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890 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: CLEAR CREEK TOWNSHIP. PHILIP ALEXANDER, farmer; P. 0. Springboro; born on the same section of land where he now lives, May 31, 1807; is a son of Andrew and Sallie Alexander, natives of Pennsylvania, who emigrated to Ohio and settled in Warren County, on Sec. 31, Clear Creek Township, in 1798, one of the earliest settlers in this vicinity; here he purchased a preemption right for a tract of land, for which he gave " one white steer," and here he opened out right in the woods and endured all the roughness of log-cabin life. Prior to settling on the above land, Mr. Alexander was an early settler in Kentucky, and there experienced much rough pioneer life; he was a soldier with the old pioneer, Daniel Boone, in the defense of the settlers against the Indians, and his noble wife " run out " bullets for them; those were days that tried men's souls, but these brave pioneers endured it all to make homes and prepare the way for all these comforts which the present generations enjoy; here, on the farm where he first settled, on Clear Creek Township, he lived and labored till his death, which occurred by an accident in falling from a fence, by which his neck was broken, producing instant death; this occurred July 6, 1822, aged 68 years; his wife survived him till 1861, aged 94 years. They had one son and three daughters, two now living—Betsy, now widow Wheaton; and Philip, our subject. Philip was 15 years of age when his father was killed, but remained with his mother till 26 years of age; was married, March 28, 1832, to Lydia Ann, daughter of Philip and Mary (Walter) Snyder, natives of Pennsylvania, who settled in Warren County in 1830; by this union they have had ten children; eight now survive—John Andrew, Mary Ann (now Mrs. Deacons), Sarah Jane (now Mrs. Henry Trow), Harriet Elvira (now Mrs. J. Decker), Cornelia (now Mrs. William Sheets), Samuel Snyder, Philip Milton and Lydia Melvina (now Mrs. Frank Inglebrant). Of these sons, John A. and Samuel S. were soldiers in the late war of the rebellion; John A. enlisted, in 1861, in the 35th O. V. I., for three years or during the war; he served over a year, and was discharged on account of sickness, but subsequently returned and did Government service on bridges for two years; Samuel J. enlisted, in 1862, in the 2d 0. V. H. A., and served through the war, and received an honorable discharge Aug. 23, 1865. Thus, while our subject performed his full share of pioneer work, he also furnished two sons, in a later day, to fight in defense of the rights and liberties of one of the best governments on the face of the earth. Mr. Alexander is now 74 years of age, and the entire three score and fourteen years have been spent on the same section and near the spot where he now lives; he and his companion have journeyed together, bearing life's burdens and enjoying its pleasures, for half a century; have witnessed the vast changes that have taken place in the transformation of the wilderness into fine cultivated farms, with all their present comforts and conveniences; and we may hope that the present and future generations may give due honor to these worthy pioneers, who have done so much and endured so many hardships for their future comfort and happiness. W. WALLACE BAIRD, miller, Springboro, Ohio, was born at Miamisburg, Montgomery Co., Ohio, Aug. 8, 1846. He was a son of Bedent and Margaret (Silver) Baird, who were of Scotch and German descent. Our subject came to Springboro in 1872 and took charge of the mechanical department of the Miami Valley College, in which capacity he continued for two years. CLEAR CREEK TOWNSHIP - 891 He afterward purchased the old Spring Garden Mill, one of the early mills of the county, and in 1877 built a new mill near its site; since then, he has made milling his principal business. He was married, June 22, 1876, to Catharine M. Maltbie, a daughter of Arthur and Nancy J. (Moses) Maltbie; by this marriage, two children were born, viz., Arthur, deceased, and Mable, now living. In 1878, Mr. Baird built a fine brick residence on Main street, in Springboro, where be now lives; it is one of the finest residences in the town, and attracts attention by its commanding appearance and the beauty of its construction. WILLIAM H. BALLARD, merchant and Postmaster, Red Lion; born in Connecticut July 1, 1817; is a son of Jesse and Thankful (Warren) Ballard, natives of Connecticut, who emigrated to the State of New York; thence, about 1843, to Ohio and located in Warren County; thence, in 1846, removed to Preble County, where he died; his wife returned to Warren County, where she resided with her son, our subject, till her death, about 1858. She, it is believed, was a grand-daughter of Gen. Warren, of Revolutionary fame; they had three sons, one only now living—William H. Mrs. Ballard was twice married, first, to a Mr. Smith, by whom she had one daughter--Wealthy (deceased). Our subject was but three years of age when his father moved to New York State; there he grew to manhood and married, and, in 1840, emigrated to Ohio and located at Red Lion, where he has since resided—a period of forty-one years. Here we desire to revert back to the time of Mr. Ballard's arrival in this county with his family, consisting of his wife and two small children. Their worldly possessions consisted of one bed and a few household goods in one medium- sized store-box, with $1.25 in money, which he immediately laid out for medicine to cure his wife of the ague. The first work he did was cutting up corn at 50 cents per day; he then entered upon the manufacture of matches by hand, with a knife, having been fortunate enough to bring with him from the East a small amount of compound for the dipping of the matches; for these, he found a ready sale, though the demand was limited; he succeeded in making enough to procure a very scanty living; he continued on, and, the demand for his matches increased, and his manufacture and sale increased in proportion. At one time, to obtain timber for his matches, he walked four miles to the Shaker mill and obtained a large pine slab, and carried it home on his shoulder; this made him quite an amount of stock for trade. Having thus far traveled'on foot to make sale of his goods, he now built and caused to be built a rough cheap wagon, and, in the spring of 1845, bought an old horse for $18, for which he gave his note; this was one degree of improvement in business. When his note became due, he met its payment. Thus little by little he plodded on. In 1846, he obtained the appointment of Postmaster, which then paid from $7 to $10 per quarter. He then purchased a very small stock of groceries; his wife attended the post office and store and to her household affairs. This yielded a small profit, while Mr. Ballard continued the manufacture of matches with increased zeal. His next step of progress was the manufacture of a machine of his own invention for splitting out his matches; this enabled 'him to increase the rapidity of manufacture, commensurate with the demand. Thus he continued onward and upward in progress, till he was able to enjoy a few of the common comforts of life. He then purchased a vacant lot, then an old building, which he moved on to it; continued active in business; invented more improvements on his machine, and finally purchased a small engine and boiler; employed more help and increased his volume of busines,3 and profits; purchased another property, and, from time to time, another, till at the present time, by his business and traffic, he has become one of the wealthiest men in Red Lion. After Mr. Ballard had made a good start in life, he entered upon the study of law, under and through the aid of Maj. Williams, of Lebanon, 892 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: and, although he has never applied for admission to the bar, he has done a large practice at home and in the Probate Court. He has held the appointment of Postmaster continuously since 1846, except four years under Buchanan's administration—a period of thirty-five years, unsurpassed, perhaps, by any present incumbent in the county. This is a brief sketch of one who has arisen from poverty and obscurity to wealth and prominence by his own industry and energy a purely self-made man, which has few parallels, and we hope that its presence upon these pages may in future times inspire many a poor young man with nerve and energy and induce him to "go and do likewise." Mr. Ballard and wife had six children; three now survive—George, Laura (now Mrs. Kellenberger) and Mary M. JONATHA.N J. BANER, carriage manufacturer and Justice of the Peace, Springboro; born in New Jersey Nov. 3, 1812; is a son of Isaac and Sarah (Jones) Baner, natives of New Jersey, the Baner ancestors being of French descent. Isaac was a shoemaker by trade, and followed that business in his native State till 1818; he and his family emigrated to Ohio and settled near Waynesville; thence, in 1821, moved to Springboro, where he carried on trade the balance of his life; he died, in 1869, aged 80 years; his wife survived him till 1875, when she died, aged 86 years. They had four children—Jonathan J.; Lydia, now Mrs. James Crosby; William, residing in New York City, and Joseph, who resides in Illinois. The maternal grandparents were Jonathan and Mary Jones, natives of New Jersey, who lived and died in their native State. The subject of this sketch was 6 years of age when his parents came to this county, and here he was raised and grew to maturity; when young, he learned the carriage-making business, which he has followed the greater part of his life. On Sept. 14, 1837, was united in marriage with Rebecca Ann daughter of Isaac and Ann Thomas, natives of New Jersey, but who emigrated to Ohio and became residents of Warren County in 1805, where they lived and died, being among the pioneer settlers of the county. They had six children, three sons and three daughters; the three daughters now survive—Mary, now Widow Smith; Elizabeth and Rebecca Ann (who was born in Warren County in 1805). Mr. Baner and wife have had five children, all now deceased. Mr. Baner has now been a resident of Springboro for sixty years; has seen many and wonderful changes take place during these threescore years; is one among the few old settlers who have lived here for that long period of years and has taken a part in and witnessed the growth and progress of the village and surrounding country from its infancy to the present time. Mr. Baner is a man of remarkable kindness of heart, beloved and respected by all who know him; whose integrity is undoubted and whose word is as good as his note, and who has the unbounded confidence of his community; has held several offices of his township and village; has been Township Clerk and is now Treasurer of the School Board and of the village of Springboro and also Treasurer of the township; the latter office he has held sixteen consecutive years, and is now Justice of the Peace. JOHN M. BLACKFORD, farmer; P. O. Springboro; born in Clear Creek Township Nov. 9, 1846; is a son of Ephraim and Anna Maria (Bacon) Blackford, he a native of this township and she of New Jersey. The paternal grandfather was Ephraim Blackford, who, it is believed, was born in Virginia, but became an early settler in Kentucky, and, in 1796, moved to Warren Co., Ohio, and settled on Section 31, Clear Creek Township, on the place now owned by Joseph Hare. At this time, there was one settler by the name of Richardson. near Springboro, on Section 7, the place now owned by Mahlon T. Janney; from this to Waynesville, there was no settler but Mr. Blackford. The rising generation can gain but a faint conception of the vast wilderness and wildness CLEAR CREEK TOWNSHIP - 893 of this country in that day—not a neighbor near; nothing but Indians and wild beasts to break the solitude and monotony of the vast unbroken forest; not a road of any kind - nothing but blazed paths and Indian trails for miles around. Who can imagine the fortitude, courage and self-sacrifice it took to settle and open out a farm in this wilderness? The present and future generations cannot render too much honor and praise to these worthy ancestors and pioneers for the great work they did. Here upon the place where Mr. Blackford first settled, he continued to live till his death, and his remains now rest in the Clear Creek Graveyard near Ridgeville. He raised a family of ten children, six sons and four daughters, seven of whom settled in Indiana and three in Ohio, all of whom are now deceased but Ephraim, the father of our subject. The maternal grandparents were Benjamin and Rebecca Bacon, natives of New Jersey, who became settlers of Warren County about 1821, where they lived and died on the place where Ephraim now lives. The father of our subject is now 71 years of age—born and raised and has always lived on the same section where he still resides, having experienced all the roughness of true pioneer life; has witnessed the wonderful changes and transformation from the vast wilderness to the now fine cultivated farms and all the present comforts of this now rich and beautiful county. Over " threescore years and ten" spent on the same place! Such has but few parallels in the history of men. Mr. Blackford and wife have had five children; four now survive—Mary Elizabeth, now Mrs. Jacob S. Pence; Rebecca Jane, now Mrs. George R. Duke, residing in Indiana; Charles W. and John M. Mrs. Blackford died in the fall of 1855, aged 41 years. Mr. Blackford is one of the prominent farmers of Warren County. Starting in life poor; by his own industry and energy, coupled with good management, he has acquired a good competency; is one whose honor and integrity has ever been of the highest order and stands among Warren County's most worthy citizens. The subject of this sketch, the youngest son, on Nov. 19, 1868, was married to Mary E., daughter of Joseph and Rhoda Morton, natives of Warren County. By this union, they have had four children; three now survive—Anna Clara, born Oct. 1, 1869; Alice May, Aug. 26, 1871, died Dec. 31, 1876; Charles Franklin, born Jan. 26, 1875, and Walter B., born July 11, 1878. Mr. Blackford has adopted the honorable occupation of farming and located on the place where he now lives in the spring of CHRISTOPHER BLIN, farmer; P. O. Red Lion; born in Clear Creek Township July 13, 1827; is a son of Christopher and Mary Ann (Fry) Blin, he a native of Warren County and she of Virginia. The grandfather was Adam Blin, a native of Germany, who emigrated to America in an early day, and, being without means, was sold to pay his passage, and, after serving three years, was a free man and emigrated to Ohio and located in Warren County, Clear Creek Township, on Section 5, the place now owned by George Blin, his son; here he settled right in the woods, having entered the land from the Government and was one of the earliest settlers of this township, and here he remained till his death. Christopher, the father of our subject, was born and raised on the old home place, where his father lived and died; grew to manhood, fully inured to pioneer work; he married and located on a part of the tract of land which his father entered, and there commenced in the woods, not a stick amiss; erected his log cabin and there toiled and labored to clear up his farm and make a home. During his life, he erected a second log cabin, much better than the first, and finally erected a good brick house; had the greatest portion of his farm cleared, with good improvements. He died in January, 1856, aged 58 years; his wife subsequently removed to Indiana, where she spent the balance of her life with her children; she died in 1878, 894 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: nearly 80 years of age. They had twelve children, two sons and ten daughters; all grew to maturity but one: three now survive—Henry, Christopher and Rachel (now Mrs. Wentle Eyer). Mr. Blin was a man of great physical endurance, strong and hearty. and did a great amount of hard work; of his farm of 112 acres, he cleared all but about 25 acres, and brought everything in good condition for comfort and convenience; was a man whose honor and integrity were undoubted; one of the kindest and most accommodating of neighbors. too much .so, many times. for his own good and prosperity. He was a faithful and devoted member of the United Brethren Church for many years, having united with the church when a young man; was a class-leader and trustee in the same for many years The subject of this sketch grew to manhood on his father's farm, accustomed to hard work, where he remained till 25 years of age; was married, July 25, 1852, to Miss Margaret Jane Eyer, born April 3, 1834, a daughter of John and Mary Jane Eyer. By this union, they have three children—John C., born May 17, 1853; William H., Oct. 31, 1858, and Ellen Jane, born Oct. 6, 1862. Mr. Blin has made farming his business through life; he bought and located where he now lives in the fall of 1853; this place he purchased of Elizabeth Fry. upon which he has erected all the buildings on the place, and has everything in good trim, constituting a pleasant home and farmer's residence. Although Mr. Blin obtained but a limited education, yet, by his industry and careful business habits, he has obtained a fine farm and a pleasant home. Mr. Blin and wife are devoted members of the United Brethren Church, to which they have belonged for many rears, he having united with the church when 18 years of age; is trustee of the church and Superintendent of the Sabbath school: is an active Christian man and worthy citizen. GEORGE E. BUNNELL, farmer: P. 0. Red Lion: born in Bourbon Co., Ky., March 15, 1802. is a son of Jonas and Sallie (Tomlin) Bunnell, he a native of New Jersey and she was raised in Tennessee. The grandfather, Stephen Bunnell, was a native of New Jersey, but emigrated to Kentucky after the Revolutionary war, and resided there during the great trouble with the Indians. Subsequently, on account of slavery and its evils, he removed to War- ren County, and about 1806-08 located on 'Section 10, Clear Creek Township, where William Bean now lives, and there he resided till his death. during the war of 1812. Jonas Bunnell. the father of our subject, was quite young when his father moved to Kentucky. while living there was married and moved to Ohio, and located east of 'Cincinnati about four miles north of the Ohio River. remaining there one year. or little more. during which time his wife died. leaving him with nine children: these were most of them placed among friends and relatives. About two years after, he married for his second wife, Betsey. Hathaway: she lived but a short time and died with consumption. She bore him one child (deceased). During the war of 1812 he removed to Clark Co.. Ohio. His oldest son. William. served two years in that war and his son John served a short time. Mr. Bunnell died in Clark County about 1817. He has four children now living—William, who resides in Missouri; Sytha, now Widow Hayes. living in Indiana: George E. and America. now Mrs. Huggins, living in Kentucky. Mr. Bunnell and his brother-in-law, Mr. Tomlin, served in the war of the Revolution, in which Mr. Tomlin was killed. Mr. Bunnell saw his full share of pioneer and frontier life. first in Kentucky and then in Warren and Clark Counties. The subject of this sketch was about 15 years of age when his father died, and was then thrown mainly upon his own resources. He came to Warren County and lived a short time with an older brother; thence he worked by the month for wages for several years; was married March 15; 1821, to Miss Sallie, daughter of John and Mary Peck, natives of Pennsylvania CLEAR CREEK TOWNSHIP - 895 who became settlers of Kentucky and subsequently of Warren County, where their children all grew to maturity and married. Mr. Peck died at Fairfield, Greene Co., Ohio, and his wife near Germantown, Montgomery Co., Ohio. Sallie was born in Kentucky, Aug. 29, 1799, and was 11 years of age when her father with his family came to Chio. By this union, Mr. Bunnell and wife have had nine children. All grew to maturity, married and have children— even still living—Richard, Archibald, Isaac, William, Lucinda now Mrs. Boyer, John and Henry. Mr. Bunnell has followed farming as his principal business through life, and all in Warren County, but three years spent in gontgonaery County, near Centerville. In September. 1832, he bought the farm where he now lives, and moved on it in April 1833, where he has since resided, a period of almost half a century Mr. Bunnell and wife commenced in life without a dollar and have worked their way through life dependent upon their industry and good management; they experienced their full share of the trials and hardships of log-cabin life, but they toiled on knowing no such word as "fail;” they raised a large family of children, were blessed with health and prosperity, and to-day they " sit under their own vine and fig-tree" and enjoy the competency their own hands and united labors have won for them. He owns 179 acres of fine land, has erected all the buildings on the place and has a good home and residence. Mr. Bunnell and his companion have traveled the journey of life together bearing its burdens and enjoying its pleasures for the remarkable period of three score years, and have witnessed the wonderful changes in the transformation of-the wilderness into these fine cultivated farms; the log-cabins replaced by fine brick and frame houses; the vast improvements in farm implements, and the means of transportation of the products of the farm to distant markets—all this they have seen and experienced, and when their time shall come to leave all these earthly scenes, as it must come to all these worthy old pioneers—these brief records of their lives may serve to their grandchildren as a kind remembrance that shall call forth praise and honor for their noble lives and labors. Mr. Bunnell has been a member of the Christian Church for sixty years, during which period his noble wife has borne him company on the heavenly road. STEPHEN CLEVENGER, farmer; P. 0. Springboro; born in Clear Creek Township Jan. 6, 1827; is a son of Jonathan and Sarah (Venard) Clevenger, he a native of Pennsylvania, and she, probably, of this county. The grandfather, Zachariah Clevenger, was a native of New Jersey; thence became a resident of Pennsylvania; thence removed to Kentucky, and lived a short time, when about the year 1800 became settlers of Warren Co., Clear Creek Township, being among the earliest settlers of the county, and here he lived and died. The father, Jonathan, was about eight years of age when brought to this county, and here grew to manhood, fully acquainted with pioneer life; was married and became the father of ten children; seven now living--Thomas, Joseph, Barbara, Lucinda, Stephen, Zachariah and Lovina. Mr. Clevenger bore his full share of pioneer work in this county in bringing from the wilderness our present fine farms and comforts; was a very industrious, hard working man; possessed a high standard of moral character, whose integrity was undoubted; unpretentious in his habits, never holding office or desiring public notoriety, but one of those sturdy farmers who constitute the best society, a kind neighbor and worthy citizen. He died in April, 1870, in his 78th year; his wife died in October of same year, aged 74 years. Our subject was born and raised in this township; was married April 10, 1853, to Mary, daughter of John and Jane (Vandiver) Crain, he a native of Cincinnati, Ohio, and she of this county. The grandfather, Joseph Crain, was a native of Pennsylvania, and emigrated to Ohio, coming down the Ohio River on a flat-boat, and located at 896 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: Cincinnati, one among the first settlers; erected a house which was the first in Cincinnati that had a floor; it was made from the floor of the flat-boat. Re kept a house of entertainment, which was said to be the first hotel ever kept in the city. They then moved to Franklin, Warren County; thence to Montgomery County, where the grandfather died, about 1831; John, the father, was three years of age when they came to Franklin. and five years when they moved to Montgomery County, and there he grew to manhood, and married and spent his entire life. He died in May, 1874, aged 78 years; his wife died about 1851. They had ten children; seven now living-Mary, Arthur, Sidney, Sarah Jane, Jemima, Anna and John. Mr. Clevenger and wife by their union have two children- Arthur Elwood, born May 10, 1854; and Charles Oscar, born July 21, 1857. Mr. Clevenger has made farming his occupation through life; he bought and located upon the place where he now lives, in the spring of 1859, where he has since resided; he erected all the buildings on the place, and made general improvements such that he now has a pleasant home and farmer's residence. Mr. Clevenger is much like his father in his habits and character, and is among the substantial farmers of Clear Creek Township. SAMUEL R. CRANE, retired farmer; P. O. Red Lion; was born in the house in which he resides, in Section 15, Clear Creek Township, Warren Co., Ohio, Sept. 3, 1818. He is a son of Abner and Huldah (Robertson) Crane, natives of New Jersey. The paternal grandmother of our subject, a widow with six children --Abner, Jonathan, Stephen, Moses, and two daughters, one of whom married Daniel Doty, who accompanied them-emigrated to Warren County in the year 1795. Abner, while out hunting, followed a beautiful stream to its scource, which proved to be two fine constant springs, and so struck his fancy that he concluded to locate near them; accordingly he entered from the Government the land surrounding them, and here lived until his death, which occurred April 3, 1848. The mother died at Middletown, Butler Co., Ohio, at the advanced age of 91 years. and her remains were interred there. The mother of our subject having died in January, 1835, the land descended to the heirs, and was purchased by him who has since owned it. He has followed farming during the whole of his life, until his recent retirement. He has amassed a handsome fortune, including over 1,400 acres of land and town property to the value of $18,000. He was married, March 18, 1840, to Elenor J., a daughter of Samuel and Beturah (Townsend) Dearth; the former a native of Pennsylvania, from which State he emigrated to Warren County in 1798, and remained here until his death July 19, 1862; the latter a native of New Jersey with two brothers Josiah and Jesse, and mother Judith, a widow, emigrated to Warren County in 1810. She died Dec. 31, 1868. Mr. Crane by his marriage had the following children-Sylvester E., who married Sarah A. Eyer, April 3, 1862, and to whom was born one son who died March 6, 1R64. Sylvester enlisted during the late war in Co. B, 64th O. V. I., and died at Nashville, Tenn., Dec. 12, 1862, of a relapse of the measles; William A. married Sarah E. Blinn, and has had seven children Zina, Ida B., George, Samuel Emma F., Charles and Mary E. ; Beturah J. married Gilbert H. Doty, she died Feb. 11, 1874. leaving four children-Mary F., Ellen M., Charles B. and Jennie; Judith A., married David D. Monger, and has one child-Leroy E.; Ruth A. married Hugh P. Vail, and has one child. Charles E. ; Mary E. died unmarried; Huldah A.. married Benjamin E. Blackburn, and has one child, William C. The subject of this sketch has lived to see his surviving children all well settled in life and is now enjoying the peace. quiet and rest that he has so well earned. His portrait appears in this work, as one of the wealthiest farmers in the county; though more than threescore years of age, he is still hale and hearty. He has met with a number of serious accidents, his escape from CLEAR CREEK TOWNSHIP - 897 death̊ in some cases being little less than miraculous. In February, 1871, while in a tree adjusting a rope, a tree which he was uprooting fell and threw him to the ground a distance of sixty feet by actual measurement, falling in a low place in the ground with the tree-top over him; he escaped without broken hones, but with a bruised and lacerated body. He has also been kicked by horses, and thrown out of vehicles by runaway teams. As Mr. Crane himself graphically expresses it, he has been killed six times. CALEB M. CRANE, farmer; P. O. Ridgeville; born on the place where be now lives, Dec. 13, 1820; is a son of Judge Daniel and Elizabeth (Merritt) Crane, he a native of Vermont and she of Pennsylvania. The grandparents were Amos and Huldah Crane, natives of New Jersey, where they lived till about 1790; they removed to Vermont; thence, about 1802, they returned to New Jersey, and in 1803 came to Warren Co., Ohio, and here resided till their death. He died Sept. 4, 1818, aged 54 years, dying suddenly of apoplexy; his wife died June 7, 1834, aged 68 years. Judge Daniel Crane was the third child and secad son of Amos and Huldah Crane; was born in Vermont Sept. 21, 1792, and was 11 years of age when brought to Warren County; here he grew to manhood under the sturdy influences of pioneer life, receiving a very meager education-such as those log-cabin days afforded, but he was a man of more than ordinary ability, and held many of the highest positions in the county; was a Justice of the Peace thirty years, and during that long period of service there were but two of his decisions ever reversed, showing the strong mind and correctness of his judgment; was Representative to the Legislature and an Associate Judge of the court for seven years, and in his official life his labors were characterized with great proficiency and justness. His integrity of character and honesty of life stood so high in the estimation of his fellow-men that he was intrusted with a great amount of public business; probably settled up more estates than any other man of his day in the county, and in his death was lost one of Warren County's ablest and truest men. The Judge was thrice married, first Oct 31, 1816, to Elizabeth Merritt, by whom he had seven children, four now survive Caleb M. ; Amos; Emiline, now Mrs. Plunkett; and Joseph J. His wife died July29, 1833, aged 33 years. On March 3, 1835, he married for his second wife )Elizabeth Carter, by whom he had two children (deceased). She died July 8, 1840, aged about 40 years. He married for his third wife Lewezer Warton, by whom he had five children, three now survive-Huldah, now Mrs. Burnett, Susan, and Lester. His last wife still survives, aged 63 years. The subject of this sketch was the second child of his father by his first wife; was married March 22, 1844, to Phcebe, daughter of Benjamin and Elizabeth Hathaway, he a native of Kentucky and she of Pennsylvania, but who became pioneer settlers' of Warren County about 1800. By this union Mr. Crane and wife have had six children-Elizabeth H., born July 10, 1846, married C. M. Earnhart; Daniel, Dec. 16, 1848, married Elizabeth Rosier; Benjamin H., born May 12, 1851, married. Addle Lewis; Mary E., Sept. 21, 1854, married Charles Cafferty; Dora M., Dec. 28, 1859; and Amos McClellan, born Sept. 1, 1862. Mr. Crane has made agricultural pursuits his business through life; has never held or sought office, but has refused the earnest solicitations of his many friends to accept many local offices; is a very social, congenial man in his nature and in honor and integrity sustains well the character of his noble father; is an excellent neighbor and a most worthy citizen. We would add that Judge Daniel Crane served in the war of 1812, entering the war as a substitute two different times during the campaign. AMOS CRANE, farmer; P. O., Pekin; born on the old farm of Judge Crane, Oct. 12, 1821, is a son of Judge Daniel and Elizabeth Crane, 898 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: whose history is given in sketch of Caleb Crane. Amos was married May 30 1849, to Emily H., a daughter of Joseph and Amy (Hormel) Evans, he a native of New Jersey and she of Warren County. Her grandparents were Joseph and Elizabeth Evans, natives of New Jersey but who became early settlers of Warren County, where they lived and died. He was twice married and had five children by each wife, all now deceased but Job and Aaron. Her maternal grandparents were John and Rachel Hormel, who were also very early settlers of Warren County; the great-grandfather, John Hormel, also came to this county and died; and was buried here. Joseph and Amy Evans had five children, three sons and two daughters-George W. H.; Elizabeth, now Mrs. John Bean; Japhet; Elias; and Emily H., who was born in this county, Nov. 2, 1830. Mrs. Evans died April 29, 1835, aged 39 years; Mr. Evans died Sept. 2, 1851, aged 54 years. Mr. Crane and wife have had three children-James Elias, born Feb. 27, 1850, died Aug. 11, 1850; Ella Jane, Oct. 20, 1852, died Dec. 30, 1877; and Ada A., born Jan. 14, 1856. Mr. Crane is a carpenter and farmer; the former trade he followed about ten years; the balance of his life has been devoted to farming, and all within this county and all on the same section of land where he was born and raised. He purchased the place where he now lives in 1847, of Margaret Hormel and heirs, and moved on to the same in the spring of 1850, where he has since resided. Mr. Crane is a fair representative of his ancestors in character and integrity; although he quietly follows his occupation of farming from choice, avoiding all notoriety by holding public offices, yet is one of Clear Creek Township's best and most worthy citizens. MARMADUKE CROCKETT (deceased) was born near Springboro February 19, 1815; was a son of Andrew and Sarah (Mullen) Crockett, natives of New Jersey. Mr. Crockett was thrice married-first, in his native State, New Jersey, where he lived several years, during which time his first wife died. About 1810, he emigrated to Ohio and located near Springboro. In November, 1812, he married Sarah Mullen, by whom he had three children, all now deceased; his second wife died Nov. 24, 1817. On March 7, 1819, he married for his third wife Mrs Margaret Freeman, by whom he had one child, Susannah Sarah Ann, who married John Fox and resides in Indiana. Mr. Crockett died May 21, 1849, aged 93 years; he was an active and industrious man, who started in life from a poor bound boy, and acquired a good competency; he then purchased some military lands in Clark County, soon after which a second claimant appeared, and he again paid for his land; finally, a third claimant presented himself, when, rather than to run any further risk, he gave up his land; he had nearly exhausted his means, and, after so much hard work and toil with good success in former years, he was now, by this misfortune, obliged to live the balance of his life in limited circumstances. The subject of this sketch, born in this county, grew to manhood and married Jane S., daughter of Isaac and Elizabeth Mullen, whose ancestral history is fully given in sketch of Job Mullen; by this union they had twelve children; nine grew to maturity-Mary E., born March 28, 1838, now Mrs. David Merring; Sarah M., Sept. 13, 1842, now Mrs. Easton; Letitia, Jan. 23, 184'7, now Mrs. William H. Maltbie, residing in Missouri; Charles A., May 21, 1850; Oliver E., Sept. 26, 1852; Mordecai M., March 2, 1855; William H., July 10, 1857; Ruth Eva- line, Nov. 14, 1859; and Elmer E., born June 26, 1862. Mr. Crockett followed farming till about 25 years of age; thence he entered upon the milling business, which he followed about eight years; thence again gave his attention to farming. In 1854, he bought and located upon the place where his widow and family still reside; here he resided till his death, Oct. 19, 1867, aged 52 years. Mr. Crockett started in life a poor man, but full of energy and determination, and, by his industry and economy, he became possessed of a good farm and CLEAR CREEK TOWNSHIP - 899 bon and raised a large family of children; his character and integrity were undoubted, and he lived beloved and respected by those who knew him best. WILLIAM L. DEARTH, farmer; P. 0. Springboro; born on the place where Samuel Dearth now lives, Nov. 7, 1810; is a son of James E. and Elizabeth (Long) Dearth, he a native of Fayette Co., Penn., and she of Virginia. The grandparents were Edward and Elizabeth Dearth, natives of Pennsylvania, who emigrated to Ohio and located in Warren County, on the place where Isaac Dearth now lives, in 1798, and there spent the balance of their lives; they were among the true pioneers of the county, enduring all the many deprivations and hardships of the log-cabin life; he finally purchased more land and became owner of 1,150 acres, all in one body of land. The first burying-place was at Franklin, where many of the early settlers were buried-their last resting- place. But, as public improvements advanced, the canal was built and passed through the burying-grounds. The bodies were then removed and buried further back; and again, when the railroad was built, it passed through where the bodies were deposited, and again they were taken up and removed to Springboro. Thus were they troubled in early times, being unable to see the progress and demands of the future. They had five sons and one daughter, all deceased. James E., the father of our subject, was a young man of 19 years of age when the family came to Warren County, and here was married and became the father of seven children; five now survive--Allen, now resides in Iowa; Elizabeth, now Mrs. Bedford; William L., Samuel, and Eleanor S., now Mrs. Earnhart. Mr:. Dearth passed his entire life on a part of the old home place; was one of the prominent farmers of this community; was a Justice of the Peace for many years; a good neighbor and an excellent citizen. He died March 24, 1856, aged 77 years; his wife died Dec. 18, 1860, aged 78 years. William L., our subject, at 15 years of age was placed as an apprentice at the tailor's trade, in Richmond, Ind., where he remained five years, thence returned to Springboro and carried on the business twelve years; then engaged in farming, which business he has since followed. He resided in Clinton County six years, and while there served as Township Trtistee two years. In the spring of 1854, he located on his present farm, where he has since resided. He was married, Jan. 1, 1833, to Elizabeth Ann, daughter of Thomas and Jane Bedford, he a native of England and she of Pennsylvania; by this union thej, have had six chlidren, two now living-James B. and Cornelia Jane, now Mrs. Crockett, residing at Lima, Ohio. ISAAC N. DEARTH, farmer; P. 0. Springboro; born on the place where he now lives March 12, 1841; is a son of Samuel and Keturah (Townsend) Dearth. The paternal grandparents were Edward and Elizabeth (Roberts) Dearth, whose history is given in sketch of William Dearth. The maternal grandparents, Jesse and Judith (Smith) Townsend, natives of New Jersey; he lived and died in his native State; subsequently, his widow married Philip Pedrick, and became settlers of Salem, Columbiana Co., Ohio, thence removed to Warren County, Wayne Township, where they resided fifteen to twenty years; thence removed to Wayne Co., Ind., where they died. Samuel was 8 years of age when brought to this then wilderness of a country; he was the seventh son of his father's family, and here was raised and grew to manhood, inured to the roughness of pioneer life; was married, Dec. 7, 1820, and became the father of five sons and five daughters; four now survive-Eleanor Jane, now Mrs. Crane; Ambrose T., Mahala A. and Isaac N. Mr. Dearth served as a soldier in the war of 1812, under Gen. Wayne, for which he obtained a land warrant for 160 acres of land; he was a prominent, substantial farmer, who gave his whole attention through life to that occupation; was a man very prompt and peaceable in his habits, never holding office to much extent, and 900 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: never having a lawsuit in his life; an excellent neighbor and a worthy citizen and a devoted member of the Christian Church; he died July 19, 1862, aged 72' years; his wife died Dec. 31, 1868, aged 70 years. Our subject grew to man_ hood on the old home farm, and married, Dec. 4, 1862, Cornelia, daughter of Isaac and Tacy (Wilkinson) Peacock; he was born in New Jersey April 19 1803, and she in Virginia. He came to Warren County when 12 years of age was married, near Springboro, in 1826; he was Surveyor of Warren County for nine years or more; was quite a prominent leading man of the county; he re. moved to Hamilton, Ohio, in 1863, and served four years as civil engineer, and still resides there; they had ten children; six now survive- Rachel, Maria, Angeline, Eliza, Cornelia and Ellen. Mr. Dearth and wife have four children -Edith, born July 27, 1864; Anna, April 27, 1866; William E., July 27 1868; and Mary E., born April 30, 1875. Mr. Dearth has devoted his life to agricultural pursuits, with the exception of three years' residence in Franklin, and has resided on the old home place of his father and grandfather, which has now been in possession-of the Dearth family for eighty-three years. JOSEPH DECKER, farmer; P. O. Red Lion; born in Warren County June 21, 1815; is a son of Joseph-and Hannah (Earnhart) Decker, natives of Pennsylvania, who, in 1812, emigrated to Ohio and located with his father-in-law on Sec. 34, Clear Creek Township, residing there only a short time, when he bought a tract of land on Sec. 10, where George Munger now lives, and there he located and opened out a great portion of the farm; after residing there about sixteen or eighteen years, he exchanged his place for a farm on Sec. 17, which is also now owned by George Munger, and here he spent the balance of his life, and died at the age of about 68 years; his wife survived him about fifteen years and she died aged 71 years; they had fourteen children-nine sons and five daughters; ten now survive--Mary, now Mrs. George Munger; Joseph; John; Lucinda, now Mrs. Jackson Thompson; Henry; Elizabeth, now Mrs. John Hoover; Jesse; William; Hannah Ann, now Mrs. Oscar Dearth; and Albert. Mr. Decker did much pioneer work; was a hard-working, industrious man, and opened out and cleared•up a great portion of two farms; was noted for his kind, jovial nature, whose honor and integrity were undoubted. and was respected by all who knew him The subject of this sketch was born and raised on his father's farm on Sec. 10, and grew to manhood well acquainted with the work of helping his father clear up the farm; was married, Sept. 29, 1836, to Elizabeth, daughter of Allen and Sarah Thompson, natives of Rockingham Co., Va., who moved to Ohio and settled in Turtle Creek Township, and lived and died in Warren County. By this union, Mr. Decker and wife have had seven children; six now survive-Inman, born July 6, 1837 (deceased); Jackson, Feb. 20, 1839; Sarah Maria, July 12, 1841, married David Stace; Hannah, Jan. 1, 1844, married Thomas Adams; Mary Ann, June 3. 1846, married Edward Coffin; Calvin, Aug. 20, 1849; and Clara, born Jan. 12, 1853, married Layton Graham. Mr. Decker, after his marriage, located on a piece of land in Franklin Township, and moved into an old log cabin, which had been used as a sheep pen; to this he built a chimney, cleaned it up preparatory to housekeeping, and there they were, without a dollar in the world; they then and there resolved to start out for an " honest living or none at all., He went to Franklin to John Thirkield, and said to him: "I want to buy $25 or $30 worth of utensils for housekeeping, and that if he lived one year he would pay him; if he did not, he would have to lose it, as he was not worth a dollar in the world." Mr. Thirkield replied: " I will try you." They selected such articles as they needed, returned home and went to work; success and prosperity followed their united labors, and to-day Mr. Decker is comfortably situated, with a good competency, owns a good farm of 120 acres, with good CLEAR CREEK TOWNSHIP - 901 improvements and 4 acres where he lives, with good buildings and improvements, constituting a pleasant home and residence. They kept the resolution they made their living, and a good one, and did it honestly, by their own labor, industry and economy; and all this accomplished without any education not even as much as to enable them to write their own names Here we leave this remarkable record of these pioneers to be seen and read by future generations for their instruction and encouragement. ARTHUR D. EASTON, farmer; P. O. Springboro; born in Montgomery Co., Ohio, Dec. 13, 1838; is a son of Daniel and Tabitha (Bradbury) Easton, he is a native of Connecticut and she of Virginia. The paternal grandfather, B. G. Easton, was also a native of Connecticut, where he lived and died. The maternal grandparents were James and Elizabeth Bradbury, natives of Virginia, but who, about the year 1839, became residents of Ohio, thence of Kentucky, where they resided several years; thence returned to Ohio and located in Montgomery County, where they died, near Germantown;, she died about 1863, and he about 1870. Mr. Bradbury was a soldier in the war of 1812, being in service till the war closed. Daniel Easton, after arriving at manhood, emigrated to Virginia, where he was married and resided till the fall of 1838; he removed with his family to Ohio and located in Montgomery County; thence removed to Kentucky about 1842, where he purchased military land, built a cabin and paid for his land; subsequently, another party laid claim to his land, and he paid for it again; finally, a third party laid his claim, and he paid the third time, thinking surely that would end all controversy; but it was but a short time before a fourth claim came against him, and he gave up his land, after having performed a large amount of labor in clearing up and improving his land; he then removed to Cincinnati with a broken-down constitution and much disheartened, and there he resided a few years, when death relieved him from all further toils and labors; he died in the fall of 1846, aged about 52 years; his death was sudden; he and his two sons, who were quite young, went out into the woods beyond Walnut Hills to dig out some snake-root, where he was taken suddenly ill, and attempted to return home, but died before reaching the city, as was supposed with heart disease. They had three children-Brewster G., Arthur D., and Mary E., now Mrs. Somers. His widow married for her second husband Michael Protzman, by whom she had two children-Hiram and Rebecca. Yrs. Protzman died in October, 1876. The subject of this sketch was about eight years of age when his father died; thence he lived with his grandfather for a time; thence, after his mother's second marriage, lived with her a few years; was married, Oct. 19, 1865, to Sarah, daughter of Marmaduke and Jane S. Crockett, natives of Ohio (see sketch of Marmaduke Crockett, deceased); by this union they have five children-Charles C., born Oct. 3, 1866; David Edwin, Sept. 11, 1869; William O., June 29, 1872; John C., April 19,1874; and Earnest D., born Nov. 3, 1876. Mr. Easton located, after their marriage, on the place where he now lives, which he bought in 1861, and here he has since resided, banesdt ciisotinzeenosf. the prominent farmers of Clear Creek Township, and one of her CHARLES H. EULASS, Postmaster and general store, Ridgeville, born in Warren Co., Ohio, May 22, 1840, is a son of William and Ruth Ann (Smith) Eulass, he a native of Warren County and she of Rhode Island; the grandparents were Jacob and Phcebe Eulass; he was born in Kentucky; when a young man, about the year 1797, came to Warren County, where he married and settled, being one of the first settlers of Clear Creek Township; he owned, and, it is believed, entered from the Government, the south half of Sec. 26, and here remained till quite advanced in years, when he removed to Lebanon, where he died aged 82 years, and his remains now rest in the Clear Creek Graveyard, 902 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: near Ridgeville. William Eulass grew to manhood accustomed to the pioneer work of clearing up the farm. Just prior to his majority, he engaged in the mercantile trade at Raysville, where he continued a few years; was married while there; thence he bought a farm on Sec. 25, Clear Creek Township, and entered quite largely upon dealing in hogs and driving them to the Dayton and Cincinnati markets; also engaged quite extensively in pork-packing at Franklin and Cincinnati. In 1846, Mr. Eulass was elected Sheriff of Warren County, and moved from his farm to Lebanon; he filled this office four years; he was also a .Justice of the Peaee six years prior to his election as Sheriff, After the expiration of his term of office as Sheriff, in 1850, he returned to the farm, where he died in 1852, aged 44 years. Mr. Eulass was one of the active, leading business men of the county, being well and favorably known, and, although dying in the prime of life, yet he had accumulated quite an amount of property; owned 260 acres of land, and in honor and integrity of character he commanded the respect of all who knew him. His wife survived him till 1866; she died aged 50 years; they had six children; four now survive-Caroline, now Mrs. Lafayette Lackey; Charles H., Isabella, and Jennie, now Mrs. Billmeyer. Our subject arrived at manhood on his father's farm; was married, Oct. 5, 1864, to Anna E., daughter of Benjamin A. Stokes, whose history appears in this work; by this union they have had six children; five now survive -Alfred, Charles Carroll, Mabel, William and Ralph. Mr. Eulass continued to reside upon the old home farm till July, 1876, when he sold his farm and engaged in the mercantile trade in Ridgeville, purchased the stock of goods and property of Samuel Graham; here he has continued in trade to the present time, and is doing a good business. Mr. Eulass is a man of pleasing address, social in his nature, and possesses the confidence and respect of his community, and we may safely predict a future and permanent success in business; he has held the most prominent offices of his township; was Township Trustee eight years, a Justice of the Peace three years, and has been a Director of the Board of Warren County Agricultural Society eight years.. CHRISTOPHER FRY, farmer; P. 0. Springboro; born on an adjoining farm to the one where he now lives June 20, 1834; is a son of J. Philip and Catharine (Min) Fry, he a native of Virginia and she of Warren Co., Ohio. The grandfather, Henry Joseph Fry, who, it is believed, was a native of Germany, emigrated to America in an early day, and, the first knowledge we gain of him, he was a resident of Loudoun Co., Va., where they lived till 1816; they removed to Ohio and located upon the place where our subject now lives; here he opened out the farm principally from the woods, and in 1818 erected the large brick house which still stands here, in which our subject now dwells, and is still a good house and in good condition; here the grandfather died, aged 60 years; he was a well-educated man, and was a physician, and also a minister of the Gospel in the United Brethren Church, and did much ministerial work, preaching in both the English and German languages. Philip, the father of our subject, was a young single man, about 22 years of age, when they came to Warren County; was married here, and became the father of seven children-five sons and two daughters--three now living-Henry J., now a resident of Cass Co., Ind.; Julia Ann. now widow Snell, living in Carroll Co., Ind. ; and Christopher. Mr. Fry located on Sec. 10, where the widow of Jacob Fry now lives, and here he resided till his death, in October, 1873, aged 79 years; his wife died in spring of 1863. Mr. Fry was a very devoted member of the United Brethren Church, having united with that church when 18 years of age, and was always faithful in his attendance, his seat never vacant when it was in his power to be there; he held, during his life, nearly every office in the church-in fact, was a main pillar in the church, and at his death had been CLEAR CREEK TOWNSHIP - 903 faithful servant and worker for fifty-seven years. The subject of this sketch, the youngest child of his father now living, grew to manhood on his father's farm, where he remained till the breaking-out of the war of the rebellion, when, Aug. 20, 1862, he enlisted in the 79th 0. V. I. and served through the war, and received his honorable discharge at Washington June 10, 1865; he served in the 20th Army Corps in the Cumberland Army, under Gen. Joe Hooker; was in the battles of Resaca, Peach Tree Creek, Middlebury, N. C., and others, but was favored to pass through all and escape without a wound, and enjoyed good health throughout his service, and returned home; remained with his father till his death, thence located where he now lives and has since resided. EVAN E. GITHENS, farmer; P. 0. Springboro; born in Warren Co., Ohio, June 23, 1833; is a son of George W. and Mary C. (Ellis) Githens, natives of New Jersey. The grandparents were Joseph and Sarah Githens, also natives of New Jersey, but who emigrated to Ohio and located in Warren County, near Raysville, in Clear Creek Township, on the place then known as the Jacob Hampton farm, in 1823; there his wife died Dec. 3, 1834, aged 66 years: he died June 5, 1842, aged 82 years; they had seven sons and four daughters, all now deceased but two-John and Elijah; the first resides at Centerville, Ohio, and the latter at Richmond, Ind. George Githens, the father of our subject, was born Aug. 1, 1797; Mary C., his wife, was born Feb. 14, 1798; they were married in Philadelphia, Dec. 6, 1821; Mary C. was a daughter of Aaron and Lucretia Ellis, natives of New Jersey, who lived and died there; he died Jan. 24. 1836, in his 62d year; his wife survived him till March 28, 1863, aged 89 years. Mr. Ellis was engaged in the war of 1812, and held the office of Colonel. George Githens came to Warren County with his father, and returned to New Jersey; thence, about 1826, with his family, moved to this county and settled on his father's farm, and spent his entire life in Clear Creek Township; his wife died July 11, 1871; he died Feb. 5, 1879; they had nine children; five now survive-Rachel, now Widow Walker, residing at Paris, Ill.; Bowman H.; Lucretia, who married Phineas Maloy, resides in Edgar Co., Ill.; Evan E. and Aaron E. Mr. Githens was a mason and brick-layer by trade, which business he followed most of his life, and his sons carried on the farm. Our subject grew to manhood, and was married, Aug. 19, 1855, to Sarah Jane, born March 12, 1836, daughter of Henry P. and Emily Bradstreet, he a native of Warren Co., Ohio, and she of Virginia; the grandfather was Daniel Bradstreet, a native of Massachusetts, who was one of the early settlers of Clear Creek Township, where he lived till his death. Henry P. and wife located on the old home place of his father, where they remained through life; they had seven children-Amanda E., Hamilton M., Smith R.7 Sarah Jane, Francis M., Rhoda and Albert Q. Mr. Bradstreet was twice married; by his second wife, Kesiah Deardorf, he had two children-Anna and Ellis. Mr. Githens and wife have had five children-Leonora, born May 24, 1858; Lester, May 30, 1860; Mary, Jan. 2'7, 1863, deceased; Nettie V., May 7, 1866; and George, born Jan. 28, 1868. Mr. Githens has followed agricultural pursuits through life, and all within Clear Creek Township; has now been a resident here from his birth, a period of forty-eight years. He bought and located on the place where he now lives in spring of 1864, where he has since resided. Mr. Githens holds no office-a quiet, unassuming farmer, but a man whose character and integrity are undoubted; an excellent neighbor and a worthy citizen. DAVID GRAHAM, farmer; P. 0. Dodds; born on the place where he now lives Dec. 3, 1802; is a son of William and Phoebe (Frazie) Graham; he was born in Ireland, and emigrated to America with his parents, William and Sarah Graham, when 2 years of age, in the year 1760, and located in Pennsyl- 904 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES : vania, where the grandfather died one or two days after they landed; his wife Sarah, survived him many years, and died in Warren County, on the place where David now lives, Jan. 14, 1823, aged 101 years. William, the father of our subject, was raised in Pennsylvania, and, at the age of 18 years, was drafted, and served as a soldier in the war of the Revolution. About 1795, he emigrated to Kentucky, and, about 1797 or 1798, came to Warren County and located at Deerfield, and about 1799 was married; about 1800, located on the place where David now lives, on Sec. 28, and here they resided till their death; his wife died May 18; 1855, aged 75 years ; he died Aug. 3, 1858, aged 100 years. These were the true pioneers of the county; they commenced right in the woods and cut the first stick ever taken from the place, and here endured all the hardships of those early settlers, their neighbors being few and far between. They had twelve children-eight sons and four daughters, eight now living_ David; Nancy, now Mrs. Drellinger, residing in Indiana; Samuel; James; Sarah, now Widow Warren, also living in Indiana; Phoebe, now Widow Kirby, living in Illinois; Hannah, now Mrs. Shimp, living in Indiana; and John, Mr. Graham was twice married; by his first wife he had three children, all deceased. The subject • of .this sketch was married, Nov. 21, 1822, to Anna Proud, born in New Jersey Oct. 14, 1799, a daughter of Peter and Abigail Proud, who came to Warren County in 1805; by this union Mr. Graham and wife have had seven children-Nancy, born May 23, 1823, died Feb. 23, 1824; Elizabeth, born Nov. 30, 1824, married Ezekiel Mulford, died July 9, 1850; Samuel, born kept. 12, 1826, married Mary Richardson, died July 19, 1876; Phoebe, born July 13, 1828, married John Murry, died Aug. 7, 1881; Abigail Ann, born June 20, 1830, married James Earnhart; Hannah, born June 5, 1833; and Maria, born June 27, 1835, married Charles E. Earnhart. Mr. Graham is now 79 years of age, and has spent his entire life in this county, except four years' residence in Miami Co., Ohio; he lived twenty years on Sec. 27, Clear Creek Township; thence, in 1855, came to the old home farm, where he has since resided. Mr. Graham is now probably the oldest man living in Clear Creek Township who was born here; he has known what pioneer life was, and has lived to see the vast improvements and changes that have taken place in these many years; he is one or the prominent and well-known farmers of Warren County, and has been one of her best and most worthy citizens. Mr. Graham and wife have now traveled the journey of life together fifty-nine years- almost threescore years. William Graham, the father, was married in leather breeches. Mr. Graham found many Indian relics on his farm. Mr. Graham's father made a cradle of clapboards, in which all his children were rocked, and it is now an heirloom in the family. JONAH R. and JAMES A. GREGG, farmers; P. O. Springboro; both were born on the old home place where James A. now resides, Jonah R., born Sept. 6, 1836, and James A., Feb. 25, 1846; are sons of William and Susannah (Millard) Gregg. The paternal grandparents were Samuel and Nancy (O'Brian) Gregg; he was born in Loudoun Co., Va., May 4, 1773; she was born July 28, 1775; in 1796, they emigrated from Western Pennsylvania and landed at Columbia, above Cincinnati, near the mouth of the Little Miami River; they located at Deerfield, Warren Co., soon after which Mr. Gregg entered a tract of land in Clear Creek Township, where he built a log cabin and moved into it; this structure was without floor, window, chimney or chinks; a doorway was made in one side by cutting out the logs; a (tense forest covered the country, and he had to make a route from the cabin to the schoolhouse by blazing trees, in order that the children might not get lost in the woods; this structure was also built of logs, with greased-paper windows and puncheon floor and seats of the same material. Mr. Gregg, though a young man of about 23 when CLEAR CREEK TOWNSHIP - 905 he came to Ohio, was inured to severe labor and toil; game abounded, and he took special delight in allowing his trusty rifle to speak the doom of many a deer, wolf and bear; of the deer, he killed, in one winter, thirty-six, and tanned their skins, which served the purposes of clothing, etc. ; at that early day, and for a number of years afterward, the families of the settlers spun their own yarn, had their own looms, wove their own cloth and made their own apparel. Mr. Gregg died Aug. 30, 1844; his wife died Oct. 10, 1844; they had seven sons and six daughters, all now deceased. William Gregg, the father of our subject, who was the first son and second child of the above Samuel and Nancy Gregg was born at Deerfield, Warren Co., Oct. 28, 1798; was raised in the above-described log cabin, and grew to manhood inured to all the hardships pertaining to those pioneer days. On Dec. 12, 1822, he married Susannah, daughter of Mordecai and Catharine (Evans) Millard; he was born in Pennsylvania March 31, 1874; she was also a native of Pennsylvania, and they were married in that State; came to Ohio in August, 1817, and settled near Springboro, Warren Co. ; here Mr. Millard erected a saw and grist mill about the year 1818, which business he folk-wed about thirty years; his wife died in February, 1849, aged 77 years; Mr. Millard died in Indiana March 9, 1850; his remains were brought home and interred in the Springboro Cemetery. They had two sons and eight daughters, of whom Susannah, the mother of the subjects of this sketch. was born in Berks Co., Penn., April 7, 1803; her grandfather was Mordecai Millard, born in Pennsylvania June 24, 1736, who married Frances Lincoln. who was born June 22, 1741, in the same State. Mr. Gregg and wife had the following children: Rebecca, born Feb. 14, 1824, died Aug. 6, 1825; Mordecai M., born Dec. 21, 1825; Hiram, born Dec. 20. 1828; Ann J , born Aug. 3, 1831, died Feb. 20, 1836; Amanda, born May 3, 1833; an infant, born Sept. 7, 1835, died Nov. 19, 1835; Jonah; Catharine, born Jan. 10, 1839, died 1860; William II., born Nov. 14, 1840, died Oct. 10 1864; George W., born Dec. 10, 1843, died July 10, 1864; James A. ; Ema line and Adaline, twins, born March 5, 1848; Adaline died Aug. 4, 1848; Ema line died Sept. 30, 1848. Of these, William H. served in the war of the rebel' ion, and was killed near Atlanta, Ga., by the guerrillas, while carrying dispatches from Col. Smith, at Chattahootchie River Railroad bridge, to Col. Dustin, at Atlanta; his body was found twice pierced with bullets; there were also two bayonet thrusts in the breast; it was thought, judging from the character of the wounds that he received, that the brutal wretches bayoneted him after he had fallen; either of the gun-shot wounds, or both, of themselves, might not have proved fatal; as a friend, he was all that could be desired-frank, truthful and good; as a companion, pleasant, amiable and attractive; as a soldier, true as steel and brave to a fault; he was buried on a high hill within the fortification near the river; George W. also served in the late war, and died in the service at Fayetteville, W. Va.; was buried there; he was a faithful soldier and a noble young man; the remains of both were brought home and interred in the family burying-ground at Springboro. These the parents willingly gave np for the preservation of the Union and the glorious cause of universal liberty; the family have in their possession the head-Wards that were placed at their graves, having respectively the following inscriptions neatly cut into the wood: HARRISON GREGG, COMPANY A, 79TH REGIMENT, O. V. I., Killed October 10, 1864. GEORGE GREGG, COMPANY H, 146TH REGIMENT, O. N. G. Died July 10, 1864. Mr. William Gregg was raised and instructed in the doctrines and discipline of the Society of Friends, but about the year 1840 he embraced the doctrines of 906 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: Universalism, and was one among the first to form a society in Springboro f the building of a Universalist Church; he died March 2, 1879; his wife died July 22, 1878. Jonah R. Gregg was married, Nov. 8, 1864, to Miss Ella s daughter of Aaron and Rebecca (Kelsey) Gregg, he a native of Loudoun co" Va., and she of Warren Co., Ohio, and were among the early settlers of this county; were married here and became parents of seven children; three new survive-Ella S., George W. and Albert M. Mrs. Gregg died in July, 1852 Mr. Gregg married for his second wife Philena Borden, by whom he had seven children; four now survive-Sarah E., Ada, Aaron and Edward Everett. Gregg died July 16, 1865. During the war, Mr. Gregg was a resident of Kentucky, and was a stanch Union man; was several times compelled to leave his home for a time to save his life; he was a member of the Senate two years during the war; two of his sons, Wilson and George W., served in the war; the former enlisted in the 5th 0. V. I., and was killed at the battle of Cedar Mountain in August, 1862; George W. enlisted when 14 years of age, in the 18th Ky. V. L, and served through the war. Miss Ella S., the wife of Jonah R. Gregg, was born in Warren County Nov. 8, 1842; they have had four children-Frank B., born Sept. 27, 1865; Susie A., born Sept. 11, 1867, died March 14, 1881; one infant, born Aug. 2, 1869, deceased; and Earl La Mont, born May 6, 1878, Mr, Gregg located on the place where he now lives, which was known as the Voorhis farm; here his house was destroyed by fire in January, 1868, losing all their furniture and the contents of their house; in the summer of the same year, he erected his present large brick house, and now has a fine home and residence. James A. Gregg was married, March 28, 1867, to Miss Rachel J., daughter of Henry S. and Lydia (Bateman) Thompson, he a native of the State of New York and she of Pennsylvania; they became early settlers of Warren County; were married here, and lived and died in this county, dying on the place where James A. now lives, residing, at the time of their death, with him. Mr. Bateman erected the first mill just south of Springboro, which property is now owned by Mr. Baird, which was one of the first mills built in the county; they had nine children; seven now survive-Hannah Zada, now Mrs. Ryan, residing in Tennessee; Joseph S., living in Muncie, Ind.; Mary A., now Mrs. Baker; John B., living in Cincinnati; William H., living in Indianapolis; Charles W., and Rachel J., who was born in this county July 22, 1845. Mr. Gregg and wife have four children-William H., born Feb. 14, 1868; John T., April 19,1871; Mabel A., July 15, 1876; and Albert Carl, born Feb. 27, 1880. Mr. Gregg remains upon the old home place where he was born, and where his parents lived so many years; this place has now been in possession of the Gregg family for forty-four years. WILLIAM HARRISON GREGG, tobacco-dealer, Springboro; born in Warren Co., Ohio, Dec. 5, 1840; is a son of Samuel and Rebecca (Brandon) Gregg, he a native of Greeley, Penn., and she of Warren Co., Ohio; the paternal grandparents, Reason and Nancy Gregg, natives of Pennsylvania; Nancy Granf was born on Granf Run, which took its name from her ancestors, who came from Holland to America and located at that place; they emigrated to Ohio about 1812, and located on the place where Thomas Miller now lives, on Sec. 8, Clear Creek Township, and there opened out right in the woods, and there he died about 1830; she survived him till about 1858; she died in Springboro. He was a cabinet-maker by trade; which business he followed through life, supplying many a pioneer with cupboards and furniture. The maternal grandfather was Absalom Brandon, a native of New Jersey, but became an early settler of this county, and here he lived and died. Samuel Gregg was a child about 5 years of age when their family came to Warren County, and here grew to manhood, brought up to his father's trade; was married, Dec. 15, 1829, CLEAR CREEK TOWNSHIP - 907 by Esquire Pence; they had seven children; three grew to maturity; two now survive-Mary Maria, who married Bowman H. Githens; and William Harrison. Mr. Gregg followed his trade the greater part of his life; was a man of firm character and principles, and was one of the active men in the organization and in the building of the Universalist Church in Springboro, of which he was a devoted member till his death; was also a member of the Independent Order of Old Fellows at Springboro, and at his death was buried in the rites of that order: he died Feb. 1, 1851, aged 47 years; his wife died March 12, 1815, aged 66 years. The subject of this sketch was married, March 27, 1862, to Sarah Jane, daughter of John and Jane (Vandeveer) Crain; he was born in Cincinnati Feb. 19, 1798, and she in New Jersey; they had five sons and five daughters; seven now survive-Mary, now Mrs. Clevenger; Arthur D., Sidney, Sarah Jane, Jemima; Anna, now Mrs. William D. Welch; and John. For further ancestral history, see sketch of Stephen Clevenger. Sarah Jane was born in Montgomery County Oct. 25, 1837. Mr. Gregg and wife have had two daughters, one now living-Ida I., born Jan. 6, 1863. Mr. Gregg has given his main attention for several years to buying and dealing in tobacco; is an active, energetic man,, never holds or desires office, but devotes his whole and undivided attention to business; a man of character and integrity, and one of the best of citizens; he and wife are members of the Universalist Church. BENAJAH GUSTIN, farmer; P. 0. Red Lion; born in Pennsylvania Dec. 23, 1797; is-a son of Elkanah and Hannah (Morris) Gustin, natives of New Jersey. The grandfather, Jeremiah Gustin, was a resident of New Jersey. The grandfather, Jeremiah Gustin, was a resident of New Jersey, but removed to Pennsylvania and lived several years; thence, in 1798, he, family, moved into Ohio and located in Warren County, where he entered a section of land-Sec. 9, Clear Creek Township-and here opened out right in the woods, having to cut their way through the brush and timber for a road for their wagons to the spot where they cleared and erected a log cabin, with split puncheon floor, and began in true pioneer style; they had only one neighbor, Mr. Crane, nearer than two miles distant; here Mr. Gustin lived and labored till his death, Aug. 31, 1823, aged 93 years. Elkanah, the father of our subject, was married in Pennsylvania, and in the year 1800 he emigrated to Ohio and settled on a part of the land which his father had entered two years previously; he had four brothers and two sisters, who all located upon this section of land, and made quite a settlement of themselves; Elkanah resided here till about 1825; he removed to Indiana, where he died in 1852; his wife died about one year previous to Mr. Gustin's death; they had fifteen children, eight sons and seven daughters, as follows: The first seven children were sons, the next seven were daughters, and the fifteenth child was a son; of these, one son and two daughters still survive-Ben ajah; Margaret, now Mrs. Charles Wysong, living in Preble Co., Ohio; and Perninnah, now Mrs. Custis, living in Clinton Co., Ohio. The subject of this sketch was about 3 years of age when his father and family came to Warren County; here he grew to manhood fully acquainted with the hardships of those early settlers; was married, Dec. 27, 1820, to Lydia, daughter of Jesse Newport, an early settler of Clear Creek Township; by this union they had eleven children; eight now survive -Jesse; Hannah, now Mrs. Ireton; Jonathan and Isaac, twins; Elizabeth, now Mrs. Samuel Cotner; Morris, Levi, and Lydia Ann, now Mrs. Swink. Mr. Gustin has spent his entire life upon the old home place, and within one mile of it, most of his life having been on the same section of land his grandfather entered; he has been a thorough, active business man; has dealt largely in hogs, and one season met with a heavy loss by the fall in the price of pork, which involved him quite heavily, but he knew no such word as "fail;" he located in Red Lion temporarily, and entered upon the mercantile trade and the keeping of a hotel; this was about 908 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 1849; there ho continued in business about seven years, and paid off all his indebtedness ($10,000); thence he sold out and moved back to the farm, where he has since resided, and has been a prosperous farmer; became owner of 600 acres of land, and all accumulated by the work of his own hands and good management, as he started in life with nothing-not even enough to furnish his house with the most common utensils for keeping house; and we must remark here, that, coupled with his energy and industry was a firm principle of temperance and sobriety, never using liquor or tobacco in any form from his childhood to the present time; he is now 84 years of age, and has resided in this neighborhood over fourscore years; he joined the New-Light Church at the age of 22 years; has now been a member of the same sixty-two years, and has never sworn an oath during that period of time. This record, placed upon these pages, is that of one of Warren County's earliest pioneers, and whose life of rectitude, sobriety and success will stand for future generations as a shining example worthy of all imitation. JOHN GUSTIN, farmer; P. O. Red Lion; born on the place where he now lives, Oct. 2, 1807; is a son of Samuel and Permelia (Morris) Gustin, he a native of New Jersey and she of Pennsylvania. The grandfather was Jeremiah Gustin, a native of Germany, who married Bethany Fuller, a native of Scotland; they emigrated to America in an early day; were married in New Jersey, thence located in Pennsylvania, thence, in 1798, became residents of Warren Co., Ohio. See sketch of Benajah Gustin. Samuel, the father of our subject, was born in New Jersey Nov. 30, 1867, but was mostly raised in Pennsylvania: was married in that State, and, about 1791, came down the river to Cincinnati, and from this date made several trips up and down the river, and finally bought 80 acres of land upon which Cincinnati now stands, reported his purchase to his father, and received so strong a reproval that he sold it, which, had he kept, would have yielded him a fortune; on a subsequent trip, he brought his father to Cincinnati, who then and there entered Sec. 9, Clear Creek Township, Warren Co., where he and his children located, and here they lived the balance of their lives; they were among the earliest settlers of the county, and opened out and cleared up their farms right from the woods, and did a great amount of pioneer labor. Samuel was the father of thirteen children, four sons and nine daughters; four now survive-John; Permelia, now Mrs. Dearth; Hannah, now Mrs. Garrard; and Rachel, now Mrs. Trowbridge; the two latter reside in Indiana. Of those deceased, Margaret, the second daughter, was said to be the second white child born in Warren County. Mr. Gustin died April 15, 1852; his wife died in 1856. Mr. Gustin was a very industrious, hard-working pioneer; never held or desired office, but was one of the best of neighbors and a worthy citizen, being an earnest, devoted Christian the greater part of his life, he and his wife being members of the Christian Church for many years. The subject of this sketch grew to manhood fully inured to the hardships of those early days; was married, Nov. 1, 1846, to Hannah Lewis, born in Warren County Sept. 29, 1823, a daughter of Alexander H. and Amy (Clevenger) Lewis, he a native of Philadelphia and she of Warren County; by this union they have two sons-Eri, born Sept. 4, 1847, married Laura Adella Wooley Feb. 14, 1871; they have one child, Dora Elva; and Lewis, born Aug. 30, 1849, married Eliza Jane Newcomb, Jan. 31, 1875; have one child, Lulie May. Mr. Gustin has been a resident of this farm since his birth, a period of seventy-four years, and, like his father, has been a very hardworking, industrious man, and a worthy neighbor and citizen; he and family are all members of the Christian Church, whose lives and deeds are worthy examples for the rising generations. CLEAR CREEK TOWNSHIP - 909 MAHLON T. JANNEY, retired farmer; P. O. Springboro; was born in Loudoun Co., Va Feb 11, 1814; is a son of Stephen and Letitia Janney. The paternal ancestors for many generations were Friends, and exemplary members of that society. The earliest of whom there is any authentic account was Thomas Janney, of Cheshire, England; he became a member of the Friend's Society in 1654, when the society first arose in that country; the next year being 22 years of age, he entered upon the Gospel ministry, was faithful to his trust, and became an earnest promoter of the cause of truth. In his native country he suffered great loss of goods and imprisonment for his religious testimony. In 1683, he emigrated to Pennsylvania with his family and settled in Bucks County; this was during William Penn's first visit to America; he served as a member of the Governor's Council, and in letters of William Penn is mentioned in terms of regard; he traveled extensively as a minister of the Gospel in Ireland and England, prior to his emigration to America; and after his arrival in this country visited the churches of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Long Island and Maryland. In 1695, he, with Griffith Owen, returned to England to visit the brethren there, where, after about eighteen months' service in the work of the Gospel, he was taken ill and died Dec. 12, 1696, aged 63 years, having been a minister forty-two years. Of the issue of Mr. Janney and his wife, Margery, his fourth son, Joseph Janney, married Rebecca Biles, in 1703, who, it is believed, lived and died in Pennsylvania. Of their children, Jacob Janney married Hannah Ingledue and settled in Loudoun Co.. Va., in 1745, being one of the earliest settlers in that neighborhood, where Goose Creek Monthly Meeting was afterward established; he was an Elder of the meeting; he died August 3, 1786; his wife survived him many years, and died at the advanced age of 93 years. Of their family, seven sons and two daughters attained maturity, of whom Joseph Janney was the grandfather of our subject; he married Mary Holmes, by whom he had five sons and four daughters; he died in July, 1829. Of his sons, Stephen Janney was the father of our subject; he married Letitia Taylor, and in the fall of 1831 they emigrated to Ohio and located in Warren Co., near Springboro, where he died in October, 1863, aged about 84 years; his wife died in the fall of 1875, in the 88th year of her age; they had nine children; seven now survive; Hannah, now Widow Hurst, living in Greene County; Mary, now Widow Bailey, in Indiana; Oliver; Mahlon T.; Rachel, now Widow Russel, living in Indiana; Jesse, and Susan; J., now Mrs. Dean, residing in Greene County. Mr. J. was a man of great energy and activity, though not of robust health; yet he was diligent in business and a fervent member of the Society of Friends, always prompt in all his dealings, and sustaining through life an unblemished integrity. Mahlon T. Janney, the subject of this sketch, was about seventeen years of age when they came to this county. On May 12, 1842, he was married to Frances, daughter of Benjamin and Rebecca (Sidwell) Taylor, who became settlers of Warren County about 1821; Mr. Janney and wife have had eleven children; nine now survive--Richard; Joseph; Rebecca, now Mrs. Hiatt, living in Indiana; Benjamin T.; Mary E., married Leander M. Gregg; Hannah, Annah E.. Jesse S. and Nellie L. Mr. Janney has well sustained the general high character and integrity of his ancestors; has always followed the honest occupation of farming, and, with his diligence, industry and economy, accumulated a good competency, and now, in his declining years, is able to live in the enjoyment of the fruits of his and his companion’s united labors; they have raised a large family of children, who are all doing well in life and promise to give honor, credit and comfort to their parents NAPOLEON JOHNSON, plasterer, Springboro; born in Dinwiddie Co., Va. April 16, 1820; is a son of Embra and Polly Johnson, natives of Vir- 910 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: ginia. The grandfather was Thomas Johnson also believed to be a native of Virginia, and lived and died there under the bonds of slavery. The maternal grandparents were Stephen and Judy Mathus, he a native of Spain and she of the Cherokee tribe of Indians. They both lived and died as slaves in Virginia. Embra, the father, was born in slavery about 1780-82, and under that institution grew to manhood; was married and became the father of ten children. Four sons and four daughters grew to maturity; two of these were sold and taken South, and nothing has since been known of them; three of them died in Virginia; and two, the last known of them, lived in Virginia; Robert, and Mary, who married Nelson Branch. Mrs. Johnson died in 1842. Mr. John_ son lived in Virginia the last known of him, which was at the close of the war of the rebellion. He, like Moses of old, was favored to live to see " the promised land" of freedom, and further was permitted to go in and possess it; after a long life of bondage, he saw the "the shining light" of freedom, and knew and realized the favors which were thus vouchsafed to his children and children's children with all of its glorious privileges. Napoleon, our subject, was raised and kept in slavery till 1847, when his master, James Epps, emancipated him with thirty-nine others allhe had-and gave them the full liberties of a free land, which, by nature, was their right from birth. In 1847, Mr. Johnson came to Jefferson Co., Ohio, where he remained till November, 1848, when he came to Springboro, Warren Co. On Feb. 14, 1849, he married Mrs. Celia Anderson, daughter of Humphrey and Lucy Bobson, natives of Virginia, who were also slaves, but were finally freed by the Quakers. He died in Virginia. Mrs. Bobson came to Ohio and died at Springboro in 1857. Mr. Johnson and wife have had three children, one now living-Maria, who married Abraham Wheeler; had one child, Benjamin. Mr. Johnson served one year in the war of the rebellion; enlisted in Co. G, 16th U. S. C. V. I., on Jan. 19, 1865, and was discharged January, 1866. With this exception, he has been a resident of Springboro since his first location in 1848, a period of thirty-three years; is a reliable and respected citizen and is held in high esteem by all who know him. SAMUEL KIRBY, Farmer; P. 0. Pekin; born in Warren Co., Nov. 27, 1828; is a son of Samuel and Mary (Miller) Kirby, he a native of Warren County, and she of Virginia. The grandfather was Richard Kirby, a native of New Jersey but who became a resident of Warren Co., Ohio, where he lived and died. Samuel, the father, grew to manhood on the home place of his father in Turtle Creek Township; was married to Mary, daughter of Jacob Miller, and located on the home place where he lived and died. He died in the prime of life, aged 36 years; his wife survived him till August, 1879, aged 72 years. They had seven children, five now survive-Cordelia, now Mrs. Shrinp; Elizabeth Ann, now Mrs. Braden; Mary Ellen, now Mrs. Davis; Ecick and Samuel. The subject of this sketch was but a small child when his father died, but remained with his mother till 12 years of age, when he started out in the world for himself and worked here and there as he could find work and a home till 24 years of age; was married. March 3, 1852, to Sarah, daughter of Francis and Cassie Graham, natives of this county, by which union they have five children Arsamus, born Oct. 31, 1853; Horace, Jan. 30, 1859; Niles, Aug. 15, 1860; Lamar, Jan. 7, 1867; and Jennie, Jan. 1, 1872. Mr. Kirby after his marriage resided two years on a portion of the old home farm; thence three years on Dr. Keever's place; thence, in 1857, he bought and located on the William Kirby farm. In 1869, he bought the farm where he now lives, of the heirs of Henry King, and in spring of 1870 moved on to it; here he has erected all the buildings on the place and now has a fine home and residence. Mr. Kirby is an energetic, active man, and by his industry and general business tact has CLEAR CREEK TOWNSHIP - 911 become owner of two farms. embracing 155 acres of good land, and is now well situated to enjoy the comforts of life. HARRISON KIRBY, farmer; P. 0. Dodds; born on the old Kirby farm, in Clear Creek Township, Dec. 6. 1836; is a son of Jonathan and Elizabeth Kirby, natives of New Jersey, and were among the early settlers of this county, locating here about 1813, and here resided till their death. Harrison was married Oct. 1, 1860, to Rachel, a daughter of Arthur and Sarah Venable, natives of New Jersey. Rachel was born in Warren County Dec. 19, 1840; by her Mr. Kirby has had four children, two now survive-Ura Alice and Moses E. His wife died in October, 1876. On Feb. 7, 1878, he married for his second wife Elizabeth A., daughter of David and Sarah (Spraight) Wills, natives of Warren Co., Ohio. The grandfather was James Wills, a native of New Jersey, but who emigrated to Ohio and settled in Warren County prior to 1800, being one of the early pioneers. David Wills died in January, 1875, aged '75 years; he was the father of five children, four now survive-Unity, Elizabeth, Hannah Jane and James B. Mr. Wills was twice married; by his first wife he had one son, who is now living-William, married Hannah Venable, by whom he had six children, five now living-Hannah, Unity, Charles, Ada and Myrtle. His wife died in June, 1880. James B. Wills, youngest son of David and Sarah Wills, married Florence Crane, by whom he has three children-Mattie Mary, David L. and Joseph Walter. Mr. Kirby, after his marriage, located on the old home place, where he lived five years; thence located on the place where he now lives and has since resided. Mr. Kirby has made farming his business, and like most of the Kirby family, has never held or sought office, but they are among the "well-to-do" and substantial farmers of Clear Creek Township, are kind and accommodating neighbors, and among our county's best citizens. NATHAN E. LUPTON, farmer; P. 0. Ridgeville; born in Frederick Co., Va., Oct. 1, 1833; is a son of Amos and Hannah (Janney) Lupton, natives of Virginia. The grandparents, Joshua and Lydia (Reese) Lupton, were also natives of Virginia, and lived and died in that State. Joshua was a man of more than ordinary ability and education, and one who occupied a high position, commanding the confidence and respect of his community; was an excellent penman, and was extensively employed in writing deeds and other legal papers throughout his circle of acquaintances. He resided upon the place where he was born, till his death, a period of eighty-eight years. He was a prominent and devoted member of the Society of Friends, of which he was the head Elder for many years. Amos Lupton grew to manhood, married, and settled upon the home place of his father, where he passed his entire life, and died in 1843, aged 52 years; his wife died a few weeks prior to his death, aged 47 years. They had five children, four grew to maturity, three now survive- Mary J., Nathan E. and Henry R; the first resides in Virginia, the latter in Cambridge, Ohio. Mr. Lupton was an active, energetic man, social and jovial in his nature, and possessed quite an inventive genius. It was said that he was the inventor of the first " Spike Threshing Machine;" was a zealous advocate and promoter of improvements and progress in agriculture, and obtained several prizes from the Agricultural Society for raising the largest and best crops to the acre, and some of these prizes of fine silverware are still in possession of his children. The maternal grandparents were Joseph and Mary (Holmes) Janney, whose ancestral history is given in sketch of M. T. Janney. The subject of this sketch grew to manhood in Virginia. In the fall of 1856 he emigrated to Illinois, and located at Morris, and engaged in buying and shipping grain. In August, 1862, he entered the army as a sutler; a few months after his goods were captured by John Morgan; he, escaping capture, returned to Ohio a poorer, but perhaps. a wiser man, and settled at Barnesville, 912 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: and engaged in the tanning business one year; thence removed to Stafford, Ohio, and carried on the same business three years. In the fall of 1867, he came to Warren County, and located on the farm where he now lives and has since resided, engaged in agricultural pursuits. On Oct. 1, 1861, he was united in marriage with Cornelia B., daughter of Dr. Moses H. and Juliet D. Keever, he a native of Warren County, and she of Loudoun Co., Va. The-grandparents were George and Abigail Keever. George was born in Maryland, March 15, 1781; his wife, Abigail Bunnel, was a native of New Jersey, to whom he was married March 4, 1808. They had two children-Martha and Moses H. Mr, Keever died April 7, 1845; his death was caused by being thrown from a sulky; his wife died Oct. 25, 1852. He was quite a skillful performer upon the violin; he devoted his life to farming; was a man of kind, congenial nature, and a highly esteemed citizen. Martin Keever was the father of the above George Keever, and was born in Maryland in 1727, and came to Ohio and settled in Warren County, one among the first settlers of the county; was one of the first to purchase land in Clear Creek Township, settling on Sec. 30. He was married at 37 years of age, and died Aug. 10, 1824, aged 97 years. Christena was his faithful partner and companion through the numerous scenes of danger, suffering and privations, which she endured with the fortitude of a heroine. Upon one occasion she did not see the face of a human being for the period of three weeks, Mr. K. being absent on a hunting expedition. She died Nov. 24, 1837, aged 100 years. Mr. Keever, when 30 years of age, was taken prisoner by Indians, with whom he remained two years, and shortly after his marriage was shot in the side, near the falls of the Ohio River, by the Indians, from which he finally recovered. He retained wonderful vigor and strength to near the time of his death. Three months prior to his death he walked eight miles to Lebanon and back the same day, and carried a large clock, and five days before his death he walked three miles to a neighbor's and back again. He was a medium-sized man, and very straight and erect to the time of his death. Dr. Moses H. Keever was born in Warren County, April 28, 1810. At the age of 16 years he attended the Miami University at Oxford, and subsequently a College at Augusta, Ky. At 19 years of age he commenced reading medicine with Dr. Joshua Stevens, of Monroe, Butler Co., Ohio, where he continued three years. He graduated at the Ohio Medical College, at Cincinnati, in the spring of 1834, and in the fall of the same year commenced practice near Ridgeville. On June 19, 1838, he married Miss Juliet D. Janney, who was born Sept. 22, 1817. They had ten children, two sons and eight daughters, seven now survive-Cornelia B., Abbie E., Mary A., Juliet J., Hannah A., B. W. Dudley and Eloise J. For thirteen years Dr. Keever was associated in practice with Dr. W. H. Stokes. He had a number of medical students under his instruction, among them Dr: A. Patton, William Dickey, N. B. Kelsey, James R. B. Johns and William Stanton. From September, 1865, to January, 1873, he was associated with Dr. J. B. Hough, now a practicing physician in Waynesville. Dr. Keever located and remained on the old home place of his father till his death, a period of forty-four years. He died April 7, 1878, aged 68 years. He possessed a remarkably strong physical frame, six feet one inch high, and weighed 275 pounds. His death was sudden and unexpected, dying, as was supposed, of heart disease, while at the breakfast table. He was a man eminent in his profession, ever keeping pace with the improvements and progress of medical science, and was remarkably successful and commanded a large and extended practice. He was kind and considerate to the poor, his whole life being marked with a magnanimity and zeal rarely witnessed in the profession. He was a devoted member of the Universalist Church, and one of the main pillars in the church at Ridgeville, being one of the prime movers in the organizing and CLEAR CREEK TOWNSHIP - 913 building of that church. In his death his family lost a kind and loving father and husband, and the community and profession a reliable and worthy physician. Mr. Lupton and wife have had one child-Charles H. A., born Nov. 8, 1863, and died Feb. 3, 1868, CALEB MERRITT, deceased; he was born in Pennsylvania August 9, 1796; was a son of Abraham and Garthory Merritt, natives of Pennsylvania, where they resided until his death. They had eight children, all now deceased. His wife subsequently married Joshua Carter; who with his brother Joseph and family, Joseph Kirby and family, and others, had previously settled in Warren County, Ohio, about 1797, being among the earliest settlers of Clear Creek Township, and here they lived and died. Caleb Merritt grew to manhood in Pennsylvania, and while a single man came to Warren County, and was married Oct. 16, 1817, to Sarah Kirby, born in this county Feb. 10, 1799, a daughter of Joseph and Sarah (Carter) Kirby, who, at above- mentioned date, settled in Warren County, and here lived till their death; he died June 22, 1832, aged 72 years; his wife survived him till Feb. 15, 1847, aged 82 years. They had nine children-Benjamin, born Feb. 13, 1784; Joseph, Jan. 26, 1786, both deceased; Mary, April 30, 1788, married John Girrard, died Oct. 18, 1855; James, Jan. 18, 1791, died Jan. 16, 1851; Elizabeth, Sept. 24, 1794, married Jonathan Kirby, deceased; Sarah, Feb. 10, 1799, married Caleb Merritt, died Aug. 21, 1824; Hepsabeth, May 29, 1803, married Lewis Lewis, died Dec. 28, 1850; Jane, April 16, 1806, second wife of our subject, and Ann, born June 4, 1809. The grandparents of Mrs. Jane Merritt were Joseph Carter, born in Pennsylvania July 7, 1729, and Mary Gaston, born June 3, 1739, who, as stated above, settled here in 1797. He died July 7, 1798; she died June 3, 1814. Mr. Merritt and wife by their marriage had three children-Joseph, July 15, 1818, died Sept. 25, 1847; Garthory, June 9, 1821; and James, Jan. 12, 1823. Mrs. Merritt died as given above. On Dec. 14, 1826, he married Jane Kirby, by whom he had six children- Sarah, born July 19, 1827, died July 13, 1839; Benjamin, Aug. 27, 1829, married Amelia Williamson, resides in Henry Co., Ohio; Amos, Feb. 16, 1832, died March 19, 1872; Jane, June 10, 1834, married Marcus Unglesbe, have three children-Leora, Ida, Florence and Maggie Jane; Rachel, Dec. 10, 1837, married Harvey Earnhart, have two children-Howard Ellis and Ella May; and Mary, born May 23, 1840. Mr. Merritt died April 6, 1840. This record of the above family and their ancestors embraces some of Warren County's first settlers, and were the true pioneers of the county, who bore the brunt of the battle with the hardships and dangers of the wilderness, which then covered this land; and the present and future generations look upon this now beautiful country, with its fine farms, with all the comforts and conveniences, which have been brought about by their industry and hard labors, well may their hearts swell with gratitude and kindness for these rich legacies bequeathed to them. Truly their lives and labors should be recorded in indelible letters, upon the pages of history, which shall be more durable than the marble monuments which mark the resting places of their remains. JAMES C. MERRITT, grocer and baker, Springboro, born in Warren County Jan. 12, 1823; is a son of Caleb and Sarah Merritt, whose history is given in sketch of Caleb Merritt (deceased). Our subject was married March 5, 1851, to Osee, daughter of Joel and Rhoda (Gray) Cary, he a native of Pennsylvania, and she of New Jersey. The paternal grandparents were Simeon and Rachel (Merritt) Cary, he a native of New Jersey, and she of Pennsylvania. Simeon was raised iu New Jersey, and at eighteen years of age he journeyed to the Red Stone Country, Pennsylvania, and was so well pleased with that country that he remained there and married, and resided there till about 1807, he 914 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: emigrated to Ohio and located in Warren Co., Clear Creek Township, and opeued out right in the woods and endured his full share of pioneer life, and here died July 27, 1830, aged 55 years. his wife died June 16, 1840, aged 55 years, They had four sons and two daughters, three now living-Abraham, Anna (now Widow Gray) and Joshua. Mr. Cary was a weaver by trade, which business he followed through life, employing others to clear up his farm. Mr. Cary was of a feeble constitution, yet was an industrious hard working man to the end of his life. The maternal grandparents were Lemuel and Osee Gray, natives of New Jersey, but emigrated to Ohio about 1815-16; she died near Middle. town, Ohio; he subsequently married again and moved to Indiana, where he died. Joel Cary was born Feb. 22, 1806; his wife Rhoda Jan. 20, 1809, and were married July 30, 1829. He followed the trade of a weaver in connection with farming through life. He became at one time quite well off, owned 152 acres of land, and had money on interest; was a man very upright in his dealings, possessing a kind heart, too much so for his own financial good, and was loved and respected by all. They had seven sons and four daughters, four now survive--Simeon, born Sept. 5, 1830; Osee, Jan. 30, 1832; Samuel, Oct. 2, 1835, and Amos L., born-Feb. 11, 1846; the oldest is a practicing physician at Spring Valley, Ohio. Mrs. Cary died Nov. 1, 1862. Mr. Cary married for his second wife Amanda Watson; he died April 8, 1879. Mr. Merritt and wife have four children-William Albert, born Oct. 14, 1852, married Clara Isabell Craft, Nov. 26, 1874; Elias Edward, born April 2, 1855, married Sarah Lowry; Joel C.. born March 3, 1860, married Hannah Eliza Keighley, May V, 1879; and Jennie, born March 11, 1865. Mr. Merritt was a cooper by trade, and followed that business, till a few years ago he learned the baking business; located in Springboro, where he has since carried on a bakery and grocery business. Mr. and Mrs. Merritt are both very industrious, hard working people, kind and generous, good neighbors and worthy citizens; are members of the United Brethren Church, in which, as well as in the Sabbath school, Mrs. Merritt is a faithful and diligent worker. HENRY H. MERRITT, farmer; P. 0. Red Lion; born in Clear Creek Township Nov. 23, 1827; is a son of Abraham and Rebecca Merritt, natives of Pennsylvania, whose ancestral history is given in sketch of Caleb Merritt, deceased; they had seven children; three now survive-Henry H., Elizabeth, (married Gilbert J. Lewis, is now a widow), and John L. The subject of this sketch grew to manhood, and was married, Oct. 8, 1850, to Rebecca J. Lewis, a daughter of Alexander H. and Amy (Clevenger) Lewis, he a native -of Philadelphia and she of Warren County; they had six children, two now living- Hannah, now Mrs. John Gustin, and Rebecca J. Mr. Merritt and wife have had three children; one now survives, Eugene C., born June 20, 1856, who married Eliza J. Bunnell, August 15, 1875, a daughter 'of Isaac and Mahala Bunnell, by whom he has two children, Elva Almeda, born Sept. 8, 1876, and Horace H., born Oct. 30, 1879; Mr. Eugene Merritt has located on the home place with his father. Mr. Henry H. Merritt has made farming his business through life, and all within this township, with the exception of one year's residence in Montgomery County. He bought and located on the place where he now lives in March, 1871, where he has since resided. This place he purchased of Jacob Miltenberger; it consists of 50 acres of fine land, with good buildings and improve ments, and is a very pleasant home and residence. Mr. Merritt has been a hard working, industrious man, one who has never held or sought office, but who has lived a quiet farmer's life, whose honesty and integrity are undoubted, a kind neighbor and a worthy citizen. THOMAS MILLER, farmer; P. 0. Springboro; born at Brownsville, Penn., Aug. 12, 1812; is a son of Solomon and Ruth Miller, whose history is given in CLEAR CREEK TOWNSHIP - 915 sketch of Lewis N. Miller. Thomas was in his 4th year when his parents settled at Centerville, Montgomery Co., Ohio, and there he grew to manhood. On April 24, 1834, he was married to Eliza, daughter of Samuel and Susanna (Painter) Curl, natives of Virginia. The paternal grandparents were Joseph and Rebecca Curl, he a native of Wales and she of France; the maternal were John And Betsy Painter, believed to be natives of England, who emigrated to Amer..and settled in Virginia at a very early day, where they lived and died. The grandfather, Joseph Curl, was living on the Brandywine during the Revolutionary war, and, being a miller by trade, was put in the mill and kept there to supply the army, and was an eye-witness of many terrible things connected with the war. About 1802, they emigrated to Ohio and located in Columbiana County, where they resided till 1809; thence they removed to Logan County and lived till 1829; thence they moved to Greene County, where they lived the balance of their lives. Samuel, whose first wife and family are given in sketch of Lewis N. Miller, married for his second wife Catharine Smith, a native of Virginia, by whom he had one child (deceased); his third wife was Mary Van Dyke, by whom he had one child (deceased). One of the ancestors of Susanna Painter, Benjamin McGuinn, when 8 years of age, was kidnaped from his home in England and brought to America and sold to pay his passage; he served out his time, grew to manhood, and in after years returned to England to visit his kindred, and again sailed to America,where he spent the remainder of his life. An incident in the life of the Curl family in an early day in Logan County may be of interest: John Curl, a cousin to Samuel Curl, when about eight years of age, went out with other of his brothers to get the cows; he stopped to pick berries by the way and became lost from his brothers, and, it seems, took the wrong course and wandered farther and farther from his home; the alarm was given and the whole neighborhood turned out to search for the lost child, and, after a diligent hunt for eight days, he was found twenty miles from his home, having passed through an almost impenetrable wilderness; then were many hearts made to rejoice. Eliza Curl was born in. Logan Co., Ohio, June 16, 1810. Mr. Miller and wife have had five children; four now survive-Ruth H., now Mrs. Rogers; Susan M., now Mrs. Isaiah Peelle, residing at Wilmington; Solomon W., and Samuel C., living in Iowa; and Rhoda M., who married David Hare, by whom she had five children; she died May 28, 1881, aged 35 years. Mr. Miller and family resided in Montgomery County till the fall of 1848, when they located on the place where they now live and have since resided; they first moved into a log cabin, but the next year made brick and erected their present large house, and since then have erected other buildings and made improvements, till they have a very pleasant and comfortable home, situated about one-half mile north of Springboro. Mr. Miller, in his younger years, took careful observations of the ways and progress of the various farmers, and thus prepared himself for the business of life. Soon after starting in life he had to pass through the severe panic of 1837, and experienced all the trials of those times; he saw moneys of uncertain values, and many persons try to save themselves by investing in land, which, after an excessive fall in value and terrible increase in taxes, etc., they were compelled to give them up, and lost all. They had to work in every way to obtain money to pay their taxes and support their families; went often to market and sold potatoes at 121 cents per bushel, apples at 5 cents, a barrel of cider for 75 cents; and paid from 33 to 40 cents per yard for calico; gave twelve pounds of home-made sugar for a common glass salt cellar. Such .were the times and trials these worthy pioneers had to pass through. The present and future generations may well be thankful for this age of plenty and comfort, and give due honor to the worthy fathers and mothers who have so faithfully labored to bring about these better 916 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: days. Mr. Miller and wife have now journeyed the pathway of life together for forty-seven years, almost half a century. He and wife are worthy and earnest members of the Society of Friends, to which they have belonged all their lives, and in which Mr. Miller has been a minister for many years, and is one of their most earnest workers in the Christian cause. LEWIS N. MILLER, retired, Springboro; born in Pennsylvania, June 29, 1814; is a son of Solomon and Ruth (Neal) Miller, natives of Virginia. The paternal grandparents were Robert and Casandrea (Wood) Miller, who lived and died in Pennsylvania. Solomon, the father, was raised and grew to manhood in Virginia, and married and subsequently moved into Pennsylvania, where they resided till in December, 1815, when he with his family emigrated to Ohio and located near Centerville, Montgomery Co., arriving there Jan. 1, 1816, where they resided till the spring of 1840, when they moved to near Springboro, Warren Co., and died at their son Thomas place, one-half mile north of Springboro. He and his wife were both born July 21, 1780; were married Nov. 9, 1804; he died Aug. 24, 1864; his wife died July 24, 1863. They were parents of nine children, six sons and three daughters; seven now survive-Ann. now Mrs. Lupton; Thomas; Lewis N. ; David H. : Joseph H. ; Mary now Mrs. Jones: and John T. Mr. Miller, when young, learned the tanning business, but followed it only for a short time; thence entered upon farming, which, in connection with the running of a saw-mill, a grist and oil mill, he followed through life; was a very active business man, a man of great integrity of character, an earnest member of the Society of Friends, and a great opponent of slavery, and in that day rendered great assistance and took an active part in befriending and transporting slaves to a land of safety and freedom. Lewis N., the subject of this sketch, was but an infant of 18 months when brought to Ohio, and here was raised and grew to manhood. On April 25, 1836, was united in marriage with Rebecca, daughter of Samuel and Susanna Curl, natives of Virginia. Samuel was a son of Joseph Curl, a native of Virginia, but who died in Greene Co., Ohio. Samuel came to Ohio, and was thrice married; first to Susanna Painter, by whom he had five children, four now survive--Eliza, now Mrs. Miller; Anna, now Mrs. Harvey: David and Rebecca. His wife died March 17, 1819; he died Oct. 15, 1823. Rebecca, the youngest daughter now living, was born in Logan County Jan. 23, 1817. Mr. Miller and wife by their marriage have had eight children. Seven grew to maturity-Elias F., born April 20, 1837; Ruth N., Dec. 3, 1840, now Mrs. Somers; Hannah F,, Oct. 12. 1842, now Mrs. Cleavenger; Mary K., Feb. 18, 1844, now Mrs. Rogers; Joseph, Dec. 25, 1845; Thomas, April 21, 1848; and Eliza, born Nov. 7, 1854, now Mrs. Bradstreet. Mr. Miller when young, learned the trade of a blacksmith, which business, in connection with farming, he followed many years, till, from failing health, he gave up his trade and gave all his attention to farming. Subsequently in spring of 1853, he purchased a farm with a grist and saw mill located one-half mile west of Springboro, where he resided till the spring of 1869, when he removed to Springboro, where he has since lived, retired from all active business. Mr. Miller has been a very industrious, hard-working man: has sustained an unblemished integrity in all his dealings and business trans actions in life, and has accumulated a good competency; has given his chit dren a good start in life and has an ample sufficiency reserved for his own corn fort and necessities for the balance of their lives. JOHN C. MILTENBERGER, farmer; P. 0. Springboro; born in Rockingnam Co., Virginia, June 3, 1829; is a son of John and Elizabeth (Bless) Miltenberger, natives of Virginia. Mr. Miltenberger was brought up to farm labor, and married, and resided in his native State till 1832, he and his family emigrated to Ohio and located on the property now owned by George and CLEAR CREEK TOWNSHIP - 917 Charles Null, on Section 11, Clear Creek Township, and there resided till their death. He died about 1843, aged 57 years. They had nine children, seven now survive-Margaret married Samuel Null and resides in Iowa; William; Adana lives in Iowa; Laten; Thomas; Matilda married Joshua Butler, residing in Bellefontaine, Logan Co., Ohio; and John C. Mr. Miltenberger was a quiet, p farmer, but one of the best of neighbors and a most worthy citizen; ever interested in the progress and the good of his neighborhood and community and a most devoted Christian man, an active member of the Methodist Church; was a Class Leader many years and held most of the offices of the church during his life, and in his death the church lost one of her most active and effrcient workers and his community an excellent citizen, Our subject was 3 years of age when brought to Warren County and here grew to manhood; was married, Oct. 16, 1860, to Mary Ann, daughter of James and Ann (Smith) Cary, he a native of New Jersey and she of Pennsylvania. Mary Ann was born in Warren County, April 9, 1830. Mr. Miltenberger and wife have had eight children, seven now survive-Thomas A., born Oct. 16, 1851; Ira L., March 19, 1854; Charles H., Jan. 21, 1858; Frank, Dec. 29, 1862; Ella May, Oct. 26, 1864; Willie L., Aug. 26, 1866; and Anna M., born March 23, 1876. Mr. Miltenberger when a young man learned the the wagon-making trade, which business he followed one year in Preble County and two years at Blue Ball; thence entered upon farming, which he has since followed. He bought and located on the place where he now lives in 1867, where he has since resided: has made great improvements, erected a large and commodious house, and now has a beautiful home and farmer's residence. Mr. Miltenberger is much like his father in his habits and Christian character; is a devoted member of the United Brethren Church, to which he and his wife have belonged twenty years. He has filled most of the offices of the church and is one of the pillars of the same, and one of Warren County's best men in all that goes to make up the Christian and moral worth of a good citizen. PETER MONFORT, farmer; P. 0. Waynesville;, born in Deerfield Township, Warren Co., Ohio, Jan. 6, 1827; is a son of Arthur and Ellen (Hall) Monfort; he a native of New Jersey and she of Ohio. The grandfather, Peter Monfort, came from New Jersey with his family, and located in Warren County in an early day, one of the early settlers, and died in Warren County. Arthur was a young single man when his father came to this county, and here he Married and became the father of eleven children, five now survive-John W. H.; Julia A., now a resident of New Hampshire; Peter; Mary J.; and Marina, now a resident of New Jersey. Mr. Monfort followed farming in this county till his death; he died in Deerfield Township about 1846, aged 46 years; his wife survived him till about 1864, aged 62 years. The subject of this sketch was married Jan. 14, 1857, to Elizabeth A., daughter of Milton and Lydia Keever. See sketch of Nathan E. Lupton. By this union they have had eight children, seven now living-Lydia E., John M., Mary, Maxilla Peter Oscar, Arthur A., Eliza M. and Rutherford. In 1857, moved to Iowa. In June, 1865, he returned to Warren County, and bought and located on the place where he now lives, and has since resided. This place he purchased of the heirs of George Keever; it consists of 100 acres of good land; he has erected and remodeled all the buildings on the place, and now has a fine farm and a pleasant home. He also owns another tract of land of 35 acres. GEORGE MONGER, farmer; P. 0. Red Lion; born in Rockingham Co., Va., June 6, 1809; is a son of Henry and Elizabeth (Pence) Monger, also natives of Virginia. The grandfather was Henry Monger, who it is believed Was born in Maryland. The maternal grandfather was Adam Pence, a native of Germany, but emigrated to America in an early day, and both the grand- 918 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: fathers died in Virginia, Henry, the father, was raised to manhood and married and lived in Virginia till the spring of 1817; they emigrated to Ohio and landed at Lebanon in April of that year; he located in Clear Creek Township where he spent the balance of his life, and died at the place where our subject now lives, aged 68 years. He met with an accident at his blacksmith shop which caught fire, and in climbing on to the roof to extinguish the fire the roof fell in with him, and the timbers and roof falling on and around him, so injured him as to cause his death in about four years; his wife survived him till April 9, 1878, when she died, aged 94 years. She lived with her son, our subject, twenty-eight years, twenty-two of which she was blind and a cripple. They had three sons and five daughters, three now survive-George, Anna (now Mrs. Merritt, living in Miami Co., Ohio), and Joseph, in Miami County. Mr. Monger was a blacksmith of great skill in his day, also a cooper and a shoemaker, as well as a farmer. He was a natural mechanic and had tools for almost all kinds of business, which came in good use in that early day. The subject of this sketch was married March 18, 1833, to Mary, daughter of Joseph and Hannah Decker, whose history is given in sketch of Joseph Decker. By this union they have had ten children, who grew to maturity, nine now survive- Joseph, John G., Elizabeth, Eli D., David D., Inman, G. William, Hannah and Huldah Jane. Mr. Monger after his marriage located on a farm adjoin. ing the one where he now lives; in 1841, he bought and moved on to his present farm, where he has since resided. He has spent his whole life since 8 years of age, on Sections 9 and 10 of Clear Creek Township, a period of 64 years. Mr. Monger started in life with 7 acres of land and $28.40 in money; by his own industry and economy has accumulated nearly 400 acres of good land; has good buildings and improvements where he lives, which makes a pleasant home and residence, and is one of the most prominent farmers of this township. JOB MULLIN, farmer; P. 0. Springboro; born in Clear Creek Township, Warren County, Jan. 6, 1806; is a son of Isaac and Elizabeth (Haines) Mullin, he a native of Virginia and she of New Jersey. The grandfather was John Mullin, a native of Virginia, who with his family emigrated to Ohio in 1801; they descended the Ohio River on a flat-boat to Cincinnati; thence by wagons to Warren County, and located on Section 9, in Clear Creek Township, on the farm now owned by G. H. Sellers. Here they opened out right in the woods, and with two other families were the only settlers then located in this portion of the county; here they experienced the true log-cabin life, with all the hardships and deprivations of those pioneer days; wolves and wild game were in abundance; corn worth 6 1/4 to 10 cents per bushel; wheat, 31 1/4 cents, and other things corresponding; their only market was Cincinnati, where they hauled all products over terrible mud roads, and there purchased salt and other provisions at high prices and hauled them home; but we leave to the township historian to more fully describe those early days. Mr. Mullin, after many years' residence and hard labor, and having his farm well opened out, moved to Springboro, where he died at a...ripe old age. He was twice married, and was the father of twenty-four children. Isaac Mullin was born in Virginia Sept. 7, 1777; when about 21 years of age, he went to New Jersey and married Elizabeth Haines, who was born Sept. 7, 1785, and in 1801, with his father, emigrated to Ohio and settled in Warren County. Isaac lived one year at Waynesville; thence located on a farm adjoining his father's on the south, in Clear Creek Township, and here passed the greater portion of his life. His wife died in April, 1829; they had ten children, who grew to maturity; five now survive-Noah, Job, Ruth, Maria and Jane. Mr. Mullin married for his second wife Hannah Neal, a native of Virginia. Mr. Mullin died at Spring- CLEAR CREEK TOWNSHIP - 919 boro, to where he moved about 1837, on Aug. 31, 1839, aged 62 years. He was a very active, industrious man, and bore his full share of pioneer hardships; was a man of remarkable kindness, ever ready to assist his neighbors in every way possible, even as it proved many times greatly to his own loss and injury. The subject of this sketch was born and grew up to manhood in this township; was married June 4, 1829, to Amaline B., daughter of Edward and Mary Borton, whose history is given in sketch of Nathan Mullin (deceased), in Massie Township. Emaline was born in New Jersey, Oct. 1, 1809. Mr. Mullin and wife by their union have had seven children; four now survive-Rebecca, born Dec. 11, 1830; Mary, Oct. 13, 1832 (now Mrs. D. F. Corwin); Amanda, Nov. 17, 1834 (now Mrs. W. H. Newport), and Laura A., Feb. 27, 1843 (now Mrs. W. H. Carpenter). Mr. Mullin, after his marriage, located in Montgomery County, near the Warren County line, where they resided till January, 1837, when they located upon the place where they now live and have since resided; upon this place Mr. Mullin has erected all the buildings, and made many improvements, and now has a fine home and residence, and everything comfortable and convenient around him; has now been a resident upon this place forty-four years; he and his'companion have traveled the journey of life together for fifty-two years. In June, 1879, was celebrated the fiftieth anniversity of their marriage, on which occasion were assembled at their home their children, and many friends from Cincinnati, Indiana, and other places, and they had a very enjoyable and pleasant time, and many fine presents given as tokens of their love and respects for the worthy and aged recipients. Mr. Mullin is now one of the oldest native-born citizens of this township, having resided here from his birth, a period of three-fourths of a century; who has witnessed fully the vast changes and progress of this country from its primeval forests, up to its present high state of improvements and comforts; and has been one of the most substantial citizens of this community. Although in his habits he is retired and unpretentious, and never desired office or public notoriety, yet his life has been characterized by the most scrupulous integrity and uncompromising principles. He has been trustee of the School Section for thirty years; other than this he has refused to accept, any office. CLAYTON W. MULLIN, farmer; P. 0. Springboro; born in Montgomery County May 20, 1823; is a son of John and Charlotte (Haines) Mullin, lie a native of Virginia and she of New Jersey, their ancestors being given in sketch of Job Mullin. The maternal grandparents were Mark and Deborah Haines, natives of New Jersey; he died in his native State; his wife married for her second husband Alexander Ray, and emigrated to Ohio, and located in Warren County, about 1810. Mr. Ray died about 1823, his widow married for her third husband James Clutch, with whom she lived till her death in September, 1845, aged 83 years. John Mullin was born Sept. 24, 1791, and in 1801, at 10 years of age came with his parents to Ohio, grew to manhood, and married in Warren County, where he spent all his life, except two years spent in Montgomery County; was one of the early settlers of this part of the county, opening out right in the woods and experiencing the true pioneer life, there being but two or three other settlers within about three miles in every direction. Mr. Mullin was in the wear of 1812, with Capt. Sutton's company from this county, and was among the number of Hull's troops surrendered at Detroit, and partook fully of the chagrin experienced by all at the uncalled for surrender. Mr. Mullin died at Springboro March 6, 1867, aged 76 years; his wife died Dec. 29, 1865, aged 73 years. They had nine children; six now survive-Mark H., Zimri, Tamson, Clayton W., Jehiel H. and Mary (now Mrs. Langsdon). The subject of this sketch was married Dec. 27, 1848, to Mary C., daughter of John and Mary Blecker, natives of Pennsylvania, who were mar- 920 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: ried in Pennsylvania about 1820, and subsequently moved to Columbiana Co Ohio, where they spent most of their lives, but a few of the last years of his life he lived in Cincinnati, where he died in the spring of 1865; his wife died at Findlay, Ohio, in April, 1868; they had ten children; seven now survive - Margaret A., Mary C., Eliza J., Henry, Joseph, Sarah and Anna. Mary C. was born in Columbiana County July 2, 1828. Mr. Mullen and wife have had six children, four now survive—John B., born Aug. 13, 1854; Charles, born Dec. 16, 1855, Edward C., May 1, 1864; and Harry, born June 24, 1865. Mr. Mullin lived Springboro five years; thence in fall of 1853 moved where he now is, and has since resided. He erected a good cottage house, which was destroyed by fire in December, 1867, since which he has lived in the old log-cabin on the farm; but has now nearly completed a large and commodious house, which he will soon occupy and will have a fine home and residence. He is one of the substantial farmer; of this community, of undoubted integrity, whose life and labors have been characterized by careful and honest dealing, and is an excellent and worthy neighbor and citizen. JONATHAN MUNGER, farmer and teacher; P. O. Ridgeville. The family whose history we now write were of English origin, and the first who reached the American shores was Reuben Munger, who was impressed into the King's service when a young man, and brought to New England, where it is believed he deserted the King's forces, and there continued to live, refusing to yield to the earnest solicitations of his parents to return to England, declaring that he would not live under a government so despotic. He had four sons besides daughters. Two of his sons, Edmond and Jonathan, emigrated to the Miami Valley in the then Northwest Territory, as early as 1799, settling with other New Englanders on a body of land about midway between Lebanon and Dayton, in the south portion of Montgwery County. The road passing through the same received the appellation of Yankee street, which name it retains to this day. Here these two brothers lived to a good old age, and each reared a family. They were men of unswerving patriotism; the former being known as Gen. Munger, while the later inherited a full share of his father's detestation of the Mother Country, enlisted three times in the Provincial army, and was three times honorably discharged. Gen. Edmond Munger received his title in the war of 1812, being elevated to that position in the army, and was in command of the troops at Dayton. Patriotism was a predominant trait with the Munger family. They never lacked the nerve and energy to make that manifest whenever occasion required; their father having come from under the despotic government of England, his descendants have appreciated the value of liberty and just rights of citizens, and were ever ready with their lives and their property to defend those rights., Gen. Munger continued in com- mand, and to defend these frontiers until the rights of American citizens were fully recognized and peace declared. An incident in Gen. Munger's military life worthy of record, showing that although a General in the army, he was not above any service that needed his attention. The General was in his early life a blacksmith. During the war they used many ox teams, and it was often difficult to get them properly shod by the blacksmiths in those days, so the General sent home for his leather aprpn, and he then shod their oxen to his own liking. How many Generals in the army in this day would condescend to shoe oxen or horses? Much might be written in honor of the worthy character of the Munger family, but suffice it to say, their descendants were and are still among the leading citizens of Montgomery and Warren Counties; and in the latter county's history will be found an extended sketch of the family, their lives, character and usefulness. Jonathan Munger had four daughters and one son—Hervey—all now deceased. Hervey was born in Addison CLEAR CREEK TOWNSHIP - 921 Co., Vt., in 1790; he married in 1812, and died in 1859. His wife Catharine, was the daughter of Daniel Gray, of New Jersey; she was born in 1791, and emigrated to the Miami country with her parents in 1809. She died in 1836. She was of small stature, and much esteemed for her social nature, and it used to be said, "that wherever Katie Munger was, there was sure to be good company." They were parents of fourteen children; five now survive—Jonathan, James H., Samuel C., Susan Eliza (now Mrs. Carmany), and Martha A. (now Mrs. Anson). Jonathan Munger, the eldest child of his father, and the subject of this sketch, was born in Montgomery Co., Ohio, Nov. 11, 1812; was raised and grew to manhood in Warren County; was married Jan. 6, 1838, and ss Hannah, daughter of Peter and Mary Taylor, he a native of Virginia and she of Pennsylvania, who became settlers of Montgomery Co., in 1830, and soon after of Warren County, where they lived till their death; he died in Waynesville in the fall of 1870, aged 85 years; she died April 11, 1863, aged 84 years. They had two sons and three daughters; four now survive—Hannah, Sidwell, Lewis (who resides in Iowa) and Lydia Ann. Mr. Munger and wife have lad five children; two now survive—Matilda (now Mrs. R. M. Duke) and Alonzo. Corwin died in infancy; Lewis and Milo, the other children deceased, died in their country's service, in the late war of the rebellion; Lewis enlisted in California in the 2d Mass. Cavalry, it being thus designated by agreement between the Govenor of Massachusetts and the authorities of California; he served faithfully in this cavalry, till his death at the battle of Five Forks, Va.; there while reconnoitering, his horse came running into camp with the saddle turned, and as he was never seen or heard of afterward, it was quite certain he was shot by the rebels. Milo enlisted in the 79th O. V. I., in which he served till his death in the hospital at Gallatin, Tenn., Dec. 18, 1862, aged 19 years and 6 days. Thus again wto exhibited the true patriotism of the Munger family; descendants of the old ancestor, who left the tyranny of his native country, and who with his sons fought in the Provincial army, for the first establishment of this glorious Union; and again, in its protection in 1812; and last, but not least, these noble sons of our subject possessing the true patriotism of their ancestors, sacrificed their lives to protect and make more free these glorious United States. Lewis enlisted as a private, and arose to the command of his company. Although it was a great sacrifice for Mr. Munger to give tip these noble sons, yet their memories will be embalmed on the pages of history, and their laurels shall shine forth with those of their ancestors, through ages to come and reaching beyond the confines of time, their characters and noble deeds shall shine still brighter on the shores of immortality. Our subject while young obtained a good education, and entered upon the arduous but noble professiod of teaching; this profession he has followed principally through life, some in Iowa, but principally in this county. His last service was performed in 1876, in the Buckeye School, Clear Creek Township His labors have extended over a period of forty-three years; and during this remarkable length of service; he has been permitted to teach the grandchildren of some of his first pupils, which is probably a circumstance that has rarely happened with any of our educators. This long period of labor of Mr. Munger, as a teacher, speaks for itself, and he needs no eulogy; for no one of ordinary ability and success would have been thus long employed, and a greater part of the time in the same county. Who can estimate the great and important results upon the immortal minds of the great number of pupils who have b, eon under his instructions during forty-three years of teaching? It can only be known and measured by the great Teacher of the universe, who will reveal the results at the last great day. Mr. Munger was President of the Teachers Association of Warren County for several years, was a Justice of the Peace for 922 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: many years, and held various other offices of his township. We have endeavored here to place on record some features in brief of the Munger family, but limited space forbids our writing all we would desire to hand them down to future generations, in their true light and virtues; suffice it to say, they have been and are, and we trust ever will be among the bravest, truest, and best citizen of Montgomery and Warren Counties. JOSEPH NEDRY, farmer; P. 0. Lebanon; born in Clinton Co., Ohio, Feb. .22, 1818, is a son of James and Lydia (Antrim) Nedry, he a native of Pennsylvania and she of Virginia. The maternal ancestry is fully given in sketch of Isaac Antrim. James Nedry was born in Lancaster Co., Penn., in 1767, and remained there, till 18 years of age; thence, in 1785, he removed to Frederick Co., Va., where he married and resided till the year 1817, he emigrated to Ohio and located in Clinton County, where he resided till 1856, they removed to Harveysburg, Warren Co., where he died in September, 1869, aged 102 years; his wife survived him till Aug. 19, 1881, she died, aged 89 years. They had ten children, seven now survive-Maria, now Mrs. Edwards; Joseph; Mary Ann, now Mrs. Welch; William; Lydia, now Mrs. Haines; and Eliza, now Mrs. Wilson. Mr. Nedry lived to a remarkable old age, having seen the beginning and favorable ending of the three great wars of our country, the Revolutionary war, the war of 1812 and the great and terrible conflict of the rebellion. During the war of 1812, he was engaged in teaming, and one day while in Baltimore he was seized and impressed into the service and served about three months and returned home. He was a man of remarkable physical endurance, and performed a great amount of labor and endured much exposure in teaming and other labors of those early days; was a man of energy and promptness, whose character and integrity were above reproach. Joseph, our subject, was raised in Warren County; was married, February 25, 1846, to Mary, daughter of William and Mary (Wright) Wilgus, natives of New Jersey, who came to Ohio by way of Pittsburgh and down the river on a flat-boat to Cincinnati in 1815; thence to Warren County and located on the place where our subject now lives, and here opened out right in the woods and swamps, and here he toiled and labored till his death. He was a tailor by trade, -which business he followed many years, hiring help to clear up his farm; he became a very successful farmer and quite a trader and dealer in stock; was a man of great activity, and of more than ordinary ability-thoroughly posted in the affairs of business and the progress of the times; an excellent neighbor and a worthy citizen. He died March 9, 1866, aged 90 years; his wife died Sept. 2, 1843, aged 60 years. They had twelve children, ten grew to maturity, seven now living- Thomas, William, James, Daniel, Mary, Lydia (now Mrs. Dunham), and Harriet (now Mrs. Sabin). Mary was born on the place where they now live, May 8, 1821. Mr. Nedry and wife have had four children, three now survive -Lydia Alice, born June 8, 1849, married Henry McKinney; Lillie L., born Sept. 25, 1854; and Emma B., born Dec. 25, 1859. Mrs. Nedry's paternal grandparents were Samuel and Rhoda (McCabe) Wilgus, natives of England, but who emigrated to America- and died in New Jersey. The maternal grandparents were Stacy and Sarah (Baker) Wright, also from England, and died in New Jersey. Mr. Nedry was a carpenter by trade, which he followed twenty-five years; then engaged in the mercantile trade; then gave his attention to farming and general trading business; has been an active, stirring man, destined to "wear out and not to rust out." Started in life with no means, now has a good competency. In spring of 1867, he bought and located upon the place where he now lives, which is the old Wilgus farm. Here he has improved the farm and buildings till he has a beautiful home and residence, and can now enjoy the comforts of life. Mr. Nedry is a Director of the County Infirmary. CLEAR CREEK TOWNSHIP - 923 JONATHAN J. NULL, farmer; P. 0. Springboro; born on the place where his son, H. E. Null, now lives, Oct. 13, 1828; is a son of Henry and Anna Mary (Gebhart) Null, he a native of Virginia and she of Montgomery Co., Ohio. The grandfather was Charles Null who, it is believed, was a native of Virginia, and who with his family emigrated to Ohio and located on the place where our subject now lives, in 1800. This tract of land, it is believed, he entered from the Government, and here he opened out right in the woods, erected his log-cabin with split puncheon floor, and began in true pioneer style, and here he spent the balance of his life. Mr. Null was a very active business man, whose character and integrity were beyond reproach. From time to time, he entered and purchased more land till he became owner of abotit 600 acres of land, and was one of the most active and prominent among the early settlers, and withal was a devoted Christian man and a member of the Reformed Church for many years. Henry, the father of our subject, was but 4 years of age when his father's family settled in this then wilderness of a. country, and here grew to manhood fully inured to pioneer life; was married and became the father of five children, jour sons and one daughter; three now survive--Jonathan J., David S. and Benjamin J. Mr. Null located on Section 12, where Elijah Null now lives, and spent his entire life there; he died April 19, 1880, aged 84 years; his wife died March 16, 1860, aged 52 years and 7 months. Mr. Null was a man of more than ordinary physical endurance, of great moral and Christian worth, and while he did so much of early pioneer work in transforming from the wilderness these now beautiful farms. with comforts and conveniences, he also did'much by his moral and Christian life to promote the growth of piety and pure moral sentiment throughout the community; unpretentious in his habits, never holding or seeking office-his. whole life was one of very exemplary character, and won the respect and esteem of all who knew him. He was a pillar in the Reformed Church, and a Deacon in the same for many years, and died in the triumph of a living faith. The subject of this sketch was raised and grew to manhood on his father's farm; was married March 7, 1852, to Catharine M. Brehm, who was born in Pennsylvania, Sept. 15, 1832; is a daughter of Henry and Mary Brehm, natives of Pennsylvania. By this union they have three children--Henry Elijah; Howard Wesley, born April 1, 1859; and Clara Luella, born Jan. 7, 1863. Mr. Null after his marriage settled on the farm where he now lives and has since resided. In, character and integrity of life, Mr. Null is much like his father, and is also a. devoted member and Christian worker in the church his father loved and served so long, and has served as Deacon and Elder in the same. Mr. Null was the executor of his father's estate, and settled up all his affairs amicably and with satisfaction to all. He is a kind neighbor, enjoys life well and is one of Warren County's best and most worthy citizens. GEORGE W. NULL, farmer; P. 0. Springboro; born on the old Nu. 11 place in Clear Creek Township, July 12, 1839; is a son of Jacob and Nancy Null, whose history is given in sketches of Edward and Joshua Null. Our subject grew to manhood, brought up to farm labor; was married Nov. 12, 1860, to Mary E., daughter of Samuel and Keturah Dearth. Mrs. Null died Sept. 29, 1879, aged 39 years. On Nov. 12, 1880, he married for his second wife Sarah E., daughter of Henry and Ellen Butt, residents of Franklin Township, this county, by whom he has one child-Mary Ellen, born Feb. 11, 1881. Mr. Null has made farming his occupation; soon after his marriage, he bought and located on the place where he now lives and has since resided. This place he purchased of the heirs of John Miltenberger. Mr. Null has never desired office, but is a quiet, unpretending farmer-a good neighbor ann,d a worthy citizen, same for ademvoanr devoted member of the Methodist Church, and has acted as Steward in the 924 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: EDWARD A. NULL, farmer; P. O. Springboro; born in Clear Creek Township Dec. 4, 1844; is a son of Jacob and Nancy Ann (Aughey)11, natives of Rockingham Co., Va. Further ancestral history is given in sketch of Jonathan J. Null. Jacob was but a boy when with his parents, emgrated in 1800, to Warren Co., Ohio, and here was raised and grew to manhood fully inured to the trials and hardships of pioneer life; was married and became the father of ten children, eight now survive-Martha Jane, Mary E Charles J., George W., Judith A., Edward A., William A. and Rebecca E. lb.' Null was one of the hard-working, industrious pioneers, who did his full share of transforming the primeval forests into our now fine cultivated fields and homes. He helped to build the aqueduct at Franklin when the canal was built--one of the first improvements of the country. His whole life was mainly devoted to farming; he never held or sought office but was a plain, substantial farmer, who was very successful in his pursuit and became owner of about 400 acres of excellent land on Clear Creek; was a man of honor and integrity, a kind neighbor, a worthy citizen and a devoted member of the Methodist Church. Re died about 1866; his wife died iu November, 1876. She was a woman of remarkable business capacity, a great financier,' very congenial and affable in her manners, who was beloved and respected by all who knew her; a devoted church member and a lady of excellent Christian character. Edward A. grew to manhood; was married., March 17, 1870, to Ellen M., daughter of Gregory and Phoebe Jane (Dubois) Schenk, he a native of Warren County and she of Carlisle, Montgomery County, Ohio, who have seven children now living- Alexander, Mary P., Ellen M., Phebe Jane, Alletta D., William and Lizzie F. Mr. Null and wife by this union have five children-Frank, born July 21, 1871; Nannie, June 3, 1873; Jennie, Oct. 26, 1875; Charles W., Nov. 27, 1877; and William, born Nov. 26, 1879. Mr. Null has followed the occupation of his ancestors-that of farming--and sustains well their character of integrity and uprightness; is a worthy citizen of Warren County, and a member of the Methodist Church. The maternal grandparents were Dr. Benjamin and Williampie (Van Doran) Dubois, natives of Freehold; N. J., who were very early settlers of Warren County, and their ancestors were of French descent. HENRY ELIJAH NULL, farmer; P. O. Springboro; born on the place where his father still lives, in Clear Creek Township, March 7, 1853; is a son of Jonathan J. and Catharine Null (see sketch of Jonathan J. Null in this work), an was raised and grew to manhood on that farm; was married, May 21, 1874, to Elizabeth, daughter of John and Elizabeth (Ritz) Siegfried, natives of Germany, who emigrated to America about 1847, and located in New York City, where they resided seven years; thence to Ohio and located at Springboro, where they remained till in the ,spring of 1881, when they removed to Lima, Allen Co., Ohio, where they now reside. Mr. Siegfried is a tailor by trade and has carried on a merchant tailoring business and eustom made clothing ever since his arrival in this country; he carried on the business in Springboro twenty-six years, where he did quite a prosperous trade. They have had ten children ; seven now survive-William Henry, Elizabeth, John, Charles, Franklin P., Lydia and Ferdinand. Mr. Null and wife have one child -Clara Luella, born Dec. 26, 1876. Mr. Null resided in Montgomery County from 1877 to 1880; the balance of his life has been in Warren County; he located upon his present farm in the spring of 1881; they are members of the Reformed Church. JOHN PLUNKETT, farmer; P. O. Pekin; born in Lexington, Va., Oct. 13, 1795; is a son of Thomas and Mary (Smith) Plunkett, he a native of Dublin, Ireland, and she of London, England. Thomas emigrated to America when a young man, some time prior to the Revolutionary war, and served five CLEAR CREEK TOWNSHIP - 925 years as a soldier in that war; was also a soldier under . He married in Virginia and re- sided there till his death, about 1830, aged 86 years. His wife subsequently came to Ohio and lived with our subject till her death, in October, 1832, aged 77 years. They had ten children, all deceased but John, our subject, who emi- grated from Virginia to Ohio in 1819, and located in Warren County, where he has since resided, except eight years' residence in Clinton Co., Ohio; was mar- ried, Dec. 31, 1819, to Mary, daughter of John and Margaret Hopkins, natives of Virginia, who lived and died in their native State. Mary came to Ohio with her parents, to Hopkinsville, Warren Co., where they landed July 4, 1819. Air. Plunkett has made farming his occupation through life; he bought and located upon the place where he now lives in 1855, where he has since resided a period of twenty-six years. This place ne purchased of George W. La Fettre; it consists of 92 acres of good land and about, 80 acres in cultivation; has erected a new house and made other improvements such that he has a pleasant home and farmer's residence. Mr. Plunkett started in life with no capital, and, by his own industry and economy, has made a good farm. and home and has a good competency. His wife died June 17, 1869, aged 72 years; they traveled the pathway of life together nearly half a century. Mr. Plunkett is now 86 years of age and still enjoys good health; has never been sick but little during his long life, and we may hope that he may live many years yet to enjoy the comforts of his pleasant home. Of his brothers, deceased, James Plunkett married Margaret McMullen, of Virginia, by whom he had twelve children; ten now survive-Thomas B , Agnes B. , Mary B., Margaret, Rebecca S., Louisa, Isabella, Musadora, who still reside in Virginia, and John McMullen and Robert W., who reside in Warren Co., Ohio. The latter was raised and grew to manhood in Virginia, and, in the late war of the rebellion, served as a soldier until, in 1864, when, from a wound received in his right arm, which shattered it so badly that he could do no more service, and he received his discharge. He came to Ohio in the fall of 1871, and is residing with his uncle, the subject of this sketch. GEORGE W. READ (deceased) was born in North Carolina Aug. 31, 1819; was a son of Jesse and Nancy L. (Townsend) Read, natives of Maryland. The grandparents were Isaac and -Abigail Read, natives of England, who emigrated to America in an early day, and, it is believed, died in Virginia. Jesse and Nancy Read moved to North Carolina, where they resided a few years; then became residents of Virginia till about 1827, when they emigrated to Ohio, making the entire journey in carts, and located in Warren County, near Waynesville, and lived two years; thence located near Springboro, where he died Sept. 10, 1849, aged 66 years; his wife died May 10, 1875, aged 83 years, Mr. Read was a hatter by trade, which business he followed in his native State, and, for several years, in this county; then he gave his attention to farming, which he followed the -balance of his life. George W. was about 6 or 8 years of age when his father and family came to Warren County and here grew to manhood; was married, Sept. 27, 1840, to Margaret, daughter of Trustus and Margaret Robinson, he a native of Canada and she of Ohio, He became an early settler of Warren County and was married near Ridgeville; he died near Green Plains, Ohio, about 1821. They had three children; one only now survives-Margaret, who was born near Green Plains Aug. 22, 1818. Mrs. Robinson married for her second husband Benoni Bousman, by whom she had five children; two now survive-Joseph and John. Mr. Bousman and family subsequently moved to Henry Co., Ind., where his wife died in 1869. Mr. Read and wife had nine children; eight now survive--Jesse, born Feb. 13, 1843; Nancy Mary, Jan. 16, 1845, now Mrs. Frye; Benjamin, April 8, 1847; Cynthia 926 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: J., June 14, 1849, now. Mrs. Swigert; George W.; June 30, 1851; Elizabeth March 4, 1853, now Mrs. Pugh; R. Alice, Dec. 4, 1854, now Mrs. Allen, ah'd Susan L., born Nov. 13, 1857. Mr. Read first located near Springboro. February, 1870, he purchased and located upon the farm where his widow still resides, and here he died Sept. 8, 1880, aged 61 years. Mr. Read followed farming through life; he commenced in life poor, and, by his own industry and economy, made a good farm and home; was a kind neighbor and worthy citizen; a man of sound character and integrity and a devoted member of th Methodist Church. GEORGE E. RILEY, farmer; P. 0. Ridgeville; born in Warren County Sept. 29, 1845; is a son of Jacob and Ann (Thatcher) Riley, he a native of Maryland and she probably of New Jersey. Jacob was born in Maryland Sept, 15, 1809, where he was raised till 17 years of age, when he emigrated to Ohio and located in Warren County; was married and became the father of four children; two now survive-Mary, now Mrs. McEwen, and George E. Aft Riley has made agricultural pursuits his business. In 1838 or 1839, he bought and located on Section 30, just east of Ridgeville, where he has since resided a period of forty-two years. He started in life a poor orphan boy, his parents dying when he was but a child, and here in Warren County he commenced to gain a livelihood and a home. He had but a meager education, but, by close application and a good use of his time, and the few opportunities he had to attend the common schools, he obtained the rudiments of an education and began his business life. His great activity, energy and industry have won for him a good competency with all its attendant comforts; he owns 196 acres of good land, with good improvements, which is an example of what a poor young man may accomplish by energy and industry. Mrs. Riley died Dec. 11, 1848, in her 37th year of age. Mr. Riley is now 72 years of age, and is quite sprightly and active and is a much respected citizen. The subject of this sketch was raised to farm labor, receiving a good common-school education; then he attended the Southwestern National Normal School at Lebanon, intending to adopt some profession, but, being of a rather weakly constitution, and, by the advice of his physician, he adopted a rural and agricultural life; was married, Sept. 15, 1869, to Ada A., daughter of Benjamin A. and Maria Stokes, whose history- appears in the sketch of B. A. Stokes. By this union, they have two children-Blanche A., born Oct. 25, 1875, and Pearl M., born Sept. 6, 1877. Mr. Riley lived on the home place of his father five years. He bought and located where he now lives and has since resided in the spring of 1876. Mr. Riley is one of the enterprising and prosperous farmers of Clear Creek Township, a man of good natural abilities and attainments, a very social and congenial neighbor and a much respected citizen. LINDLEY M. ROGERS, farmer, P. 0. Springboro; born in Fayette Co., Penn., near Ft. Red Stone, May 3, 1837; is a son of Nathan and Atlantic (Haines) Rogers, he a native of Pennsylvania and she of Virginia. The grandfather was Philip Rogers, a native of, Maryland, and subsequently became a resident of Pennsylvania, where he lived and died; he and wife were.both firm and devoted members of the Society of Friends, in which she was an active minister for many years. They had six children, five sons and one daughter; four now survive-Winston. David G., Philip and Elizabeth (now Mrs. Hill). The maternal grandparents were Eli and Ruth (Miller) Haines, natives of Virginia and subsequently became residents of Pennsylvania, where his wife died. He subsequently came to Ohio and died in Columbiana County. Nathan Rogers grew to manhood and was married, May 3, 1832, and spent his entire life near his old home; he was a member of the Friends' Society-till his death, and was, in his morals and Christian character, a more than ordinary man; CLEAR CREEK TOWNSHIP - 927 had a well-balanced mind, was never out of humor or known to be angry, but was a model in temperament. and very exemplary in his life, and was much honored and respected by all who knew io a him; he died Sept. 19, 1855, aged 50 years; his wife subsequently came to Ohio and died near Springboro, July 31, 1865; gaged 60 years. They had six children; four now survive-Eli, Jonathan, Lindly M. and Mary (why" married H. Jones). The subject of this sketch was raised and grew to manhood in his native State. In the summer of 1861, he emigrated to Warren Co., Ohio, and located near Springboro, where, on Aug. 1, 1861, he was married to Ruth, daughter of Thomas and Eliza Miller (see sketch of Thomas Miller). Mr. Rogers has devoted his life to farming, and since his marriage has resided near Springboro, with the exception of one year's residence in Montgomery Co., Qhio. He bought and located where he now lives in the fall of 1869, and here has since resided. Mr. Rogers and wife are firm and devoted members of the Society of Friends. FREDERICK ROSNAGLE, farmer; P. 0. Springboro; born in Philadelphia April 30, 1814; is a son of John and Mary (Joyce) Rosnagle, he a native of Germany and she of Pennsylvania. Mr. Rosnagle emigrated to America when a young man, about 1808; was married, in 1809, and located in Philadelphia. During the war of 1812, he was arafted and served through that war. After a short residence in Philadelphia, by misfortune he lost his property, and removed to Union County, where he resided till his death, in 1828. They had nine children, six sons and three daughters ; five now survive - Frederick, James, now a resident of Roseburg, Oregon; .Mary, now Mrs. Rentz, residing in Philadelphia; Solomon, and Isaiah, a resident of Cincinnati. Mrs. Rosnagle subsequently moved to New Jersey, where she lived three years; thence moved to Philadelphia, where she died, in October, 1847. The subject of this sketch was 14 years of age when his father died; then he bound himself to Abraham Keller in a carding factory, to remain till 18 years of age, and was to have four months' schooling and $50 in money; he failed to get but three months schooling, and received extra wages instead. He then worked for Mr. Keller till he was 21 years of age, at $8 per month; also would work In harvest and reap with the sickle at 50 cents per day. Thus was the beginning of life with Mr. Rosnagle. After he was of age, he improved his winters and all the opportunities he could get to obtain an education. In the winter of 1835, he taught school among the Dunkards and "boarded around," and says he learned more that winter than in the same length of time anywhere else in his life. In December, 1843, he was married to Catharine, daughter of John and Margaret (Null) Kesling, natives of Virginia. They had seven sons and seven daughters; nine now survive-William, George, Abraham and Isaac (twins), John, Samuel, James, Mary and Julia Ann. Mr. Rosnagle and wife have had five sons and two daughters, who grew to maturity--John W., Mary M., Rufus M., Edmond J., Simon P., Edith Ann and Alfred. His wife died in September, 1856, aged 35 years. In May, 1839, Mr. Rosnagle landed in Ohio, having come over the mountains the entire distance in wagons, and located in Warren County, in Clear Creek Township, and has ever since resided in the limits of this township. For several years, he followed the carpenter trade. In 1852, he bought and located upon the farm where he now lives and has since resided. When he bought this place, he went largely into debt; then after four years, lost his wife, but, notwithstanding all these difficulties, Mr. Rosnagle's energy, industry and good management carried him through and now he has a good farm of 118 acres with good buildings and improvements. This is a worthy example of success under difficulties, and a life of honor and integrity. He is a worthy member of the Universalist Church and an Elder in the same. 928 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: SOLOMON ROSNAGLE, farmer; P. O. Springboro; born in Union Co. Penn., Dec. 17, 1824; is a son of John and Mary Rosnagle, whose ancestral history is given in the sketch of F. Rosnagle. The subject of this sketch was about 3 years of age when his father died; he was then "bound out" by the Overseers of the Poor to John Keller till 21 years of age. Mr. Keller proved a "hard taskmaster," but Solomon endured it till 14 years of age, when his brother applied to the court to appoint a guardian for Solomon, and, after some difficulty, Frederick Rosnagle was appointed and took Solomon to New Jersey, where they remained till 1839; thence came to Cincinnati, thence to Warren County, thence, in his 19th year of age, he went to Cincinnati and lived four years and learned the carpenter trade with T. M. Bodley; thence re. turned to Warren County and worked at his trade till 1855, when he bought the farm where he now lives, erected all the buildings with his own, hands and here be has since resided; has a good farm of 60 acres with good improvements, constituting a pleasant home and farmer's residence. This is an example of a truly " self-made man," rising from a poor boy bound out by the Overseers of the Poor, passing through many trials and difficulties, becoming one of the substantial farmers of Warren County and honored and respected in the community in which he lives. On Oct. 13, 1847, he was married to Rebecca. daughter of John and Margaret (Null) Kesling, natives of Virginia, whose father, Teter Kesling and family, became settlers of Warren County on the farm where Adam Blose now lives, in 1797, being the first settlers between Lebanon and Montgomery County. There was at that time one settler in Lebanon-Ichabod Corwin. Here Mr. Kesling lived and died. The maternal grandfather was Henry Null, Sr., a native of Virginia, who settled in Warren County soon after the Kesling family. The grandparents, Teter and Mary Kesling, had a large family of children, one only now liAing-Mary, now Widow Armentrout, residing in Indiana. John and Margaret Kesling had seven sons and seven daughters; nine now survive-William, George, Mary, Abraham and Isaac (twins), John, Julia, Samuel and James W. Mr. Kesling died in the fall of 1844, aged 63 years; his wife died April 23, 1876. Mr. Rosnagle and wife had four children Charles W., now a resident of. Washing. ton Territory; Francis E., Ellen E. and Benjamin F. Mrs. Rosnagle died Aug. 25, 1870, aged 47 years. JOSEPH STANTON, farmer; P. O. Springboro; born in Dinwiddie Co., Va., Aug. 6, 1812. The earliest information obtained of the Stanton family dates back to three brothers who came from England to America in 1640; one settled in New England, one in Virginia and one in North Carolina. From the North Carolina family descended Edwin M. Stanton, former Secretary of War. From the Virginia family descended the subject of this sketch. It is well established that James Stanton, born in Virginia, in 1690, was a grandson of the first progenitor, who settled there in 1640. James was the father of eight children, of whom Sampson Stanton was the grandfather of our subject, and was born in Virginia Aug. 7, 1736; he married Ruth Winburn, by whom he had three sons and one daughter-James, born Jan. 9, 1771, died July 18, 1827; John, born Sept. 28, 1772, died April 1, 1827; Sarah, born March 209 1774, died April 13, 1813, and Daniel, born May 25, 1776, died April 13, 1806. John was the father of our subject ; was married, in Virginia, to Lydia Butler, a daughter of John Butler, a native of Virginia, who lived and died in his native State; by this union they had nine children; six grew to maturity -Elizabeth, Jonathan, Edna, Deborah, Joseph and Mary, all now deceased but the subject of this sketch, who, when his father died, was about 15 years of age. In the spring of 1828, he with his brother Jonathan came to Ohio and located in Warren County; here he grew to manhood. On Feb. 1, 1837, he was CLEAR CREEK TOWNSHIP - 929 united in marriage with Catharine A., daughter of James and Ann (Jones) Stanton, he a native of Virginia and she of North Carolina. The grandparents were James and Ann Stanton. The maternal grandparents were Lemuel and Catharine Jones, born in North Carolina, and who lived and died in their native state. The parents of Mrs. Stanton (James and Ann), came to Ohio in the fall of 1825, and in the spring of 1826, located on the place where out subject now resides and here lived until their death; he died Jan. 3; 1852; his wife died May 22, 1844; they had three children-William R., now residing in Michigan; Catharine Ann and Deborah J., who married Samuel Lloyd and now resides in Kansas. Catharine Ann was born in Virginia Jan. 27, 1820. Mr. Stanton and wife have had six sons and six daughters, eight now living-Lydia B. married Walter Moore and resides in Washington Co., Ind.; John F. married Emily Hadley and resides in Indianapolis; Elizabeth, now Mrs. Charles F. Chapman; Thomas E. married Phoebe Jane Schenk; Mary Emma; William Edward married Juliet Keever, and is a practicing physician at Ridgeville; Ellen J. and Walter C. who reside at St. Paul, Minn. Mr. Stanton's married life has all been spent in Clear Creek Township; he bought and located upon the place where he now lives in the spring of 1852, where he has since resided; this was the old home place of Mrs. Stadon's father, where he settled in 1826. Mrs. Stanton's father, James Stanton, was a strong Abolitionist and rendered assistance to the slave to gain his freedom wherever it was possible to be obtained. BENJAMIN A. STOKES, farmer; P. O. Ridgeville. The family of which we now write, and whose history forms an extensive link in the history of Warren County, we are able to trace to Thomas Stokes, a native of London, England, a biscuit-maker by trade, who emigrated to America at a very early day and settled in Burlington, N. J. He was one of the grantees to whom New Jersey was ceded by the crown of England. He had four sons, of whom John, the youngest son, married a young woman by the name of Green, the reputed owner of a farm on the north bank of Rancocas Creek, about one mile below the forks, and there they settled; but soon afterward, her brother came with power of attorney from her father in England, and took possession. John and his wife then moved on to an adjoining farm, which has ever since remained in the family, having 'been handed down by will, never having been sold, the like of which was, perhaps, never known in American history. They had one son and several daughters. This son's name was also John, who married Hannah, a daughter of Jarvis Stockdale, who, it is said, was a preacher among the Friends and came to this country with William Penn. Mr. Stokes had three sons-John, David and Jarvis; the latter married Elizabeth, daughter of William Rogers, of English descent. They had fifteen children; thirteen grew to maturity, of whom William, the second son and fourth child, was born in Burlington Co., N. J., Jan. 14, 1779, and was the father of our subject. He was married, April 8, 1798, to Hannah Hatcher, of the same county. They had seven sons and five daughters; six now survive-Granville W., born Sept. 23, 1810; Benjamin A., Sept. 3, 1812; Caroline, Oct. 1, 1814, now Mrs. J. Graham; Elizabeth A., Feb. 23, 1816, now Widow McCowan; Hannah, Jan. 6, 1823, now Mrs. Simonton, and William II. Mr. Stokes and family came to Ohio in 1817, and arrived at Lebanon July 4 and settled on .a farm in the southwestern part of Clear Creek Township, where he passed the remainder of his life. He was a strong, robust man, weighing about 200 pounds; he was an energetic, active man, prompt in all his transactions, and possessed a high social nature, full of mirthfulness and wit, and was the life of every circle in which he moved. He died Aug. 17, 1838; his wife died in April, 1858. Granville W. Stokes married Jane Robinson, who was born in New Jersey May 930 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 8, 1820. They had three sons and five daughters; five now survive-Adalitte Virginia P., Francis J., Jefferson F.; Alice and William E. Mr. Stokes re' ceiyed his primary education in the log schoolhouse; then he attended South Hanover College, Indiana: then he read law with Thomas Corwin and Phineas Ross, and graduated at the Cincinnati Law School and was admitted to the bar March 2, 1839; was Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of Warren County five years. In 1852, was a member of the Electoral College of Presi_ dent Pierce; from 1853 to 1855, he represented the people of Warren and But_ ler Counties in the Ohio Senate. He then retired to his farm, but, on the breaking-out of the rebellion, though a Democrat, vigorously supported the ad. ministration by stirring recruiting speeches. He had previous to the rebellion been commissioned by the Governor of Ohio as Brigadier General in the militia for Southern Ohio, but, from a disabled limb, did not enter the service. Mr. Stokes was also a member of the Greeley Electoral College. He is a man ef more than ordinary natural ability, has been a close observer and a hard student. Few men possess a more extensive fund of general information than this gentleman. He has in his possession a musket that belonged to Edmond Robison, Mrs. Stokes' grandfather, which was carried by him through the Revolutionary war; also, a brick out of the first brick house built by William Penn, in Philadelphia, which was made in London; also, a six-pound cannonball presented to him by Gen. De la Marr, Aide-de-Camp to Gen. Jackson at the battle of New Orleans. Dr. W. H. Stokes, the youngest son of William Stokes, received a thorough education at the Miami University, at Oxford, Ohio, and from private instruction at Lebanon from Prof. Bronsal. In November, 1844, he commenced the study of medicine with Dr. M. H. Keever, of Ridgeville; :attended lectures at Dartsmouth, N. H., then at the Ohio Medical College at Cincinnati, at which institution he graduated in the spring of 1848; thence practiced with Dr. Keever till the spring of 1861; thence engaged in agriculture, which he has since followed and for which he has a special taste. The Doctor has been elected and served two terms in the Ohio Senate. He was married, Jan. 31, 1849, to Susanna Throckmorton, by whom he has had thirteen children; eight now survive-Rush, Mott, Meigs, Stella, Eva, Locke, Lee and Marietta. Benjamin A. Stokes, the subject of this sketch, obtained his education in the log schoolhouse of the pioneers; was married, March 31, 1841, to Miss Maria Mulford, who was born in Warren County, a daughter of Joseph and Rhoda Mulford, natives of New Jersey. By this union, they have had ten children, eight now living-Ann Eliza, born Jan. 30, 1842, married C. H. Eulass; Adella, Nov. 21, 1843, married Wallace Tibbals; Ada A., Oct. 23, 1845, married George E. Riley; Thomas H., March 28, 1848; William W., Dec. ,8, 1849; Mary S., July 29, 1853; Lelia M., Nov. 8, 1858, and Horace B., born Oct. 24, 1860. Mr. Stokes is a man of more than ordinary financial ability; from his start in life in limited circumstances, he has arisen to wealth and affluence by his industry and financial ability, especially by the latter. Although never holding or desiring office to any great extent, he has served as a Justice of the Peace nine years, and was a director of the Orphan Asylum and Children's Home. He has given great attention to the educational interests 01 his township, and has attended to a great amount of public business in settling up estates; is now a director in two national banks and is in full possession of the confidence of his community, and is recognized as one of Warren County's best financiers and a most worthy citizen. JOHN STROOP, farmer; P. 0. Springboro; born in Reidheim, County of Bownziller, Germany, Feb. 28, 1821; is a son of Michael and Margaret (Huffman) Stroop, natives of Germany, but who emigrated to America about 1828 and landed at Baltimore and resided there about one year; thence moved to CLEAR CREEK TOWNSHIP - 931 near Hagerstown and lived nearly two years; thence removed to Ohio and located, near Dayton; thence to Greene County, on Beaver Creek, and resided three years; while living there, his wife died, and was buried in the graveyard at Byron. After her death, Mr Stroop married Mrs. Betsy Wissinger and removed to Dayton; thence to Miami Co.. Ind., where he died. By his first wife, children; four now survive-Michael, living in Miami Co., Ind.: John; Anderson, living in Miami Co., Indiana, and Jacob, who resides in Wells Co., Indiana. By his last wife, he had two oh n daughter; Moses and Lovina now survive; the latter married John Clippinger and all reside in Miami Co., Indiana. John Stroop, the subject of this sketch, was about seven years of age when they came to America, and here grew to manhood, and was married, in Greene Co., Ohio, July 1, 1847, to Sarah, daughter of Henry and Catharine Getterd, natives of Maryland, but who became early settlers of Warren Co., Ohio, locating here about 1811, and both died in Greene County; he died in February, 1873; she died in August, 1851. They had nine children; eight now survive-Mary, Margaret, Rachel, Elizabeth, Barbara, John, Sarah and Adaline. Mr. Stroop and wife have had six children; four now survive-Adaline J., born July 16, 1852, now Mrs. Martin Tansy; John Henry, Sept. 25, 1858; William, May 17, 1861, and Harry Ellsworth, born July 15, 1866. Mr. Stroop, after his marriage, lived about five years in Greene County; thence moved into Warren County, where he has since resided. He bought the farm upon which he now lives in the fall of 1858, and moved on the same in the spring of 1859. This place he purchased of the heirs of Abraham Surface; here he has erected all the buildings on the place and made other improvements till he now has a pleasant home and residence. Mr. Stroop commenced in life a poor man, and, by his own industry, economy and good management, has become one of Warren County's substantial farmers, whose character and integrity are undoubted and is truly a self-made man. MONROE SWENY, tile manufacturer, Red Lion; born in Warren Co., Ohio; is a son of Col. James and Clarissa (Coffeen) Sweny. The grandparents were William and Sarah (Steele) Sweny, natives of Pennyslvania, and William was a son of Robert Sweny, who, in the spring of 1780, with several others started on an expedition into Kentucky, where they intended to avail themselves of grants of lands to those who would make certain improvements thereon. They selected their lands and began improvements on the same, and in the meantime had to protect themselves against the Indians. Soon, other parties stepped in and claimed their lands, and, in that day, having no recourse by law, by which they could repel their claims, and the Indians being troublesome, Mr. Sweny and his party started to return to Pennsylvania by way of Virginia, there being no other route on account of the Indians. While on their way, at a point some two or three days' journey from any white settlement, they were attacked by Indians, some of their party were wounded and a large part of their baggage captured and burned by the savages. It was a desperate encounter and Mr. Sweny and party barely escaped with their lives. The balance of his life Mr. Sweny spent in Pennsylvania. It is not now known that Mr. Sweny had but one child-William, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1770, and who at 10 years of age accompanied his father on the above-mentioned expedition to Kentucky, and returned with him to Pennsylvania, where he grew to manhood and married Sarah Steel, who was born in 1772, by whom he had nine children-Robert, Martha, James, Mary, Rachel, Betsey, Eli and Nancy, of whom Eli is the only surviving one. Mr. Sweny with his family emigrated to Ohio and settled in Clear Creek Township, Warren Co„ on Section 3, Town 3 east, Range 4 north, being the same place where 932 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: his son Eli now resides; here he opened out right in the woods-his neiglibth, few and far between; he erected a rough log cabin and began in true pion: style. In 1811, he burnt brick for a house, which he erected during 1812 and 1813. He died Feb. 22, 1848; his wife died in 1838. Mr. Sweny was one of the honored pioneers of the county, a substantial and reliable man, who had the full confidence of his community and filled many of the offices of his township. He was an earnest, religious man, being in early life a Methodist, but later, he espoused the Swedenborgian faith, which was his belief the balance of his life. Robert, his eldest son, served in the war of 1812, and was at the sal% render of Hull's army at Detroit. Col. James Sweny, the second son and third child, was the father of our subject; was born near Brownsville, N. Y., Sept. 21, 1796, and came with his father's family to Ohio in 1799. On March 31, 1824, he married Clarissa Coffeen, who was born in Jefferson Co.. N. Y., March 16, 1802. They had three sons and two daughters; one daughter died in infancy; one is now Mrs. Dr. Thomas G. Farr, of Clark Co., Ohio; Clinton married Nancy J. Stein, and resides in Delaware Co., Ind.; Edwin married Dorcas Redman. Mr. Sweny served in the Ohio militia some ten years-first, as Lieutenant, then promoted to Major, then to Colonel. Mr. Sweny and wife traveled the journey of life together nearly fifty-five years. On March 31, 1874, was celebrated their " golden wedding," on which occasion were assembled many friends of former years, with most of their children and grandchildren of this venerable pair. Music, songs, hymns and anecdotes enlivened the occasion; a sumptuous dinner was served with neither whisky or wine, but the native spirits glowed as if the old gray heads were no longer gray, and within them beat the bursting heart of buoyant youth. Mr. Sweny was a much honored and respected citizen of Warren County. In religious faith, he was a Swedenborgian. He died in February, 1879; his wife still survives, in her 80th year, and resides on the old home place. The subject of this sketch, the youngest child of Col. James Sweny, was married Nov. 6, 1856, to Miss Clara, daughter of Job and Catharine (White) Mathews; he was born in New Jersey, Monmouth County, in 1789; they were married March 27, 1817, and emigrated to Ohio the same year and settled near Utica, in Warren County. They had four sons and seven daughters. Mr. Sweny and wife have three sons and four daughters-Mary, born June 4, 1858; Hellen, born June 8, 1859; James, born Aug. 23, 1860; Kate, born Aug. 7, 1862; Lucy, born Sept. 23, 1864; Edward, born May 14, 1866, and Karl, born July 10, 1876. Mr. Sweny located where he now lives in 1857, where he has since resided; has a fine farm, upon which he has erected a good house, and has a pleasant home and residence. In 1874, he purchased the machinery and commenced the manufacture of tile and is doing a good business and is a much respected citizen of Clear Creek Township. W. B. THACKER, farmer; Ridgeville; was born in Clermont Co., Ohio, Jan. 5, 1838; is a son of William and Hester Thacker. The grandfather was Townsend Thacker, who, in 1815, with his family and two or three other families, emigrated from Essex Co., N. Y., to Ohio. They came via Buffalo to Pittsburgh, and there purchased a flat-boat on which to descend the Ohio to Cincinnati. The wagons and other goods were placed on the boat, while his son William, then 18 years of age, and a younger brother, came overland with the horses, six in number; a greater part of the distance was through an almost unbroken wilderness; they expected to meet the boat on their arrival at Cincinnati, but, owing to the low stage of water in the river, it had not arrived. For six long weeks, day after day, the boys watched for the boat; finally, it made its appearance. Imagination can hardly portray the anxiety of those CLEAR CREEK TOWNSHIP - 933 boys, as they waited day after day and week after week, being entirely ignorant of the cause of the boat's delay, not having heard a word from them after leaving them at Pittsburgh. After spending the winter in prospecting in Indiana and Kentucky, they finally settled near Goshen, Clermont Co., Ohio. William, the father of our subject, was born in Essex Co., N. Y., April 22, 1797; was married, in 1818, to Hester Beatty, a native of Bedford Co., Penn.; she died, in 1844, leaving a family of seven children, of whom five still survive. Subsequently Mr. Thacker married, for his second wife, Mary Lackey, by whom he children, all of whom are still living. In the year 1849, Mr. Thacker with his family removed to Defiance Co., Ohio. The subject of this sketch grew to manhood, receiving but limited privileges for obtaining an education, and these few were in the common district schools, and, after 11 years of age, he was limited to three months each Year, and those who are familiar with the limited school facilities of the sparsely settled county of Defiance thirty years ago can realize how meager were his opportunities; but, by his own personal effort, with persistent study at home, he acquired a fair education and when 19 years of age commenced teaching and has taught at different times-in all about five years. In 1861, he enlisted in Company C, 2d O. V. I., and served three years and three months in the 1st Division, 14th Army Corps, and participated in most of the battles in which that division was engaged; he was severely wounded at the battle of Chickamauga, but returned to duty and was mustered out with the regiment at Columbus, Ohio, Oct. 10, 1864. In 1865, he was married to Miss Callie Lackey, by whom he has four children-Roland, Agnes, Hettie and Edna. In 1869, Thacker was elected Clerk of Clear Creek Township, and re-elected twelve successive years. EDMOND THROCKMORTON, farmer; P. O. Waynesville; born in Warren County May 27, 1817; is a son of James and Leah Throckmorton, natives of New Jersey. The grandparents were Job and Jane Throckmorton, also natives of New Jersey, who, with their family, emigrated to Ohio and located in this township in 1816, where they lived and died. Jane was a daughter of Amos Wooley, a native of New Jersey, who came to ()hid in 1816, and died in Clear Creek Township. The maternal grandfather, Joseph Tucker, was also a native of New Jersey, and lived and died in his native State. James, the father of our subject, grew to manhood and married in New Jersey, where he resided till 1816, when, with his father, he came to Ohio and spent the balance of his life in Warren County, except five years' residence in Miami Co., Ohio. He died in Clear Creek Township June 28, 1872, aged 76 years; his wife died Oct. 24, 1866, aged 70. They had ten children; nine still survive-Edmond, John, Jane, Job, Joseph, Susan, James, Lydia and Martha. Our subject, who was born in this county, has, with the exception of the five years' residence in Miami County with his father, passed his entire life within three miles of his birthplace; was married, April 11, 1849, to Eliza, daughter of George S. and Jane Keever, he a native of Pennsylvania and she of Kentucky. Mr. Keever came to Ohio and settled in 1801; was married here and was among the early pioneers of this county, and lived and died here. For further history of the Keever family, see sketch of N. E. Lupton. By this union, Mr. Throckmorton and wife had four children; two now survive-John and Eliza Jane; the latter married William H. Henry, by whom she has three children-Ellanora, Elsworth and Viola May. Mrs. Throckmorton died Sept. 28, 1848, aged 34 years. On Oct. 20, 1850, he married, for his second wife, Belinda Keever, a sister of his first wire. She died Feb. 5, 1879, aged 72 years. Mr. T.'s oldest son, Absalom, enlisted in the rebellion, Aug. 14, 1862, in the 79th O. V. I., and died Jan. 6, 1863, in the hospital at Gallatin, Tenn., with the measles. Mr. Throckmorton has made farm- 934 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: ing his business through life. He, as were his ancestors before him, is a IN, of unassuming habits, never held or desired office, but is one of the best of citizens, kind and accommodating as a neighbor, and whose integrity of character is above reproach. THOMAS TIBBALS, retired farmer; P. 0. Springboro; born in Montgomery Co., Ohio, Nov. 5, 1808; is a son of Noah and Jemima (Kellogg) Tibbals, natives of Connecticut, who were born, raised and married in their native State, and, in the year 1800, emigrated to Ohio and located in Washington Township, Montgomery Co., where they were among the early settlers of that section; purchased a farm which was mostly in the woods; wolves, wild game and, Indians were quite plentiful; there they spent their entire lives and died on the farm where they first located. They had eight children; three sons and three daughters grew to maturity, and all but one daughter married and raised families, but all are now deceased except Thomas, the subject of this sketch. The maternal grandparents were Seth and Eunice Kellogg, natives of Vermont, but who became residents of Connecticut; thence became settlers of Montgomery Co., Ohio, about the same time with the Tibbals family, and there they lived and died. Thomas was married, Feb. 15, 1838, to Catharine A., daughter of Robert and Rebecca Silver, he a native of New Jersey and she of Pennsylvania. The maternal grandparents were William and Jemima Stretch; he was born in Ireland and came to America when 9 years of age, grew to manhood and married in Pennsylvania, and subsequently emigrated to Kentucky; thence, after several years' residence there, they removed to Champaign Co., Ohio, where they lived and died. Robert Silver, when a young man, left his native State and went to Kentucky, whore he was married, and thence came to Ohio and located in-Greene County, where he died; his wife survived him several years and died in Warren County in 1862, while living with oursubject, aged 82 years. They were parents of six children, who grew to maturity; three now survive-Catharine A. ; Margaret, now Mrs. Baird, and Mahettable, now Mrs. Murry. Catharine was born in Greene County May 27, 1816. Mr. Tibbals and wife have had thirteen children, four sons and nine daughters; six now survive-Wallace, born Dec. 20, 1841, married Adella Stokes, daughter of Benjamin Stokes; Frances A., born April 30, 1844, married James Barkalow; Laura M., born May 29, 184'7, married Charles Young; Alice J., born July 30, 1849, married Rush Stokes; Clara E., born Dec. 23, 1852, married Mason Hatfield, and Rachel J., born May 28, 1858. Mr. Tibbals after his marriage resided on the farm where he was born and raised, till 1853, when he purchased a farm in Warren County, Clear Creek Township, where he resided till in February, 1876, when he removed to his present location, in Springboro, where he has since resided, retired from any regular or active business. Mr. Tibbals has been a very industrious, hard-workirig farmer-one who has attended strictly to his business, never holding or desiring office or public notoriety, but, as a farmer, has been very successful; has accumulated a good competency and given his children a good start in life, and has an ample sufficiency reserved for his own comfort the balance of his life. Mr. Tibbals and wife are worthy members of the Baptist Church, to which they have belonged for twenty years. ROBERT H. TODD, farmer; P. 0. Red Lion; born in Pennsylvania May 20, 1825; is a son of John and Elizabeth (Snodgrass) Todd, natives of Pennsylvania. The grandparents were James and Mary Todd, who, it is believed, were natives of Scotland and emigrated to America in an early day and settled in Dauphin Co., Penn., where they lived and died. John Todd was raised and grew to manhood and married in his native State, where they resided till the spring of 1832, when he, with his family, emigrated to Ohio, and, in the fall of the same year, located on the place where Robert, our subject, now lives, and CLEAR CREEK TOWNSHIP - 935 here lie resided the balance cf his life. He died in March, 1856, aged 75 years; his wife died about 1849, aged 62 years. They had nine children; five now survive-Jemima, now Mrs. John M. Robinson; Martha, now Mrs. D. Barnett, living in Illinois; Hugh, also a resident of Illinois; Elizabeth, now Mrs. Gallaher, and Robert H. Mr. Todd devoted himself exclusively to agricultural pursuits through life. He was a very industrious man, unpretentious in his habits, never holding or desiring office; was a prosperous farmer, a kind neighbor and a worthy citizen, and a devoted member of the Presbyterian Church. The subject of this sketch was about 7 years of age when his father settled in this county; here he grew to manhood upon his father's farm, where he still resides; was married, March 13, 1851, to Miss Mary A. McClure, born in Warren County Oct. 3, 1830, a daughter of Andrew and Mary McClure, natives of Pennsylvania, who emigrated to Ohio and located in Warren County in 1825; he died Oct. 20, 1857, aged 62 years; his wife still survives and lives with our subject, now aged 86 years, They had eight children; three now survive- Hugh; Andrew H., now a physician at Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, and Mary A. Mr. Todd and wife have had eight children; six now survive-Mary Elizabeth, Fannie S., McClure S., Frank P., William S. and Anna G. Mr. Todd has always remained upon the old home farm of his father, where he has now resided nearly half a century; is one of the prominent farmers of this community, a man well and favorably known, and is one of the Directors of the County Infirmary. He and wife are consistent members of the Presbyterian Church, and is an Elder of the same, which office he has held twenty years or more. WILSON UNGLESBE, farmer; P. 0. Pekin; born in this township May 23, 1846; is a son of William and Margaret (Sheets) Unglesbe, natives of Virginia. The grandparents, William and Sophia Unglesbe, were also natives of Virginia, who lived in their native State till, about 1823, they removed to Ohio and located in Clear Creek Township, where they remained till their death; he was a blacksmith by trade, which business he followed the greater part of his life; he lived to upward of 90 years of age. William, the father of our subject, was a young man about 18 years of age when his fathbr and family came to this county, and here he was married, May 24, 1832, and became the father of eight children; seven now survive-Martha, married William Mathews; Marcus, Joseph, Silas, Harry, Thomas and Wilson. Mr. Unglesbe was a farmer through life, although not able to do much labor himself from the effects of a stroke of palsy which he received when about 25 years of age, which incapacitated him from any active labor; he died Dec. 23, 1872, aged 67 years; his wife died Oct. 28, 1870, aged 59 years. The subject of this sketch was raised and grew to manhood in this township; was married, Nov. 28, 1869, to Rosie V., daughter of Gilbert J. and Elizabeth (Merritt) Lewis, natives of Warren Co., Ohio; by this union, Mr. Unglesbe and wife have two children-Clifton W., born April 16, 1872; and Lulie B., born Feb. 9, 1876. Mr. Unglesbe has made agricultural pursuits his business; he located after his marrriage where he now lives and has since resided; this is the old homestead of Abram Merritt; Mr. Unglesbe has rebuilt and remodeled the house and made improvements, till he now has a very pleasant home and residence. AARON WILSON, retired farmer, Springboro; born in this township April 17, 1815; is a son of Jesse and Elizabeth (Mason) Wilson, natives of New Jersey. The grandparents were Savel and Susanna (Chew) Wilson, he a native of Ireland and she of England, but who emigrated to America prior to the Revolutionary war; were married in New Jersey, and lived and died in that State. The father of Susanna Chew purchased 5,000 acres of land on the Delaware River, where he settled, and which was known during the war as " Chew's Landing." Savel Wilson, although not a soldier in the war, yet he 00 936 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: was made a prisoner by the British for not giving certain information of the whereabouts of some of the American officers, and was kept a prisoner for three months, and then discharged on account of sickness. Jesse and family resided in New Jersey till the spring of 1805, then emigrated to Ohio and located Clear Creek Township, Warren Co., on a farm still in possession of his son, Aaron; this place was then all in the woods but a small piece, which had been deadened and a log cabin erected; here they commenced to make a home and a farm, and passed through the many hardships and trials of those pioneer days, and here they resided till their deaths; he died Nov. 6, 1849, aged 77 years; she died June 6, 1860, aged nearly 80 years: they had eight children_ six sons and two daughters ; four now survive-Rachel, now Widow Willis. Israel, now a practicing physician in Cincinnati: Mary. now Widow Davis; and Aaron. Mr. Wilson was a truly devoted member of the Society of Friends, a man who devoted himself closely to business, and of undoubted integrity; one who never sought or held office, but refused every offer of that kind; was a man of great energy and force of character, and always took great interest in the development and progress of the community; was the first in this vicinity to cultivate improved grafted fruit, and deserves, perhaps more than any other man, the credit of bringing this county to its present high reputation for good fruits; on his farm was one of the best orchards, noted for fine varieties of fruit, in this vicinity, the grafts for which he brought from New Jersey on horseback, in his saddle-bags. Mr. Wilson was a very prosperous farmer, and, by his industry and good management, accumulated a good competency, and furnished every one of his children with a farm and a good start in life. The subject of this sketch was raised to farm labor; was married, Oct. 20, 1842, to Sarah Jane, daughter of Jacob and Judith Brown, natives of Loudoun Co.. Va., who became residents of Greene Co., Ohio, in 1835, where they lived and died; they had eleven children; three now survive-George W., Sarah Jane and Nixon G. Sarah Jane was born in Virginia June 22, 1820. Mr. Wilson and wife have had five children-Lucinda, born Oct. 13, 1843, died Nov. 15, '1868; Israel, born May 25, 1846, died Sept 5. 1849; Jesse E., born March 2, 1850, died July 8, 1851; Mary Emma, born Aug. 7. 1853; and Elmar. born July 28, 1860, and died May 30, 1864. Mr. Wilson, after his marriage, located upon the home place of his father, where he resided till, the spring of 1870, he removed to Springboro, where he has since resided, living retired from all active business; he was a resident of the old home place where he was born for fifty-five years, and still owns the farm, which has now been in possession of the Wilson family for seventy-six years. Mr. Wilson, in his life and character, is much like his father; never holds or accepts office; is an excellent neighbor and citizen, and has made life a success; by industry and economy he has become well situated financially, and is now able to pass his later years in comfort and plenty; and, in the success and character of his life, stands as a worthy example to the rising generations. DAVID WITTERMAN, farmer; P. O. Springboro; born in the State of Virginia Jan. 22, 1808; is a son of John and Catharine (Grim) Witterman, he a native of Virginia and she of Pennsylvania; they emigrated to Ohio and located on the farm where our subject now lives about 1816, being another family to be handed down to future generations upon the pages of history as among the early settlers; here they opened out the greater part of the farm right from the woods, and here they lived and died; his wife departed this life about 1853, and he in the spring of 1865; they had eight children; five now survive--David; Adam, now a resident of Missouri; Daniel C., a resident of Illinois; Jacob, a resident of Iowa; and Simon. The subject of this sketch was about 8 or 9 years of age when the family came to this county; here he CLEAR CREEK TOWNSHIP - 937 grew to manhood, and was married, Nov. 14, 1831, to Catharine, daughter of Samuel and Catharine Bean, natives of Pennsylvania; by this union they have had three children; two now survive-Daniel Henry and Samuel J.; Mary Sophia (deceased) was married to William Boger, by whom she had three children. Mr. Witterman has always followed farming as his occupation; he resided in Warren County till the year 1840, when he removed to Preble County, where he lived till the close of the year 1865, thence returned to the old home place of his father, where he has since resided. Mr. Witterman is now 73 years cf age, and he and his companion have journeyed along the pathway of life together for half a century; they have witnessed many changes in the growth and prosperity of this country, where they have lived so long, and which was so nearly a wilderness when they first came here; and their children and grandchildren can now enjoy many comforts and conveniences which they knew nothing of in their childhood, and all of which have been brought about by the labors of these worthy and honored pioneers. JONATHAN M. WRIGHT, M. D., physician, Red Lion; born in Spring- bore Nov. 5. 1843; is a son of Mahlon and Phoebe (Bailey) Wright, he a native of Pennsylvania and she of Maryland. Mr. Mahlon Wright came to Warren County when but a child. with his parents, about 1814, and here grew to manhood, receiving a good education; married and located at Springboro, and engaged with his brother in the mercantile trade. under the firm name of M. & J. Wright, being one of the first business firms in Springboro; this partnership continued uninterruptedly till the death of his brother, a period of forty-five years, which was marked by a general prosperity and a good degree of popularity with the public. Mr. Mahlon Wright continued the business for a few years, when, from failing health, he was compelled to retire from all active business. During the administration of Andrew Jackson, he received the appointment of Postmaster, which office he held continuously (with the exception of five years) to the time of Grant's second administration, in 1872, a period of about forty-five years; he also represented his county in the Legislature during the years 1860 and 1861; he served as Township Trustee for many years, and held many other offices of his township. Mr. Wright died Sept 14, 1878; his wife died about 1849 or 1850; they had six children; three now survive-Mary B., now Mrs. Bennett, residing in Florida; Jonathan M.; and Clara E., now Mrs. Hallam, also a resident of Florida. Mr. Wright was married the second time, to Eliza ANerill, by whom he had one child, Rowena. He was a kind neighbor, and in the business interests of Springboro was one of its leading citizens, and one of her most prominent and useful citizens throughout his life. Dr. Wright, the subject of this sketch, at 15 years of age attended Antioch College, at Yellow Springs, two years. In the war of the rebellion, in August, 1862, at 17 years of age, he enlisted in Co. A, 79th O. V. I., and served through the war, and received his honorable discharge in June, 1865; he then Commenced the study of medicine with Dr. Aaron Wright, at Springboro; subsequently, he attended the medical department of the Michigan University at Ann Arbor for two years; thence attended the Ohio Medical College at Cincinnati one year, graduating in the spring of 1869. In 1870, he located at Waynesville in the practice of his profession; in spring of 1871, he located at Red Lion, where he has since continued, and has established a good practice; is a very congenial and social gentleman, and is evidently gaining that which he justly merits-the confidence of his community. On April 9, 1871, the Doctor was united in marriage with Miss Ann Ella, daughter of Aaron and Mary Jane (Vaughn) Gregg, by which union they have three children-Williard F., born June 13,