PREBLE COUNTY, OHIO - 825 George; Lizzie, the wife of Frank Mitchell; Minnie, the wife of Lee Larsh, of Dixon township ; August, who married Flora Miller and lives in Dixon township; Henry, who married Eva Druly and also lives in Dixon township; Edward, who farms the home place; Walter ; Homer, a painter, and Lawrence. The four last named are single. Mr. and Mrs. Sanders are members of the Lutheran church. Mr. Sanders is a Democrat. He is honest, upright and enterprising and is regarded as among the foremost men in his part of the county. WILLIAM HUBER. The Union soldiers during the great war between the states builded more wisely than they knew. Through four years of suffering and hardships, through the horrors of imprisonment and the shadow of death, they laid the superstructure of the greatest temple ever dedicated to human freedom. The world looked on and called those soldiers sublime, for it was theirs to reach out the mighty arm of power and strike the chains from off the slave, to preserve the country from dissolution and to unfurl to the breeze the only flag that ever made tyrants tremble. For all their unmeasured deeds, the living present can never repay them. Pensions and political power may be thrown at their feet ; art and sculpture may preserve upon canvas and in granite and bronze their unselfish deeds ; history may commit to books, and cold type may give to the future the tales of their sufferings and triumphs, but to the children of the generations yet unborn it must remain to accord the full measure of appreciation and undying remembrance of the immortal characters carved out by the American soldiers in the dark days of the early sixties, numbered among whom was William Huber, who served in Company A, One Hundred and Sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and who was in active service until the close of the war, except during two weeks when he was a prisoner in the hands of the enemy. William Huber, a highly respected farmer and citizen of Washington township, Preble county, Ohio, was born in Cincinnati, January 1o, 1846, the son of William and Sybilla (Bosense) Huber. William Huber, Sr., was born in Germany and came to the United States at the age of eighteen. He went directly to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he was engaged in operating a tannery, he being one of the partners in the business, and spent the rest of his life there. His wife, Sybilla Bosense, was born in France and came to the 826 - PREBLE COUNTY, OHIO. United States, locating in Cincinnati, where she grew to womanhood and was married. To her union with William Huber, Sr., nine children were born, those now living being, William, Jr., the subject of this sketch; Catharine, the wife of Henry Neideraur ; Mary, the widow of Andrew Schwartz, of Columbus, Ohio; Charles, of Columbus, Ohio; Henry, of Texas, and Toney A., also of Columbus, Ohio. William Huber, Jr., was reared in Cincinnati, Ohio, and learned the tanner's trade there. He enlisted in the Civil War in Company A, One Hundred and Sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was out until the close of the war, but was taken prisoner near the close and held for two weeks. After the war he came back to Cincinnati and resumed work at his trade. At Evansville, Indiana, on May 14, 1869, William Huber was married to Catharine Moser, who was born in Pennsylvania and was the adopted daughter of a Mr. Moser. To Mr. and Mrs. Huber were born fourteen children, nine of whom are living: Edward, of Newport, Kentucky; Mamie, who lives at home; Walter, of Eaton, Ohio; Sybilla, the wife of James Beatty, of Eaton, Ohio; Jeannette, the wife of 011ie Bailey, of Detroit, Michigan : Carl, of St. Paul, Minnesota ; Anna, the wife of John Quinn, of Eaton, Ohio; Bessie, the wife of Grover Dunlap, of Lewisville, Indiana; and Robert, who is at home. Mr. and Mrs. Huber also reared Clara Lease, who married Earl Kuntz. Mrs. Huber died on September 1, 1910. Mr. Huber is a Republican and has been active for a long time in the councils of his party. He is a man of rather wide influence and his counsel is much sought. Mr. Huber is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic post at Eaton, Ohio, and of the Methodist Episcopal church at Cincinnati, Ohio. He is the owner of a fine home and a farm of one hundred acres. THOMAS O'LEARY. Specific mention is made in the following paragraphs of one of the worthy citizens of Preble county, Ohio, who has figured in the growth and development of the educational and agricultural interests of this favored locality and whose interests have been identified with its progress, contributing in a definite measure in his particular sphere of action to the well-being of the community in which he resides and to the advancement of its normal and legitimate growth. Earnest purpose and tireless energy, combined with good judgment and everyday common-sense, have been among his most PREBLE COUNTY, OHIO - 827 common characteristics and he has merited the respect and esteem which are accorded him by all who know him. Thomas O'Leary, who successfully conducts a well-improved farm in Gasper township, is a native of Preble county, having been born in Dixon township, March 25, 1875. His parents, Cornelius and Mary (Kearney) O'Leary, were natives of Ireland, whence they came to the United States, locating at Cincinnati, Ohio, where they were married. About 1867 they came to Preble county, locating in Dixon township, where they lived for a number of years and then, in 1885, moved to Washington township, where they resided the remainder of their lives. Cornelius O'Leary was entitled to great credit for the progress he made in material affairs, for when he landed in Cincinnati he was entirely without funds, but, by dint of persistent energy and sound judgment, he acquired a comfortable home for himself and family. To himself and wife were born four children, three of whom are now living, Prof. John O'Leary, superintendent of the Eaton public schools ; a sister, Ella, who married John Lally, of Union City, Indiana, and Thomas, the immediate subject of this sketch. Thomas O'Leary was educated partly in Dixon and partly in Washington townships, this county, receiving his education in the district schools and the high school at Eaton, where he was graduated in 1895. He thereafter followed the pedagogical profession for ten terms, being successfully engaged in teaching in the public schools of his home county, acquiring an  excellent reputation as an efficient and popular teacher. After his marriage in 1905, Mr. O'Leary lived one year in Dixon township and in 1906 moved to Gasper township, where he has since resided. He is the owner of the southwest quarier of section 28 in that township and has a well-improved and well-drained farm, which is numbered among the best agricultural tracts of that locality. Mr. O'Leary gives proper attention to the rotation of crops and other up-to-date ideas conducive to successful agriculture and is numbered among the intelligent and progressive farmers of Preble county. He also gives considerable attention to the raising of live stock, which he has found a profitable source of income. He is well-informed in every phase of agriculture and gives thoughtful direction to his work. In February, 1905, Thomas O'Leary was united in marriage to Jennie Weadick, a daughter of Thomas and Mary A. (Yost) Weadick, and to this union have been born three children, Martha, Mary and Joseph. Mr. O'Leary is allied with the Republican party and takes an intelligent interest in public affairs, though not aspiring to office for himself. He and the members of his family are adherents of the Catholic church at Eaton. 828 - PREBLE COUNTY, OHIO. Because of his friendly manner, business ability, interest in public affairs and upright living Mr. O'Leary is regarded by all as one of the substantial and worthy citizens of Preble county and enjoys a large and favorable acquaintance. EDWARD F. WRIGHT. Edward F. Wright is a farmer of Gasper township, Preble county, Ohio, who has figured in the growth and development of the agricultural interests of his locality and whose interests have always been identified with its progress. In his particular sphere he has contributed a definite measure to the well-being of the community in which he resides and to the advancement of its normal and legitimate growth. Earnest purpose and tireless energy, combined with mature judgment and everyday common sense have been among his most prominent characteristics. He thoroughly merits the respect and esteem accorded him by the people of Gasper town-ship. Edward F. Wright was born on February 25, 185o, in Gasper town-ship, Preble county, Ohio, the son of Samuel and Margaret (Runyan) Wright, the former a native of Preble county and the son of Samuel Wright, Sr., who came to the United States from Ireland and who, after coming to this country, lived in Gasper township, this county, the remainder of his life. Margaret Runyan was a native of Kentucky, who came to Preble county with her parents, Richard Runyan and wife, who lived in Prele counfy for many years. Samuel Wright, Jr., the father of Edward F., was married in Preble county and was the father of nine children, William, born on November 12, 1841, who lives with Edward F. ; Samuel, who was married on April 16, 184o, and died on May 1, 1886; Tabitha J., the wife of Jacob Stude-baker ; Pauline Ann, the widow of William Girten ; Benjamin F., who married Sarah Miller, of California, and resides in that state ; Edward F., whose history is here presented ; Sallie, the wife of C. T. Wilkerson, and Elmer E., James A. and Mary T., the last three named of whom are deceased. The Wrights are earnest Methodists and their children were brought up in that faith. Edward F. Wright was reared on a farm in Gasper township and was educated in the common schools, remaining at home with his father until he was twenty-one years old. He then began farming and lived on PREBLE COUNTY, OHIO - 829 the home place for one year, working by the month. After this he farmed for himself for one year and was then married. Mr. Wright was married on September 15, 1875, to Maggie McDonald, who was born in Gasper township, this county. To this union three sons were born, Charles S., born on June 5, 1878, who is married and lives in Dayton, Ohio ; Alonzo, born on February 15, 188o, who also is married, and Everett E., born November 18, 1882, who is married and lives in Lanier township. The mother of these children died on October 4, 1885, and on November 4, 1888, Mr. Wright married, secondly, Mary A. Watson, who was born in Jay county, Indiana, June 27, 1863, the daughter of George B. and Catherine (Hoover) Watson. Mrs. Watson is still living at Portland, Indiana, but her husband died in 1898 in that city. George B. Watson was born in Vermont, August 30, 1818, and came west when a young man, locating at Richmond, Indiana. He was employed in the woolen mills at Richmond and was married there in 1841. He purchased eighty acres of land in Jay county, Indiana, in 1842, all of which was woods. He cleared a spot and built a cabin four miles northwest of Portland, then a village of six or seven houses. He and his wife lived on this farm until 1881, in which year they moved to Portland, where lie died in 1898. His wife was born on June 12, 1823. Mr. and Mrs. Watson were the parents of nine children, five of whom are still living, Sarah, the wife of Samuel Carson ; Ernest, who married Rebecca Collett; George W., who is unmarried and lives at home ; Mary A., the wife of Mr. Wright, and Mrs. J. B. Gibson, of Cincinnati, Ohio. The four deceased children were Abigail, Ira, Ella and Francis. The Watsons were prominent members of the Friends church in their community. To Edward F. Wright, by his second marriage, two children were born, Eula M., born on February 26, 1892, who is at home, and Clara 0.. born on March 17, 1896, who was graduated from the Eaton high school in 1913 and is a teacher in Twin township, this county. The Wright family are all members of church and . active in church affairs. Mr. Wright is a Republican and for years has been active in local politics. He has been the justice of the peace in Gasper township for about eight years. Mr. Wright is a substantial citizen in the locality where he lives. He owns seventy-five acres of lnd, which he has acquired by his own labor. It is a good farm and located on the Franklin road, three miles southeast of Eaton, Ohio. 830 - PREBLE COUNTY, OHIO. DAVID M. KING. Agriculture has been an honorable vocation since the earliest ages and, as a usual thing, men of honorable and humane impulses as well as those of energy and thrift have been patrons of husbandry. The free out-of-door life of the farm has a decided tendency to foster and develop that independence of mind and self-reliance which characterize true manhood. No truer blessing can befall a boy than to be reared in close touch with nature in the healthful, life-inspiring labor of the field. From the fruitful soil has sprung the bone and sinew of the country and the majority of our nation's great warriors, renowned statesmen and distinguished men of letters were born on the farm and are indebted largely to its early influence for the distinction which they have attained. Many of the prominent citizens of Preble county not only derive their sustenance from the soil, but the healthful out-door life and vigorous toil have made them leaders among men. Among these respected farmers of Preble county is David M. King, of Washington township. David M. King was "bornnear Palestine, Darke county, Ohio, July 22, 1870, the son of C. C. and Barbara (Lavengood) King. His mother was born in Darke county, Ohio, the daughter of Peter and Peggy (Peck) Lavengood. The great-grandparents on both sides of Mrs. King's family were natives of Germany. C. C. King was born in Maryland and, when a mere lad, both his parents died and he was taken by John Bowman to be reared. He came with the Bowman family to Ohio when he was six years old and grew up on a farm, receiving his education in the district schools. Mr. King married Barbara Lavengood and settled in Madison township, Darke county, Ohio, where he spent the rest of his life, his death occurring in 1895. His widow is now a resident of Darke county, this state. C. C. and Barbara (Lavengood) King were the parents of Elvina, the widow of Lloyd Akins, lives in Darke county; Henry, who married Phoebe Near, is a farmer in Arkansas; Noah C. is still single and lives with his mother; Ella, the wife of Owen Montgomery, lives near Dayton, Ohio, and David M., the subject of this sketch. David M. King was reared on the old homestead in Darke county, Ohio, and was educated in the district schools. He attended school in the winter and in the summer he worked on the farm until sixteen years of age. He then began working for himself and for sixteen years worked by the month. During this time he accumulated the money with which to buy sixty-three acres in Washington township, Preble county, two and one-half miles west of Eaton, known as "Kingston Farm," where he now resides. PREBLE COUNTY, OHIO - 831 On January 8, 1902, David M. King was married to Katie E. Miles, who was born in Lanier township, this county, in 1878, the daughter of Preston and Lucinda Miles, who received her education in the common schools. To Mr. and Mrs. King four children have been born, Virgie I., born on March 1o, 1904 ; Dora 0., born on March 17, 1905; Mary L., born on September 9, 1908, and Chester D., born on July 21, 1910. Mr. and Mrs. King attend the Universalist church. Mr. King is a member of Waverly Lodge No. 143, Knights of Pythias, and has served in some of the offices of this lodge. He is a Republican. Mr. King keeps a good grade of live stock of all kinds and makes a specialty of pure-blood white Plymouth Rock chickens. David M. King has been an honest and upright man. He owes his present success to painstaking industry and prudent, careful management. Mr. and Mrs. King enjoy the esteem of a large circle of friends. HENRY B. KELLEY. Among the enterprising and progressive citizens of Preble county, Ohio, none stands higher in the esteem of his fellow men than Henry B. Kelley. He has long been actively engaged in agriculture in this county, and the years of his residence here have but served to strengthen the feeling of admiration on the part of his neighbors and friends. He has led an honorable life and has set a worthy example to the younger generation. Henry B. Kelley was born in Lagro township, Wabash county, Indiana, September 17, 187o, the son of Edward A. and Ursula H. (Bond) Kelley. Edward A. Kelley was born in the same township, county and state, while his wife was born in Jefferson township, Huntington county, Indiana, March 7, 1848, the daughter of Aaron and Amy (Wight) Bond, natives of Wayne county, Indiana, born near Richmond. Edward A. Kelley, who was born on June 25, 1845, in Lagro township, Wabash county, Indiana, died there. He served during the Civil War in the One Hundred and Eighteenth Regiment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry, for a period of nine months. He and his wife were the parents of seven children, two of whom are living, Alfred W., who lives at Detroit, Michigan, and Henry B. Edward A., Matthew, Amy A., Albert and Franklin are deceased. Following the death of Mr. Kelley, his widow married Henley James, to which union one son was born, Grant, who lives in Detroit, Michigan. 832 - PREBLE COUNTY, OHIO. On September 5, 1907, Henry B. Kelley was married to Emma Bloomfield,- the daughter of Reuben and Amanda (Harbison) Bloomfield, the fornier of whom was born on November io, 1809, on the farm where Henry B. Kelley now lives, a son of David and Rachel (Barklay) Bloomfield. Reuben Bloomfield died on March 3, 1885. By a second marriage he was the father of five children, two of whom are living, Julia, the wife of Jonas Markey, and Elizabeth, who is the widow of Pearson Pugh. Mrs. Kelley was reared on the farm and was educated in the public schools of the county. She became a teacher and followed this occupation for seventeen years. On Mrs. Kelley's maternal side there were two ancestors in the Revolutionary War. One was Thomas Morgan, born in Cumberland county, Virginia, in 1749, and the other was Robert Harbison. Mr. and Mrs. Kelley have no children. Mr. Kelley is a member of Waverly Lodge, Knights of Pythias, and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and is past chancellor of the former lodge. He is a member of the Daughters of Rebekah at Eaton. Mrs. Kelley is a member of the Christian church. Politically, Mr. Kelley is a Republican. He owns one hundred and fifty-three acres in Washington township, three and one-half miles southwest of Eaton. ROBERT EATON LOWRY. Robert Eaton Lowry, the historian of this volume, is an attorney of the Preble county bar, and has been a resident of that county since August, 1873. He was born on November 2, 1846, in Delaware county, Ohio, and through his own efforts and earnings, was educated at Central College Academy, eleven miles northeast of Columbus, Ohio, after which time he attended and graduated from Miami University, in the class of 1871. During the winters, while attending the academy and university, he taught school in Delaware, Franklin and Butler counties, and, after his graduation, he taught until 1885, being employed seven years at Gratis, Ohio, when he was honored by the people of Preble county, who elected him to the office of county surveyor, for six years, since which time he has been employed as an attorney. During the Civil War he enlisted no less than four times, in various regiments, but, on account of his age, was dismissed and sent home, because of the opposition of his father, the last time after muster in Company B, Forty-sixth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, from which he was discharged. Upon his return home, his father went in the One Hundred and PREBLE COUNTY, OHIO - 833 Forty-seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry, so that every member of the family, by blood or marriage, carried Uncle Sam's honorable discharge, if old enough. The subject of this sketch served as mayor of Eaton for two years, from May, 1896, and has been for ten years a member of the Eaton public library, and also served as treasurer of the law library. The father of the subject of this sketch, Andrew J. Lowry, was born in the state of Virginia, near the mouth of James river, in January, 1822. His parents, Andrew Lowry and Mary Lowry, came from County Down, Ireland, about sixteen miles southeast of Belfast, to that state in 1820, and with the great-grandfather, Andrew Lowry, came to Delaware county, Ohio, with their families in 1828, when they settled in Liberty township, where Andrew Lowry and his wife died, in 1836 and 1838, respectively. Andrew J. Lowry grew to manhood and lived in Liberty township all his life, owning a farm of one hundred and fifteen acres. He died on the farm in January, 1893. Andrew Lowry had five brothers, John, Samuel, Robert, David and Crosby, and one sister, Ann, who married Philo Thomas. The mother, Elizabeth (Cunningham) Lowry, married Andrew J. Lowry in January, 1844, and to them six children were born : Joseph C., who died in boyhood; Robert E. ; Julia E., who married Lawrence E. Gren-nan, of Oxford, Ohio, both now deceased ; Phoebe L., who married William Dixon, now deceased ; Mary E., who married Edward O. Randall, both of whom are since deceased, and Philo J., now of Amarillo, Texas. The parents of Elizabeth Lowry were Barnett and Mary (Eaton) Cunningham, who were natives of Connecticut, and came with their parents to Delaware county, Ohio, about 1805. Mary (Eaton) Cunningham's father was the government surveyor of most of the land in Delaware county, and a direct descendant of that John Eaton who landed at Plymouth, Massachusetts, in 1624, and emigrated to the colony of Con-necticut, in 1636, as related on his tombstone in the Berlin cemetery. To Barnett and Mary Cunningham were born eleven children, John, Joseph, Hugh. Elizabeth, James, Jane, Margaret, Phoebe, Mary, Barnett and one who died in infancy. All are deceased except Margaret. Elizabeth Lowry was born in December, 1821, and died in September, 1903. Robert E. Lowry married Mary Emily Hamilton on December 29, 1872, the daughter of Robert and Mary Hamilton, who was born on October 16, 1846, near Somerville, Ohio. The father, Robert Hamilton, was a native of Kilmarnock, Scotland, coming to this country when a young man, to Connecticut. The mother was the daughter of Joseph and Amy Cornish Fuller, who lived and (53) 834 - PREBLE COUNTY, OHIO died in the Farmington. valley, about fifteen miles west of Hartford, Con necticut. Robert and Mary Hamilton were the parents of seven children, Joseph, Martha,. Amy, Mary Emily, William, Thomas B. and Sarah A. Robert Hamilton died in 1869, sixty-one years old; Mary Hamilton died in 1902, eighty-five years old. Both were buried at West Elkton, Ohio, they having come to Butler county, in 1838, shortly after their marriage. Robert E. Lowry and wife moved to Eaton, Ohio, in 1885. After serving a term as surveyor, he was admitted to practice law, in 1892, an practiced by himself until 1900, when he formed a partnership with Judge J. W. King, and, later on, Harry G. King became a member of the firm of King, Lowry & King, which so continued until Judge King's death, March, 1908, after which the firm became Lowry & King, and has so continued Mr. Lowry belongs to Bolivar Lodge No. 82, Free and Accepted Masons, to Eaton Chapter No. 22, Royal Arch Masons, to Waverly Lodge No. 143, Knights of Pythias, and to Mulharen-O'Cain Post No. 3, Grand Army of the Republic. Mr. and Mrs. Lowry belong to the Presbyterian church, of Eaton, in which he officiates as a deacon. In fact, both were educated and reared as Presbyterians, and as Republicans, and still hold the faith of their childhood, both religiously and politically. They each have, during their married lives, tried to be loving, cheerful and capable helpmeets to each other, and good and respectable citizens of the county, who tried to help push the car of progress along, although at times fate has seemed to have dealt with them somewhat harshly. They have-endeavored to remember the motto : "When God sorts out the weather and sends rain, Then rain's my choice," as the proper spirit for those who pray, "Thy will be done." ORANGE MARKEY. The true measure of individual success is determined by what one has accomplished. An enumeration of those men of the past generation who were successful in .their life work and who at the same time left the mark of their strong personality upon the community, men who won honor and recognition for themselves and, at the same time, conferred honor upon the localities in which they resided, would be incomplete were there failure to make. specivc mention of Orange Markey, for, although he is now sleeping PREBLE COUNTY, OHIO - 835 the sleep of the just, his influence still pervades the lives of those who were so fortunate as to enjoy his acquaintance. His name is deeply engraved on the pages of Preble county's history. His life was a busy one, but he never allowed anything to interfere with his Christian obligations or the fa'ithful performance of his church duties. His entire Christian life was one of sturdy effort for the worth of Christian doctrine, the purity and grandeur of Christian principles, and the beauty and inspiration of Christian character. Pure, constant and.noble was the spiritual flame that burned in and illumined the mortal tenement of the late Orange Markey. To the superficial observer only a small appreciation of his intrinsic spirituality is possible. His face was fortified by the lines. of deepest study. Christian living was with him the utmost concern among the changes and chances of this mortal life. The late Orange Markey was born on March 9, 1864, in Preble county, Ohio, the son of Joseph and Barbara (Hart) Markey. He was educated in the common schools of Preble county and later became a student at the Ohio Northern University at Ada, Ohio, and then attended the State University at Columbus, Ohio, eighteen months. Early in life, Mr. Markey took up farming and at the time of his death, in 1911, was considered one of the most successful and enterprising farmers of Preble county, Ohio. At the time of his death most of his children had been. reared to maturity and Mr. Markey had been able to give them splendid education, one son *having been graduated from the Ohio State University and another son having entered this great institution. On March 22, 1888, the late Orange Markey was married to Ida Barnhart, who was born in Huntington county, Indiana, April 1, 1865, the daughter of Henry and Zylpha (Bond) Barnhart, the former a native of Preble county, Ohio, and the latter a native of Huntington county, Indiana. Mrs. Markey was reared in Huntington county, Indiana, and was educated in the public schools of that county. Her father lived for a time in Huntington county and later removed to Henry county, Indiana. He and his wife were the parents of four children, Mary, who died when young ; Ida, the widow of Mr. Markey ; Florence, the wife of Charles Zehring; of Montgomery county ; and Clara, deceased. Mrs. Markey's father died in Huntington county, Indiana, and her mother afterwards married Christian Markey, moving to Preble county, Ohio, where she spent the rest of heilife. Mrs. Markey was ten years old when she was brought to Preble county, Ohio. She had . attended the schools of Huntington county', and received some additional education in the schools of Preble county. 836 - PREBLE COUNTY, OHIO. Mr. and Mrs. Orange Markey were the parents of eight children, seven of whom are still living, Paul, a graduate of the Eaton high school, who later was graduated from the Ohio State University at Columbus, Ohio; Joseph, also a graduate of the Eaton high school, is now completing the course at Ohio State University ; Ruth, who is a student in the sophomore year at the Eaton high school; Ethel, who also is a student in the Eaton high school; Ray, a graduate of the Eaton high school; Robert, deceased; Hugh and Stanley, students in the country schools of Preble county. Mr. Markey died on March 22, 1911, leaving Mrs. Markey with a splendid modern home, the best in the township in which she resides. She was left well provided for at the death of her husband and owns one hundred and seven acres of land, four and one-half miles south of Eaton. The late Orange Markey was a man who enjoyed the esteem and confidence of all with whom he ever had relations. His death is lamented today as one of the distinct losses to the civic and social life of Gasper township, where he lived. Mrs. Markey is one of the noble-minded and large-hearted women of Preble county, who is eminently deserving of recognition as an important factor in the wholesome conditions of life in the community where she has lived. She is a devoted member of the German Baptist church, a kind mother and a woman who was sincerely devoted to the work and the interests of her departed husband. EZRA M. CREAGER. One of the enterprising and successful farmers of Preble county, who has succeeded in his chosen vocation altogether by his own courage, industry and good management is Ezra M. Creager, of Washington township, the proprietor of "Fairview Farm," consisting of one hundred and four acres and situated on the Franklin road, one mile southeast of Eaton. Mr. Creager is a man who believes in lending what aid he can to his neighbors and the general public while advancing his own interests. He has acquired a substantial competence, owns a fine, modern country home and deserves to rank as one of Preble county's best citizens. Ezra M. Creager was born in Washington township, three miles north of Eaton, Ohio, February 4, 1867, the son of John R. and Sarah (Risinger) Creager. John R. Creager was born six miles north of Eaton in 1839, the son of Ezra and Delilah (Ford) Creager, both of whom were born in Montgomery county, Ohio, in which county they were married, after which PREBLE COUNTY, OHIO - 837 they came to Preble county, being among the earliest settlers here. They located north of Eaton, on a farm now owned by Daniel Pence, where they spent the rest of their lives, being among the most honored and influential pioneers of that section. John R. Creager was reared on this farm and educated in the public schools. After his marriage he lived on a rented farm west of Eaton and later on the Risinger farm until he purchased the farm known as the John W. Beam farm northwest of Eaton. He lived there for eleven years. Later he moved to the farm occupied by his father and remained with the latter, caring for him in his old age until his death. Later he moved back to this farm, where he died in 1894. His wife had preceded him to the grave, her death occurring in 1882. John R. Creager and wife were the parents of three children, Alice, the wife of John Waldren, of Monroe township; Ezra M., the subject of this sketch, and Anna, the wife of Charles Craig, of Monroe township. Ezra M. Creager was reared on the farm and educated in the common schools. On November 29, 1888, he married Eliza B. Clawson, daughter of Francis M. and Christena (Mettert) Clawson. Francis M. Clawson was the son of John Clawson, who was an early settler in Preble county, having come to this county when the Indians were yet in possession of the land. Francis M. Clawson and wife were the parents of five children, Mary, the wife of E. L. Davis; Sarah A., the wife of Aden H. Schell; Henry T., who is unmarried and lives in Eaton; Laura A., who is unmarried and lives in Eaton, and Eliza B., the wife of Mr. Creager. After the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Creager, they rented land for four years. When they had accumulated a few hundred dollars, they bought seven+, and three-quarters acres northwest of Eaton. In the meantime Mr. Creager rented land and added thirty-one acres to his farm in 1892, all this time making a specialty of raising tobacco. He bought his present farm in 1908. The house in which he now lives, which is a modern ten-room house, equipped with electric lights, hot water and a private heating plant, was built in 1912. Ezra M. Creager and wife are the parents of four sons, Edward L., Carl C., John E. and Abel L. Edward L. is a graduate of the Eaton high school and has taught school. He is now a student in the Ohio State University, at Columbus, Ohio. Carl C. is a farmer. John E. was graduated from the Eaton high school. Abel L. is a student in the Eaton public schools. Mr. and Mrs. Creager and family are members of the Lutheran church at Eaton, in which Mr. Creager is one of the deacons. Politically, he is a 838 - PREBLE COUNTY, OHIO. Democrat. Mr. Creager has made a remarkable success as a breeder of graded live stock. Mr. and Mrs. Creager are quiet and unassuming people and honorable citizens of Preble county, where they have spent their entire lives. THOMAS S. SKINNER. The biographies .of successful men are instructive as guides and in-centives 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. Thomas S. Skinner is a con-spicuous example of one who has lived to good purpose and achieved a definite degree of success in the sphere where his talents and energy have been applied. Thomas S. Skinner was born on April 7, 1857, in Somers township, Preble county, Ohio, the son of Jonathan and Lydia (Powell) Skinner. Jonathan Skinner was born in North Carolina. He left that state with his parents in 18o6 and in 1812 located near Camden, Ohio, the country there about at that time being a dense woods. Lydia Powell was born in Preble county, Ohio, the daughter of Hezekiah Powell. Jonathan Skinner was reared in Somers township and educated in the common schools. He married Rhoda Bishop, who was the mother of three children, William Skinner being the only child born to this marriage who is now living. Mrs. Skinner died in 1842 and Mr. Skinner married, secondly, Lydia Powell, who was the mother of three children, Helena, the wife of William Gregg, who resides near Lafayette, Indiana; Margaret, the wife of Philip Shafer, of Lanier township, this county, and Thomas S., the subject of this sketch. Thomas S. Skinner was reared on a farm in Somers township and as educated in the district schools which he attended until his eyes failed, when he gave his attention to farming. He worked by the month on a farm and later in a shop at Eaton, Ohio. Still later he returned to the farm and worked by the month, remaining with Nathan Fouts for twelve years. On March 18, 1896, Mr. Skinner was married. to Louise Winholt, the daughter of Henry and Margaret (Swartz) Winholt, both of whom were natives of Nuthersladt, Germany, and both of whom came to the United States on the same vessel, arriving at Trenton, Ohio, April 3, 1866. They were married on October 25, 1866, and lived at 'Trenton, Ohio, ten years. Henry Winholt then rented a farm and later purchased a farm consisting PREBLE, COUNTY, OHIO - 839 of one hundred and fifty-eight acres ,in Dixon township. Mrs. Winholt died on December 6, 1890. She was the mother of four children, who are stilt living, John A., who is a farmer and thresher in Dixon township, this county ; Louise, who is the wife of Mr. Skinner ; George, who is a farmer and thresherman in Dixon township, and Anna, who is the wife of Frank F. Wilkinson, of Washington township, this county. Mrs. Skinner was educated in the common schools of Somers township.. Mr. Skinner is a general farmer and stock raiser. He is the owner and proprietor of "Walnut Grove Farm," consisting of forty acres, situated four miles southwest of Eaton, Ohio. Mrs. Skinner was reared in the Lutheran church. Mr. Skinner is a member of Waverly Lodge No. 143, Knights of Pythias, and both Mr. and Mrs. Skinner are members of Dorcas Temple No. 105; Pythian Sisters. Mr. Skinner is a Republican, but has never taken an active part in politics. He and his wife are highly respected citizens of Washington township, where they are so well known and in the good works of which they take an active part. SILAS O. BURIFF. The personal record of a man who has raised himself from poor circumstances to a position, of responsibility and trust in a community is a romance in itself. Self-made men, who have achieved success by reason of their personal qualities and industry and have left the impress of their individuality upon the political and civic life of a county, effect a permanent good to such institutions as are embraced within their sphere of usefulness. Unwittingly, perhaps, they build monuments more enduring than marble. To this class of men, Silas Q. Buriff, of Preble county, undoubtedly belongs. Slias Q. Buriff, farmer, stockman and one of the county officials of Preble county, Ohio, was born on October 6, 1867, in Lanier township, this county, the son of Andrew J. and Minerva (Carter) Buriff, the former of whom had been born in Perry county, Ohio. At an early age Andrew J. Buriff was left an orphan and was taken by his uncle to be reared and educated. He first worked on the farm in Perry county, Ohio, but went in a wagon and boat to Iowa, in which state his uncle took a claim. He lived there two years, at the end of which time he returned to Ohio and worked in Highland county on a farm, later coming, with the owner of this farm, to Preble county. He was married here to Minerva Carter and for some 846 - PREBLE COUNTY, OHIO. time was located on a farm, but in 1909 moved to Eaton, where he and his wile now reside.. They were the parents of nine children, six of whom are living, Silas Q., the subject of this sketch; Emma, who is the wife of William White, of Lewisburg, Ohio ; Sallie, who married Carl Ballinger, of Dixon township; Charles Manuel, who married Allie Weeks and lives in Dayton, Ohio; Lawrence, who married Bertha Treffinger and lives in Casper township, and Clara, the wife of Irvin Shock, of Washington township. Silas Buriff was reared on. a farm in this county and received his education in the district schools and the normal school. He became a teacher and taught in the schools of Preble county for eight years, at the end of which time he went to farming. Silas Q. Buriff was married on August 4, 1893, to Susie Greenwood, who was born in Campbell county, Kentucky, the daughter of John and Pernelia Greenwood. Mrs. Buriff was educated in the common schools of her native county. Mr. Buriff was a poor man when he was married and rented a farm for some years, after which he bought a farm of ninety-four acres in the southwest quarter of Washington township. He has made substantial improvements upon this farm, including a modern eleven-room house, which is equipped with furnace, lights, bath and all modern conveniences. To Mr. and Mrs. Buriff six children have been born, Stanley, Elsie, Gilbert, Minerva, Leroy and Leonard, all of whom are at home. Gilbert is a student in the Eaton high school. Mr. Buriff owns a fine automobile. He gives much attention to the raising of hogs, out of which he has made the largest part of his money. Mr. Buriff is a Democrat and served two terms as trusteee of Washington township. In 1912 he was elected a member of the board of county commissioners, and was re-elected in 1914, in a county that is normally Republican, by three hundred majority. Mr. Buriff's repeated elections are the best testimony that can be presented of the efficiency and courage with which he has served the people. He and his family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Sugar Valley and are active in the work of that denomination. Mr. Buriff is a trustee of the church and is superintendent of the Sunday school. He is a member of Waverly Lodge No. 143, Knights of Pythias. In Preble county, where Mr. Buriff is so well known, he is regarded as a quiet and unassuming man and a most honorable citizen, deserving to rank as one of 'the most successful men now living in Preble county. PREBLE COUNTY, OHIO - 841 WILLIAM R. CHRISTMAN. The best history of a community is that which deals most with the lives and activities of its peopl.e, especially those who by their own endeavor and indomitable energy have forged to the front and placed themselves where they deserve the title of progressiVe men. William R. Christman has outstripped the less active plodders on the highway of life and achieved a career of satisfactory accomplishments in agriculture and a name which all men delight to honor, because of his upright life and his habits of thrift and industry. William R. Christman, a highly respected farmer and citizen of Washington township, Preble county, Ohio, was born on the farm he now owns, July 12, 1843, the son of Jacob and Julia A. (Riner) Christman. Jacob Christman was born in Preble county March 1, 181o, the son of Daniel and Susanna Christman. Daniel Christman was a native of Virginia, who came to this county in 1798, where he spent the rest of his life. He and his wife were the parents of five children, Solomon, Eliza, John, Daniel and Jacob. Jacob Christman grew up on a farm in Preble county and was married to Julia Ann Riner, who was born in Preble county, Ohio, November 18, 1816, the daughter of John and Polly Riner, her father also being a native of Preble county. He was one of the devoted and honored members of the Methodist Episcopal church and was well informed in Bible literature. Because of her high moral ideals, Julia Ann Christman was much admired in the community in which she lived and also was greatly honored by her neighbors. She died in her ninety-eighth year. Jacob Christman and wife were the parents of four children, John W., a resident of Eaton, Ohio; Eliza J., deceased ; Oliver, also deceased, and William R. William R. Christman was reared on a farm and attended the local school. He always remained on the home farm and assumed charge of the same upon his father's death, April 30, 1894. Jacob Christman was a man much admired in his community, having been a stanch member of the Methodist Episcopal church and a member of the official board for many years and his death was sincerely mourned. He was quite as strong in his political adherence as in his religious faith, having been a lifelong adherent of the Republican party and having been one of the first men to vote the Republican ticket in Washington township. He had been honored with election to the board of directors of the county infirmary. 842 - PREBLE COUNTY, OHIO: On February 23, 1871, William R. Christman was married to Elizabeth Bowsman, who was born in Preble county, a daughter of James and hosanna i3owsman, who were the parents of three children, two of whom are now living, Harry, a farmer of Monroe township, who married Dora Surface, and Wilber H., who married Glenna Sample and lives on the old homestead. Mary died in infancy. Mrs. Elizabeth Christman died on February 13, 1893, and Mr. Christman married, secondly, Harriett J. Ervin, who was born and reared in Jefferson township,, this county. Mr. and Mrs. Christman are members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Eaton, and Mr. Christman is a member of Waverly Lodge No. 143, Knights of Pythias. Mr. Christman is a stalwart Republican and for years has been active in the councils of his party. He served as school director for many years. Mr. Christman is possessed of a genial disposition, which alone would Make him popular, but he also is admired and respected for his upright character and uniform record for square dealing. JOHN A. DALRYMPLE. Practical industry, wisely and vigorously applied, never fails to bring success. It carries a man onward and upward, brings out his individual Character and acts as a powerful stimulant to the efforts of others. The greatest results in life are often attained by simple means and the exercise of the ordinary qualities of common sense and perseverance. The every-day life, with its cares, necessities and duties, affords ample opportunity for ac‘quiring experiences of such kind, and its beaten paths provide ‘A true worker with abundant scope for effort and self-improvement. John A. Dalrymple, a young farmer living in Washington township, this county, has, from the beginning of his career, taken advantage of opportunities as they were offered. In the community in which he lives he has established a reputation for industry, thrift and good management. John A. Dalrymple was born in Washington township, Preble county, Ohio, August i6, 1885, a son of F. J. and Laura (Kayler) Dalrymple, both of whom are natives of Preble county, and are now residents of Eaton. F. J. and Laura Dalrymple were the parents of four children : Charles A.. a farmer in Darke county, Ohio, who married Gladys Shoemaker ; John A., PREBLE COUNTY, OHIO - 843 the immediate subject of this review ; Earl O., a resident of Eaton, who married Nellie Gates, and Mary M., a graduate of the Eaton high school,. who is living with her parents. John A. Dalrymple was reared on the farm where he now lives, and received his education in the district schools, from which he was graduated, after which he became a student of the Jacobs Business College, Dayton, Ohio, from which institution he was graduated. After leaving school he returned to the farm and has since engaged in agricultural pursuits. Mr. Dalrymple believes in the modern science of farming and keeps an extensive set of books, and at any time can ascertain exactly what his profits, and losses are on the farm. His bookkeeping knowledge has proved of invaluable service to him. Mr. Dalrymple was married on January 28, 1906; to Cora Kirkhoff, the daughter of Thomas M. Kirkhoff, who is a resident of Eaton, Ohio. She was a student of the Eaton public schools and was .graduated from the same. To Mr. and Mrs. Dalrymple have been born four children, Blanche L., Myrtle C., Mildred L. and Lois J., the latter of whom died on March 1, 1915. The Dalrymples are active members of the Lutheran church, and Mr. Dalrymple is one of the trustees of the church to which he is attached. He is a member of the Preble County Protective Association, and was secretary of this organization for three years. He is a Democrat, but has never taken much part in politics, and has never aspired to or held office. He has made a pre-eminent success in managing the old homestead of one hundred and sixty-five acres, situated five miles north of Eaton, and is one of the respected citizens of the community in which he lives. IRVIN KISLING. Farming as a vocation is a hard master. It requires the closest kind of application, much hard physical labor and long hours of service. It is said that the farmer's work is never done, but it is also true that a man's work is never done, no matter what his vocation is. The hopeful phase of farming is that men like. Irvin Kisling, of Washington township, Preble county, Ohio, are able to perform the hard work connected with the farm and at.the same time retain their high spirits of optimism. Irvin Kisling was born in August, 1855, in Washington township, 844 - PREBLE COUNTY, OHIO. Preble county, Ohio, the son of Daniel and Anna (Werts) Kisling, the former a native of Preble county, born in 1829, the son of Henry Kisling, who was a native of Virginia, and who came to Ohio about 18o6, locating five and one-half miles north of Eaton, being one of the first settlers in that township. Henry Kisling cleared away a small tract of land where he built a cabin, and there he spent the remainder of his life. To him and his wife were born ten children. Daniel Kisling was reared in this township and there was married to Anna Werts, the daughter of Conrad Werts, who also was a native of Virginia. Daniel Kisling and wife were the parents of twelve children, ten of whom are living: Theodore Kisling, of Wabash, Indiana; Aramitta, the wife of James Cheeks, of Richmond, Indiana; Mary J., the wife of Henry Hoops, of Eaton, Ohio; Irvin, with whom this narrative deals; Effie, the wife of Cornelius Jones, of Indianapolis, Indiana; Emma, the' widow of Mason Shack, a resident of Kansas City, Missouri; Annetta, the wife of Milton Williams, a resident of Harrison township, this county; Valandingham, of Spokane, Washington; Harvey, a farmer of Gasper township, and Edward, of St. Louis, Missouri. Irvin Kisling was born and reared in Washington township, receiving his.education in the district schools of his home township, attending school in the winter and working on his father's farm during the summer seasons. After his marriage he settled in Washington township, and began life without any financial assistance whatever. During the early years of his married life he rented land, and in 1891 he purchased his present farm of fifty-six acres. On February 22, 1876, Irvin Kisling was married to Susan C. Cox, the daughter of Meredith and Elizabeth Cox, who was born in White county, Indiana, May 3o, 1858. Mrs. Kisling's parents were reared in Preble coun-ty, but went to Indiana after their marriage. They returned, however, to Preble county, where they spent the remainder of their lives. Mr. and Mrs. Irvin Kisling are the parents of five children: Mason, born on April 10, 1877, was graduated from the common schools, married Nina Shoemaker, and lives on a farm in Washington township; Eva E., born in December, 1878, was graduated from the common schools and is the wife of Ezra House, a farmer of Monroe township; Mary B., the wife of Leroy McNeal, of Eaton, Ohio; Henry F., also a graduate of the common schools, married Mary Gochanour, and lives in Washington township; Charles E., a graduate of the common schools, married Versie Siler, and is a farmer living in Washington township. PREBLE COUNTY, OHIO - 845 Mr. Kisling is a Democrat, and although he has never been particularly active in political affairs, he was elected township trustee and served two terms in that capacity, discharging the duties of the office with commendable efficiency and to the entire satisfaction of his fellow citizens, irrespective of party lines. Mr. Kisling is an honored and respected citizen in the community where he lives and where he and his family are held in the highest esteem. JOSIAH E. FLORA. Agriculture has always been an honorable vocation. The agricultural output of the United States today is more than equivalent to the total output of all the factories of the country put together. The farmer's ability to exist independently of other vocations is a point that distinguishes him from other men. The merchant, the banker, the manufacturer, all depend upon the farmer's crops. A famine in this country would bankrupt the strongest merchant, wreck the largest bank and close the most gigantic factory. Business men may. see their prideful commercial or industrial enterprises collapse within a week, but nothing short of an earthquake can ruin the farmer. Land is, as it always has been, the most stable financial investment. Panic may sweep the manufacturer out of business over night, but the farmer can survive when every other industry falls. Therefore, the farmer is the backbone of the nation, and he who makes two blades of grass grow where only one grew before is performing the most useful mission that a man can perform. Preble county farmers are as good as may be found anywhere in the world. Their history is largely the history of the material advancement of the county. Among Preble county's excellent farmers, there is none more deserving of recognition in this day than Josiah E. Flora, former commissioner of Preble county, a resident of Gasper township and proprietor of Elmwood farm, consisting of one hundred and sixty acres lying in the southeast corner of Gasper township, Josiah E. Flora was born in Lanier township, Preble county, Ohio, August I1, 1860, the son of Joseph and Mary A. (Eikenberry) Flora. Joseph Flora was born in Gratis township, this county, the son of Henry and Marillis (Pagan) Flora. Marillis Flora was a remarkable woman and well known throughout Preble county. Not only was she a woman of unusual ability, but her temperament and disposition were the marvel of all. She died at the age of ninety-six, her husband dying at the age of ninety-one. They had a large family, only one of whom is now living. 846 - PREBLE COUNTY, OHIO. Joseph Flora was reared in Gratis township and his wife was reared in Lanier township. They were the parents of ten children, eight of whom are living: Marillis, the wife of John Stoner; Henry, of Lanier township; Lydia, the wife of William Smith; Elizabeth, the wife of S. F. Andrews;. Isaac, of Dayton, Ohio; Elvira, the wife of Edward Copp, of Dayton; Drusilla, the wife of Van Landis, of Washington township, and Josiah E., the subject of this sketch. Josiah E. Flora was reared in Lanier township, attending the district schools about three months each year during his early youth. He remained at home until he was married, at which time he had saved very little money. Mr. Flora rented land for six years and then bought a part of his father's farm. This land has been improved by the construction of splendid buildings, good fences and drainage. In 1885, Josiah E. Flora was married to Catherine Ankerman, who Was reared in Washington township, and to this union two children were born : Orville, who married Anna Baker, and Ethel, who married Vinage Murphy. Mrs. Catherine Flora died in 190o and Mr. Flora married, secondly, Mrs. Nancy (Casey) Burns, to which union was born one son. Joe Gorden, born on June 9, 1905. Mrs. Flora has one son by her first marriage, Chester Burns, a graduate of the Camden high school and a student of Miami University. He is resident engineer of state highways in Preble county and lives at Eaton. He married Marie Alexander and they have two sons. Mrs. Flora was born in Gasper township, July I, 1864, the daughter of O. D. and Rebecca (Mikesell) Casey, and was educated in the common schools of Preble county. Besides the one hundred and sixty acres which Mr. Flora owns in Gasper township, he also owns one hundred and sixty acres in Lanier township and three. tracts of fifty, sixty-five and one hundred and fifteen acres, respectively, in Somers township, making five hundred and fifty acres in all. Mr. Flora operates his farms on a large scale and raises a high grade of live stock. Mr. Flora is a Republican and was elected as one of the commissioners of Preble county in 1902, serving more than six years in that office, and making a record that was eminently satisfactory to the citizens of Preble `county. Mr. Flora is one of the directors of the Preble County National Bank, at Eaton. He has served as a member of the Preble county fair board for many years, and in January, 1915, was elected president of that board. For many years he has been interested in farmers' institutes in Preble county and is president of the Preble County Telephone Company, a PREBLE COUNTY, OHIO - 847 position fie lias held for the past eight years. Mr. Flora is also president of the Gasper township school board. In every respect he deserves to rank as one of the representative citizens of Preble county. A man of large business interests, active in the civic and political life of the county, he enjoys the confidence and esteem of all the citizen's thereof. FRANK BATDORF. The office of biography is not to give voice to a man's modest esti-mate of himself and his accomplishments, but rather to leave upon the rec-ords the verdict establishing his character by the consensus of opinion held by neighbors, friends and fellow citizens. The life of Frank Batdorf has been such as to elicit just praise from those who know him. He always has been loyal to the trusts reposed in him, has been upright in his dealings with his fellow men, and at the same time has lent his support to the advance:- tnent of any worthy public cause which presented itself. Frank Batdorf, the superintendent of the Preble county infirmary, was born in Montgomery county, Ohio, February 17, 1877, the son of Daniel and Rachel (Donnier) Batdorf. Daniel Batdorf was born in Mansfield,. Ohio, a son of John and Mary (Emery) Batdorf. John Batdorf was born in Pennsylvania, and Peter Donnier, the father of Rachel (Donnier) Batdorf; was a native of Germany, coming to the United States when a young man and locating in Ohio, near Miamisburg. Daniel Batdorf was married in Montgomery county, Ohio. He was a shoemaker by trade, and farmed to some extent while working at his trade. He now makes his home in Dayton, Ohio, his wife having died in 1897. She was the mother of nine children, seven of whom are still living: William resides in Canada; Harry is a farmer in Preble county ; Mary is the wife of John Woltja, of Washington township in this county; Clara is the. widow of Frank Timmerman; Emma is the wife of Irvin Deem, of Washington township; Daisy is the wife of Samuel Lee, of Darke county, Ohio,. and Frank, the subject of this sketch. Frank Batdorf was reared in Montgomery county, Ohio, where he lived until nineteen years of age, attending the public schools of that county. He came to Preble county about 1897, and for a time worked. as a .farm hand, after which he began working at the county infirmary, remaining with that institution nine summers, in that time becoming thoroughly acquainted with its needs and the method of administration. 848 - PREBLE COUNTY, OHIO. Mr. Batdorf was married on November 9, 1904, to Minnie Swartz, who was born in Virginia, March 31, 1876, the daughter of John W. Swartz, who came to Preble county, Ohio, from Virginia. Mr. and Mrs. Batdorf have no children. Mr. Batdorf was appointed superintendent of the county infirmary on March 1, 1911, and has been reappointed each year since that time. Politically, he is a Democrat, but has never taken an active part in political affairs. Mr. Batdorf is enterprising in his private affairs, and is an honorable citizen of Preble county, being held in high regard by all who know him. GEORGE H. BROUSE. George H. Brouse is a plain, honest man of affairs, who, by his correct methods and strict regard for the rights of his neighbors and friends, has made his influence felt in Dixon township, Preble county, Ohio, where he lives. These qualities have won for Mr. Brouse a distinctive prestige in the agricultural circles of his community. He is one of those men whose integrity and strength of character must force them into a place of prominence which their modesty never seeks, a place where they leave the impression of their individuality and their good works. George H. Brouse, a farmer living in Dixon township, Preble county, Ohio, was born on January 20, 1851, in Dixon township, the son of William and Catherine (Norman) Brouse. William Brouse was born on April 22, 1823, in Canton, Stark county, Ohio, and was the son of John Brouse, who was the son of Michael Brouse. Michael Brouse was a soldier in the Revolutionary war and lived to be one hundred and six years old. His son, John Brouse, moved with his family to Montgomery county, Ohio, locating near New Lebanon, where he lived until his death. He was the father of eight children, Cain, John, Henry, George, William, Polly, Sarah and Elizabeth. Larkin Norman, Mr. Brouse's maternal grandfather, was a native of Rockingham county, Virginia, from which point he moved to New Lebanon, Montgomery county, Ohio, where he kept a store. He came to Preble county in an early day and kept a store in Sugar Valle); and finally went to farming, purchasing a farm near West Alexandria. He later moved to Dixon township, near where Mr. Brouse now lives, and followed that oc- PREBLE COUNTY, OHIO - 849 cupation the remainder of his life. He was a member of the Brethren or Dunkard church. He died on May 6, 1875, and was buried in Sugar Hill cemetery. He was first married to Magdalene Miller and to them were born four children. After her death, he married Elizabeth Greer. William Brouse was reared to manhood in Montgomery county, Ohio, and learned the potter's trade. There he married Catherine Norman and later came to Preble county, Ohio, locating near Lewisburg. He later moved to Dixon township and after living there a short time, purchased a small tract of land. In later years he owned one hundred and fifty-eight acres of land, all of which he had acquired by his own efforts. He was a member of the Four Mile Dunkard church and a Democrat in politics. He and his wife were the parents of nine children, six sons and three daughters, Martin N., who married Lydia Creek and lives near East Germantown in Union county, Indiana ; Mary M., the wife of Fletcher Highley, who lives in Indiana; George H., the subject of this sketch; Mattie, the wife of John Risinger ; Pierce W., who married Della Gray ; Joseph L., who married 011ie Marker, of Washington township; Douglas L., who married Edith Strickler; Elizabeth H., who is still single, and J. P. W., who is superintendent of the Somerset, Kentucky, public schools. George H. Brouse was born and reared in school district No. 1, of Dixon township. He attended the district schools and later spent one year in the Eaton high school. He then attended the National Normal School at Lebanon, Ohio, and became a teacher. He taught in the schools of Preble county, Ohio, for twenty years, mostly in two school districts. All of his brothers and one sister have been teachers. Mr. Brouse was elected justice of the peace of Dixon township and served two terms. He was also township assessor for two terms and served as land appraiser during the last two terms. In April, 1881, George H. Brouse was married to Sarah Catherine Bruce, a granddaughter of William Bruce and a daughter of Hardin Bruce, to which union four children have been born, one dying in infancy. The three living children are Mary, the wife of Dolph Rinhart, of near Richmond, Indiana ; Ernest, who is single and lives on the farm; and Susie, the wife of Rev. Edwin Flory, of Covington, Ohio, a minister of the Christian church. Mrs. Brouse died on November 28, 1906, at the age of fifty-three years, four months and twenty days. George H. Brouse is a breeder of Duroc-Jersey hogs and has made a splendid success in this business. Mr. Brouse owns a splendid farm of two (54)