who is a daughter of Peter and Mary (Benns) Fletcher. of Ross County. The other members of Peter Fletcher's family are: Anna; Mary, wife of William Hays; Frank; William: and Ella. Mr. and Mrs. Fletcher still reside on their farm in Ross county.
Mr. Bailey has two sons, Walter Harry, born to his first marriage, and Clark A., born to his second marriage, the latter, on January 7, 1906. Walter Harry Bailey owns a fine farm of 5o acres in Monroe township. He was born at Mount Sterling, Ohio, January 27, 1877. He was given excellent educational advantages and was one of the brightest students that graduated from the Mount Sterling High School. He then worked in a grocery store, later opened a bicycle repair shop and also became much interested in electricity. Probably with a view of turning his attention from the latter study, his father presented him with his present farm and stocked it and here he has resided since his marriage. On October 7, 1896, he was married to Helen Merrill, who is a daughter of Simon Peter and Mary (Gulick) Merrill. They have two children, viz.: Frederick Van Buskirk, born February 17, 1900; and Lola, born August 21. 1902. Both he and his wife belong to the Christian Church at Mount Sterling. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias.
Mr. Bailey has always been a prominent figure in public affairs wherever he has lived. He served as a member of the Council at Mount Sterling for 14 years and was also a member of the School Board, on which he has also served in Monroe township, at one time being its president. In 1900 he was elected township trustee and is still filling this position. Since 1875 he has been an Odd Fellow, belonging to the subordinate lodge and to the encampment. Mr. Bailey is a leading member of the Christian Church at Mount Sterling. Personally he is a man of the most exemplary character, temperate in both speech and habits. generous to the poor and kind to all those who meet him in the daily walks of life. His comfortable home is shaded by a beautiful grove of forest trees, and a prolific orchard not only furnishes a wealth of bloom but provides an abundance of delicious fruit. To the outsider it looks as if life might be delightfully passed in this beautiful, abundant home, surrounded by all that any one could ask in comfort, quiet and pleasant companionship.
JOB R. RENICH, who passed out of life on February 19, 1891, having just rounded out 71 years of exemplary useful living, was one of the leading citizens of Jackson township, Pickaway County, where he had been born on February 9, 1820. He belonged to one of the oldest and most important families of this section of Ohio.
Although Job R. Renick had but the meagre educational advantages offered by the primitive schools of his neighborhood, he developed into a well-informed young man and in maturity was considered one of the most intelligent, thoughtful, able men of his community. A few sessions at the Athens Academy completed what the teaching in the log schoolhouse had commenced and left him with a better knowledge of books than most of his associates. At the death of his father, he came into possession of a large property and when his brother Thomas died, leaving him his heir, Mr. Renick owned some 1,200 acres of land that was particularly well adapted to stock-raising. With excellent business per-
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ception, Mr. Renick decided to go into the stock business on an extensive scale and for many years raised the finest horses, Durham cattle and sheep in all Pickaway County. He followed his own methods in stock breeding and raising and his great success proved that these methods were excellent.
While the greater part of his attention was devoted to this part of his business, he continued to invest in land as occasion offered and at the time of his death he owned probably over 1,700 acres of some of the finest land in the county. He took an honest pride in his possessions and became particularly interested in the erection of a fine new home, which, at the time, was the best ever built in Jackson township. It was completed, under his supervision, in the Iatter part of 1890, but his death occurred in the old home before arrangements had been concluded for the occupation of the new one.
The death of Mr. Renick was a loss to his family, by whom he was honored and beloved, and it was a loss to the community where his benevolence had often been felt and where his sound business sense had so frequently brought about public improvements of a most desirable character. His business methods were above reproach and his fortune was acquired with honesty as its foundation.
Although for years a leading Republican, Mr. Renick never desired office for himself, and when his fellow-citizens tendered the same to him, he declined the proffered honor, preferring to be an independent citizen, with time to devote his energies to his private affairs. While not a member of any church, his leanings were in the direction of the Methodist Episcopal creed, and he gave this body liberal support and even donated a site for the erection of a church edifice. He passed out of life honored and esteemed and his memory is tenderly cherished by his family and commands the respectful consideration of his fellow-citizens. His portrait accompanies this sketch.
Mr. Renick is survived by a widow and three sons. On June 8, 1875, he was united in marriage with Ella Rutter, who was born at Circleville, Ohio, and is a daughter of Jacob and Deborah (McClelland) Rutter. Jacob Rutter was born in Virginia and came to Pickaway County in 1831. In partnership with a Mr. Rock, he went into a tailoring business at Circleville, where he continued for 12 years. Then he purchased a farm in Washington township, on which he lived one year, and a second farm in Monroe township. Later he embarked in a hardware business at Circleville, under the firm, name of Rutter, Wolfley & Rains (later changed to Rutter & Wolfley upon Mr. Rains' decease), and this business was continued for a quarter of a century, being one of the leading ones in its lines at Circleville. During all these years Mr. Rutter retained possession of his farm of 241 acres in Muhlenberg township. Each year it became more valuable. Mrs. Renick is the only one living of his three children. He died at Circleville.
The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Renick were: Nellie, who died in infancy; Henry R., who has never married and who resides with his mother; Job E., who lives at Circleville, but will soon move to his farm in Jackson town-ship; and John J., also a resident of Circleville, who expects, however, to remove to his farm in Jackson township in the coming fall. They are all large property owners.
Prior to the death of Mr. Renick, Mrs. Renick's only connection with business was the sympathy and approval she naturally felt at her husband's unusual success. His decease left her with many business responsibilities and, to the surprise of herself and friends, she has developed into one of the shrewdest and most capable business managers in this section. She still continues to reside on the old Renick farm in Jackson township, which has been in the possession of the Renick family since 1802. On this farm have been discovered many Indian relics of an interesting character and there is still standing the ruins of an old Indian fort which has been locally called "Johnnie's Camp."
After Mrs. Renick had discovered her capacity for business, she decided to put a portion of her ready capital into desirable farming lands. Investing some $40,000 in Pick-
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away County realty, she became the owner of four farms, three of these being situated in Jackson township and one in Muhlenberg township. She informed herself thoroughly and bought first the John Renick farm, of 229 acres, for which she paid $75 per acre and could easily sell for $100 per acre. The Van Bibber farm of 226 acres is located in Jackson township and for this she paid $42 per acre. Her son, Henry R. Renick, now has these two farms under operation. The Montgomery farm in Jackson township consists of 196 acres, for which Mrs. Renick paid $36.6o per acre, and this is improved with a 10 room house. The Dr. Brinker farm of 136 acres is situated in Muhlenberg township and for this Mrs. Renick paid $42 per acre. All of this land would probably bring $100 in the open market, all of it being so well situated and, in most cases, excellently improved.
Mrs. Renick operates some 1,200 acres in Jackson township and manages it with the ability which would do credit to a farmer who had been trained from youth up. Her son, Henry R. Renick, has three farms--one of 229 acres, one of 226 acres and one of 75 acres. Job E. Renick has three farms--one of 241 acres, one of 186 acres and one of 6o acres. The third son, John J. Renick, has a farm of 600 acres, all in one body.
Mrs. Renick is one of the most highly esteemed ladies in church, business and society, in her locality. Her fine old home is fitted up with an eye both to beauty and comfort. Among her most cherished possessions are some fine old oil portraits of the family, which canvases bear the signatures of famous artists whose work may, at present, only be found in the collections of families of prominence and substance.
GEORGE W. HEFFNER, M. D., physician and surgeon at Circleville, is a native of this great State, born in 1871, in Salt Creek township, Pickaway County, and is a son of the well-known Daniel L. Heffner, of Salt Creek township, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this work.
Probably no family in Pickaway County commands a higher degree of respect than does the old pioneer family of Heffner. It was established here by Abraham Heffner, the paternal great-grandfather of Dr. Heffner, who crossed the mountains of Pennsylvania, and settled in what were then the deep forests of Salt Creek township, Pickaway County, Ohio, choosing Iand, as did most of the first settlers, along a water-course. Here Samuel Heffner was born and lived all his life, dying on November 1, 1895. Here Daniel L. Heffner, father of Dr. Heffner, was born June 19, 1853. He became one of the county's large agriculturists.
George W. Heffner was reared on his father's farm and after completing the common-school course in his native county spent one year at Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware. He then began the study of medicine and also commenced teaching district school and in the course of nine months was prepared to enter Starling Medical College at Columbus, where he was graduated in 1895. The next year was spent as house physician at St. Francis Hospital, after which he located in Circleville and opened an office for the practice of his profession.
In 1899 Dr. Heffner erected a substantial building on East Main street and here he has his office and a private hospital for the treatment of patients requiring special methods. His apartments are thoroughly equipped and his treatments are along modern, scientific methods, including the use of an X-Ray machine. He is one of the enthusiasts of his profession and keeps posted concerning all the advancement made therein. He belongs to the Columbus Academy of Medicine, the Ohio State Medical Society and the American Medical Association.
In 1897 Dr. Heffner was married to Belle M. Walling, who is a daughter of Hon. A. T. Walling, formerly member of Congress.
Dr. Heffner shows his interest in civic matters by serving on the Board of Education of the city and as secretary of the Library Board. Fraternally he is a Mason.
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ALSON C. FOSTER, a representative agriculturist and reliable' citizen of Pickaway township, residing on his well-improved farm of 20 acres, on the Circleville and Kingston turnpike, was born in Windham County, Vermont, September 26. 1844. He is a son of Charles and Lovina (Thompson) Foster.
The father of Mr. Foster was born at Jacksonville, Vermont, and the mother in Franklin County. Massachusetts, both belonging to old New England families of age and standing. The paternal grandfather, Obed Foster, was a soldier in the War of 1812. The family was established in Ross County, Ohio, by Charles Foster in the fall of 1854. Charles Foster died on his farm there in 1867, aged 55 years. His three surviving children are : Alson C., Highland H. and George A., the two last named being residents of Ross County.
Alson C. Foster was reared in Ross County and was educated in the schools of Green township and the public schools at Kingston. He has made farming his chief pursuit in life and has met with very satisfying success. In the spring of 1870 he removed from Ross County to his present farm in Pickaway County, where he has made many substantial improvements and has a pleasant, comfortable home.
Mr. Foster was married (first) December 23, 1869, to Laura S. May, who was a daughter of the late Henry May, an old pioneer of Pickaway County. To this union six children were born, the five survivors being: Nellie L., wife of John Erskine, of Terre Haute, Indiana; Charles H., of Pickaway township; Frank C., of Terre Haute, Indiana; Anna T., wife of W. F. Hurst, of Athens, Ohio; and Harry H., of Columbus, Ohio. The deceased member of the family was Dr. Fred M. Foster, who was a graduate of the Ohio State Medical College at Columbus, Ohio On May 7, 1903, Mr. Foster was married to Minnie E. Terry, who is a daughter of David Terry, of Green township, Ross County, and they have two children--Julia E. and Mary.
Mr. Foster is a Republican and is active in local politics. He has served several terms asclerk of Pickaway township and has been a member of the School Board. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity, being affiliated with Scioto Lodge at Chillicothe.
JACOB BENNETT, a retired resident of Darbyville, who for many years was engaged in agricultural work in this county, was born June 5, 1838, in that part of Hocking County, Ohio, that was later set off as Vinton County, and is a son of Franklin and Mary (Tinkham) Bennett.
Franklin Bennett was also a native of Hocking County and was a son of Jacob Ben-nett, who came from New York with, his family and settled in Hocking County. Franklin Bennett and his wife, who was born in Athens County, Ohio, lived in Hocking County where they were engaged in farming. After the death of Mr. Bennett, his wife remarried and passed the remainder of her (lays in Missouri, where she died at the advanced age of 87 1/2 years. She was the mother of seven children, namely: Jacob, the subject of this sketch; Marcellus and Marcella (twins)--Marcellus enlisted in the 114th Regiment, Ohio Vol. Inf., and was killed at the battle of Vicksburg--Marcella married a Mr. Weed and now lives in Indiana; Jason, who went to Oregon and has 'never since been heard from; Avis (Ryther), who lives in Missouri; Cyrus D., lives in Montana; Lucinda, deceased during childhood.
Jacob Bennett, the subject of this sketch, grew up on his father's farm in Hocking County and received a common-school education. On August 12, 1861, he enlisted in Company B, 18th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., under Colonel Stanley and Captain Fenton. He participated in numerous skirmishes and took part in the battle of Stone River and also in the battle of Chickamauga subsequently serving on detached duty for a year, most of this period being spent at Chattanooga. He was mustered out at Columbus, Ohio, in November, 1864, and was discharged on November 9th. He
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then returned to his parents and worked out by the month for one summer. He was married on August 24, 1865, to Lodema Tremain, who was born in Miami County, Ohio, July 1, 1839, and is a daughter of Edwin and Sarah Jane (Hutsell) Tremain. Mrs. Sarah Jane (Hutsell) Tremain was a native of Miami County, Ohio. After her husband's death, she moved to Pickaway County and died in Darbyville in 1896. After his marriage, Mr. Bennett rented a farm for one year and afterwards worked in a sawmill for four or five years. In 1876 he moved to a farm in Pickaway County near Darbyville and worked at farming until the time of his retirement to Darbyville, in 19o6. Mr. and Mrs. Bennett have had eight children, namely : Thomas Edwin, who is engaged in farming near Darbyville; Mary, of Richland County; Franklin, who lives in Columbus; David, who lives in Madison County; William, who is engaged in farming in Muhlenberg township; Sarah Jane, who lives at home ; Stephen, who lives in Derby ; and Lucy, who lives at home.
Mr. Bennett is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Politically, he has always been a Republican, and is at present justice of the peace. He is a member of Groce Post, G. A. R., at Circleville.
JOHN G. HAAS, a representative agriculturist and substantial man of Walnut township, who owns 466 acres of excellent land, was born on the old homestead which he now owns, on February 15, 1837, and is a son of Jacob and Rebecca (Miesse) Haas.
The parents of Mr. Haas were both born and reared in Berks County, Pennsylvania. In 1836 they were married in their native neighborhood and moved immediately to Walnut township, Pickaway County. Jacob Haas was born September 2, 1808, and died in Walnut township, February 6, 1896. His wife was born November 28, 1810, and died November 26, 1883. They reared a family of eight children, the survivors being John G., Danieland Benjamin, the last named of whom is a resident of Fairfield County.
John G. Haas was reared and educated in Walnut township and this locality has always been his home, with the exception of the winter of 1854-55, when he was attending college at Delaware, Ohio. After his return the taught school in Walnut township for some eight years and also served for four years as township superintendent of schools.
On March 10, 1859, Mr. Haas was married to Harriet D. Hedges, who is a daughter of Jabez and Maria Hedges. Mrs. Haas died March 24, 1901, the mother of six children, viz.: Edward Byron, Ella, Clara, Dora, and two babes that died in infancy. Edward Byron was born June 22, 186o, and died August 16, 1891. He married Clara Peters and they had two sons--Ralph P. and John Samuel. Ella. born January 31, 1863, remains at home with her father. Clara, born July 7, 1864, married Clayton Weaver, has four children--Alice. Anna, Harriet and Mabel--and resides at the home of our subject. Dora, born September 12, 1867, married Oscar Heffner, of Walnut township and they have three children--John G., Ray Edward and Howard.
After marriage, Mr. Haas remained on the homestead for one. year and then removed to the home of his father-in-law, where he operated the farm for two years. He then came to his present farm, trading a property he had previously owned and paying the sum of $5,000 in addition. This valuable farm contains 306 acres and is finely improved. The large brick residence is one of the finest homes in the township. It stands .well back from the high-way and is approached by a walk leading through a row of beautiful cedar trees. Mr. Haas also owns the old homestead of 160 acres, in Walnut township.
For many years Mr. Haas has been one of the leading men of' his locality. He is a prominent Democrat and was only 22 years old when he was elected to the office of township clerk. Subsequently he served as trustee and as treasurer and for six years as infirmary director. He has also served as one of the trustees of the Reber Hill Cemetery. Since.
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1898 he has been agent for the land owned by the Ohio State University, which at first included 1,600 acres, a part of which is situated in Illinois, requiring Mr. Haas to visit that State very frequently. He still has 619 acres of this land under his direct management, having sold advantageously $134,000 worth of this land. All of his operations in this connection have been of the most satisfactory, nature to all concerned.
In his religious views Mr. Haas is identified with the Evangelical Association, in which he has been a steward many years. He is a member of the local Grange. A group picture of the Haas family accompanies this sketch.
HOWARD JONES, M. D., a skilled and experienced physician and surgeon, at Circleville, was born in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1853, and is a son of the late distinguished Dr. N. E. Jones. The latter was a graduate of both Hudson College and Hudson Medical College and for many years was one of the most prominent medical men of Northwestern Ohio.
Howard Jones was reared at Circleville from infancy, his parents locating here when lie was less than a year old. He was reared and educated here, graduating from the Circleville High School in 187o, when he was entered as a student at Hobart College, at Geneva, New York. In 1875 he was graduated there with his degree of A. B., three years later receiving the degree of A. M. from the same institution. In 1876 he was graduated in medicine from the Ohio Medical College and subsequently took a post-graduate course at the New York College of Physicians and Surgeons.
Dr. Jones then came to Circleville, entered into practice and also became a member of the faculty of the Columbus Medical College, at Columbus, Ohio, filling the chair of ophthalmology for two years, and that of physiology for four years. The demands of a rapidly growing private practice, however, made it necessary for Dr. Jones to resign his college work and devote his whole time to his extensive Circleville practice. Until 1882 he was associated with his father, but at that date the older physician retired and our subject has continued to practice alone. He is a member of the Columbus Academy of Medicine, of the American Academy of Medicine, and of the Pickaway County Medical Society. The last named organization, which is one of the oldest medical societies in the State, was incorporated by three eminent physicians of Circleville--Dr. N. E. Jones and Drs. Turney and Thompson.
In 1882 Dr. Jones was married to Mary McMullin, a daughter of the late Rev. Samuel H. McMullin, who was pastor of the Presbyterian Church at Glendale, Ohio. The children of Dr. and Mrs. Jones are: Hildeburn J., a student at Amherst College ; Lloyd H., a student in the Circleville High School; and Lillian, Eleanor and Virginia,
Politically Dr. Jones is a Republican. He served as a delegate to the Republican National Convention which nominated the late President McKinley, in 1896. Through several administrations he has been medical pension expert for Southern Ohio. Fraternally he is an Elk.
ROBERT MATHIAS HIPSHER, a prominent and substantial farmer of Washington township, the owner of 752 acres of valuable land, was born in Madison township, Fairfield County, Ohio, October 10, 1833, and is a son of John and Elizabeth (Young) Hipsher.
John Hipsher was born at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and came to Ohio with his parents when two years of age. His father, Mathias Hipsher, entered land in Madison township, Fairfield County, and that remained the homestead. Elizabeth (Young) Hipsher, the mother of Robert M. Hipsher, was reared near what is now known as Clear Port, Madison township, Fairfield County, and was a daughter of Robert Young, a pioneer of that county. On the paternal side Robert M. Hipsher comes of German ancestry and on the maternal is of English descent. On October 1, 1851, John Hipsher left Fairfield County, Ohio, accom-
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panied by his family, for Effingham County, Illinois. There he bought a farm of 64o acres on which both he and his wife died.
Robert M. Hipsher accompanied his parents to Illinois but remained there only a short time. After his return to Ohio, he spent one year in Hocking County and in 1853 was married to Sarah Chambers, a daughter of Alexander Chambers. The latter owned a farm of 332 acres in Washington township, Pickaway County, on which he never lived and which is now the home of- our subject, having been purchased by him at $3 per acre. Mr. Chambers spent his whole life on his farm of 3o0 acres in Hocking County.
After his marriage, Mr. Hipsher, with his wife, removed to Illinois, where they lived for several years. Mr. Hipsher's total residence in Illinois comprised about four years. Upon returning to Ohio, they lived on the Chambers homestead in Hocking County for two years. In 1857 they came to their present farm, which, at that time, was heavily timbered. They lived for a time in a log cabin and while Mr. Hipsher was clearing the land and getting it under cultivation, the family saw something of pioneer life. Subsequently the old log cabin was torn down and a comfortable frame dwelling took, its place. Mr. Hipsher is one of the largest landowners in his vicinity, his property being divided into six separate farms, each one of which has certain claims to excellence. There is one tract of 402 acres, which is divided into three farms, which were originally the George Hoffman farm, the Daniel Heffner farm and the home place. He also owns 165 acres near Oakland, in Fairfield County, 5o acres near Lancaster, in Bern township, Fairfield County, and 137 acres in Hocking County. He has carried on general farming operations on his home place and has satisfactorily rented his other properties. He has expended a large amount of money in making excellent improvements.
Mr. and Mrs. Hipsher have had four children, as follows : Malissa, Jennie, Drusilla and Rhoda. Malissa married Samuel .Heffner and at her death, in July, 1905, left three of her four children, viz.: Sarah, who married Elmer Coffman and has one child, Sarah Jane, born in July, 1898; Flora, who married George Wolf; and Weldon. Jennie Hipsher married Simon Barr. Drusilla married Ananias Morris, of Circleville. Rhoda remains at home with her parents. The family is one of the most highly respected in Washington township.
JOSEPH SMITH, a successful farmer of Scioto township, was born in Good-hope township, Hocking County, Ohio, July 24, 1853. His father was a farmer, he was trained to agricultural pursuits, and his entire life has been devoted to the avocation whose results form the basis of the wealth of the United States. Mr. Smith attended the district schools of his neighborhood and assisted on-the family home-stead until he was 20 years of age, after which he worked out as a farm hand until 1883. In . that year he began farming for himself near Pleasantville, Fairfield County, this State, continuing in that locality for the succeeding 10 years.
In 1893 Mr. Smith removed to the Ford farm, in Scioto township, about a mile and a quarter from his present location, and remained there for five years, since which time he has been operating the well-known H. H. Seeds farm of 155 acres. As a portion of the land is given up to crops of corn, wheat and oats and a portion to the raising of cattle, he is engaged in what may be called mixed farming.
Mr. Smith's wife was before marriage Elizabeth Asbell, daughter of William and Almeda Asbell, and by her he has become the father of the following seven children: Arthur E. and William, living at home; Cora, wife of Prentiss Seeds, residing at Orient; Alma, wife of Curtiss Ryerson, of Columbus; Josie Lee, wife of Oscar Bethards, a resident of Orient; and Sadie and Grace, who live at home with their parents.
Mr. Smith is active and influential in the politics of the county, and a stanch supporter of Democracy. He has served as township trustee for several terms--once by appointment
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and twice by election--and has been a member of the School Board for a period of six years. He was once honored by election as a delegate to a county convention, but declined to serve on the ground that he had not been a resident of the county for a sufficient length of time to be entitled to such representation.
The father of Mr. Smith. who was a native of Virginia, came to this State when a young man, and died about 35 years ago, at the age of 73 years. His mother was born in Guernsey County, this State, and died in 1893, at the more advanced age of 82.
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN HILL, a well-known resident and highly, respected citizen of Muhlenberg township, resides with his venerable mother on the homestead farm of 100 acres which is situated on the Bloomfield and Darbyville turnpike. He belongs to an old pioneer family of this section and was born on the farm where he now lives March 12, 1856. He is a son of William L. and Susan (Gilliland) Hill.
The Hill family and many of its kindred belong to old established families of Virginia, many of whom, after the final adjustment of the difficulties growing out of the War of 1812, sought new homes and better opportunities for their children, in unsettled sections of Ohio. In 1815 a large colony of neighbors and relatives started from Hampshire County, Virginia (now West Virginia), for the Ohio River, their covered wagons, one after the other, making a long train. At Wheeling the whole colony was conveyed across the broad river on a ferryboat, and on Ohio soil they again took to their wagons. With many adventures; they finally reached their destination on Darby Creek, in Pickaway County. In the many changes of fortune which have attended the Hill family, they have never forgotten the useful service done them by the old wagon and a part of it is still kept as a relic surrounded with a sentimental interest.
Probably the oldest member of the colony was Le Roy Hill, the great-grandfather of our subject. With him came Judge William Florence, who had previously visited this section as far back as 1806, had entered several thousand acres of land on Darby Creek and then had re-turned to tell his neighbors and friends the locality's advantages, which doubtless had much to do with the united migration. Col. Elias Florence, son of judge Florence, became the largest landowner in the county.
Capt. William Hill, son of Le Roy, was born in Virginia, accompanied his father to Pickaway County in 1815 and lived here until his death at the age of 70 years. His estate of 700 acres of land was divided among the six of his eight children that grew to maturity.
William L. Hill, on of William and father of Frank Hill, was born in Hampshire County, Virginia (now West Virginia), June 23, 1800. He was therefore a youth of 15 years when his parents and neighbors came to Darby Creek, in November, 1815. Settlement was made on the left bank of the creek, opposite Darbyville. At that time the whole country was a forest in which game and many wild beasts abounded, it not being a very unusual occurrence to shoot bears and wolves. Deer were plentiful and venison was no unaccustomed dainty in the larders of the pioneers. Turkeys were also in abundance. Almost every male member of the early settlers families became good sportsmen. The clearing of their large bodies of land became an immediate duty and William L. Hill, after receiving his portion from his father, a tract of 100 acres, began to make a clearing, but subsequently exchanged it with a brother, gaining in this way the land now occupied by his widow and sons, Henry C. and Benjamin Franklin. The property at one time comprised 175 acres. During his long life here, Mr. Hill succeeded in clearing nearly all, of it. His death occurred April 19, 1881. In political belief he was first a Whig, and when party changes came about he was first a Know-Nothing and later a Republican. He was a member of the Baptist Church.
On April 4, 1833, William L. Hill was united in marriage with Susan Gilliland, who was born October 5, 1816, in Darby township, Pickaway County, Ohio. This venerable lady
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who still survives has passed the whole of het 90 years in the vicinity of her birthplace, with the exception of one year spent in Champaign County, Illinois. She is a daughter of Capt. John and Elizabeth (Thomas) Gilliland.
Capt. John Gilliland was born in Culpeper County, Virginia, and was the youngest of nine children born to his father, Samuel Gilliland. Three of the sons of Samuel Gilliland served in the War of 1812--Nathaniel, Samuel and Hugh. At the time of Hull's surrender at Detroit, they were serving there and much against their will they were compelled to give up their arms. The two other sons, John and Andrew, remained at home; the former gained his title of captain as a commander of the Ohio State militia.
Captain Gilliland was 18 years of age when he came to Pickaway County, preceding his parents. He picked out a desirable home for them and they later settled on it and spent the rest of their lives here. Captain Gilliland owned 550 acres, which he had well stocked. After the death of seven of his 13 children, he sold out his land in Pickaway County and went to Champaign County, Illinois, where he died aged 60 years. His widow and children later went to Missouri and those who continued with the mother finally located in Kansas.
Captain Gilliland married Elizabeth Thomas, who was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, of Virginia parentage. Their children were: Enoch, deceased ; Nancy ; Elizabeth, who (lied young; Susan, the mother of our subject; Nathaniel, who died young; Andrew Jackson, deceased, late a resident of Kansas, who served during the Civil War as a member of the Seventh Regiment, Illinois Vol. Cav. ; David, who died young; John, who died aged seven years; Robert, who died young; Hugh, of Missouri; Lacy Ann, of Kansas; and Mary Jane, of Missouri.
To William L. Hill and wife were born nine children, as follows : Albert, now a resident of Kansas, who was a soldier during the Civil War, a member of the 45th Regiment, Ohio Vol. Inf.; Sarah (Hankins), of Chillicothe; Kate (McKinley), of Harrisburg, Ohio; Coleman, also a member of the 45th Regiment, Ohio Vol. Inf., who died in prison; Henry C., now residing at home, who was the first of the sons to enlist in the Union Army--he served three years in Company A, 45th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., and also in the State militia; Annie (Litton), of Ashville; Elizabeth (Hott), of Pickaway County; Benjamin Franklin, our subject; and Mary J. (Goss), of Columbus. Henry C. is the manager of the home farm for his mother, who is still a lady of remarkable strength of both mind and body. Born at a date which reaches far back in the history of our country, she has lived to witness its most wonderful developments. She is intelligently interested in all that concerns the country, her neighborhood and especially her family.
Benjamin Franklin Hill, our immediate subject, has always resided in the old home with his mother. He was reared and educated in Muhlenberg township. During his younger years he assisted in farming, but his tastes and talents do not lie in that direction. From boy-hood he showed a mechanical turn of mind which developed into a strong desire for working with tools, resulting in his learning the carpenter's trade. This he has followed for 23 years and has a well-equipped shop on the home farm. Politically Mr. Hill is a Republican, but he has never been willing to accept any office.
H. W. PLUM, one of the popular officials of Pickaway County--the efficient county clerk--is also a member of the well-known insurance firm of Hummel & Plum, of Circleville. He was born in Madison township, Pickaway County, Ohio, and is a son of William and Mary C. (Smith) Plum.
William Plum was born in Franklin County, Ohio, and settled in Pickaway County in 1865, where he engaged in large farming and stock dealing operations. He died in 1888, his wife having passed away previously.
H. W. Plum was liberally educated, first in the country schools, then in the Ohio Normal University at Ada, and Ohio University at Athens. Following this he taught school for
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12 years throughout Pickaway County and for five years was superintendent of schools at Tarlton. For six years he was a member of the County Board of School Examiners and is well known all through this section of the State in educational circles. In 19o3 he embarked in the fire and life insurance business in partnership with Mr. Hummel; the firm represents eight fire insurance companies and the Mutual Benefit Life Insurance Company, of New Jersey. In 1903 he was elected clerk of the courts of Pickaway County and assumed the duties of the office on August 1, 1904.
Fraternally Mr. Plum is associated with Circleville Lodge, B. P. O. E. He belongs to the Lutheran Church.
SAMUEL J. IRWIN, M. D., a leading physician and surgeon of Tarlton, was born in Walnut township, Pickaway County, Ohio, December 1, 1865, and is a son of George A. and Sue (Young) Irwin.
The paternal grandfather of Dr. Irwin, John E. Irwin, came to Circleville, Ohio, at an early day, the family being an old and well-established one of Pennsylvania. George A. Irwin, the father of Dr. Irwin, was a very prominent citizen of Circleville and was twice the choice of his party for mayor of that city. For years he was interested in the milling business there, prior to that time having been an extensive farmer in Walnut township. His death occurred at Circleville.
Samuel J. Irwin completed his high school course at Circleville, graduating on June 14, 1883. In the fall of that year he began the study of medicine with Dr. George T. Row, of Circleville, with whom he continued for several years and then entered the Medical College of Ohio, now known as the medical department of the University of Cincinnati, where he was most creditably graduated in March, 1887. In the following year he located at Tarlton, where he now enjoys a large and lucrative practice. During the first administration of President Cleveland, he served as pension examiner of Pickaway County.
In November, 1889, Dr. Irwin was married to Helen E. Ballard, a daughter of the late James Ballard, of Tarlton, a well-known citizen who died in 1891. Dr. and Mrs. Irwin have four daughters, viz.: Mary L., Marion B., Pauline and Maxine E.
Politically Dr. Irwin is a Democrat. Fraternally he belongs to Columbia Lodge, I. O. O. F., at Circleville, and is a 32nd degree Mason. For nine years he has been a member of Company F, Sixth Regiment,. Ohio National Guard, .and for the last four years held the rank of 1st lieutenant in this company. Dr. Irwin is a public-spirited citizen and is always ready to promote the best interests of the town. He has served as a member of the board of directors of the Tarlton Special School District and has paid close attention to the work corning before this body. With his wife he be-longs to the Methodist Episcopal Church.
WILLIAM B. WEGERLY, who operates a fine farm in Washington township, was born in Ross County, Ohio, February 9, 1856, and is the oldest child of Adam and Amelia (Schlager) Wegerly.
Adam Wegerly is still living and owns the farm of 35o acres which his son William B. operates for him. He is the father of six children : William B., our subject ; John V., born August 14, 1857, who is single and lives on the home farm; Milton B., born February 25, 1859, who married Matilda' Kellstadt and has one child--Shirley; Margaret Alice, born January 22, 1861, who married John Lamparter of Circleville and has one child--John ; Franklin A., born March 2o, 1863, who married Clara Evans and lives on a part of the home farm, in Circleville township; and LaFayette, born September 11, 1880, who is practicing law at Circleville, being a member of the firm of Lindsay & Wegerly.
William B. Wegerly is the only one of the family born in Ross County. When he was two years of age, his parents moved to Pickaway County and settled on a farm of 26o acres in Perry township, where they lived for
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several years. After selling the farm, his father bought a farm of 26o acres in Circleville township, a portion of which is now owned by Henry Hulse. In 1866 Adam Wegerly purchased a tract of land four miles north of Circleville on the Walnut Creek turnpike, where he and the members of his family living at home reside, having removed thither in 1890.
ELMER ELSWORTH SMITH, one of the representative business men' of Ashville, was born January 30, 1862, in Madison township, Pickaway County, Ohio, and is a son of Reuben and Eliza A. (Glick) Smith.
Mr. Smith comes of honest old Pennsylvania stock, families whose integrity was as solid as the enduring hills where they were nurtured. At a very early day both the Smiths and the Glicks settled in Madison township, Pickaway County. Reuben Smith, father of Elmer E. Smith, was born in Madison township and is a son of Jacob and Mary (Hall) Smith and a grandson of John Smith. He still survives, in his 85th year, and spends his time 'between Ashville and the homes of his children throughout Madison township. His wife passed away in January, 1897, at the age of 69 years. Their children were : Mary C.; deceased, who was the wife of William Plum; Mima I., wife of E. M. Teegardin, of Coffey County, Kansas ; Jacob S., of Ashville ; Sarah D., wife of W. H. Rohr, of Columbus; Minerva L., wife of J. J. Rohr, of Springfield, Ohio; Martin Luther, of Lancaster, Ohio; Solomon Orlando, of Madison township; Emma K., wife of W. D. Nothstine, of Madison township; Seymour M., of Duvall, this county; Adele .F., widow of S. S. Smith, of Canal Winchester, Ohio; Elmer Elsworth, of this sketch; and Birdie V., wife of Lester E. Hickle, of Pittsburg. The father of this family followed farming all his active life. Prior to the death of his wife, they celebrated their "Golden Wed-ding." In politics he has always been a supporter of the Democratic party. He belongs to the Lutheran. Church.
Elmer Elsworth Smith was educated inthe local schools, the Normal School at Lithopolis, and was graduated at the Pleasantville Academy, in 1890. He then entered the educational field and for 13 years was a teacher in Pickaway County, and for two years in Fairfield County, during which time he taught one year in the Lithopolis High School. In 1893 he was called to Glen Mills, Pennsylvania, to accept an official position in the Philadelphia House of Refuge, where he remained for almost 12 years, during eight of which he was record clerk and for the last four years, acting assistant superintendent.
In November, 1904, Mr. Smith left Glen Mills and came to Ashville, where in partnership with George M. Hickle, of Lancaster, he' opened up a large department store. It has been enlarged into one of the leading stores of its kind in Pickaway County, carrying a very large and complete stock, which is handled with the good judgment and the unfailing courtesy which has made the enterprise successful.
On January 30, 1888, Mr. Smith was married to Mary S. Freibely, who is a daughter of Lewis and Maggie A. (Courtright) Freibely, of Fairfield County, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have one son, Jebb Horton, who was born June 8, 1895. Mr. Smith belongs to the Lutheran Church, while Mrs. Smith is a Presbyterian.
Fraternally Mr. Smith is an Odd Fellow, belonging to Pickaway Lodge, No. 747. Politically he is in perfect accord with the Democratic party, has always been more or less interested in public matters since attaining his majority and has been sent as a delegate to important conventions.. Both as business man and as citizen he stands very high in public esteem throughout Pickaway County.
CHARLES J. DELAPLANE, a prominent and representative member of the Pickaway County bar, whose home has always been located in Circleville, his native city, was born here in 1846, and is a son of Samuel Delaplane, formerly a, prominent merchant at Circleville, who died in 1856.
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He secured his literary training in his native place, studied law and in '867 was graduated at the Cincinnati Law School. He immediately opened an office at Circleville, where be has continued to practice, although for the past few years not so continuously, on account of poor health. During his most active years he served as solicitor of Circleville for two terms and as prosecuting attorney of Pickaway County for a like period. During his administration of the office he was noted for the fearlessness with which he protected the interests entrusted to him, but he was never accused of the professional vanity which has marked the official life of many members of both bench and bar. His clients were of the best. In addition to professional duties, Mr. Delaplane was secretary and treasurer of .the Circleville Light & Power Company, for some 12 years.
Mr. Delaplane was married to Mary Theime, who was born in Waverly, Ohio, and they have three daughters, viz.: Mary Louise, Ruth and Alice. Mr. Delaplane holds fraternal relations with the Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias, Foresters and Elks.
CHRIS A. WELDON, one of the leading members of the bar at Circleville, who is also identified with successful business enterprises and is a member of the large grain dealing firm of Boggs & Weldon, at Elmwood, was born in 1873 at Circleville. He is a son of Christopher Weldon.
The father of our subject was born in Muskingum County, Ohio, but was reared in Madison County and passed a large portion of his active business life in the grocery and grain trade at Circleville.
Chris. A. Weldon was reared in Circleville and graduated from the Circleville High School in 1892. He then took up the study of the law and in 1894 was graduated from the Cincinnati Law School, in 1895 entering upon the practice of his profession at Circleville. In '896 he was elected city solicitor and served one term. In 1903 he was nominated by the Republican party for probate judge, but wasdefeated at the polls by a small majority. Mr. Weldon has served his party faithfully and is fully in its confidence. He has served some five years as a member of the Republican County Committee, of which he is chairman. On November 12, 1894, he was admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of the State of Ohio and in 19o0 to practice in the United States Courts.
In April, 1902, Mr. Weldon was united in marriage with Margaret C. Boggs, a daughter of Lemuel Boggs. They have two children--Lemeul B. and Margaret C. Both Mr. and Mrs. Weldon are members of the Presbyterian Church.
Fraternally Mr. Weldon is connected with the Elks, Woodmen of the World and National Union. For many years he has been one of Circleville's reliable, representative men, ready at all times to promote good feeling and assist in the upbuilding of the city and its laudable enterprises.
JULIUS J. WRIGHT, deceased, once a prominent resident of Pickaway County, was born in Loudoun County, Vir ginia, January 5, 1830, and died in his old home place in the county of his birth, on September 20, 19o3. He was a son of Joseph and Mary (Sullivan) Wright.
The father of Mr. Wright was born in Ireland and died when his son Julius was 3 years of age. His mother was born in Loudoun County, Virginia, and her life closed when her son was a child of five years. The orphan boy was reared in the home of his grandfather, with whom he remained until he started out in life for himself.
Upon coming to Ohio, Julius. J. Wright settled for a time in Ross County. From there he went to Osage County, Kansas, where he took up a government land claim on which he lived for some years. Upon his return to Ohio, he located in Pickaway County, where he lived for many years. On April 5, 1866, he was married to Mary A. Emerson, who was born in Pickaway township, Pickaway County, Ohio, April 5, 1838. She is a daughter of Thomas and Margaret (Kennedy) Emerson, the former
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PAGE 524 - MR. AND MRS. JAMES WARD.
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of whom was born in Virginia and the latter, in Kentucky. Thomas Emerson was a son of
Thomas and Mary (Downey) Emerson, who came to Pickaway County and were very early settlers in Pickaway township. The father of Mrs. Wright became one of the very old residents here, his life extending to 91 years. Of his children, three survive, viz.: James, of Pickaway township; Mrs. Mary A. Wright; and George T., also of Pickaway township.
The children of Mr. and Mrs. Wright were eight in number, the survivors being: Sarah A., Thomas E., Robert F., Adella M., Laura L. and Walter E. Mrs. Wright resides on a fine farm of 100 acres of well-cultivated land. She is a valued member of Ebenezer Church of the Evangelical Association. Her whole life has been passed in Pickaway County and she is a worthy representative of one of its oldest and most honored families.
JAMES WARD has been a. prominent resident of Pickaway County since 1857. For many years he was actively engaged in farming in Walnut township, where he still owns a large estate; for the past two years, however, he has been a resident and leading business man of Ashville, being president of the Citizens' Bank and extensively interested in the grain business. He was born October 16, 1844, in Fairfield County, Ohio, and is a son of Peter and Mary Ann (Greek) Ward.
Peter Ward and his wife were both natives of Fairfield County. In the spring of 1849 he moved to Allen County, where he resided for four years, being killed in 1853 by a team. William Ward, the great-grandfather of our subject, was a native of England who came to this country and first settled in Virginia. In 1802 he moved to Pickaway County, which at that time was included in Ross County. William Ward, grandfather of James Ward, was born in Virginia and upon coming to Ohio settled in Pickaway County; later he married and moved into Fairfield County.
James Ward, the subject of this sketch, was compelled to leave home at an early agbecause of the death of his father. He went to the home of his brother-in-law, Sidney J. Ward, at 12 years. of age and bound himself to his brother-in-law until his 21st year, under the condition that he was to he given a horse, bridle, saddle and a suit of clothes, which he received in 1865. He received his early education in the common schools and afterward took a special course in the normal school at Lebanon, Ohio, preparing himself for teaching. After leaving school, he engaged in farming and also taught school for 16 winters. Since then he has devoted his time and energies to. agricultural pursuits. He finally, in 1878, bought the farm where he had lived as a boy and as a tenant, paying $114 per acre, and having 10 years to pay for the same. He continued to be a resident of the farm until 1904.
In August, 1863, Mr. Ward enlisted in the Ohio National Guard for five years and was made corporal in Company F, 92nd Regiment. On May 2, 1864, he was called into the United States service for 100 days, as a member of Company C, 155th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., and served until August 27th, when he was discharged at Camp Dennison. He was discharged from the Ohio National Guard, May 1, 1866, by act of the State Legislature.
Mr. Ward was married in 1876 to Harriet Cromley, a daughter of Stephen Cromley. They had two .children, both of whom died during infancy. Mrs. Ward died December 6, 1882. In 1893 he was married to Hannah L. McCan, a daughter of James McCan, who is a resident of Pickaway County. Mr.. Ward is prominent in Masonry, being a member of the Blue Lodge, Chapter, Council and Commandery at Circleville. He is also a member of Lodge No. 747, I. O. O. F., at Ashville; Nebraska Grange, No. 64, of Walnut township; and W. H. Morral Post, No. 167, G. A. R., of Ashville.
Mr. Ward started in life a very poor boy and is now a man. of large means, and takes a very active interest in all movements that tend toward the advancement of the town and
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community in which he resides. He is president of the Citizens' Bank of Ashville and has been engaged in the grain business for a number of years. He enjoys the confidence and esteem, of his fellow-citizens and takes more pride in being a farmer than in being the president of a bank. Portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Ward accompany this sketch.
ALVIN A. REICHELDERFER, a prominent . agriculturist and well-known citizen of Salt Creek township, and one of the township trustees, resides on the George Bennett farm, a tract of 240 acres, which is situated on the Circleville and Adelphi turnpike. Mr. Reichelderfer was born May 21, 1870, in Pickaway County, and is a son of Rufus and Susan (Davis) Reichelderfer.
The parents of Mr. Reichelderfer were both born in Salt Creek township, Pickaway County, Ohio, where the paternal grandfather, Jeremiah Reichelderfer, had settled among the pioneers. Rufus Reichelderfer has been a lifelong resident of Salt Creek township as have his two half-sisters, Caroline and Julia A. Mowery. The five children born to Rufus Reichelderfer and wife were : Minerva J., de-ceased; George, of Peoria, Illinois; Alvin A., of this sketch ; Nelson E., of Lancaster, Ohio; and Stella E., wife of Arthur Heffner, of Whisler, Ohio. Rufus Reichelderfer is an influential member of the Democratic party in Salt Creek township. He has served as township trustee for a long period and he has also been a member of the School Board.
Alvin A. Reichelderfer was reared to man-hood on his father's farm and was educated: in the township schools. He has always taken a just pride in his agricultural acquirements and has the reputation, honestly earned, of being one of the most successful farmers of his locality. He has been located on the present farm since September, 1899, and can show very satisfactory results. He carries on mixed husbandry and raises some very fine stock.
On November 4, 1891, Mr. Reichelderfer was married to Luella Karshner, who was bornand reared in Pickaway County, and is a daughter of Enoch Karshner, a prominent farmer of Salt Creek township. They have one son, Clay W., born July 22, 1893, who is attending the local school.
Politically, Mr. Reichelderfer is a Democrat. He is serving his first term as township trustee, to which office he was elected by the largest majority ever given a candidate in Salt Creek township. This speaks well for his popularity among his fellow-citizens. He has served six years as road supervisor of District No. 5 and his duties have always been faithfully performed with the best interests of the public in view. He is a member of the Odd Fellows lodge at Tarlton, and of the Knights of Pythias lodge at Laurelville.
GUSTAVUS ADOLPHUS CLELLEN, owner of a well-improved homestead of 02 acres in Wayne township, was born in Pickaway. County, August 26, 1854. His parents, Joseph and Celinda (Prindle) Clellen, were also married in this county, so that both he and .his family are closely identified with it Mr. Clellen was trained to agricultural pursuits in his early years and has held closely to them in his later life; the result was a thorough acquaintance with all agricultural details and a successful outcome of his labors. When he purchased his present property of J. W. Wiggins, he set about its thorough improvement. He cultivated the land. on modern principles, drained it with tile and in 1899 erected a comfortable frame residence of seven rooms.
In 1891 Mr. Clellen was elected by the Republicans to the office of township assessor, being the first successful candidate of the party for that office in Wayne township. This was an unusual testimonial, both to his personal popularity and individual worth.
Mr. Clellen's wife was formerly Alice Graves, daughter of Westley Graves, of Ross County, Ohio. The following children have been born to their union : Frederick F., who married Madge Shipley, daughter of Louis
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Shipley, of Pickaway County, and now resides near Circleville; James B., who attended Lima College ; Guy W.; Mary Agnes, who is an accomplished pianist, member of the church choir at Kinderhook, and very prominent socially; Percy Alton and Iris May.
CHARLES W. MURPHY, city solicitor of Circleville, a prominent attorney and formerly a well-known newspaper man, was born in Greene County, Ohio.
Mr. Murphy was reared in Greene County and was educated in the public schools of Xenia and at the Ohio Wesleyan University, where he spent several years. .He was graduated in 1874 from the law department of the University of Michigan, and was admitted to the bar in the same year. Mr. Murphy then went to Iowa where he soon became interested in the newspaper business and for six years was editor of the Union, at Sidney, Iowa, where he also served as postmaster until he resigned the office in 1880. From Sidney, Mr. Murphy went to New Mexico and spent a year and a half visiting different portions of one of the most interesting sections of the country.
Mr. Murphy then came to Circleville and was engaged in newspaper work here from 1882 until 1894, since which time he has been in the active practice of his profession. In 1902 he was elected city solicitor for a term of two years but by reason of a change in the municipal code his term expired at the end of one year. He was subsequently re-elected for a term of two years and in 1905 was again re-elected. He has been a faithful, conscientious official and enjoys the esteem and confidence of both political parties. He is a stanch Democrat.
On June 8, 1876, Mr. Murphy was married to Margaret B. Darst, a daughter of Jacob Darst, who was one of the early merchants of Circleville. They have had three children, viz.: Clark Darst, who died in promising young manhood, aged but 23 years, a victim of disease contracted while serving in the Spanish-American War, in Puerto Rico, a member of the Fourth Ohio Regiment Infantry, U. S. Volunteers; Kenneth, who has an aptitude for music, and is studying in New York City, at the Ogden-Crane School of Opera, of which he is business manager; and Brower, who is a student in the Circleville public schools.
Mr. Murphy is a valued member of Groce Post, Grand Army of the Republic, at Circleville, having been a soldier in the Civil War. In 1863 he enlisted first in the Fifth Independent, Ohio Vol. Cav., and later in the 186th Regiment, Ohio Vol. Inf., and served in Tennessee, Georgia and Alabama. Mr. Murphy and family belong to St. Philip's Protestant Episcopal Church at Circleville.
MEINHARD G. PALM, who owns a valuable farm of 55 acres in Clear Creek township, Fairfield County, Ohio, which is used for pasturage, resides on his father's farm of 117 acres, in Washington township, Pickaway County. Mr. Palm was born at Circleville, Ohio, Nov. 1, 1870, and is a son of Charles A. and Christina (Doering) Palm. An extended sketch of these worthy people will be found in another part of this work.
Meinhard G. Palm was five years old when his parents removed to Kansas, where they re-sided one year and then returned to Circleville, in which city the family home continued to be until Meinhard G. was nine years old. when the family located on the farm in Washington township, which our subject operates.
Mr. Palm was educated in the city and country schools and was reared to be a practical farmer. His whole life has been devoted to agricultural pursuits and he has met with abundant success.
On January 4, 1894, Mr. Palm was married to Ella Miller, who is a daughter of William and Margaret Miller, of Circleville. They have a family of five interesting children: Clarence, Christina Margaret, Carl William. Russell Chester and Bernice. Mr. Palm is one
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of the leading members of the Lutheran Church. He is a well-known and respected citizen and a good representative of the best element to be found in Washington township--a good farmer, a kind neighbor, an advocate of good roads and a supporter of the schools and churches.
ISAAC N. BROWN, one of Pickaway County's honored survivors of the great Civil War, to which he gave three years of his young manhood, is a well-known agriculturist of Muhlenberg township, owning a highly cultivated little farm in Muhlenberg township, consisting of 14 acres, which the word "garden" aptly describes. Mr. Brown was born June 16, 1831, in Knox County, Ohio, on a farm to miles northeast of Mount Vernon, and is a son of Nathan and Elizabeth (Long) Brown.
The parents of Mr. Brown were born in the vicinity of Cove Mountain, Pennsylvania, and were brought to Ohio by their parents in childhood. They married in Ohio and when our subject was seven years old moved to Fairfield County, Ohio, where they resided on a farm for some seven years and then decided to seek a new home in the West. Nathan Brown started with his wife and 11 children, but when he reached Circleville he was taken sick and died in 1848, aged 55 years. The family remained at Circleville until the death of the mother, which took place on July 5, 1855, when the family became scattered. The children were : Polly, Abraham and Susan, all deceased; Isaac N., of this sketch; Jacob, a resident of Illinois, who survived imprisonment at Andersonville, during the Civil War, through a period of 11 months and 13 days ; Barbara, now deceased, who married John W. Frost, a veteran of the Mexican War and moved with him to Missouri ; John L., of Indiana; William, a member of an Illinois regiment in the Civil War, who died in 1862, at Memphis, Tennessee ; Nancy J., a resident of Columbus ; Solomon ; and Mrs. Elizabeth Simmons, who died in Missouri.
In the spring of 1849 our subject proceededto Muhlenberg township and sought and obtained work on a farm, by the month. He continued to work in this way for nine years on the farm of James and Perry Dawson. receiving as wages the sum of $8 a month. After he married he continued to live there for two years longer, after which he moved to the James Abernathy farm, which he rented for two years and then removed to the Z. P. Adkins farm near Five Points.
Mr. Brown was living on this place when he enlisted for service in the Civil War, on August 30, 1861, entering Company C. 20th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., Third Brigade of the Third Division of the 17th Army Corps, under Capt. J.. M. McCoy and Colonel Whittlesey. When Mr. Brown became a soldier, he entered upon a path of great hardship and constant danger as will be seen on recounting the many battles in which his life was risked. Not including minor engagements, Mr. Brown participated in these battles : Fort Donelson, Shiloh, Bolivar, Iuka, Big Hatchie River, Hankin's Ferry, Raymond, Champion Hills, the whole, siege of Vicksburg of 47 days duration, Jackson and Baker's Creek. After three years and one month of service, he was honorably discharged. He was several times injured in the service. At Raymond he was slightly wounded in the left thigh by a bullet and had three ribs broken and a leg broken by being thrown down and run over by a wagon attached to a six-mule team. On April 1, 1864, this injury landed him in the Vicksburg hospital, where he remained for one month and then was sent to Louisville where he remained until he was mustered out.
Upon his return, Mr. Brown resumed farming and continued to live on his rented farm until the fall of 1888, when he purchased his present home of 14 acres which he has placed under a very fine state of cultivation and which yields handsomely. He has erected the buildings here and has made all the excellent improvements.
In 1852 Mr. Brown was married to Hester A. Starks, who was born in Maryland and died in Iowa. She had three children, viz.: Franklin P., of Iowa; John Wesley, deceased at
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the age of four years and Eliza Jane, deceased at the age of six years.
Mr. Brown was married (second) in November, 1868, to Mrs. Isabelle F. Nichell, who was the widow of Andrew J. Nichell, who died in the army during the Civil War, leaving four children. viz. : Elias D., of Illinois; Robert C., of Illinois; Mrs. Sarah E. Lyons, of Hardin County, Ohio; and Mrs. Augusta Smith, of Muhlenberg township. Mrs. Brown was born in Vinton County, Ohio, February 22, 1840, and is a daughter of Elias and Sarah (Gardner) Ramey, the former of whom was born in Belmont County, Ohio, and the latter in Virginia. Mr. and Mrs. Brown have had these children: Rose Ann; Mrs. Gertrude Kern, deceased ; Hattie, wife of Daniel H. Crawford, of Hardin County, Ohio; John M., of Madison County; Etta, wife of Fletcher Graham, living near Derby ; Loutie M., who has been a. teacher for the past 10 years; and Myrtle, who is the wife of Albert Brown, of Illinois.
Mr. Brown has been a life-long Republican. He is one of the old and esteemed members of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Darbyville.
LYMAN JONES, whose well-cultivated farm of 212 acres is located four miles from Circleville, on the Circleville and Kingston turnpike, is descended from two old pioneer families of Virginia and Pennsylvania, which had much to do with the early development of Ross County, Ohio. Mr. Jones was born in Salt Creek . township, Pickaway County, Ohio, January 28, 1841, and is a son of Abel and Catherine (Dreisbach) Jones.
Both parents of Lyman Jones were natives of Ross County, Ohio, where the father was born October 31, 1810, and the mother, in 1814. About 1838-39 they moved to Salt Creek township, Pickaway County, and then, in 1864, to Pickaway township, settling on the farm now occupied by our subject. Here Abel Jones died January 6, 1892, having survived his wife, who died in April, 1887. He was a stanch supporter of the Republican party and was a man of sterling integrity of character and broadminded views. Of his children these survive: Sarah A. and Rebecca, who live with their brother Lyman; Leah, wife of P. W. Brown, of Chillicothe; Mary E., wife of George Bennett, of Circleville; Aida, wife of Taylor Boggs, of Chillicothe; Laura J., wife of Harry R. Gregg, of Colorado Springs, Colorado; and Lyman, of this sketch.
Lyman Jones, after completing the public school course in Salt Creek township, became a student at the Ohio University, at Athens. this training better preparing him for the intelligent management of the large estate he now owns.
Mr. Jones has always been affiliated with the Republican party. He is a type of a good citizen, enterprising and public spirited and enjoys the esteem, as he commands the respect. of a wide circle of acquaintances.
CHRISTIAN CALVIN FOOR, proprietor of the Ashville Hotel, at Ashville, also conducts the leading livery business in the city and is one of the valued citizens. He was born March 1, 1860, in Bloom township, Fairfield County, Ohio, and is a son of George and Eliza (Weimer) Foor.
The Foor family was established in Fairfield County by the grandparents of Christian C. Foor, who came to Ohio from Berks County, Pennsylvania. Both parents of our subject were born in Ohio.. They were substantial farming people and members of the German Reformed Church. Six sons and three daughters were born to them, namely: William; Christian C., of this sketch; Franklin; Harvey, deceased ; Bertha, wife of Harvey Mohart; Norton, deceased ; Emma, deceased, who was the wife of Herbert Weimer; Addie, wife of Luther Heller; and Albert.
Christian C. Foor was reared on his father's farm and was educated in the Egypt township district school, which he left at the age of 17 years. From 1877 until 1883 he worked on a farm at Marcy. In 1885 he moved to the
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farm of H. M. Dunick, on which he resided for six years, engaged in farming, and then removed to the farm of W. H. Pontius in Walnut township, Pickaway County, where he was successfully engaged in farming for the 11 years following. In 1902 he settled on the farm of W. H. Blue, in Walnut township, where he remained two years. In the fall of 1904 he moved to Ashville and purchased the Ashville Hotel and the adjoining property, which Mr. Foor utilizes as a first-class livery and boarding stable. He is one of Ashville's enterprising business men.
On June 17, 1883, Mr. Foor was married (first) to Lucinda Swoyer, who was a daughter of Jacob and Mary Swoyer. Mrs. Foor had been a school mate of Mr. Foot's, the families being neighbors in Bloom township. Mrs. Foor died November 5, 1894, the mother of four children, viz.: Walter, born August 25, 1883, who died November 6, 1903; Oscar, born October 6, 1888, who is a student in the Ashville High School; Claude Earl, born May 22, 1891, who is a student in the Ashville schools ; and one child that died in infancy. Mr. Foor was married (second) to Mary .Spindler, who was a daughter of George and Alice Spindler. They had one child, Earl Spindler, who died aged three months. Mrs. Foor died November 29, 1903.
Mr. Foor is a self-made man. His present financial condition has been brought about entirely through his own industry and good management. He is an ideal landlord, having an affable manner and a pleasing, friendly personality. The guests at the Ashville Hotel are made to feel at home and the trade of the house is constantly on the increase. Mr. Foor is a member of Lodge No. 747, I. O. O. F., at Ashville.