PAGE 350 - PICTURE OF VAUSE FOX DECKER

REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS

(RETURN TO THE TITLE PAGE)

VAUSE FOX DECKER, deceased, the father of Hannah Catherine Decker, who now occupies the fine old homestead of 380 acres on Walnut creek, Madison township, was one of the leading farmers, stock-raisers and pioneers of his day. For a few years, when quite a young man, he was engaged in the tanning business, but with this exception was a lifelong agriculturist.

Vause Fox Decker was born November 12, 1814, and died June 2, 1891. He was a son of Luke and Ivea (Fox) Decker, who were among the first settlers of this portion of the State.

Luke Decker, the father, was Dorn in Virginia, :April 17, 1774, and in 1806 migrated to Madison township, Pickaway County, and purchased the section of land upon which his descendants still reside. At that time the tract was a portion of Ross County. Although single at that time, Mr. Decker was accompanied by Ezekiel Groom and family. After building a house, improving some of his land and residing in the new country for two years, he returned to Virginia and married Ivea Fox, daughter of William and Sarah Fox. Soon afterward, with his wife, he located permanently on his farm, and lived there until his death. Ivea Fox, his wife, was a native of Hampshire County, Virginia, as was her husband; she was born January 6, 1787, and died March 22, 1872. Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Luke Decker, as follows : John, born December 28, 1808, who died December 3, 1875 ; Hannah (wife of Andrew Platter), born March 28, 1810, who died at the home of her daughter in Texas, April 27, 1879; William Thornton, born October 7, 1812, also deceased; and Vause F., the special subject of this sketch. The parents of Luke Decker were John and Hannah (Harness) Decker, long residents of the Old Dominion, of which they were probably natives. The Harness family has a most substantial standing in Virginia, and its genealogy may be traced to the colonial days.

Vause F. Decker was united in marriage, October 21, 1840, to Jemima Williams, daughter of Joseph and Eliza Ann (Fox) Williams, both natives of Virginia. An ancestor of Mrs. Decker, a Vincent, was a brave frontiersman and was finally killed and quartered by the Indians, not, however, until he had sent four or five of the dusky savages to their reward. Mr. and Mrs. Decker had a family of three children--Eliza Ann, who died after reaching maturity; Hannah Catherine, who was born on the old homestead where she now resides; and John Williams, who also occupies part of the old home farm on which he was born. John Williams Decker married Hannah Millar, daughter of Michael Millar, and became the father of four children : Clifford Harness, who married Mary Fisher Duvall, daughter of Victor R. Duvall; Annie Millar, wife of Harley H. Duvall; Georgia Williams, who died on

354 -HISTORY OF PICKAWAY COUNTY

Thanksgiving Day, 1897; and Michael Millar, who resides at home with his parents.

Vause F. Decker always took an active interest in public matters and served as township treasurer several years and also as township trustee. He was also prominent in county affairs and might have held county offices had he chosen, but he had no inclination for holding public office. He was an excellent man in every respect. His portrait accompanies this sketch.

HON. ISAAC N. ABERNETHY, A. B., A. M., formerly judge of the Court of Common Pleas of the Third Sub-Division of the Fifth Judicial District of Ohio; is the senior member of the prominent law firm of Abernethy & Folsom, at Circleville. Judge Abernethy was born August 9, 1844, near Chillicothe, Ross County, Ohio, and is a son of James and Rhoda (Conner) Abernethy.

The Abernethy family is of English extraction and the family has long been a leading one in Virginia, where William Abernethy, the paternal grandfather of Judge Abernethy, was born. He died in Ohio. James Abernethy, father of Judge Abernethy, was also born in Virginia and married Rhoda Conner of the same locality. He spent over 5o years as a farmer in Pickaway County, where he died in 1890, aged 80 years. His estate comprised 258 acres of valuable land. He was prominent both in the Methodist Episcopal Church and also in the Democratic party. He had four children.

Isaac N. Abernethy was educated in a log schoolhouse in Monroe township, Pickaway County, and until he was 16 years of age remained at home assisting on the home farm. Then he began to teach school and to cherish hopes of a collegiate career. Although his father was able to give 'him excellent ad-vantages, he probably decided that his son would be more likely to appreciate them, if they came through his own efforts, hence the young man was obliged to earn the means by which he could enjoy higher educational advantages.

He abundantly succeeded and in 186o was able to enter Ohio Wesleyan University, where he was graduated in June, 1866, with the degree of A. B. He then began the study of the law with Alfred Yaple and later with Hon. R. A. Harrison, the former of whom was an ex-judge in Cincinnati and the latter, one of the leading members of the bar at Columbus, both are now deceased. Mr. Abernethy was admitted to the Ohio bar at Chillicothe, on September 1, 1868:

In 1869 Mr. Abernethy settled at Circleville where he was in partnership for one year with E. Z. Hayes. In 1872 he was elected prosecuting attorney and served until January, 1877, when the firm of Abernethy & Grigsby was formed, which continued for two years. In 1878 Mr. Abernethy formed a partnership with H. F. Page, which continued for six years, when the firm of Page, Abernethy & Folsom came into existence and continued until 1887, when Mr. Page retired. In February, 1890, Mr. Abernethy was elected judge of the Court of Common Pleas and for five years he filled the position with dignity and efficiency. On February 9, 1895, the present strong firm was formed, Judge Abernethy and Henry P. Folsom entering into partnership.

On September 8, 1868, Judge Abernethy was married to Lizzie Busick, who was born at Mount Sterling, Ohio, and was a daughter of Ira Busick, of that place. Mrs. Abernethy died .in November, 1895, the mother of six children. Judge Abernethy was again married, November 30, 1899, to Wealtha E. Vieth, an accomplished lady who had been court stenographer for several years.

Politically, Judge Abernethy is a Democrat. For four years he served as a member of the County Board of School Examiners and had been its secretary for two years when he resigned. For a considerable period he was a member of the Circleville Board of Education and was a member of the City Council from the First Ward for some years. Judge Abernethy was a lecturer in the law department of the Ohio State University from its organization until 1895. Fraternally he is a Knight Templar Mason and an Elk.

AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 355

DAVID S. LUDWIG, one of the most prominent farmers and substantial citizens of Pickaway County, owning 705 acres of valuable farming land situated in the midst of the famous Pickaway Plains, was born June 16, 1842, on the same farm on which he now resides, which farm has been owned by Ludwigs for too years. He is a son of Jacob and Evaline (Morris) Ludwig.

The first of the Ludwigs to come to Ohio was Daniel Ludwig, the grandfather of David S. Ludwig. The former was born June 4, 1748, in Berks County, Pennsylvania, and was a son of Daniel and Mary Ludwig, who were natives of Germany. It is a family tradition that the last mentioned Daniel Ludwig left his native country on account of political difficulties and that in his own land he was closely connected with one of the ruling houses of Bavaria. He died in Berks County, Pennsylvania.

Daniel Ludwig, our subject's grandfather, was associated with Governor Joseph Heister, of Pennsylvania, in the operation of a store located at Reading, Pennsylvania, for a number of years. In the fall of 18o6, he started for Ohio, taking with him his wife and nine children, together with a small stock of goods, all accommodated in a two-horse wagon. It was his intention to open a store in the new region as soon as conditions would seem to make an opening. For this purpose he erected a large brick house which stood, for many years, on the site of the present substantial frame house occupied by David S. Ludwig. In one portion of this building it was Mr. Ludwig's intention to start his little business, and in this way pro-vide employment for some of his numerous children. Three of his sons died, however and this caused Mr. Ludwig to abandon the enterprise and the goods were disposed of to the neighbors. The above mentioned brick house was erected in 18o9, and without any doubt was the first brick house erected in Pickaway County.

Daniel Ludwig was a far-seeing man and when he came to what was then a wilderness, he could look far enough in the future to people this section with settlers wanting homes for their families and lands on which to graze their cattle. Hence he wisely invested, purchasing first a half section in this county and subsequently buying land in adjacent counties until he owned about 3,000 acres. He was the original owner of the site on which stands the town of Logan, in Hocking County, Ohio. His whole life demonstrated that he was a man of much more than ordinary amount of judgment and business faculty. That he established his borne in Pickaway County in 1806 is a fact, but from legal papers in the possession of the family it is also known that he made transfers of. land as early as 1801, showing that his knowledge of Pickaway County must have begun some years prior to 1806.

Daniel Ludwig was thrice married : first. in 1778, to Appelona Miller, daughter of Michael and Susanna Miller. She died May 14, 1787. His second marriage took place on March 11, 1788, to Eva Grissmer, who was a daughter of Caspar and Rebecca Grissmer. She died October 21, 1800. His third marriage, in 1802, was to Elizabeth Sheperd, who was a daughter of John and Elizabeth Sheperd. Daniel Ludwig died June 9, 1825, and his wife died May 3, 1816. Jacob Ludwig, father of David S. Ludwig, was the third child and only son of the third marriage. When his father died, he inherited the property, which in turn descended to David S. Ludwig, the present occupant. Jacob Ludwig was married on November 18, 1830, to Evaline Morris, a daughter of Henry and Charity Morris, who was born July 12, 1812, and died February 23, 1848. Their eight children were : Daniel, born November 23, 1831; Henry O., born December 16, 1832; Isaac, born September 21, 1834; George, born January ,14, 1836; John, born December 17, 1837, who died April 7, 1848, from the effects of an accident; Mary Elizabeth, born April 28, 1839) who married John P. Steely, now a resident of Fairfield County; David S., born June 16, 1842; and Jacob, born January 27, 1848, deceased in the same year.

The land now owned by David S. Ludwig is situated as follows : One farm of 160

356 - HISTORY OF PICKAWAY COUNTY

acres is in section 32, Circleville township, on which, in 1891, Mr. Ludwig erected a commodious frame dwelling, which is without exaggeration one of the most beautiful homes among the many beautiful ones for which Pickaway County is justly noted. It is built on a small elevation about a quarter of a mile from the Kingston turnpike, right in the center of what has been denominated the "Garden Spot of Ohio." This name has been given to that favored locality known as the Pickaway Plains. In order to erect this handsome building, Mr. Ludwig found it necessary to tear down the old brick structure which, with high hopes of mercantile success for his sons, the grandfather had built so many years before. For so many years this had been a landmark that his regret was shared by the whole community.

The above mentioned 100-acre farm in Circleville township is the old Ludwig home-stead and here Mr. Ludwig resides. He owns 505 acres in Pickaway township and a tract of 40 acres in Washington township. Two acres have been cut off from the Circleville township farm and set aside for the Hitler-Ludwig burying place.

Mr. Ludwig was married to Rosalie Dreisbach, a daughter of Isaac E. and Lydia (Hitler) Dreisbach, and a sister to Benjamin Franklin Dreisbach, a sketch of whom will be found in this work. Mr. and Mrs. Ludwig have had six children and all survive with the exception of one. The record is as follows : Evaline L., Fannie D., Edgar J. (deceased), Lydia Irene, Mary Rosalie and Mabel G. Evaline L. Ludwig married James . Dresbach and lives on a farm in Pickaway township owned by Mr. Ludwig. Their only child, Helen Irene, died at the age of four years. Fannie D. was educated in the local schools and in young womanhood married Henry T. Link, who is a well-known and prosperous grocer at Columbus, Ohio. They have one son, David Ludwig, named for his grandfather. Lydia Irene was also afforded excellent educational advantages and married Albert M. Groff, who is a successful business citizen of Columbus, engaged in the paint line. Mary Rosalie and Mabel G. are educated, charming young ladies who reside at home and are prominent in the social circles in the neighborhood. The third child and only son of Mr. and Mrs. Ludwig, Edgar J., died September 22, 1902, at the age of twenty-four years. He was a fine, manly young man of great promise and his untimely death cast a shadow over the whole community as well as brought untold grief to his family.

Politically Mr. Ludwig has always been identified with the Democratic party and has taken a prominent part in public matters of a local character. On numerous occasions he has served in various official positions, and has been township trustee and school director. In all that goes to make up good citizenship, he is a worthy representative of a fine old family.

REV. DAVID S. TAPPAN, D. D., LL. D., pastor of the Presbyterian Church of Circleville, was born April 2, 1845, at Steubenville, Ohio, and is a son of Dr. Benjamin and Oella (Stanton) Tappan.

Dr. Tappan's ancestry may be clearly traced to a remote period in the past. The name is a purely Anglo-Saxon one and was formerly spelled Topham, its meaning being "Upper Village." The family home was in Yorkshire and our subject is the 12th in descent from Robert of Linton, near Paley Bridge, West Riding, Yorkshire. This Robert died in 1550 Of the 12 immediate ancestors of Dr. Tappan nine bore Scriptural names.

Abraham Tappan,, the fourth in delscen from Robert, came to Massachusetts in 1627 settled in Essex County, and in the following year was made a selectman. Benjamin Tap pan, the grandson of Abraham, graduated a Harvard College, the whole family, up to the present time, having been distinguished for their learning and their piety. Many of the have been professional men, but the great grandfather of our subject seems to have been also a goldsmith. In 1770 the goldsmiths we! the bankers and money lenders.

Benjamin Tappan, the grandfather of B Tappan, came to the Northwest Territory

AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 357

1799, and in 1809 located at Steubenville, Ohio. He was a man of distinction, a noted jurist and a United States Senator. The father of Dr. Tappan was a physician and his mother belonged also to a notable family. She was a daughter of Dr. David Stanton and a sister of the great war secretary under President Lincoln, Edwin M. Stanton.

Dr. Tappan was the third in a family of five children, He attended the public schools of Steubenville until September, 186o, when he entered the freshman class of Miami University. It was known through his entire course that he had the ministry in view. At graduation, in a class of 25, he took first honors and delivered the valedictory oration. During his collegiate attendance, he was an active member of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity and of the Miami Union Literary Society.

Directly after his graduation at the university, he entered upon the study of theology in the Western Theological Seminary at Allegheny, Pennsylvania, and was graduated in April, 1867. In the summer of 1865 he had charge of an academy in Armstrong County, Pennsylvania, and in the summer of 1866, of the Callensburg Academy, in Clarion County, Pennsylvania. The Allegheny Presbytery licensed him to preach in the spring of 1866, and in September, 1867, he took charge of the Chariton Presbyterian Church in the Presbytery of Des Moines, Iowa. In February, 1871, he took charge of the Presbyterian Church at Mount Pleasant, Iowa, where he remained until April, 189o. While in Iowa he was honored with the offices of moderator and permanent clerk of his presbytery, in turn.

Dr. Tappan was permanent clerk of the Iowa Synod South, from 1870 until 1882, when the synods were consolidated. In 1882 he was made stated clerk of the Synod of Iowa and served as such until his removal from the State. It was while he resided in Iowa that he received the honorary degree of A. M., from Wooster University. He was given his degree of Doctor of Divinity from Lenox College, Iowa, in 1886. It was also while residing in Iowa that he was' appointed a commissioner to the General Assembly of his church on three different occasions. For six years he was president of the School Board at Mount Pleasant, Iowa, and from 1887 to 1890 he was a trustee of the Presbyterian College at Fairfield, Iowa.

On April 1, 1890, Dr. Tappan took the pastorate of the First Presbyterian Church at Portsmouth, Ohio, the largest and strongest church in the Presbytery of Portsmouth. This pulpit he filled until September 1, 1899; when he became president of Miami University. In the connection at Portsmouth Dr. Tappan was, as usual, a leader among his ministerial brethren. He was frequently selected as moderator in the meetings of the presbytery, his learning, piety and tact making him particularly fitted for the position. In 1893 he was appointed a commissioner to the General Assembly from the Portsmouth Presbytery and was one of the clerks. During his entire period of connection with that presbytery he was chairman of the committee on home missions. He was president of the City Board of Examiners and also a member of the Board of Education at Portsmouth.

In the Synod of Ohio, Dr. Tappan served three years as chairman of the committee on education, for three years was chairman of the committee on home missions and is at present chairman of the committee on ministerial relief. In November, 1899, he received the degree of LL. D., from Wooster University, a well deserved and appreciated honor. In a ministry of 32 years he had but three churches and each charge was an advance upon the previous one. In June, 1902, he resigned the presidency of Miami University .and in November of the same year he accepted the pastorate of the church at Circleville, Ohio.

On August 12, 1869, Dr. Tappan was married to Anna Grand-Girard, who is a daughter of Rev. Emile F. Grand-Girard, of Hillsboro, Ohio.

Dr. Tappan occupies a very high position in his church, representing great scholarship, resolute will, executive ability and unquestioned piety. He is a tower of strength at the head of any institution, be it church or college.

358 - HISTORY OF PICKAWAY COUNTY

ELIAS FLORENCE, one of the most prominent farmers and old and esteemed residents of Jackson township, with which he has been identified all his life, was born September 28, 1845, on Darby Creek, in Jackson township, Pickaway County, Ohio. His parents were Ezra and Sarah Ann (Renick) Florence.

Pickaway County has few older or more important families than that of Florence. Its establishment here dates very far back and its members have been leading ones in the civilization and material development of this section of the State. Although it at present lays no claim to noble lineage, being thoroughly and sincerely American, the fact remains that the great-great-grandfather of our subject was an Italian nobleman and belonged to a family which at one time owned the site of the old city of Florence, Italy. This scion of the old family was of adventurous spirit and broke away from the forms and ceremonies which hedged the nobility; this angered his father and caused him to be disinherited. He probably reached American shores early in the days of. the American Revolution, attracted the attention of General LaFayette, became an officer under the French commander and after the close of the struggle established his home at Warrington, Virginia, where the family still has many representatives.

In judge William Florence, a son of the first settler, Ohio had a distinguished jurist. He was born at Warrington, Virginia, and came to Ohio at a very early day. He was a surveyor and 'had much to do 'with the early platting and dividing of lands. He acquired many hundreds of acres, reared a large family, took part in all the early civilizing movements of this section and finally died at the age of 96 years. For many years he served as probate judge in Williams County. He it was who established the standard bushel in Ohio. Judge William Florence was married oil January 14, 1796, to Fanny Robinson, and their children were : Elias, born February 15, 1797; Nancy, born March 13, 1799 ; Sally, born February 27, 1801 ; Mary, born March 26, 1803; Kitty, born May 8, 1805; Betsy, born September 27, 1807; Robinson, born December 25, 18o9; and William, born March 23, 1812.

Elias, the eldest son of Judge William Florence, and the grandfather of our subject, was probably the one member of the family to be born in Virginia, his birth occurring on February 15, 1797. The date of his location in Pickaway County was probably about 1806, and the whole of his long life was spent here. At one time he owned 6,000 acres of land in Muhlenberg and Monroe townships and a large portion he utilized in the raising of stock. He was a .man of old-time integrity and was one of the leading public men of his day in this part of Ohio. A strong Whig, he was the choice of his party for high official position, served for years in both houses of the Ohio Legislature and subsequently represented this district in Congress. At one time he was colonel of the State militia. All the old records of the public men of Pickaway County make extended mention of the life and services of Elias' Florence. He lived to within two years of the age of his father, dying when 94 years old.

Ezra Florence, son of Elias Florence and father of our subject, was born in Muhlenberg township, Pickaway County, Ohio, on a farm some four miles distant from the farm occupied by his son. He was a stockman and farmer and for several years was a man with large business interests. While he inherited many of the sterling qualities of his father and grandfather, he did not inherit their robust constitutions, his death occurring when he was but 29 years of age. He operated a farm of 2,400 acres, which his wife had inherited. In politics, Ezra Florence was a Whig. In religious belief he was a Presbyterian.

Ezra Florence married Sarah Ann Renick, who was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, October 17, 1828, and died at the age of 60 years. She was a daughter of Jonathan and Lucinda (Sudduth) Renick, who were married March 22, 1812, and had two children--Sarah Ann and Mary, the latter of whom died at the age of 21 years. Thus the mother of our subject inherited all the large possessions of her father, who was one of the substantial men of the county. The children of Ezra Florence and wife were: Elias, our subject; Jonathan, of Circleville; Gustavus, of Chicago; and Mary. The great-grandfather of our subject

PAGE 358 - BLANK

PAGE 359 - PICTURE OF HON. JACOB P. WINSTEAD, B.S. LL. B.

AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 361

on the maternal side came from the Rhine country in Germany. The original spelling of the name was Rheinewick, later becoming Remwick and still later was shortened to Renick.

Elias Florence was eight years old when his father died. His mother encouraged his attendance at school and he had many advantages, including some time in Robins' Select School for Boys, at Springfield, Ohio, and later a year at Kenyon College, Gambier, Ohio. After completing his education, he returned to the home farm which he managed for his mother until the time of his marriage. In 1869 he settled on his present farm, which originally contained 340 acres. Subsequently he disposed of 100 acres to his son, but still operates 230 acres, devoting his attention to farming and stock-raising.

This farm is one of the best known properties in Pickaway County. With the Swearingen farm it occupies what has been known as the Darby Plains, Mr. Florence's land occupying a favorable position at the head of this large body of land. Formerly heavy timber covered the whole tract, enough of which is still left to make light and shade and to open pleasant vistas over a large extent of country. The old Darby dam, a landmark here, is located on one corner of the Florence farm. Old settlers remember when all this tract was noted for the luscious wild strawberries which grew here. Mr. Florence found a log house on the property when he came here with his bride. This soon gave way to a more commodious residence and up to the present time Mr. Florence has not ceased improving. All of his buildings are of a substantial character while his beautiful home, placed on an eminence which overlooks a great stretch of the surrounding country, is one of the most attractive in the township. The name given this place, "Locust Farm," is a very appropriate one, on account of the magnificent locust trees which shade it.

In 1868 Mr. Florence was married to Catherine Fitzgerald, who was born in Madison County, Ohio, and is the estimable daughter of the late Judge Edward Fitzgerald. The latter was born and married in Virginia and served as probate judge in Madison County, Ohio, for many years. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Florence consist of a son and daughter--George and Anna, both living at home. The former served as a member of the Fourth Regiment, Ohio Infantry, U. S. Volunteers, in the Spanish-American War. The latter is the wife of Harry Holderman.

Mr. Florence has been a life-long Republican but, with the exception of serving one term as justice of the peace, he has never accepted office. The family belong to the Presbyterian Church.

HON. JACOB P. WINSTEAD, B. S., LL. B., formerly judge of the Probate Court of Pickaway County, whose portrait is shown on the opposite page, is numbered with the eminent men of his profession in this section of the State and is an honored and esteemed citizen of Circleville. Judge Winstead was born in Clear Creek township, Fairfield County, Ohio, on April 25, 1846, and is a son of Samuel S. and Elizabeth (Hoffman) Winstead.

Judge Winstead's ancestors came from England and Holland, but for generations have been domiciled in America. William Winstead, his grandfather, was born in Frederick County, Virginia, and emigrated to Ohio in, young manhood, establishing a home in Clear Creek township, Fairfield County. Later he. removed to Salt Creek township, Pickaway County, and still later, to Washington township, where he engaged in agricultural pursuits until the close of his life.. During the War of 1812 he served as an ensign and still later served' with the rank of captain in the Ohio, State militia. The maternal grandfather of Judge Winstead served in the Revolutionary War.

Samuel S. Winstead, father of Judge Winstead, was born in 1818 in Pickaway County, Ohio. Like his father and like his son, our subject, he taught school in his early years, an interesting coincidence being that the three generations taught in the same school. He died in 1877 on his farm of 170 acres, in Pick-

362 - HISTORY OF PICKAWAY COUNTY

away County, survived by his wife and two children, Jacob P. and Mary A., the latter of whom married Silas Young, of Washington township. The mother of Judge Winstead, Elizabeth Hoffman, was born in Washington township, Pickaway County, Ohio, in 1816, and died in March, 189o. She was a daughter of George Hoffman, who came from Pennsylvania to Ohio in 1805, served (luring the War of 1812 and became a man of prominence in his township. Mrs. Winstead was a consistent member of the Lutheran Church.

Jacob P. Winstead was only two years old when his parents settled in Washington township, where he attended the local schools to the age of 18 years and then began to teach school, earning the means with which to continue his studies. After some time spent at Salem Academy, in Ross County, in the fall of 1868 he entered Miami University, at Oxford, and was graduated there in the scientific course in 1869, receiving the degree of B. S. His time was occupied in the study of the law with Judge Courtright and in teaching school until 1872, when he entered the law department of the University of Michigan. In the following year he was graduated there with the degree of LL. B.

In April, 1873, he settled at Circleville for the practice of his profession and this city has been his chosen home ever since. His success has been pronounced and his name has been favorably connected with some of the most important litigation in the courts of Pickaway County. From 1874 until 1878 he served as city solicitor and was prosecuting attorney from 1880 until 1885. In the fall of 1890 he was elected to the office of probate judge in which he served with distinction. Since his retirement from the bench he has continued his private practice.

Judge Winstead was married at Newton, Iowa, in 1873, to Lizzie A. McElroy, who was born in Highland County, Ohio, is a graduate of Salem Academy and for some time was a school teacher. Four children were born to this marriage: Samuel H., William McElroy, Charles E. and Margaret. Mrs. Winstead is a member of the Presbyterian Church.

Politically the Judge is a Democrat and he has been very active in city, county and State politics. Fraternally he is connected with the leading organizations.

J. F. BALES, of the firm of J. F. Bales & Son, operators of a grain elevator at Circleville, was born in 1848 at London, Madison County, Ohio, and is a son of the late Moses Bales.

Moses Bales was born at Harper's Ferry, Virginia (now West Virginia), and when about 22 years of age migrated to Madison County, Ohio. At this time he was accompanied by his father, Thomas Bales, who was an Abolitionist from principle and, had freed his slaves. Moses Bales, like his father, was a fine man and was more or less prominent in politics for the greater part of his life.

J. F. Bales was reared and educated in Madison County, and remained on the home farm until 30 years of age. He then embarked in a mercantile business at Big Plain, Madison County, where he continued for three years and then came to Circleville. Here he engaged in a dairy business for 12 years and then turned his attention to the grain business, utilizing the old Jackson elevator on the canal. With Samuel Ashbrook, he built the present elevator which is situated in the eastern limits of Circleville. Two years later he bought Mr. Ashbrook's interest and subsequently admitted his son, Robert R., into partnership, when the firm style of J. F. Bales & Son was adopted. In connection with their grain interests, the firm has established a great hay trade and they are extensive balers and shippers of hay.

In 1875 Mr. Bales was married to Alice J. Rife, who is a daughter of Elias B. Rife, one of the old settlers of Pickaway County. Mr. and Mrs. Bales have two sons--Blenn Rife and Robert R.

Dr. Blenn Rife Bales, of Circleville, was educated in the public schools here and subsequently graduated from the Starling Medical College. When the Spanish-American War was declared, he enlisted in the Fourth Regi-

AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 363

went, Ohio Infantry, U. S. Volunteers, as a private and accompanied the regiment to Puerto Rico, where he served as assistant surgeon. After completing his medical education, Dr. Bales settled for a short term of practice at Marietta, Ohio, and then came to Circleville, where he enjoys a very, satisfactory practice.

Robert R. Bales, who is associated with his father in the grain business, was educated in the public schools at Circleville and then took a business course at Poughkeepsie, New York.

J. F. Bales is a member of Gilroy Lodge, I. O. O. F., of Madison County and of the Knights of Pythias lodge at Circleville. He is one of the leading members of the Methodist Episcopal Church and belongs to the board of stewards. He is a Republican and has served as a member of the City Council from the old First Ward, overcoming a large Democratic majority.

HON. JOHN GROCE. For many years the late John Groce largely dominated the business interests of Circleville, where he was born on January 29, 1818, his parents, John and Elizabeth (Jacobs) Groce, having settled in Pickaway County in 1805.

The family of Groce originated in Germany but it has been established in America for at least four generations. Charles Groce, the grandfather of the late John Groce. was born in Maryland, where he followed agricultural pursuits and reared his family, in Frederick County.

John Groce, son of Charles and father of John, came to Pickaway County, Ohio, in 1805 and engaged in work as a carpenter until 1810, (luring which time the town of Circleville was platted. He recognized that here was an excellent business field and, after he had returned to Maryland and married, he settled permanently in the hamlet and had much to do with the erection of the older houses still standing here. He died in 1834, aged 55. years. He married Elizabeth Jacobs, who was born in Loudoun County, Virginia, and died in 1824. Both were worthy members and active supporters of the early Presbyterian Church in this city. Of their family of six children, none survive.

The late John Groce was reared in the rapidly growing village of Circleville and attended the early subscription schools. His father was one of the movers in the building of the academy here and our subject subsequently enjoyed academic advantages; but the death of his father, when he was only 16 years of age, prevented further educational advancement and practically threw him upon his own resources. By the advice of friends he became an apprentice to John A. Wolfley and learned the saddlery business, afterward working as a journeyman. When he had accumulated a capital of $85, he entered into a saddlery business for himself at Kingston, Ohio, in 1839, where he continued until J848.

In the late summer of this year Mr. Groce came to Circleville, which by that time had grown into a busy, thriving town, and entered into a partnership in the grain and pork business with R. D. Atwater. In 1852 they enlarged the scope of their interests by becoming merchants. In the fall of this year Mr. Groce went to Milton. Indiana, to attend to the pork packing end of their business, while Mr. Atwater looked after the other interests in Circleville. After the death of Mr. Atwater shortly afterward, Mr. Groce purchased his interest and admitted Jacob Helman into partnership without capital, and in the fall of 1853 he resumed pork packing here and with such success that in 1860 he exchanged his interest in the dry goods store for the Olds Block of buildings and devoted himself exclusively to the packing of pork.

On November 12, 1872, Mr: Groce took his only son, Charles E. Groce, into partnership and the firm name became Groce & Son. In 1870 Mr. Groce had built the present brick block on High street, great buildings thoroughly equipped for the immense business carried on, in which he gave employment to many men who earned a subsistence by reason of his ability and enterprise. He not only provided foods for local consumption but the fame of his products in many sections equalled that of

364 - HISTORY ON PICKAWAY COUNTY

the great packers of the West. This business grew into the greatest industry of the city and brought Mr. Groce and those associated with him large fortunes.

Mr. Groce was married in young manhood, in December, 1839, after settling as a saddler, in Kingston, Ohio, to Elizabeth E. Graham, who was born near Kingston on September 25, 1820, and was a daughter of Robert J. Graham, who was born in Virginia but had settled among the pioneers of Ross. County, Ohio. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Groce were : Mary E., who is the widow of Bennett Faresman, of LaFayette, Indiana ; Ellen G., deceased, who was the wife of F. M. Schulze, a wholesale grocer of Circleville; Jennie, who is the widow of Lemuel Boggs, a farmer of Pick-away township; Charles E., and a child that (lied young.

Few busy citizens of Circleville showed more genuine interest in the progress and development of his city than Mr. Groce. He served on numerous occasions as alderman and it was on account of his business acumen and his wise and sensible attitude that the city now enjoys many of its dearest privileges. He was one of the first to recognize the benefits which would accrue through securing the right of way through the town for the Scioto Valley Traction Company's road, became a stock-holder and a member of the board of directors and worked until it was an accomplished fact. He owned a very large amount of valuable property, including a handsome home and a large hereditary interest in the Franklin and Groce addition to Circleville. He was actively interested in various public-spirited movements and spent a great deal of time and effort in se-curing for the city the beautiful Forest Cemetery, where he now rests in company with many of his fellow-citizens.

In young manhood Mr. Groce cast his first presidential vote for Gen. William Henry Harrison and in 1852 he became identified with the Republican party, of which he was a useful member for many years afterward, serving in a number of party organizations. In 1876 he was a delegate to the Republican National Convention and helped to nominate Gen. Rutherford B. Hayes, and served in the same capacity in 1880, when Gen. James A. Garfield became the party's choice. During the Civil War he was a strong supporter of the government and contributed as largely as his means at that time permitted. Later he became president of the Third National Bank of Circleville.

Mr.. Groce was a self-made man. He built up a business from small beginnings to a commercial enterprise, whose market covered the country. It still continues as a monument to his business ability, his concentration of faculties, his clear insight and his unflagging industry. His generosity was unbounded and his death left not only individual's but many organizations which miss his continual benefactions. He was a man of unostentatious life, was singularly happy in his home, had reason to take satisfaction in his children and was the center of the domestic circle. His golden wedding, celebrated in 1889, will long be remembered by those who participated in the felicities of the occasion, although none of those who had been present 50 years before remained on this side of the dark river.

COL. CHARLES E. GROCE, the only on of the late John Groce, was born at Circleville Ohio, in 1851, where he was given a good, common-school education. In 1872 he became associated with his able father in' the pork packing business as the younger member of the firm of Groce & Son and his interests in this great industry still continue. He is also largely interested in the grain business and operates. five elevators in Pickaway County. He is on the directing board of. the First National Bank of Circleville, and has numerous other interests.

Colonel Groce married Anna Smith, a daughter of Josiah Smith and they have had four children, of whom three daughters survive.

Colonel Groce obtained his title by reason of his having been a member of the staffs of Governors Foster and Foraker. He is a very prominent Republican, has served on the State Board of Public Works, for several years has been chairman of the Republican County Committee and was a delegate to the Republican!

AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 365

National Convention held in Chicago in 1884. He is fraternally connected with the Masons, Knights of Pythias and Elks.

J. F. MOWERY, formerly treasurer of Salt Creek township, a prominent citizen and leading agriculturist, owns a fine farm of 209 acres which is situated in section 11. Mr. Mowery was born in Salt Creek township, Pickaway County, Ohio, February 3, 1848, and is a son of John and Rachel (Dunkle) Mowery.

The Mowery family, like many others in Salt Creek township, came to Ohio from Pennsylvania and was established in Salt Creek township by John Mowery, the grandfather of our subject, who came here from Berks County. Pennsylvania, when his son John was five years old. The grandfather settled on the very farm which is now owned by J. F. Mowery. Here John Mowery, the second, was reared and spent his whole life, dying in 1876. He was a man who was highly respected and one whose whole life was a credit to his community. Of his children, these survive : Leannah, widow of Elias Crites, living in Allen County, Ohio; Mary. widow of John Stout, living in Pickaway County; Rachel, widow of Amos Reichelderfer, living in Delaware County, Ohio; Susan, widow of Peter Myers, living at Stoutsville, Ohio; William H., who is a resident of Circleville; John F., of this sketch; Louisa J., widow of W. H. Housel, residing at Columbus; George D., who is president of the Salt Creek Valley Bank at Laurelville; and Allen S., who resides at Columbus.

John F. Mowery was reared to manhood in Salt Creek township and has always resided on the farm he now owns. Here he secured his agricultural training, his education being obtained in the district schools. He was married (first), in 1873, to Mary E. Wolf, who was born in Hocking. County, Ohio, and was a daughter of Col. S. S. Wolf, who is now a resident of Adelphi, Ohio. Of the five children of this marriage, three survive, namely : Orestes, a teacher in the public schools, whomarried Nellie F. Dresbach, daughter of Milton Dresbach; Ada S., wife of J. D. Hummel, of Circleville; and Jennie, wife of Nelson Strous, of Salt Creek township. Pearl and Blanche are deceased. Mr. Mowery was married (second), in 1895, to Emma Bowers, who is a daughter of Jacob Bowers, of Fairfield County, Ohio.

In politics Mr. Mowery is one of the leading Democrats of his section. He served for seven years as treasurer of Salt Creek township and during his incumbency enjoyed the reputation of being an admirable official. He has also been school director in District No. 1 and has always been active in looking after educational interests. He is a member of the Lutheran Church at Tarlton and is one of the deacons and church trustees.

MORRIS H. MIESSE, M. D., physician and surgeon at Circleville, who has been in the active practice of medicine and surgery here for the past 26 years and who is well and favorably known all over Pickaway County, was born November 16, 1843, at Chillicothe, Ohio, and is a son of Dr. Benjamin and Sophia (Carpenter) Miesse.

Jacob Miesse, the paternal grandfather of Dr. Miesse, was born in Pennsylvania, where he followed agricultural pursuits all his life. On the maternal side, the ancestry is of New England birth; the maternal grandfather migrated from Connecticut to Athens County, Ohio, at an early day, probably shortly after the birth of Dr. Miesse's mother.

Dr. Benjamin Miesse, father of our subject, was born in the vicinity of Reading, .Pa. After graduating from the medical department of the University of Pennsylvania, at Philadelphia, .he removed to Chillicothe, Ohio, where he engaged in practice for some years and then settled at Circleville, where he continued in practice until the death of his wife broke up his domestic circle. He then went back to Pennsylvania, where the remainder of his life was spent among the scenes of his youth. He had three sons, two of whom became physicians, and one

366 - HISTORY OF PICKAWAY COUNTY

daughter--Mrs. Lizzie Reiche, a resident of York, Pennsylvania. The brothers of our subject are: Dr. Benjamin F. Miesse, a physician in Chillicothe, Ohio, who during the Civil War served as an assistant surgeon in the army ; and Edson B. Miesse, who is engaged in business at Chillicothe.

Morris H. Miesse was seven years old when, after the death of his mother, he accompanied his father back to Pennsylvania, and was To years old when he returned to Ohio and became a member of the family of an uncle, at Greenville, with whom he lived for some years. In T859 he entered the Ohio University. at Athens, and was but 20 years old when he was graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. His uncle, Dr. Miesse, was pleased with the youth's mental gifts and gladly accepted him as a student in medicine. The years 1865 and 1866 were spent at the Ohio Medical College at Cincinnati. In the fall of 1867 he entered the College of Physicians and Surgeons--medical department of Columbia College--in New York City, where he was graduated in 1868. Soon after he located at the village of Royalton, in Fairfield County, Ohio. He continued to practice through Fairfield and Pickaway counties until 1880. when he came to Circleville, where he has not only built up a very large practice, but has acquired a large amount of real estate and has become a valued and public-spirited citizen. He owns a farm of 333 acres in Wayne town-ship and one of 170 acres in Monroe township.

In 1868 Dr. Miesse was married at Chillicothe. Ohio, to Louisa E. Cummins, who was born at Portsmouth, Ohio, and is a daughter of Rev. S. P. Cummins, a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church and for years a prominent citizen of Portsmouth. Dr. and Mrs. Miesse have three children, namely: Ella C., wife of J. H. Chaney, a leading contractor of Chicago, Illinois; Bertha M., wife of William B. Frederick. a farmer of Wayne township ; and Alice B., wife of H. E. Graham, a merchant of Circleville.

Dr. Miesse has been a life-long Republican. In May. 1864, he enlisted and served for four months as a member of Company B, 141^st Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf. For 14 years he has been a member of the Board of Pension Examiners in Pickaway County, was a member of the Hocking Valley Medical Society as long as it was in existence and belongs to other medical organizations. His other connections include political and fraternal bodies, being a Knight Templar Mason and a member of Groce Post, G. A. R., of Circleville, while his social associations have always been those of a man of professional skill and personal integrity.

JOHN R. ENTREKIN, who, as a citizen and agriculturist, is well and favorably known throughout Pickaway township, owns one of the best farms and finest residences in this locality the former containing about 300 acres of well-cultivated land. Mr. Entrekin was born in this township on October 1, 1844, and is a son of William W. and Jane (Bell) Entrekin.

James Entrekin, the original representative of his family in America, was a native of the Highlands of Scotland and resided in a mountain pass known as Entrekin Pass. His wife, who was from the North of Ireland and of Scotch-Irish extraction, attained the great age of 103 years. Upon coming to America, they settled in what is now the eastern part of Adams County, Pennsylvania. One son, William, with his entire family, was killed by the Indians at a small stream called Bloody Run. Joseph, the other son, married Elizabeth Hall, who, like himself, was of Scotch-Irish descent; they settled after marriage near Gettysburg, upon the ground where the great battle of the War of the Rebellion was fought.

Col. John Entrekin, son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Hall) Entrekin and grandfather of the subject of our sketch, was born in 1778 and at the age of 20 years removed to the Northwest Territory, settling in what is now Ross County. He held a commission as colonel in the War of 1812 and at the close of the war moved to Pickaway County, where he lived with his son, William W. Entrekin. He

AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 367

was one of the prominent men of Ross and Pickaway counties. His life up to 1828 was identified with these counties, as was shown by crumbling papers yellow with age that were in the possession of William W. Entrekin, father of the subject of this sketch. Col. John Entrekin was appointed justice of the peace in 1815 by Governor Worthington, in 1819 by Governor Ethan A. Brown and in 1832 by Governor Allen Trumbull. His family was one of the half' dozen families that composed the society of the Mount Pleasant Presbyterian Church at Kingston, the first church of Ross County. The last public office he held was that of common pleas judge of Pickaway County, to which he was elected by the Legislature in 1838. He served in that office until his death, which occurred May 10, 1842, at the age of 64 years.

William W. Entrekin was a worthy son of a worthy father. He was born and reared in Pickaway County, lived out a long and useful life here and died in 1892, at the age of 81 years. During the Civil War he was a stanch supporter of the Federal government, sent two substitutes into the army and secured 60 recruits for Pickaway and Ross counties, expending time and means to further the cause. He was one of the most active workers and generous supporters of the old Mount Pleasant Presbyterian Church, which recently celebrated its centennial. He married Jane Bell and of their children two survive, viz.: John R., of this sketch ; and Tacy C., who is the wife of Newton Davis, of Decatur, Illinois. The venerable mother, now in her 87th year, resides in the home of her daughter, Mrs. Davis.

John R. Entrekin was reared in his native township, laid the foundation of his education in the district schools and those at Kingston, and in 1868 was graduated at the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware, Ohio. . His business operations have been confined to farming and stock-raising. His well-improved land testifies to his agricultural efficiency. His handsome home, with all modern comforts and conveniences, is situated near enough to Kingston to enable the family to enjoy both town and rural life.

On September 13, 1876, Mr. Entrekin was united in marriage with Laura A. Anderson. who was born in Ross County. Ohio, and is a daughter of D. C. Anderson, who is president of the Merchants' & Farmers' Bank at Frankfort. Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Entrekin have one son, Carl A., who married Margaret Coffman, of Washington Court House, and is in business at Chillicothe.

Mr. Entrekin is affiliated with the Republican party and takes a deep interest in keeping in office men, who in his judgment will carry out its principles. Both he and his wife are members of the Mount Pleasant Presbyterian Church. He has been identified for 16 years with Lodge No. 419, Knights of Pythias. at Kingston, Ohio.

PETER HALL, who has been identified with the farming interests of Pickaway County through a long and active life, resides on his farm of 200 acres in Madison township. He was born in the adjacent township of Walnut, on February 4, 1832, and is a son of David Hall and a grandson of Henry Hall. who was an early pioneer in Madison township, Pickaway County.

The Hall family came to Ohio from Pennsylvania, bringing with them the same habits which had made them prosperous in the Keystone State. David Hall, father of our subject, was born in Pennsylvania and in youth accompanied his parents' family across the mountains to Ohio. He was reared in Madison township but after his marriage he removed to Walnut township, and developed a fine farm out of the wilderness.

Peter Hall was reared in Walnut township and assisted his father in clearing and cultivating his lands. The schools at that day, in his locality, were primitive in character, but he secured a good foundation and as he has mixed much with intelligent people all his life, and has been a great reader, he is a very well informed man. He has always followed farming and stock- raising. He has been a large investor in land and at one time owned 1,000 acres, but

368 - HISTORY OF PICKAWAY COUNTY

has retained only 200 for his own use, dividing the rest with his children.

In 1856 Mr. Hall was married to Lavina Solt, who was born in Fairfield County. Ohio, and they have had 12 children, eight of whom are now living, namely: Mary A., wife of Jackson Stein, of Madison township; Barbara J.. wife of Dr. Martin Luther Snyder, of Madison township; David, of Madison township; William, of Walnut township; Emma, wife of Dr. J. Keckler, a practicing physician at Yorkshire, Darke County, Ohio; Ella, wife of Irvin. Payne, of Walnut township: John, of Madison township: and Ora, wife of Lewis Larne. The four deceased members of the family were : Samuel. who (lied at Columbus. Ohio, where he was a practicing attorney: Sarah, who was the wife of William Hoy, of Fairfield County, Ohio: and two who as infants passed over to the other side.

Mr. Hall did not remove to Madison township) until several years after his marriage, but here the most of his children were born and here all his interests have been centered for very many years. He has always been much interested in the progress and development of his neighborhood and has been generous in lending support to public improvements and to the advancing of educational and religious enterprises. He is one of the leading members as well as an elder of Trinity Lutheran Church, at Marcy. Ohio, and has also served as trustee and deacon. His political support has always been given to the Democratic party. For 5o years he and his devoted wife have journeyed down life's pathway together and it would be difficult to find in all northern Pickaway County a more highly esteemed and venerated couple. They have friends on every side who wish them every blessing.

JOHN HENRY PETERS. a prominent citizen and a trustee of Walnut township, residing on his well-improved farm of 86 acres, was born in this township, on an adjoining farm, December 1, 1867. He is a son of Manton and Hester (Dum) Peters.

Manton Peters was born in Walnut township, Pickaway County, Ohio, August 7, 1833, and died February 9, 1889. He was a son of Stevenson Peters who settled in Walnut township at a very early day, coming among the pioneers. The wife of Manton Peters was born in Berks County, Pennsylvania, February 22, 1832, and was a daughter of Jacob Dum. She accompanied the family to Fairfield County, where her father settled with his family of 13 children, when she was a girl. Manton Peters and wife had four children. all living, namely : Mrs. Pauline Kibler; Mrs. Isabelle Oman; John Henry and Mrs. Florence Balthaser. The Peters family is one of standing in both Pickaway and Fairfield counties and from its earliest establishment here has represented industry, integrity and good citizenship.

John H. Peters was reared in Walnut township and obtained his education in the country schools and at East Ringgold. When he reached maturity he .married Mabel Maud Boysel, a daughter of Jacob and Cynthia (Mayes) Boysel. Mr. and Mrs. Peters have six children. namely. Stanley Brightman; George Albert: Harry Maeteer: Hester Genevieve ; John Stevenson and Edwin Wilson.

Mr. Peters has been a lifelong Democrat. In 1903 he was appointed township trustee to fill the unexpired term of C. E. Groce, when the latter removed from the township. His management of the affairs of the office proved eminently satisfactory and in the following year Mr. Peters was elected for a term of three years and still continues a useful member of the board. Outside of official duties, he devotes his attention to agricultural pursuits.

VAN PHILLIPS, a well-known citizen and representative farmer of Pickaway township, who resides on his valuable farm in section 6, was born in Guernsey County, Ohio, June 3, 1836, and is a son of William and Priscilla (White) Phillips.

Both parents of Mr. Phillips were born in Ohio, and both families settled in Guernsey

PAGE 369 - BLANK

PAGE 370 - PICTURE OF HON. THADDEUS E. CROMLEY

PAGE 371 - PICTURE RESIDENCE OF CHARLES E. CROMLEY (ON THE T. E. CROMLEY FARM.

PAGES 372-374 DOES NOT EXIST

AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 375

County among the pioneers of that section. The maternal grandfather, Walter W. White, lived in Guernsey County to the advanced age of 96 years.

Evan Phillips was reared to the age of 16 years in his native county, where his education was obtained in the district schools, and then he accompanied his brother, John W. Phillips, to Pickaway County and has been a continuous resident here ever since. His brother removed at a later date to Tazewell County, Illinois. From choice Mr. Phillips has always given his attention to agricultural pursuits.

In April, 1862, Mr. Phillips was married to Ellen Hitler, a daughter of the late Jacob Hitler, who was one of the prominent men of Pickaway County. Mr. and Mrs. Phillips have had 10 children, as follows: Charles, of Pickaway township; Nelson H., of Washington township; Florence, widow of Jacob Ludwig, of Pickaway township; Emma J., wife of Adolphus Roth, of Fayette County, Ohio; Dell, at home; Maud E., wife of George H. Roof, of Pickaway township; Dennis E., of Pickaway township ; Rose E., at home; Lillie, wife of Gardner Duffy, of Circleville; and Arthur W., at home.

Mr. Phillips is a Democrat and served at one time as a township trustee. He has always taken a deep interest in the advancement of education and testified to it by serving for 18 years as a school director of District No. 4.

HON. THADDEUS E. CROMLEY, one of the distinguished sons of Pickaway County, whose whole mature life has been one of change, progress and achievement, is now a resident of Walnut township, where he was born June 21, 1843. His parents were William and Sarah E. (Staige) Cromley, and his paternal grand-father, Paul Cromley.

The Cromley family originated in Germany and the old German orthography of the name; which was rendered Grammlich, and later softened to Gramlich, and still later to Kramlich and eventually to Cromley, prevailed through at least two generations after the founder of the family in America, Valentine Grammlich, settled in Pennsylvania, in 1749. He established a home near Seiberlingsville, in Lehigh County. He was the great-great-grandfather of Hon. Thaddeus E. Cromley, of Pickaway County.

Paul Grammlich, or Cromley, to use the Anglicized spelling, one of the sons of Valentine, had six sons, viz.: Christian, Henry, Paul, George, Jacob and Jonathan, and of these, Jonathan, Jacob and Paul moved to Ohio.

Paul Cromley, son of Paul (1), had four sons and three daughters, viz.: Jonas, Stephen, Catherine, Elizabeth, William, Mary and Thomas. The grandparents of Hon. Thaddeus E. Cromley both died of typhoid fever, the father on March 8, 1826, aged 47 years, and the mother, on April 16, 1826, aged 41 years. They had come from Pennsylvania to Ohio in 1815, and settled in Walnut township, Pickaway County, on the farm now owned by Mahlon Cromley. Their ashes rested on the farm now owned by John G. Haas until January, 1906, when they were reinterred in Reber Hill cemetery, in Walnut township.

William Cromley, son of Paul (2) and father of Hon. Thaddeus E., was born in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, March 19, 1813, and was two years old when his parents moved to Ohio. He was reared in Walnut township and his boyhood was passed with but few educational opportunities, the time and place not yet encouraging the general establishment of schools, but he reached manhood a well qualified farmer and as time went on he acquired a large amount of property, which his judgment and excellent management produced for him what was then considered a large fortune. After his marriage he purchased of his father-in-law a portion of the farm on which he died. He acquired a part of the land on which Ashville now stands and subsequently laid it off in town lots. His life was one of quiet duty well performed and he is remembered by his contemporaries and recalled by the present generation as one whose integrity was beyond question and whose life was exemplary in every particu-

376 - HISTORY OF PICKAWAY COUNTY

lat. His standing was such that he was frequently called upon by his fellow-citizens to fill local offices, but these positions were merely incidental, for he was never an office seeker. He always stanchly supported the tenets of the Democratic party. His death took place on April 25, 1888, at the age of 75 years, 1 month and 6 days.

William Cromley married Sarah E. Staige. who was the second daughter of Richard Staige, who entered the land from the government which now constitutes a part of the farm of the subject of this sketch. Two children were born to this marriage, viz. : Thaddeus F. and Mary Jane, who married William H. Morris--both now deceased. Mrs. Cromley died January 1, 1878, aged 62 years, 7 months and 9 days. Mr. Cromley and wife were supporters of St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church. They were laid to rest in Forest Cemetery, near Circleville.

Thaddeus E. Cromley spent his boyhood and youth on his father's farm in Walnut township and his primary education was obtained in a little log schoolhouse in the near vicinity. When 16 years of age he entered the Circleville Union School, where he continued until 1861, when he entered Kenyon College, at Gambier, Ohio. He was graduated at this noted educational center, in 1865, receiving his degree of A. B., and three years later, that of A. M., from the same college. When the time arrived for him to choose a career, he gave way to his natural inclinations and chose the life of an agriculturist. He has never lost his interest in agricultural pursuits and has always given close attention to his farm. He is one of the most practical, progressive.. and successful farmers in the county, never allowing the cares of public offices or other positions of trust to abate his interest in farming and stock-raising.

Very early in his mature life, Mr. Cromley was identified with the Democratic party and he was scarcely through college before official position was proffered him. For some years he held the larger number of the local offices at Ashville and in Harrison and Walnut town-ships. In 1887 he was the Democratic candi(late for Representative in the General Assembly, carrying the county by a plurality of 1,116, and in 1889 was reelected by a plurality of 1,090. He was an active, influential member (luring the four sessions and had the entire con0fidence of all the members. In 1892 he was appointed by Governor McKinley as a trustee of the Boys' Industrial School in Fairfield County, serving with the utmost efficiency until January, 1896, when he resigned, haying been elected to the State Senate from the Tenth District--Franklin and Pickaway counties--at the preceding election, in November, 1895. He was re-elected in 1897. He was one of the leading members of the Senate, doing much in the shaping of legislation ; was president pro tem. of the Senate in 1898-99 and chairman of the finance committee; and was the recognized leader of the Democratic side.

In 1900 Mr. Cromley was elected a member of the State Board of Agriculture, and his re-election followed in January, 1905, haying served in 1903 as its president. In 1900 he was the nominee of the Democratic party for the office of Secretary of State. He is now serving as a member of the Board of Education of Walnut township and of the committee of nine, chosen from the boards of education of Harrison and Walnut townships and the Ashville Special School District, which has charge of the High School at Ashville.

Thus briefly sketched, many years of Mr. Cromley's life have been devoted to serving the public in high and honorable positions. At the near close of such service, he stands before his fellow-citizens as one deserving of their respect and admiration. He has always championed the measures looking to. agricultural development and educational advancement and has brought about many improvements through persistent personal effort.

Mr. Cromley is one of the county's capitalis. He owns 1,045 acres of valuable land, in Walnut township; is a leading stockholder in the Scioto Canning Company, whose plant is located at Ashville; a large stockholder and one of the directors of the Citizens' Bank, at Ashville; and a stockholder and. one of the directors of the Capital Savings & Trust Corn-

AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 377

pany, of Columbus, which occupies a 16 story building in that city and is one of the leading financial institutions of the State. Numerous other less prominent business enterprises have his financial support. His large body of land in Walnut township is devoted to general farming and the raising of very fine stock.

On October 6, 1870. Mr. Cromley was united in marriage with Mary Rebecca Millar. who is a (laughter of Isaac D. and Sarah Ann (Millar) Millar. The parents of Mrs. Cromley were natives of Virginia and were early settlers in Harrison township, Pickaway County, where they became people of prominence and substance. Mr. and Mrs. Cromley have had eight children, namely : Charles Edward, Alva Millar, Metta May, Annie Gertrude, Amy Lee, William M., Anna Marie, and Thaddeus LeRoy. Charles Edward was married to Blanche Petty, February 5. 1893, and they have four children : Pride Grace, born March 2, 1896; Paul, born November 1, 1898: Thaddeus Edward, born February 23, 1904; and Mary Rebecca, born December 1, 1905. Alva Millar was married July 22, 1903, to Helen Butterfield, of Columbus. Metta May was married on Thanksgiving Day, 1900, to Chauncey McCord ; they have one son, Harold Cromley, born April 12, 1903. Annie Gertrude died in infancy.

Mr. Cromley is a member of Palmetto Lodge, No. 513, Knights of Pythias, at Ashville, and he also retains his membership with his old college fraternities, especially the Chi Phi and Phi Beta Kappa. He has always been interested in the great Grange movement and has been a prominent factor in the local organization. He is a man of fixed principles of right and his attitude on public questions was very well known (luring the many years when he was particularly in the public eye in this State. He has also always shown his interest in the welfare of his immediate community and probably would be pointed out by his fellow citizens of Walnut township as their most able, popular and representative man. A portrait of Mr. Cromley accompanies this sketch, also a view of the residence of his son.

J. WEAVER, senior member of the wholesale grocery firm of W. J. Weaver & Son, at Circleville, has been very prominently identified with the city's business interests for many years. He was born in Walnut township, Pickaway County, Ohio, in 1840 and is a son of Isaac and Sarah (Felters) Weaver.

The parents of Mr. Weaver were born in Virginia and were pioneers in Pickaway Coun They were married at Lancaster, Ohio, and started for their new home in the wilds of Pickaway County, riding on horseback as far as Belleville, Richland County, where they tonic a covered wagon and after reaching their destination, in 1823. lived in the conveyance until a cabin could be built. Isaac Weaver continued to farm in Walnut township. until 1871, when lie retired and in the following year removed to Circleville: where he lived until his death, at the age of 84 years. His wife survived into her 92nd year.

W. J. Weaver attended the public schools and spent two years at the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware, and then went to teaching. He was not much more than 20 years old when he went into a general mercantile business at Nebraska. Pickaway County, where he remained some five years. He then removed to Circleville, where he became a clerk in an express and retail grocery business. In 1870 he embarked in the queensware business but later sold out this line and continued a retail grocery business until 1884, when he went, into the wholesale trade. He formed a partnership and the business was conducted under the firm name of Weaver & Shulze, until 1899, at which time Mr. Weaver bought his partner's interest and admitted his son Charles F. to membership. The firm became then Weaver & Son. During 1885-86, covering a period in which his father owned the Pickaway Drug Store, he was its manager, but otherwise the greater part of his business life has been associated with the wholesale grocery trade. He began as one of the drivers and is now a partner.

In 1861. W. J. Weaver was married to Ella M. Cole, .who is a daughter of Richard

378 - HISTORY OF PICKAWAY COUNTY

Cole, who was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, but who was engaged in farming and milling for many years in Pickaway County. Mr. and Mrs. Weaver have but one son, Charles F., who has been almost continuously connected with the grocery trade since 1882. In 1887, Charles F. Weaver was married to Hattie R. Morrow, who is a daughter of Stephen Morrow, of Portsmouth, Ohio. They have one daughter, Helen. Like his father, Charles F. Weaver is a 32nd degree Mason. He is also an Elk.

W. J. Weaver has been very closely connected with a number of Circleville's most prosperous enterprises. In 1882, with other capitalists, he organized the Third National Bank of Circleville, of which he was vice-president and president for 22 years. He was one of the incorporators of the Scioto Valley Traction Company, and was a member of the board of directors for three years during its construction. He was also one of the main organizers and incorporators of the Circleville Water Supply Company, of which he has been vice-president ever since its organization. He was one of the founders of the Board of Trade of Circleville and served as its first president. It was during his incumbency that the American Strawboard works were established in Circleville, in large degree through Mr. Weaver's efforts, he being one of the three delegates sent to Akron, Ohio, to secure the same. He has been president of the Forest Cemetery Association for many years. Mr. Weaver is a man of great business sagacity. He is also one of the city's most cultured citizens having broadened his mind through extensive traveling, including many visits to different portions of the United States and all over Europe.

MILTON DRESBACH, whose valuable, well-improved farm of 167 acres is situated in Salt Creek township, is one of the reliable citizens and substantial men of this section. He was born in Salt Creek township. Pickaway County, Ohio, September 26, 1857, and is a son of William and Margaret (Earnhart) Dresbach.

The Dresbach family is an old and honorable one in this part of Pickaway County, having been established here by George Dresbach, the grandfather. The Dresbach family history is more fully outlined in the sketch of James A. Dresbach, our subject's oldest brother, which appears elsewhere in this work. Both parents of Mr. Dresbach were born in this county.

When he was but 10 years old, Milton Dresbach suffered the loss of his kind, good mother. He remained on the home farm until maturity, in the meantime obtaining his education in the district schools of Salt Creek township. His whole life has been devoted to the pursuit of agriculture and he is a very competent authority on anything concerning the tilling of the soil or the raising of stock. His farm of 167 acres is in good condition and proves the above statement.

In 1881 Mr. Dresbach was married (first) to Lillie Myers, of Circlevile, Ohio, who at death left three children, viz.: Nellie F., wife of Orestes Mowery, who is a successful teacher in ,the public schools of Salt Creek township; Clark, a resident of Indiana; and Lillie, who lives at home. Mr. Dresbach was married (second), on December 24, 1896, to Kate B. Holderman, who is a daughter of the late Lewis Holderman, of Pickaway township.

Mr. Dresbach has served for three years as a trustee of Salt Creek township. Politically he is identified with the Republican party. While he has no church affiliation, he attends religious services and is ever ready to contribute to the spread of Christianity and also to advance the work of the public schools.

THOMAS C. GOOLEY, general merchant at New Holland, has been in business at his present site for the Past 23 years and his growth has been commensurate with the growth of the town. Mr. Gooley was born at New Holland, Ohio, October 25, 1864, and is a son of G. W. and Elizabeth (Gray) Gooley.

PAGE 379 - BLANK

PAGE 380 - PICTURE OF CHARLES C. CHAPPELEAR

AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 381

The grandfather, Jacob Gooley,' brought his family to Ohio from Virginia, and his whole subsequent life was spent as a farmer in Perry township, Pickaway County. G. W. Gooley was a small boy at the time of the family's exodus from Virginia, from which time he always resided in Pickaway County. For 45 years he was a justice of the peace, and during this time he married more than 473 couples.. In his later years he removed to New Holland, where he died in 1904, aged 87 years. He married Elizabeth Gray, who was born in Perry township and was a slaughter of Jesse Gray, a pioneer of this township. She survived until March 27, 1906, dying at the age of 84 years, having been the mother of 14. children. Of these the.. following grew to maturity : Henry, Joseph and Wesley, of New Holland : Millard, of Columbus; Lydia (Dickason). of Chillicothe: Laura (Haney), of Dayton; Melissa (Barnes). deceased; Frank, a commercial traveler with home at Dayton ; Stanley, deceased; Nation, who died from injuries received at the second battle of Bull Run; Nancy (Hallman), who died at Galesburg, Ill.; Thomas C., subject of this sketch ; and Jacob and Lemuel, who died young.

Thomas C. Gooley is one of New Holland's most enterprising and progressive merchants and that he has continued to prosper from the time he entered commercial life, as proprietor of a peanut stand, is owing entirely to his own persevering efforts and business ability. The business soon expanded into a small restaurant which was gradually enlarged during the succeeding seven or eight years and grew into a general store. In 1898 Mr. Gooley suffered the loss of his effects by a fire which interrupted business at the old site for four months, However, the very next day after the catastrophe, he opened up in the Ferguson Building, and began the erection of the two-story brick building in which he has been located ever since. He has a fine location and carries a large and well-assorted stock. He controls custom from far and near and on Saturdays and in holiday seasons, his store much resembles a city emporium. Close attention to business, honest methods and courteous treatment to all partly explain the situation, and present prosperity.

Mr. Gooley was married (first) in 1885, to Dora Kimmey, who died 14 0months later. On December 26, 1896, he was married (second) to Dora Oder, who died 30 days later. In 1899 Mr. Gooley was united with the estimable lady now his wife, Ida Morgan, who was born in Salem, Ohio, and is a daughter of John Morgan, a farmer. They have two children--Fern and Garnet. Mrs. Gooley is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

In political sentiment Mr. Gooley is a Republican. Fraternally he is connected with the Masons, Order of the Eastern Star and Knights of Pythias.

CHARLES C. CHAPPELEAR, post-master at Circleville, and editor and publisher of the Circleville daily and weekly Union-Herald, the oldest paper in Pickaway County, was born March 18, 1861, at Thornville, Perry County, Ohio, and is a son of Charles C. and Elizabeth E. Chappelear. The father died in 1861. The mother now lives in Newark, Ohio. Mr. Chappelear was reared and educated in his native State, and after completing his schooling engaged in teaching and from 1881 until 1888 was a well-known educator in Pickaway County. In the meantime he had been reading law and in June, 1889, was graduated from the law department of the university of Michigan, was admitted to the bar of the Supreme Court of Ohio, in October following, and in 1890 began the practice of the law at Frankfort, Ross County, Ohio.

In October, 1891, Mr. Chappelear removed to Circleville, and continued in practice until February 1, 1903, when he was appointed post-master of the city and became proprietor of the Union-Herald. This journal is issued both weekly and daily. The former has the distinction of being the oldest paper in the county and under its present owner is one of the leading ones. The daily, which was established in

382 - HISTORY OF PICKAWAY COUNTY.

1894, has the largest daily circulation of any newspaper in Pickaway County. In politics it zealously supports the principles and candidates of the Republican party, Mr. Chappelear being very prominent in this party in this section of Ohio. He has served as chairman of the Republican County Central and. Executive committees, and for the years 1898 and 1899, was a member of the Republican State Central Committee.

On November 24, 1884, Mr. Chappelear was married to Nellie White, who is a daughter of the late Dr. T. F. White, of Williamsport, Pickaway County. They have one son, Thornton White, who was born at Circleville, October 4, 1896. A portrait of Mr. Chappelear accompanies this sketch.

EZRA FLORENCE HILL, who since 1902 has been a resident of Darbyville, has long been one of the prominent agriculturists and leading citizens of Pickaway County. He was born in the Hill homestead in Muhlenberg township, Pickaway County, Ohio, November 15, 1853, and is a son of Thomas and Julia A. (Sharp) Hill.

The Hill family is of Scotch extraction and was founded in America by our subject's great-grandfather, who subsequently served in the War of the Revolution. His son, Capt. Wiliam Hill, was born in Virginia and settled in Pickaway County, Ohio, in 1815, locating in Muhlenberg township. During the war of 1812 he served as captain of a Virginia company of volunteers. He became a very prominent man in Pickaway County and served as a justice of the peace from 1828 to 1840, having charge of the whole half of the county west of the river, prior to its division into townships. At his death, at the age of 83 years, he owned 700 acres of land, a large portion of which was under cultivation.

Thomas Hill, father of our subject, was born February 21, 1807, in Hampshire County, Virginia, now West Virginia, and accompanied his parents to Muhlenberg township, where he later cultivated a farm given him by his father. He died September lo, 1885, leaving an estate of 215 acres of land. For about a quarter of a century he was a trustee of Muhlenberg township. In early days he was a Whig in his political affiliation, but became a Republican upon the organization of the party.

Thomas Hill married Julia A. Sharp, who was born in New York, July 1, 1813, and died May 14, 1895. She came to Pickaway County with her parents, who were of German descent. Thomas Hill and wife had to children and all of these are living with the exception of Marcus, who died at the age of three years. The nine who survive are as follows : Mrs. Margaret Darst, of Muhlenberg township; Mrs. Elizabeth Whiteside, of Darby township; Mrs. Mary Bolin, of Darbyville; Mrs. Ellen McKinley, of Franklin County; William C., of whom a sketch will be found in this volume; Mrs. Matilda Wilson, of White County, Indiana; Robert C., residing on the old home-stead, a sketch of whom will be found in this work; Ezra Florence, the subject of this sketch ; and Mrs. Sarah Stiverson, of Columbus.

Ezra Florence Hill was reared on the homestead farm and obtained his education in the district schools. He was the youngest son in a large family and remained at home with his parents until his marriage. For some eight years following this event, he rented land and then purchased 136 acres of what was known as the Colonel Florence farm, located on the Florence Hill Chapel turnpike. There were no buildings on the property, so Mr. Hill and his family continued to reside on the home place but he farmed the land until 1905, when he disposed of it. In 1894 Mr. Hill purchased what was called the John McKinley farm, consisting of 205 acres. ere he took up his residence and lived until 1902, when he moved to Darbyville. At this time he purchased village property, which included a dwelling and barn. This property he has greatly improved. Since coming to the village, he has offered a fine line of carriages for sale. For so many years he has been actively employed that time would hang heavily on his hands without some outside interests.

Mr. Hill still retains a farm on the Darby-

AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 383

ville and London turnpike adjoining the corporate limits of the village. e also owns the Thomas Darst farm of 216 1/2 acres, located on the Harrisburg and Darbyville turnpike, on Darby Creek, 37 acres of the Colonel Florence farm, and 50 acres of the old homestead. In all, he owns 409 acres in Muhlenberg township and 100 acres in Darby township. He continues to oversee operations on a large portion of this farming land, his interest still continuing, although he has turned the direct management over to younger hands.

Mr. Hill was married (first) in 1879, and his children are as follows : Coleman H., a teacher, residing at home ; Harvey, who operates the McKinley farm; Lena May, of Cleveland; and Joseph B., who is attending the Bliss Business College at Columbus. Mr. Hill was married (second) on February 28, 1906, to Lissa M. Hewitt, daughter of William and Mary Hewitt. She was born in Pickaway County and before her marriage was a successful teacher in the public schools of Pickaway and Madison counties.

Politically Mr. Hill has always been identified with the Republican party and has been a very prominent factor in township and county affairs, serving many times as a delegate to county, State and Congressional conventions. He has served three terms as trustee of the township, two terms as assessor, three terms as township treasurer, in 1890 was land appraiser and is now village treasurer. For 25 years he has been more or less connected with official life in the county and stands deservedly high in public esteem. Since 1890 he has been a member of the Presbyterian Church and is one of its trustees.

WILLIAM MARTIN MILLER, cashier of the Citizens' Bank of Ashville, and a prominent citizen of the town, was born February 14, 1860, and is a son of Samuel M. and Angeline (Boerstler) Miller.

John C. Miller. the grandfather of our subject, was born in Pennsylvania. moved to Ohio and in this State resided until his death, in 1872.

Samuel M. Miller and his wife were both natives of Fairfield County, Ohio. Mrs. Miller died in September, 1905, at the age of 63 years. They had three children: William M., the subject of this sketch; Alice, who married C. C. Staiger, of Ashville; and Emma, who lives at home.

When William M. Miller was two years old, his parents moved to Pickaway County and located in Walnut township. Here he resided until 1887, attending the common schools of the township, next taking a business course at Lebanon in 1879, after which he taught school for nine years and also clerked for some time in a store. In 1887 he moved to Ashville and took a position as bookkeeper with the Hughes Elevator Company. Later he was appointed assistant county auditor by County Auditor Samuel W. Miller, but subsequently resigned to enter the grain business. He engaged in business with James Ward under the firm name of Ward & Miller ; they purchased what was known as the Hughes elevator and conducted it until 1894, when they organized the Citizens' Bank at Ashville. Mr. Miller has been cashier of the bank since its organization.

Mr. Miller was married October 21, 1890, to Agnes Wright, a daughter of William and Caroline Wright, the latter of whom is deceased. Two children have been born to this union--Grace and Harry.

Mr. Miller is a Republican in politics. While a resident of Walnut township, he served three terms as township clerk; the fact that he was thrice successful in being elected in a township which normally goes Democratic by from 60 to 80 votes shows the estimation in which he was held in that township. Mr. Miller was elected mayor of Ashville in 1888 and subsequently re-elected three times. He was twice elected a member of the Board of Education of Harrison township. At his second election, in 1903. he made the matter of a new building for the High School an issue, although the project had been defeated at a previous election. Mr. Miller takes great pride

384 - HISTORY OF PICKAWAY COUNTY

in the fact that he was instrumental in securing for Ashville a High School building which would be a credit to towns of much larger population. After the new code separating the town from the township went into effect, Mr. Miller was again elected and is at present a member of the Ashville Village District Board of Education. He served in 1896 as chairman of the Republican Central Committee and in 1897 as chairman of the Republican Executive Committee.

Fraternally, Mr. Miller is a member of Palmetto Lodge. No. 513, K. of P., at Ashville. He is also a Knight Templar Mason. being a member of Lithopolis Lodge, No. 169, and of the Chapter and Commandery at Circleville.

ISAAC C. DUNKEL, an esteemed resident of Circleville township, was born in Washington township, Pickaway County, Ohio, February 12, 1853, and is a son of Amos and Catherine (Stout) Dunkel, a sketch of whom will be found in this work.

Mr. Dunkel came to Circleville township with his parents when three years old and has made this his home ever since. He was educated in the common schools of the county and later attended the normal school at Lebanon, Ohio, after which he taught school for some time. He was married on November I. 1877, to Rosa A. Kellstadt, a daughter of Jacob and Rosa (Bowers) Kellstadt. Mr. and Mrs. Dunkel have had four children, namely: Walter R., born August 25, 1878; 'Wilson, born October 17, 1880; Amos J., born October 30, 1882 ; and Frances Matilda, the only daughter and the youngest member of the Dunkel family, who died at the age of one year. Walter R. Dunkel, the oldest son, who is a teacher in the county schools, was reared and educated in his native county. He married Fannie Brown and has one child--Kenneth Ray. Wilson Dunkel teaches school in Wayne township. Amos J., the youngest son, after completing his school course in this county, attended the Ohio Normal University at Ada. He is now teaching school in Circleville township, and is a county school examiner, being in all probability the youngest school examiner in the State.

Mr. Dunkel is a Democrat and has served as township assessor. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias, Independent Order of Foresters and Modern Woodmen of America.

JOHN O. BECKETT, one of the leading citizens of Commercial Point as well as of Scioto township, who is proprietor of a mercantile business which was founded in 1844 by his grandfather, has been identified with this section all his life. He was born at Commercial Point, Pickaway County, Ohio, October 22, 1852, and is a son of James A. and Margaret (Coontz) Beckett.

The maternal ancestors of Mr. Beckett, who were of German extraction, located at an early day in Scioto township. The paternal grandfather, Wiley H. Beckett, came from Albemarle County, Virginia, in 1830 and settled in Scioto township, where he resided until his death.

James A. Beckett was nine years of age when, in 1830, his parents made the trip from Virginia to Ohio in a covered wagon, and settled in Scioto township a short distance west of Commercial Point. Here he lived until his death in 1884, after a successful commercial career of many years. He married Margaret Coontz, who was born in Scioto township, Pickaway County, Ohio, and who survived her husband but three years. They had five children, viz.: Ellen G., who is the wife of W. H. Migley, and resides in Scioto township; Cornelia A., who is the wife of Thomas H. Durret and resides at Commercial Point ; Clara R., who is the wife of John Peters and resides in Scioto township; Laura J., deceased in child-hood; and John O., of this sketch.

In 1844 the business which our subject conducts at Commercial Point was established by his father and grandfather and it has been continuously carried on ever since, for a period's

PAGE 385 - BLANK

PAGE 386 - PICTURES OF COURTNEY TANNER, SR.

AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 387

approaching 62 years. It was the pioneer general store, there being but two or three houses standing in the village when it was established. In 1851, the population having increased considerably, the town was incorporated by the Legislature under the name of Genoa. The plat had been laid out as early as 1842. All government business, as well as almost every important business transaction of the place, was carried on at Beckett's store, and the postoffice was Beckett's store, which was the general name applied to the settlement. In 1871 it became Commercial Point, but the old business house still continues under the same name and the same family.

John O. Beckett was educated in the schools at Commercial Point and supplemented his literary with a business training, graduating from a commercial college in 1871. He then entered the Beckett store with his father and uncle and three years later became his father's partner; at the death of his father, he became sole proprietor. Through all this period, covering more than half a century, the methods of this business house have never changed from the honorable ones on which it was founded. In politics Mr. Beckett is a Democrat. He served as postmaster under both of President Cleveland's administrations. He owns two fine farms in Scioto township, one containing 125 acres and the other, 50 acres, both well cultivated and improved.

Mr. Beckett was married on February 16, 1882, to Ermina Gray, a daughter of Alexander and Wilhelmina (Miller) Gray, and they have these children : Otis M., who is in the store with his father, preparing to take his place as merchant in the fourth generation of the family; Clara M., Hazel L. and James Randall Courtright.

COURTNEY TANNER, Sr., formerly county commissioner of Pickaway County, whose portrait accompanies this sketch, resides on his finely cultivated farm of 260 acres in Darby township. He was born August 27, 1835, in Madison County, Ohio, on a farm within sight of his present residence. His, parents were John and Mary Margaret (Alkire) Tanner, and his grandparents, Courtney and Hannah (Emery) Tanner.

The grandfather of our subject established the Tanner family in Pickaway County, coning here at a very early clay and taking up large tracts of virgin land, in whose cultivation he was interested for the remainder of his life. He was twice married. His first wife, Mary Ann Alkire, was born October 5, 1781. and was the oldest daughter and child born to William and Elizabeth (Moore) Alkire.

The Alkire family has been domiciled in America for the past 200 years. The family history is traced back to the year 1626 when, according to evidence copied from records at The Hague, there lived a family in Holland near Arnheim on the Rhine River, bearing a coat of arms given by William II, Prince of Orange; the baronetcy name of this family was Algire. The arms which were on a silver shield may be thus described : Crest, a falcon, red beak and feet ; bunch of grapes and wineclass ; pike and cross sword; with the motto--"Cum Salus." As only noblemen and men of rank used gold and silver shields the commoners using leather and wood ones, it is apparent that the Algires were a family of considerable importance. In religious belief they were Lutherans. Their forefathers were from Scotland, where the family name was spelled Alkirk. In the 17th century one Almonas Algire came to America with Lord Baltimore and others, settling on Albemarle Sound, near the Virginia shore. He took part with the Governor in, the latter's various campaigns with the Indians. In 1720, near Moore-field, Virginia (now West Virginia), a descendant of the original emigrant, also named Almonas, married Mary Crayman and to this union were born four children, namely : Wilham, born in 1724; Deborah, born in 1728 ; Almonas, Jr., born in 1730; and Sarah, born in 1732.

William Alkire, the eldest son of Almonas Algire, was probably reared in Virginia where he was married to his first wife, Elizabeth Moore. To this union were born 12 children : Mary Ann, born October 5, 1781, who became.

388 - HISTORY OF PICKAWAY COUNTY

the first wife of Courtney Tanner, the grandfather of our subject ; Robert, born October 3. 1783. who married Elizabeth Douglass; John, born December 17, 1785, who died in infancy; Margaret, born in 1786, who married James Denison: Jacob, born April 1, 1787, who married Mary Phebus; Isaac, burn October 12, 1788. who married Mary Graham ; Abraham, born August 6, 1790, who married Jennie Martin Creath; Lydia, born January 3, 1792, who married John Graham; Harmon, burn February 10, 1794, who never married; John (2), born October 15, 1795, who married Susan Mantle; Delilah, born in 1796, who married John Metz ; and William, born in 1797, who married Hannah Osborn. By his second wife, Temperance Clay, of Kentucky, a sister of Henry Clay, William Alkire had two sons : Henry Green Clay and Joseph.

Two children were born to the union of Courtney Tanner and Mary Ann Alkire, namely : Harvey, born November 25, 1805, deceased, December 18, 1865, who married Hester Ann Neff, who was born March 11, 1811. and died October 31, 1864; and Elizabeth, who married William D. Wood and died at the age of 69 years and 24 days.

Courtney Tanner, the grandfather of our subject, married for his second wife Hannah Emery, of Virginia. To this union were born five children, namely : Rebecca, born January 6. 1806, deceased August 4, 1879, who married William Heath; John, the father of our subject; Harriet. who married Robert Manly; Eliza, who married Wesley McCollister; and Edmund, born November 12, 1816, and deceased September 7, 1870, who married Nancy Gilliland, who was born October 20, 1821, and died September 18, 1904.

John Tanner, son of Courtney and Hannah (Emery) Tanner, and father of our subject, was born iii Darby township, Pickaway County, Ohio, October 8. 1809, and died at Palestine, March 4, 1868. He was married in Madison County. Ohio, to Mary Margaret Alkire, daughter of Abraham and Jennie Martin (Creath) Alkire, named in the preceding paragraph. Abraham Alkire, who was a son of William and Elizabeth (Moore) Alkire, wasprobably a native of Virginia, although reared in Kentucky. As stated above, his birth took place August 6, 1790, while his death occurred May 19, 1859. In Ohio, on April 16, 1812, he was married to Jennie Martin Creath, who died January 27, 1862. The following were their children : Mary Margaret, born February 5, 1813, the mother of our subject; Elizabeth, born November 5, 1814, deceased May 17, 1815 ; William G., born July 24, 1817, who married Mary Ann Riddle and died July 5, 1846; Martha Jane, born February 7, 1827, who married Adam Kious and died September 10, 1846; and Abraham Reid, born February 27, 1830, who married Mary Jane Tanner, and died in Madison County on February 12, 1902. The mother of our subject died February 11, 1892, in Madison County at the home of her youngest daughter, Mrs. Mary M. Taylor. Seven children were born to John and Mary Margaret (Alkire) Tanner, of whom John and Katharine died in infancy. The five that grew to maturity were as follows : Melissa Ann, who married James Taylor and died December 7, 1871, at the age of 38 years, 1 month and 7 days; Courtney, the subject of this sketch; Hannah Jane, born May 4, 1837, who married James Taylor and died September 3, 1863; Abraham, born near Mount Sterling, Ohio, December 4, 1838, and deceased November 15, 1898, at London, Ohio, who was treasurer of Madison County for two terms -- he married Amanda Taylor, who was born November 15, 1853, and they had four children, Jessie (born September 18, 1874), Warner (born January 17, 1876), Bruce (born June 18, 1881), and Marie (born May 1, 1887) ; and Mary Margaret, born July 28, 1850. Mary Margaret Tanner married William Taylor, who was born October 22, 1836, and died October 4, 1893. To this union was born one child, Ella, who married John Zahn and has one son--Maxwell Taylor Zahn.

Courtney Tanner has always followed agricultural pursuits and is one of the extensive farmers of the western section of the county. He has also been interested at various times in a number of successful business ventures. In the spring of 1859 in partnership with his

AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 389

uncle, Abraham Reid Alkire, he engaged in a general mercantile business at Palestine, Ohio. In 1862 they sold their stock of goods to N. T. Tenny, of Mount Sterling, Ohio. In 1865 he formed a partnership with his brother, Abraham Tanner, and they continued in the mercantile business for a number of years. Some time in the 70's, after the close of the War of the Rebellion, he formed a partnership with his brother-in-law, William Taylor, and for a number of years they were engaged in buying and delivering hogs to the pork-packing establishment of Samuel H. Ruggles, at Circleville. He was also in partnership for some time with his brother, Abraham Tanner, and his brother-in-law, William Taylor, their business being that of buying and shipping cattle and hogs to Eastern markets. He was one of the charter members of the turnpike company, whose toll road ran from Mount Sterling to Harrisburg, Ohio--a distance of eight miles. He was elected treasurer of the company by the directors and continued to hold this position until the road was sold in 1883 to the county commissioners of Pickaway County. He was treasurer of C. Tanner & Company from 1888, when the company's elevator at Palestine, Ohio, was built, until the elevator was sold to Joseph Smith, of Circleville, in 1897. On account of his various business duties outside of farming and also by reason of many official duties pertaining to the important offices to which he has been called by his fellow-citizens, he has not devoted all his time to his farm but has continued to exercise a strict supervision. Politically he is affiliated with the Republican party. For a number of years he served as school director in his district; for 20 years was treasurer of Darby township; served two terms, in 1880 and in 1890, as land appraiser and in 1894 he was elected county commissioner, serving out his term with the same devotion to the best interests of his section, which has characterized all his official life. He is one of the directors of the First National Bank at Mount Sterling.

Mr. Tanner was married (first) to Esther Jane McDowell, a daughter of Robert McDowell. She was born January 27, 1845, and died June 18, 1879. To this union three children were born, of whom Lula and Annie died in infancy. At Mrs. Tanner's death she left one son, John R., born October 2, 1874, who is serving as probate judge of Madison County, Ohio. He is but 32 years of age and enjoys the distinction of being the youngest pro bate judge in the State. He was married February 21, 1895, to Alice Ingrim, of Mount Sterling, Ohio, and to them were born four children, as follows: A son that died in infancy; Esther M., born November 12, 1887; John Robert, born April 13, 1902; and Charles Courtney, born February 13, 1906. Courtney Tanner, our subject, was married (second) to Mrs. Amanda (Davis) McDowell, widow of William A. McDowell. She was born February 19, 1852, and is a daughter of John Davis, one of the old residents of Pickaway County. The children born to the second union were: Alwilda, born November 2, 1883; Ella E., born March 30, 1885; and Clarence B., born October 21, 1889. The two daughters are both graduates of the Mount Sterling High School. Alwilda is a talented musician and at present is teaching 'music. Clarence B. is at present a student in the Derby High: School. Mrs. Courtney Tanner owns two fine farms in Pickaway County--one of 103 acres, in Darby township and another, of 153 acres, in Monroe township.

GRANT SWEARINGEN, a representative citizen of Jackson township, a leading agriculturist and a member of a very prominent family of this section, was born February 24, 1863, on the Bedinger tract, his present farm of 180 acres, situated on the Florence Chapel turnpike, and now known as "Tanglewood Farm," being a part of the Bedinger survey. He is a son of Henry Bedinger and Elizabeth (Nesbitt) Swearingen. A comprehensive history of the Swearingen family will be found in the sketch of James Strode Swearingen, appearing elsewhere in this work.

Our subject has spent his whole life on

390 - HISTORY OF PICKAWAY COUNTY

the old homestead farm which comprises a portion of the tract that was granted his great-grandfather, Captain Bedinger, for distinguished military services in the Revolutionary War. The whole tract, comprising several fine farms, has always remained in the possession of the family, none of it having been either bought or sold. Here Mr. Swearingen has always lived, being absent only for four years, during which time his father rented a property at Gambier, in order to afford his sons educational opportunities at Kenyon College, which all the sons attended, and where our subject's next youngest brother, Henry B., was graduated. Of all his studies in college, the one which our subject most enjoyed was botany. His love of Nature, of trees and flowers and all growing things, he may have inherited from his mother, who was a successful grower and a passionate lover of flowers of every kind. This taste she communicated to every member of her family. This beloved mother was known far and wide, also, for her many benevolences and when her beautiful life closed, in 1881, it was not only her bereaved family mourned her departure. The father of our subject died October 15, 1889. The family consisted of eight children, our subject being the fifth in order of birth.

When Mr. Swearingen settled on his 18o acres of the homestead farm, the forest was still so dense that, as he expresses it, the buildings could easily be lost to sight. He has cleared about half of his farm. He put in the first tile on the whole tract of 1,400 acres. In 1893 he built his substantial barn, which has dimensions of 64 by 34 feet. In 1903, after plans made by his wife, he erected his present handsome home, which has been constructed with an eye to beauty as well as comfort. It is situated in the midst of a fine grove of black oak, hickory, white oak, sugar maple and mountain ash, and in the autumn the brilliant coloring of the leaves makes a gorgeous picture worthy the brush of an artist. Mr. Swearingen enjoys his trees with the love of an arboriculturist and an appreciator of what is beautiful and inspiring in Nature. He under-stands them, knows their habits of growth and finds pleasure in watching them develop from mere saplings.

"Tanglewood Farm," as Mr. Swearingen's farm is named, is situated five and a half miles northwest of Circleville, on the Florence Chapel turnpike, and about half a mile from Fox, which is the first postoffice established in Pickaway County, and was on the Bedinger survey. Mr. Swearingen conducts his farm as a stock farm, raising high-grade cattle, horses, sheep and hogs, his choice being Percheron horses, Shorthorn cattle, Poland-China hogs and Shropshire sheep. An important appendage of the farm is a noble shepherd dog, "Bab," whose stock was imported from Scot-land at great expense. Mr. Swearingen has many very interesting relics with which to entertain his guests,--and he has the family reputation for hospitality,--these consisting of curious bits of polished stone, evidently of a great age and of doubtful utility to modern eyes, and also many Indian relics which are better known.

On November 13, 1888, Mr. Swearingen was married to Fannie Dent, who was born at Louisville, Kentucky, and is a daughter of William Kingsley Dent and his wife, Fannie Hedges, natives of Maryland and Kentucky, respectively. Mrs. Swearingen's father died at Louisville, Kentucky; but her mother, now Mrs. G. L. Nesbitt, still survives, being a resident of Jackson township, Pickaway County. Mr. and Mrs. Swearingen were married at Xenia, Ohio, whither Mrs. Swearingen's parents removed when she was 12 years old.

Mrs. Swearingen. is a direct descendent of Sir Thomas Dent, who in 1662 emigrated to Maryland from Giesboro, Yorkshire, England, being the first proprietor of "Giesboro Manor, an estate that he named for his family seat in England. This estate, which was granted him by the British crown, is situated at the mouth of the Anacostia River, known as the Eastern Branch of the Potomac. Mrs. Swearingen's great-great-grandfather, Sir John Dent, was a member of the first provincial convention of Maryland, which on the 26th of July, 1775, issued its famous manifesto to which his name was attached. He became a brigadier general

AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 391

in the Revolutionary Army and in 1776 was in command of all the Maryland troops. After the battle of Long Island, when it became necessary for the American Army to retreat, a small brigade of the Maryland line under General Dent was selected by Washington to cover the retreat and hold the enemy in check. Washington, who from an elevated position, witnessed. the brave conduct of this devoted little band,. exclaimed, wringing his hands in agony : "Great God ! What brave men I shall lose to-day !" John Dent was elected the first Governor of Maryland. Mrs. Swearingen's father was a son of Maj. Alexander Dent, who was an officer in the War of 1812.

Mr. and Mrs. Swearingen have one daughter who was born at "Tanglewood Farm" and bears the name of Virginia Dent Van Swearingen, the family name having formerly had the prefix "Van."

The parents of our subject were charter members of Florence Grange, which for a time was dormant until the subject of this sketch reorganized and put new life into the society. Politically, Mr. Swearingen is a Republican. He is a member of St. Philip's Protestant Episcopal Church at Circleville, of which he has been a member of the vestry for 10 years, for a long period being junior warden. Like all members of his family, he has been identified with many of the important movements of the agricultural, educational and social circles of his section of Pickaway County, where his family name has been so long held in the highest esteem.

ELVA WILLIAM BENNETT, one of Monroe township's enterprising business men and representative and respected citizens, residing on a well-improved farm of 81 acres, situated on Clark's Run road, is also interested in a large sawmill business and operates a threshing machine. Mr. Bennett was born August 15, 1869, on the farm where he still resides, and is a son of William K. and Catherine (Bailey) Bennett, and a grandson of Samuel J. Bennett.

Samuel J. Bennett, who was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, was a son of John Bennett, who owned a farm near New Holland. Samuel J. Bennett became the owner of the present Bennett homestead. He married Rebecca Hopkins, a daughter of John Hopkins, of Ross County. She had two brothers--John and William--and two sisters--Mahala and Ann. Samuel J. Bennett had three brothers --William, Kendall and John. Samuel J. Ben-nett and wife had ' the following children : Sarah A., who married Philip Taylor and lives in Fayette County; Mary, who married Jonathan Taylor and lives in Monroe township; Nancy, who married William Corkwell and lives at Portland, Indiana; Jane, who married Jacob Barnhart--both now deceased ; Frances, who married Thomas Barnhart and lives at Portland, Indiana; Mahala, who married Joseph Chittem and lives at Portland, Indiana; Rhoda, who married Jeremiah Ensley and lives at Mount Sterling, Ohio; Nora, who married Alvin Tobin and lives in Madison County; Samuel W., deceased, who married Mary Robinson ; and William Kendall.

William Kendall Bennett, father of our subject, was born May 27, 1845, on his present farm, his father owning 268 acres in one tract and 90 acres in another, just across the road. At that time the country was still covered by timber. William K. Bennett married Catherine Bailey, who was born in Ross County, Ohio, and is a daughter of James Bailey. Her three brothers were: Martin, who married Elizabeth Smith ; Adam, who married Margaret Fletcher ; and Reuben, who married Julia Davis. Her sisters were : Sadie, who married James Dick and lives at New Holland; Mary Ann, who married Joseph Larkins and lives at Portsmouth, Ohio; Levina, who married Rugg Higgins and lives at Columbus; Hannah, who married John Corkell and lives in Kansas ; and Anna, who married Thomas Taylor and met death by being killed by a railroad train--Mr. Taylor is a resident of Cleveland.

William K. Bennett and wife had three children, viz.: Lora, who died in infancy; Cora, who married Charles Stewart, has two children--Iva and Homer--and resides at Water-

392 - HISTORY OF PICKAWAY COUNTY

loo, Ohio; and Alva William, of this sketch. The parents still survive.

Our subject was educated in the schools of Monroe township and has always resided on the homestead farm. It belongs to his father, but he has had the entire management of it for a number of years and has made the improvements, which include the building of a very comfortable frame residence. For the last 18 years he has owned a sawmill, where he employs from two to four men and does a good business. He also owns a threshing ma-chine and takes contracts all over the county, hiring a number of men and keeping busy all through the season. Mr. Bennett is president of the Tri-County Percheron Horse Company, which owns the famous stallion, "Galiffet," No. 54,981.

On September 17, 1891, Mr. Bennett was married to Suda Sollars, who was born September 4, 1872, and is a daughter of Jackson and Sarah (Farren) Sollars, of Madison County, Ohio, the former of whom died in 1889. Mrs. Bennett has two sisters, viz.: Minerva, who married Thomas J. Dick and lives in Monroe township, and Nancy A., who married John Evans and lives in Fayette County. Her brothers are : Thomas, residing in Monroe township, who married Laura Gillenwater; James, a resident of Madison County, who married Josephine Johnson; and Frank, who married Emma Chittem and lives in Fayette County.

Mr. and Mrs. Bennett have three children, viz.: Grace L.. born February 20, 1893; William Howard, born August 23, 1896, deceased November 8, 1899; and Gladys, born September 6, 1904.

Mr. Bennett is a very prominent man in Monroe township and has served for three years as township trustee and has held other offices. For seven years he served as a member of the Board of Education and during this period the schools were put in fine condition. He belongs to the Threshers' National Protective Association, No. 273, of which he is secretary; he is a member of the Knights of Pythias, Lodge No. 566, and belongs to both the lower and higher branches of Odd Fellowship, being an active member of Pleasant Lodge, No. 544, and Sterling Encampment, No. 202.

Although he has never united with the Methodist Episcopal Church, Mr. Bennett has been one of the founders and liberal supporters of this branch of Christian work in his community. This religious body has a comfortable church edifice and a rapidly increasing membership at Yankeetown and this good result was brought about through the efforts of seven individuals. This little band of earnest men and women consisted of Alva W. Bennett and wife, Z. D. Fisher, J. W. Morton and wife, Ettie Leary and E. F. Taylor. They organized the Yankeetown Sunday-school and the first meetings were held in School District No. 3. Mr. Bennett was unanimously chosen assistant superintendent and this position he has most efficiently filled ever since. The school has brought about excellent results and is a credit to the neighborhood.

OSCAR McCLELLAN DICK, a prominent agriculturist and leading citizen of Darby township, owns a fine farm of 160 acres which he operates with very satisfactory results. Mr. Dick was born August 22, 1864, in an old log house which still stands on his farm (now utilized as a corn crib) and is a son of Peter J. and Margaret (Bolen) Dick.

Both parents of Mr. Dick ere born in Pickaway County. They settled' in Darby township when the whole country in this locality was still covered by virgin forests. Their family consisted of five daughters and one son, namely : Oscar M., of this sketch ; Mrs. Olivia Leist, a widow; Mrs. Mary Beale; Mrs. Amanda Lutz; Mrs. Jennie Stone; and Blanche, deceased, who was the wife of Edward Selman.

The subject of this sketch was reared on his father's farm and has always made agriculture his main business in life. He owns a valuable farm, raises abundant crops and gives attention also to stock-raising. He is one

AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 393

of the substantial, representative men of his locality. Always a strong supporter of the Democratic party, he has been something of a leader in its affairs and in 1905 was elected chairman of the Democratic Committee. He is a member of the township School Board.

Mr. Dick married Maggie Stone. who was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, in 1868, and is a daughter of john and Rachel (Carter) Stone. The former died at Mount Sterling, Ohio, but the latter still survives. Mrs. Dick is one of a family of six children, the others being: Mary (Moore) ; Ida (Truett) ; James, who married a Miss Rankin, of London, Ohio; Clarence, who married a Miss Sherman; and Leslie, who married a Miss Dick.

Mr. and Mrs. Dick have had five children, viz.: Stanley, who died in infancy; Harry, who is a student in the Darby High School: and John, Blanche and Clarence, all at home.

Mr. Dick is a member of the Knights of Pythias and takes a great deal of interest in the work of the order. With his family he belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church, to which he gives liberal support.

HENRY NOECKER, one of the prominent citizens of Madison township, residing on his valuable farm of 240 acres, situated in section 33, was born in this township on November 20. 1834, and is a son of John and Catherine (Kroninger) Noecker.

John Noecker was born in Berks County, Pennsylvania, and came to Ohio, at an early day, being employed as a tinner at Columbus, as early as 1832. He continued to work at this trade until his marriage, when he settled in Madison township, Pickaway County, and spent the remainder of his life engaged in farming. He married Catherine Kroninger, who was a daughter of Peter Kroninger, a pioneer of Madison township, who established his home here when the country was all wild and bears and other animals roamed through the great forests that were then standing. Of the children of John Noecker and wife, these survive : Henry. of this sketch ; Peter, of Monticello, Illinois; Phebe, wife of Jacob Longenbaugh, of Cisco, Illinois; Dinah, wife of John J. Fisher, of Madison township; William, of Madison township; Mary, wife of John N. Peters, of Madison township ; and Catherine, wife of Peter E. Hoffhines, of Ashville. John Noecker was a consistent member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, in Madison township. He was a man who stood very high in the eyes of his community. being known as a good, honest and honorable citizen. His family has always been one of the most highly respected in Madison township.

Henry Noecker has been a life-long resident of Madison township and has devoted the whole of his mature life to agricultural pursuits. He was educated in the public schools and to their maintenance and extension of use fulness he has always given time and effort. His large farm shows in its appearance and productiveness that it is well managed and Mr. Noecker is counted with the progressive agriculturists of Pickaway County, where good farmers are the rule. He is also one of the leading men in public affairs, and an influential member of the Democratic party. For several years he has served as township treasurer.

On December 25, 1862, Mr. Noecker was united in marriage with Sarah M. Roof, who was born in Pickaway County, Ohio. not far from Circleville, on December 22, 1839, and is a daughter of Rev. Joseph A. and Christina (Creglow) Roof.

Rev. Joseph A. Roof was born in Switzerland and his wife in Maryland. He was a well-known pioneer preacher of the Lutheran faith in Pickaway County, and for 21 years served the Lutheran Church at Circleville. and also was pastor of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Madison township, which was founded through his zeal. Later he went to Iowa and preached there for several years, but subsequently returned to the pastorate of St. Paul's in Madison township. He was twice married and the surviving children of his first wife are: Annie M., widow of Adam Snyder, of Fairfield County, Ohio; William H., of Iowa; Martin L., of Ashville; Deborah, wife of Nathan Noecker,

394- HISTORY OF PICKAWAY COUNTY

of Madison township; and Sarah M., wife of our subject The children of a later marriage, who still survive, are : Fannie, wife of Rev. Yeisley, of Pennsylvania; Joseph A., a resident of some Western State; Lucy S., of . Columbus ; and Margaret E., also of Columbus.

The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Henry Noecker were: George B., of Monticello, Illinois; Joseph R., a well-known druggist at Circleville; John H., of Madison township; and Christina, deceased, who was the eldest of the family.

Mr. Noecker and his estimable wife are both members of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, in which both are active workers. He has been church treasurer for many years and has also served as chorister and sexton. Mrs. Noecker is a member of the. Ladies' Aid Society and is prominent in all the church's benevolent enterprises. They are among the most highly respected residents of Madison township.

BURR H. RADER, a prominent citizen and member of the board of trustees of Pickaway township, resides on his fine farm of 320 acres, which is situated in section 12. Mr. Rader was born in Pike County, Ohio, April 16. 1869, and is a son of James and Mary A. (Shock) Rader.

The Rader family settled in Pike County at an early day and both of the parents of Burr H. Rader were born there. Adana Rader, the paternal grandfather, came to Ohio from Virginia. The family remained in Pike County until 1875, when James Rader removed with his family to Pickaway County and settled in Pickaway township, where he resided, carrying on farming activities, until the end of his life, his death taking place April 17, 1902. His wife passed away in June, 1891. Of their large family of children, these survive: Annie, wife of Levin Odaffer, living in the neighborhood of Ashville; George B. McClellan, .of Oklahoma; Nettie, of Pickaway township; . Dennis C., of Pickaway township, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this work; Burr H., ofthis sketch; Dorothy wife of Ralph Head, of Pickaway township; Florence, of Pike County; \V. Scott, of Cleveland, Ohio; Cora, wife of Chester Hood, of Pickaway township; Smiley, of Pickaway County ; and J. G. Cleveland, of Pickaway County. James Rader was a stanch supporter of the Democratic party.

Burr H. Rader was reared on his father's farm and obtained his education in the public schools of District No. 5, Pickaway township. His whole life has been devoted to agricultural pursuits and he is considered one of the representative farmers of his township.

In November, 1893, Mr. Rader was united in marriage with Carrie Head, who is a daughter of the late George Head, of Pickaway County. Mr. and Mrs. Rader have five children : Madge L., Gladys M., Mary C., Glenn and Ruth.

Mr. Rader has always been affiliated with the Democratic party. He is serving his first term as trustee of Pickaway township and in the performance of his duties demonstrates his good citizenship.

CLARENCE CURTAIN, a leading member of the bar of Pickaway County, and one of the prominent citizens of Circleville, was born near London, Madison County, Ohio, in the year 1853.

Mr. Curtain was reared in Madison County and commenced his education in the country schools. Later he attended school in London and from there went to the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, where he was graduated in the law department in 1874. Almost immediately he settled at Circleville and entered upon the practice of his profession, having been admitted to practice in this State by the District Court in Circleville. Mr. Curtain entered the office of A. T. Walling, who was at that time the nominee for Congress, to which he was subsequently elected, but the firm of Walling & Curtain continued until 1879. Since its dissolution, Mr. Curtain has practiced alone.

In 1884 he was elected prosecuting at-

PAGE 395 - BLANK

PAGE 396 - PICTURE (MR AND MRS. LEWIS C.HOOVER AND DAUGHTERS)

AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 397

torney of Pickaway County and served in that capacity for six years, this being the only public office he has ever accepted. He has devoted his entire attention to the law and is well known all over the county for his legal knowledge and ability. He belongs to the Pickaway County Bar Association and is president of the Pickaway County Law Library Association. He is a director of the First National Bank and was the attorney for the same for a number of years.

In 1882 Mr. Curtain was married to Mary Carper, and they have one son, Ralph, who was graduated from the Circleville High School in 1906. Mr. Curtain belongs to the Odd Fellows' lodge at Circleville.

LEWIS C. HOOVER, a prominent citizen and extensive farmer and stock-raiser of Pickaway County, whose beautiful home, known as "Woodside Farm," is located in Harrison township, served the county through two terms as sheriff, his second term expiring in 1905. Mr. Hoover was born July 10, 1848, in Walnut township, 'Pickaway County, Ohio, and is a son of Jackson and Elizabeth (Scothorn) Hoover.

The paternal grandparents of Mr. Hoover came to Pickaway County from Virginia in 1805, and settled in what is now known as Walnut township. The old brick home is owned by a brother of our subject. The maternal grandparents came here from Pennsylvania, settling as pioneers in this section. Their names were Joseph and Hannah Scothorn and they were as widely known as were the Hoovers, for those sterling qualities which have been transmitted in large measure to their descendants.

Jackson Hoover, father of Lewis C., was born in Walnut township, Pickaway County, Ohio, in 1820, and in 1849 moved across Walnut Creek and settled in Harrison township. He became one of the leading men in his community. In 186o he was elected land assessor for Harrison township and in 1869 he was elected, on the Democratic ticket, county commissioner of Pickaway County and served in this office satisfactorily through two terms. For 25 years he was township trustee and then refused to serve longer. His death took place at the home of our subject, at Circleville, in August, 1905, in his 85th year. He was wonderfully preserved in mind and body until he suffered from an accident which was the real cause of his death. He married Elizabeth Scothorn, who was born in Walnut township and died in 1897 at the age of 77 years. They had seven children, namely Sophronia, who died at the age of 15 years ; Ivy, who died aged three months and was the first person buried in the Hoover and Scothorn Cemetery; Lewis C., of this sketch; Monroe, a resident of Columbus; Sarah, who died aged 17 years; Nancy, wife of A. B. Whitehead, residing near Ashville ; and Francis W., who resides with our subject.

Lewis C. Hoover was reared on the home farm and received his education in the local schools. Until he entered into active political life, his time was engaged in farming, saw-milling and running a threshing machine. In 1880 be was elected land assessor and his services were so satisfactory that in 1890 he was reelected to this office. For a number of years he served as township clerk. He has always been closely identified with the Democratic party and in 1900 he was elected on that ticket sheriff of Pickaway County. No better sign of appreciation could have been shown by his party and his fellow citizens, than his second nomination and his subsequent reelection. He served as sheriff until 1905.

Mr. Hoover was united in marriage with Hannah Brintlinger, a daughter of Thomas and Harriet Brintlinger, of Harrison township. They have, two daughters--Harriet Elizabeth and Alma I. The family occupy a beautiful home and take part in the social life of the neighborhood.

Mr. Hoover belongs to Palmetto Lodge, I. O. O. F., at Ashville, Ohio. He is one of the representative men of Pickaway County. A group picture of the Hoover family accompanies this sketch. Elsewhere in this work is shown a view of Mr. Hoover's home.

398 - HISTORY OF PICKAWAY COUNTY

REZIN W. PHEBUS, a general farmer and stock-raiser of Deer