700 - PREBLE COUNTY, OHIO. Adelia (Graham) Short. She went to Wayne county, Indiana, with her parents in 1858 and lived there until 1885, when she came to Preble county, and has been a resident of this county since that time. She was educated in the common schools of Indiana. To John A. and Louise (Short) Cail four children have been born, Mabel E., who is a graduate of the Jackson township high school, Ernest M., J. R. and Stanley G., all of whom are still single and at home. Mr. Cail owns one hundred and twenty-three and one-third acres, a part of the old McCown homestead. The ownership of practically all of this farm is the result of Mr. Cail's own efforts. He is a general farmer and stock raiser and has been quite successful. Mr. Cail is a Republican although he has never been particularly active in political affairs. He does, however, take a keen interest in matters which relate to the public welfare and has never shown any hesitancy in devoting his time and his energy toward working out the problems of better local government. RICHARD E. BRANDENBURG. One of the influential citizens of Campbellstown, Ohio, is Richard E. Brandenburg, who is also one of the leading farmers of Jackson township. He is a man of excellent endowment and upright character and has been a valued factor in local affairs. He has ever commanded the unequivocal confidence and esteem of the community in which he lives, being loyal in the upbuilding of this community and ever vigilant in his efforts to further the interests of the town along material, moral and civic lines. Richard E. Branderburg was born near Germantown, in Montgomery county, Ohio, September 5, 1851, a son of Samuel and Melinda (Feasler) Brandenburg. His father was born in Frederick county, Maryland, in 1814, the son of Jacob Brandenburg, who was born, reared and married in Maryland and there spent his life. Samuel Brandenburg came from Maryland to Ohio, locating in Montgomery county, where he spent the remainder of his life. He learned the shoemaker's trade and worked at it until he was thirty years old, when he took up farming. He acquired a farm of two hundred and forty acres, all of which he made for himself. He was a quiet unassuming man, and a good citizen. He died in Montgomery county in March, 1871, his wife having preceded him to the grave in 1854. After his wife's death he married again, but there were no children by this sec- PREBLE. COUNTY, OHIO - 701 ond marriage. By the first marriage there were nine children, five of whom are now living,, Aaron P., who is an engineer in Germantown, Ohio; Samuel. T. a farmer in Whitley county, Indiana; Anna R., the wife of Henry Green, of Montgomery county, Ohio; Richard E., who is the subject of this sketch; and John W., a farmer in Gratis township. Richard E. Brandenburg was reared in Montgomery county, educated in the common schools of that county and at the National Normal University at Lebanon, Ohio. He became a teacher early in life and taught in the district schools of Warren and Montgomery counties. He then took up farming and now owns an excellent farm of two hundred acres immediately adjoining the town of Campbellstown on the east, all of which is in a high state of cultivation. On January 13, 1876, Mr. Brandenburg was married to Emily A. Cooper, a daughter of Jacob and Harriett (Patton) Cooper, the former a , native of German township, Montgomery county, who came to Preble county in 1877 and lived there until his death in January, 1896. He was the father of eight children,. four of whom are now .living,:Peter R., who is a retired farmer of Jackson township; Catherine J., the wife of Wesley Smith, of Montgomery county, Ohio; Joseph S., who is a farmer in Jackson township, Preble county, and Emily A., the wife of Mr. Brandenburg. She was reared On a farm in Montgomery county. To Richard E. and. Emily A. (Cooper) Brandenburg six children have been born, Edna, the wife of Ed Irvin, of Jackson township; Peter E., who married Grace Wilford and lives in Jackson township; Samuel J., who married Margaret Johnston, lives at Oxford, Ohio, and is a graduate. of Oxford University, where he is librarian; Clyde, deceased; Harriet, a graduate of the Jackson township high school and the wife of Homer Hart, of Dixon township; Orpha A., the wife of Everette Yost, of Washington township, and Harold D., who is a student in the high school at Campbellstown and lives at home.. Mr. Brandenburg is a Democrat and has served as trustee and a member of 'the school board. He also was elected land appraiser in 1910. In 1914 he Was appointed assessor. of Jackson township, having served as chattel assessor in 189o. Mr. Brandenburg is a member of the Preble. County Agricultural Society and has been so associated since 1901. He is a member of Eaton Lodge No. 3o, Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Mr. and Mrs. Brandenburg are members of the Christian church at Campbellstown and Mrs. Brandenburg is a member of the Ladies' Aid Society and has served as vice-president and treasurer of this organization for the past 702 - PREBLE COUNTY, OHIO. two years. Mr. and Mrs. Brandenburg are popular in the community where they live and are representative citizens of the Campbellstown neighborhood and wholly worthy of the esteem which the community has bestowed upon them. GEORGE F. STEMPEL. Descended from honored ancestry and himself numbered among the leading citizens of Preble county, Ohio, George F. Stempel is entitled to to specific recognition in a work of this character. A resident of Preble county for many years, he has strengthened his hold on the hearts of the people with whom he has been associated and today none enjoys a larger circle of warm friends and acquaintances, friends who esteem him because of his sterling qualities of character and his business abilities. George F. Stempel, a farmer and general merchant of New Hope, Ohio, was born in Jackson township, Preble county, Ohio, October 11, 1868, the son of George and Elizabeth (Weaver) Stempel, both of whom were born in Hessecastle, Germany, August 29, 1828. They both came to the United States in 1846 and landed at New York city, later. proceeding to Cleveland and finally to Cincinnati, Ohio, where they were married. From Cincinnati they came to Preble county, Ohio, and located near Camden, where they lived a short time, after which they moved to Jackson township. George Stempel, Sr., owned about thirteen acres of land and was very poor when he was married. He was not accustomed to the manners and ways of this country and people took advantage of him. His wife died. in September, 1906, and he is still living at the age of eighty-seven years. He is a member of the United Brethren church and has been a member of this church all his life. Mr. and Mrs. Stempel were the parents of eight children : Caroline, who married Joseph Essenmacher, of Richmond, Indiana, and died on November 11, 1915; J. A., of Wayne county, Indiana; W. H., of Decatur, Illinois ; Catherine, the wife of Edward Treffinger, of Jackson township; C. K., of Wayne county, Indiana; W. R., of Jackson township ; George F., the subject of this sketch, and another who died in early youth. George F. Stempel, Jr., was reared mostly in Jackson township where he attended the public schools. He was twenty years old when he quit school. He started out to work. at this age at the carpenter trade and worked. in Hamilton, Ohio, for a time. He then went to Chicago, Illinois, PREBLE COUNTY, OHIO - 703 and was in the restaurant business for fifteen years there. From Chicago he went to California where he spent one year on a fruit farm which he and his brother owned, after which he returned to Preble county. Mr. Stempel drives a huckster wagon that has been in the family for forty years. George F. Stempel was married on October 20, 1909, to Anna Wilsdorf, who was born in Wayne county, Indiana, November 18, 1883, the daughter of August and Bertha (Uhde) Wilsdorf. Her mother was born in Hanover, Germany, and came to the United States when a child. Her father is also of German descent. He is deceased, but his widow is still living at Richmond, Indiana, and is a member of the Trinity Lutheran church in that city. Mr. Stempel is a member of Bolivar Lodge No. 82, Free and Accepted Masons, of Eaton, and of Eaton Chapter No. 23, Royal Arch Masons. He also holds membership in Eaton Lodge No. 3o, Independent Order of Odd Fellows. In politics, Mr. Stempel has been an ardent Socialist since 1896 and is very much interested in the rise and growth of this party. He is one of the leaders of the political movements in his community and one of the best-informed men on politics in Jackson township. DAVID F. CAIL. One of the enterprising and successful farmers of Jackson township, Preble county, Ohio, and one of the best known, is David C. Cail, who lives on Rural Route 1, out of Campbellstown. David F. Cail was born July 19, 1853, in Jefferson township, Preble county, Ohio, the son of James G. and Elizabeth (McCown) Cail. James G. Cail was born in Virginia and his wife was born in Preble county, Ohio, a daughter of John and Mary (Campbell) McCown, natives of Tennessee who settled in Jackson township and became large landowners. James G. Cail was the father of seven children, four of whom are now living, John A., of Jackson township ; David F., the .subject of this sketch; James, of Washington township, and Edgar P., of Jefferson township. David F. Cail was reared on a farm and attended school No. 3, in Jackson township. He worked on the old home farm until he was married, on December 12, 1878, to Annie Crist, who was born in Wayne county, Indiana, in 1857. She was a daughter of Leander Crist and educated in the 704 - PREBLE COUNTY, OHIO. common schools of Wayne county. After their marriage they moved to a farm of forty acres in Jackson township, to which they have since added until they now own one hundred and twenty acres in Jackson township, which has greatly improved under their ownership. Mr. and Mrs. Cail are the parents of twelve children, eleven of whom are now living : Bessie May, born on September 28, 1879, is the wife of Edgar T. Short; May P.,' born on November 7, 188o, is the wife of Jerry McCarty; Florence B., born on December 22, 1881, died on November 3, 1883; Carl L., born on September 21, 1883, married Fannie Waugh; Anna A., born on September 25, 1885, is unmarried and at home; Ethel J., born on October 29, 1888, is a graduate of the Jackson township high school and was a teacher in Jackson township; Fred D.; born on June 29, 1890, is single and at home; Jessie M., born on April II, 1892, is a graduate of the high school and is at home; Blanche M., born on September 27, 1893, is a graduate of the high school; Hazel W., born on June 30, 1895, is a graduate of the high school, and Paul F., born on January 24, 1900, is a student in the Campbellstown . schools. The eight latter children are all at home. Bessie, Ethel and Carl and members of the .church of the Disciples of Christ, the others are members of the Friends church. David F. Cail is an ardent Republican and takes an interest of the politics of his community and his township. He is well known throughout Jackson township for his sterling integrity and in his long residence there has gained a host of friends. EDWARD S. STOTLER. Success is the result of many factors which are not likely to appear in a bare statement of facts concerning a man's life. Success is, however, by no means a matter of accident, but on the contrary it is the result of careful, painstaking, diligent attention to business. Imagination is perhaps more vital to success than industry or even economy in personal or private life. Good judgment is merely one phase of a good active imagination. Edward S. Stotler is possessed of all these qualities. Moreover, he won the reputation early in life of strict honesty and -fair dealing, no small factors in his great personal triumph. Everything he touched has turned out well because he reasoned well regarding the future. Now in the evening of life he is PREBLE COUNTY, OHIO - 705 able to look back upon his career with the keen satisfaction of one who has made.each moment count for something achieved, something done. Edward S. Stotler was born in Somerset county, Pennsylvania, near the summit of the Alleghany mountains, February 13, 1825, the son of Jacob and Annie (Sorter) Stotler, natives of Somerset county. They had a large family, three of whom are now living, Edward S., of Eaton, Ohio; Miriam, the wife of Joseph Coop, of West Alexandria, Ohio; and Margaret, the widow of Bethuel Harris and now living in Eldorado, Ohio. The others died when quite young. Jacob Stotler was reared in Somerset county and came to Ohio in 1833, locating two miles east of West Alexandria, where he bought a farm of one hundred and sixty acres, which he cleared and improved. He died there in 1851, well advanced in years. His wife died some years prior to his death. She was -a member of the Lutheran church, while he was a believer in the doctrine of the Universalist church. He was one of the directors of the Turnpike company and helped to build the early turnpike road and also built a mile of what became later a part of the National road. In early manhood Jacob Stotler taught school in Pennsylvania. The paternal grandparents of Edward S. Stotler were John Stotler and wife, natives of Pennsylvania and of German descent. John Stotler kept a hotel for many years near the summit of the Alleghany mountains in Somerset county. He died there at a very old age, likewise his wife. They had a small family. The maternal grandparents of Edward S. Stotler were Daniel and Elizabeth (Sivits) Sorter, natives of Pennsylvania. They, also, died well advanced in years. They reared a large family, including Joseph, Adam, Daniel, Annie and Elizabeth. Edward S. Stotler was eight years old when he came to Preble county, Ohio, in 1833, with his parents and has lived here ever since, except seventeen months when he went to California. He went by the way of the Gulf of Mexico and across the Isthmus of Panama, being on the gulf nineteen days and five days crossing the isthmus, and also fifty-two days on the ocean on the British barque, "Circassian," controlled by an English captain and crew. He worked in the mines for a short time but was ill while there. He arrived in San Francisco in February, 1851, and later returned to Preble county, Ohio. He arrived home from California with about three dollars in money and worked out by the day at plowing and harvesting, taking•contracts for harvesting grain and cutting timber. While in California Mr. Stotler went from San Francisco to Sacramento (45) 706 - PREBLE COUNTY, OHIO. City, and from there to Mormon Island, where he fell in debt a few dollars, and then left for. Cold Springs, California, near Sutter's Mills, where gold was first discovered in the digging of the mill race. His father died a few months after his arrival home and at the sale of his father's farm he bought, in partnership with his sister, Lucinda, the one, hundred and sixty acres., He farmed that for two years and then sold the farm to two men by the name of Coffman, after, which he went to Iowa for four or five months. He then came..back. and he and his sister, Lucinda,, lived together. until his marriage in 1857, after which, in partnership with John Gale and Diedrich Glander, he built a. floor and saw-mill. He and John Gale also rented a mill three miles south of West Alexandria from Abraham Holderman for one year, three, thousand dollars that year. With other parties he started the Twin Valley Bank in West. Alexandria and was connected with it for a number of years. Later, in, partnership with Mr. Gale, he established the Eaton Banking Company and. operated that for some years, when he sold his stock and engaged in extensive farming and in loaning money. He now owns about sixteen hundred acres, of fertile land in Preble county, Ohio, Randolph and Blackburn counties, Indiana. He also owns considerable business and resideuce property in Eaton, Ohio. Mr. Stotler, was married, in 1857 to Sarah Holderman, the daughter of Abraham and Elizabeth. (Fisher) Holderman. She died in 1861. Two children were born to this marriage, Sallie E., who died from an accident in the mill when about fifteen years old, and John H., who now lives at Hartford City, Indiana. In 1898 Mr. Stotler married again, his second wife being Harriet Bonner. There was one son born to this union, Edward. Mr. Stotler is a Democrat and during the Civil War he was a "squirrel hunter," operating in and around: Cincinnati. He served as treasurer of Lanier township, Preble county, for about seventeen years. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity. In many respects Mr. Stotler is a remarkable man. Although he celebrated his ninetieth birthday anniversary on February 13, 1915, he can read ordinary print without glasses. He keeps well informed on current events and his mind is clear, very few men of his age having such a mastery of memory. He is one of the largest land owners in the county and has various business interests, all of which he looks after personally, driving out almost daily to look after his farms and keeping up improvements on them. He has always been industrious and a .good manager, and through his own efforts has accumulated much more .than a competency for his old age. He is one of the largest tax-payers in Preble county. In every respect Mr. Stotler is a self-made man. PREBLE COUNTY, OHIO - 707 CHARLES A. MURRAY. The lives of successful men are instructive as guides and incentives to those whose careers are yet to be achieved. The examples they furnish of patient purpose and consecutive endeavor strongly illustrate what is in the power of each to accomplish. Charles A. Murray is a conspicuous example of one who has lived to good purpose and achieved a definite degree of success in the special cares to which his talents and energies have been directed: Charles A. Murray, the proprietor of a farm consisting of two hundred and twenty-seven acres six miles northwest of Eaton, Ohio, on the Eaton and Richmond pike, was born in Jefferson township, Preble county, Ohio, October 8, 1874, the son of James and Martha J: Murray: James Murray was born in Eaton, Ohio, February 28, 1843, and died on March 25, 1905. James Murray was the son of Henry M. Murray, who was a native of Delaware and 'Who settled in Preble county, where he married Lydia Brasier, who died when James was quite small. The Murrays are of Scottish descent. Charles A. Murray's mother lives in Jefferson township. She is the mother, of eight children, six of Whom are now living, Edwin O.; a who is graduate of the New Paris high school and the Richmond Business College. He is a resident of New Paris and one of the directors of the New Paris Bank. Charles A. is the subject of this sketch. Elwood is a graduate of the Jackson township high school. He is a farmer and lives at home. Cora A. is a graduate of the New Paris high school and the wife of Dr. W. H. Swisher, of Daytbn, Ohio. Ethel M. is unmarried and at home. Albert J. is a graduate of the New Paris high school and a farmer; who lives at home. Olive died in July, 1914. She was the Wife Of Will Tyler. Charles A. Murray was reared on the paternal farm and was graduated froth the New Paris high school. He attended the Normal University at Ada, Ohio, and taught School for five years, after which he attended the Indiana State Normal School at Terre Haute. He lacked one year of graduating from this latter institution. He taught school one year after finishing his studies in Indiana, and on February 27, 1901, married Josie Markey, who was born in Jackson township, this county, the daughter of Jonas and Julia (Bloomfield) Mackey. To this union two children have been born, Elizabeth, born on May 3, 1903, and Louise, born on June 15, 1905. Mr. Murray is a breeder of high-grade stock of all kinds and makes a 708 - PREBLE COUNTY, OHIO. specialty of hogs. He is interested in farmers' institutes and took the extension course in agriculture at Eaton. He owns a modern home with splendid improvements. His farm is well drained and well fenced and in every respect kept in good repair. Mr. Murray is interested in and manager of other farm lands in Preble county than the farm upon which he lives. Mr. and Mrs. Murray are members of the Presbyterian church at New Paris, and he is a member of Harmony Lodge No. 396, Knights of Pythias, in which he is a past chancellor. He is a Republican, but has never taken an active part in the councils of this party. The Murrays are influential farmers in Jackson township, Mr. Murray being one of those men who have adopted modern progressive methods of farming. His prosperity and success as a farmer are due in a large measure to the adoption of modern inventions for farming. WILLIAM S. JOHNSON. The best history of a community or state is that which deals most with the lives and activities of its people, especially of those who by their own endeavor and indomitable energy have forged to the front and placed themselves in the position to deserve the rank of progressive citizens. William S. Johnson affords a conspicuous example of the successful, self-made American, who is not only eminently deserving of the confidence reposed in him by his fellow citizens, but who also possesses the necessary energy and talent that fit him to discharge worthily the duties of a responsible place with which he has been honored by the people of Preble county. William S. Johnson, one of the commissioners of Preble county, Ohio, was born in Washington township, this county, September 2, 1864, the son of Rev. Hiram and Amanda (Benjamin) Johnson. Rev. Hiram Johnson was a son of Isaiah and Nancy Johnson and was born in Perry township, Montgomery county, Ohio, February 8, 1827, and died in Preble county, Ohio, September 20, 1906, at the age of seventy-nine years, seven months and twelve days. In 1846 he was married to Mary A. Moontank, who lived but a short time. He married, secondly, A.manda J. Benjamin, October 1, 1849, and to this second union were born seven sons and two daughters. Rev. Hiram Johnson joined the Methodist Episcopal church and in 1846 was licensed to exhort by Rev. Benjamin. P. Wheat, pastor in charge at Lewisburg, Ohio. In 1851 he was licensed to preach at Johnsville, Ohio, by Rev. George W. Walker, presiding elder of the Dayton district, was ordained PREBLE COUNTY, OHIO - 709 deacon at an annual conference held at Urbana, Ohio, in 1854, by Bishop Morris and was ordained elder at an annual conference at Cincinnati in 1875 by Bishop Andrews. He was a supply minister on the Camden circuit in 1854 with Rev. David H. Sargent, and for his services he received two hundred dollars. He was the supply minister of the Lewisburg circuit with Rev. William Fitzgerald in 1853. He had thirteen appointments and. for his services received one hundred and forty dollars. He supplied the New Paris circuit in 1856; the Macedonia church four years, the Enterprise church one year, Salem one year and Young's school house one year; These days when he had regular work, were the happiest of his life. Whenever he held special services the Lord was with him, sinners were converted and men and women joined the church. "They that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; they that turn many to righteousness shine as the stars forever and forever." Rev. Hiram Johnson conducted more funerals and performed more Marriages than any man in Preble county. During the Civil War he enlisted as a private in Company F, One Hundred and Fifty-sixth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, being enrolled on May 21, 1864, and sworn in for one hundred days and was discharged on September 1, 1864, at the expiration of his enlistment. Six of the Johnson brothers took part in that bloody war. Rev. Hiram Johnson joined the Masonic lodge at West Alexandria in 1854. He was elected trustee of Washington township, serving for nine years, and was postmaster of New Westville, Ohio, three years, performing his duties in all of these positions with great sincerity and efficiency. He lived a devout and upright life and was respected by everyone. William S. Johnson was reared on a farm and at the proper age entered the district schools, which he attended during the winters and in .the summers helped on the farm. At the age of fourteen he began to do work for himself, giving his wages to his parents until he was eighteen years old. At this time he began to keep his earnings and was a faithful and trusted employee. He worked three years on a farm for one man and for nine years he had worked for but three men. When he was married he had managed to save about one thousand dollars, which he had to start with. In November, 18S9, William S. Johnson was united in marriage with Elizabeth Dalrymple, the daughter of John Dalrymple, who was reared on a farm in Preble county, and received her education in the public schools of the county, After their marriage they purchased seventeen acres of land and later added forty-two acres and still later one hundred and eight acres until they now own one hundred and fifty acres four miles north of Eaton, Ohio. 710 - PREBLE COUNTY, OHIO. To William S: and Elizabeth (Dalrymple) Johnson three sons have been born, Raymond D., born in 1894, Carl C., born in 1899, and John H., born in .1904. Mr. Johnson is a member of Waverly Lodge No. 143, Knights of Pythias, and is active in the affairs of this lodge. He is a Republican and is now closing his second term as county commissioner and has proved a very efficient and capable officer. In fact, his second election is the greatest testimony that can be presented, not only of his efficiency as a public citizen, but of his sterling integrity, his upright character and his popularity among the citizens of the county where he lives and where he is best known. JOHN PARKER. There are few farmers in Preble county, Ohio, who have in the same period accomplished more in their vocation than John. Parker, a prosperous enterprising and well-infornied farmer of Jackson township. By patient industry, perseverance and splendid management, Mr. Parker has acquired a large tract of land in Jackson township, known as "Maplewood Farm." It consists of two hundred and sixty acres and is located four and one-half miles west and three-fourths of a mile north of. Eaton. John Parker was born in Jackson township, Preble county, Ohio, April 15, 1858, the son of Asher and Harriet. (Larsh) Parker. His father was born in Monmouth county, New Jersey, March 24, 1828, the son of Lewis and Sarah (Smith) Parker. The family moved to Ohio about the year 1832, and settled in Butler county. Harriet (Larsh) Parker was born in Dixon township, this county, August 10, 1828, the daughter of John and Lydia (Truax) Larsh. John Larsh, came to. Ohio from Kentucky. Lewis Parker and his family came to Preble county about 1834 and located in Somers township, where he spent the rest of his life. He and his wife were the parents of nine children, Asher, Sarah, Lucy, William, Thomas, Richard, John, Lewis and Charles, of whom Lewis and Richard are the only ones now living. Asher Parker grew up. in Preble county and here married in March, 1852. He and his wife started farming. in Jackson township. He later owned considerable land and was: prosperous. Asher Parker was a man of extremely modest: disposition. He was the father of five children, four of whom are living, William, who married Etta Gard and lives at Campbellstown, Ohio; John, the subject of this sketch; Lewis, who married Mary PREBLE COUNTY, OHIO - 711 Gard and lives in Dayton,- Ohio; and Ida, the wife of Everett Nearon, of Mendota; California. John Parker was reared on a farm southwest of Campbellstown, and was educated in the -diStriCt schools. He worked on the farm until he was twenty-one years of age, at which time he started out for himself. On February 7, 1906, John Parker was married to Rena Z. Bunting, who was born iii Eaton, Ohio, August 8, 1868, the daughter of. Evans and Sarah J. (Snyder) Bunting. Evans Bunting .served in Company D, One Hundred and Fifty-sixth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry during the Civil War. He was disabled and was discharged on this account. His widow lives in Eaton, Ohio. Mrs. Parker attended the Eaton public schools and was graduated from the high school there in 1887. Mr. and Mrs. Parker have no children. Mrs. Parker is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Parker is a member of Eaton Lodge No. 3o, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and a past grand in that lodge. He also is a member of the encampment, in which he is most chief patriarch. Roth Mr. and Mrs. Parker are. members of the Daughters of Rebekah at Eaton and he is a .member of Dakota Tribe No. 73, Improved Order of Red Men. He has passed all the chairs and is a member of the grand lodge. Mr. Parker is a Republican and was one of the trustees of his township, discharging the duties of that office in a highly satisfactory-manner. Mr. and Mrs. Parker have -a host of friends in Preble county who admire them for their upright lives. WILLIAM A. GOLDSMITH. There is no calling, however humble, in which enterprise, and industry, coupled with a well-directed purpose, will not produce some measure of success. In the pursuit of agriculture, these qualities are quite essential. Among the well-known and highly-respected farmers of Preble county, Ohio, who have obtained a definite degree of success in their vocation and who have, at the same time, benefitted the community in which they live, is William A. Goldsmith. . William A. Goldsmith, a farmer living, on "Maple Nook" dairy farm, consisting of twenty-tivo acres, situated one and, one-fourth miles northeast of Eaton,. Ohio, was born in Preble county, Ohio, June 1864, ,the son of William E. and Emeline (Bowles) Goldsmith. William E. Goldsmith was born in this county, one and one-fourth miles west of Eaton, on the west 712 - PREBLE, COUNTY, OHIO. road, a son of William and Mary (Null) Goidsmith. His wife died in 1874 and he married, secondly, Phoebe Whiteneck and both are now residents of Eaton. By his first marriage Mr.. Goldsmith wa,s the:father of three children, the wife of Frank O., Dunlap, of Preble county ; William A., the subject of this sketch ; and. Clara; the wife of Ed. Quinn, of Washington township. William A. Goldsmith was reared on the farm west of Eaton and lived there until he was six years old, at which time the family moved to a farm near, New Hope station. He attended the district school, until he was past ten years of age and, then moved back to Washington township. He attended school until he was eighteen years old and remained on the farm until he was twenty-five. Mr. Goldsmith was married on October 1, 1889, to Mary.J. Banta, the daughter of James and Elizabeth (Christman) Banta, both of whom were natives. of this county. They were the parents of Emma, the wife of Levi Hapner; Mary J. the wife of Mr. Goldsmith; Amy, the wife of Charles L. Greenfield ; and Edith M., the wife of Elmer E. Pfontz, of Montgomery county, Ohio. Minnie is deceased. Mrs. Goldsmith was reared on a farm and was educated in the district schools. She was graduated from the Eaton high school in 1887. To Mr. and Mrs. Goldsmith two daughters have been born, Ruth E., born March 6, 1891, is a graduate of the Eaton high school and. the wife of Homer Kramer; Marie, born January 16, 1893, also was graduated from the Eaton high school. She is unmarried and at home. Mr. and Mrs. Goldsmith are members of the First Christian church at Eaton, and Mis. Goldsmith is a member of the Missionary society. Mr. Goldsmith is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and he and his wife are members of the Daughters of Rebekah. Mr. Goldsmith is a Dernocrat, although not particularly active in political affairs. Mr: Goldsmith has operated a dairy farm for ten year's. He built a splendid home in 1905, which is modern in all respects, Mr. and Mrs. Gold, smith are quiet, unassuming people, descended from pioneers of Preble county, John Goldsmith, the great-grandfather of William A., having entered three hundred and twenty acres of land west of Eaton, where he died. The family, therefore, has been identified with the history of Preble county almost from its beginning. Mr. and Mrs. William A Goldsmith are rated among the most substantial citizens. of Preble county. They are popular socially in the community where they live and are among leaders in every public movement PREBLE COUNTY, OHIO -713 JOHN W. O'HARA. One of the influential and well-known citizens of Campbellstown, Preble county, Ohio, is John W. O'Hara, a rural mail carrier on Route No: 1, out of Campbellstown. John W. O'Hara: was born in Cincinnati, Ohio; a son of James and Catherine (Kelly) O'Hara. James O'Hara was born in the village of Kilbennan, near Tuam, County Galway, Ireland, February 1, 1837, and died at New Hope, in this county in 1912. He was reared in his native country and learning of the advantages offered to young men in America; he embarked in a vessel for the United States; eventually making his way to Ohio, arriving there on June 24,1863. This of course was during the Civil War and the vessel upon which James O'Hara came to this country was caught by the famous Confederate cruiser; "Alabama," and some of the men were taken off and forced into the Confederate navy. After arriving in Cincinnati, James O'Hara found employment. James O'Hara was married to Catherine Kelly and to them were born seven sons and one daughter.. The seven sons grew to manhood on a farm one and one-half miles north of New Hope in Jackson township, Preble county, Ohio. The farm upon which these sons were reared was purchased from Peter Reynolds about 1876. The house was a two room. cabin, built by Stephen Preble. The seven sons attended the public schools of the community and there grew to manhood. All, of them have arisen to more than ordinary prominence, Some are physicians and some have chosen other professions. They are all living, John W., born on February 22, 1873 ; Peter, born on October 10, 1874; James P., born on February 1, 1876; William, born on October 25, 1877 ; Patrick H., born on June 7, 1879; Mary: born on. February 19, 1881, and died on April 21, 1883 ; Harry, born on November 2, 1883, and Charles, born on July 2, 1885. John W. O'Hara attended the public schools of Jackson township and received sufficient education to enable him to teach in the public schools of the county,which he did for many years. Mr, O'Hara was married to Virgie L. Flora, the daughter, of Perry C. Flora, of Jackson township, who received her education in the common schools, of the county. Her father is a prominent merchant at West Florence in Jackson township and is a descendant of an old and respected family of Preble county. To John W. and Virgie L. (Flora) O'Hara three children have been 714 - PREBLE COUNTY, OHIO born, Heber, born on December 12, 1899, is. a, graduate of the Jackson township high school; Mable, born on January 5, 1904, and Ruth, born on May 19, 1907. Besides taking the common school branches Mr. O'Hara took a course in the art school at Columbus, Ohio. He was elected justice of the peace in Jackson townshipin1900 and served in that capacity until 1910, discharging the duties of: this office in an, entirely satisfactory manner. He has been prominently identified in politics and. was nominated, in 1912, on the Democratic ticket for surveyor of Preble county, but withdrew his candidacy when appointed rural mail carrier out of Campbellstown, June 1, 1912, and still, holds this position. He has been .prosperous all his life and now owns eighty-four acres of splendid land in Jackson township. John W. O'Hara is not only a well known citizen of Jackson township, but he is highly respected for his sterling traits of character and thoroughly deserves the confidence which has been reposed inn him by the people of that township. JOHN HERBST. John Herbst, a representative citizen and progressive farmer of Washington township, Preble county, Ohio, is known as one of the alert and successful farmers of his community. In his endeavors he has not permitted himself to follow in the rut a blind, apathetic way, but has studied and experimented and has thus obtained the maximum returns the his efforts. He commands the confidence and regard off the people of the community in which he lives and is a man of honorable business methods, advocating whatever tends to promote the public welfare. John Herbst was born on March 25, 1853, a son. of Fred and Elizabeth (Straw) Herbst. Fred Herbstt was a native born citizen of Germany and Elizabeth Straw was born in Preble county, Ohio. She died in 1854, when her son, John, was only eighteen months old. He was taken by an aunt, Margaret Otto, and was cared for by her until three years old. He was then taken into the home of his maternal grandfather, Peter Straw, and remained there until he was nineteen years of age. At this age Mr. Herbst began working for' himself, by the month, on the farms in the neighborhood until he reached his majority, but had saved little in the meantime. On October 28,.1878, John Herbst was married to Elizabeth Williams, who was born April 30, 1858, in Preble county, Ohio, the daughter of Jere- PREBLE COUNTY, OHIO - 715 miah Williams and wife; and was reared On her father's farm, reedvitig her eduCation in the. common schools. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. John Herbst lived on rented farms for a period of fifteen years, after which Mr. Herbst purchased his present farm of sixty-two and one-half acres, and On this farm he has placed many substantial improvements. Mr. and Mrs. Herbst are the parents of six Children : Fred, lives at Cincinnati, Ohio; Nora, the wife of William Taylor, a farmer of Washington township; Bertha, unmarried, is employed in a glove factory at Eaton; Everett E., unmarried, is a farmer; Marguerite; unmarried, lives at home, as does Herbert, the youngest of the family. Mr. Herbst is a Republican, but he has never taken an active part in political affairs. He has never held office, nor has he aspired to public position. Mr. Herbst has made an especial success in raising high-grade stock, and has been particularly successful as a farm manager, being. enterprising and progressive in all his and methods employed on his farm. The Herbst family are highly respected citizens of Washington township, where they have lived for many years. PROF. CLAYTON R. COBLENTZ. Jackson township, Preble county, Ohio, is extremely proud of its centralized schools, and no man has had more to do with the consolidation of these schools and the erection of the present magnificent school building in Jackson township than Prof. Clayton R. Coblentz, the superintendent of schools at Campbellstown; Professor Coblentz was born in Darke county; Ohio, four miles north of New Paris, November 12, 1876, a son of J. H. and Elizabeth (Eubank) Coblentz. J. H. Coblentz is a son of John and. Mary J. (Robertson) Coblentz. John Coblentz was a son of George Coblentz, Sr., who was a native of CobIentz, Germany, on the Rhine. When a young man, George Coblentz emigrated to America and located in Frederick county, Maryland, where he married. Later he emigrated to Montgomery county, Ohio, where he followed farming and where he spent the remainder of his life. John Coblentz, the grandfather of Clayton R., was left an orphan at a tender age, and was taken by his sister and other relatives to be reared. He grew to manhood on a farm near Eldorado, Ohio, where he married Mary J. Robertson, whose father, Isaac Robertson, was a noted itinerant preacher in 716 - PREBLE COUNTY, OHIO Preble and Darke counties, and to. this union were born .five children, one of whom died in infancy. The others. were : Rhoda, who became the wife of Joseph Alexander; John H., the father. of Professor Coblentz, married Elizabeth Eubank.; Malissa M., the wife of Henry H. Mikesell, and Elwood, who married Estella Alexander. John H. Coblentz, after his marriage, settled in Jefferson township, in this county, and later moved to Darke county, Ohio, where he was the owner of two farms. Later he returned to Jefferson. township, Preble county, where he lived until 1911, in which. year he purchased a store at Coxs Mills, in Wayne county, Indiana. John H. Coblentz and wife were the parents of three children, the eldest, Edward I., dying at the age of nine years, the others being Clayton R.,. who is the immediate subject of this sketch, and Ola M., the wife of James V. Hughes, a Jefferson township farmer. Prof. Clayton R. Coblentz spent his boyhood days on a farm, where he was reared to maturity. He attended the district schools during his early years and was graduated from the high school at New Paris in 1894. He received his professional training at Earlham College, Richmond, Indiana, and Miami University, Oxford, Ohio, and in 1895 engaged in teaching. He was principal of the New Paris high school one and one-half years and was superintendent of the same school three and one-half years. He was placed at the head of the Jackson township high school in 1900, and has been superintendent of this school since that time. The new school building was erected in 1910 and is the pride of Jackson township. Professor Coblentz was the promoter and supporter of the plan for the centralization schools in Jackson township. Professor Coblentz was married on June 11, 1899, to Daisy Barnet, who was born near Camden, Ohio, September 29, 1875, the daughter of Jarries. M. and Mary E. (Kelley) Barnet. She went with her parents to New Paris, Ohio, when seven years old, attended the schools of that village, and was graduated from the New Paris high school with the class of 1892. After her graduation she became a teacher in the public schools of Preble county, and taught at Eldorado and New Paris, as well as in the Jackson township district schools. Five children have been born to Professor Coblentz and wife, two dying in infancy. Those living are: Lawrence E., born on December 15, 1905; Mary E, born on October 8, 1909, and Ruth A., born, on May 19, 1911. Professor Coblentz and wife are earnest members of the Christian Church, in which he is church clerk. He is also a teacher of the young peo- PREBLE COUNTY, OHIO - 717 ple's class and assistant superintendent of the Sunday school. He is a Republican, but has never taken an active part in political affairs. He is a man of quiet and unassuming disposition and enjoys the good will of all the people of the township, whom he has served for a period of. fifteen years. He is a learned, efficient and capable educator and an eminent private citizen, a leader in all movements having for their object the betterment of his community, and devoted to the best interests of the township which he has long served so faithfully and so well. JOSIAH M. CROWEL. Josiah M. Crowel is recognized as one of the energetic farmers of Preble county, Ohio, who, by his enterprise and progressive methods, has contributed in a material way to the commercial advancement of the locality in which he lives. During the course of a long and honorable career, he has been especially successful in farming and enjoys the prestige of being a reputable and representative man of- his township. It is eminently proper, therefore, that attention be called to his achievements and due credit be accorded to his worth as a citizen. Josiah M. Crowel was born in Jackson township, Preble county, Ohio, September 23, 186o, a son of Jacob and Amy E. (Feasel) Crowel. Jacob Crowel was also a native of Jackson township, his birth having occurred October 19, 1818, and he was a son of Michael and Hannah (Wells) Crowel. Michael Crowel came to Ohio from Virginia, where he was born in 1806, and located in Jackson township in this county, and there he spent the remainder of his life. His wife was a native of North Carolina, and came to Ohio early in life with her parents and located in Jackson township, where she was married. Later Michael Crowel entered land one mile east of the state line, on the farm now owned by Charles Cox. He cleared away a spot and there built a cabin in the wilderness, and there he and his wife lived and 'worked with true pioneer spirit, clearing and improving their farm. They were the parents of nine children : Henry, David, Jacob, John, Michael, James, Mary, Sarah and Hiram, all of whom are now deceased. Jacob Crowel grew to manhood in Jackson, township, attending the district schools of that day, and married Amy E. Feasel, who was born in Wayne county, Indiana, -March 18, 1832, and died February 14, 1915. Shortly after his marriage Jacob Crowel purchased the old home farm, and 718 - PREBLE COUNTY, OHIO there he lived and worked and was prospered as the years went on and eventually became the owner of two hundred and sixty-five acres. He was honorable man, devoted to the interests of his family and the welfare of the community in which he lived. He died in 1901, in his eighty-third year. He and his wife Were the parents of three children: William, a resident of Dayton, Ohio; Josiah, the immediate subject of this review, and Edgar F., a candy maker in Richmond, Indiana. Josiah M. Crowel was reared on the farm in Jackson township, and received his education in the public schools of his home neighborhood. He remained at home assisting his father until he reached his majority, when he bought one hundred and one acres, a part of the old homestead. Mr. Crowel is now a general farmer and stock raiser. On February 17, 1891, Josiah M. Crowel was married to Margaret Short who is a daughter of John M. and Adelia Short. She was born in Wayne county, Indiana. Her father died, February 17, .1895; and her mother died April 11, 1915. After their. marriage Mr., and. Mrs. Crowel settled down on the farm where they now reside. They have one daughter, Hazel L. who was born on November 30, 1891. She is a graduate of the Jackson township high school, and is living-at home. with her parents. Mr. Crowel is a Republican, but has never taken an active part in political affairs. He has always voted at elections, but has preferred to leave the active management of politics to others. No man is more highly respected and esteemed in Jackson township than Josiah M. Crowel.   JOHN C. BARR. It is a well-authenticated fact that success comes as a result of legitimate and well-applied energy, unflagging determination and perseverance in a course of action one decides upon. Success was never known to smile upon the idler or dreamer and never courts the inert man. Only men who have diligently sought her favor are crowned with her blessing. The success which John C. Barr, of Jackson township, Preble county, Ohio, enjoys has been won by the qualities which always win success. His splendid personal worth has won for brim the high esteem of a large circle of friends. John C. Barr, a farmer living in Jackson township, Preble county, Ohio, was born in Jefferson township, in the same county, September 27, 1864, the son of. Alexander and Achasia (Curry) Barr. Alexander Barr was born in Preble county, the son of Christopher Barr, whose father and two PREBLE COUNTY - 719 brothers came to the United States from Scotland. Christopher Barr's father settled near New Paris, in Jefferson township, this county, where he spent the rest of his life. His son, Christopher Barr, lived and died in the same township. Both Alexander Barr and his wife, the latter of whom was the daughter of Capt. John Curry, grew up in Preble county, and both lived their lives. They were the parents of twelve children, nine of whom are living : Alice, the wife of William D. Benner, of Jackson. township; John . C., the subject of this sketch; Clarence O., a farmer of Jefferson township; Frank, a graduate of the Richmond Business College, who is assistant superintendent in the office of the Adams Express Company at Chicago, Illinois; Myrtle, the wife of William Irwin, of Eldorado; Ohio; William A., a graduate of ,the Richmond Business College, who is a traveling salesman for Seigle brothers, of Chicago; Mary, the wife of Herbert Harshman, of Washington township; Pearl, the wife of John Wearley, of Manchester, Ohio; and Bruce, O., a graduate of the Richmond Business College, who is a farmer in Jefferson township, John C. Barr was reared on the paternal farm in this county, receiving his education in the common schools; and lived at home until he was married. John C. Barr was married on June 17, 1896, to Mattie M. Tobey, who was born in Jackson township, June 2, 1876, the daughter of David and Mary (Kepler) Tobey. To this union have been born two son's : Byr1 T., a student in the Jackson township high school, born May 15, 1897, and Azel F., born June 22, 1898, also a student in the high school. David Tobey was a son of Henry and Magdalene C. (Rohrer) Tobey, the former of whom was born on October 14, 1817, and the latter born on Mardi 20, 1818, who were married December 24, 1835. Mrs. Henry Tobey was a daughter of : Elizabeth Rohrer, who died July 14, 1884. Henry Tobey was a minister in the United Brethren church. He and his wife migrated frorri Baltimore, Maryland, to Montgomery county, Ohio, in 1836. He began preaching at the age of forty-one at Lewisburg, Ohio, and was Ordained an elder in 1845. He died on September 15, 1889, and his wife died on January 31, 190o. John C. Barr is a member of the Presbyterian church at Gettysburg, Ohio, and Mrs. Barr is a member of the United Brethren church 'at New Hope: Mr. Barr is a Democrat and has been active in the councils of his party and is now one of the trustees of the township. He owns forty acres of land on the Richmond and Eaton pike, six miles from Eaton and ten miles from Richmond. The Barr family is widely known in the community in which they live and are popular in that community. 720 - PREBLE COUNTY, OHIO. THE DEEM FAMILY. One of the most prominent of the Preble county families, and one which has been connected with the history of this section from the very earliest times, is that of the Deems. The family in Preble county was founded by Joseph Deem, who was a well-known pioneer, and a man of true worth. He was born September 20, 1801, in Campbell county, Virginia, and came to Ohio with his parents in 1810, locating in Butler county, Ohio, where he resided until 1836, when he came to Preble county. He was married December 18, 1823, to. Frances Tarr, who was born in Shelby county, Kentucky, November 1, 1800. Upon coming to Preble county, Joseph Deem and wife located two miles northwest of Eaton, where they lived the remainder of their lives, his death occurring February 14, 1873, his widow survived him about one year, dying on January 14, 1874. Both were devout and earnest members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Joseph Deem was converted August 4, 1821, at a camp meeting in Butler county, Ohio. He became a member of the church and was a devoted and faithful worker in the church for more than half a century, as well as a valued citizen of his community throughout his life. To Joseph and Frances (Tarr) Deem were born nine children: William T., born September 26, 1824; Buckner, born August 19, 1826; Mary A., born April 28, 1828 ; Maria, born April 2, 1831 ; John, born June 6, 1833; Jane, born November 13, 1835; Frances M., born May 26, 1838; George W., born June 15, 1841, and James K., born August 2, 1844. James K. Deem was reared on a farm and was educated in the district schools. He spent his entire life on the old home farm two miles northwest of Eaton. He was married December 24, 1868, to Mary E. Bruce, a granddaughter of William Bruce, who was born on the old Bruce homestead just south of the Eaton corporation line, November 25, 1849, and was educated in the public schools of Eaton, Ohio. To this union there was born one son, Charles Hardin Deem, born February 14, 1870. Mr. Deem was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, a member of the official board of the congregation to which he was attached, and throughout his whole life was a liberal supporter of the church. Charles Hardin Deem was educated in the district schools, which he attended during the winter seasons. In the summers he worked on a farm. On December 22, 1897, he married Elma Cooper, a daughter of Daniel and Sarah Cooper. Mr. Deem is ex-treasurer of Preble county, Ohio. James K. Deem died January 7, 1891, and Mrs. Deem married his PREBLE COUNTY, OHIO - 727 brother, George W. Deem, December 29, 1897. George W. Deem has been married to Fanny J, Bruce, a sister of his second wife, and by this marriage .was the father of one daughter, Susan; who is the wife of Charles A. Kelley, and lives at Searcy, Arkansas. George W. Deem was one of the organizers of the. Eaton National Bank, and served as one of the directors until his death. He was prominent in financial circles. He built the home where his widow now Jives on North Baron street, and moved into it in 1882. It is constructed of pressed brick and is one of the best dwellings in Eaton.. George W. Deem was engaged in the lumber business in Eaton from 1872 until his death in 1902: He was a successful business man in every respect. George W. Deem was a member of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to Boliver Lodge No. 82, of Eaton. He was an eminently respected citizen of the county during his life and contributed much to the financial prestige of Preble county. Mrs. Deem now lives in her splendid home on Baron street in Eaton, and is a clever, refined and entertaining woman, a descendant of one of the oldest families of Preble county, and enjoys in the widest degree the respect and esteem of her large circle of acquaintances. JONAS H. TREFFINGER. Few residents of Preble county are so well and favorably known as the enterprising farmer and representative citizen whose life story is here briefly set out, and none stands higher than he in the esteem and confidence of the community in which he resides. Jonas H. Treffinger, the proprietor of "Sunny Nook Farm," consisting of sixty acres, situated six miles northwest of Eaton, in Jackson township, was born in Washington township, this county, October 21, 1855, the son of William G. and Regina .(Ressler) Treffinger, both natives of Germany. William G. Treffinger and Regina Ressler grew up in Germany, were married there and: came to the United States in the forties, locating in Jackson township, Preble county, Ohio: They never. possessed much of this world's goods, but did manage, however, to acquire a small farm, where they both died. They. were members of the Dunkard church and were the parents of seven children, two of whom are living, William E., who married Kate Stemple and lives in Washington township, and Jonas H. (46) 722 - PREBLE COUNTY, OHIO. Jonas H. Treffinger was reared on the home farm and was educated in the district schools. He worked for his father until he was sixteen years old, at which time he began working for himself. He worked by the month until twenty-three years old, and was then, on September 28, 1878, married to Emma Longfellow, a daughter of John J. and Julia A. (Dillman) Longfellow, the former a native of Cass county, Indiana, and the latter of Washington township, Preble county, Ohio. Jacob Longfellow, father of John J., owned a large tract of land where the city of Logansport, Indiana, now stands. John J. Longfellow settled in Butler county, Ohio, where he spent the rest of his life. His daughter, Emma Longfellow, who is Mr. Treffinger's wife, was born in St. Clair township, Butler county, February 20, 1857. She was educated in the common schools of Preble county, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Jonas H. Treffinger have three daughters, Maude E., Bessie J. and Juna E. Maude E. married J. T. Hilderbrand and lives in Chicago, Illinois. They have two children, a son and a daughter. Bessie J. is a graduate of the Campbellstown high school and the wife of John Mummert, of Dixon township. They have two daughters. Juna E. is single and at home. The maternal grandmother of these children was Julia A. Markey, who married Adam Dillman, both natives of Virginia. Mr. Treffinger is a member of Eaton Lodge No. 30, Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is a Democrat, but has never cared to hold office. Mr. Treffinger has made a success of his vocation and is popular in the community where he lives. ELIJAH V. STAMBACK. Among those who are eminently entitled to a place in a work of this character is Elijah V. Stamback, a farmer living on Rural Route 3, out of New Paris, Ohio. Mr. Stamback has performed well his part in the drama of civilization and has led a life that is exemplary in every respect. He has set an example to the younger generation, for he has been a leader in his locality in all matters pertaining to its advancement. In a conservative manner he has done what he could for the advancement of the community's interests. Elijah V. Stamback was born in Jackson township, this county, one and one-half miles south of where he now lives, April 11, 1862, the son of William and Nancy A. (McElhaney) Stamback; the latter of whom was PREBLE COUNTY, OHIO - 723 a native of Virginia, who were the parents of eight children, four of whom are still living : Maggie, the wife of James Wert; Miriam, the wife of F. L. Dine; W. J., a farmer of Jackson township, and Elijah V., the subject of this sketch. Elijah V. Stamback was left at the age of two years without a father, and his mother died a few years later. For six years he worked for different people for his board and clothes, and for seven years he worked by the month. The first year of this latter form of service he received nine dollars a month and the next four years fifteen dollars a month, and the last two years eighteen dollars a month. At the end of seven years he had saved two hundred dollars. Mr. Stamback then began life on his own account. He rented land in Jackson township at three dollars an acre for two years and in 1888 purchased the place where he now lives, consisting of one hundred and forty-four acres. Mr. Stamback now owns two hundred and thirty acres in Jefferson township and four hundred acres in Jackson township, in all, six hundred and thirty acres. He has acquired every acre of this land by his own labor and careful management. One-half of Mr. Stamback's total wealth has come from the raising of tobacco and corn. One might canvass Preble county thoroughly, but it is doubtful if he would be able to find a man who has accomplished more than Elijah V. Stamback, considering the handicaps Under which he labored early in life. There are not many farmers in Preble county who own more land than Mr. Stamback, and there are very few who have a competence equal to that which he has accumulated. Mr. Stamback has toiled hard and has always been a good manager ; but coupled with these two qualities, is his reputation for honesty and square dealing, a no small factor in his great personal success. Mr. Stamback was married on October 24, 1886, to Cora L. McKee, who was born in Jefferson township, this county, but who lived in the West a short time. Mr. Stamback is a Democrat, but his life has been too busily occupied with his own private affairs to permit much attention to political affairs. Mr. and Mrs. Stamback are members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Gettysburg and Mr. Stamback is a member of the official board and active in the work of the church and the Sunday school. Elijah V. Stambach has reached that enviable position in life from which he can look back upon his career and know that he has been a success, realizing that the verdict of his neighbors, his friends and his fellow citizens must ever continue to be : "Well .done, thou good and faithful servant." 724 - PREBLE COUNTY, OHIO. CLEMENT L. JONES. It is the farmer who makes it possible for men in other occupations to live. . Farming was the original vocation of man and it is the only occupation which could exist independently of the others. Indeed, every. other occupation is dependent upon farming. The products of the farm have made our railroads what they are today. The great bulk of manufacturing is made necessary because of the farmer's needs. The people of the city could not live a week without the farmer's products. This is especially true of the fruit and truck grower. The farmer holds not only the purse-strings of the nation, but he even holds. the very life of the people in his hand. For this reason, the farmer has in reality the most important vocation of all. Preble county has many fine farms and many good farmers, and among the best and most successful is Clement L. Jones, a farmer living on Rural Route 3, out of Richmond, Indiana, and the proprietor of "Linden Ranch, Fruit, Dairy and Poultry Farm," consisting of sixty-two acres five miles east of Richmond, in Jefferson township. Mr. Jones was born in Randolph county, Indiana, May 4, 1872, the son of John H. and Ellen F. (Helton) Jones. John H. Jones was born in Owen county, Indiana, the son of Warren M. Jones, who was the son of Edmund Jones, the latter of whom emigrated from Virginia to Indiana, where he entered land in Wayne—county and where he spent the remainder of his life. Warren. M. Jones married Sarah Stauffer, who was born in Pennsylvania, but who was reared in Wayne county, Indiana, to which union were born eleven children: Levi, John, Granville, Jacob, Edward, Harold, Melvina, Elizabeth, Ruth, Hannah and Sarah, all of whom are living except Melvina. John H. Jones was reared on a farm in Randolph county, Indiana, and was educated in the district schools of that county, following which he taught school for some time. He married Ellen Helton, the daughter of John and Melissa (Edwards) Helton, who was born in Randolph county, Indiana. Three children were born to this union : Clement L., the subject of this sketch; John E., who married Ethel Totten and lives in Eureka, California; Elza F., who married Addie Hinshaw and lives in Reno, Nevada. Mrs. Ellen Jones died in 1877 and Mr. Jones married, secondly, Mary C. Shank, who T as born in Randolph county, Indiana. To this second union ten children were born, all of whom live in Randolph county, Indiana, except Herbert, who lives in Lafayette, same state. The other children are