600 - PREBLE COUNTY, OHIO. was graduated from the veterinary department of this institution in 1906, with high honors. He first practiced his profession as an inspector for the United States government at Chicago, Illinois. He held this position fore about two and one-half years, and during that time he was transferred to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he was an inspector of live stock until 1912. That year he came to Lewisburg, and started a livery business, which he still. operates in connection with the practice of his profession. Doctor Bittle has. been very successful as a veterinarian and enjoys a large and lucrative practice, which he well merits because of his thorough training and extensive information concerning the treatment of disease among farm animals. Doctor Bittle was married in 1909, to Miss Grace Foster, who was. born July 19, 189o, in Harrison township, Preble county, Ohio, a daughter. of Jesse and Elizabeth (Vaughn) Foster. Her father is a contractor and builder at Lewisburg. To this happy union three children have been born,. Virginia, James and Don. Doctor Bittle is a Democrat and is always more or less interested in political affairs. Fraternally he is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons. Doctor and Mrs. Bittle are members of the United Brethren church. and are active in the affairs of this denomination. Dr. Seymour Bittle is a man who, while he has devoted himself industriously in the practice of his. profession and to his own personal business interests, has not failed to give to worthy public interests and movements the attention which they deserve from representative citizens. Doctor Bittle is a representative citizen of Preble county, and a man who especially, because of his professional suc cess, is entitled to representation in this volume. MRS. CEVILLA FINNEY. Mrs. Cevilla Finney needs no introduction to the people of Preble county since her entire life has been spent in this county. Her life has been devoted not only to the comfort and happiness of her family, but to the welfare of all the people of the community. Mrs. Finney is an honor-- able representative of one of the well-known families of Preble county, her father having filled no small place in the industrial life of this cOunty in his. day and generation. Mrs. Civilla Finney, the widow of the late Lewis. Finney, who died in 1910, is a splendid type of the intelligent, progressive, public-spirited woman, of the present generation. She is a woman of ex- PREBLE COUNTY, OHIO - 601 ceptional business ability and since the death of her husband has revealed this ability in managing her large real estate interests. Mrs. Cevilla Finney was born on October r, 1851, in Harrison township, Preble county, Ohio, the daughter of Christian and Mary (Richard) Disher, to whom four children were born, Mrs. Finney, who was the eldest; George, who is a farmer in Preble county. Matthias; who lives in Harrison township, this county, and Mrs. Elizabeth Horn, of Lewisburg, this county. Christian Disher was born on October 6, 1825, in Virginia, and came to Preble county, Ohio, when four years old with his parents. He was reared on a farm and remained on a farm until his death, on February 12, 1897, at the age of seventy-two years. His wife, who was Mary Richard, was born in Preble county on November 3o, 1830, and died here on April 21, 1888, aged fifty-eight years. After attending the district schools of Harrison township, Mrs. Finney attended the public schools of Euphemia, Ohio. She was married at Brookville, Ohio, in 1879, to Lewis Finney, who was born in Warren county, Ohio, March 20, 1848, and who passed away on Februday 9, 1910. Lewis Finney was a son of Patrick and Margaret (Nolder) Finney, the former a native of Ireland and the latter of Ohio. Lewis Finney was a shoemaker by trade, having learned this trade prior to 1875. He was reared in the town of Morrow, Ohio, his father having been a boot and shoe maker, who learned his trade in Philadelphia after coming from Ireland. In 1861 Lewis Finney came to this county, locating at Lewisburg, where he started a boot and shoe store. He began on a small scale but built the business up gradually and acquired an extensive trade in shoes and boots. At the time of his death, he owned several. business blocks in Lewisburg and farm land in Harrison township, this county. Mr. Finney at one time belonged to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. At the time of his death he was president of the Preble County Horse Thief Detective. Association. He was a prosperous, enterprising citizen and upright in all of his business dealings. Mrs. Finney now owns three hundred and forty-six acres of highly productive and fertile land in Preble county. Besides this extensive interest in farm property, Mrs. Finney also owns many city lots in Dayton and Lewisburg, Ohio. She is a heavy stockholder in the Lewisburg Electric Light Company and gives to all of her business interests her personal attention. Although not a member of any church, Mrs. Finney contributes cheerfully to all denominations and institutions. She is considered as a free 602 - PREBLE COUNTY, OHIO. thinker and freely recognizes the good done by all religious denominations. In this respect she is nobly carrying on the work of her departed husband. Mr. and Mrs. Finney were the parents of one daughter, Mrs. Josephine Markey, who was graduated from the Lewisburg high school and who also attended the music school at Ohio Northern University at Ada, Ohio. Mrs. Markey is a talented musician and popular in a wide circle. It is a pleasure to the biographer of this volume to present the life story of a woman who is- so prominently identified with all of the public movements in Harrison township, a woman who is known far and wide for her unselfish character and her many good works. Mrs. Finney is one of those women. who are eminently entitled to representation in a volume which contains the life stories of the leading men and women of Preble county. ALLEN GARBER. In the anxious and laborious struggle for an honorable competency and a substantial career on the part of the average farmer, fighting the everyday battles of life, there is little to attract the idle reader in search of a sensational chapter. There are noble and moral lessons in the lives of the man, who without other means than a clear mind, a strong arm and a true heart, wins fortune and gains not only a temporary reward for his toil but also that which is better and higher, the respect and confidence of those with whom his sphere of active life has placed him in contact. Such a man is Allen Garber, a retired farmer of Harrison township, Preble county, Ohio. Allen Garber was born on February 6, 1838, in Montgomery county, Ohio, the son of Jonathan and Katherine (Rife) Garber, who were the parents of seventeen children, Calvin B., born on December 18, 1836, died in infancy ; Allen, the subject of this sketch ; Mrs. Sarah Comer, born on October 19, 1839, deceased ; Mrs. Nancy Miller, born on December 10, 1840, deceased ; Mrs. Hannah Kimmel, born on April 4, 1842, deceased ; Daniel B., born on May 12, 1843, now living in Darke county, Ohio ; Jacob B., born on June 23, 1844, living in Auburn, Illinois ; Mrs. Mary Bowman, born on March 28, 1846, deceased ; Elizabeth B., born on January 1, 1848, now living on the home place; Catherine, born on April 3o, 1849, also living on the home place; Mrs. Hetty Miller, born on July 14, 185o, now living in Jefferson township ; Mrs. Barbara Miller, born on September 27, 1851, now living in Monroe township ; Mrs. Rachel Kuhns, born on April 30, 1854; now living in PREBLE COUNTY, OHIO - 603 Montgomery county ; Jonathan, born on February 17, 1856, now living in Montgomery county ; Samuel, born on April 25, 1858, now living in Montgomery county; George, born on January 6, 186o, also living in Montgomery county, and Ruth, born on November 24, 1861, deceased. George, Elizabeth and Catherine own the home farm where the three live together.. Jonathan Garber was born in 1814 in Rockingham. county, Virginia. He was a shoemaker by trade, having learned this trade in Virginia. He came to Ohio in an early day, locating in Montgomery county, where he engaged in farming, and where he spent the remainder of his life, his death occurring in 189o. His wife was born in 1815 in Rockingham county, Virginia and died in 1874. Allen Garber was devoted to the farm from the time he was old enough to do odd chores. He attended the district schools of Montgomery county but was compelled to work most of the time and it was not possible for him to obtain a very liberal education. He came to Preble county, Ohio, October 27, 1867, and began farming his father's land. He rented for a time and then purchased one hundred and five acres. Mr. Garber now owns two hundred and ten acres in Harrison township, comprising a well-improved farm. During the period of his active career he was an extensive breeder of Holstein cattle and made many exhibits at Darke and Preble county fairs. At one time he was engaged in the implement business at West Sonora and sold the first wheat binder' that came into Preble county. Mr. Garber has lately moved to his modern home situated on ten acres of land in section 22 of Harrison township and here he will spend the remaining days of his life, surrounded by all of the comforts which his early toil has won. Allen Garber has been married twice, the first time, in 1867, to Katherine Kimmel, who was born in Montgomery county, Ohio, and who died in 1871. Two children were born to this union, both of whom died in infancy. Mr. Garber married, secondly, in 1876, Adeline I. Hapner, who was born on March 1, 1845, in Warren county, Ohio, and who was the daughter of Morgan M. and Minerva (Snorf) Hapner, the former of whom was born. November 12, 1818, in Preble county, and died on August 15, 1851, and the latter of whom was born on May 9, 1823, in Warren county and died on January 22, 1906. To Allen and Adeline (Hapner) Garber, five children have been born, as follows : Lee R., of Indianapolis, Indiana ; Alpharati, who lives at home ; Virgil, of Harrison township ; Mrs. Nina Hecathorne, of Eaton, Ohio, and Mrs. Vina Rider; who lives on the home place. Mr. Garber is a Democrat and at one time was trustee of Harrison town- 604 - PREBLE COUNTY, OHIO. ship, a position which he filled with credit to himself and, to the people who elected him to this position. He is an active member of the agricultural board and is recognized as a man familiar with all the "ins and outs" of farming, his advice frequently being sought by young farmers of the present generation. He is highly respected and honored by all the citizens of the locality wherein he resides. HARRY H. FLORY. Splendid achievements always excite admiration. Men of large deeds are the men the world delights to honor. Ours is an age representing the greatest progress in all lines of material activity. The man of initiative is the one who forges to the front. Among the well known citizens of Preble county, Ohio, and among those who have been prominent in many lines of activity, a place of priority must be accorded to Harry H. Flory, of Harrison township. He is; in the fullest sense of the term, a progressive, self-made American, thoroughly in harmony with the spirit of the advanced age in which he lives, conducting his farming and business matters as carefully and as systematically, as do those at the head of great industrial enterprises in the city. In all of his career he has displayed an aptitude for successful management. He has not permitted the accumulation of a competence to affect in any way his actions toward those less fortunate than himself and is a most sympathetic and broad-minded man, in consequence of which he has a host of warm and admiring friends. Harry H. Flory, the son of James A. and the grandson of Henry Flory, was born, February 15, 1877, in Lewisburg, Ohio. In March, 1877, his father moved out along the county line, three and one-half miles northeast of Lewisburg, to a place known as the Adam House estate. At this time the country was mostly wooded. James A. Flory cleared his farm and for many years afterwards was engaged in the nursery business, making a specialty of small fruits. There he reared his family of five children, Harry, Pearl, John, Charles and May. In 1872 James A. Flory married Margaret Brock, a member of one of the pioneer families of Darke county. Margaret Brock had been put into the hands of strangers near Middletown when a little girl on account of the death of her mother, who left a family of eleven children. When she had reached maturity she came to Preble county, locating at Lewisburg, where PREBLE COUNTY, OHIO - 605 she worked for John Snyder, a hotel keeper, until her marriage. The entire Brock family became well known for their family reunions and the longevity of the members of the family. The youngest of the family of eleven children was fifty-five before there was a break in the family. Daniel, who was the first to die, passed away in January, 1915. James A. Flory served four years as a Union soldier in the Civil War and wrote a history of Sherman's march to the sea. He and his wife are now retired from the farm and live in Dayton, where they will spend their declining days. The sons are known for miles around for their gigantic size and the part they have taken in building up the community. They are well scattered in this country. Pearl is engaged in business in Cleveland; Charles lives in Chicago; John in Dayton and Harry on the old home farm. These sons and the daughter have made it possible for their father and mother to see some of the wonders of the world, in fact, the entire family has traveled widely, seeing the best things the world has to offer. Harry H. Flory married Jennie Furry, the daughter of Martin Furry, who lives near Johnsville, Ohio. To this union there was born one child, Isabella, who died on August 11, 1903. Harry H. Flory has been popular for many years as a public speaker and campaign orator and debater. He is a temperance speaker of rare force and eloquence and has become famous throughout eastern Ohio as one who speaks straight from the shoulder and tells plain truths in a forceful way. He possesses an extensive library and has been a student from the time he was seven years old. He still puts in a great deal of time in his library. He is an extensive contributor to magazines and farm papers and is the author of "Little Brown's Pioneer History." Mr. Flory has been a farmer since leaving the law office of Charles W: Finch in Dayton in 1902. He is a man who follows strictly scientific principles on the farm and has been engaged in the general stock raising business for the past twelve years. During this period he has raised and sold more hogs than any other man in Harrison township. Mr. Flory is rated as one .of the foremost citizens of Preble county. He is a power in Preble county and a booster in all things. He and his good wife believe 'in following in the footsteps of the Master and are devoutly religious in all of their thoughts and .actions. They believe in the efficacy of prayer and that there is a Supreme Being who will answer the supplication of His faithful servants on this earth. No history of Preble county would be complete that did not contain the life story of Harry H. Flory and his wife. 606 - PREBLE COUNTY, OHIO. WILLIAM A. CORWIN. Among the representative farmers of Preble county is the subject of this sketch, who owns a splendid farm in Harrison township. Mr. Corwin is carrying on various phases of farm industry with discretion and energy and is sure to find definite success. He has always been a hard worker, a good manager and a man of economical habits. Being fortunately situated in a thriving farming community, it is no wonder that he stands today in the front ranks of the agriculturists of this favored locality. William A. Corwin, a tobacco grower and farmer, was born, March 1, 1849, on the farm he now owns. He is the son of James and Malinda (Grisson) Corwin, to whom four children were born, as follows : Cortland, who lived many years at Eaton and died at Dayton, Ohio, in 1909, was ex-sheriff and a farmer, merchant and hotel keeper; Mrs. Elizabeth Arnold, who lives in Monroe township ; William A., the subject of this sketch; and Mrs. Margaret Housman, of Harrison township. James Corwin was born on October 10, 1816, in Warren county, Ohio, and in 1826, came with his parents to Preble county, where he farmed until his death. which occurred in 1888. He was the son of Mathias and Margaret (Snorf) Corwin, who were of English descent and who came to Ohio from Kentucky. James Corwin's wife, who was Malinda Grisson before her marriage, was born December 19, 1814, in Virginia and died in Harrison township, this county, in 1889. William A. Corwin was reared on the farm where he now lives and remained with his father until he had reached his majority. He then rented land and began farming for himself. After renting for several years, he purchased the old homeplace and has made improvements costing in the neighborhood of twelve thousand dollars. He has a large, modern home and other buildings to correspond, located close to the Pennsylvania railroad line. He has eighty-five acres of well-improved land, eight acres of which is in natural timber. Mr. Corwin for years has grown tobacco and has invariably received the top price for his product. He keeps good grades of cattle, horses and hogs and they have proved very profitable to him. On October 8, 1874, William A. Corwin was married to Amanda Fetters, who was born on December 22, 1851, in Montgomery county, Ohio, the daughter of Solomon and Katherine (Williams) Fetters, both of whom were natives of Ohio. To this union four children were born, Wade, who is a farmer in Harrison township ; Mrs. Mazy Siler, who lives in Monroe town- PREBLE COUNTY, OHIO - 607 ship, Preble county ; Raymond C., who lives in Dayton, Ohio, and Mrs. Nolah Fitzwater, who lives with Mr. and Mrs. Corwin. Mr. Corwin has always been interested in the educational affairs of his township and has been a conspicuous member of the school board. He also has been interested in good roads and lately has been a supervisor of a road district in Harrison township. Mr. Corwin is an ardent Republican and he and his family are members of the Christian church, in the affairs of which denomination they take an active interest. Fraternally, Mr. Corwin is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. JOHN WHIPP. Self-assertion is believed by many people. to be absolutely necessary to success in life. There are good reasons for the entertainment of such belief. The honest man very rarely gets what is due him, the selfish and restive man elbows his way to the front, taking all that is in sight, until it sometimes seems that modesty is a sin, with self-denial the penalty. There are, however, exceptions to all rules and it is a matter greatly to be regretted that the exceptions to the rule are not more numerous. One notable exception is John Whipp, a prominent auctioneer of Preble county, Ohio, who lives at Lewisburg. John Whipp is a man who is possessed of sufficient modesty to be a gentleman at all times and yet sufficient persistency to win in the business world. As a result of these happily-blended qualities, Mr. Whipp has won a host of friends in Preble and adjoining counties where he is well known to all classes as a man of influence, integrity and business judgment. He is particularly well known because of his vocation. John Whipp was born on July 20, 1849; in Warren county, Ohio, the son of Daniel and Elizabeth (Brelsford) Whipp, to whom fourteen children were born, four girls and ten boys. Four of the family are deceased. Daniel Whipp was born in Pennsylvania, in 1822. He came with his parents to Ohio, locating in Warren county, where he remained and farmed until 1858, in which year he moved to Montgomery county, where he farmed for six years and then retired, -moving to Covington, Ohio, where he died in 1877. Mrs. Daniel Whipp, the mother of John Whipp, was born about 1823 in Warren county, Ohio, and died in 1895. John Whipp was reared on the farm and in the early days was compelled to work hard, at home, in consequence of which he received very little 608 - PREBLE COUNTY, OHIO. education. He was married when he was about twenty-one years old and for a time thereafter rented land in different localities. Finally he purchased thirty-one acres in Twin township, this county, which he farmed until 1909, in which year he moved to Lewisburg, where he had property and in 1895 began crying farm sales. He is now well known throughout Darke, Montgomery and Preble counties, Ohio, as a successful auctioneer. Mr. Whipp has cried from sixty-five to eighty sales in a single season. In 1873, John Whipp was married to Mary Ellen Snyder, who was born on February 23, 1851, in Montgomery county, Ohio, the daughter of James and Elizabeth (Shank) Snyder, natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio, respectively. To this union four children have been born, Jesse, who lives at Lewisburg, Ohio; Mrs: Gertrude Wigger; of Harrison township; Mrs. Katherine Bierly, also of Harrison township; and Edward, deceased, who was the second child born to his parents. Politically, Mr. Whipp is a Republican. He is a member of the Reformed church and he and his wife are prominent in the local affairs of this church. No history of Preble county would be complete that did not contain the life story of John Whipp, the well-known auctioneer. WILLIAM TONEY. Men who have been fortunate in their struggle for wealth and affluence and who are the pride of the community made notable for their success are always the leaders of agriculture and business. Among the retired farmers of Preble county few have attained a larger measure of success than William Toney, of Eaton. In this century, when every modern device for farming is obtainable and when success depends for a large part on the wise management of the farmer, it is hard for us to realize the handicaps of the farmers of the last century, when farming implements were so crude and so much depended on manual labor. Despite all handicaps, privations and hardships, some farmers made a wonderful success and one of these 'farmers is William Toney. William Toney was born in Dixon township, Preble county, Ohio, July 15, 1838, the son of Herman and Fannie (Kingery) Toney, natives of Virginia and Indiana, respectively, who were the parents of six children : William ; Carey, of Dixon township; Jonathan, deceased; James, of Dixon township, and two who died young. The father of William Toney was a small PREBLE COUNTY, OHIO - 609 boy when he was brought by his parents from Virginia to Preble county, and grew to manhood in the latter county. He was always a farmer in Dixon township. Herman Toney started in for himself in early manhood on one hundred and sixty acres of land, which he improved and where he reared his family. He added to this farm until he at one time owned seven hundred and twenty acres. He lived to the age of eighty-seven, and his wife died at the. age of forty years. They both belonged to the German Baptist church. The paternal grandparents of William Toney were Carey and Elizabeth Toney, natives of. Virginia and pioneer settlers of Preble county, Ohio, where they were farmers. They died in Preble county, he at the remarkable age of one hundred and four and she at the age of one hundred and three. To them were born eight children : William, Archibald, Jesse, Squire, Harmon, James, Jonathan and Fannie. Carey Toney was a soldier in the War of 1812. The maternal grandparents of William Toney were Jacob and Barbara Kingery, early settlers in Union county, Indiana, where they died. Their children were Balsar, Samuel and Fannie. William Toney was reared on his father's farm in Preble county and attended the district schools. He lived at home until grown and then began farming one of his father's farms of one hundred and sixty acres, which his father afterward deeded to him. He lived on this farm until he moved to Eaton in 1910. He bought another tract of one hundred and sixty acres, another of one hundred and twenty and one of eighty. He gave one hundred and twenty acres to his son, Andrew H., who now resides in Eaton, Ohio. On December 29, 1859, William Toney was married to Elizabeth Witt, the daughter of Andrew and Eleanor (Swafford) Witt, to which union three children were born, Andrew H., Orla L. and Minta Alice. Andrew H. is a farmer in Dixon township. He married Ida Flora and they have six children : Grace, Ellen, Ambrose, Ansel, Earl and Ezra. Of these children, Grace married Richard Parker and has two children, Dearl and Andrew. Ellen married Emmett Druley and has three children, Olive, Elbert and Verl. Ambrose married Allie Hart and they have one son, Kendrick, and one daughter, Louise. Ansel married Stella Dunlap and has two children, Ivan Dunlap and Elvin Owen. Earl married Ethel Dunlap and has one daughter, Janet. Orla L., the second child of William Toney, died at the age of twenty-one, nine clays after his marriage to Cora Parks. Minta Alice died at the age of one year eleven months and two days. Mrs. William Toney was born in Harrison township, Union county, (39) 610 - PREBLE COUNTY, OHIO. Indiana, July 3, 1842. Her father, Andrew Witt, came from Virginia and her mother was born in Indiana. They lived nearly all of their married life in Union county, Indiana. Her father died in 1867 at the age of fifty-six years and seven months. Her mother died November 13, 191o, at the age of ninety-six years and seven months. Mr. and Mrs. Witt were the parents. of ten children, the first three dying in infancy and the others being Isaac,. Elizabeth, John, Malinda, Andrew, Lewis and Ross paternal grandparents of Mrs. William Toney were John and Elizabeth Witt. They were the parents of eight children : Sarah, Margaret, Elizabeth, Mary, Andrew,. John, George and Daniel. Her maternal grandparents were Isaac and Sarah (Armstrong) Swafford. They also reared a large family, including Eleanor, Rebecca, Sarah, Elizabeth, 'Archibald, James and William. Throughout his life William Toney has been active in the political affairs. of Preble county. He is a Republican and has served as township treasurer, trustee and as school director, all of which positions he has discharged conscientiously and efficiently, and in such a manner as to earn the commendation and approval of the constituents to whom he was responsible. Mr. and Mrs.. Toney are active and devoted members of the Christian (New Light) church and contribute loyally to the support of this church. ANDERSON LYONS. One of the most enterprising of the present generation of farmers in Preble county; Ohio, who has believed from the outset of his career that the wisdom of yesterday is sometimes the' folly of today and that,. while the methods of our grandfathers in tilling' the soil were all right in their day, yet in the twentieth century were compelled to adopt new methods, along different lines. In view of the fact that conditions of climate, soil, etc.; have. changed since the days of the pioneers, Anderson Lyons has been a close. observer of modern methods and is a student at all times of whatever pertains to his chosen life work. He has, therefore, met with encouraging success all along the line. Judging from his past record; he will yet achieve-wider and larger success in this favored section, noted for its fine farms and. skillful farmers. Anderson Lyons, a well known farmer and stockman of Harrison township, was born on April 26, 1803, in this county, the son of Frederick and Susannah (Link) Lyons, to whom seven Children were born Frederick Lyons was born on October 3, 1821, in Preble county, and died on September- PREBLE COUNTY, OHIO - 611 12, 1903. He was a great potato raiser, having at one time the largest crop ever grown in Preble county. He was also noted for his large herd of Poland-China hogs. His wife, who, before her marriage, was Susannah Link, was born on November 1826, in Preble county, and died on September 5, 191o. Anderson Lyons has always lived on the farm. When a young man he attended the district schools of his locality and when twenty-two years of age, he rented land from his father in Darke county. Two years later, when he was twenty-four years of age, his father gave him one hundred and ten acres of land in Noble county, Indiana, and Mr. Lyons bought thirty acres more and farmed this for nine years. At the end of this period, he sold out and returned to Preble county, where he since has purchased one hundred and eighty-five acres of land in Harrison township. At the very first, he began making improvements on the farm by replacing the old buildings with new ones. Among other things, he has erected a thoroughly modern house and barn, which are a credit to any Preble county farm or any Preble county farmer: Mr. Lyons' house is equipped with steam heat and running water throughout, both hot and cold, and he uses an acetylene lighting system. He also has running water in the barn. All of these things Mr. Lyons planned himself and they are a distinct evidence of his genius as a successful farmer because everything is designed to fulfill two ends, comfort and utility. Mr. Lyons has twenty acres of natural timber and has set out a large orchard. He has always kept a good grade of stock on his farm. One of the unique features which may be seen on his farm is a mammoth bull, which Mr. Lyons uses in the harness along with his horses for plowing and other work. There is nothing like this to be found in all Preble county. On November 2, 1884, Anderson Lyons was married to Jane Gantz, who was born May 31, 1856, not far from Enterprise, in Preble county, Ohio, a daughter of Samuel and Susannah (Stiver) Gantz, the former of whom was born in Pennsylvania and the latter in Montgomery county, Ohio. They were farmers in Preble county and both are now deceased. To Anderson and Jane (Gantz) Lyons eight children have been born, Mrs. Clara Miles, of New Hope. Ohio ; Oscar F., of Dennison, Texas; Forrest F., who is at home; Mrs. Theresa Bowers, who lives in Washington township, Preble county ; Leroy I., Harry W., Grace and Mary, who are at home. Mr. Lyons is an independent voter and he and his family are members of the United Brethren church at West Sonora and are active in the affairs of that church. Anderson Lyons is well known as an enterprising farmer, a successful business man and a good neighbor. - 612 - PREBLE COUNTY, OHIO. CASPER F. PORMAN. In the history of Preble county, Ohio, Casper F. Porman occupies a conspicuous place as a farmer. For many years he has been one of the representative farmers of Harrison township, progressive, enterprising and persevering. Such qualities always win success sooner or later, and to Mr. Porman they have brought a satisfactory reward for his well-directed efforts. While he has benefited himself and the community in a material way, he has also been an influential factor in the educational, political and moral uplift of the community favored by his residence. Casper F. Porman was born in Germany, February 18, 1865, the son of John F. and Margaret Porman, to whom eight children were born, five in Germany and three in Preble county, Ohio, as follow : John H., who was born in Germany, is deceased; Casper F., with whom this narrative deals, is the second child ; Mrs. Mary Etzler, who was born in Germany, is now living in Harrison township, in this county ; Detrich F., a farmer in Harrison town ship, Preble county; Mrs. Hannah Huechting, a widow now living in Euphemia, Ohio ; one who died in infancy ; John D., of Euphemia, Ohio, and another who died in infancy. John H. Forman was born in 1836 in Germany and came to this country in the spring of 1874, settling in Lanier township, Preble county, Ohio, where he worked by the day, raising tobacco for different people. In 1881 he purchased a small farm in Twin township, and farmed there until his death in February, 1889. Mrs. John H. Porman, who, before her marriage, was Margaret Unger, was born on February 5, 1838, in Germany, and died at her home in this county, July 12, 1900. Casper F. Porman attended the district schools of Preble county after coming here with his parents in 1874, receiving most of his education in the school at Enterprise. He started to work early in life, working as a farm hand when only thirteen years of age, giving his money to his parents until he was seventeen years old. Following this he began working for himself, and upon the death of his father took charge of the home place. He farmed this place for four years, and then moved to Twin township, where he rented land for two years. In 1895 Mr. Porman purchased the old Simmie House farm of one hundred and sixty acres, 'and in 1902 he sold a portion of this farm and purchased twenty-four acres in section 25, of Harrison township, and there he has made extensive improvements. This farm is located on the old National road, and Mr. Porman has built an all-modern house on this PREBLE COUNTY, OHIO - 613 place, at a cost of fifteen hundred dollars, and in 1901 erected a large and commodious barn, forty by sixty feet. In 1913 he erected another residence and barn and outbuildings about as fine and substantial as the one he lives in as a home for his tenant. In addition to this, Mr. Porman has kept all his farm buildings, fencing, etc., in a thorough state of repair, and his farm presents an attractive appearance and reflects credit upon its owner. Mr. Porman now owns one hundred and nine acres of land that has been built up by him to a high state of fertility, although when he got it. it was so badly run down as to be of little value. Throughout his career as a farmer he has kept high-grade live stock at all times, and makes a specialty of small grain. In 1901 Casper F. Porman was married to Anna Glander, who was born, May 28, 1871, in Lanier township, Preble county, Ohio, a daughter of Detrich and Martha J. (Ryder) Glander, natives of Germany and Ohio, respectively. No children have been born to this union. Mr. Porman is a Democrat, but with the exception of serving a term as land assessor of Harrison township, which office he held in 1900, he has never been particularly active in political affairs. Mr. Porman is a member of the Evangelical Lutheran church and his good wife belongs to the Reformed church and both have been active in the church and Sunday school. Fraternally, Mr. Porman is an active member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Casper Forman is a representative farmer, influential and respected citizen, who possesses, in a large degree, the confidence and esteem of his neighbors. HENRY HINEA. Self-assertion is believed by many people to be absolutely necessary to success in life. There are good reasons for entertaining this belief. The modest man very rarely gets what is due him. The selfish, aggressive man elbows his way to the front, takes all that is in sight and it sometimes seems that modesty is,. a sin and self-denial is the penalty. Henry Hinea, a well-known farmer and stock man of Harrison township, Preble county, Ohio, is a worthy exception to this rule. Mr. Hinea is a modest man in every respect but he has possessed sufficient self-assertion to win the battles of life and he also has a host of friends in Lewisburg and vicinity, where he is well known to all classes as a man of influence, integrity and business ability. Mr. Hinea is a native of the township in which he lives and the confidence of 614 - PREBLE COUNTY, OHIO. which he is now possessed has been won by his own efforts, he having been almost wholly unaided in attaining his ambitions and ideals. Henry Hinea was born on February 15, 1868, in Harrison township, the son of Calvin and Barbara (Studebaker) Hinea, who were the parents of nine children, all of whom are living save one, as follow: Mrs. Emma Colvill, of Dayton, Ohio; Henry, the subject of this sketch; Charles, of Dayton, Ohio; Mrs. Lula Arnold and Mrs. Mollie Hoffman, both of Dayton, Ohio; Mrs. Mamie Hoffman, of Harrison township; Mrs. Jennie Cassel, of Columbus, Ohio; Harvey (deceased), and Vernie, of Duluth, Minnesota. Calvin Hinea, the father of Henry Hinea, was born on July 29, 1843, in Maryland, and was reared on a farm there. In 1851 he came to Preble county, and purchased a farm in Harrison township. After farming in Harrison township for a few years, he returned to Maryland to his old home and continued to live there until 1882, when he returned .to Preble county and farmed until his retirement in 189o, his death occurring two years later. His wife, who was Barbara Studebaker before her marriage, was born on May 27, 1845, in Harrison township, Preble county, the daughter of David and Rachel (Mills) Studebaker, both natives of Pennsylvania. She died on November 4, 1914. Henry Hinea, the subject of this sketch, has been a farmer almost all his life. His education was confined to the district schools of his neighborhood and upon leaving school, he began working as a farm hand, in which capacity, from 1887 until 189o, he worked for different persons. In the latter year, he rented land and began farming for himself. He farmed until 1906 when he moved to Dayton, Ohio, and there was employed as an electric motorman and conductor for one year. In the meantime, however, he had purchased sixty acres of land, the farm which he now owns in Harrison township. He remained in Dayton until 1908 when he moved to the farm he now owns. He has a well-improved place in Harrison township and is an extensive breeder of Duroc-Jersey hogs. He raises about one hundred and twenty-five head every year for the market, and has found hogs to be a very profitable investment. In 1901, Mr. Hinea was married to Ida Brown, who was born on May 6, 1865, in Harrison township, Preble county, the daughter of Michael and Elmira (Dinwiddie) Brown, a sketch of whose life history and ancestry is presented elsewhere in this volume. To this union three children have been born, Grace, Frieda and Ozro, all of whom are living at home. Mr. Hinea is a Democrat and in recent years has been able to give some PREBLE COUNTY, OHIO - 615 of his time to political affairs, in which he is naturally interested. In 1913 he was elected township trustee which office he still holds and in which he is proving to be a very efficient and successful public official. Fraternally Mr. Hinea is a member of the Knights of Pythias and the Loyal Order of Moose. In every way, Mr. Hinea merits the. respect and confidence which have been bestowed upon him by his fellow citizens. DAVID GEBHART. With rare satisfaction the biographer refers here to the life of David Gebhart, who has attained success as a farmer and stockman in Harrison township, Preble county, Ohio. In such a life, whether it be one of calm, Consecutive endeavor or of sudden meteoric accomplishment, must be found valuable lessons, an incentive and a guide to young men whose fortunes and destinies are still matters for the future to determine. David Gebhart is distinctively one of the representative farmers of Preble county. For a number of years he has directed his efforts toward a successful career. By patience and well-doing he has overcome many obstacles with which his pathway was beset and today is considered one of the foremost farmers of the county. David Gebhart was born on December 12, 1841, in Harrison township, Preble county, Ohio, . the son of David and Margaret (Pence) Gebhart, who were the parents of five children, Mrs. Mary Ann McGriff, deceased; William, deceased; Mrs. Maria Wilson, of Darke county, Ohio; George, a retired farmer of West Sonora, Ohio; and David, who is the youngest. David Gebhart, Sr., was born in Montgomery county, Ohio, but the date of his birth is unknown. He died in 1841 a short time before David, Jr., was born. Mrs. David Gebhart, Sr., who, before her marriage, was Margaret Pence, was born in Virginia and died in Harrison township, this county, in 1868. David Gebhart, Jr., was reared on the farm and received a very meager education ip the district schools of Harrison township. He remained on the home place until his mother's death in 1868, after which the rand was divided among the children. David Gebhart, Jr., now owns one hundred and eighteen acres of well-improved land which includes about six acres of natural timber. He always has kept a high grade of stock and has been a very hard worker. In 1887 Mr. Gebhart purchased his present farm, which 616 - PREBLE COUNTY, OHIO. is located in section 5, of Harrison township, and is known as the "Sunny-mead Farm." Mr. Gebhart was married in 1877, to Jennie Wolf, who was born on September 11, 1857, in Preble county, the (laughter of Jacob and Christina (Paullus) Wolf, natives of the same county. Jacob Wolf was born in 1830 and was a carpenter and farmer of Preble county. He died in 1889. His wife was born on August 11, 1829, and is now living at Union City, Indiana. To Mr. and Mrs. David Gebhart, five children have been born: Earl, a well-known farmer of Preble county ; John, a telegrapher who lives in Idaho; Mrs. Opal Corwin, of Darke county, Ohio; Margaret, born September 5, 1893, who is now living with her parents on the home place; and Otto, the second child, who died at the age of nine years. Mr. Gebhart is a Democrat, but has never been particularly active in the councils of his party. He is well known as a frugal, industrious farmer with splendid personal habits and a man who enjoys the esteem and confidence of his neighbors. DANIEL STUDEBAKER. Farming, to which the life of Daniel Studebaker, a well known farmer and stock man of Harrison township, has been devoted, is the oldest pursuit in the livelihood of mankind and the one in which man will ever be the most independent. Mr. Studebaker and his family have long been connected with the general growth of Preble county. While primarily attending to his own various personal interests, his life has been largely devoted to the service of his fellowmen and he has been untiring in his efforts to inspire a proper respect for law and order and has been ready at all times to uplift humanity along civic and social lines. Daniel Studebaker was born on September 5, 1849, in Montgomery county, Ohio, the son of Jacob and Catherine (Lock) Studebaker, to whom fifteen children were born, whose progeny, in the third generation, now number two hundred and thirty-five, fifteen children, eighty grandchildren and one -hundred and forty great-grandchildren, as follow : Mrs. Amanda Loeke (deceased), who was born on February 20, 1831, had three children and two grandchildren; David B., who was born on February 20, 1833, and died, May 31, 1893, had eleven children and eight grandchildren; Mrs. Charlotte Via, born on December 15, 1835, who is now living in this county, ten children and twenty-one grandchildren ; Jeremiah, born on December 15, PREBLE COUNTY, OHIO - 617 1836, now living in Illinois, three children and five grandchildren; Jesse, born on November 7, 1838, died March 4, 1913, twelve children and twenty-two grandchildren; Mrs. Elizabeth Rumbaugh, born on April 21, 1840, now living at Euphemia, Ohio ; Mrs. Margaret Shidebaker (deceased), born on May 28, 1842; Henry, born on October 21, 1843, who now lives at Streator, Illinois, five children and twenty-two grandchildren; Joseph A., born on December 19, 1845, who now lives at Anderson, Indiana, one child and two grandchildren; William, born on November 1o, 1847, who now lives at Logan, Iowa, two. children and two grandchildren; Daniel, the subject of this sketch, two children and ten grandchildren; Jacob, born on November 16, 1851, who now lives in La Salle county, Illinois, six children and twenty grandchildren; Benjamin F., born on July 21, 1854, who also lives in La Salle county, Illinois, eight children and sixteen grandchildren; Monroe, born on February 23, 1856, who now lives in Darke county, Ohio, nine children and one grandchild, and Mrs. Sarah Miller, born on July II, 1859, who now lives in Euphemia, Ohio, eight children and nine grandchildren. Jacob Studebaker, the father of these children, was born in Franklin county, Pennsylvania, July 11, 1808, the son of Peter and Barbara Studebaker, the former of whom died on January 13, 1841, at the age of sixty-six years, seven months and two days, and the latter of whom died on December 8, 1840, at the age of fifty-seven years, two months and two days. Jacob Studebaker married Catherine Lock, who was born in Frederick county, Maryland, October 16, 1816, the daughter of Philip and Elizabeth (Wolf) Lock, the former of whom was born on December 26, 1791, and died on December 19, 1829. Following his marriage Jacob Studebaker came to Preble county and engaged in farming and carpenter work, spending the rest of his life in this county, becoming one of the most influential men in his community. His death occurred on November I, 1872, his widow surviving him more than ten years, her death occurring on October I1, 1885. Daniel Studebaker was reared on his father's farm and attended the district schools of Harrison township. He remained on the home place all of his life and farmed for his mother after his father's death. At the death of his mother, he purchased from the estate eighty acres of land and now owns ninety-five acres of well-improved land. Mr. Studebaker has built three dwellings upon the farm for his children who are married. He has made many other improvements. He has always kept a high grade of live stock and has specialized in Poland-China hogs. He owns four acres of natural timber and has a young orchard, comprising three acres. Mr. Studebaker was married November 6, 1872, to Irene Sink, who 618 - PREBLE COUNTY, OHIO. was born on October 19, 1844, in Virginia, the daughter of John and Katherine (Leprad) Sink, both natives of Virginia and both now deceased.. To this union two sons were born, Wilbert, who is farming the home place; and Jasper A., who is a farmer in Harrison township. Politically, Mr. Studebaker is a Democrat but has never been especially active in political affairs, although he has served the people of his township as road supervisor. He and his family are members of the Christian church. JOHN GANGWER. Among the prosperous farmers of Harrison township, Preble county, Ohio, who have a comfortable home and who are surrounded by all the comforts of life, few have attained a higher degree of success than John Gangwer. Mr. Gangwer is a man of tireless energy and rare courage. He is an able and conscientious worker and in his life has overcome many difficulties. As a citizen he is public-spirited and enterprising to an unwonted degree. As a friend and neighbor he has combined those qualities of head and heart which have won confidence and commanded respect. His life is a splendid example of what an American youth, endowed with common sense; energy and determination, can accomplish when accompanied with good moral principles. From any point of view John Gangwer must be considered a successful man. John Gangwer was born on June 19, 1844, in Harrison township, this county, a son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Lyons) Gangwer, who were the parents of three children : Mrs. Susan Ott, deceased; John Gangwer, the immediate subject of this sketch, and Mrs. Amanda Lock, a widow living in this county. Samuel Gangwer was born in Rockingham county, Virginia, on May 8, 1807, and died on October 3, 1887. He was a cooper by trade and in 1837 came to Preble county, working at his trade here for two years. He then conducted a saw mill on Price's creek for a few years, after which he engaged: in. farming until 1867, in which year he retired. Samuel Gangwer owned at one time the farm now owned by his son. It was purchased from the government on October 25, 1813, by Frederick Black, the maternal great-grandfather of John Gangwer, and has been handed down. from generation to generation. Mrs. Elizabeth (Lyons) Gangwer was born on May 20, 1827, in Rockingham county, Virginia, and came to Preble county, Ohio, PREBLE COUNTY, OHIO - 619 with her parents, who settled on a farm in section 19, of Harrison township. She died in 1862. John Gangwer attended the district schools of Twin township, and when thirteen years of age, removed with his parents to the farm where he now resides. During the Civil War Mr. Gangwer performed service in the volunteer organization called out by Governor Todd, which familiarly was known throughout the state as "Squirrel Hunters," the members of which armed themselves, many with squirrel guns, and reported for duty at Cincinnati, from which point they were sent in pursuit of Morgan and his raiders. Mr Gangwer purchased the farm on which he resides in 1881, and has made many improvements the aggregate cost of which has been in the neighborhood of twelve thousand dollars. He now owns one hundred and eighty-three acres of land, fifty acres of which is in natural timber. Mr. Gangwer always has kept a high grade of live stock, and has been a hard worker and successful farmer. Though living retired, and has been for the past eight years, he still takes an active interest in the welfare of the county and is a heavy stockholder in the Savings & Loan Company, of Richmond, Indiana. On August 2, 1888, John Gangwer was married to Matilda Ott, who was born on February 3, 1851, in Harrison township, Preble county, Ohio, a daughter of John and Barbara (Link) Ott, natives of this county. To this union nine children were born, but none of them are now living, all but Mary, Elenora, Sarah J. and William, dying in infancy. Mr. Gangwer is an ardent Democrat, and for many years has taken an active interest in the affairs of his party in his community. He served as township trustee for one term, discharging the duties of this office in a highly creditable manner. He and his wife are members of the Evangelical Lutheran church. FRANCIS VAN AUSDAL There is no occupation which gives a man the same degree of independence, or which brings him closer to nature than farming. In pioneer times farming was very much of a drudgery, but with all the modern improvements and inventions the farmer is relieved of much of the hard work which was the portion of his forefathers. Moreover, farming has risen in dignity until now it is often referred to as a profession. Fifty years ago  620 - PREBLE COUNTY, OHIO. the science of agriculture was in its infancy, and it was not then thought necessary for the farmer to take a college course. Today our colleges are teaching agriculture as a science, and are turning out thousands of young men well trained in scientific methods. Good roads are threading every portion of our state, and the interurban railway and the automobile keep the farmer in close touch, not only with his neighbors, but with life in the city as well. The farmers of Preble county are equal in every respect to the farmers in any other county in the state, and among the enterprising and progressive farmers of Preble county, there is none who stand higher in the esteem of his neighbors than does Francis Van Ausdal, of Harrison township. Francis Van Ausdal was born on May 17, 1882, in Twin township, Preble county, Ohio, a son of Francis X. and Adeline (Long) Van Ausdal, who were the parents of five children : Mrs. Ida Call, of Preble county; Charles, of Eaton; Francis, with whom this narrative deals; Mrs. Mata Heeter, of Lewisburg, and Virgil, of Eaton. Francis Van Ausdal was born in 1848 in Twin township, in this county. He is now a retired farmer of the county. His parents were James and Martha (Kitson) Van Ausdal, natives of Pennsylvania and England, respectively. The Van Ausdals were early settlers of Preble county. Mrs. Van Ausdal was horn in Germany in 1853, coming to this country at the age of seventeen, and is now living at Lewisburg. Francis Van Ausdal was reared on his father's farm in this county, attending the district schools of his home township, and afterwards was a student for a time of the Eaton Normal School. When he was eighteen years of age he started to teach school and taught in the district schools of Twin and Gasper townships for six years. He then took up farming, renting land of different persons until 1912, in which year he purchased one hundred and five acres in section 16, Harrison township. Mr. Van Ausdal has twelve acres of natural timber on his farm. He is an extensive breeder of thoroughbred Percheron horses, and has met with marked success in his efforts, being enterprising and prosperous, and unless all signs go wrong, will shortly be one of the most extensive farmers of Preble county, Ohio. Francis Van Ausdal was married in 1906, to Cora Singer, who was born on September 19, 1885, in Harrison township, a daughter of Frank and Mellie (Brown) Singer, both of whom also are natives of this county, and are now living on their farm in Harrison township. To Mr. and Mrs. Van Ausdal three children have been born, Kenneth, Loran and Gerald. Mr. Van Ausdal is a stanch adherent of the Democratic party, but has PREBLE COUNTY, OHIO - 621 never held office, and has never aspired to public office, preferring to devote his time and energies to his own personal affairs. He and his wife are devout members of the Methodis Episcopal church, and are active in the work of the church and Sunday school. Mr. Van Ausdal has made a splendid start in life, being respected by his neighbors, and has a legion of friends in Harrison township, who are keenly interested in his welfare. EDWIN T. PAUL. It is interesting to note from the beginning the growth and development of a community, to note the lines along which progress has been made, and to take cognizance of those whose industry and leadership in the work of advancement has rendered possible the present prosperity of the locality under consideration. Edwin T. Paul is one of the strong and sturdy individuals who have contributed largely to the material welfare of Lewisburg and Harrison township, Preble county, Ohio. He is an up-to-date business man, a public-spirited citizen and progressive in all that the name implies. Edwin T. Paul, the president and manager of the stone quarries, located at Lewisburg, Ohio, was born December Jo, 1876, at Ottawa,. Putnam county, Ohio. He is a son of Alva L. and Gertrude (Paul) Paul, to whom two children were born, of whom Edwin T. is the elder. The other child is Gertrude, who married Frank Wilson and resides in Ottawa, Ohio. Alva L. Paul was born at Royalton, Ohio, September 6, 1848, and died in Ottawa in 1911. He attended Long Island Medical College at Brooklyn, New York, from which institution he was graduated in 1874. He then came to Ottawa, Ohio, and began the practice of his profession in partnership With his father-in-law, Truman E. Paul. Three years later he began the practice of medicine on his own account, continuing in the active practice at Ottawa until his death. Dr. Alva Paul was a son of Dr. Alva and Abbigal (Bigelow) Paul, the grandfather of the subject of this sketch having also been a physician. He was born in 1868 and died in 1875. His wife was born in 1817, and died during the sixties. Mrs. Gertrude (Paul) Paul, the mother of Edwin T., was born at Gilboa, Putnam county, Ohio, September 18, 1849, and she now makes her home alternately with her son, Edwin T., and with her daughter at Ottawa, Ohio. Her parents were Truman and Mary Jane (Britton) Paul, the former of whom was a native of Ohio, born in the old Indian fort, Fort Milan, in 1822. Truman Paul was a 622 - PREBLE COUNTY, OHIO. physician at Gilboa, Ohio, till 1874, when he removed to Ottawa, where he remained until his death in Om. His wife was born at Xenia, Ohio, in 1824, and died at Gilboa in 1874. Dr. Truman E. Paul will long be held in grateful remembrance at Gilboa for his heroic services there during the cholera scourge in 1852. Edwin T: Paul attended the public schools of Ottawa, Ohio, and later took a scientific and musical course at Findlay College, Findlay, Ohio. When he had reached his majority he started a clothing store at Ottawa, Ohio, and remained in this business for one year, at the end of which time he sold out and speculated in various enterprises for a time, traveling a good deal in the south and southwestern states. He had extensive business interests in these sections. In 1905 Mr. Paul organized a stone crushing plant at Bluffton, Ohio. Four years later he came to this county, locating at Lewisburg, where he purchased, in partnership with three other men, the two quarries at that place. He is now president, manager and a heavy stockholder in .these enterprises. Mr. Paul is heavily interested in other quarries located at various places, and is also the owner of farm real estate and other property in different parts of the state. He has built a beautiful modern home at a cost of something over five thousand dollars in the northeast part of Lewisburg. In 1907, Edwin T. Paul was married to Mary Althaus, who was born April 17, 1880, at Bluffton, Ohio, a daughter of Peter and Christina (Steiner) Althaus. Her father was a manufacturer of sashes and doors and died in 1905. Her mother is now living at Bluffton, Ohio. Both were natives of Wayne county, Ohio. To Edwin T. and Mary (Althaus) Paul five children have been born, Christine, Virginia, LeRoy, Eugene and Justin. Mr. Paul is a Republican and is president of the board of public affairs, a position of considerable responsibility, and one which Mr. Paul is filling, with the same efficiency that has marked his career in private business enterprises. Mr. and Mrs. Paul are active members of the Presbyterian church: Fraternally, Mr. Paul is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Knights of Pythias, and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Mr. Paul is one of the hustling, wide-awake business men of Lewisburg and Harrison township, but he is more than this. He is a man, who, since his arrival at Lewisburg, has been a leader in all public enterprises and who has never hesitated to contribute his time and his money to the support of worthy movements. PREBLE COUNTY, OHIO - 623 IRA O. FLORY Among the farmers of Preble county, Ohio, who believe in following. twentieth century methods is Ira 0. Flory, a prominent farmer and stock man of Lanier. township. He comes from a .splendid family, one that has been foremost for tight living and indtistrious habits, for education,. for morality, and for all that contributes to the welfare of the great com monwealth of Ohio. Such are welcome in any community, for they are the people who work their way upward to positions of power and responsibility in the communities where they live. Ira O. Flory is a man who belongs to this class of people. Ira O. Flory was born on March 20, 1871, at Dayton, Ohio, a son of Henry and Susan (Miller) Flory. Ira O. Flory is one of four children born to his parents, the others being Josiah, a retired farmer living in Dayton, Ohio; Mrs. Mary Schoup, of West Alexandria, Ohio, and Daniel, who died. in infancy. Henry Flory was born on September 4, 1827, in Montgomery county,. Ohio. He was a successful farmer in that county for many years, and died in 1908. His parents were Abraham and Mary (Vaniman) Flory, both natives of. Pennsylvania. Mrs. Henry Flory was born, March 27, 1833,. near Dayton, Ohio, and her death occurred in 1881. Ira O. Flory was reared on his father's farm, attending the district. schools of his home county, where he made a creditable record and obtained a good education. Early in life he manifested a mechanical bent, but since. he was the youngest of his father's family, his parents were adverse to his. taking a course in mechanical engineering, which he wished to do. For this. reason he turned his attention to farming, and in 1901 came to Preble county, Ohio, where he engaged in farming for himself, renting land in. Lanier township from his father-in-law, remaining there for ten years. Subsequently Mr. Flory purchased one hundred and fifty-five acres of land in sections 33 and 3.4 of Lanier township. He has been especially successful in.. raising high-grade live stock, and has always commanded the best prices for his products. His large profits have enabled him to make substantial improvements to the farm he now owns, and it is considerede one of the very best farms in Preble county. In fact, Ira Flory is a man who must not only he considered as a successful farmer, but as a representative citizen of Preble county. While he has been successful in his life's vocation, he has not neglected matters relating to the commonwealth and has taken a worthy interest in all public enterprises. 624 - PREBLE COUNTY, OHIO. Mr. Flory was married in 1891 to Norah E. Johnson, the accomplished daughter of Alfred and Mary J. (Trout) Johnson, who was born on May 29, 1860, a native of Preble county. To this union two children have been born. The elder child, Warren, died in infancy. Albert B., the second child, lives at home. Mrs. Flory's mother makes her home with the Florys. Ira O. Flory has always been an influential factor in the educational circles of Lanier township, and is now one of the efficient members of the county school board. He is identified with the Democratic party, and is an ardent believer of the principles of Thomas Jefferson and Andrew Jackson. He and his family are earnest and faithful members of the Progressive Brethren church, and are active and influential supporters of this denomination. MARTIN HOOVER. There is nothing that stimulates a man to deeds of worth and a life of uprightness and rectitude more than the recollection of the strength of character and the example of right living shown by one's father. In this respect Martin Hoover is fortunate beyond the majority of men in being the son of a man who did his duty well, whether in the peaceful pursuits of ordinary life or in matters involving the larger welfare of the community as a whole. In the agricultural affairs of Washington township, where Mr. Hoover lives, he occupies a position of importance among those who are conserving the agricultural prosperity of the community and none occupies a higher standing among his neighbors. Martin Hoover was born on the farm where he now lives in Washington township, Preble county, Ohio, August 7, 1844, the son of Jacob and Catherine (Peters) Hoover, both of whom were natives of Virginia. Jacob Hoover and Catherine Peters grew up in the Old Dominion and married there, coming to Preble county in 1835, in which year they settled on the farm where their son, Martin, now lives. At that time the land was covered with a dense woods. Jacob Hoover cleared the land, improved the farm and lived there the rest of his life, his death occurring January 23, 1857. His widow survived many years, her death not occurring until March 5, 1899. They were the parents of five children, of whom Martin is the only survivor. Abraham and John, both of whom served as Union soldiers in the Civil War, died in the service. The brothers were members of Company F, Eighty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry. David died during the War and Rebecca, who married P. M. Pence, is also now deceased.