500 - PREBLE COUNTY, OHIO. The paternal grandparents of Doctor Silver were William B. and Ann (Johnson) Silver, the former a native of New Jersey, and the latter of Delaware, who were early settlers in Preble county. William B. Silver was a well-known farmer, and was one of the first salesmen for the McCormick Reaper Company. He and his wife lived to an advanced age, and were the parents of eight children, Joshua, Horatio, Oscar W., Joseph, Robert, Mrs. Maggie Jennings, Mrs. Reba Freeman, and a daughter who died in early childhood. The maternal grandparents of Doctor Silver were George and Alice (Zimmerman) Button, natives of North Carolina and early settlers in Preble county, who were located near Camden. George Button was a farmer and died in Gasper township, at the age of sixty-five years. His Widow survived him some years, her death occurring in Dixon township at the age of eighty-two years. George Button and wife were the parents of eight children, namely : John, who was killed at the battle of Stone River; Thomas, William, George, Elizabeth, Sarah, Mary and Helena. Doctor Silver was married June 19, 1900, to Lora Smith, the daugh ter of Joseph M. and Hannah (Phares) Smith, and to this union one daughter has been born, Helena. Mrs. Silver is a native of Ohio, where her parents also were born. Her mother died in Rushville, Indiana, in 1885, and her father now lives in Dayton, Ohio. Joseph M. Smith and wife were the parents of six children, Lora, Edna, Harriet, Jessie, and two sons who died in childhood. The paternal grandfather of Mrs. Silver was Stephen Smith, and' he and his wife were the parents of the following children : Sarah, Nettie, Belle, Charles, Watson, Joseph, James W., Marietta, Lydia and Baxter. LEWIS JOHNSON. The biographies of the representative men of a county bring to light: many hidden treasures of mind, character and courage well calculated to the pride of family and community. It is a source of regret that the people are not more familiar with the personal history of such men, in the. ranks of whom may be found farmers, mechanics, teachers, lawyers, physicians, bankers and members of other vocations and professions. Johnson is distinctively one of the representative citizens. of Preble county, and as such he has made his influence felt among his fellow men. He has. PREBLE COUNTY,OHIO - 501 justly deserved the reputation he has for enterprise, integrity and honor, qualities which entitle him to consideration in a work of this character. Lewis Johnson was born in Butler Count, Ohio, April 25, 1866, a son of Benjamin. and Lydia (Moore) Johnson, both of "WhOm were born in. Butler county, Ohio, the latter's birth occurring near the town of Oxford. Benjamin Johnson enlisted for service in the Union army in May, 1864, and served one hundred days .in .Company r, One Hundred and Sixty-seventh Regiment Ohio. Volunteer Infantry, being mustered out of service September 8, 1864. After the war Benjamin Johnson returned to Butler county, Ohio, where he again took up farming, and during the remainder of his life he followed agricultural pursuits in Butler county, his death occurring in 1876. He was the father of six, children, five of whom are still living, as follows : Lewis; the immediate subject of this review Joseph Johnson, a resident of Richmond, Indiana; Belle, the wife of Frank Hill, a farmer of Gasper township, in this county Alva, the wife of Sylvester Lowman, of Dayton, Ohio, and Hattie, the wife of Adam Surface, of New Hope, Ohio, Lewis Johnson was reared on a farm in Butler county, Ohio, and there received his education in the district schools, which he attended during the winter seasons, working on the farm during the summers. At the .age of twelve' he began to "dig" for himself. Part of his 'earnings .after this age were given to his mother, who was left a widow when Benjamin was ten years old, and this practice he continued until he had reached his majority, at which time 'Lewis Johnson bought his first suit of "store" clothes, necessity previously having limited him to home-made clothes. Mr. Johnson was married in February, 1894, at the age of twenty-seven, to Clara Rumley, a daughter of Charles Rumley; and a native of Maryland. At the 'time' of his marriage Mr. Johnson had about five hundred dollars. He rented land for eleven years, and in 1905 he purchased ninety-six acres in sections 24 and 25 of Dixon township, this county, and on this farm he carries on' a system of general farming, and enjoys 'the well deserved success which he has attained in his vocation. He and his wife are the parents of seven six of whom are now living.: Ethel, Clarence,. Mabel, Grace; Robert and Charles. Marie, the second child, died at the age of sixteen years. Mrs. Johnson is a member of the Sugar Valley Methodist Episcopal church, in which she- takes an active and interested part. Politically, Mr. Johnson is• a Democrat. He is- a quiet man of modest demeanor, an honorable citizen of Dixon township, and a man who thoroughly deserves the kind consideration bestowed upon him by a large circle of neighbors and friends. 502 - PREBLE COUNTY, OHIO. SOLOMON C. WILSON. As long as history endures the United States will acknowledge its indebtedness to the heroes of 1861-1865, who fought for the preservation of the Union, the honor of the stars and stripes, a flag which has never trailed in the dust in any struggle in which this country has been involved. Among those whose records as valiant soldiers in the Civil War reflects lasting honor upon them. and their descendants is Solomon C. Wilson, a retired farmer living at 206 North Maple street, Eaton, Ohio, and one of the well-known citizens of Preble county. Solomon C. Wilson was born in Columbia, Pennsylvania, March 28, 1842, the son of James and Susanna (Cramer) Wilson. James Wilson was born in County Down, Ireland, and came to this county with his parents, William and Ann (Clowny) Wilson, who settled first in New York state and later removed to Franklin county, Pennsylvania. They came to Ohio in 1844,- locating in Preble county, and here they spent the rest of their lives. Mrs. Wilson was a devout member of the Presbyterian church and exerted a profound religious influence in her family. She and her husband were the parents of ten children, James, William, Joseph, Robert, John, Isaac, Sarah, Jane, Mary A. and Margaret. James Wilson was married in Pennsylvania and came to Preble county in 1844, locating at Camden, and lived on a tract of land near that town. He was a stone mason, by trade and worked at his trade in connection with farming. His wife died in 1858 and he married again, this second union being without issue. Five children of the first marriage are still living, as follow : Sarah, who is the wife of Abraham Roush; Solomon C., the subject of this sketch; Susan E., the widow of J. P. Wilson ; Irene, the wife of T. R. Maddock ; and Rebecca, the widow of George R. Spivey. James Wilson died in 1879. Solomon C. Wilson was reared on a farm near Camden, Ohio, and received his education in the district schools. At the age of nineteen, being fired with patriotism and love of his native country, he left borne and friends and on July 29, 1861, enlisted in Company D, Forty-seventh Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in which he saw three years of hard service. His regiment operated in West Virginia about eighteen months and took part in the battle of Vicksburg. After the battle of Vicksburg his company and regiment were, assigned to the Second Brigade, the Second Division of the Fifteenth Army Corps, under General Sherman, and in the fall of 1863 operated around Memphis and Chattanooga, taking part in the battle of Mission- PREBLE COUNTY, OHIO - 503 ary Ridge. Mr. Wilson was with Sherman's army until August 27, 1864, when he was discharged near Atlanta, Georgia, his term of enlistment having expired. Upon his discharge from the army, Mr. Wilson returned to Preble county and resumed farming. On January 5, 1865, Solomon C. Wilson was married to Matilda Leach, who was born near Eaton, February 16, 1848, the daughter of Jacob and Matilda (Jennings) Leach. The Jennings family were natives of England and the Leach family came from Tennessee. Mrs. Wilson was reared on a farm and educated in the district schools. After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Wilson began housekeeping in a very moderate way. They farmed until 1892 when Mr. Wilson was appointed superintendent and his wife matron of the Preble county infirmary. They remained there ten years, at the end of which time they returned to the farm for one year, moving to Eaton, in 1903, where they have since lived. One daughter born to Mr. and Mrs. Wilson is living, Mary E., born June 15, 1866, who was graduated from the common schools and is the wife of D. C. Payne, of Camden, Ohio. One son, James .Herbert, born November 12, 1867, died in infancy. Mr. Wilson is a Republican and for many years has been active in the local councils of his party. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson are members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Eaton, Mr. Wilson being a member of the official board. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic and past commander of the local post. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson are quiet, unassuming people who have performed every duty and discharged every obligation, both public and private, that has arisen during their long and honorable lives. CHARLES O. ACTON. There is nothing which stimulates a man to deeds of worth and a life of uprightness and rectitude more than the recollection of the strength of character and examples of right living which have been shown by his forefathers. In this respect, Charles O. Acton is fortunate beyond the majority of men in being descended from a line of men who, in their community, have been men' of strength and influence, doing their duty well whether in the peaceful pursuits of ordinary life or in positions of public trust. The heritage of such memories of the lives of one's forefathers is of more value than material wealth. In the business affairs of Eaton, Ohio, Mr. Acton occupies a position of importance and stands high among his associates. 504 - PREBLE COUNTY, OHIO. Charles O. Acton, ex-marshall of Eaton, living at 912 North Baron street; and now a stone and cement contractor, was born in Eaton, May 28, 1877, the son of Joseph. P. and Mary I. (Cutting) Acton. Joseph P. Acton, was the son of John W. and Amanda (Bryant). Afton. John W. Acton was the son of John and Hettie ( Ward) Acton. The Ward family were natives of Pennsylvania, but moved to Virginia during the Revolutionary War and Hettie Ward became acquainted with and married. John Acton, a slave holder in Virginia, who operated a wagon shop where slaves were employed. John. W. Acton, issue of this marriage,: had many experiences with slaves and was much opposed to slavery, In order to secure relief from conditions prevailing in the slave section, he came. to Preble county and here conducted a wagon shop for many years. John W. Acton married Amanda. Bryant, to which union were born nine sons and one daughter, Joseph p,, William C., George, James, John, Cary, Albert, Lewis, Elizabeth and Pleasant, all of whom are living save Joseph P, and Pleasant, the latter of whom died at the age of twelve. Joseph P. Acton, the father of Charles O., was born in Eaton, Ohio, and learned the carpenter trade early in life. He enlisted in the Union army at the outbreak of the Civil War and served throughout the war in the Seventy-fifth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He was taken prisoner just before the end of the war and was confined ninety-eight days at Andersonville. He also suffered severe wounds during the war. He returned to Eaton after the declaration .of peace and married in Eaton, where he con-. tint ed to reside until 1870, in which year he moved to Decatur, Michigan, where he worked as a contractor and carpenter until 1890, in which year he retired and returned to Eaton. In 1893 he moved to Jackson, Michigan, where his death occurred in 1912: His widow is still living in Michigan Joseph P. and Mary I. (Cutting) Acton were the parents of six children, Robert S., who was killed while employed as a railroad conductor on the Michigan Central railroad; Minnie B., the wife of Andrew Koons Mary M., the wife of Robert Clampion; Edward S., of Michigan; Harley, who died in infancy; and Charles O., the subject of this sketch. Charles O. Acton was three years old when his parents moved to Michigan and there he received his education. He was employed in different occupations and for different people during his early years buf eventually learned the mason's trade. and for years was a bridge builder. on railroad jobs in Indiana, Ohio, Michigan and Kentucky, and served one term as Marshal at Eaton. On June 20, 1891, Charles O. Acton was married to Ida M. Hartin, PREBLE COUNTY, OHIO - 505 who was born: in Gratis township, Preble county, Ohio, March 14, 1874, the daughter of Joseph C. and Rebecca Hartin. She was educated in the Eaton public schools; having come to Eaton with her parents at the age of three months. Two children, have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Acton, Clyde B., born April 19, 1892, and Hilda M., born April 3, 1906. Clyde B. was graduated from .the Eaton high school and took the civil service examination, now being employed as a clerk in the Eaton postoffice, He is a member of Bolivar Lodge No. 82, .Free and Accepted Masons. Hilda M. is the third grade in the public schools. Charles O. Acton is a member of Bolivar Lodge. No, 82, Free and Accepted Masons in which lodge he has served two terms as junior deacon and is the .present tyler. In politics, Mr. Acton is a devoted and loyal Republican. He is a quiet, unassuming man, but capable and worthy and enjoys the esteem of all the people with whom he has come in contact. He deserves to rank as a representative citizen of Eaton, where he lives. JOHN C. RINER. In the daily struggle for an honorable competence there is little in. the life of the average farmer to attract the casual reader in .search of a sensational chapter: To a mind, thoroughly awake to the reality and meaning of human existence, however, there are, noble and imperishable lessons in the career of an individual who, without other means than a clear head, strong arm and true heari, directed and controlled by correct principles and unerring judgment, conquers.adyersity and, toiling on, finally wins not only a pecuniary independence, but What is far greater and higher,. the respect and confidence of those with.whom his . active years have brought him. into contact.. Such a man is John C. Riner, a retired fanner and former commissioner of Preble county, who is now liying retired .in Eaton, Ohio. John C. Riner, who formerly lived in Gratis township, Preble county, Ohio; was born on a farm. in that township, April 7, 1848, the son of Henry and .Elizabeth (Christman) Riner. Henry Riner was born in the. same township and was the son of John Riner, who was born in Frederick county, Maryland. John Riner came to Preble county, Ohio, when a young man and settled in Gratis township, where he married Lena. Huffman, upon whose death he married, secondly, Mary Osborne, who was the mother of Henry, Wesley, Julia A., Rebecca, Mary and. Elizabeth. 506 - PREBLE COUNTY, OHIO. Henry Riner was reared in Gratis township and there married Elizabeth Christman, a member of an old and respected family in Preble county, to which union three children were born, Susanna, the widow of Doctor Quimby ; John C., the subject of this sketch ; and C. W., of Cheyenne, Wyoming. John C. Riner was reared on the farm and attended the district schools, later attending a select school at Seven Mile, Butler county, Ohio. He lived in this latter county until twenty years of age, at which time he returned to Gratis township, where he lived for five years, after which he returned to Butler county, where he was married, June 18, 1873, to Elizabeth A. Speer, who was reared at Seven Mile, in Butler county, and was educated at the academy at that place. After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Riner lived at Seven Mile for one year and then came to Preble county, locating in Gratis township, where they remained until their removal to Eaton in September, 1907. Mr. Riner owns ten acres on the Lewisburg road, known as the Henry Kester place, which is his home. He also owns two hundred and three acres of excellent land in Gratis township, practically all of which he has acquired by his own efforts. Mr. and Mrs. Riner are the parents of seven children, Charles Hawley, Harry, Edward J., Nellie, Clifford, Edith and Glenn S., all of whom are married except Edith and Glenn S. Charles Hawley Riner, who was a farmer, married Agnes Young, to which union two children were born, John Alden and Lloyd Young. He died in 1905 and his widow is now living in Wisconsin. Harry Riner, who is a traveling salesman for the Rumley Products Company, married Neda B. Englar and is living at Columbus, Ohio. Edward J. Riner married Laura Harrell and is living at Spokane, Washington, where he is engaged as superintendent of grounds and buildings of the Spokane public schools. Clifford Riner, who is a traveling salesman for a lumber company and lives at Columbus, Ohio, married Bessie Englar and has one son, J. Englar. Nellie married C. V. Zimmerman, an attorney, of Cincinnati, Ohio, and has two children, Margaret and Elizabeth. Edith is living at home with her parents. Glenn S. Rifler lives at Dayton, Ohio, where he is employed as a salesman with the Rike-Kumler Company. These children of Mr. and Mrs. Riner received their elementary education in the home schools, supplementing the same with courses at the Ohio State Normal. For many years Mr. Riner was one of the substantial and enterprising farmers of Gratis township. He is a descendant of one of the oldest families in Preble county. By his sound judgment, he has accumulated a handsome PREBLE COUNTY, OHIO - 507 farm that is well kept, he having kept abreast of the latest agricultural methods. Mr. Riner's wife has been a faithful and loving helpmate, her assistance having been a very material factor in the attainment of the distinct success which has marked their efforts. Mr. Riner is a Republican and was elected county commissioner in 1884 and served, until 1891, a little more than six years. Mr. and Mrs. Riner and family are members of, the Presbyterian church. As a neighbor, he has held a high place in the esteem of all with whom he has come in contact. He made a faithful member of the board of county commissioners and looked well after the interests of the county while holding this office. Mr. and Mrs. Riner now live at the north end of Maple street in their large brick dwelling, situated on ten acres of land, and are now enjoying the fruits of their early labors. Few people in Preble county are better known or more highly respected than Mr. and .Mrs. John C. Riner. JOSEPH L. BAKER. The men most influential in promoting social growth and development and in giving character to the times in which they live are men of influence. Alen may exercise influence in two ways, first by example and second by the precepts which they expound. J. L. Baker, ,a farmer living. on Rural Route 9, out of Eaton, Ohio, is a man whose life serves as a worthy example to the rising generation. Moreover, Mr. Baker for many years was a school teacher in Ohio and still later a preceptor in Indian schools in the west. His life therefore combines the two most important functions by which man is enabled to serve humanity. Mr. Baker is a man who combines the elements of the student and the energy of the public-spirited man of affairs. A considerable part of his life has been devoted to the noble and humane work of teaching a race that is fast disappearing in this country. With this wide and varied experience behind him and his unusual success as a farmer, Mr. Baker is entitled to rank as a representative citizen of Preble county. Joseph L. Baker was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, March 21, 1856, the son of Emillian and Sarah (Quigley) Baker, the former a native of Germany who came to the United States and settled at Cincinnati, Ohio, where he worked at his trade of tailor until he enlisted in the Union army during the Civil War. He was a member of Company C, Thirty-fifth 'Regiment 508 - PREBLE COUNTY, OHIO. Ohio Volunteer Infantry, enlisting in September, 1861, and serving nearly four years. The last battle in which he was engaged was that of Nashville, Tennessee. He took part in many battles and throughout his career as a soldier was never wounded. In 1856, at New Orleans, Louisiana, Emillian Baler married Sarah Quigley, who came from Germany to New Orleans with a friend and became acquainted with Mr. Baker in that city. After their marriage, they .located at Jacksonboro, Butler county, Ohio, where Mr. Baker lived as a farmer the rest of his life, his death occurring in 1904. His widow survived him ten years, her death occurring in December, 1914. Emillian and Sarah (Quigley) Baker were the parents of seven children, six of whom are now living, John O., the postmaster of Middletown, Ohio; William E., a well-known engineer of Middletown, Ohio; James M., .a successful physician and surgeon at Decatur, Illinois; Albert L., who is in the cement business in Houston, Texas; Mary, the wife of James Rainey, of Decatur, Illinois, and J. L., the subject of this sketch. Joseph L. Baker was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, and when three years .old moved with his parents to Jacksonboro, Ohio, where he attended the graded school, finishing the course. In 1873 Mr. Baker began to teach and for some years taught in the schools of Jacksonboro, Somerville, West Middletown and Amanda. On October 1, 1881, Joseph L. Baker was married at Jacksonboro, Ohio, to Henrietta Owsley, who was born March 25, 1857, the daughter of Samuel and Lucy (Betterton) Owsley. After their marriage, Mr. Baker was made superintendent and Mrs. Baker matron of the Indian schools at Ft. Peck, Montana. After they were there. four years the institution was destroyed by fire and they were transferred to Ft. Shaw, Montana, occupying similar positions there for six months, at the end of which time Mr. Baker was sent to Ft. Hall, Idaho, .N.Irs. Baker occupying the position of matron at that place also. They remained there one year and were then transferred to Harrison Indian Institute in Oregon, both retaining the positions they had occupied at their previous stations. After being there one year, Mr. Baker resigned and was out of the service six months. At the end of that period he was reinstated and sent to the Sisseton Indian school, in South Dakota, at which point Mrs. Baker. again was made matron. They held these positions for six years and were then transferred to the Osage Indian school in Oklahoma. After being at this latter school for three and one-half years, both quit the Indian .education service permanently and Mr. Baker purchased his present farm in Dixon township, Preble county. PREBLE COUNTY, OHIO - 509 Mr. and Mrs. Baker are the parents of two daughters, Anna, whoa is. the wife of Orville Flora and lives on the same farm as Mr. and Mrs. Baker, and Jessie, who was graduated from the Germantown high School and is. still at home. Mr. Baker is independent in politics. Fraternally, he is a member of the Masonic lodge at Middletown, Ohio. The Baker (family are well known and highly respected in Preble county, and it is unnecessary to say that they merit the esteem in which they are held by their many friends. GEORGE W. STRAW. George W. Straw needs no introduction to the people of Preble county, since his entire life has been spent in this county. His life has been devoted,. not only to fostering his own interests, but also to the welfare of his neighbors. An 'honorable representative of one of the esteemed families of his section, and a gentleman' of 'high 'character and "worthy ainbition, he. ha.S. filled no small place in the public eye. He is a splendid type of the intelligent, self-made American in the full sense of the term, and is regarded as, one of the very enterprising farmers of Preble county. Mr. Straw is now living retired at 531 North Baron street, Eaton, Ohio. George W. Straw was born on a farm in Washington township, September 14, 185o, a son of Peter and Maria (Huffman) Straw. Peter Straw was born in Germany, and was educated in that country: He came to the United States when a young man and located in Twin township, this county. His wife also was a native of Germany, and came to the United States. when young,.her parents also locating in Twin township, this county. Peter Straw had but seventy-five cents when he landed in this country, but with. true German thrift, he set. to work at once, first being employed on a farm by the month, and where he was married had saved but little. He was a man. worth ten thousand dollars when he died in 1874. His wife died in 1880. Mr. and Mrs. Peter Straw were the parents of the following children: William, a retired, farmer, who lives on Maple street, Eaton, Ohio; Joseph, a farmer of Washington township; this county; George W., the immediate subject of this review; Emma, the wife of George Boner, of Kansas,, and Sarah, the wife of Robert Appleby, who lives on Cherry street, Eaton. George W. Straw was reared on a farm until he was sixteen, years of age, at which time he moved to Eaton and there learned the harness trade. 510 - PREBLE COUNTY, OHIO He did not like this trade, however, and presently purchased fifty-four acres of land in Washington township, this county. By industry and economy he paid for this land and finally became the owner of ninety-five acres of good farming land. He remained on this farm for sixteen years, when he returned to Eaton and worked at his trade for John Deem for four years, after which, in 1905, he retired from active life. Mr. Straw was married November 19, 1874, to Elizabeth Siebert, who was born November 19, 1856, the daughter of Augustus and Elizabeth (Shafer) Siebert, the former a native of Germany and the latter a native of Preble county, Ohio, who were the parents of ten children, four of whom are now living as follow : Catherine, the wife of Christian Gugel, of Dayton, Ohio; Augustus, of Millville, Ohio; Maria, the wife of Joseph Straw, of Washington township, this county; Elizabeth, the wife of Mr. Straw, who received her education in the public schools of Eaton. To George W. and Elizabeth (Siebert) Straw four children have been born: Albert, a farmer of Washington township, this county; Cora, the wife of Bruce Rollman, who lives in Coldwater, Ohio; Augustus, a farmer of Washington township, this county, and Myrtle, the wife of Lerton Lincoln, who lives in Montgomery county, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Straw have ten grandchildren. Mr. Straw is identified with the Republican party and was at one time a trustee of Washington township. Fraternally, he is a member, of Eaton Lodge No. 30, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and is a past grand in that lodge. Mr. and Mrs. Straw are now enjoying the:fruits of their early labors, and surrounded by every convenience are thoroughly equipped to enjoy their declining years. They .are honored and respected, in the: community .where they live. EDWIN O. MURRAY. The best title One can establish to the high and generous esteem of an intelligent community is a protracted and honorable residence there. Edwin O. Murray has resided in Jefferson township, Preble county, Ohio, practically all of his life. His career has been a commendable one and well deserves to be perpetuated on the pages of a historical work. such as this :Mr. Murray applied himself diligently to his work and waited for the reward which the fullness of tinie has brought. Today he is one of the substantial financiers of Preble county, a SUccessful merchant, a wise and judicious banker and a capable farmer. PREBLE COUNTY, OHIO - 511 Edwin O. Murray was born south of New Paris in Jefferson township, Preble county, Ohio, on April 13, 1873, the son of James and Martha (Mills) Murray. James Murray, who died March 25, 1905, was the son of Mitchell and Lydia (Brazier) Murray. Mitchell Murray was reared, educated and married in Delaware. He came to Preble county, Ohio, about 1840, and located in Eaton, then a mere village, where he lived for several years. Later he located in the southern part of Darke county, Ohio, nOrth of Eldorado, and there lived on a farm. Subsequently, he moved to a farm in Jackson township, Preble county, and after several years of residence there purchased a farm in Darke county, Ohio, where he spent the 'r est'of his life. Mitchell Murray Was the father of ten children. Seven of his sOns, Dayid, Joseph, Lemuel, John, James, Alfred and Henry, enlisted from Jackson township, Preble county, in the Union army and served their 'dountry during the Civil War. John Murray was confined in Libby prison for eighteen months, but survived the war. Besides these children, there were Tunard, Amos and Sarah, the latter the wife of John F. Ervin, of Eldorado, all of whom are now deceased. James Murray was the father of seven children, six of whom are living: Edwin O., the subject of this sketch; Olive M., who married J. W. Tyler and died July 16, 1914; Charles A., a graduate of New Paris high school and a farmer of Jackson township; Elwood, who was graduated from the Jackson township high school at Campbellstown and lives at home in Jefferson township; Cora, who was graduated from the New Paris high school and is the wife of Dr. W. H. Swisher, of Dayton, Ohio; Ethel, who is unmarried and at home, and Elbert J., who was graduated from the New Paris hicrh school and also is at home. Edwin O. Murray was reared on the farm and educated in the public schools and the New Paris high school. He also was graduated from the Richmond (Indiana) Business College, after which he accepted a position in the First National Bank at Richmond, Indiana, where he remained about two years. At the end of this time Mr. Murray was elected cashier of the Farmers Bank at New Paris, Ohio. Mr. Murray assisted in the reorganization of this latter bank, which is now known as the Farmers Banking Company. He served ten years as cashier and is still in the bank as one of the directors. He also is a director of the bank at New Madison. Mr. Murray also spends considerable time looking after his heavy farming interests. On June 18, 1908, Edwin O. Murray was married to Minnie Coons, who was born Darke county, Ohio, and who was graduated froMthe Eldorado high school. She also attended the National Normal School at 512 - PREBLE COUNTY, OHIO Lebanon, Ohio. Mr. and .Mrs. Murray began housekeeping at New Paris, :where . they. now.. live. They have two children, Janice, born January 19, 1910, and Stanley J., born. November 17, 1942. Mr. Murray is a Republican and for years has possessed considerable local influence in polities in politic. He has served as a member of the New Paris town council. Mr. Murray is a member of the Presbyterian church and has served as one of the trustees of this church. Fraternally, he is a member of Harmony Lodge No. 396, Knights of Pythias, in Which he has served as keeper of the records and seal. He is a man of modest and unassuming demeanor, possessed of much natural good sense and sound judgment. His heavy financial interests have not interfered with his duties to the public. His larger obligations to the community have been faithfully fulfilled. He is a man who, in every way, deserves the. esteem in which he is held by his fellow citizens. JOHN J. KAYLER Among the successful, self-made men of Preble county, Ohio, whose efforts and influence have contributed to the progress' and prosperity of this county, John J. Kayler, a farmer and stockman and ex-president of the Preble County Fair Association, occupies a conspicuous place. Being ambitious from.the first, Mr. Kayler has surmounted difficulties and has arisen to a prominent position in the commercial, agricultural and financial circles of his community. Not-only this, but he has won the confidence and esteem of those with whom he has had relations in either a business or social range and for years has .been considered one of the representative citizens of Preble county. Early in life, Mr. Kayler realized that there is a definite p ose in life and that no honor is worth while which is not founded on worth and no achievements, of any consequence that are not founded on unremitting zeal. His life and labors have been worthy in every respect, because they have contributed to a proper understanding of the life and the problems of the community in, which he lives. John J. Kayler, one of the leading factors in the Preble County Fair Association for twenty-five years and the proprietor of "Lowery Hill" farm, consisting of two hundred and sixty acres, four and one-half miles north of Eaton, was born on the farm he now owns November 17, 1849. He is. the son of William and Rebecca (Delawter) Kayler, the former of whom was born in Rockingham county, Virginia. At the age of six William Kay- PREBLE COUNTY, OHIO - 513 ler came with his parents to Ohio and here grew to manhood. He married Rebecca Delawter, the daughter of Jacob Delawter. John Kayler, the father of William Kayler, came to Preble county, Ohio, from Virginia, settling in 1815 on the farm which Mr. Kayler now owns. William Kayler was a prominent worker in the Lutheran church and throughout his life was an active and influential Democrat. He died in 1876, his wife dying in 1892. They were the parents of eleven children, three of whom died in infancy, Matilda, Levi and Franklin; Josiah and Elizabeth died after reaching mature years. Six are still living-, Mary J., the wife of Samuel Kesler; Malinda, the widow of Francis Harshman; Sarah, the wife of Henry Ehler; Laura, the wife of Frank Dalrymple; Nora, the wife of George Ehler, and John J. John J. Kayler was reared on the home farm where he now lives, and was educated in the public schools. He obtained a certificate to teach school early in life. He remained with his -father until his marriage at the age of twenty-seven, on October 28, 1875, to Sarah V. Dalrymple, who was the daughter of John Dalrymple and was reared in Preble county, Ohio. To John J. and Sarah V. (Dalrymple) Kayler were born six children, two of whom are now living, Estie, who married Tresie Morris; Bertie, the wife of Wilbur McMechan, of Campbellstown, Ohio; Benjamin L., who died at the age of thirty-three ; Charles, who died at the age of twenty-eight, and Maude, the wife, of Alvin House, who died at the age of eighteen. The mother of these children died December 31, 1908, and Mr. Kayler married, secondly, October 28, 1910, Gertrude Thompson, to which union four children have been born, Paul, born in November, 1911; Wilson, born October 3, 1912; Leonard, born October 14, 1913, and John J., Jr., born April 3, 1915. Mr. nd Mrs. Kayler are members of the First Christian church at Eaton, Ohio. Mr. Kayler is a member of Waverly Lodge, No. 143, Knights of Pythias, and served as a member of the building committee of this lodge. He is also a past chancellor of this lodge, and his two sons, Charles and Benjamin, also were past chancellors. Mr. Kayler is a member of Bolivar Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, of Eaton, and of the Independent Order of Foresters, of which he was a charter member. Politically, he is a Democrat and served for many years as a justice of the peace. He has been the main spring of the Preble County Fair Association for many years, and is at present a member of the executive committee. Mr.. Kayler is a general stock raiser. He is known as a great friend of the children and aside from his own family, reared Ora Noaks and Lovie Wolf. (33) 514 - PREBLE COUNTY, OHIO. In 1914 the state of Ohio gave a trip to Washington, Philadelphia and New York to the boy who raised the most corn on an acre of land, and to the girl who could bake the best bread. Mr. Kayler accompanied the winners of these prizes on this trip and enjoyed the trip immensely. Mr. Kayler is a popular and representative citizen of Preble county and his life has been filled with good works. NELSON J. OUINN. It is one of the commendable features of our government that it acknowledges no hereditary rank or title, no nobility save that of nature, leaving every man to establish his own rank or become the artificer of his own fortune, Places of honor and trust, rank or preferment, thus happily placed before every individual, high or low, rich or poor, to be striven for by all, but earned only by perseverance, are almost sure to be fined by deserving men, or at least, by those possessing the energy and talent essential to success in public position. Nelson J. Quinn affords a cdhspicuous example of the successful, self-made American citizen who is not only eminently deserving the confidence reposed in him by his fellow citizens but who also possesses the energy and talent necessary to discharge the duties involved in heavy business responsibilities. The dean of commercial circles in Eaton, Ohio, he having been longer in continuous business service than any other merchant or tradesman in that city, possessed of a vigorous mentality, Mr. Quinn finds these qualities the chief factors in carving out a career that has been above reproach. Nelson J. Quinn, dealer in coal, building material and leaf tobacco, at Eaton, Ohio, was born in Twin township, Preble county, Ohio, May 1, 1841, the son and only child of John L. and Louisa (Hewitt) Quinn, natives of Preble county. John L. Quinn was a farmer in young manhood, later going to Eaton, where, in 1862, he engaged in the grain business, which business he continued for several years, at the end of which time he and his son, Nelson J., became dealers in leaf tobacco in which business they continued until' the death of John L. Quinn in 1899, at the age of seventy-nine years and four months. His Wife had preceded him to the grave four years, her death having occurred in 1895 at the age of seventy-five years. They were mem-. bers of the Christian (Newlight) church. in which Mr. Quinn was a deacon PREBLE COUNTY, OHIO - 515 for forty-one years, in all of which time he never missed a communion service. He was township trustee and infirmary director at the same time for several years. The paternal grandparents of Nelson J. Quinn were James and Sarah (Glines) Quinn, the 'former. a native of . Georgia and the latter of one of the eastern states. They were pioneers of Preble county, having .come here in 1808. James Ouinn was a farmer and died at the age of forty-four, his wife living to be seventy-five. They had seven children, John L., Eliza, Robert M., James H., William D., Joseph H. and Sarah Jane. The maternal grandparents of Nelson J. Quinn were Philip and Hannah (Clawson) Hewitt, natives of North Carolina and Ohio, respectively, pioneer farmers in Twin township, Preble county. In their declining years they moved to Miamisburg; where Mrs. Hewitt died. Mr. Hewitt then returned to Preble county and here spent the remainder of his days. They were the parents of Levi, Louisa, Elizabeth, Celina and Hannah. Philip Hewitt's father was Philip Hewitt, a soldier in the Revolutionary War, who enlisted from Guilford county, North Carolina. He was born 'in Berks county, -Pennsylvania, March 8, 1754, and .died in Montgomery county, Ohio, May 14, 1.846, at the age of ninety-two. His wife died ten days prior to his death. They had nine children, Henry, Simon, Philip, Michael, Mary, Fanny, Catharine, Elizabeth and Sarah. Nelson J. Quinn was born and reared in Preble county and this county has always been his home. He grew up on the farm and attended the district schools, later attending the Eaton high school. In 1864 he enlisted in Company D, One Hundred and Fifty-sixth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served about four months as a corporal. Before going to the was he was in business with his father, in the sale of leaf tobacco, and after the war resumed this business with his father, which he still continues in connection with the coal business. On March 3, 1864, Nelson J. Quinn was married to Martha A. May, who was born January I I, 1845, the daughter of Jacob and Isabel (Patton) May, to which union twelve children were born, Minnie, Laura, Irvin L., Lucy, Grace, Elsie, Bertha, Harry, John L., Walter, Ada and one who died in infancy. Minnie lives at home. Laura married F. E. Overholser, of Eaton, and has two children, Harold and Henry Nelson. Irvin L. is in his father's employ. Lucy is at home. Grace (deceased) was the wife of Frank Burson. Elise married Robert Bloom, of Dayton, and has one daughter, Martha. Bertha is at home. Harry, who resides in Eaton, mar- 516 - PREBLE COUNTY, OHIO. ried Gertrude Pugh and has one son, Pearson. John L., who is in the grocery business with his brother, Harry, married Anna Huber and has three children, William, Robert and Maxwell. Walter died at the age of seven. Ada is at home. The mother of these children died January 13, 1912, at the age of sixty-seven years and two days. Mrs. Quinn was a member of the Christian church, as is also Mr. Quinn, having joined the church in 1872. She was born in Dixon township, Preble county, Ohio. Her parents came from Hamilton county, Ohio, to Preble county when they were young and spent all of their lives here. They had fifteen children, a number of whom died young. Those who lived to maturity were Louisa, Martha, Martin, Allen, David and Caroline. Mrs. Quinn was a devoted wife and a loving mother and took a keen interest in her children and in the business success of her husband. She was unselfish, generous and devoted to the precepts of the Christian religion which she practiced in her every day life. Mr. Quinn is one of the venerable citizens of Preble county and no man stands higher in public esteem at Eaton than he. He is an honored member of the Grand Army of the Republic, attached to the post at Eaton, and takes an active interest in the affairs of the same. He is devoted to the best interests of his home city and ever has been. found in the forefront of those most active in promoting the general welfare of the community. EDWARD R. CLARK. The twentieth century farmer knows very little of the disadvantages which surrounded the pioneer farmer of Ohio. No longer is the farmer compelled to rise early in the morning and continue his labors far into the evening. The farmer of today can do as much work in a half-day as his father fifty years ago could do in a whole day. The free mail delivery leaves the daily paper on his doorstep each morning. The telephone puts him into communication with his neighbors, while the interurban car and automobile enable him to participate in all of the entertaining features of city life. The present generation of farmers has no forests to clear, few swamps to drain, and hundreds of inventions have been designed to lighten the labors of the farm and to make the toil less arduous. The flail of our fathers has given way to the threshing- machine; even the old-fashioned corn cutter is laid on the shelf and corn is now cut by machinery. The old-fashioned shucking. PREBLE COUNTY, OHIO - 517 peg has given way to the modern corn-shredder, and, surrounded by such conditions, the farmer of the present century can have all the advantages of the dwellers of the city with few of their disadvantages. The pioneer farmers are fast passing away and in the next few years they will be gone. The subject of this sketch is one of the present generation of farmers who is possessed of a comfortable competency and who has made a remarkable success in his chosen vocation. Edward R. Clark not only is well known in Jefferson township, but, as an enterprising and progressive farmer, is known throughout Preble county. Edward R. Clark was born June 15, 1870, in Wayne county, Indiana. He is now the proprietor of "Fair Mead" stock farm, consisting of two hundred and ninety acres one mile southeast of New Paris. Mr. Clark's parents were George W. and Martha A. (Reid) Clark, the former of whom was born in Union county, Indiana, in 1836, and the latter in New Paris, Ohio, in 1837. George W. Clark was the son of William and Emily (Ward) Clark. William Clark was a native of Maryland, and his wife was a native of Union county, Indiana. William Clark and Emily Ward were married in Union county, Indiana, and moved to Wayne county, Indiana, in 1862. They lived there until past middle age, when they moved to New Paris, Ohio, where they spent the rest of their lives. William Clark was a well-known millwright and skilled mechanic in his early life and he built many grist, saw and carding mills. He was an active and enterprising citizen and an upright man in every respect. He operated the famous Willow . Grove mill near Centerville, Indiana, under the firm name of Clark & Smith. William Clark and wife were the parents of six children, three of whom are now living: Martha, the wife of James Norton, of Ashley, Illinois; F. M., a retired miller of Richmond, Indiana, and O. P., who is secretary and treasurer of the Los Angeles (California) Title and Trust Company. George W. Clark was reared in Union and Wayne counties, Indiana, and was educated in the district schools. He learned the miller's trade and was engaged in this business for twenty-five years under the firm name of Clark & Yaryan. In 188o he purchased the farm now owned by Edward Clark and moved on it, living there until the fall of 1893, when he moved to New Paris, Ohio, where he died, December I, 1904. George W. Clark was 0-narried in Preble county, Ohio, and was the father of four children: W. R., a traveling salesman, who lives in New Paris ; Edward R., the subject-of this sketch ; Walter C., a traveling salesman, of New York City, and Mary, the wife of Earl C. Pence, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Edward R. Clark came to the farm when ten years old and was edu- 518 - PREBLE COUNTY, OHIO. gated in the Preble county schools and in New Paris. After he had finished his education, he began farming. . He has made an unusual success of farming and is an extensive breeder of the best grades of live stock. On November 15, 1893, Edward R. Clark was married to Carrie L. Kirkpatrick, a native of New Paris, Ohio, born February. 17, 1872, who was graduated from the New Paris High School. To this union three children have been born : Paul W., who was graduated from the New Paris high school and is now a student in Ohio State University at Columbus, Ohio; F. Mildred, who also was graduated from the New Paris high school, and Julian E., born December 23, 1914. Mr. and Mrs. Clark are members of the Christian church at New Paris and Mr. Clark is a deacon in this church and a member of the official board. Fraternally, he is a member and past master of Fellowship Lodge No. Io6, Free and Accepted Masons, and a member of Eaton Chapter, Royal Arch Masons. He is a member of New Paris Lodge No. 303, Independent Order of Odd Fellows and is a past grand in that lodge. He has represented the Masonic lodge at the Ohio grand lodge. Politically, Mr. Clark is a Republican and served as trustee of Jefferson township for ten years, and is now a member of the board of education of that township. Mr, Clark made a splendid record as a public official. In the township where he lives, his interest and ability as an educational director are generally recognized. The Clark family are popular socially in New Paris and Jefferson township and are well known throughout Preble county. Mr. Clark must be accepted as one of the leading citizens of this county. MARTIN J. CUNNINGHAM. The United States is the most cosmopolitan nation of the earth. Her citizens are drawn from every country and clime, and a residence of a few years in this country so imbues the newcomers with the American spirit that they become our best citizens. No nation has furnished better or more substantial citizens to this country than has the little island of Ireland. From the Emerald Isle have come many families who have won honored places in the communities where they have settled. Among the many families of Irish descent that have come to Ohio, there is none more loyal to the adopted country than the Cunningham family, of New Paris and Preble county. PREBLE COUNTY, OHIO - 519 Martin J. Cunningham, the present head. of the family in the New Paris section of Preble county, and a section foreman in the service of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company, was born in New Paris, Ohio, November 25, 1868, the son of Simon and Mary (Maloney) Cunningham,• the former born in County Clare, Ireland, in 1839, and The latter born in the same county. They came to the United States early in life and located at Richmond, Indiana. Simon Cunningham became a section foreman and for many years had charge of the same section of tracks now supervised by his son, Martin J. Simon Cunningham lived at Dayton a short time, but later located in New Paris, Ohio, where he spent the remainder of his life, his death occurring in .1878, his wife surviving him until June 13, 1907. They were the parents of nine children, five of whom are living: Thomas S., who is a fireman on the Rock Island & Pacific Railroad and lives in Chicago, Illinois; John F., who lives in Dayton, Ohio, and is in the state auditor's office; Maggie,. who is unmarried and lives in Chicago, Illinois; Martin J., the subject of this sketch, and Nora, the wife of A. J. Canny, who lives in New Paris. The deceased children are Michael, Simon A., Michael the second and Mary, vvho was the wife of William Colvin. Martin J. Cunningham was reared in New Paris, Ohio, and attended the public schools of the village. He was first employed as a water boy and in lighting the switch lamps on the Pennsylvania railroad: Later he was employed as section hand, and in April, 1888, was promoted to section foreman, in which capacity he is still serving. Mr. Cunningham was married January 26, ,1898, to Mary Westendorf, who was born in Aurora, Indiana, April 1o, 1875, and who lived. in Richmond until .she was married. Mrs. Cunningham was educated in the Catholic schools of Richmond, Indiana. After their marriage, Mr. and. Mrs. Cunningham began houskeeping in New Paris, Ohio. They were only modestly circumstanced when they started in life, but have managed to acquire a substantial competence and now own a splendid home in New Paris. They have one child living, Simon M., who was born March 26, 1900, and who is in his second year in the New Paris high .school. All of the members of the Cunningham family. are members of the Catholic church at New Paris. Mr. Cunningham is a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Ancient Order of Hibernians at Richmond, Indiana. Politically, he is a Democrat. Mr.. and Mrs. Cunningham are quiet, unassuming people and honorable citizens of New. Paris, where they have spent most of their lives. 520 - PREBLE COUNTY, OHIO. SOPHIA AND ELIZABETH REHFUSS. Two of the best known women living in the city of Eaton, Ohio, are Sophia and Elizabeth Rehfuss, whose home is at No. 223 Main street. The Misses Rehfuss are daughters of Martin and Catherine A. (Rehfuss) Rehfuss. Martin Rehfuss was born February II, 1827, in Balingen, Wurtemburg, Germany, and came to America in 1854, the trip across the Atlantic requiring seventy days. He first located at Franklin, Ohio, where he followed the tanner's trade, which trade he had previously learned in his native land. Later he came to Preble county and was in the tanning business for himself at West Alexandria, for two years. He then came to Eaton, Ohio, and engaged in the tannery business which he continued for forty years. In 1867 he built his home in Eaton, and also the building in which his business was housed, on South Beach street. Martin Rehfuss was married June 29, 1856, at Eaton, Ohio, to Catherine A. Rehfuss, who was boin September 4, 1837, in the same city as her husband, and who came to America when seventeen years of age. Mrs. Rehfuss was a faithful and loving mother and a dutiful and honored wife. To this union twelve children were born, nine of whom are now living. Rehfuss, Jr., a retired wholesale leather and harness dealer, married Emma Moffett, of Glenwood Springs, Colorado, and lives in Indianapolis, Indiana; Charles A., a druggist in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, married Cora Porter, of Belvidere, Illinois, and they have one daughter, Leonette; George, a wholesale harness and leather dealer of Peoria, Illinois, married Jennie Selby, of Peoria; . Jacob H., a druggist of Brooklyn, New York, married Mayme Sivers, of Stockton, California, and they had one child, who died in ininfacy; William H., unmarried, is engaged in the wholesale harness and leather business with his brother, George, at Peoria, Illinois,. Mary R., the widow of F. M. Deem, lives in Eaton, Ohio, and has one daughter, Marie Catherine Deem; Sophia and Elizabeth, both unmarried, and the immediate subjects of this sketch, living in Eaton, Ohio, and Carrie, the wife of Millard F. Michael, of Eaton, Ohio. The father of these children died on December 23, 1911, and his widow died on September 6, 1913. Mr. Rehfuss was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and also of the encampment. He loved his lodge very much and was a faithful attendant throughout his life, particularly in the days when he was enjoying good health. He was confirmed in the German Lutheran church in the old country. Martin Rehfuss was a man of genial disposition and much beloved in the community in which he lived PREBLE COUNTY, OHIO - 521 for so many years. His wife also was confirmed in the German Lutheran church at the age of fourteen in her native land, but there being no church of this denomination in Eaton, Mrs. Rehfuss later became a member of the First Presbyterian Church, and her four daughters are active and earnest workers in that church. Both Sophia and Elizabeth Rehfuss are women of strong mental attainments, are wide readers and are well informed in the sphere of women's activities. They are cultured and refined and popular in their home community, where they have a large circle of friends and acquaintances. WINFIELD S. PLUMMER. The .greatness of a community or state does not consist of the machinery of government or institutions, but rather of the sterling qualities of the individual citizen. In his capacity for high and unselfish effort and his devotion to the public welfare, Winfield S. Plummer has conferred honor and dignity upon his locality because he has led an honorable life, has been successful in his private business and is a potent influence for good in the community in which he lives. His labors have contributed to make Preble county one of the most flourishing and progressive sections of the state of Ohio. Winfield S. Plummer was born July 31, 1852, on the farm which he now owns in Washington township, Preble county, Ohio. He is the son of Thomas and Martha (Williams) Plummer, the former of whom was born in North Carolina. Thomas Plummer went with his parents to Indiana when a lad and lived there for a short time. Later he came to Preble county, Ohio, locating in Washington township, one-half mile southwest of Eaton. After a sometime residence there he went west to Iowa and later to Kansas, where he died. His widow returned to Preble county and lived here. the remainder of her life. Thomas Plummer and wife were the parents of six children, three of whom are living, Winfield S., the subject of this sketch, James W. Plummer, of Topeka, Kansas, and L. B., of Eaton, Ohio. Winfield S. Plummer was reared on the farm in Washington township and lived there until seventeen years old, at which time he went with his parents to Iowa. They lived there about eighteen months when they went to Kansas. Here they lived until 1901 when they returned to Preble county, 522 - PREBLE COUNTY, OHIO Ohio. Mr: Plummer received his education in the common schools of Ohio and Iowa. When he was twenty-one years: of age he homesteaded eighty acres and lived on this until the claim was proved. Later he lived on another eighty acres which his mother owned and bought eighty, acres in addition to that which he previously owned: In May, 1879, Winfield S: Plummer was married to Maria Lawson, the daughter of. James and Margaret Lawson, who was born in Indiana and educated in the public schools of Indiana and Iowa:. Mr. and Mrs: Plummer are the parents of four children, Bonnie, James B., Martha and Charles. Bonnie is the wife of Charles Stephens and lives in Eaton. James B. finished the district schools and took_a business course. He is now a farmer in Montana; Martha and Charles are at home with their parents. Mr. Plummer is the proprietor of "Crystal Springs" farm, consisting of one hundred and ninety-eight acres one-half mile southwest of Eaton, Ohio. He is a breeder of Mule-foot hogs, the herd being headed by "Plummer's Choice." All the rest of the stock is strictly high grade. Mr. Plummer is a quiet, unassuming, honorable citizen, highly respected in the community in which he lives. He and his wife are members of. the Christian church. He is identified with the Republican party, but has never taken an active part in political affairs. He is a member of the Fraternal Aid Association. JOHN SCHLOTTERBECK. The life which is most useful and desirable is the one which results in the greatest good to the greatest number. Though all do not reach the heights to which they aspire, yet in some things each can win success and make life a blessing to his fellow men. It is not necessary for one to occupy eminent public position to do so, for in other walks of life there remains much good to be accomplished and many opportunities for the exercise of talent and influence that in some way will touch the lives of those with whom We come in contact, making their lives better and brighter. No profession perhaps, offers a better opportunity for doing good and making one's self felt in the world than that of education. In the educational life of Preble county, Ohio, John Schlotterheck, the superintendent of schools at Eldorado, occupies a prominent place, and his career. forcibly illustrates what a life of PREBLE COUNTY, OHIO - 523. energy can accomplish when plans are wisely laid and actions are governed by right principles and high ideals. John Schlotterbeck was born in Twin township, Preble county, Ohio, February II, 1887, the son of Leo and Abbie (Penrod) Schlotterbeck. Leo Schlotterbeck was born in Preble county, Ohio, while his wife was a native of Shelby county, Ohio. After their marriage they resided on a farm in the latter county for two years, at the end of which time they came to Preble county, locating in Twin township, where they lived until 1905, in which year Mr. Schlotterbeck went to Lewisburg, where for some years he engaged in the mercantile business,. and is now a retired merchant of that village. Leo Schlotterbeck and wife are the parents of ten children, as follow : Christian, who -was graduated froth Northwestern University, at Naperville, Illinois, and is a teacher in the public schools of Monroe township in this county.; Elma, the wife of Jacob Laird ; Jennie, the wife of George Stockslager ; John, the immediate subject of this review ; Agnes, a graduate of the high school at Lewisburg, is now the wife of Roscoe Snyder ; Elkanah, a student at Bonebrake Seminary, a training school for the ministry in the United Brethren church ; Susie, a graduate of the high school; is the wife of Everett Berly ; Mary, also a graduate of the high school is the wife of Ralph Birely ; Grant, a:. graduate of the high school, is unmarried and lives at home ; Seth, a student in the high school at Lewisburg, Ohio. John Schlotterbeck was married November 16, 1909, to Mary Waggoner, a daughter of William and Sarah Waggoner. Mrs. Schlotterbeck was reared in Monroe township, receiving her education in the common schools. To this union three children have been born : Geneva, aged five; Lavone, aged three, and Helen, aged one. Mr. Schlotterbeck has served as principal of the Eldorado high school for four years, and as superintendent for one year. He was graduated from the Lewisburg high school and has done work at Earlham College, Antioch College and at Oxford. Politically, Mr. Schlotterbeck is a Democrat, and has been somewhat active in local politics. His father always has been prominent in local politics. The Schlotterbeck family are all members of the church. Leo, the father, is superintendent of the United Brethren church at Lewisburg at the present time. Christian and wife' are members of the Wares chapel in Monroe township ; Jennie and husband are members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Lewisbutg ;John and wife and Elma'and husband hold membership at the Lutheran church at Lewisburg while the other members of the family are workers in and members of the United Brethren church at Lewisburg. 524 - PREBLE COUNTY, OHIO. Leo Schlotterbeck is- a prominent member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, while John is a member of the Knights of Pythias. John Schlotterbeck is a quiet, unassuming man, an honorable citizen of Preble county, who has added and will continue to add distinction to the citizenship of this great county, and very properly is held in the highest regard by all who have been brought in touch with his engaging personality. JOSEPH LONGANECKER. Preble county has been the home and the scene of the labors of many men who not only led lives which served as lessons and inspirations to those who followed after them, but who also were of important service to the generation in which they labored. Elder Joseph Longanecker, who, in his generation, is included in this class, is a man of well-rounded character, sincere, devoted and loyal. His labors long have been direCted toward the growth of righteous living in the community he so long has served. Elder Longanecker is a man of pleasing personality, of abiding and fixed convictions and an efficient and capable leader of public movements within the range of his activity. Joseph Longanecker, a minister of the gospel and a retired farmer living on Rural Route 1, out of West Manchester, Ohio, is a native of Miami county, this state, born September 19, 1848, the son of Benjamin and Rebecca (Wilbaum) Longanecker. Benjamin Longanecker was the son of Henry and Anna (Hart) Longanecker. Henry Longanecker was a native of Pennsylvania, who migrated with his family to Miami county, about the year 1835, settling on an unbroken farm near Covington. He cleared away a place in the woods and there spent the rest of his life. He was a pioneer minister of the gospel. He and his wife were the parents of four sons and five daughters, Benjamin, David, Sarah, Anna, Esther, Henry, Fannie, Susanna and Isaac, all of whom are now deceased. Benjamin Longanecker was born in 1818 and died in 1905, his whole life having been spent. in Miami county. He was a deacon in the church for many years and was a blacksmith by trade. He was also a farmer, having owned several farms in Miami county subsequent to 1853. Benjamin Longanecker was the father of thirteen children, all of whom are living and who are active church workers. No one of his nine sons chews, smokes or drinks and all of them vote the Prohibition ticket. The children are